I RUN, THEREFORE I'M NUTS

Kindergarten

2012-01-26T21:38:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day to substitute and it was for a kindergarten class of 30. I actually had a really good time! The teacher left some amazing lesson plans so the students didn't thrown off too bad. The youngest kids ususally have the hardest time with a change in the schedule or having a substitute.
Quick little story...so at the end of their day if they've behaved they get a green ticket. Once they collect 10 green tickets they get to pick something from the treasure chest. I had told two boys they weren't getting their green ticket from the warnings I've given them before. (I follow through!) One of them had a total meltdown. He fell off his seat and started crying and hid under the table that he shares with 5 others. I tried and tried to get him to come out and he response was NO! You're mean, you're not giving me a green ticket! I said you are correct. You will not be getting a green ticket. You can try again tomorrow. I ended up leaving him under the table. He came out on his own after about 5 minutes. All in all, a very good day with 30, 5-6-year-olds!

Neil Diamond!

2012-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

That's right people...this year Neil is touring the USA! I know there are a lot of you that are just tickled at the thought of singing Sweet Caroline with him this year. I am as well! That's why I've already purchased the salmon color shirt. This black one is my next purchase.

Great memories!!

It's official!

2012-01-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

I'm a new substitute for the MUSD (Manteca Unified School District)!! I went to my training class last Friday. I'm just waiting for them to give me a sub number and my picture taken for my district ID. They said by the end of next week I'll be subbing. I'm super pumped! One step closer my passion. I'm so excited!
In the state of California there are many state exam you must pass in order to be a teacher. CBEST, for multiple subject K-8 CSET I, II, III, and then the RICA. So far I passed the CBEST and the CSET II, and III. A funny story real quick is that I when I went to take my last CSET exam was I studied for a week on Language Arts and History. I get in the testing center and the first question was on plate tectonics. I was like um, I don't remember seeing that in History. YIKES! I went through the questions and thought yup they gave me the wrong test this is Science and Math. I got them to look at my registration and sure enough I register to take the Science and Math test but I studied for Language Arts and History. She said since I looked at the questions if I reschedule it'll be a $100 charge since I've already seen the test or I can just wing it. Yup I winged it and just found out...I passed! Whoop whoop!

Owl Cupcakes

2012-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

I noticed I didn't blog about these. I made them for my church Halloween party. They were the first to go and so easy to make. Not sure how to make the Oreos come off so clean that no chocolate from the cookie is left on the frosting. Perhaps warming in the microwave for a few seconds could work. Just an idea.

These are great for a kids birthday party that you want to do something quick and easy. It isn't time consuming at all.

Cookie Monster Cupcakes!

2012-01-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

These could be the very cutest cupcakes I've made yet!

This is how it begins...blue cupcake holders and make a slit to put the chocolate chip cookie in. Then frost and roll in blue coconut :0) add the candy eyes and BAM!!! You have some seriously cute cupcakes. I took them for my brother's birthday party. On the cupcake tier I placed broken cookies as well.

This one was my very favorite of the group!

New Year's Eve in Park City with the Petteys!

2012-01-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

This past New Year's Eve by far hit number one of all time favorite New Year's Eve ever!

One of my BFFs, Bryant Pettey, aka Brillante, was in the states to see his family for Christmas and New Years since the traveling God is currently residing in Singapore. Family from all areas...Oklahoma, Texas, and California, I mean everyone traveled to ron-de-vou at their cabin in Park City. The best part is I'm close to all his family, brother, his family, sister, her family, parents, even uncle, aunt, and cousins. They were all at the cabin to bring in the New Year. There was so much love, happiness, and joy under one roof. Can't imagine better surroundings! Very late nights...

This is a pic I took of Bryant, myself, Ashley (Bryant's sister), and Joey (Bryant's brother-in-law) at 3:30 am. I had to record our chit chat fest!

I love these guys!!

Substitute Teacher Position Update

2011-12-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

So get this...
On December 9th I was cleared from the state of California to have an emergency credential. Later that afternoon I decided to go down to Manteca Unified School District in person and find out what the hiring standard is, if there was something more they need from me, or someone I can talk to get on a waiting list etc.
I walked in and spoke to a gal (I know her name but I wouldn't want to get her in trouble so no names will be used). She said they were hiring and I was so excited. She then showed me on-line the posting...wait it's gone. Oh no they've closed it already she told me. She said, you know what, I really like you and I'm going to get you in. Let's get creative...she had me apply for a construction job with the MUSD so then she'd get my application, resume, and letters of recommendation.
She then got my social and pulled up my information up and said oh you have everything! Okay here's a list of the other items you'll need to bring to the new hire orientation next week. I gave her a big bear hug. I really needed that.
I went to my orientation last week and filled out all the paperwork and the next orientation will be training after Christmas break and after that I can officially substitute K-12.
I'm sure I'll be updating my substitute experiences. Stay tuned...

Union Ward Christmas Party

2011-12-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

To make a longer story short...I was the decorating committee. I decided to decorate the cultural hall in nativity silhouettes, twinkle lights, black and white linens, and nativity sets on each table.
I had small pictures of the silhouettes and drew them free hand and then cut them out and glued to the white paper. It took me about 15 hours. The one of Joseph and Mary took me 2.5 hours. I had to stay after church to draw and cut it because it was too big to do anywhere else.
This is how it turned out. I was very pleased and most grateful for those that I asked to help that came on a Saturday afternoon to help a sista out. (It's hard for me to ask for help but look...I did it :)

The bishopric stayed with our theme and dressed up as the Three Wise Men and passed out candy to the children. This is the Bishop.

Crazy for Craisins!!

2011-12-13T18:50:00.001-08:00

I'm lovin' my Craisins!!

Emergency Teaching Credential

2011-12-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

It's official...The Sacramento California Office of Education has given me their approval...
I'm now able to substitute teach! If they were only hiring...

I've talked with San Joaquin and Stanislaus county education offices and they aren't hiring for subs right now. They told me to check back in Dec or Jan.

My next move is to check in with Sacramento county office. Vamos a ver!

Argh...I'm really having to use my killer talent of patience right now and just breathe! I want this so bad it's hard to take it one day at a time but how I'm reminded...I'm not in control.

Whoops!

2011-12-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

I've been instructed by my therapist to take more baths.
Calm is the focus here. :)

This morning I started running my bath water and thought I'll load up the bikes in my Jeep that I need to deliver to schools today. I loaded the four bikes up. Then I saw my garage floor needed sweeping. I swept it. Then I noticed some Christmas decorations to put up outside. I started to set up my exterior Christmas trees. Then...oh my stars my bath!!!!

I don't think I've ever ran that fast, EVER! I was relieved when I got to the hall and saw no water, turned the corner to my bedroom, relieved to see no water, then turned into my master bathroom and this was the water level when I ran in. PHEW!!! My second thought was oooo how much is this going to cost me? Manteca water use is really expensive.
Obviously I had to wait for the overflow to drain the pool, I mean bathtub. So, I finished setting up the trees outside. Came in and it had drained far enough down but when I got in...luke warm. To say the least that did not make me too calm. I'll try again...

It applies to everything...

2011-11-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico SAFE!!

2011-11-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

There were quite a few folks that were nervous for me to go to Mexico for a week. I tried to let them know Putero Vallarta is safe as can be. Don't get me wrong there are places like Mazatlan that has made a turn for the worse, the cruise ships don't stop there any longer.

Now as far as for my wonderful Mexico experience...

I flew directly from SFO to PVR. Megan was flying from Salt Lake to AZ then to PVR. My flight was 45 min late so I waited maybe 2 minutes for her in the customs area. She was still dressed for UT snow. It was 32 degrees when she left.

The lobby of Krystal Hotel and Resort. My parent's friend, Bernice, invites our family every year to come hang with her at her timeshare here. This year my parents, Megan and myself took her up on it.

We got in at 5pm and the heat hit us like a dump truck. We walked around the villa, went to the ocean, and then chillaxed in the lobby our first night.

Our first day we decided to lay out ocean front. The vendors were constantly buggin' but look at that view...we forgave them.

The first night out we went to this place downtown that served Brazilian food with 12 types of meat. The second meat they brought out was by far the best meat I've ever had in my life. After they served us all the types we asked if we could have another taste of #2.

Me excited about the second helping of no. 2!! Meg was lovin' their beans and rice.

This was our schedule for 5 days. I was up at 6:00 and did homework in the lobby while the rest slept. At 8:30 Megs and I went to the gym, came back, and ate breakfast. Then we laid out in the sun with LOTS of SPF from 10-4. Then, back to the villa to shower, go into town and eat dinner. After we'd walk around for a few hours and in bed by 9:30. (Such party animals!)

Day 2 we hung out around the pool area. There was going to be water aerobics there but it never happened. No instructor showed, could have been there was just a handful of us at the pool.

For dinner another night we went to a place called NACHO DADDY. We played BINGO for 3 hours, for charity, and ate a delicious Mexican meal.

I love this store. Last time I was in Puerto Vallarta I went to this store and bought the coolest wooden rooster. This year it's full of Day of the Dead stuff. Mom loved everything inside.

I just love this place! I'm a tree hugger :0) My cheesy pose with a Coca Cola Light

Megs and I ventured out one night by ourselves and took the city bus. We wanted to be inconspicuous by taking the picture during our bus ride. We arrived downtown right at sunset. We ate dinner at the Cheeky Monkey.

Photos with the Cheeky Monkey!

Next day at the pool. If you look real close you can see the iguana by the table and chairs. This was the second day we'd been seeing them. Megan got up to get a close up. The day before we saw a possum just walking around, yup during the day. Here's a photo of Megs with the man behind her trying to get those tan lines taken care of.

Megan and I enjoying our virgin Pina Coladas (crisp, clean, and refreshing!)

The last evening together we went to a place that the front desk peeps suggested to Megs and I called Mi Quisiera.The atmosphere was amazing except for the fact the AC vent was right above Megan and the condensation would drip on her every once in awhile.

Megan enjoying her Coca Cola Light. A group shot. Me with the Day of the Dead lady doing the Macarena. :0)

The Malecon has been revamped since I was there 2 years ago but the statues are still there. Some have been moved and some are right were they were. Megan is the on the latter with the aliens.

The last day of sun bathing was 11-11-11. Megan and I talked and we had decided to do something memorable. I asked the parents if we could take a picture with their kids and told them what we wanted to do. They were like, of course, yes do , please please. We grabbed our favorite 4 Mexican kids at the pool we'd seen the last few days and I explained to them what it was for. The boy as you can tell wasn't that happy to get out of the pool for a stupid picture but bless his heart he did it anyway. That's us posing for 11-11-11.

Ahh our last day at the pool. I was able to read 4 books during our time there. I loved every minute of it.

Megan and I at the airport showing off our tan lines and very bummed out saying good-bye to PVR. I told Megs later that evening there was about a 10 second period as I got on the plane I just wanted to cry my eyes out for having to come back to responsibility, stress, bills, work, school, and just life in general. I needed another 5 days. All the more reason for a speedy return!

Emus

2011-11-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

I have a secret crush on emus. I own these two books when I taught preschool. LOVE!!

Love this saying!

2011-11-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

October Runs

2011-11-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

There are two months in the year I'll run multiple half marathons, March and October.
October had 5 weekends in the month and so I signed up to run 4 half marathons. There was one that I did not make. (Dang CSET prep course!)

Anyhoo...the first was called the Urban Cow Half Marathon in Sacramento, October 2nd. The last few years that I've ran it I haven't had very good runs. Last year I had the worst allergies and was miserable the entire 13.1 miles because of it. This year I had 3 asthma attacks that turned into panic attacks. But to say the least I finished with a cow bell medal.

On October 23rd I ran the Stockton St. Joseph Half Marathon. That was maybe the prettiest run I've done aside from New Zealand (duh). No lie they took us along the nicest parts of Stockton. (I know right...I didn't know they existed either!) The weather was perfect also and guess what...no asthma/panic attacks. Whoop Whoop!! I cut my time by 10 minutes.

I will add that I've never ran with so many cheaters. There were so many people that were taking short cuts and getting off the marked path...are you kidding me?!? Why run and pay and do all the training if you're not going to keep it real??

Side note: Don't you worry, Stockton was represented with a homeless man with his cart that was running along side of all of us saying, I'm running too I'm running too.

The last one I just did was October 30th, Folsom Four Bridge Half Marathon. Let's talk about this one...this is the 3rd time I've done this run and afterwards I wonder why I do it. Folsom=hills and Manteca=flat land. I'd say 99% of the run is along the bike trail that they close off for just us runners. Halla!!

The trail is my old training grounds when I lived in Northern Sacramento. The course is super pretty but it looses it's luster at the last half mile that is freakin' up hill. Who does that? I was happy with my time because it was the same time I ran the Stockton Half in and this had hills. No asthma/panic attacks either. I did take a few puffs before it started because I knew I'd be breathing harder with this one of all.

