Mullet's, Mayhem and More

What is it with Utah?  Some one help me to understand....

MULLET"S
Why do so many guys over the age of 30 think that MULLET'S are a fashion statement!  Let me make one thing very clear...MULLET'S are not in fashion, never were in fashion and it really means that you are undecided.  You can decided to have your hair long or short - just pick one and be done with the MULLET look ..PLEASE!!

MAYHEM....
Why is it that everyone in Utah must speed? It is MAYHEM out on the roads! I am not talking about the 10 mile over the speed limit rule - it is more like 25 -30 miles over the speed limit!  Now if you know me, I am all for getting to your destination in the shortest time possible - but really. With I 15 in the "need of constant repair" and your "tax dollars" at work the speed limit is posted 55mph in many places from Provo to Ogden - yet as I traveled at 68 mph cars were passing me going 80-85, what the heck!  They cut you off, weave in and out and I have to admit they are not the "courteous" drivers one might think.  Hands and fingers are gesturing all over the place, even I have to blush and I have been known to talk with my hands, waving them around like I was in an aerobic class!  Utah driving is pure MAYHEM.

AND THE MORE...
Oh and another thing, how many different types of fountain soda's do mini marts really have to have - I walked into one the other day and they must have had at least 20 choices all lined up!  Really there are only a few real choices  coke, diet coke, sprite, root beer and lets throw in a lemonade for fun.  Since Ron works for that beverage company that is only fitting!  Besides the "brand that can not be named" just isn't really asked for ..people usually always say .."Can I have a Coke?'  Seriously - you would think that the water here in Utah tastes funny - so many people carry mugs and cups around ready for the .40 cent refill day.  Utahans would never survive Asia - no unlimited refills at restaurants, no refillable mugs and cups and no fountain drinks at 7/11's or Circle K's, it is all CANS - of course they provide straws!

Lest you think that I am Utah bashing - I have to admit that the sunset tonight was fabulous!  The colors were vivid and the clouds were casting a warm glow over the sky.  The mountains are green, right now,  and the air for the most part is clean.  I like the big wide roads, wide enough to turn my wagon around!  You can be in the mountains in a few minutes from anywhere in the valley, that is a big plus.  I like Utah, but it has flaws just like I do.  I thought at one time it was "Happy Valley" a place where dreams are made. What I have learn over the years is that happy valley is what you create,  it is how you make your own dreams come true.  So I will love Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Thailand with all the flaws they have because I know that as long as I am dreaming and living life to the fullest I will be in "Happy Valley".

Post Script..  In Asia they may have driving MAYHEM, but they sure don't have MULLETS!!  Now that is something to cheer about!!

The Three R's

I didn't make a blog yesterday - I was practicing working on my THREE R's.  Running, Reading and Relaxing! 

• Running - actually I have been running 4-5 miles each morning - so I decided to take the day off of running and relax my poor knees.  They loved it and I loved sleeping in.
• Reading - I am actually almost done with a book I just bought, of course it has something to do with Jane Austen. 
• Relaxing - Okay I went and had a pedicure, sweet and after all the running I have been doing my toes appreciated it.
• Lunch - Chipolte's  - spicy steak burrito bowl with lots of hot sauce, yummy.  The manager felt sorry for me when he heard of my Hong Kong - no CHIPOLTE story and gave me free chips and guacamole.  Yea for the extra calories!
• Activity time - spend at the Family History Library and talked to my friends and family who just happen to be dead.  LOL  I love family history.  It is way better then sudoku!

My Tuesday had all the elements of the THREE R'S and that made for a good day!

Magic or MOM

My goal was today was to work on the THREE R's - Running, Reading and Relaxing.  After I dropped John off at baseball camp I did get a 5 mile run in this morning, so CHECK!  I thought the other two R's would be easier - boy was I wrong!  After my run I packed up the truck and check out of the hotel and started to make my way North - I got as far as Orem and my phone said " YOU GOT MAIL" - a text from John.  I just dropped him off three hours ago what could he want.... He forgot some things and could I please buy the items and bring them to him.  I called him and asked what he needed and said 'Sure" as I turned the truck around and headed for Big 5 in Provo.  I asked him where I could find him and he said "The Field" - so I went to the field where I dropped him off and no sign of John.  Remember this is BYU and there are many fields and the camp was broken down into 8 teams and it took me over an hour to find him - he was on the RUGBY field - like that is where I would go to play baseball! I have decided that John must believe that I have magical powers and at the least can read minds, well maybe I can do that!  John was grateful that I was able to find him.  I did remind him that I do not have  magical powers - I am just a MOM.       Hopefully I can complete the THREE R's tomorrow! 

