Bikes 4 Kids Ride - 2009

Saturday was my first adventure with the Bikes 4 Kids organization and one of their fundraising rides. It's a great organization that provides bikes for disadvantaged children.

Chad stopped at my house at an early 7am, we loaded our bikes and headed for the Shark's place. We got her and her gear loaded and then headed for the IMC center where the event was held.

We checked in, got our packets, and headed back to the truck to unload our bikes, get prepped and ready to go. They offered a family 5k, 50k or 100k ride options. Based on what we are preparing for next weekend and the 100k course, we decided to stick with the 50k which is roughly 32 miles We talked an older biker parked behind us in to taking our picture and then with the magic of Tiburon's technical skills, she made us presentable. Side note - never question my love for the shark

We lined up at the start and we were guessing maybe there were a total of a couple hundred participants. It was a RIDE, not a RACE, I was reminded..... They sounded the horn, and off we went. The first part of the course is through some rough pavement. I don't care how padded your bike shorts are, the holes in the asphalt do.not.feel.good.

After turning onto Winchester drive, we faced the biggest hill of the course. I couldn't even begin to guess the grade, I just know it is steep. I turned to Tiburon and told her I was going to build up as much speed as I could for the momentum. The hill was HARD! Thank goodness it was short. Short but steep. Doable, but hard. I was glad it was past us, and started thinking about how much fun it would be going down it on the way back. We made our way over to 6200 south and was heading west which means another hill. A looooooonnnngggg hill. Not a terribly steep grade, but it just never ended. As we neared 2700 west we spotted some some familiar faces along the road side cheering us on!Tiburon's husband and her cute brood of kids came to the course to cheer her on, and was kind enough to snap this of me as we approached. We chatted for a second or two and then back off on the ride. At 2700 west we turned south and YIKES!! A head wind! And we had this for the next SEVERAL miles? Okay, bring it.

It was perfect weather, and in my neck of the woods, so it was just plain fun for me. We continued until 144000 south where we turned into a school parking lot for the turnaround rest point. Chad I rolled in, and just behind me comes in the LARGEST HUMAN BEING I have ever seen in person. Up close. His bike alone was bigger than me. It just so happened to be Shawn Bradley! Remember him? A local kid known for playing a little bit of basketball? It was cool.

We got water, I ate some Goo gummies and were about to double back and ride in with Tib when I looked up and there she was! She was kicking some serious BUTT! So we waited, a little more water, a potty break, and then back on the road to finish the other half of the ride.

Going north now we had the tail wind. Much.more.pleasant! And we were able to actually go a little faster with that breeze pushing us. And for the record, taking that hill on Winchester going down? Tucking in and just coasting down? AWE.SOME!

We made it back, got some food and all total it took us a couple of hours or so and rode this far:

Headed back to the truck, loaded the bikes, made calls and then headed home. However, note to self. Self: Pack a hat after a ride. Your hair is AWFUL

I didn't happen to get a picture, but as we were at the finish and heading back, we saw the line of children waiting for their bikes. It was pretty awesome to see some of the smiles on those kids' faces and knowing that as much as I enjoyed the ride, it was even better knowing it was for a great cause. Who knows maybe one of those young kids will love it so much that they grow up to be a cycler too?

Hey you! Yeah, I'm talking to you! I need some help.....

I'm gonna take the leap, but I am still in the research phase.....

So my question to you, all two of you who happen to read this lil ole blog, is this:

Have you or someone you know had Lasik surgery done?
And if so, who performed it, and are you/they happy with their results?

I'm looking to stay along the Wasatch front area, and want PERFECTION.

Any feedback, is greatly and warmly appreciated. Make out session may or may not be awarded

HELP! I've wedged myself in the strainer and can't get out!

The weekend is getting off to a grand start.....

Oh blogger world....

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.......

Okay, cheesy, I know... but whatev. It's Friday, and I'm feeling a little funky....



Since stepping into the blogging arena, I have discovered a whole new world (sing it in your head now), that has never yet ceased to amuse, astonish and amaze me.

Not only have I rediscovered my enjoyment of writing (albeit poorly. I ain't no English major), felt the satisfaction of journaling, but most importantly, have "met" some of the most amazing women that ever existed.

