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.