The Random Adventures of Vargasgirl

Happy Birthday Shannon!

2011-04-01T17:10:00.001-06:00

Editor Note: This was supposed to be published two days ago on 3/30/11
Alas, I suck and it didn't happen.
Enjoy...

Today is my friend Shannon’s 30th birthday!!!

Not just ANY “dirty 30” mind you… SHANNON’S 30th B-day.

In order to respect Shannon’s privacy and because she does not define herself with her illness I will spare the details there, but give all the good news.

Four weeks ago Shannon was readmitted to University Hospital in Denver, this time was only 5 weeks after the last time she checked out. These frequent visits were very unnerving. As a friend you want to keep an upbeat and positive attitude, but we were all concerned. This was not good news. About a week before her re-admittance she decided to put herself on the Lung transplant list. She had been eligible for this list for quite some time but I suspect she stalled going on the list because she wasn’t going to let the disease “win”.

Through texts messages we agreed I would come to see her on Sunday and cheer her up, bring in some food (probably Thai) and we would do whatever we do when we hang out in a hospital room and pretend we are anywhere else and the nurses are really just there for entertainment.

The next day, Wednesday March 2, I got the text from Shannon. “Sunday won’t work for us to hang out, I am getting lungs tonight!”

Yes, less than a week on the list and only hours after the doctors said her chances for lungs any time soon was bleak. She was second on the list and lower priority.
So here we are 4 weeks later. On her 30th Birthday! A birthday doctors said she may not see, and on top of it all, no needed oxygen. She can breathe.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my friends in ‘good’ places. I think breathing is the best gifts Shannon could have gotten for her B-DAY! Although the running shoes I am buying for her are going to be a close second best. Get up and at ‘em girl! You’ve got some training to do!

Happy Birthday Shanny Shan Shan!

Smart Friends

2011-04-01T17:08:00.001-06:00

Tonight, My friend's husband, Christopher. Will be on Jeopardy. Good luck!!!

Poor Little Sad Blog

2010-07-07T22:32:00.002-06:00

Sorry I have neglected you. I have a valid reason. It’s not a good excuse, but it is true.

See, this spring I got a hair brained idea to purchase a business. A flower shop to be exact.

Why? Well many reasons.

To name a few: I was getting way too much free time, I was enjoying sleeping in, or only setting my alarm to go on 5 am swims, or for fun events. My friends were tired of reading my facebook status updates of my travels to Puerto Rico, volunteer work at various beer, music and film festivals. It was kind of freaking me out how many ‘famous’ people I was meeting this year. It was getting a little frightening. My dog and cat were getting sick of me being around the house so much. Ski season was over. Oh yeah, and I can’t forget, I needed one of those job things, since I was less than enthusiastic about going back into IT I figured I would create my dream job.

So what better way to solve these issues? Buy a business! It will take up all your free time and teach you many lessons in the process. Since I love learning lessons hands on. I had my work cut out for me.

The process of purchasing a business I think is the closest I will ever come to having a baby. Not that I have had a baby to compare this too, but after seeing what many of my friends went through with childbirth, I feel like I can relate.

In the beginning of the process, random people would immediately ask you if you are married and if this was planned (I am NOT kidding). The first to ask me this question was my first bank I went to in order discuss financing, yes, even though this is highly illegal, I was asked “How do you expect to do this without a husband?” Hello 1954, please go away and come back to 2010. Needless to say I did not get my loan from that bank and I am in process of closing my accounts there.

Everywhere I turned it seemed like everyone had unsolicited advice to give. Some good, some not so good, and much from people with no credibility to give advice.

My workout regime along with my diet pretty much went to hell.

I would wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares of “what if I screw this up?”

I dreaded and anticipated the delivery date.

Since the delivery date(June 1) I have not slept or ate much. Again grabbing food and short naps when I can. Not even going to talk about my workout schedule. Or I should say, what workouts? I have participated in one triathlon and the MS150 bike ride this summer, but both of those performances showed my lack of commitment to ‘training’. I do however still plan to go to SF for the Nike half marathon in October. Note the ‘half’. I will not be training for the full marathon.