I love to see a hill in front of you and just hunker down (that's right, I said hunker down) make your body aware that it's time to focus on those hamstrings and hustle your butt up that hill.

The sensation is interesting once you use your hamies for a long distance and then when you go down right after you come up you have to focus on a completely different group of muscles. Holly and her husband Jeremy did it as well. They are crazy fast so to say the least they were there waiting for me at the finish line. Good times!!

Trip to the Mountians

2011-10-13T15:27:00.001-07:00

I flew into Salt Lake City and went straight to the Bountiful temple. I had time to kill before I launched my attack surprise on my friend Megan. After the session I headed over to http://gardendayspaandsalon.com/, where Megs works as a hair dresser. I entered in and asked the receptionist if Megs was with a client. The gal took a gander for me and said she was with a client but was doing hair extensions. (Wanted to make sure she wasn't cutting someone's hair!) I slowly walked up to her, she did a double take, and asked what I was doing there. I commented I needed a bang trim :0) Hehehehe! The surprise was a success!! Thanks Audrey for helping out!!

Later that night we decided to hang out with her boyfriend and his friends which included a trip to Wendover, NV. We were on the fence but we negotiated and asked for $20 spending money a piece and cupcakes. They accepted...Jake you did good!

John sported the satin durag all night. What better place then Wendover for a trial run.

There was a lot of slot playing that night!

Even at the big slot!! We tried to fit three to the chair.

Of course we had to enjoy some good food at the Paradise Grill at 12:00am!

This is Jake and Megan's dog Sammy. She's chihuahua and dotson mix. I LOVE these ears!

Monday while Megs was at work I thought I'd go down memory lane, PROVO, UT.

This Krispy Kreme went up after we moved to Salt Lake but there were many nights that we'd pile up in a car and drive to Provo just for these dang doughnuts.

A few places that I lived with Megan and Audrey, King Henry and The Elms. It was so close to the "Y" but didn't really matter since the three of us didn't go. :)

A few places downtown that we ate at. Delish!!

The Provo Tabernacle that burned down that's now being reconstructed to be a temple. Cool!!

When I very first moved to Provo I didn't know a soul there. It was during the summer but I was able to become acquainted with BYU Creamery. The have the best chocolate shakes!

Burgers Supreme was often visited as well. They put In-N-Out to shame! You can't deny their fry sauce. I don't care who you are!!

I had to stop by the Missionary Training Center, place I worked for 18 months. Man o' man they've got that place on lock down. I mean barricades, security check in, the whole nine! No place to park to take a photo so I went and parked across the street and there were a whole lot of missionaries playing soccer (p-day). I'm sure looked a bit creepy. So I shimmed out of there real quick! The Provo Temple is open on Mondays, very cool.

I then drove to Clinton for my massage then headed over to Park City and hit the outlets. After Megan got off work we drove up to Idaho that night. There is a motel behind the gas station off of the exit Downey. Could be in a horror movie. If you're ever headed up there you must check it out after sundown.

We got to hang out with Audrey and the rest of the Muranakas for the next few days. Megan and I took the kids out for a joy ride. At the Idaho Falls Mall they have a Hurricane Simulator tank. Uhhh hello...you had me at Hurricane...It goes up to 78 miles an hour winds. I had to try it out so the boys could see it wasn't too scary. Then they were game! YES!!!

This is Mia and her frog hat. Adorable!! We were shopping at DownEast. Dawson is pretending to sleep for the picture and brother Cole is right behind him, hamming it up of course.

Observations in UT and ID: 1) The air is so crisp, I can't describe it any other way. A runner's dream! 2) I remember when I first moved to Utah I thought I would have a hard time with the mountains and feel claustrophobic but it was quite the opposite. I felt protected. It was the same feeling this trip as well. There is something majestic about those mountains! 3) Will they ever stop constructing on I-15? Oh my...driving through Lehi to Provo was insane and the snow hasn't even hit yet. Double YIKES! 4) The change of colors still leaves me in ahh. 5) The state of CA misses Hostess berry pies! 6) Rexburg is an adorable college town. 7) Long live Cafe Rio!!

My birthday: July 10th to September 29th

2011-10-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

It was a good two months of celebrating!

The morning of my birthday I had brunch with my friends here in Manteca. It was so fun to get together. Thank Lisa and Rustin for having us over!

A friend dropped these off for me to say thank you for having her baby shower at my house. She didn't know but it was my birthday...I happily accepted. ;0)

First I met up with my family in Roseville to Costa Vida for dinner. Yum-Yum!! Then my birthday present from my parents was to go to the American Idol concert. We had so much fun and as you can tell it was a pretty packed! We did the same thing a few years ago and had a blast as well.

Mom with her shades since it's so bright inside. Once we were outside of the arena, I think she tripped since it was so dark. It was 10:00 at night!

I asked ummm are you going to take off your sunglasses and she laughed and said yea I was thinking it was really dark out here.

Dad and cousin Karen, aren't the cute!

My friend Andrea made me this cupcake liner container. She has I "heart" cupcakes on it. AWESOME!! Lovin' it!

Melanie had a friend take pictures of her kids and asked if I wanted to be in a few. YES! I love those kids to death and wanted a picture for me. Well she surprised me with this little creation she made. ADORABLE!! Everyone who comes to my house comments on how cute that is. I just say, I know! Right!?!?!

I even got a birthday package from my friend Audrey in the mail in mid September. I love late birthday packages. Patience...it's worth it!

My birthday present from Brent and Floyd was to see Shrek the Musical. We met up with Matt and Steve at dinner since they were also seeing the show. Good times!

During intermission. It was really cute and super funny.

Brent and I posing as ogres. We were in such a rush since everyone was clearing out and it was late but thanks you guys for sticking around so I could get my dang ogre ears! I had been wanting them all night and our friend Matt found some for us.

Cupcake Update

2011-09-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

Most of you have seen my cupcakes that I've made the past 6 months from Facebook but I thought I'd add a page about them. Some were my nemesis like this damn yellow chick. It took me hours to do six of them and this was the only decent one to show. They didn't taste that good either. Too much frosting so of course the little ones LOVE them.

These are in my top 5 most favorite to make and best tasting. They are sooo colorful and fun to make with a homemade cream cheese frosting. They were perfect for St. Patty's day.

I took these koi cupcakes to a church bar-b-que. They disappeared real quick. Once again they were a kid favorite. I tried to have three different colors of blue and just lightly blended them but it wasn't drastic enough to get the dimension I was looking for.

The sweetest cupcakes I've made. You'll get a cavity just by eating one. S'more cupcakes! After using my cupcake core I filled them with marshmallow cream and put the tops back on.

Then frosted them with chocolate frosting and rolled them in broken graham crackers.

Put them back in the oven for about 30 sec. on broil to toast the large marshmallow on top. You really have to keep your eyes on them. The frosting will melt and start sliding off. I didn't know how else to cook the marshmallow on top since I didn't have a torch. Maybe try a candle lighter...

Summer is the season of strawberries. I'm not a huge fan of shortcake, too dense and sweet for me so I made strawberry cupcakes. I topped it with homemade cream cheese frosting which I will say is the BOMB and added slices of strawberries with glaze over. DE-LISH!!

Fruit pie cupcakes (with M&M's on top).

These are my pride and joy so far. Well these and my polar bear cupcakes. Things I would have changed for next time. I'd use salt water taffy for the stem and leaves. The tootsie rolls and Now and Laters were too hard to work with by having to melt them perfectly in the microwave to soften them up first, roll out, cut and shape. Taffy would be so easy to work with.

Costco Scavenger Hunt

2011-09-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we did a joint activity with our young women, Costco scavenger hunt. The group of girls that I drove were having a blast. We arrived to Costco listening to Dynamite and stayed in the car and danced and sang our little hearts out until the song was over. Good thing I have a Jeep, it was moving and shakin'!

So once we got in we broke into two groups. The first group had a list and were timed to get the items and bring them back. BAM!!! There they go!

While they were gone since we were waiting by the clothes we had a little fashion show and of course I had to participate, it was my idea. This is the summer look.

And now for the winter look.

Don't worry men here's an item for you. I'm sporting the Columbia dual jacket with a fleece inside. It was warm! I had nothing to do with being 80 degrees outside either.

Group one came back and now out with group two! Time to put the items back on the shelves.

Don't worry I had a photo op with group one! Reversible vests...hello! Super cute!

This was the best part. I eyed some girl Hurley hoodies and fell in love! I called the girls over to have a picture with them and well...they were literally girl hoodies. We had a blast getting them off and even more so taking them off. We laughed quite a bit at ourselves too.

Group two came back with everything put away including the shopping cart and beat group one by 1:55, so close!! Such a blast! I love these girls!!

The 20 Year Reunion

2011-08-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

After having served in Student Government for all four years in high school you should just expect they will ask you to help with the reunions. It was a pleasure. The people I went to school with are a warm, fun-loving, good natured, dysfunctional, and off-the-hook kinda of group. I love their guts. (I apoligize about the space...I have no clue what's causing it or how to get rid of it.)

Friday night I got together with my girls...Nikki, Jen, and Missy. It had been a very long time since I'd seen them. I think I was more excited to see them that night than the reunion on Saturday night. We shut down the restaurant that we went to. Are you kidding me, we had some serious catching up. Look at us...we're four very different people but we have history and memories together and that can never be replaced.

My role for this reunion was I was the decorating committee. The place was pretty much all a reunion committee could ask for but we knew it needed some Casa Roble Ram memorabilia there. My parents are so amazing, they offered to help just like they did while I was in high school and I gladly accepted. Here's a few pictures of the place.

Michelle did an amazing job with organizing the whole thing, that's why she was class president! She had a friend come and take some professional pictures. You'll notice they difference from hers and mine.

As you can tell there was drinking and dancing. It was a blast!! These were by far my besties in high school. Nikki, Jen, Missy, and Michelle.

Can you believe that they were able to get a hold of all of us to get a picture? They took about 10 but I love this one! Specially since the 2 is backwards. :)

After dancing we all went over to the Sheraton, downtown Sacramento, to continue to hangout! These two girls I've gone to school with for all 13 years. Love you Heather and Erin!!

There were some that weren't able to make it due to previous commitments but I hope to see them at our 25 year reunion. That's right our class doesn't want to wait another 10 years to see each other. See you in 5!

A Jack of All Trades

2011-04-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since I moved into my house, 12/20/2008, my master bathroom sink has been clogged. I've tried Drano, coke, and hydrogen peroxide down the drain. Nothing worked. It was really starting to gross me out brushing my teeth considering my toothpaste, spit, and water wouldn't drain for at least 2 min. Geee-rrrrosse!! It was high time I did something about it.

I got out my tools and went to work on it.

I did get everything out of the p-trap and ended up having to use my tweezers and about 50 Q-Tips to get the rest of it out. YUCK!!

Look how handy...I put it back together with no leaks to date!

Evils of this world...for dogs.

2011-03-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

About a year ago our neighborhood court adopted a peahen. She just appeared one day and at the time we all were getting our cameras out to take pictures. Word got out and we'd have cars driving in our court to see her as well as take pictures. Animal Control has been out about six times and they haven't been able to catch her. She'll fly up to someones roof. They've just given up. We've also had random strangers come and try and catch her but they just aren't quick enough. We've also gotten a bit protective of her so we'll ask them to leave. My neighbor feeds her as well as the random cats and places their bowls right up against our fence that we share. So you might ask yourself Oooo how is Rosco and Sandy doing with our neighborhood zoo? It definitely gives them something to bark at which I understand they're dogs, it's what they do. Still doesn't change how I want to strangle them sometimes. But like children they're so peaceful when they sleep.

After a morning run this is what was going on in front of my house. The peahen on my front lawn, a white cat chilling in my tree, and my dogs having a fit. They really wanted to "get them" and they will bust through the wood. I've seen it happen myself and sometimes I come home to broken planks of wood along my fence.

See photos below. I've have to replace about 10 planks already since I've adopted Rosco. I know it's him but Sandy doesn't help...she the instigator.

One afternoon I had a brilliant idea. Chicken wire my fence. I went to Home Depot got about 250 feet of chicken wire and some staples for my staple gun and went to town.

This is what it now looks like. The dogs still get all ticked off but since the chicken wire has been up I haven't had to replace a single plank. Phew!

Disney on Ice

2011-03-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

I think the last time I've been to something...on Ice was about 25 years ago. I know many of you think I'm only 25 but hate to disappoint...I'm a wee older.

Melanie was gracious enough to take care of my ticket and all I had to do was assit with the little ones. CAKE!! I turn into a 7-year-old in an atmostpehere like that. The kids aren't huge fans of loud noises so ear plugs were being sported.

Afterwards we wanted to get the h-e double hockey sticks outta there. So I put Cody on my shoulders to make the trek a bit faster. He didn't know what to do with his hands so why not grab my head???