How is it that whether we are a few miles away, a state away, the other side of the friggin country away, that the computer along with a few clickety clicks of the keyboard and we have instant friends?

We have friends that we would have never met otherwise who let us into their worlds as they visit ours. That we find much in common with, learn from and most importantly gain strength and support from simply with a few sincere, heartfelt words?

I got an award today from HER today. A cool one. One I have been blessed with before so I am going to break the rules and not pass it on.

Instead I am going to reverse the love, and give a huge shout out to Loralee and the Gang. She is insightful, funny, an inspiring mother and even has a son in Chile on a mission too. She has become a regular read for me, and a cyber friend that I would love to meet IRL.....

Add her to your list, we can all use more of her in our worlds, and thanks again Loralee for the Lemonade award, XOXOX to you!

Puhleeze!! Help a shark sistah out!

My favorite Shark of all time (even more than Jaws himself) has been nominated for an award over at Mormon Mommy Blogs. Click here to vote for her. Click on Shark Bait. And as you do, say ooh ha ha in your head, just for fun.

Please?


Now?




Why are you still here?!

GO VOTE!

And thanks fer yer support!

Funny Bone Friday - Things I may have heard, or said, or just thought in my head

"The Shark is very educational - who knew?"

"Help yourself, it's self-service today, the full-service is closed until further notice."

"But there was a BUG IN MY HELMET! I had to knock it out!"

"So thaaaaaaat's what crop dusting is."

"I've just had my wreck virginity taken. You were here to witness it, how does that make you feel?"

"No, I have no interest in earning money working around the house, that.is.why.I.have.a.job."

"You said lickety. Say it again."

Happy Mother's day - albeit late.......

I did it!!

I've been threatening to ride my bike to work. In fact, it was one of the reasons I justified spending as much money on the road bike as I did. I had planned to not only use it to ride, race etc, but as a form of transportation
I've been waiting for the weather to get warm enough and for myself to get brave.

This morning I finally did it! Keep in mind, I also had to pack along the laptop, work files, dayplanner, lunch/snack stuff, and then all the stuff I would need to shower, dress and get ready. It was a LOT of stuff!

I swear when I put the packs on my back, they weighed at LEAST 60 pounds. Turns out that the big one was only 25 lbs and the small one was only 8


I'm aware that I scared my gym rat friends slightly. I'm pretty sure that as they watched me pedal off today from the parking lot, that they took bets as to how long it would take me to either fall or give up and call for a ride.
I.did.neither.

And the cool thing? By the time I got here, unloaded, showered and sat at my desk ready to work, it was the same time as if I had driven. SA-WEET!

Lesson's learned?
Keep as much of your shower-get-ready-stuff as possible at work. No need to haul back and forth. Purchase more and keep locked at my desk.

Don't let others pressure you into letting them take your bags and drive them there. If you set your mind, you really can do it!

Beware that Martie will likely take a picture that she is NOT supposed to. She's such a Hooch!

Since I have already begun creating a "shower at work" stash now, the ride home will be lighter and oh so delightful!!

Today's Top 10 List

A new segment that I may or may not be utilizing frequently.
Today's installment?


The Top 10 reasons that the Giggler is a Hoochie Mama.

10.She will do anything for money (and I do mean anything)
9. She has been banned from several single's wards (don't tell her bishop)
8. She back combs her hair to poof it up (big hair - 'nuff said)
7. She has a trainer named Thomas (tank engine anyone?)
6. She orders a small salad at Cafe Rio (and she doesn't even finish it all - that alone makes one hate her)
5. She refuses to discuss Brazil. Ever. (Bad 70's movie star)
4. She carries around a leg lamp, complete with fishnet stockings (everywhere)
3. She has an amazing set of purchased twins (and yes, they are SPECTACULAR)
2. She wears black mascara AND black glitter eyeliner (a sure sign)
and the number one reason?

1. She wears red toenail polish (we all know about girls who wear hooker red right?)

Just take a look at this hoocherific wonder....

now remember, we are still trying to find her a man. Get on it friends! And if you are trying to hoochie-up yourself a bit, she's willing to teach lessons!