Life...Busy Nothings

“Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings.” 
    ****Jane Austen

I have been back to the states since June 2nd, I have traveled close to 1800 miles already and have stayed overnight in four different states.  Plastic totes carry my clothes and things.  Two bikes are on the back of my truck, cooler in the back seat and my running shoes are close at hand.  Sunglasses have been used everyday as well as my camera.  I feel like I am busy - "...busy with a quick successions of nothings" that is my life right now. Days seem to be passing me by and I am having a hard time catching my breath, it might have something to do with the increase in elevation - but I think I am just busy keeping John entertained.  That is what a MOM does - I must be doing a good job, John is still smiling and seems happy.  He is off to BYU Baseball camp tomorrow and so I will have THREE WHOLE days to myself!  (I can be happy and excited about that - right?)  I think I need to work on the THREE  R's...run, read and relax!! 

Jane Austen and I can relax together and make life not so busy!

Silver

I have never been much of a silver fan.  In fact, with my coloring I have always worn gold, no white gold, platinum or silver for me.  Up until my first visit to Mainland China the only piece of silver jewelry I owned was my sterling silver charm bracelet that I received on my 16th birthday.  When I was in China I picked up a few very pretty  "Knockoff" Tiffany pieces - and have been known to wear them.  So I have developed a new apprecation of silver while still maintaining my love of gold.

Today I sat looking at the trees and the river in Provo Canyon and decided that SILVER was a very beautiful color.  When the breeze would rustle the leaves of the trees the underside which was then lighted by the sun would sparkle like a million silver coins.  I then turned my focus to the river and to the small pond that John was fishing on, when the breeze would ripple across the pond the sun would hit the movement and then it would looked like a thousand of tiny silver fireflies shimmering on the surface.  It was definitely natures own version of "EYE CANDY" without the calories!!

This morning John and I went up to the Charleston Bridge spanning the Provo river and saw some beautiful black birds with yellow heads in the marsh bushes - they made the most beautiful sound in the crisp morning air.  Then on our way back down the canyon we stopped long enough for me to snap a picture of backside of Mount Timpanogos.  Sundance sits at the base of this side of the Mountain...of the area Robert Redford said...

"This place in the mountains, amid nature's casualness toward death and birth, is the perfect host for the inspiration of ideas: harsh at times, life threatening in its winters of destruction, but tender in attention to the details of every petal of every wildflower resurrected in the spring. Nature and creativity obey the same laws, to the same end: life."

Went for a 10K run up Provo Canyon at 7:30 pm tonight - 5k up an 5k down - it was so beautiful.  The Provo River was running faster then me, I love the sound of rushing water!  The last few days in Utah have been beautiful - it almost changed my mind about Utah - but not quite!

Provo Canyon

Yesterday and today John and I spent some time in Provo Canyon.  I was amazed at how green the canyon was and how some of the high peaks still had some snow. 

We first stopped off at Bridal Veil Falls, I was saddened to see how deteriorated it has become.  The tram is gone and buildings boarded up - it was a far cry from the beautiful place it was when I was there last,1978-1980.  But it allowed me to get some pretty cool shots.

From there we went to Vivian Park and John had a chance to cast a bit, he misses fishing.  He had some high hopes of learning to fly fish when he selected his interim trip with his high school but was not selected to go to New Zealand, went to Australia instead so don't feel to sorry for him.  Maybe someday he will have the chance, he just loves fishing.  He didn't have any of his fishing stuff - it is packed in the storage shed in Washington - so off to the store we went.  I am not a fisherman or fisherwoman but I know how to pull out my card and "CAST" it at the clerk!!  LOL

We continue up the canyon road until we came to Deer Creek Reservoir and then we got out walked through a closed gate to take some pictures - John had fun taking pictures of the bunnies and I had sometime to think and breath the fresh air. 