My social life has suffered horribly. If you want to find me, I’ll be at the shop.

In the end, I will drive a mini-van. Heck, even my ‘mom’ friends, I can only think
of a couple that have mini-van’s. I am not afraid, It will have a lot of flowers on it. It’ll be cool!

Even though this list looks like a whining list. Believe me it is not.

I could not be happier! I am working ridiculous hours, but I am for the first time in my professional career, feel like I have found my ‘fit’. Playing with flowers and making people happy every day. Who wouldn’t love that? Oh yeah, plus I get the bonus of reading all those cards people send with flowers. That alone is a whole other blog.

More to come, I promise.

RUM PUNCH! POW!

2010-05-21T07:50:00.000-06:00

This past week I returned to Puerto Rico. This trip was the original one planned days before my aunt passed away in March.

Once again I return with a recipe that I am being prodded to share.

RUM PUNCH!

In a pitcher, Mix:
1 Cup Coconut Rum
½ Cup Limon (Lemon flavored rum)
1 Cup Pineapple Juice
½ Cup Orange Juice
Splash of grenadine.

Top the pitcher with ice, mix well, top each drink with FRESHLY grated nutmeg. (don’t use any of the stale powered, pre-grated shit!—YUCK!)

Serve to your friends, smile, and enjoy!!!

*Warning: you may make multiple pitchers of this.

By Popular Demand: RUMCAKE!

2010-05-07T07:54:00.003-06:00

(Editor note: I wrote ths blog a couple of months ago after returning from my trip to Culebra. I have withheld posting it until I had photos to match. By a little proding from an old friend across the pond, I am posting this without photos so Val can make some rumcake)

A few years ago, I found a rumcake recipe online that I tried, loved, shared and accepted all rave of all my friends saying it was the best Rumcake they EVER had. This includes my ex semi-expat parents that spend a better part of a decade as Antiguan residents. Let’s just say, my family knows good Rumcake when they have it. And I make a MEAN Rumcake.

The recipe I used and pretty much still follow came from Pioneer Woman. I change some of the technique’s some. But I don’t want to completely plagiarize her recipe.

Recently I traveled to a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico to lay to rest my dear Aunt Judy that passed away rather un-expectantly. Aunt Judy was known for a lot of things, speaking her mind, causing a social ruckus and baking a mean Rumcake. In fact her cakes were famous, if you ate a Rumcake on Culebra, more than likely you were eating my Aunt Judy’s Rumcake. She supplied them to all the restaurants on the island. Her Rumcakes had been written up multiple times in travel magazines.

I regret I never got down to Culebra to visit my Aunt and have her Rumcake. In fact I was supposed to go for my first visit this month. That’s Aunt Judy for you, Leave the party early and forget to say good-bye.

When I arrived in Culbra, after settling down for the evening, my cousin Tracy (who I secretly think is really an older sister since we are so similar in soo many ways) asked me “Want to make one of Mom’s Rumcakes?”

Oh hell yes!!! (I really wanted to spy the recipe)

Imagine my shock when I saw the recipe and discovered it is the same as mine?

I could be selfish and keep it as my own, but that is not my family’s way. I will continue the family tradition and sell the Rumcakes whenever I can, but I won’t hesitate to share the recipe either.

By the way if you’re too lazy to bake this yourself, I will do it for you and sell it for $25. I am still trying to figure out shipping so unfortunately you need to be local at this time for me to deliver it.

Okay, so enough of the bibble babble, let’s get to the RUMCAKE!

First you will need GOOD rum, I personally like Cruzan Coconut Rum. Aunt Judy Swears you need Bacardi Dark Rum. Who am I to argue with Aunt Judy? Use the Bacardi for this recipe, okay?

As for the cake mix, but a yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix. This saves you from having to add a box of pudding, plus again it is one of the few discrepancies between AJ and I. I am going for her rules, so do it!

