decision made

Yup, I made a decision and skipped the gym. It felt good to get back on the bike again. I only went 15 miles but that was enough for now. Here's hoping for good weather on Monday since that is the only day I am at home prior to my ride on June 5.

And it gets even better! I felt so good after my ride that I worked some more in the flowerbeds. They are really started to come together. I can't believe it. I only need to weed one small section and bury the lawn edging to call them done.

Then, the real fun of the north flowerbed really begins. Why? That flowerbed is completely saturated with grass. I either need to dig it all out and start over or figure out how to separate it from the plants I would like to keep. Oh yeah, and bury more lawn edging so it stays nice this time. Whew! It never ends.

Another question, should we make an executive decision and to buy a new house and build what I want from the beginning or just keep plugging away on the one we have. Yes, I've lived in this house for six years and I'm dying to move!!!

So, what do you think? Fix up or build up?

remind me again why i do this

The sun is out, the wind is minimal, the birds are chirping, and the roads are dry, remind me again why I am going to the gym today instead of out on the road on my bike? Maybe cuz I pay for the gym? I really need to get better about using it on rainy days and enjoying these sunny days-especially since we are getting so few of them right now.

What do you think? Should I make an executive decision and boycott the gym today in favor of a quick ride? And by quick I'm thinking 20 miles. Maybe 25. Definitely not 30, not today. But I should, my 35-mile ride is only 10 days away. Save me!! Or just come cheer me on, that will work too.

Good news of the day! I found a Saturday riding partner. We are both planning to ride a half century in August and when we figured that out, we decided to train together. We will be our own support group. She rides short distances really fast so I get to learn speed from her. I ride longer distances but much, much slower. She will learn distance riding from me. So excited!!

it's a rocky road ahead

I had a great weekend!! I picked up my bountiful basket and thought long and hard about what to do with a coconut to no avail, looked at my yard but didn't do anything, cleaned most of the house but didn't start any laundry, was so sore from lunges on Thursday I could barely walk up and down the stairs so boycotted both my bike and the gym, almost finished three of my big projects at work but can't quite cross them off my list. 

Wondering why I had a great weekend? Cuz the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping and it looks warm outside, that's why. Although I'm not going to venture out to see how warm it really is, I'll enjoy the sunshine as it streams through my windows.

This week is going to rock. Literally!! We are going to Arches National Park, driving through Canyonlands and Goblin Valley, and will wrap it up with a visit to Cleveland (cleveland rocks you know). Don't be surprised to see pics of rocks and dirt soon, very soon.

my first avalanche day of May

Pretty good that I almost made it through the month right? In answer to your pending question, an avalanche day is when everything comes crashing down and I am so buried I don't know where to start or how to dig out.

Here's my list of things that HAVE to be completed by the first of June:

• HUGE multi agency RFP
• CTF overview document
• Teaming agreements and go-to-market strategy for three partners
• SOW for a consultanting gig the end of June
• New job description for me
• Website requirements document so we can build a new website
• Last minute stuffs for Training Conference
• Template and guidelines for digital signage

And that's just work. Personally, I need to:

• Prepare for my first 35-mile ride on June 5
• Finish my flowerbeds
• Take my kids to Arches
• Get some sleep

And that is not a comprehensive list in any way. I'm afraid it is going to be a LONG, work-filled weekend. Yuck!! At least the weather is going to be terrible so I won't feel guilty about not riding my bike or working in the yard. Hey! Good news!

and she takes ...

Secretary!! So proud of Kaitlyn, she tried out for guard captain even though she will only be a sophmore next year. She was the youngest to try out. There was one junior and four seniors. Here is what she had to do:

1. 1. make up a 1:30 minute routine.
2. 2. sit through an interview.
3. 3. teach someone how to do flag tosses.

Her instructor LOVED her routine and has decided to put part's of K's routine in a future show. She told me it was her favorite of the bunch. They were worried about making her captain because she is so young, so they made her secretary - the next most important position to the instructor. I mean, equipment manager? Who wants to be that? :)

here comes the travel

Normally, my heavy travel starts in July and goes through Oct. This year it starts tomorrow. I am lucky to have short, quick trips but it still means I am not home and part of all the fun! I am determined to have fun on my trips this year though and not just sit in the hotel and watch television.

First up, going to Newport Beach, CA. Am two miles from the beach. Depending on what time I get done and how dark it is, I plan to walk down and enjoy the sand.

Second, Boston. Love, love the Boston area. Will be walking to the Indepence at the end of the Freedom Trail. Have yet to make it there. That is my one goal. :)

Third, Ft. Lauderdale. All I have to do is walk the beach and I'll be good. Funny that I'll get to see both coasts in just a four-week period.