Goodbye

So many faces in and out of my life; some will last, some will be just now and then and some will be gone forever. Life is a series of hellos and good byes, it's time for a goodbye.

Forgiveness

It has been close to ten years since I was diagnosed with cancer.  These last few days I have had the opportunity to recall a special blessing that was given me.  I was promised that I would live long enough to see my children raised to maturity...

Audrey is now a mother to my grandson Austin.  She has grown and matured in ways that are far above any expectations that I ever had for her.  I love who she has become.

David is the one that I thought would never mature, and to me he will always be a kid at heart.  But much to my surprise he too has matured.  David will soon marry and is working hard to take care of his new wife.  He is saving money, working hard, going to school and accepting the fact that money doesn't grow on trees!

Laura is 20 but has always been mature far beyond her years.  She is amazing and is truly a choosen daughter of God.   I always hoped that I could be like Laura when I grow up.

John although only 15 has done more in his 15 years then some people do in a lifetime.  I think I have at least six years before I can really say that he is mature.  So, lets live life to the fullest, JOHN!

When I look at the blessing that was given me I feel gratitude for the last ten years.  I am not sure what the future holds.  I hope that I will live long enough to see my grandchildren raised to maturity.  I live everyday knowing that my cancer can return, that might sound sad to some, but it is a blessing to me... I try each day to repent of wrong doings and actions, I try to love the way that Christ loves and I try to forgive all that offended me knowingly or unknowingly. 

Today I would like dedicate my blog entry to FORGIVINESS and to ask for forgiveness for any and all I may have offended or hurt in anyway.  It was never my intention to hurt anyone.  Since none of us knows the year, day or hour that we will be called back to our heavenly home - I want to make sure that I have asked for forgiveness from all those people who I have hurt, knowingly or unknowingly.  I am so very sorry.  I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.  Forgiveness is something that everyone needs.

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”

Wednesday Weakness

So today was better then Tuesday but not by much.  Eye muscles still got a little workout but not like yesterday.  Today was a day of weakness..

1.  Had a weakness for the mattress this morning and didn't get up for my run!
2.  At lunch BYU gave me a small bag of chips - my weakness  I ATE them!
3.  Eye muscles were sweating in at least two of the classes that I taught, tears are a weakness!
4.  Bajio's for dinner - that is just a weakness on all levels!
5.  Weakness for being honest and I was honest with someone which might be problematic.

Thursday I am going hiking and that should make the world right itself again!

Tearful Tuesday

I have must been exercising my eye muscles too much today they have been sweating all day.  I hate tears! They just seem to flow and sometimes I can't find the shut off valve.   It has been one of those days when the pipes almost burst, the river is over flowing and I am unable to control two tiny holes in my eyelids.  I can hike 30k in one day, I can drive 800 miles in one day, I can teach and talk for 5 hours straight - but I can't fix a leak.  I should enroll in plumber school.  Maybe if I go for a long run the SUN will dry my eyes and heal my mind...


Back from my sunset run and my tears have stopped.  I think it was due to the fact that I had to concentrate on my labored breathing - this high altitude is killing me!  Most importantly I was able to clear my mind, put things into perspective, and am beginning to see the cup half full again.  Emotions have a way of getting away from me when I am tired, under stress and homeless.


Tearful Tuesday is almost over and I am looking forward to a Wonderful Wednesday!

Rant and Raves

Today was a roller coaster of emotions!!  I hate that RIDE - the ups and downs, the tears, the laughter just make it one long tiring day and so it was appropriate for the longest day of the year-the Summer Solstice!


So here are my RANTS and RAVES of the day..


Rant - I wish people who drive could actually DRIVE!
Rave- The SUNSET was amazing tonight, the warm glow off the Wasatch front was comforting.
Rant - I couldn't take the time to drive out by the lake to take pictures of the sunset. Maybe on July 1st.
Rave- Drove through a section of I 15 that in the past was very hard for me today, with the SUN, I was smiling and made it through.
Rant - We got our tax bill for Hong Kong - it made me sick!
Rave-  No driving tickets yet this summer!
Rant - Things are a little crazy at EFY this summer - need to rethink teaching.
Rave- Laura helped me put together an new power point for one of my classes.
Rant - Why do I let people tell me what I can't do, why am I afraid.
Rave- This is the longest day of the year and the SUN was out ALL day!
Rant - I hate saying goodbye...
Rave- I love saying Hello with a HUG :)

Goodbye Rexy

Left Rexburg today.  David, Mandy and Laura are waiting patiently for my return.  Here are the final scenes from the Rexburg Road Trip...