**Disclaimer - this was all in fun. Really. Please don't put any comments about me being mean. Besides, every one of them is true, except for maybe number 9.

Thankful Thursday

Somehow, here it is Thursday AGAIN!
And once AGAIN, I have much to be thankful for.......

A wise Splenda Daddy. Serious. Dude has always been so good with our money, and while I openly rebel sometimes at a "budget", I am uber grateful that he has been there to keep me in check and to make sure that we have made wise financial decisions.

Crisp red delicious apples. I know, weird huh? Scored a delightful bag of them the other day, and they are a delight. The perfect snack for when I am starvin!

Text messaging. Really, what did we do before this techno miracle? I love that I can sit in my bed upstairs and text downstairs to Tuffy. Or be at the Chili's take out and text him to double check his order. Constant and instant communication is the ticket!

Summer almost being here. The temps have been great for running/biking outdoors. Lah, lah LOVE it! I even love it when it's wicked hot, so the fact that it will only get warmer, just makes my heart sing!

Iceberg milk shakes. The Shark was talking about them last week, and once I fixate on something, I just.won't.let.it.die. I HAD to have one and I'm telling you, it was better than crack. Not that I know what crack is like, but let's just say, it was AWESOME. Now, how to keep that fixation beast at bay.....mmmmmm chocolate peanut butter......

Speaking of the Shark - her motivation, grit, determination, sarcasm, humor, and the fact that she has cool pictures on her blog that Sissy loves to look at and say "owie, owie". She makes going to the gym fun.

Chaditude. 'Nuff said.

What are you thankful for today?

**And Kristina P if your torment me by saying Cafe Rio for lunch again, I just might slap you in your snuggie (jk) : )

I.L.Y.P.I - Tickling me Pink Tuesday

Besides the fact that my house is clean, my 13 loads of laundry almost done, no more pager, and that school is almost out?
Why it's this little token of love from C
Did you know it's the "in" thing to wear dog tags? ME NEITHER!! But I guess that's the trend these days. I had been admiring C's, and mentioned that I would like some. I thought they were cool looking and would also make great road ID for me.

Sunday, he surprised me with my own set Now it's really hard to tell from this picture. But one of the tags has my name, address and Splenda's cell phone number. Thus, my road ID. The other is something special unique for me:
ILYPI - I Love You Past Infinity - when the boys were little and we would say I love you, then someone would say I love you more and then the next person would top that by a billion, gazillion etc. You get the picture. Well, once you said I love you past infinity, then the game was over. You can't beat infinity. That became our catch phrase. In a hurry, it's been ILYPI.....
On my tag below that, there is DCLPC - my hubby's, boys and granddaughters initials
Below that is athletic M-Cat
and finally at the bottom Love, Loyalty. He was going to add Laughter but it wouldn't fit.

How cool is that? Now I not only have the crucial road ID that a runner or biker should always have, but something very personalized. I can tuck into my shirt and have mi familia right at my heart.

Thanks C - ILYPI!

Slang Gang Word of the Day - a plethora....

Just doing my part to keep us "in the know".....

Self Qualified Referee
Someone at any sporting event who always has to call the fouls, say the ref is wrong, or something similar even though nobody really listens to them and they don't have any idea what they are talking about. They think the ref is wrong about everything even though he gets paid to do it.

Soccer Mom-Oh, come on, that was such a foul!
Annoyed Observer-SHUT UP YOU SELF QUALIFIED REFEREE!!!

Manufactured Outrage
A falsified righteous outrage at things that are basically unimportant and meaningless, frequently employed by politicians, political activists, or the media. Politicians and talking heads use it to garner support for their causes, to claim the moral high ground and to tar their opponents; the media often just uses it in a cynical bid to increase ratings.
Manufactured outrages of note include Nipplegate, the Monica Lewinski scandal, the 2009 tea partys, backmasked satanic lyrics, lapel pin controversies...

Just about any time you hear any politician, activist, or radio show host getting outraged about anything, really. The louder and angrier they get, the harder they're working at manufacturing it.

farting gift
The act of someone farting immediately before leaving a room; leaving that special something to be remembered by.

Person 1: That party was the worst.
Person 2: Don't worry, I made sure to thank them with a farting gift.