RumCake:
1 Box Yellow cake Mix (pudding in the mix)—If you can’t find this kind, buy a box of instant vanilla pudding to add.
4 eggs
½ cup cold water
½ cup canola oil
½ cup rum
1 cup chopped pecans

Glaze:
1 ½ cups REAL butter
¼ cup water
1 ½ cups sugar
¾ cups Rum

Preheat Oven to 325 degrees

Grease a Bundt pan with either flour and butter (if you still do that)—or cheat with cooking spray. I use the non-stick cooking spray.

Place the chopped pecans around the bottom of the greased pan and set aside

In a big mixing bowl (I use my Kitchenaid, AJ used a bowl and a hand mixer—either is fine. Mix all the cake ingredients and mix on low speed until blended, then turn up the speed to medium and mix it all up for 2 minutes.

Pour the batter in the Bundt pan, pop in preheated oven, and cook for 1 hour. Until cake is done.

You all know how to test when a cake is done, right? (Stick a toothpick in it and see if it comes out clean. In this case, use a bamboo skewer. You’ll use that skewer later so don’t trash it.

Are you sipping rum right now? You should be, but slow it down partner, we have some serious cooking yet to do!

After you remove the cake from the oven. Set it on a cooling rack to cook, come back and using a rubber spatula gently release it from the edges of the pan as it cools. When you feel daring, put a plate on top of cake and flip upside down to take it out of the pan and let cool on a plate. Don’t be afraid, but don’t be too daring either.

Now we stab the cake, take that skewer and poke, poke poke the cake all over. This will allow the delicious glaze we are about to make places to go in the cake. Go ahead…keep skewering the cake…

Okay once the cake has been perfectly perforated, place the pan back over the cake and reverse the flip method so it is back in its pan. Skewer the ‘top’ of the cake some more. Set aside.

Now for the fun part…THE GLAZE!

Measure out Rum, place to the side.

In a medium saucepan melt the butter, sugar and water.

Heat over medium heat, constantly stirring. Bring it to a boil. Still stirring constantly, boil for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove from heat and add rum.
Watch out when you add the rum and stir, it will cause a commotion in the pan and it may startle you.

Now is the process to slooooowly pour the glaze over our (upside down, still in the pan) cake.

Pour a cup of the glaze into a measuring cup you are able to pour form, easily.

Slooooowly drizzle the glaze over the top, around the sides, towards the center of the cake. You may need to take small breaks to make sure it all absorbs. Pour pour pour. Once all poured, walk away for a little bit (30 minutes to an hour)

Come back, once again, place serving plate on top of cake, and flip it. It should pop out beautifully.

VIOLA!

RUMCAKE! If your not too drunk from sampling the glaze and sipping rum, cut yourself a piece and enjoy. Even if you are drunk, you probably need some food by now. So eat up!

Served with coffee this makes a wonderful breakfast (in my opinion)

Filter?

2010-04-29T22:24:00.004-06:00

Yes, I apparently don't have one that functions all the time.

This weekends random statement that had me chuckling, and my friends looking at me with the ever so common confused, entertained look on their face.

"Move Over Peanut Butter, Jelly is Movin' In!!!

This may seem like an appropriate statement for breakfast or even lunch conversation...Maybe notsomuch for shopping at Banana Republic with your girlfriends.

GULP!

2010-04-23T11:51:00.004-06:00

Easter Shenanigans

2010-04-14T18:25:00.003-06:00

Easter may have been a couple of weeks ago, but the celebration memories will last forever.

What better way to celebrate a story of a deity turning into a zombie than dye Easter Eggs with friends?

I’ll tell you how. Drink Car Bombs*, and ButterBall** shots while dying eggs!!!

*For the younguns that may read this, a Car Bomb is a half pint of Guinness with a shot of Bailey’s dropped in. Some add a tad of Irish whiskey to the shot, I do not. That would be ‘yucky’. Do not try this at home unless you are a trained professional, like I am.

**A ButterBall is another delicious concoction of Baileys and Butterscotch schnapps.
Side note1: 8 am yoga the next day was not as delicious as the shots the night before, I would like to publically apologize to the people next to me that has to smell my stinky, sweaty hungover self. Sorry ‘bout that.