Love the firework ending!!

More baking

2011-03-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day I made brownie's with home made cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries for friends and co-workers. De-lish!!

Now March came really fast and we celebrated Floyd, my brother-in-law's birthday...back to the calendar. This is what he got instead of a cake...chicks!

This is how it began...

I made my beaks with orange Starburst. I softened them in the microwave and then rolled them out and then just guessed the rest of my way. The beaks were my favorite part of this project.

The finishing part is to dip the cupcake in melted frosting. Timing is everything, they're no 2nd chances. If the frosting cooled a little while dipping it in they turned out like majority of my chicks. I was hesitant to show you all but hey at least one turned out!!

Then St. Patrick's Day came and the rainbows came out!! These were so fun to make and they tasted amazing!!

They were a hit! And I must say I would never use paper cups to hid the fantastic color these had.

Cupcakes

2011-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

One of the gifts I received from my brothers for Christmas was a cupcake calender. Some may not know that I LOVE to make cute cupcakes!! I've decided to attempt to make the cupcakes of the month, January...Polar Bears. Brent, my brother's birthday is January 8th so why not...

I made a dozen and it took me about 4 hours.

This is the calender's picture...

This is how mine turned out...

We all met up for dinner and I brought dessert!

I have to show you the ducks for March...YIKES!

December crafty gifts

2011-01-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to make a lot of Christmas presents. I got this idea from a friend of mine and couldn't pass it up. Muffin Tin Advent Calenders.

This is the original blog it's from with instructions (if interested) and then a few pictures of how mine turned out.

http://eulessnotuseless.blogspot.com/2008/11/mini-muffin-tin-advent-calendar.html

Then I received this gift from Melanie. Love!! You can eat the candy that's in it! It's got a little plug at the bottom but I'll admit the ribbon keeps me from getting into it. I don't want to mess it up. It's wrapped all around the block. Such a cute idea!! It says Life is Sweet at the bottom. Thanks again Mel!!

Kiwi's Continue to Surprise Me!

2010-12-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

I got a package in the mail yesterday that was from New Zealand. I saw the customs form on the front and it said t-shirt. I thought huh...I didn't order anything...
I opened it up and there was a note that said the following...
"Hi Kelly!
Hope you had a great holiday here in New Zealand.
We are happy you came and did the Hunterville Hill Half too!
Sorry about your bleeding nose. I hope your shirt was okay. Here's a replacement or an addition to your running shirts collection.
All the best,
Kathleen"
I got teary eyed! They sent me a running club t-shirt of theirs. You don't understand everyone there at the race were locals and they took me in as one of them. THIS is EXACTLY what I'm talking about. These people kick ass!!!

New Zealand Day 8 (last day)

2010-11-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

I woke up feeling a bit depressed. Knowing I would be heading back to the states and not being able to enjoy this country any longer left me feeling a bit empty inside. For those that know me well understand that there really is no other place than the good ol' USA for me...until now.
Instead of being down I decided I would try to get in every last bit of NZ before my flight later that day.
After I visiting the temple I changed clothes, got my hiking shoes on, back pack situated, water bottle filled, and I was off.

One of the hot spots that was listed in my NZ traveler book as well as on my map was Bridal Veil Falls, South Raglan. It was about an hour drive and then I hoofed it. This picture is at the entrance to the path.

Once I got to the falls, which wasn't long, I took a picture from the top. Beautiful!!

Then the path wraps around to the side for this magnificent view. A nice American man was there and offered to take my photo.

If you look close at the photo of just the falls looking down you can see the bridge. The following two are me on that bridge, at the bottom. Cool right?! While I was down there I met Terry, Kiwi, photographer who's work has been published in National Geographic, who was taking photos for his niece's wedding. The falls were going to be back drop silhouettes.

I loved this tree. I tried to jump up in between the two tress in time for the timer a few times but I just wasn't quick enough. RATS!

I was starting to get hungry and everyone told me you can't go to NZ without getting fish-n-chips. I went to the town of Raglan (like a very small Santa Cruz) and had my first experience. There is no such thing like half orders or for "one". It is what it is...I got enough food for three but it was pretty cheap, $6.50. Interesting...they wrap it up in three layers of newspaper...due to the oil I'm sure.

Then I went next door for a milk shake. What they do is add flavor to vanilla ice cream (that's the bomb!) so I chose the flavor,Hokey Poky.

I went to a small remote area in Raglan for my last lunch in NZ. What a way to end it too, about 2,500 calories later...
The sand is black here due to the iron that in it. Cool huh?

Lo and behold guess who I see pull up...Terry from the falls. He bought some lunch as well and so I waved him over to come sit with me. He shared that he works about 5 months out of the year. Then he travels and visits family the rest of the time. He said it was easy to live like that in NZ. He was telling me more people need to live outside the box. As he said that I had an ah-huh moment. You realize it's not about how much money you make or what kind of car you drive or where am I going to get my nails done...not there. There, YOU LIVE!!

After I said good bye to Terry I was on my way to Auckland for my flight home.

I was in line for my boarding pass for about 30 min and I accidental spilled a bit of water on the floor and was looking around for someone I could tell. The man behind me, American, said don't worry about it...it's not our country. I wanted to deck him square in the eyes! These people have been so kind, loving, joyful to be around and here's this J/A telling me to be a selfish American. All I could say to him was, WOW.

Upon boarding I met the sweetest older Kiwi man. He sat at the aisle as I was window (nobody between us). He told me he has been doing some genealogy and found some relatives in San Francisco and Oregon. He was on his way to visit them. I loved seeing the excitement in his face.

He's originally from Christchurch and kept telling me how much I need to visit the South Island. I told him that was next on my list of "things to do".

I can not describe in words how much I enjoyed my stay in NZ. I honestly can't. Like I've told a few, all the wonderful things God has made (including people) he put it all into one country, New Zealand.

New Zealand, you haven't seen the last of me.

New Zealand Day 7

2010-11-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

I didn't get much sleep that night. Two hours if I was lucky. I had a full day ahead and it started at Waitomo Caves for some Black Water Rafting at 10:30. I needed to get breakfast, pack up, load the car and get there 15 minutes early.

There were 12 people in my group with two guides, Aaron and Alan. Everyone was a blast to be with. Here's a few photos of getting ready before our adventure.

The water was really cold so before we even got into the caves they had us jump in with our tubes backwards (that's how we'd go over the waterfalls later in the caves) to get used to the temp and to get a practice run before we went down to the caves. There's a photo of an example and then me in my blue helmet.

I can't explain how incredible it was in there. I'm a bit claustrophobic and only twice during the time down there did I think of how a simple an earth quake could happen and we'd be done for. (NZ has a fault line that pretty much runs straight through it) There actually were a few tight spots. If you were tall or big they'd have you go a different way. This picture is me coming from that spot. You could scrape your nose if you didn't lean back far enough, that's no lie!

They explained to us that they actually weren't "glow worms" but maggots whose feces puts off a glow once mixed with oxygen to attract their prey. Then they catch them with their strings. There were a few times everyone would have their helmet lights off so we could see how bright they were. It honestly was like being in a planetarium. They looked like stars in the sky.

As you see our fearless leader took a camera along the way to put all the photos on a CD. A group from the bus that I met at the hostile had done this and they said to get together with the people in your group and everyone pitches in to buy one CD and then have one person be in charge of emailing everyone the photos.

After we were done they have a place for us to shower and get dressed. Then inside we had bagels and hot soup waiting for us. Ahhh that hit the spot. I brought up the CD idea and everyone was on board but two people had already left and it was actually perfect. The CD was $20, everyone just put in $2 even. Worked out perfectly. Since I was heading home the next day I offered to send all the photos out.

My destination was Hamilton but on the way I had to visit a place in Matamata. I can't name the location because I signed a contract that I wouldn't but by the pictures I think you'll be able to guess. At first they had a sheep shearing demo and well I had to...just look at those arms and please, like he doesn't know it!

Afterwards he brought out two baby lambs for us to feed. This might have been the highlight of my trip. I fell in love with that little guy!! Then we met up with our tour guide took a bit of a tour around the grounds for the next 60 min.

Once in Hamilton I went to the New Zealand Temple grounds which by the why is HUGE. I booked a room there for the night, $15. Score!! After a very eventful day I went to Pizza Hut for a personal pizza and only paid $4 while days ago when I went to McDonald's for a Happy Meal it was $7. The mystery of international fast food prices...I'll never know.

I was already bummed out that I was leaving the next day but it didn't keep me up. From having a long eventful day, with little rest, I ate my dinner and asleep by 9pm.

New Zealand Day 6

2010-11-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

I knew where I wanted to go as soon as I woke up...Huka Falls! Everyone that I had met previously had talked about Huka Falls. You can drive right to it or hike. I chose to hike. I was a bit sore from my run and needed to work those muscles out. From my hostile to the falls was a little over an hour.

The clouds were clearing and the weather was improving so I decided to continue my hike after I made it to the falls. The scenery was incredible and I couldn't pass it up! However, I didn't plan on continuing so all I had was a bottle of water, that's it. No snacks or candy to keep my energy level up. I just told myself I would hike/run/walk an extra hour and no matter where I was I would have to turn around. That would total 4 hours. I know my body and knew that was the max time before I'd crash and burn.

While I continued the trail I ran into some of my most favorite/memorable places. I love these yellow flower bushes and they were all over!! They smelled so good too!

This tree reminded me of a cheerleader's pom poms.

This was cool. On one side it was plush green and on the other brown pine trees. I took pictures of each side as well as the drastic change you see at the fence line. It was only for about 1/2 a mile but so random.

While I was out there, by myself, I felt safe and tied to nature. I was grateful for its beauty.

On the way back my stomach started to growl. I would think of what I was having for lunch and how good it would taste and that would quiet it down for a bit.

I got back to the hostile, changed, packed up my things, including a lunch to go, and was out of there. I then stopped by Lake Taupo and sat for about an hour and enjoyed my lunch. I couldn't had asked for a better view.

Back on the road, I first had to stop at this church. They have the smallest churches there and nobody is ever at them. They're so small I wonder if they were part of a movie set.

I was heading west to Waitomo. It took about four hours to get there. The scenery was continuously gorgeous.

My destination was Kiwi Paka, Waitomo. I made it!

After my arrival to Kiwi Paka I met, Nell from the UK, one of my doom mates. She had told me on her travel bus was a girl who they were celebrating by having a costume contest with bin bags. (But of course with her accent it sounded like bean bags) I laughed and said how's that going to work out...after we figured out our difference in terms I found out it was a contest with garbage bags. Here's some of their work, very impressive I must add. They wore them all night long!

There was a local pub right next door to our hostile called Curly’s Bar.

They were such a fun group. I met a guy from Australia, Brent. We talked most of the night. Everyone called him Chief since during their Maori dinner that’s who they elected. He was very charming, responsible, funny, witty, interesting, kind, and I won’t lie, easy on the eyes. Another crush!

Some of us stayed till 5am and the last ones got in around 6am. I think Curly was one of them. He was still going strong when I left about 5am.

New Zealand Day 5

2010-11-24T09:42:00.001-08:00

I woke with the sunrise so around 6ish. When into the lodge for a spell to use their internet. The gal in the kitchen that was cooking was so kind. When I asked her about it she just said here let me just log you into my account and don't tell anyone. It's been acting screwy for awhile.

Saa-weet!! I booked a place for that night.

Upon leaving I drove through town and like I said before NZ's hours are 9-5. Ghost town, however this is Sunday and it's family day there so everything is closed. Love that!! Remember how I mentioned how windy and crazy the roads were? Well this little sheep was standing in the middle of my lane when I was getting back on the main surface roads. Must have gotten loose but he quickly shimmied up the hill. They're really skiddish.

It took about 2 hours to get to Hunterville, arrived around 9:40 which left me time to chill, go get my race number, and use the restroom. The run didn't start until 10.

The line of people you see in the picture...yup we're the only crazy ones that are doing a half marathon. I've never been that little of a group, very intimidating, they were all locals!!

This is around the 5k mark, first water stop. About a mile up I saw this cow to my right. Luckily I took my camera during my run and had to stop to take a photo. Holy Oreo Cow!!

This was another view of my run. This was about mid way up the hill and that's when all hell broke loose with my nose. I think it was due to the elevation (at home I'm at only 25 feet above sea level). Pushing myself too much could have contributed to this as well. I've had nose bleeds at home from this. As you can see it didn't stop me. You just keep running and wipe the blood off the face as it comes.

At the 10k (6.5 mile) aid station I got some water and everyone was like are you okay, did you fall, should we call someone? I said nope just a nose bleed I'll be fine, have to keep truckin'. I waved and kept running. Then I hear in the background someone say Crazy American Girl! Yup! That's me!

After I went into the hotel you see behind me and took a sponge bath in their restroom and changed, I felt refreshed.