Sharewear
An item of clothing lent by a girl to another girl to help her out on a night out when she discovers she hates her entire wardrobe just before going out.

Suzy: "Hey, nice top, you look great"
Shauna: "Thanks, it's actually a sharewear - I couldn't find a thing to wear but Louise lent me this

How I spent my Memorial Day - the kick off to summer

You'd think it would have been a day full of summer fun right? Outdoor play, the barbeque going, hanging with friends and family..................um NOT even!

Started the day with a quick bike ride to the gym for 75 min of kickboxingTib,me,Purdy

Sissy got her own bikeriding in

And then the real fun started with some of this

and this

and even some of this(buh-bye gray!)

We finally took a break and jaunted off to decorate our Dad's graves.
My Dad is buried in the Evergreen Cemetary in Springville, UT. He is next to his parents and a baby sister who was born on August 7th which is both mine and my Dad's birthday. She died the same day, they didn't even get a chance to name her



Then we headed back to Salt Lake to the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Estates where Splenda's dad is buried
MIL had been there previously and I loved the ribbon that she had wrapped around a flower container"Proud to be an American" He would have loved that. He had served a short time in the army, and was extremely patriotic. I noticed the grave marker next to his was a retired military WWII and Vietnam vet. He would have been honored to lie next to him.

After some quiet introspection at both grave sites, we headed home and after changing out yet ANOTHER load of laundry, headed for some super-di-duper fun that involves this

Tuffy was more than a little pleased when I splurged and brought home thisfor dinner. Perfect holiday meal right?

Sissy did a little duck chasing

But the day would not be complete if we didn't end it like thisI can't ever get enough of the snuggle.

I only wish that I could have gotten more of this

Happy Memorial Day 2009 - With a grateful heart to all who have gone before. Who have forged new paths. Who did not shrink from the fight. Who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Here's to honoring you, and to feeling "Proud to be an American"

Have you ever wondered why American Soldiers wear the flag patch backwards on just the right side of their arm?
The basic answer is: they are brave!
This flag is symbolic of the men who used to march into battle with an actual flag. So steady and strong that the flag would blow behind them. On the arms of our soldiers, the flag faces as if being carried into battle, blowing behind them.
(image and explanation taken from here)

Missionary Update - and a few Spiritual thoughts.....

Yes, we remembered to email him. Are you kidding me? I.will.never.forget.again!
He didn't send any new pictures, here's an older one that hasn't been posted before

Family,

Hey guy how are ya doing? Hahaha good thing that you guys remembered to write me this week! Haha just kiddin. Sounds like things are going good back home though, that is good. Mom it looks like you are becoming a staight up athlete. That Rocks and nice work in the marathon! Dad, I am living the Mustang honestly. Everytime that I see the pics I just want to drive it!! But oh well it looks like I am going to have to wait…
This week was really really rainy and wet. But one of the most effecient in the work. We are really coming along in this sector and so is my companion. He is doing good. We are also going to have a batpism within the next couple of weeks if all goes well. His name is Felipe and hes got 14 years old. And of course, and usuall the time is going by really fast. I only have about 7 months left and that is nothing here in the mission. That would be about 5 transfer. Not a lot..... Hope to keep making the best of this time here.
When exactly were you guys planning on going to Cancun? Like what month I mean? Did you have that planned? That should be really fun, but this time, we are going to have to put a lot of sunscreen so we dont do a re-peat. And now I will be able to use my spanish so that will be really cool.
So I have basically been eating chuncky peanut butter for this past week along with all of the other treats that you guys sent me!!!! Thank you guys sooo much for the package! WOW! I am loving the POPTARTS and the BEEF JERKY it was awesome. The package for my comp just barely got here and we will get it this Tuesday so we are good to go. I am sure that my comp will love it! Thanks again! Also you guys wanted to hear a little bit more details about my comp. Well he basically has just had a rough life with everything. Came to find out that my comp is getting letteres from his family now and is getting a lot more support. After he talked with them on the phone, that really helped him out. He is doing a lot better here in the mish. At first he was struggling and everything and now he is improving a lot. He really is starting to love the mission!!
Well that is about it family, nothing much going on this week, just the good old missionary work!! Have a great week family and tell tuffy and corb and griff to throw me a letter please!!