You Know You’re an “Athlete” When:

2010-04-12T10:31:00.003-06:00

You get a personalized letter in the mail inviting you to an event, solely on your performance at a previous event. Not a mass mailing, not a mass email but a letter, hand addressed to you with the words, “we would like to personally invite you to participate in our event”.

Whoa! Me? Really?

COOL!

Looks like my Tri season this year just got one more race because who can turn down that invitation?

Leadville, here I come!

Less Than Zero

2010-03-22T18:21:00.001-06:00

In the past week I lost two people, one a family member I always loved and admired and one an old flame that I had written off years ago when his lifestyle and mine didn’t seem to mesh together any longer.

Grief is a funny thing, I can be abnormally stoic to a point, and then like a steamroller out of control it hits me.

Hard.

Through these times I am reminded of lessons learned, people’s impressions left on our lives and other relationships formed because of these people.

Also my emotional compass has been spinning like a top.

Rest in Peace Aunt Judy. You were always a bright light to me and taught me invaluable lessons like never care what people think of you and never apologize for speaking your mind. And the most amusing lesson you taught me, while in the Caribbean underwear is prohibited. Noted. You lived life to its fullest and I can only hope to live mine like you did yours.

Rest in Peace Greg Flack. You were my first boyfriend, I was the first to break your heart. I hope your soul has found the peace you desperately searched for all these years. I can only hope your children also find peace and comfort knowing their father is no longer fighting the demons he fought for so many years. I can’t help to be angry with you also. I am sure you expected that.

Thank you to my old and recent friends for their love, support and understanding through this really fucked up time. One lesson I have recently learned is throughout my life I have chosen amazing people to surround myself with. You all mean so much to me.

Thank you.

Valentines Day

2010-03-17T10:06:00.003-06:00

This is ‘Nugget’: He HATES Valentines Day!

This is Jayne: She doesn’t think highly of it

This is Lyssa: She doesn’t know what to think.

We all agreed Erica is our favorite Omlette Parlour waitress. Her mimosa’s are pure love!

Birthday Party Recap (late)

2010-03-17T09:17:00.008-06:00

Yeah I know my birthday was over a month ago, but what can I say?

As I affectionately tell my ‘Nugget’: “ Bitch, I’ve been BUSY!"

Snow in the mountains, sun on the Front Range and so much fun to be had.

This year it was discovered that my friend Lauren and I share the same birthday.

Thank goodness she was on the ball for planning her party, I tagged along with it since we have a lot of mutual friends and she planned it at an awesome location. The Cliff House in Manitou Springs.

Since Mardi Gras was the same week of our birthday. That was the theme. 'Mardi Gras Ball' No admittance without a mask. No exceptions, except Brownie, but he sucks.

There were local characters. Purple Lloyd made his appearance.

There were friends

Disguises

Family (my mommasita and step father)

More friends

Dancing

Balloons
Don't think I wasn't suckin down helium all night, what is a few more dead brain cells?

New uses for spanx were unveiled

Noone flew away

And I became a year older! (Although no more mature.)

Sundance Film Festival 2010

2010-03-05T21:11:00.007-07:00

Sundance Film Festival 2010 was an experience I will never forget. Even though 4 weeks have past, I still am struggling with how to document it.

I can do it chronologically. List the movies I saw, the celebrities I saw, the friends I met. So many choices.

Unfortunately I was unable to take many pictures since cameras were not allowed during work, when we had an audience and actors/directors/producers in the theater.

Let me start from the beginning. Many people have asked how I came to go to Sundance Film Festival. My long time friend Leslie, lives in Park City with her husband John and daughter Brooke.

She is a returning volunteer for the festival every year. This year, on Wednesday the week before the festival, She announced on facebook that she was unable to work her shifts due to a scheduling conflict. I immediately looked at plane tickets to Utah and booked my trip. Not only was I going to the festival, but I was going to get the opportunity to spend time with Leslie and meet her daughter Brooke for the first time.