As I got into my car to head to the next destination I decided to change it up a bit. I was planning on heading west but I decided to head back up north to Lake Taupo and stay there. I just fell in love with that place while I was passing through.

About 45 min into my drive I came to Gravity Canyon in Moaki. I had checked out their website before my trip and thought, yes it's expensive but #1 if I'm in the area I'll do it and #2 you're in NZ live a little! So I did. I did the swing!

It actually helped out a lot! I was running on fumes and getting sleepy from a late night and having finished a hilly half marathon so the adrenaline kicked in and I was ready for my drive. I checked in and went and took a long hot shower. I was also reminded quickly co-ed bathrooms when the other two people that were showering were guys. Right!

I decided it was time to wash some dirty as well as stinky sulphur clothes. I put them in a long wash and still to this day with 5 washings...my clothes STILL smell like sulphur! RATS!!!

As you see below this was where I was staying for the night. Take a look at how close we were to the lake...just a few blocks away. One of my dorm mates invited me to go to the local pub with a bunch of people from her bus but after I ate dinner and got settled in I knew I wasn't going anywhere. She actually came back super early and all four of us in my dorm were asleep by 10pm and it felt great!!

New Zealand Day 4

2010-11-23T08:58:00.001-08:00

Up with the sun I got up and showered and was ready for the day. There wasn't a lot of action going on at the hostile so I decided to go out for breakfast. Having experienced NZ for a few days I learned the country's hours are literally 9-5. Even their cafes don't open till 9:00. I didn't want a McDonald's breakfast but that's the only thing that seemed like it was open. I decided against it and went for a walk and stumbled upon a outdoor strip mall where there was a bakery that you could smell meters away! I got this roll with melted cheese and Canadian bacon on top with a water. The cashier said that'll be sixteen and I said wow $16 and she smiled, pointed to the register, and said no $6.10 but with the accent I heard sixteen. :0) Hehehe a little embarrassed I paid and shimmied out of there real fast!

There were a few places I wanted to visit in Rotorua before I scurried out of there to head south to Taihape. Staying at the hostiles they often have deals. I booked one for Hell's Gate. It was a self tour around their thermal active grounds, a mud bath, and a sulphur bath for $85. I knew I got a heck of a deal when I arrived at the entrance to check in and an Australian couple next to me ordered the same thing and their total was $310. The man was funny, he said $310? Crikey, I don't want to buy the place. I giggled under my breath. It amazed me that you can have green rolling hills and then bam! An active thermal ground right next to it.

The mud bath was my favorite. What tom girl who played with mud and dirt when she was little wouldn't enjoy this? I was in heaven!! There were two other girls in a different section and they were saying how gross it was. Again, I laughed. What were they expecting??

Once your time was up in the mud bath you had to take a cold shower and they warned you ahead of time. I had no idea how cold was cold...a couple that was in the next section over were showering and you could hear her screaming and him shouting how bloody cold it was. I geared up for my time. Let's just say it was the quickest shower I've ever taken.

Then off to the sulphur bath. True, it smelled just like sulphur but the entire location did. All the steam that you see in these and other pictures to come below all put off sulphur. Soaking in the sulphur bath I was able to enjoy the warmth of it, made my skin so soft, and was able to laugh at those taking their cold showers. Ahh the pleasures of others misfortunes. :0)

I lookd down at my watch and knew it was time to go. I had one more place to visit as well as a three hour drive to make it to my hostile by 5pm.

I showered and changed and was on my way. Side note: The one thing the employees did not warn me about...I would smell like sulphur for days.
I heard such wonderful things of Wai-O-Tapu and had to go. Alex, my dorm buddy,gave me a heads up about Lady Knox Geyser that goes off everyday at 10:15. He had already visited the grounds. It actually only does it naturally every 72 hours so the employees have to put baking soda in it to make it react for the crowd. He said the place is packed then. Knowing this info I decided to forgo the geyser and went later during the day. Hell's Gate first, then Wai-O-Tapu.

The picture of me standing there is actually a funny one. The sulphur that was being released was in such abundance the gal that took this picture of me had to wait for about a full minute for the sulphur steam to break. We were laughing so hard. It wouldn't let up, we were all engulfed in it. The shower I took at Hell's Gate had just been voided.

Back on the road I passed a place called Lake Taupo. It was breathtaking and kept asking myself why am I not staying here tonight. I can't express how gorgeous it was. The highway took me almost all the way around as I was driving south to Taihape.

All of a sudden you hit this...brown dessert. This is Tongariro National Park. NZ suprised me again. I had this dessert pictureque on one side this this beautiful mountian with snow one the other side. Amazing!!

Then about 45 minutes later your back in the green rolling hills again.

As I was getting closer to Taihape I saw a sign for River Valley Lodge, my destination. I didn't make reservations but knew there were a ways out there and figured I would be safe. The only thing was they closed at 5pm. Their signs were all over the place but I missed the very last one. The last 50 min to the lodge is windy roads so I missed the turn off. I kept going. The photo below you can see it's a gravel road I was on and if you look really close you can see the road.

"Lee", my GPS guide, didn't know what to make of it. For those that know me understand I have no sense for direction. When I feel like I should go one way that really means I probably should go the opposite. I was getting very frustrated because it was now 5pm. I saw a house and drove up to it on a hill and it was abandoned. I thought well if worse comes to worse...I know a place I can crash.

I turned around and went back till I found the sign again. Then the last 5k was on a steep downgrade gravel road. Now driving through all this gravel one of my rental car tire's was squealing. I got out twice to see if it was flat. Nope, it was fine, just squealing. Sounded like a rock got lodged in somewhere.

Once I got there I was in awe. It was breathtaking, better than I could have dreamed of. It's surrounded by tress, rolling hills, a water fall, and a river.

I arrived there at 5:30 and what a blessing the office was still open. She even told me perfect timing I was about to close up. She had a dorm room that sleeps 6 with only person in there at the time and it was a girl, Katarhina.

The place was huge. Take a look at the website. Amazing!

I met Katharina and told her I was going to take a shower because I smell like eggs from hanging out in sulphur all day. I went and showered and was quickly reminded this was a co-ed facility. In the next shower stall was a guy. I just looked over and said hello and continued. After, I could still smell it on my skin. I sprayed and lathered up with Bath and Body but I don't think it did much. I got my PJs on and headed back to the room.

Katharina and I then went to the kitchen in the lodge. I needed food since it had been awhile since I ate lunch and I was running a half marathon the next day. The plans were to have a decent dinner. We ate vegetarian keesh, soo good.

Katharina told me about a guy named Simon Ousager who she met on her plane from Hong Kong to Auckland. They were driving to the South Island together.

He's 24, marathon/triathlete, biologist working on his masters in microbiology, from Copenhagen, Denmark, and funny as all get out!! Yes, I had a crush!

There was a bunch of us that hung out in the lodge until about 1. In the black and white photo are two sheep herders that had been drinking a few. I just couldn't stop staring at his short shorts. The funny thing is you can't tell but his stripped socks were different colors too. Just an odd bird all together. The other farmer that is in the picture with Simon never spoke. I think the only thing I got out of him was his name is Ethan. I was joking around with him that when he's by himself he lets loose and loves to dance around.

I was telling Simon and Katharina about my balance bracelet and did the balance test on him. He's solid! I high fived him!

Off to bed since I had to leave early the next morning for my half marathon. This is was my view from my dorm.

New Zealand Day 3

2010-11-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Once again I was up with the sun. Everyone else was still asleep so I thought perfect time to jump in the shower. Their two younger kids were in bed when I arrived so I didn't want to scare them with my bed head right out of the gates. Rachael asked me the night before not to leave until I met the younger two, they'd want to meet me and hear my accent. After I showered I got dressed, packed up and sure enough their boy introduced himself and then went right into his parents' room and said mom she talks funny. I was thinking to myself, yea I get that back in the States too. :) Bishop Tata had already left for work but during our silly pose so you can see his picture above my right arm. The other oldest daughters were still in bed.

Rachael was ticked I took this while she was in her PJ's and not from the waist up but like I told her...#1 who's going to see this (hehehe) and #2 my camera is balancing on top of a cereal box.

That day my goal destination was Rotorua. I made a few random stops along the way. Glad I did, freedom of having my own car!

Along the highway I saw a sign that said Looking Glass Garden. Having a bit of a green thumb myself I thought this is going to be good. I got up to it and they didn't open till 10:00 and I got there a little after 9:00 so I went for a walk. Love the green rolling hills! I got back to my car about 9:40 and this older, tall, skinny lady walked up to me and said if you'd like to come to the garden you're welcome to come on in dear. (so kind!!)

The owners of the Looking Glass Garden was Gayle and her husband. They've been working on this for 23 years and everything in the pictures you see they did themselves minus the statues. A friend who's a professional carver did those. It was children's fairy tales themes like Little Red Ridding Hood, Humpty Dumpty, etc...with some Alice in Wonderland.

If someone asked me what does New Zealand smell like...easy...gardinias. My favorite flower!! You really had to be somewhat physically fit to go through this garden. It took me about 90 to see it all and as you can tell either I was going up or down.

The photo next to the flowers is a path looking up the Stair Way to Heaven. Look close...it goes really high. Gayle said that entire path was full of daffodils 3 weeks ago. Bummer I missed it.

At the top of the mount were the gates and St. Peter waiting for you. I gave him a hug.

I was getting hungry since my hike in the garden. I stopped at a town in the Bay of Plenty called Whakatane. Great shopping, food, amazing weather, and the beach right there. I took a picture of this shirt that I saw in a sporting good store and loved it. Found my size and took it off the rack. I glanced at the price $169.00 and put it right back on the hanger. What the??? I actually took another one down just to make sure it wasn't a typo. Sure enough...$169, yikes!

I went to the Bean Cafe for lunch. There I was complemented on my teeth. The lady at the counter asked if I was American just after I said hi. I asked how could you tell by just the hi? She said no, you have gorgeous teeth, all Americans that I've met have had beautiful teeth. Good thing I've continued to brush all these years. Didn't know I'd be impressing the Kiwis.

Back on the road and I couldn't have been more thrilled. We were stopped for a cattle crossing on the road. I had read all about it in every single NZ book but sure enough, live in person. On my way to Rotorua I stopped a few more times just for some photo opps.

I then saw a McDonald's and a light bulb went on above my head...drive thru where you have to order on the right hand side. So of course I ordered a medium coke and took a picture.

When I arrived to Rotorua I pulled up to my hostile which I call hoity toity. Seriously nicer than some of the hotels I've been to the in States. I checked in to my dorm that I shared to Alex from the UK and Tino from Germany. I asked what there was to do there at night and Alex told me he was getting ready to leave for a Maori dinner/experience and to ask the front desk if there's any others. I did and sure enough there was another dinner/show that night. A bus picked us up at the hostile where there was about 10 of us waiting and about 6 already on the bus. We had to pick a Chief on the way. Mike from Ireland was chosen to represent. There was another bus of visitors waiting there for us.

The Maori's came out to greet us chanting and sticking out their tongues but it's disrespectful to smile or laugh at them. They accepted us all and went into their village to learn of their ancestors.

I participated in a game which involves this stick I'm holding. In her right hand she's got a weapon they would use to crack open the skull or scalp an enemy. We all walked around a bit then they told us dinner was being uncovered. We gathered around and sure enough Cooks Jeremiah and Chase (which was funny to me since everyone else had an authentic name and here's Cook Chase) uncovered our potatoes and chicken.

Below is my dinner table. A couple across from me were two LA snobs, super cool Sherry from Portland next to me, Dan who was just chillin' with us during dinner, he worked there, and then a couple at the end from Australia. They were hilarious!!

After a bit of singing and dancing on our bus home thanks to Chief and Florence, our bus driver, some of our group from the hostile decided to head over to Lava, a pub. While others got their drinks on I got my dance on. I LOVE to dance!! There were two girls that weren't in our group at our table so I jumped on the table to cover them up during the picture. They had their backs to my back so they didn't even know. :)

I had a hard time falling asleep. No, I was tired, it was about 12:00 but as soon as I walked in my dorm room both Alex and Tino were snoring. I'm a very light sleeper. Around 2ish I finally fell asleep and about an hour later I was woken up from Tino not talking but screaming in his sleep in German. Scared the freakin' day lights out of me.

New Zealand Day 2

2010-11-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

I'm a morning person so I was up and at 'em at 6am the next morning. I had a drive before me! I was to go from just about the tip of the north island to the Bay of Plenty all in a day. I packed up and I was off.

There was a town on the way back down south called Waitangi that sparked my interest. I saw this trail and didn't know how far it was until I saw a sign that said 1km you have 4 more to go. Ohh about that...I was in flip flops and knew that wouldn't work for a 6 mile hike. So I turned back around. (I hate not finishing what I've started but knew I had a long drive ahead of me and that it wasn't do-able.) I really wanted to see the falls. Bummer!