David loves his MOM!!

John still has a way to go on the growing scale to pass David...

John loves Laura

Laura loves MOM

John loves messing around with the camera - work it girls!

Family Dinner

Since it was Father's Day - the kids decided to have a family dinner!  So does that make it really Mother's Day since Ron is in Hong Kong!  Sorry Ron - you would have enjoyed the dinner the kids cooked me!

Laura, Mandy, ME, David and John

Happy Mother's Day on Father's Day

SUN is a little CLOSER

Can I just say that I love REXBURG!  I went running last night and felt so close to the SUN.  It was great to see it finally in the sky with no clouds, no mountains and no buildings! (Especially since it is RAINING in Seattle, again!)  I was running on flat narrow roads with pastures on either side of me.  I felt I could almost reach out and touch the SUN.

I have to admit that I had a hard time running, it took me almost a mile into my run before I was breathing even kind of normal.  Rexburg is a little higher elevation - I am use to hiking and running at sea level.  I thought that my HEART was going to skip a beat or two or possible stop all together!  But I pushed thorough it and made it a nice 4.5 miles.  Got back to Laura's just as the SUN was setting!  Walked past the Rexburg Temple and stopped to rest and to reflect on the last few days, reunions with my family in three different states!

Saturday's Reunion

Saturday morning John and I got up, packed the truck for the last leg of our Rexburg Road Trip!

John was a... "LITTLE" thirsty! 

 

Costco's was designated as the

 Reunion site...

that was not a surprise.

I was having a little too much fun, after not being able to shop at Costco's in Hong Kong I went a little crazy!

After the shopping spree we were all a hungry to it was off to Texas Roadhouse!!  SMILES and full tummies.

Rexburg for two days and then on the ROAD AGAIN...

Utah is the next destination.

Road Trip

John and I are finally on our Road Trip to Oregon, Idaho and Utah.  We left this morning - okay it was almost noon when we finally left Washington.  John was excited to begin our Mother and Son road trip!

1. Meet Audrey, Toren and Little Austin at Buffalo Wild Wings in Portland.  CHECK!
2. Ikea with Austin - Pictures Below....of course!
3. Gas fill up in Pendleton Oregon  CHECK!
4. John need to stop to relieve his "many waters"  Idaho Boarder    CHECK!
5.  Boise Idaho and Sleep,  CHECK - well not yet as I am typing this blog then sleep!

John is watching TV and wants to call and get a free bottle of "Focus Factor" - I have got to get him to bed before he drives me crazy!  I am just happy that we are both still sane and alive.  He is beating me in the slug bug game and has seen more perdittles! Lets just say that I am focused on my driving - LOL.  We actually have had a great time.  We have the truck pack with all of our stuff, and bikes.  We have a few days that are open and we might try some trails in southern Utah or go up to Jackson Hole and Jenny Lake.  I would be happy just taking in natures sights, sounds and smells -  brought my camera so maybe I will get sometime to click off a few shots.

Tomorrow:
Rexburg Idaho - visit Laura, David and Mandy!!! Whoot Whoot

Monday:
Provo, Utah - speak at EFY and baseball Camp (I am the one speaking not going to baseball camp! LOL)

July 2nd it is back Idaho, Oregon and then Washington - just in time for me and John to get ready for our big family Campout!  John and I are having a Mother and Son SUMMER with lots of time in the truck - what a great ROAD TRIPS!!!

Pictures with Austin...

John and Austin

Audrey and her new desk

Uncle John

and Nana Heidi love

Austin

Ikea was never so much fun!! Austin makes everything better!

Three C's

What does a cookbook, crying and comfort have to do with each other? The are the three C's for me today! I found myself waiting for a prescription and started looking at the cookbook that I had just bought and for some reason I started crying and then I just wanted some comfort - like a piece of key lime cheesecake!