Brooke is 100% little princess and we had a ball playing dress up and casting “magic spells” in her room to keep the nightmares away.

Friday evening was my first whirlwind night of work. Considering I had to wake up at 2:30 am to catch my flight. I knew working until 10pm would be a challenge.

Dressed in my volunteer uniform which was a Kenneth Cole Ski Parka, I was off to my first shift at work.

I Like to call this look "Storm Trooper Chic"

To make it more exciting we had two big premiers that evening at the theater I was working at. Including Adrian Grenier’s (star of Entourage) film, staring Paris Hilton.

Yes, Miss Hilton was in the audience. Her skin is orange and she smells like cigarettes. She also likes to smoke in public restrooms. Apparently she doesn’t want any Paparazzi to film her dirty little habits.
By the end of my first night the celebrity spotting was low, I blame it on my exhaustion.

Celebrities sighted:
Adrian Grenier
Paris Hilton

Movies watched:
Teenage Paparazzo
Douchebag

Saturday, after an amazing nights rest, Leslie and I snuck away for a pedicure while her husband John entertained Brooke before I went to work.

The movies I saw Saturday night:
Night Catches Us
Sympathy for Deliciouse
The Perfect Host

Celebrity sightings Saturday Night:
Jake Scott
Seth Rogan
Constatine Morales (from American Idol—I had no idea who he was until someone told me after I had a conversation with him about where he could find the concession stand)
Parker Posey (Love her!)
Orlando Bloom – (oh goodness what an extremely handsome man! I got the pleasure of escorting him to the restroom. Glamorous, I know)
Juliette Lewis –(Very nice!!! She also complimented my shoes. Another fan of the red patten leather danskos, lady has good taste.)
Ron Livingston (aka: Peter from Office Space –I also got to show him to the restroom in the back of the theater. I was getting good at this. Hot, attractive, famous men talking to me and I got to show them where the water closet was. This is not how it happens in my dreams.)
Mark Ruffilo

Sunday was much lighter in the celebrity sightings, but I did see the most powerful movie of the entire festival.
8 A Mormon Proposition. If/when this movie comes to a theater near you. I strongly recommend seeing it. Wow!
At times during the filming you could hear the audiences emotional reactions. It was very moving.
The mayor of San Francisco was in the audience along with some men from the Mormon Church who you could tell were NOT happy about this film.

Movies viewed Sunday:
12th and Delaware
8 A Mormon Proposition
Lovers of Hate
Three Backyards
Monday morning I got up bright and early and rushed downtown to try to catch a viewing of The Runaways. A festival favorite. Unfortunately I missed this movie but it gave me more time with Leslie and Brooke.
I have to include this photo of Brooke since I have the exact same skirt and top. I never thought of mixing the pink cotton top with the black tulle skirt, but since she can pull it off I am sure I can too, no?

At the airport later that day, I was chatting with a young lady, her mother and who I assumed was her aunt. Turns out she was one of the supporting actresses in The Runaways. Now I can’t wait ot see it in the theaters to see her again. She was a delightful girl.

It’s official, I am hooked on Sundance. I will certainly be there again next year!

English Beat and Fishbone

2010-03-05T11:03:00.004-07:00

I know how in the past I have written about my favorite band in the whole wide world: "English Beat". They are in Colorado this weekend with Fishbone.

Ths weekend I get the pleasure of seeing them not once, but twice. Tomorrow in Denver, Sunday in Aspen. To make the deal sweeter, thanks to my old school friend Meaghan, who has connections, we are on the guest list and full back stage access. I will be the girl with the perma grin all weekend long.

I promise to post a full report once I come out of my euphoric state.

Also, if I meet Dave Wakeling, I just may explode. Just throwing that out as a forewarning to the world.

Girlfriend Quotes:

2010-02-24T14:50:00.001-07:00

“The Man I am not dating is absolutely perfect” — Jeri Davis

Why haven’t I updated my blog in a while?