After that? We'll see. I'll try to take pics to prove I did something fun.

it's all starting to come together

I have wanted to redo my flowerbeds now for three years. It seems that as soon as I get started, something happens and then nothing happens. I am so excited for this year! Things are actually getting done!

1. Back flowerbed is all weeded and has new layer of woodchips. Looks fabulous.
2. Small front flowerbed is weeded, edged, seeded, and put down a layer of woodchips. It has never looked so good! We planted 75 new bulbs in and through the existing tulips and other plants. I have not idea what it going to look like but am so excited. I'll post pictures when I get new blooms.
3. Large front flowerbed is crazy. There is so, so, so much to do. I figure if I just do a little every day it is warm outside, I might get done by August. :) Actually, today was a fabulous day. I was able to clean out all the weeds from the house to about three feet out. We laid down some weedblocker and dumped a thick layer of woodchips on top. I then went to town and bought 12 perennials/bushes to start filling it in. I am excited about them and can't wait until they get to be their regular size. I still need to clean out the rest of the grass/weeds and put down the liner but at least I have a start and some new plants to watch grow. I am hoping for better curb appeal. My house looks so boring from the street.
4. We planted six tomatoes and four peppers. We have a GARDEN!! I know six plants is nothing compared to Pauline's amazing garden but it is better then last year when we did nada.

I still need to figure out what to do about the north side of the house and along the sidewalk but at least something has happened. Like I said before, when things start to grow and fill in, I'll post some pictures.

And now I need to take a shower and rest. I has been a LONG day.

butterflies and brownies

This day will now be interrupted for a brief moment of cerebral chaos.

the summer of my dreams

I have long wanted to spend as much time as I could partaking of all the cultural activities available in Cache Valley. This weekend, I sat down in front of the computer and ordered tickets. I've discovered two things: 1) online shopping is dangerous and 2) I love online shopping! Ok. so that is not a new discovery, just a reaffirmation of how much I love it. :)

So, here is what I get to do:

• Three plays at the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City
• Four Pianist concert at Eccles Theatre
• Blithe Spirit, The complete works of Shakespeare, and The Mousetrap at the Caine Theatre

I am also going to go to Summer Faire, make it to the County fair, and take my kids to the State Fair for the first time ever! Actually, I've never gone to the State Fair so it should be a fun time for all of us.

As a family, we are planning to go to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, Kennecott Mine, Kowabunga Water Park, Lagoon, the museums in Ogden, indoor sky diving, and whatever else comes our way. All this will be mixed in between work trips, marching band, climbing team, family reunions, scout camps, Girl's Camp, and summer school.

Think we are doing enough? Not us! We are looking for a few good, family concerts to attend. Any suggestions?

a genius i am not

This week I attended the Utah Genius Awards Luncheon, not that I profess to be a genius at all. The company I work for was honored for completing seven trademarks last year. Yes, it is quite a process to get a trademark, but it is even more of a process to get a patent. This organization also honors those who have received patents last year.

I sat at a table with one man who received seven patents because he redesigned a $10,000 billiards table. Next to him, a representative from USU was talking about how they are separating particles using thermodynamics. During the honoree reception, I met the marketing director from Doterra. They sell essential oils (my salon using them and they are amazing!!). There was even a person from Fayette, UT who received four patents for firearms improvements. The amount of brain power in that room was staggering. I felt silly sitting there for a few trademarks.

Interestingly, Logan ranks #5 in patents received by a city. And Paradise, Millville, and Hyde Park were all on the list for top five cities with patents per capita. I feel blessed to live in such a highly creative community. It was fun to talk to people and see what kinds of crazy inventions herald from this good ole state of Utah.

And a special congrats to the University of Utah...233 patents in one year?! That is simply mind boggling.

blame it on genetics

So...if you are a Wells girl, you are probably wondering why you have knee pain when you workout for a long time or try to run or do something like that. I now have the answer. It's genetics!!

Kaitlyn has been having problems with her knees since band camp last summer. We finally got her into the doctor to see what was up. The angle of her legs is out of whak. Instead of moving straight up and down, her knee cap moves at an angle. Too much work on the knee causes swelling...and pain.

So if you are a little weak in the knees, strengthen your quads and your hips and your life will change!! Want the exercises? Let me know. I'll send you the scoop.

ambition is for .... someone else

I have such ambitious plans for this week I am tired just thinking about it. Why so much ambition when I've been pretty much lazy for a couple of weeks? Well, because I've been so lazy the last couple of weeks.

So, here are my major goals:

• Finish 3/4 of my list for work. Meet all my deadlines (yes, this is HUGE and, no, there is no way I can finish the entire list).
• Finish a 30-mile bike ride. Finish at least one other ride.
• Finish the edging for one flowerbed in my front yard.
• Finish the skirt I started three weeks ago.
• Eat healthy every day this week.

Think I can make it? I think I can, IF the weather cooperates.