Waitangi is listed on the map of the location of the Maori Treaty House. Once a year they come to this location to celebrate the treaty that was signed by the Maori people and the British. See the red arch there? You are to wait underneath it until someone comes to get you since the Maori's consider it sacred grounds. (I learned this from an old wise Maori man later this evening) Well, not knowing, I just shimmied right on in and was taking pictures, just loved all the carvings. I hope I'm not cursed for life!

While I was heading back to my car I noticed a clinking sound on the beach. There were so many shells that when the waves rolled in it made the shells hit each other. I picked up a shell to keep and remind me of how peaceful it sounded there.

Driving through the town on my way out I saw this church, it caught my eye. A plaque outside said 12 Maori Chiefs came to this church to meet with the British religious leaders to ask for protection.

On the way to the Bay of Plenty I stopped by Whangheri, it reminded me a lot of Monterey, CA. (It's actually pronounced Fangaray. In the Maori alphabet they don't have the letter h so they pronounce wh as an f. Just a little fact) Charming town with the boats parked along the wharf. (Do boats park?)

It rained only a couple of spots during the day. Not to fear, only a few times I put on my blinker instead of my wiper blades, and vice versa. (They're on the opposite side)
Since I was only half full of gas I thought I should fill up. Once again I found myself at BP. There, at the Wild Bean Cafe, they had something called Crispies. It was a deep fried hash brown, like from McDonald's, with potato, bacon and cheese. So good! The man behind the counter asked where I got my silly little accent from...America, I told him. Can you believe it...we all talk like this. He got a kick out of that.

New Zealand has an abundant of Sliver Ferns there. It's like California and our palm trees. Well NZ has these ferns that are everywhere. Majority in the Northland but still everywhere. They're so green. I took an opportunity when I had one to pull off and take a picture.

There's a picture that I wish I would have taken but never had the chance to. The road construction workers there wear tanks and short shorts. I saw one and did a double take then as I kept driving I saw more. Safety isn't first there, staying cool is.

I drove back through Auckland and had to used the restroom. I went into a Warehouse store, like our Target. I asked a employee where their bathroom was. She said out in the car park, you had to have walked right by it. I pointed to outside and she giggled and yes, it's outside.

This bathroom is like a vault. Sturdy as all get out. You push a button once you enter and it seals you in. Never seen anything like it before. Very clean too. People were staring at me taking a photo of the toilets but come on...I'm foreign!
As I was getting back on the freeway, "Lee" my GPS voice with an Australian accent, told me to make a right and another right. I looked at how I was going to get back on the freeway. Oh, no problem. I've got the whole driving on the opposite side of the road..we got the green light and sure enough I turned down the wrong side of the street. As I saw my life flash before my eyes, I also noticed the on coming traffic had a red light, that saved me! I quickly and illegally hopped on the freeway and was so embarrassed. I knew that because I wasn't paying attention I could have hurt someone as well as myself. I was extremely alert the rest of the time behind the wheel in NZ!
At the end of my day it was around 8:00pm and I was in Tauranga, my destination. Once again everything was shut down and I knew that I'd be sleeping in my car that night since I hadn't made accommodations. I was actually okay with that. I drove around looking for a church, any church, that I could park at and begin my slumber.
I stumbled by a LDS church that was open and a few cars were there. Thursday night was their basketball night too. :) By the time I turned around most of everyone was gone but I entered the building and heard voices coming from a bishops office. I knocked on the door and then entered after I heard a "Yea?". I straight up said, "Hi my name is Kellie, I'm American and LDS. I served a mission in Spain and I'm here visiting" The bishop asked how long because he'd like to give me a calling. We all laughed. I told them I was leaving in the morning and if I could just stay over night in the church's parking lot. He and the 1st counselor said they could do better than that, Bishop Tata, you want to make the call or shall I? After the bishop got off the phone he said you'll be staying with my family tonight. Holy cow!! I honestly wasn't expecting that. I seriously was just ready to crash in my car. I followed him to his house where I met his wife Rachael. She embraced me with a bear hug to welcome me to their home. Wow! I thought...how cool is this?!? These people are putting up a complete stranger in their home for the night. Awesome!!
I was served NZ ice cream for the first time. DE-LISH!! It was smooth, thick, creamy vanilla that tasted like waffle cone too. So good. Rachel looked at me and asked if I was tired. I told her yes, so much I'm was starting to get dizzy. Their oldest daughter was spending the night at a friends so this is where I was able to enjoy my second night in NZ. Kiwi style!

New Zealand Day 1

2010-11-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to post my trip to New Zealand in segments. Today I'll write about my first day there, then tomorrow about my second day and so on...for those that are interested don't have a novel to read in one sitting.

My friend Lori took me to the airport where I patiently waited to board Air New Zealand. I was so excited and nervous but knowing I had 13 hours in the plane I'd have time to settle down. The stewards on Air New Zealand were awesome. One looked dead on to Daniel Craig from James Bond:Quantum of Solace, he had the New Zealand accent and all.

As we started our decent I opened the window shade and saw the horizon of the sun rise and it was gorgeous. I started getting butterflies in my stomach. I was going to be in New Zealand!!

At customs I declared some snacks that I brought, one of them baby carrots. They took them away because they didn't have them in NZ.

I called the car rental transport and they had a driver there real quick. The first thing the driver said was you must be from North America. I hadn't even opened my mouth and then said yea how could you tell? He replied, well you're on the drivers side to get in. DANG IT! Rookie mistake #1! Reminder...they drive on the left side of the road and the drivers side is on the right.

I realized how amazing the NZers really are at first hand. I had forgotten my drivers licence back in the states. He said that's okay, we seem to have your info here. Just be careful because if you get pulled over the police will want to see it. What state, let alone country do you know of that would have rented you a car without your drivers licence? That could have gone very bad and was thankful for their leniency. Steve did warn me that there was a round about as soon as I exit their "car park" and foreigners make the mistake a lot to yield to the left instead of the right. It took me about 10 minutes to muster up enough courage to leave the car park. White knuckle and all...I did it! I had a note there STAY LEFT but also had a GPS that saved me this trip!! I had to drive through Auckland during morning rush hour and that was a bit nerve racking because it's a major city so I just made sure that there was a car in front of me the entire time.

They had a toll on the freeway that I was warned about. You don't stop to pay. It's via camera. You have two options you can stop at the gas station and pay there or call a number and give them your credit card. I opted to pay at the gas station. There I embarked on my first adventure of getting a mince meat pie. It was huge and fairly cheap. Great flavor however there was a sort of gelatin that was in it that I couldn't stomach. I did eat half.

As I left there was an on ramp with two police cars on each side and the officers outside standing next to them like a road block. My heart beats tripled and I thought this is it they're going to ask for my DL that I didn't have...and they just flagged me through. PHEW!!!

I didn't have any specific plans but to make it to Kaitaia Far North. That's where my hostile was. So I just decided to drive and stop when I wanted. No one warned me that it would take 3x as long to get to places in NZ due to their windy roads with no shoulders. There were so many picturesque scenes that I had to just drive by because there was no place to pull over. When there was a slight shoulder I took every opportunity to pull over and take pictures. Here's a few.

This was on the east side of the highway where people lived and then right across the street was this magnificent view of the water.

This is Langs Beach

This is Waipu Cove

I made a pit stop at Russel. Needed to get out and stretch the legs. I went for a walk around town. Got gas/petrol, full service. That shocked me! Someone told me if you only have a half of a tank you need to get gas at the next stop, you never know when the next one is. I found that so true! I thought I could go straight to Kaitaia from Russel but I would have to take a ferry so back on the road.

From Russel my GPS took me on a one lane windy gravel road for 27 km. I was so scared I honked my horn every time I turned a corner just in case there was another car. I made it. By the time I got to the Kaitaia was about 6pm. Floyd, my brother-in-law, told me NZ shuts down early. He wasn't joking. I took a picture of the town.

There was a Pak-N-Save open and that was it!

As soon as I checked in to the Mainstreet Lodge she said you look tired. I told her I just flew into Auckland that morning and have been driving all day. She rented me a 6 person room all to myself for $65. I knew that was too high but they didn't have my confirmation and I didn't care. I just wanted food and sleep. I walked to Pak-N-Save for some groceries and was asleep by 8:30.

The hostile conditions were extremely clean. I slept like a rock!

Rosco: New Addition

2010-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true...I've added an extra canine to my crew.

Some history first...Sandy is now 12 years old. I rescued her from the SPCA 8 years ago. She is my guard dog. I feel 100% secure with her around living by myself. She's got my back. Sandy's a mix of breed but mainly lab and shepherd. Labs have a history of hip problems and woulda know...she's started limping around and can't run with me any longer. They say that older dogs train new dogs the do's and don'ts of the house. I've been considering for some time now on getting another one I've been looking on line, made several calls and visited the Manteca pound multiple times.

Meet Rosco, his name was Charlie but I've always wanted a Rosco.

He's 18 months and is a shepherd mix. He's got either rot or pit in him but I'm not worried at all. He's the biggest love bug ever. He's a bull in a china shop, not graceful at all which makes him even more fun!

He's been a part of our little pack since Monday, I rescued him from the Manteca pound. He'd only been there one day before I saw him. I actually went there to look at a black lab of 18 months who they said would drive Sandy bonkers because he's so hyper I said ohh can I look at the mellow one that was next to the lab's kennel. She said oh you must mean Charlie and brought out a different dog than I was talking about. As soon as I saw him I knew he'd be perfect for Sandy and myself.

I brought Sandy to meet Charlie/Rosco at the pound the next day. I didn't want to adopt him and then realize they'd hate each other. She put him in his place real fast letting him know she would be the senior, alpha dog. At the end of the visit he was licking her face, a sign of submission.

Rosco and Sandy have been playmates since I brought him home. They love to play tug-o-war and they'll wrestle around the house together. It's so fun to see her wagging her tail while playing. You have got to understand that Sandy is NOT, I repeat NOT, a social dog. She's made her job to protect me and not have fun with other dogs. So it's great to see her relaxing a bit and having fun.

I've been taking them both to the dog park and they protect each other. If another dog is trying to push Sandy around Rosco comes and intervenes and vice versa. Rosco thinks he is a small dog. At the dog park if there's Chihuahuas or Yorkies there he'll go hang with them. I can't drag him away, he goes right back to them.

A Rosco story for you real quick...

I had brought Rosco home on a Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning was taking some friend to the airport. It would be raining later so I leave my man door open so they can get in and out. I had my car running in the driveway, had breakfast in hand and because my keys were in my car I decided to lock the front door from the inside and leave through the back gate. The dogs were behind me and as soon as I opened it Rosco went through my legs and bolted out. I just stood there thinking I'm never going to see that dog again. I put my breakfast in my car and thought...he likes Sandy so I went back in the gate got Sandy and their leashes. Sandy and I then left from the front door and Rosco was no where in sight. I thought he'd be half way to Stockton by now. Nice Kellie you've had the dog less than 24 hours and you've lost him. Sandy and I started running but before we got too far I heard a noise that made us stop in our tracks. Then another noise that sounded like breaking wood from my house. Sandy and I went back and Rosco was at the gate tearing the bottom of it trying to get back in. Luckily we got there in enough time not that much damage was done. I opened the gate and he went right back in on his own with Sandy. PHEW!

He knew where he'd come from and where he belongs.

There's been no trouble since.

BUNKO!!

2010-04-14T12:48:00.001-07:00

Danicia has been part of the Relay for Life Committee and they had a massive BUNKO party which Melanie and I joined happily. Fun girls night out!!

There were dozens of donated gift baskets that you bought raffle tickets for to win. They also had each player pay $15 to play, all proceeds went to RFL. There were over 37 tables. It was an amazing turn out! I had Melanie take a few picture of me so we show just how many folks were there. Well okay and I like having my picture taken too. :)

Back on the Saddle

2010-04-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

After getting an okay from my physical therapist in Jan to start training for a half marathon I was feeling great. Since the first went so well I did two more right after. Three half marathons in 20 days. That's right...I'm crazy...

The Shamrock'n Half Marathon #1 Time: 2:07

As far a halfs go this by far was the prettiest I've ever ran. I loved the course. Always a turn and something new to look at than the runner in front of you. I was sooo cold that morning and it was day light savings too. Floyd (my brother in law) and I are standing proudly with our medals. Then yes you see it...My festive toes with a blood blister that I had on each foot. When I got back to Manteca you can see the clever decorations my friends the Nydeggers did. They also left me a plate of cookies and cute sidewalk chalk pictures. Thanks again guys!

I very pleased with this accomplishment because there was a six month span I couldn't run because of my back but I was focused and did everything that I had to to make this happen.