I know why I bought the cookbook, I wanted it! I like the author, Ree Drummond, "The Pioneer Woman". I read her blog and admire her life, cooking and photo's. (Who wouldn't like Maple Pecan Scones or Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Syrup!)

I know why I cried, I felt like it! I have always had a secret dreamed of living on a ranch, cooking good food and taking amazing pictures - and I guess that I realized that dream is not something that will never come true. So I am going to have to change my dream. (I don't think they have ranches in Thailand)

I know why I wanted comfort, grieving for a lost of some personal dreams! The key lime cheesecake will just have to wait for later because I was strong and decided an apple was better for me! (Calories are never lost in dreams or in reality!)

The three C's made for a thoughtful day or maybe it was just that my mind was somewhere else like the SUN- hiding in the clouds.

A "Peafact" Day

FOOD for THOUGHT
When most people think of peas, they might remember of being two and hating those little round green things that mom used to make them eat.  Yet, amazingly as we get older our view of the pea changes.  Could it be the color?  I would describe them as a fresh green color, not to bright not to yellow - just the right color of green. (Green is my favorite color so maybe I am a little prejudice.)  Could it be that we have learned that a pea is actually a "legume", and that sounds so much more sophisticated then pea?  Maybe it is the "supercharged" nutritional value?  Read on and you decided...

Peas are in the green color group. Green vegtables help maintain vision health and strong bones and teeth.  There are three main types of peas;  green peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas,

Pronunciation: ‘pe¯z    

Spanish name: chícharos

A Pod in Pea History


• Three possible origins of peas include:
• Middle Asia (Thailand, Burma) with expansion to India through Afghanistan
• Near East (eastern rim of the Mediterranean)
• Ethiopia (in plateau and mountain ranges)
• Carbonized pea seeds found in the Near East and Switzerland date back as far as 10,000 years.
• Domesticated pea cultivars appeared shortly after domestication of wheat and barley crops around 7,800 B.C.E. Early pea varieties have been found among the ruins of Troy and in tombs of Egypt.
• By 2,000 B.C.E., the cultivation of peas spread throughout Europe, India and China.
• Peas were a dietary winter staple of both peasants and royalty in medieval Europe.
• In 1492, Christopher Columbus planted peas in Santo Domingo, where they were quickly adopted by indigenous peoples.
• Easy to grow, peas were commonly planted by early American colonists and later by pioneers traveling west.


Just the Facts


• The sugar snap pea is actually a hybrid of green and snow peas. It was developed in 1979 to make an edible-pod variety with sweeter, full-sized peas.
• Edible-pod peas were specifically bred so that the pods’ fibers go in one direction, allowing them to be chewed.
• Today only 5 percent of all peas grown are sold fresh; over half are canned and most of the rest are frozen.
• One of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite vegetables was the English pea. He planted more than 30 varieties of it in his garden at Monticello.


Nutrition Facts Serving Size: ½ cup green peas, cooked (80g)
• Calories 62       Calories from Fat 2
Total Fat 0g 0% • Cholesterol 0mg 0%• Sodium 58mg 2%• Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%  Dietary Fiber 4g 18%• Sugars 4g• Protein 4g• Vitamin A 34% Vitamin C 13% Calcium 2% Iron 7%

When I was young one of my favorite stories was "Cheese, Peas and Chocolate Pudding".  I love peas!

Hope you have a

 "Peafact" Day!

Summertime Activity

John has come up with a new activity to earn Jamba Juice points.  He and I will be spending so much time together he thinks that he should get something out of arrangement.  He also informed me that "I sometimes annoy HIM!"  I guess it doesn't matter that there are quite a few things that he does that annoys me!  Well on to the activity...

So here is how the Jamba Juice activity works...

He earns 10 points every time I do something that annoys him.  When he has reached 100 points they are redeemable for a "POWER" juice.  Of course that means that I pay, that is the agreement.  He is making up the list of "annoying" things.  I haven't seen it yet and told him the activity doesn't start until I have signed the agreement.  Here are a few of the items that I know are on the list...