Elder Catmull

Sorry I dont have a pic this week, I gotta buy some new batteries cause these ones suck haha....



He has just shy of 7 months left, and found out this morning that it's all now paid for. With the help of some great extended family, we have been able to get his mission paid for a little early. I have to tell you, it's been the BEST investment we have ever made. Each email or letter home, I see how much he is changing and yet is still the same. I am so proud of him, but even more, thrilled for him because he has found his own happiness. That is ultimately what we want for our children right? That they be happy, whatever path they choose. I am hoping the next 7 months will go by quickly. I'm ready to have him come home and to be able to enjoy his new maturity.

Today our lesson in YW was about personal history keeping. I showed the girls the binders that I am keeping for Elder L. Every letter, card, email, news clipping related to Chile, from the time he got his call until the time he returns are all organized in some binders. I know he's not doing a great job at keeping his journal (which, really they are so busy, how do they have time?) and I wanted him to be able to have something to spark his memories of these two years of his life.

The lesson and my preparation for it, also led me to some of my old journals. I was really good the last time I was in YW and working on earning my Personal Progress. Everything you do, you record in your journal. I enjoyed going back and remembering some of the things I did while working on it.

I've been reminded of the most important reason for me to keep a personal history or journal. As I re-read some of my thoughts and feelings, the same Spirit I felt then, flooded over me again. It was like I felt the same things all over. Things I had forgotten were brought right to the forefront. It's important to go back and remember those spiritual feelings. It reminds us why we keep doing what we are doing.

I also shared with the girls the story of how my great-grandparents were married. Those family stories are fun and interesting and help us gain insight to our heritage. I hope as my posterity go back and read my journals, that not only will they get a sense of my own personal testimony, but they will also gain a sense of identity from their ancestors.

Which brings me to the subject of "the blog". I shared with the girls that this is another way to keep a personal history. Now, to clarify, I won't put my deepest darkest secrets out here. Mostly cause I don't have deep thoughts, nor dark secrets. But that is what my personal handwritten journal is for. Not to mention that it's special actually see "handwriting". I think that is important as well.

So yeah, I'll get deep here every once in a awhile, don't be afraid, it will be short lived and I'll be back to my snarky, sarcastic self in quick time. But I do love the fact that I have this on-line journal. Not only can friends and family see what we are up to, but I have made some amazing new friends from this whole shenanigan. I've learned great lessons and read examples of others that I would like to emulate and been inspired to become a better person.

And finally, I should have probably made this into two separate posts, but then again, it's my journal right? I can do whatever I want.

Saturday Random's

This morning I got up for an early run, I had an hour and a half, so I figured I would just see how far I could get. Much to my dismay, as I started off, I realized I had a completely dead iPod. What is so hard about making sure my podder is charged? Really? So thus, I was chugging along listening to myself breathe and the voices in my head having many different discussions. Did you know it's true that whatever the last song you heard is the one that gets stuck in your head? Sher's arrangement of How Firm A Foundation was my running anthem this morning. I have a whole testimony about that song, but that's for another post. I also heard roosters crowing, sprinklers slapping fences and sidewalk, trucks backfiring, dogs barking, and horses neighing to get my attention as I trotted by. I saw a little more clearly the sunrise, the flowers that were still dewey, the moon up in the sky on the west. I smelled more distinctly the wet grass, the water on the sidewalk, the horse pasture, and the fragrant bushes. I actually enjoyed the podder-less run this morning. I only made it 8.7 miles. I need to train harder.

Two year olds are at an interesting age. One minute happy as clams, the next full on hissy fits. Or is it just girl two year olds? I don't remember with my boys, but I do know it gets old pretty quick. How long does this last? At least her cute moments far outweigh the naughty ones.

Did you know that petunia's are so much more fun to plant in someone else's yard? Yeah you heard me. Explain that....Yard work sucks, but for some reason this morning's flower planting adventure was.... was.... well it was fun! And bonus - it inspired me to come home and weed my own flower bed.