The Modesto Half Marathon #2 Time: 2:05

This half marathon started at 7am and dang Gina it was brisk! We ran along a lot of orchards and you could see your breath for the first 3/4 of the run. It was that cold. I didn't take off my long sleeve until mile 11. This run was a little boring because there were several long straight aways and if you don't have any turns at times you feel like your going in slow motion but still happy to do it. I was jazzed I beat my previous time. :)

Xterra Chanoko Trail Half Marathon #3 Time: 2:41

Okay...this one was crazy. I did a trail run years ago and remembered my time, breathing, and endurance wasn't like anything of how I run on pavement. There is only one word that describes this half...RIDICULOUS!! A total beast! Cindy, my adorable friend there in the pink, was also coming back to running after shattering her ankle in a car accident years ago. (Now that's a trooper!) She invited me to run with her and a friend of hers that she's been training with. They both kicked my butt. They came in more than 10min before me. Well done Heather and Cindy!! There was only two ways to run...up a hill or down a hill. I take that back there were boulders you had to jump off of, huge mud puddles you had to jump over, and several other decisions to make. That's one thing about pavement running, you can just let your mind coast, put your brain on auto pilot and not burn any extra calories/energy by thinking. Trail running, whole different ball game, you have to stay alert and make choices. For some reason I had to commentate the all my obstacles and choices. I had to say things out loud to help me focus. For an example "Okay big puddle up ahead, which way across, which way, left..right...I'll try and jump over it. RATS!!" (I didn't make it, as you can see my shoes)

It will be quite some time before I do another trail run again.

How ever my next half is May 1st...

Updates

2010-01-16T08:25:00.001-08:00

First off if you haven't heard yet I didn't have my back surgery. I had a follow up apt with my surgeon the day before my surgery date and he said he saw progression since my previous apt of my body healing itself. He didn't want to do surgery, instead I'm doing physical therapy 3x a week. It's frustrating at times because it's taking so long but honestly it's helping bigtime!! I've been doing that for almost 2 months now.

The first weekend in Jan there was a few of us that went to the musical of Xanadu downtown Sacramento. So fun! They did a remake of the movie but made fun of it the entire time. Here's a picture of Brent and myself.

The second weekend of Jan there was another group of us that went to Cal Berkeley to see Brian Regan in concert. He put on a show that last for over 90 min. I didn't know what to expect with a comedy show but was very impressed. (see him at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9m2FLHlEwA)

The next day was Brent's 40th birthday. What a party they put on! Well done you guys!! Here's a few pictures I took from the get together. Happy Birthday Brent!!!

New Moon - 3.5 stars

2009-11-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

I really didn't care for Edward in Twilight (movie) but SO much better this go around. Ahhhh. This time it was Bella and her obsessiveness to blink her eyes to the point that you wonder if she's on the verge of a seizure.

When Jacob first made his appearance with his shirt off in the movie the girls in the theater screamed with delight. Hilarious. Let's not forget friends, he's 17!

It was a blast to see a premiere, I've never been before. My friend Dancia bought tickets a few weeks ago for the 12:20 am show. This specific theater was running New Moon every five min, they have 15 theaters. This is a picture after the movie.

It got out around 2:45, well worth the lack of sleep!

This was by far superior than Twilight (movie). The acting was better, make-up, special effects, and once again had Bella's father, Charlie who's the comedy relief.

I love this picture because during the movie you are convinced that these two really are locked.

Super Saturday Craft

2009-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Being on the Enrichment Committee (craft committee for church) we just had our Super Saturday. I had never experienced one of these before. It was quite a show to put on. Lots of hours of preparation went into it. Do Andrea and I want to put another one together...heck no!!

There was a 4 hour block and a total of 12 stations of crafts that people signed up for ahead of time to make during this time.

Here are some of our demos.

Mod Podge Cookie Plate, Key Fobs, Placemat Scripture Totes

Paper Loop Wreath, Nativity Cube

Pumpkin Centerpiece, Pedi Pail, Chocolate Covered Snowmen, Tissue Heirloom

We had a few others that Andrea and I made but either due to time length it took, looks, or difficulty level they were vetoed.

All in all...I feel it was a success.

Surgery Date

2009-11-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

Lower back surgery date is scheduled for December 3rd, 2009, keep them crossed for me.

Fall at the vineyards

2009-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

This past weekend so great. There were many events that took place but one that needs to be mentioned was regarding the amazing scenery. I was the DD from Brent, Floyd, and Tara. I was able to enjoy the company as well as the view at each location.

Back to the Back...

2009-10-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Some of you don't know but I've been dealing with a LOT of pain the last four months from my sciatic nerve going down my left leg from my lower back. After different types of remedies, herbs, chiropractic and acupuncture appointments I went to see my neurologist. After 4 weeks of insurance crap I was finally approved for an MRI of my back.

Diagnosis: I have a herniated disk that is hitting my nerve root to cause the sciatic nerve to send me constant charges.

Here's a photo of it.

I got approved last Wed from my insurance company with the green light for my MRI. The next day I had it done. Friday my doctor referred me to a surgeon. (See how fast some things can actually happen when all the plants are aligned?) The surgeon's office couldn't get me in till November 11th at the earliest. Uh...some of you don't know but layoff's are coming up, and I mean soon. Our division president sent out an email just today that said mid November, "could possibly be sooner, could be later". What the hell does that do for us beside be nervous wrecks for a longer extended period of time.

Anyway...back to the issue at hand. A co-worker who does the EXACT thing I do went in for back surgery three weeks ago for the same thing. Interesting...I know. So he was able to get me his surgeon's number. I called today and I have an apt October 28th at 7:45. They also have me on the cancellation call list. I told them my dilemma and they said we make our surgeries very soon after the apt, like the following week or so. :) Music to my hears.

I'll keep you updated.

(The surgery would, I think, include cutting the bulged disk part off. Not like they have to cut my spine or anything.)

Pebble Beach (5 stars)

2009-08-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have these summer goals and last year driving 17 Mile Drive at Pebble Beach was on my list of things to do. I thought it would be fun to go with someone but that opportunity never presented itself so this year I decided to get out of Dodge and go by myself, and Sandy.

It was a good 2 hour drive but we were both geared up for it.

Sandy has never been to the ocean before so she loved that she could just jump right in and and take a big refreshing gulp of water like she does at the rivers and lakes here. Well no more than an hour later she threw it all up. It was foamy too. I think she learned her lesson. :) She drank about 3 water bottles after that.

We walked about 3 miles along the coast line. They have a little trail that takes you along. It's so rewarding to go there and be 80 degrees while it was over 105 in Manteca that afternoon. It was very hard to leave but after 6 hours we still had a long drive ahead of us and we were pooped already. The pictures speak for themselves.

Another year wiser...36

2009-07-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

It was a great birthday, July 10th!! Lots of Facebook friends wishing me Happy Birthday through out the day. I did go to work for most of the day. I really enjoy work because of the people I get to spend my time with. They took me out to lunch and had a surprise ice-cream cake waiting for me. YUM!!! Valerie thanks again for everything!!

Later I met up with my family at Costa Vida...love that place.

If I can't have Cafe Rio I'm going to have something real similar

Then it was off to the American Idol concert with my parents, LaMar and Van and cousin Karen. We had a blast!!!

I heart NY

2009-07-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

New York...east coast...I loved every minute of it!! This was my second visit, the first was a few years ago in February. This time was different, they'd been having some serious rain there but luckily 4th of July weekend was a dry and sunny one. I also think who you're with makes all the difference in the world. A special shout out to Colin Wheeler for making my trip to New York unforgettable.

There was so much that we did and saw...let's see where shall I start...

Well I have to start with this fella. He was sitting next to me on my direct flight to JFK. He turned to his side and fell asleep. A bit too close if you ask me :)

The morning of the 3rd Colin and I went to The Diner for brunch. It started to sprinkle but it was still warm. We split for a few hours and I went for a run along the bike path that they have. Good times running with other runners. I love that feeling.

That afternoon we went to bluechili for some yummy Thai pan and sushi. Followed by a black and white cookie from Roxy's at Times Square. I loved sitting in the bleachers just people watching and see...lots of people to watch. We also spent some time at Bryant Park. We then ventured to the Lion King on Broadway and I was very disappointed. Sure the costumes were amazing but that's all I can compliment them on. Performers weren't that great. On our way home we stopped by Madison Square Park and saw how lit up the Empire State Building was.

The 4th of July was a packed day. Had morning muffin in Central Park, Yankee game in the direct sun for a few hours but over looked by garlic fries and hot dogs, photo shoot by the notorious Bull, Chinese food from Liberty View so nice outside everyone was eating outside and not a soul indoors, laid out on the concrete for four hours to hold a spot for fireworks. As you can see by the pictures below there were people everywhere. During the 20 min spectacular show you could feel the explosions of the fireworks in your chest...that's how big of a production it was. The walk home was a bit intense for me, once again people everywhere.

Day of the 5th...we drove to the Hampton's. The first beach we ran into, Sagg, cost $225 for non residents to park there for a day at the beach. WTF?? So we rented bikes and passed by some resident houses, stopped off at a different beach access, later had lunch at this cute place. How about that $20 Lobster roll Colin? Then we headed home. Ordered pizza in. Colin has crazy work hours so he went to bed around 9ish and I went out and walked to Brooklyn Bridge at sunset with the full moon. I then passed by City Hall Park, then Ground Zero and decided to call it a night.

Monday the 6th while Colin was still at work he left me a subway pass and his house keys. I decided to venture out and take a run in Central Park, stop was at 59th Street. It was so beautiful I stopped several times to take pictures. I'm glad I did. Of course I got lost on my way back to the apartment and found Colin quietly waiting for me. He was a very good sport. Sorry C!!

We then went out for lunch to the Shake Shack. And YUM is all I'm going to say. Bryant Park is amazing!! Off to the movies...Phelham 123. Then I went on top of "the Rock".

Then up at 2:30 am to get catch the airport shuttle. JFK was packed even that early in the morning. I don't think there's ever a time there that the employees have time to catch their breath. They had over booked our flight and trying to get people to take the 5pm flight. Tempting but it was a hell no...some things just aren't worth it. :)

As you can see I had an amazing time. Thanks again Colin!!!

My mornings

2009-06-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Usually on the weekends I'll wake up from Sandy jumping up and down on the side of my bed, dying to go for a run. I don't know why she likes it so much. She's usually struggling at the 2 mile and I then have to pull a dead horse the rest of our 5 mile run.
She is so out of control. I got a few shots of her this morning.
This was after she saw me put my running clothes on. She knew...

She gets crazy when you go by the drawer with her leash in it. She would only look at the front door where we leave from. Refused to look at the camera.

Then after the run she crashes...

Poka Dots

2009-06-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

I love poka dots. Good thing they are the trend right now. (I'm finally in style for once) Here are just a few purchases of "the dots". Now don't get nervous, I didn't just get all these at once. I've accumulated them over time.

Manteca in June

2009-06-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Just a short entry...I've said it before the benefits of living in a smaller town and being an American girl. Flag day! Four street were lined with American flags.

You know it's getting close when you see these popping up all over the place. Yahoo!!

Cafe Rio vs. Costa Vida

2009-06-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

For those that have lived in UT at one time or another know of a place called Cafe Rio and if you don't, shame on you!!

This place has the very best pork salad on this earth!

What's nice is that there's another restaurant called Costa Vida that is VERY similar to Cafe Rio and they are more spread out geographically. As I learned tonight that there is a Costa Vida within driving distance, 90 miles, I made the drive for dinner. I was very excited to get there and compare. (I won't tell you how fast I was going on the 5). I ordered a small pork salad. Pros and Cons...Costa still gives you the large tortilla even if you get a small salad. Cafe gives you a very small tortilla. Costa always provides shredded lettuce, no special requests. However, Cafe Rio pork is a titch sweeter and their house dressing has more of a kick to it than Costa. Cafe Rio 5 stars and Costa Vida 4 stars.

Like I said before it was still worth the drive. Yes, I will return again!

BOB

2009-06-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is Bob. He's half Rot. and half German Shepherd. He belongs to one of my homeowners and is a little gem. If I were to choose to have a mate for Sandy he'd be top of my list. His face is the size of a small bear but he's harmless. Plus he catches gophers here at the community. :)

Caution: Pictures of jacked up shoulder/back

2009-06-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot of questions of how my back/shoulder is...
It's almost been 4 months since I obtained a virus in my nervous system which paralyzed some muscle groups in my shoulder/back. Funny there are somethings that I have no problem doing but others like a plank or doing a push up, I have ZERO strength for it. The best way to describe how it feels is a part of my muscle is absent. It doesn't hurt. It's like lifting dead weight.
This picture is lifting both arms straight in front of me. See that on the right, it almost looks like it's detached but I promise it's not. :) The doctors call it winging out.

The next two are pictures of raising my arm above my head. My right arm will only go so far up. Then I took one of my left so you have something to compare it to.

The last is as you can tell arms up and out. I think this looks the most normal but on the right it bulges out just a smig.