1. I can't sing any song unless the music to that song is playing - no exceptions
2. For each store I have him go in with me & do not buy anything it is worth 10 points.
3. I can't say the words...homework, school,  and any more that he comes up with.
4. Oh and here is the clincher... I can't do anything in public that embarrasses him.

I wonder if I should just give up and buy an Jamba Juice card now and save some head ache.  No, I am going to beat the system, he is not going to earn points as long as I am with him!  Stay tuned into see if I actually agree to the summer agreement. 

OCD

Confession time:  I have decided that I am an ODC ...an

Organizationally Creative Diva!!

I think I will have to copyright that descriptive term.  Living out of a truck and spending time roaming through 4 states I have come up with a organised and a creative way of packing.  Out with the suitcases and in with the clear storage boxes!  I have 6 flat totes and John has three, and we have one for misc items, they stack really nice in the back seat!  We can see what we need and just grab that box.

I just organized Johns toiletries - like he cares, but all his "sweet" MAN colognes and hair care products are organized in a small clear tote box.  Who knew that a 15 year old boy could have so much stuff to primp with!   His baseball equipment is organized too, in a nice HKIS sports bag for camp next week!  John of course hates when I start to organize him.  He hates all the questions like, "John do you need this?" or "JOHN what is this and why did you pack that?"  He just gives me that, mom get a life, look and continues to play his game on his PS3!  So, I do what any OCD would do and just take care of things my way!  If he is missing anything he only has himself to blame.

I love to organize things, it puts a smile on my face!  So if you are in need of an Organizationally Creative Diva- just give me a shout out and I will come running! 

"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.”
A. A. Milne quotes (English Humorist, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, 1882-1956)

Bridges

I attended a graduation program tonight and one of the speakers talked about bridges.  For some reason that word stuck with me for the rest of the program.  I love bridges, they link one path to another usually over an obstacle that is impassable with out the bridge.  One of my favorite things to do is to stop in the middle of the bridge, not when driving of course, and view the obstacle from that point.  It helps me be grateful for the bridge and for the ability to continue on my journey.  Without the bridge I would have to make my own way over the obstacle.  The obstacle can be as small as a creek or as large as a channel of water, Deception Pass or the Golden Gate Bridges.  Dangerous ravines and raging rivers are easily covered by the aid of a bridge.

Must pause in my thought process for some information...

There are several different types of bridges: beam, cantilever, arch, suspension and cable-stayed.  Each one has it own purpose and is used for specific reason.  For example the use of suspension bridges offer the capacity to have longer spans and are said to better withstand earthquakes, while the arch bridge is the oldest and simplest bridge engineered. Bridges can be simple or complex, some can last a lifetime while others are destroyed by the elements that surround it.  All bridges are made to get us from one part of our path to another.  If a bridge is out we would have to either traverse the obstacle without the aid of the bridge or turn around and find a new path or wait for the bridge to be repaired.  Bridges make our journey easier.

Back to my thoughts during the meeting





As I sat there with bridges on my mind, the speaker went on talking to the graduates about how they are at a crossroad in their young lives and there are things that they can use to help "bridge" the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.   I started thinking about some of the "BRIDGES" in my life.

I would have to list family and friends as obvious bridges but I wanted to think of other bridges, bridges that might not be seen until you have crossed over it.  One of the bridges that first came to mind was the bridge of TRUST.  At times we encounter some obstacle in our relationships with others.  We are individuals, we do not think the same, feel the same or understand in the same way, at times this can cause a deep ravine or chasm in our relationships.  It is at this time that we need the BRIDGE OF TRUST, this bridge is build on a solid foundation of respect, love and commitment.  It seems to me that in this world it is the one bridge that could be destroyed by the elements that surround it.  I think that we live in a very selfish generation and to trust would mean that we need to be unselfish. Trust is something that is important in any type of relationship.  I want to make sure that I use this bridge in all my relationships.

The next bridge that I think needs to be built in ourselves is the LISTENING BRIDGE.  So often we want to hear what we want to hear that we misinterpret what the other person is saying.  We also don't listen because we want to make sure that we can get in our idea or thought.  One of the things that I want to work on this summer is building the listening bridge.  I am sue that I can do a much better job at listening first and then offer my idea or thought, if it is needed! 