Someone mentioned an Iceberg shake yesterday, and now I am fixated on it. I think about one constantly and will likely keep thinking about it until I soothe the craving. Does anyone else do that or am I the only weird one? And why do those darn things have to have so many calories??

Sissy and Jordan have a love/hate relationship. They are intensely jealous of each other. I am grateful that the canine half of the duo is patient. The human half is a bit testy, she yells "Mine" any time Jordan comes near me. Gonna have to work on that little relationship.

Our Bonco's group is getting together tonight for dinner. I know, I know, your reading this going its BUNKO! B.U.N.K.O! Whatev! It's actually a group of about 5 or 6 couples that 16 years ago started playing the dice game. After a year or so, we got bored and just started going to dinner. We do something once a month together and really, it is the greatest! We have had kids marry, divorce, parents die, have grandbabies, you name it, we've been through it together. It's a very unique situation, and I am grateful for every last one of these great people. I could call any one of them at any time for anything and the troops would be there! Splenda and I missed last month, so I am especially excited for tonight.

School is almost out. Just a few days left. And then, my baby is a Senior. Where in the freak did time go? Seriously, just two weeks ago, he was going to Suzi's half a day and kindergarten the other half. Sometimes I want the last 17, no wait, the last 20 years back. Can I cry "mulligan" on this and get a do over? No?

I have to teach YW tomorrow, I am NOT prepared. Lesson is on personal history keeping. Maybe I'll tap into someone's unsecured wireless and just pull up my blog.

My brain and body seem fried. I can totally bear my testimony of the power of getting enough sleep. Really. I have not done well, this past week and I can feel it both physically and mentally. Therefore, I am taking some "sleep well" drugs and calling it a Saturday........

Funny Bone Friday - Things I may have heard, or said, or just thought in my head

"There are so many women here, I think I am starting a menstrual cycle"

"You should stay livid pissed, it's a good look for you."

"You mean I shouldn't sign my e-mails 'Mama Caliente'? It means WHAT???!!"

Exactly what are "rings of fire" and how does one shave them?

"Gimme a sec, I have to retrieve my padding from Brazil."

"No. Those are not chicken wing grease marks, I do not read my book while eating chicken wings off a plate on my belly."

Thankful Thursday

I have been doing a lot of complaining this week, so I really need to take a minute or two and look at being grateful.....

This new water bottle
I've been having issues lately with water bottles and I think this one is a keeper. See that sippie straw there? Me likey. Me won't spilly.

Glitter eyeliner
The Shark handed out prizes one day in class and look who came out the winner? The picture doesn't do it justice, but I LOVE it! I look almost as glamorous as Vanessa. Almost. Okay, not even close, but I can dream can't I?
Thank you Angel Shark.....

Work BFF's who take the pager so I can go get some miles in on my bike. I wish I had a picture of the EG, but link over to her blog and leave a comment telling her to post more. She is hysterical and needs to get all her Evil Geniusing down in writing!

This bad boy.
The pager. Yes, I am so very thankful that I GET to be on call this week. Get pages all day long from users who forgot how to do their jobs or make mistakes and can't figure out how to fix them. Who use their coworkers credit card to make a copayment instead of for buying their lunch and then can't reverse it all. Who call every damn day with the same issue that I have to keep telling them isn't a system problem at all and would they please work with ______ but still keep paging me. For the big fat paycheck that comes after my week, and the golden opportunities it affords me to stretch myself, learn more about my software and keep in touch with the end users.
OKAY!
BIG.FAT.LIE!!
I despise, hate, abhor, the pager. There is no big fat paycheck. Monday night will not get here soon enough for me. BUT! I am thankful for my job, and everything else that goes with it. I'm just whining for a minute.

For this sign of reminder.
I find it hysterical that employees of a healthcare organization need such a prompting. Really?! Wash.after.every.pee.people. I am thankful for the good lesson of hygiene I learned as a child. Well done Mom!

And finally, in all seriousness. My Splenda.
Today's is his parent's wedding anniversary. His Dad has been gone now for several years and tonight he is taking his sweet Mom out for dinner. To The Roof no less. She done did a good job raisin that boy! She's lucky, and I am thankful! Remember, Tuffy, The Roof when graduating Seminary......(said in my best sing-song bribery voice)

What are you thankful for today?