Looking at the pictures I think it looks much better than my pictures from the post in April. Maybe that's just my optimism talking...

Camping in PiPi

2009-06-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Derek who gathered a few of us for a night of camping. It's in the El Dorado County but man alive it is out in no man's land. Well worth the drive. We got there just as the last of the sprinkles were heading out. Phew!

There are a few things that I've learned camping over the years.
1) Have a comfy lounge chair...You'll be spending a lot of time there.

2) I get cold easy and stay cold therefore thanks to Floyd and Brent for showing me how it's done...bring a down comforter. The air mattress is a no brainer, I'm over 30. This is a shot inside my tent. I actually got too warm that night and had to stick my arms out of the covers.

3) If you're going to eat s'mores you have to do it right!! Golden brown marshmallows are a must. The next step is important but 90% don't do this. You must, I repeat you must, melt your chocolate by the fire to really enjoy it. Trust me...it's worth the wait!!
4)Good games equals good times. Mexican Train anyone?

5) Last but not least, decent bug spray. My very favorite!

This place had a stream on the other side of the sites and a cute little walking trial with an amazing meadow. I heart nature!

Vegas

2009-05-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Got back from a 4 day R&R trip in Vegas with my gal pal, Megan Bates and her friend Jen. You know you 're in your mid 30's in Vegas when all you want to do is hang at the pool and are in bed by 11pm. Highlights of the trip, Bodies exhibit, Wheel of Fortune, outlets, lounge chairs and snacks poolside, cobalt PT Cruiser, Diet Dr Pepper and Lemonade Crystal Light.

Unpacking is always the pits!

I've been diagnosed - Brachial Neuritis

2009-05-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'll be limited to my range of motion and have a jacked up shoulder blade for awhile. The dr said hopefully I'll have 80% of it restored after the 1st year. Umm those that know me know I'll try and make that happen before. Please, a year!?! More or less a virus attacked my central nervous system and paralized specific nerves. Who knew this could happen? Not me...
Brachial Neuritis:
Background
Brachial neuritis (BN) is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology affecting mainly the lower motor neurons of the brachial plexus and/or individual nerves or nerve branches. BN usually is characterized by the acute onset of excruciating unilateral shoulder pain, followed by flaccid paralysis of shoulder and parascapular muscles several days later. The syndrome can vary greatly in presentation and nerve involvement.
Pathophysiology
Brachial neuritis (BN) exists in an inherited and an idiopathic form. In the idiopathic version, the pathophysiology is unknown, but the condition is generally thought to be an immune system – mediated inflammatory reaction against nerve fibers of the brachial plexus. Axonopathy with subsequent Wallerian degeneration appears to predominate, but proximal conduction block has also been described in over 33% of cases in the series by Lo and Mills. The inherited form is autosomal dominant and has been linked to mutations in the SEPT9 gene on chromosome 17q. Septins are involved in the formation of the cytoskeleton and in cell division, but how these mutations result in BN is unknown.
Frequency
United States
The incidence of brachial neuritis is approximately 1-2 cases per 100,000 person-years.
International
In the United Kingdom, the incidence of brachial neuritis (BN) is approximately 3 per 100,000 person-years. BN has also been described in many countries around the world, although specific rates of incidence have not been reported.
Mortality/Morbidity
Brachial neuritis is not a fatal condition, although the phrenic nerve may be involved. The risk of significant residual disability in the involved limb after 2 years is approximately 10-20%.
Sex
Brachial neuritis occurs predominantly in males, with the male-to-female ratio for the condition ranging from 2:1 to 4:1.
Age
Brachial neuritis (BN) has been reported in individuals from age 3 months to 74 years; however, the condition's prevalence is highest in young to middle-aged adults. Onset in childhood should be considered suggestive of hereditary BN.
Clinical
History
The onset of pain in brachial neuritis (BN) is often abrupt and may follow recent illness, surgery, immunization, or even trauma (see Causes, below). Up to two thirds of cases begin during the nighttime.
The pain usually is localized to the right shoulder region, but it may be bilateral in 10-30% of cases.
The pain's intensity is very high (9+/10) and is maximal at onset.
Usually, the pain is described as sharp or throbbing in nature.
The pain usually is constant, but it is exacerbated by movements of the shoulder. Movements of the neck, coughing, and/or sneezing usually do not worsen the pain.
Intense pain can last from a few hours to several weeks and requires opiate analgesia.
Low-grade pain may persist for up to a year.
As the pain subsides, weakness becomes apparent.
In most cases of BN, this weakness manifests within about 2 weeks of onset.
Weakness is maximal at onset but can progress over 1 or more weeks.
A wide variety of muscles is affected, particularly those innervated by the upper trunk. The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and deltoid muscles are particularly susceptible, but many different single and multiple combinations of muscle involvement, including a pure distal form, have been reported.
The patient may notice considerable atrophy and wasting, as well as a deep aching in the affected muscles.
Numbness may occur, depending on the particular nerves affected, and usually is found in the nerve distribution corresponding to maximal muscle weakness. However, numbness is rarely a prominent complaint.
In 25-50% of patients, the medical history indicates a viral illness or vaccination that occurred days or weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. Some patients also may note recent trauma or severe exercise, surgery, infection, or immunization.
Physical
Due to the extreme pain involved, patients with brachial neuritis usually present acutely. Typically, the affected arm is supported by the uninvolved arm and is held in adduction and internal rotation.
Atrophy of the affected muscles becomes prominent after approximately 2 weeks.
Considerable muscle pain may be noted on palpation.
Passive and active attempts at shoulder and scapular movement result in a significant increase in pain. Movements of the neck are relatively pain free.
Muscle strength in affected muscles often is reduced severely (to 2 or less on the Medical Research Council [MRC] grading scale).
Reflexes may be reduced or absent, depending on which nerves are involved.
Sensory loss is not prominent but may be detectable (in particular, loss of axillary nerve sensation), depending on the specific nerves affected

Hell of a week-long entry

2009-05-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

What a week. It was a rough one and never want that one back. Time can keep it and turn to dust or sand or what ever it does with past time.
I had major allergies going on. I was in a place with some mold issues and being I'm allergic to it and have asthma, we'll just say that I was sicker than a dog.
I thank my lucky stars I wasn't in an environment like this. Holy cow how does that happen? YIKES!!

Of all weeks, Thursday I had 3 doctor appointments. The first was regarding my allergies, second, had my nerves tested for my shoulder, and the last was a MRI.

As some of you know I've had some issues with my shoulder. Apparently I've got some nerve damage. To learn more see pictures a few entries ago.

The testing of the nerves part one. The doctor had me lay down and sent electrical volts through me. He used a device just like this one in the picture. He did about 20 tests on one arm and about 30 on my other. I felt like I should have ran out of there since I knew something else was coming. Part 2...EMG.
I found the following on a medical website to describe what the EMG is all about. This is a test that involves needles.

What is an EMG test and why is it performed?
A test that measures muscle response to nervous stimulation (electrical activity within muscle fibers). EMG is most often used when people have symptoms of weakness, and examination shows impaired muscle strength. It can help to differentiate primary muscle conditions from muscle weakness caused by neurological disorders. EMG can be used to differentiate between true weakness and reduced use because of pain or lack of motivation.

How the test is performed?
A needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope (and may be displayed audibly through a speaker). Because skeletal muscles are isolated and often large units, each electrode gives only an average picture of the activity of the selected muscle. Several electrodes may need to be placed at various locations to obtain an accurate study. After placement of the electrode(s), you may be asked to contract the muscle (for example, by bending the arm). The presence, size, and shape of the wave form produced on the oscilloscope (the action potential) provide information about the ability of the muscle to respond to nervous stimulation. Each muscle fiber that contracts will produce an action potential, and the size of the muscle fiber affects the rate (how frequently an action potential occurs) and size (amplitude) of the action potential(s).
How the test feels
There may be some discomfort with insertion of the electrodes (similar to an intramuscular injection). Afterward, the examined muscle may feel tender or bruised for a few days.
Risks
Bleeding and Infection at the electrode sites (minimal risk)

There is no other way to describe it other than I felt like I was being tortured. I would have told him anything he wanted to know! He kept telling me, wow you're a bleeder. Umm yea that happens to people when you shove needles in the muscles and then tell me to flex. I probably got stuck about 15 times. A few were in the arm, shoulder, back and also the neck. The only ones that didn't hurt were the ones that I couldn't flex because the nerves are paralyzed - scapula muscle. The needles in my neck put me over the edge. I had tears running down my face and felt like screaming.

He said okay we got to get you out of here and over to get your MRI. I immediately went to the building across the way for my MRI. Yes I'm claustrophobic, how are you to be shoved in this tube and not panic? I went to my happy place. While I was there, at my happy place, I felt like I was being bombed! MRIs are LOUD. I felt like they had a machine gun on an amp being shot right in front of me. Seriously we're in the 21st century and we don't have anything less nerve racking? The tech said, you need to make sure that you don't move because if you do we'll have to start all over. Oh hell no. I will be still as long as you need me to be. By the end of the 15 min I felt a cough coming on, mind you I'm sick during all this. Good thing I didn't sneeze.
Now I'm not sharing this for a pity party but just so you get an idea of what my week was like. HATED IT!

Pay it Forward

2009-04-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies and gentlemen,

The first five people to leave a comment on this blog will receive something made by me. However there are some limitations.
1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it is going to be poetry (probably not), clothes, paper goods, or a little invention of my own. I may bake something and mail it you . Who knows?
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Here's the catch, if you choose to do this. You must post this on your blog and be ready to make something for five people too. This will be fun! When you receive the fabulous item I make you, you must post a picture of it on your blog.

Sandy, the water dog!

2009-04-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

Mike and Jeff were over at my house to install a cute white picket fence for my dog run.

Meanwhile Regan and Grant Wright, Andrea and Jeff's kids, were playing with Sandy. She got bored playing fetch and then was having her belly rubbed by Regan. Regan asked if Sandy has ever had puppies yet. I told her no and I don't think she will (she's fixed). Regan said oh, maybe its because she just hasn't found the right dog yet. That melted my heart. Too cute!!!

(Since I don't have children of my own I have to borrow my friends' children.)

To continue the fun I knew of another hobby of Sandy's that the three of them would love...water. Sandy is a German/Yellow Lab mix and the Lab comes out in here whenever water is around. Spraying the back patio or washing the car when she's around...not possible. Another reason for the gate. :)

Take a look!

Orthopedic Surgeon Says Nay...

2009-04-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last week I saw Dr. Murata and he said my back "wings" out. He continued to tell me this is what happens to people who break their collar bone. I was off to x-ray...came back, all bones in tact. He then asked if I'd been sick recently. I told him actually this is the first year that I didn't catch that flu that everyone was passing around in Feb and March. He went on to tell me that he believes that I got a virus in my central nervous system and it attacked that area of my back...paralyzing it. Told me that there's really no other way to get rid of it than just waiting it out like a cold. He said patients usually are 100% after 2-6 weeks but since I was going into week 8 he wanted me to see someone else. He sent me on my way with a referral to a Neurologist. (Didn't even do a MRI)
Today was my apt at 9:00 am to see a Neurologist. I got there about 8:40 to fill in some paper work. About 9:35 tell called me up to the window, you know that glass one that they can slide back and forth to shut the world out from their great stories of patient gossip they exchange with one another. She told me my doctor was called in to the hospital to assist with an emergency. It's cool, someone definitely needed him more this morning than I did so I'm rescheduled for Thursday at 11:00 am...to be continued.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Leprechauns are just as creepy as clowns. Happy St. Patrick's Day anyway.

My predictions - Reality TV

2009-03-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

A few thoughts about reality TV. There are a few shows that mean a lot to me.

First, thanks to Van and LaMar (mom and dad) I'm a fan of Dancing with the Stars. I've been watching for about 4 years now. Who do I think is going to win...well although Melissa is good and has the sympathy vote I believe Cheryl Burke and her partner Gillis Marini will take it home. This guy is AWESOME. I think Denise Richards is also someone to watch out for. Total potential!

Second, American Idol. I have mixed feelings about this show. I don't watch the first month of it because I don't think it's healthy to make someone into a joke. Although some may deserve it and yes I'm sure they sign off their legal rights and FOX has all these disclaimers but it just seems unethical. Having said that my top three would be Lil, Adam and Danny. Who do I think will win it all? Danny Gokey. American Idol is watched by people of all ages. Adam probably should win it at the end but I think the older crowd will vote for Danny.

Last but not least...Biggest Loser is by far my very favorite show to watch. As some of you know I'm a big fan of health and fitness. It's a way to boost your own morale and self esteem. You are fascinated of what you can do and how far you can push your body. These people have committed themselves to a TOTAL lifestyle change. That's huge! I get a bit choked up every show. This season (8) is different. They have taken people who are obese and I mean really obese were talking in the 400-500lbs range. Not all the contestants fall in that category but some.