Okay I know that I have taken this bridge analogy a bit far, my mind was working over time in the meeting - so I will just mention one more bridge that I have been building on throughout the last ten years, that is the BRIDGE OF HONESTY.  I think that honesty is one of the bridges that helps in all areas of our lives.  Honesty is a virtue that has been cast aside for convenient sake.  We tend to justify and rationalized situations in our life when need to cross the honesty bridge so that we can contiue moving forward on our journey in life.

Isaac Newton said "We build too many walls and not enough bridges."  

This summer I want to build bridges!

Life is a Highway

I was driving back to my parents house tonight from Portland, Oregon and listening to a Rascal Flatts playlist, when they started singing the song "Life is a Highway" - and I had to laugh because that is what my life is right now.  Homeless and living on the highways between Seattle, Portland, Rexburg and Provo and all points in between.  I have a air mattress bed, complete with mattress pad, sheets, pillows and blanket so I am prepared to stay just about anywhere!  LOL  I also have my clothes in totes it is easier then suitcases and they fit nice in the back of the truck, it is almost like having a dresser with six drawers.  My IPod has enough music and audio books to keep me occupied for hours on the highways and byways of four western states!  My Chase debit card has been getting used, it was on a hiatus while I was living in Hong Kong but it is back and seems to be working perfectly.  The only thing that could make living out of my truck better is having a mini fridge - but "Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11"!

While driving I had the opportunity to be stuck in traffic on I5.  I was just wondering who's idea it was to shut down three lanes of traffic for some road work on a Saturday evening near Fort Lewis!  I was able to move forward 6 whole miles in an hour and a half!  How is that keeping our state "GREEN", with all the cars stopping and starting and only moving at a pace slower than a snail?  By the time I got home, I was one tired, cranky bladder filled woman! 

The upside to this long and lengthy drive was that I was able to watch the SUNSET, which means that the SUN was out all day - it wasn't playing hide-n-seek behind clouds and it wasn't that liquid sunshine (RAIN). The SUNSET was beautiful and as I drove north towards Seattle the west was bright with the warm glow of the sun and the pink to purple wispy clouds in the BLUEST skies!  My heart skipped a beat.   Not only was I able to see that but I also took the opportunity to lace up my runners before I left Oregon and run on a trail by the Clackamus River and then the Willamette River - I even had a smile on as I ran.  I love the SUN, it makes me happy!  I have missed it this past week a lot and it is nice to know that it is still there to warm my soul and brighten my life!  

My life is a Highway - I am going to DRIVE it all summer long!  No TICKETS please!!

First Real Love

I was thinking today of the year 1970 - I was ten and in love for the first time.  Now don't get me wrong I had my share of boys chasing me around the playground of Lake Grove Elementary - or wait was I chasing them, doesn't matter because in 1970 I was a mature 10 year old and in love.  He was older but I didn't care.  He was tall, well he was taller then me.  He was dark, well his hair was dark, shaggy and the kind you just want to run your fingers through.  He was handsome - the way first loves should be.  Oh and his eyes were the blue of Seattle skies, when the SUN decides to shine!!  It was true love, I knew it.... I am just not sure he did!!  Who is the First Real Love....

Robert C. Sherman: known to ALL those who were in love with him as:

BOBBY SHERMAN 

Bobby played Jeremy Bolt on my favorite show was, "Here Comes the Brides" - TV series set in "Seattle" because that is where the bluest skies are... when the SUN decides to shine!  I had his records and had most of his

songs memorised like "Easy Come Easy Go, Little Woman and
Julie, Do Ya Love me (of course I would change the name to Heidi when I would listen.)  Memories...

I wish I still had those albums.

I wish that TV shows were as wholesome as "Here Come the Brides"

I wish for Blue Skies

I wish that I could dream like I was ten again.

I wish for...nothing because I have it all, I have people who love me, FAMILY and FRIENDS!

Umbrellas

I woke up again this morning to RAIN.  Since I had decided not to walk or run yesterday I was determined to haul my butt out of bed and get outside even in the rain.  I caved into the sad puppy dog eyes of Baxter and leashed him up, which proved later to be a mistake, and off we went.

The rain drops were coming down at a fairly steady pace, the air was crisp and clean, actually it felt more like fall then summer.  As I started walking I was wondering if I should have brought an umbrella.  In  Hong Kong I would always carry one in my purse for those emergency downpour I would sometime encounter, but I never took them on hikes or walks because the air was usually always warm and so was the rain.  As my mind was trying to decided whether to go back and get an umbrella or not, Baxter decided it was time to tree a squirrel! The decision was made, no umbrella.

The longer that Baxter and I walked the more I thought about umbrellas.  Sometimes when I think about a single word for so long it either sounds stupid or it really gets me thinking.  I am glad to report that the word umbrella is not stupid.  Therefore, I must have done some serious thinking...

I first thought about the definition of umbrella :  a round collapsible canopy of plastic or waterproof material on a frame at the top of a handle, held in the hand to protect somebody from rain, snow, or sun.  I thought that was a pretty clear definition, but my mind wasn't done thinking...an umbrella is also something that gives support, protection, or authority.  So, here is where my mind really started to run as I walked in the rain..

My religion and faith is an umbrella that I have in my life.  It supports, protects and is an authority in my life.  I always have it with me, but sometimes I forget to take it out and use it.  That is not the umbrellas fault it is operator error, how stupid is that.  When storms are brewing in my life I sometimes walk about without my umbrella.  Thank heavens that during those times I have usually pull it out somewhere in the beginning of the storm, but  am already wet and cold from not having the protection.  When will I learn to always have that umbrella up, open and ready to protect me.

My family is an umbrella in my life.  They offer support and protection, even when I have lived far away. Throughout my life I have had to use the umbrella of family.  It has not been easy for me to grab this umbrella, I had this notion that I could just be their umbrella and that I didn't need one.  Then when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 I found out just how strong the family umbrella was and how bad I not only needed it but needed to use it.  Audrey was 17 and was a junior in high school, she decided to do running start that year so she was able to be home every afternoon to help me.  My mom would come over in the mornings to do laundry and cleaning during my 6 months of chemo.  My three sisters would take my kids to events, games and had them over for sleepovers.  Just knowing that this umbrella is in good working condition and ready to use at any moment has been a comfort.  I love this umbrella and only wish that I could be more of an umbrella for them.

Friends can be an umbrella in my life. Throughout this past year I have discovered which umbrellas are really useful and which ones are just a fashion statement.  It is amazing to me that I can have a beautiful umbrella in my closet and think that it is going to work for me when I need it, and just when I pull it out I realize that the frame is broken, the release button doesn't work and it has become useless.  So, I go back to the umbrella stand and grab the umbrella that is plain, simple and trustworthy.  I am grateful to those reliable umbrellas that are always in my stand waiting to offer support and protection even when I have brushed them aside for a more fashionable one.

Today while the rain drops pelted down on my head I was reminded of the "UMBRELLAS" in my life and am grateful for the support and protection they give me as I go through life's weather changes.

I am so tired of RAIN and I am waiting for the SUN, but even in the SUN you may need to use an umbrella. 

Road Trip

Today I was able to take Austin on his first road trip, and it was across state lines!  Austin was so excited to be riding in Nana's TRUCK and was the perfect little passenger.  He slept the whole way up to Federal Way.  It must of been my expert driving skills, smooth pedal pressure and just the right speed that made this Austin's dream ride!


Audrey decided to meet her Nana, Aunts, and a few of her cousins at Red Robin for lunch.  I have to say that Austin was the best thing on the table.  He made looking at the menu hard because everyone was watching him and not ordering their lunch.

Aunt Sue, Lexi, Maddi, Aunt Kathryn and Carmen

Aunt Shelby and Great Nana Carol

Austin's first 2nd cousin arriving soon!

And not wanting to miss the "Austin Action"  here is the Grand Papa !!

Austin is well loved  by all...

Although it rained the whole day, I did see the SUN try to shine through the windshield a few times during the short breaks.  I watched as the rain drops would move across the window and wonder to myself what is the future for this little boy who has come into our lives.  I am not sure, but I do know that he is loved by his parents and grandparents and great grand parents, plus all the aunts, uncles and cousins on all the family sides.  He is one lucky BOY!  And I 'am one blessed NANA!!