Mike Morelli is my favorite.

He is 18 and has already lost 100lbs in 6 weeks. You can see the skinny kid in his face now. It's so refreshing to see that they are still voting people off that ask for it or know that they can succeed at home. It hasn't turned into this "out to get one another" as some seasons have done.

Mike and his father, Ron, AKA the Brown Team, have a lot of weight to loose still. The picture you see is at the beginning of the season. They are now losing 5-11 pounds a week. That's soooo great! I really hope Mike wins. Can you please look at these trainers...

I'm thinking of gaining 200+ lbs to get on Biggest Loser just so I can work out with Bob...HOLY HOT!!

Garden Spells - a smash!

2009-03-05T23:17:00.001-08:00

Thanks to my fellow Book Club members, as always I have a blast! It's true I don't photo well but keep this in mind...I had to set the timer and run back with my book and try to keep my eyes open since we had to take a few due to a couple of ladies that blinked in other pictures. Hence the deer in the head light look! :)

Although I couldn't get real organic flowers to cook with I did something kinda fun. See photos

I'm not a great chef, photographer, or crafty person but I will say these were fun!

Flowers and Foods

2009-03-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

I'm having the Book Club over to my house on Thursday and we're reviewing Garden Spells.

One of the main characters has a gift of including specific herbs and flowers to her recipes that encourage certain feelings.

I wanted to make a snack for the gals and these are my choices.

White Cupcakes with pansies

Cake with rose petals

Chicken with lavender

I still hurt

2009-02-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so now when I sleep at night I have to have my bear (yes I'm 35 and I sleep with a teddy bear) underneath my shoulder so it's pushed up a bit and that's the only relief I have. If I try and change positions I get that shooting pain and I'm wide awake. What the heck? Today is the last day of the anti-inflammatory that I'm taking. The pain killers that they gave me are like Vicodin and so strong that they do worse things to me so I'd rather deal with the pain. I'm a light weight when it comes to meds.

I think I may try and get in to get another massage this week too.

It's like one of my muscles by my shoulder blade is paralized. Other muscles in my arm are sore for compensating for the jacked up parts.

I GOT a shot!!

2009-02-19T17:14:00.000-08:00

I went to the doctor today...I got a shot and a Rx but I got a shot and I'm feeling Grrrrrreat! (In the voice of Tony the Tiger)

I want a shot

2009-02-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

The last month I've had some problems with my right shoulder. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with my arm asleep. Two weeks ago I woke up in the morning with a pinched nerve. I had a shooting pain that traveled from my neck to my shoulder then down my arm into my forearm and blasted out the top of my hand. It was tingly all day like when your foot is asleep. By bed time it was just a dull ache. It got better.
Yesterday I went to my weight class and then did a yoga class afterwards. I could hardly put my shirt on after showering, I was in so much pain. It got worse. I needed a muscle relaxer.
I have a huge knot in my upper back by the shoulder blade. Gravity alone makes it hurt. I tried to dope myself up with ibuprofen and percogesic night and all I got was an upset stomach. It didn't even take the edge off. I slept for a total of 80 min last night and can't get into the doctor till tomorrow. If it wasn't $100 copay I would have gone into the ER but settled on crying instead. Much cheaper.
I wanta shot in my shoulder blade and make it all go away!!!
I don't know what number on the scale of 1-10 excruciating pain is but I would say at least an 8.5.
OUCH!!!

You should know...

2009-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you are aware of this but I had no idea!
First off...During the Super Bowl 2009 for those that had Comcast who live in Arizona got a 10-30 sec clip of an adult porn movie. YIKES!! This isn't a link to the clip it's a link to the article.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/super-bowl/02/02/porn.cable.superbowl.ap/index.html
Second thing...deadly peanut butter. FDA says stop eating it! What the??? I heart peanut butter.
http://www.waltontribune.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f547aff1a09135c3
I had no idea that I was play Russia Roulette while eating my rice cake with peanut butter on top.
Need to more proactive about current events. Hello!!

Oh man that was GOOD!!

2009-01-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

I've had a bit of a sweet tooth lately and thought I'd hit the Ghiraredlli Factory that's less than a 5 min drive. Sure enough I left there with a small hot fudge sundae and a bag of chcolate. I won't lie, their saying is correct!

Moments of Timeless Pleasure...and how!

MLKJ weekend

2009-01-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

The weather was in the high 60's here that three day weekend. I went and weeded for 4 hours on Saturday not that it needed 4 hours of weeding but it was so nice out I thought por que no??? (why not?)

I found out as well my lemon tree isn't a lemon three after all. It's an orange three that produces yellow oranges. Strangest thing. Maybe with a bit more TLC they'll turn a lovely shade of orange.

Help with granite!!

2009-01-22T22:29:00.001-08:00

Alright boys and girls without giving too much away I am having problems selecting a granite color. I love them both. I don't want one too light or too dark. I don't think it's possible to go any lighter than what I currently have. See photos below and please let me know if you think darker or lighter.

Now I've included pictures that have my cabinet, floor and wall color. Alright people let's hear it!

Updates coming soon!

2009-01-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

I promise that I will have a new slide show, back ground, marathon date and recent pictures by the end of the week.
Right now I'm going to get my New Year's Resolutions done. I fell asleep on New Years Eve well before midnight. (That was moving day and I was tuckered)
Off I go.
Be excited for updates this week. Woot woot!

I got my KEYS!!

2008-12-29T18:53:00.000-08:00

Okay some may have heard through the grapevine that I was looking at buying a house and some this may come as a total shock. That's right, I'm on record, I've got my keys to my very own house. I didn't want to talk too much about it since me backing out of the condo in Sacramento and it crushed me. I knew life could happen this go around and not talking about it may be the best. I bought a foreclosure and got a screaming good deal. The house hasn't been occupied since Jan of 2007 and it's been move in ready. They took really good care of it. I'll post some pictures once I'm good and ready. Not trying to sound like a snob but I have the before and just want to get my things in there before I submit it after. Funny, paint makes all the difference in the world.
Off to celebrate. :P

Dollar Tree Christmas 12-21-08

2008-12-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

Every year our group of friends get together over at my parent's house for a night of dollar gifts. One of the rules is you don't spend more than a dollar on each gift but there are some you just have to splurge on, what another $1?

I included a few of the favorites from the evening.

This is Jenna with the white bear that my parents got her. (yeah more than $2) She belongs to Rob and Chelyene.

After opening of the gifts was homemade enchiladas. YUM!! My favorite part!

100th post Woot Woot Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Our work Christmas party was a few weeks ago. Working in the home building industry during this economy crisis I can honestly say we don't have the budget like we use to. I'm cool with that. I'm lucky I still have a job and I'm grateful for that.

We had our work party at our Pleasanton Office. They had a caravan bus that came and picked some of us up in Manteca. There was a handful of us. Good times.

They had these two massage chairs in the office and I spend a BIG part of the time parked there.

They had a ping pong tournament and Ralph and Mike were practicing here. Santa came and he was also wanting in on the action.

They had a really nice lunch for us. Lori showing you what she's got going on.

They also had Texas Hold'em. I just took a picture, I have no idea how to play.

They had raffles throughout the day. I won the grand prize. A $250 gift card for the Stoneridge Mall. Woot Woot! Guess who's going shopping after Christmas and going to hit the killer sales? That's right...me!

I've mentioned Bass Pro Shop that opened in Manteca a few months ago...well with it being Christmas season they had to out do themselves with the festivities. They moved all the show boats to outside and made that section a children's area with different stations. I went there with Valerie and her beau, Kevin after our work party. I work with Valerie. She is a dear friend. We are all each other have at work...only other girl in the field. We got our picture taken with Santa who was a little creepy for me so I asked if we could take a pic next to this cute snowman. Never mind the family in the background.

CIM (California International Marathon) 12-7-08

2008-12-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been awhile since I've blogged. I will be honest. Blogging has slipped to a very low priority this past month. Work has been loca en la cara (crazy in the face), I had to finish with my marathon, buying a house, getting ready for Christmas, and dealing with relationship issues.
I thought I would be able to copy and past my marathon pictures when they came out like my 30k but these photo punks have it blocked so if you want to bore yourself you can check out the website if you want to see my pics http://orders.racephotonetwork.com/QPPlus/Proofs.aspx if it asks for a bib number it was 1975.
I'm still very much a rookie when it comes to the whole marathon pacing. I blew through my first half and suffered through my second. It took me 20 min longer on my second half than it did on my first. It SHOULD be the other way around. A few comments about the race...
1) The spectators were awesome!
2) It was about 42 degrees during the run. Foggy as all get out which means no wind however, fog has moisture and so within the first 5 miles I'm soaked thinking...hmm I've got 21 more miles to run, LAME. I was cold the whole way. Not to the point where I was shaking but my layers were damp and just from the motion of running you constantly have a slight breeze running through your clothes. I planned ahead. I packed a set of dry clothes so at the end, where brother Brent was to greet me and drive me home, I could change into dry warm clothes. Ahhh
3) I've always geared up for myself to hit "The Wall" in the 20's but it caught me off guard since looking back it hit me at mile 16. I was not mentally prepared for that. Who is? Damn wall!!
4) I watched Run Fatboy Run on the eve of my marathon. Funny movie.
5) I was in the best shape for this marathon than any other run. I've been working out at the gym almost every day with weights to make myself stronger and not focus solely on my running. It burned a lot of calories too. Thanks Andy!
6) Favorite spectator: He was just getting ready for what I have no idea but as I was running by this tall man about 30ish, 6ft 5in, really thin took off his coat and had a red Speedo on and was rubbing something on his skin (perhaps to stay warm) Not sure what that was all about but it made me smile :)
7) I was talking to a gentleman before the run just people watching and he's an experienced runner, he's run Boston. We were talking how great it is to be in a group of people so large that want the same thing you do, to finish this marathon. We have conditioned our bodies to complete a 26.2 mile run. We all have some method to our madness. We were all running for different reasons but we were all running. That felt good. No, it felt great!

Thanksgiving Eve Day

2008-11-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

Just a few thoughts...

Our sales team provided us a home cooked brunch for our division and it was the bomb. It was fun chillin' and being able to enjoy each other's company and not worry about answering the phone for a spell.

I am very grateful for my job. A few of you have had to hear me complain about it from time to time but when all is said and done, I love it. It's a beautiful place. Here's a skyview.

I love my co-workers and trades, my freedom, my triple wide trailer that my office is in, I do love my homeowners, some more than others :), I love that I work for a home building company that is secure enough for me to stay employed, and I love that they tell us to put our God first, our family second, and our job third.When we came back from our wonderful breakfast one of my co-workers laptop was stolen from his office. The sad thing is we can almost guarantee who it is and it's quite sad. We have a personal friendships with most of our trades and it's very disturbing that someone would disrupt that because times are tough.

But it's material and we aren't going to let that ruin our Thanksgiving weekend.

Pictures of the 30k

2008-11-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

The pictures go in this order. Start, mile 4, mile 9, then finish.

A few races under the belt

2008-11-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

During my training for the CIM I've entered a few different races just for change of scenery. On 10-26-08 I did the Folsom Four Bridge Half Marathon. I was on schedule for a 16 mile long run that day so before the half I went to the trails and got 3 miles done. I saw Holly and Jeremy there too. Good times.

Then last weekend, 11-8-08 I did the Clarksburg Country Run 30k, (18.6 miles). My training schedule was for an 18 mile run and I thought that extra .6 miles would be fine. The run was along the country roads right by the Delta. It was so windy my neck was sore for two days from leaning into the wind. I had a hat on and didn't want it to get blown away. I won't lie it was a tough run. They had the officials there so you could wear head phones because the roads were open to traffic. It was a safety thing. Running under 3 hours without music was HARD. Clarksburg High School is the school my mom retired from. I also worked there for a year after my mission. I saw a few runners that were students during my time there. I chitted the chat with them for a brief time. Once again no music so I didn't have anything better to do. :)

This weekend another 18 miles to do but I'll have to get creative to get that amount here in Manteca.

Pulte Good-byes 11-7-08

2008-11-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Once again there was another lay off at work. Its tradition to go to Kelly Brewery for "last supper".

Russian River Wine Tasting - DD 11/1-2/08

2008-11-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

Floyd and Brent had booked me awhile ago to be the designated driver for the weekend of wine tasting in Santa Rosa. I usually do it for them every year with a car load of fun folks but it's generally a day trip and not weekend. It's very fun, they have food that goes with the selected wine. The wineries treat the DD's with gratitude, they always have a non-alcoholic beverages. This picture was taken outside of one of my favorite places, very homey.

This year we had a van of 12 full of fun people. Brent and Floyd met a couple on a cruise and some of their friends and family came to CA to enjoy.

We had a great time. On the way back to the hotel on our last day we were singing along to Neil Diamond, Sweet Caroline. It brings out the best in people.