2010-02-24T13:44:00.002-07:00

Blame my employment search, blame my hectic schedule of reading, yoga, exercise, hiking, snowboarding. Blame the recent sickness I battled and hope to be conquering soon…or blame my best friend.

She hadddd to blog about cross stitching.

True I gave her this addiction years ago, but now she reminded me to break out my “Pates Baroni”. A piece I started over three years ago but just started tackling with full enthusiasm again.

When complete it will look like this.

Now it looks like this.

Here is a close up, yes, every “X” is two stitches. Each color change is a whole other process I am not willing to discuss, lets just say it can be a little tedious but strangely relaxing.

RIP Mr. Salinger

2010-01-29T16:42:00.003-07:00

Growing up reading was not my favorite thing to do. With a speech impediment, and many years of speech therapy, reading out loud was my nemesis. Reading felt like a punishment. I hated it. Having hated reading out loud, lead to not enjoying reading at all.

Then one day in junior high school (somewhere around 12-13 years old) I saw a book in the library titled “Catcher in the Rye”. The title caught my eye and I ignored it.

The next week, while walking home from school, my best friend told me in her Advanced English class, (unlike me, she liked to read). They were reading “Catcher in the Rye”. The next day I walked into the library, and walked out with the book. I didn’t necessarily check it out. Don’t ask me why. I had a strange rebellious streak.

I read the book over the course of a weekend and now our 2.5 mile walks home were consumed of talking and quoting from this book, discussions of what Holden Caulfield would be like in person and how we both dreamed of meeting a boy like that. When other girls were oogling boys in school, we both developed huge crushes on Holden Caulfield. I still have a strange school-girl crush on this fictional character. I read that stolen copy over a dozen times before it found a new owner in my collegiate years. Ironically it was stolen from me. A book that good tends to grow legs.

I believe karma has paid me back for my stealing of my original copy. I have since bought more than a half-dozen copies of this book as gifts for my nieces and nephews and anyone that has ever said they have not read this book. It is a must read.

Because of “Catcher in the Rye”, I learned that reading can be enjoyable and sometimes I can relate to the characters. Because of J.D Salingers writing, I developed a love affair with reading.

RIP Holden Caulfield. I hope they throw you in a river or something and no-one brings you flowers when you’re dead. Who wants flowers when their dead anyways? Nobody.

Home From Sundance Film Festival

2010-01-26T15:10:00.003-07:00

Late last night I made it home from Park City Utah, where some movies were being shown and some celebrities were spotted.

After a long nap, I'll tell ya all about it, including what Paris Hilton smells like and who is hot, and who is not.

For now, ‘nighty night. I must recover with some sleep.

2:30:12

2010-01-19T09:38:00.006-07:00

Wednesday, January 13. Thanks to “Travelocity last minute deals” I decide to go to Phoenix and run in my second Rock and Roll half marathon.

Thank you to my high school girlfriend Kara for registering me considering my plane landed as the expo was closing.

Here is the report:

Coral #15. These people look serious, they are all talking about their pace times, what their averages are…I am thinking I am in trouble, I know my overall best times and I have seen my pace from Rock Canyon before but I can only remember seeing high numbers from the fall series like 14 minute miles…When did I see that? Was it Palmer Park? Was it yesterday ? Uh oh, this could get ugly. Wait, this a smooth, flat road, no ice, no trail, no wall to climb up, no river to cross, or run up for that matter. I am at sea-level. I have oxygen. I’ll be fine. I feel good, I can do this. I will do this. I know the course and I know I am more prepared this time than last time I ran this event. I will do great. Plus the weather is ideal, high supposed to be in the low 60’s, overcast, a slight breeze. Who could ask for better conditions?

Mile 1- Seriously? This is great! I feel great! That was a fast mile. It is usually in the first mile I think, “I am not hydrated enough”, or “maybe I shouldn’t have eaten oatmeal for breakfast”. Or “ That wine was not such a good idea last night.” Not today. I am in perfect condition I feel like.
Oh but I do have to pee. There is a porta potty station at the 1 mile marker with a ridiculous line, yeah not going to waste time there.

Mile 2- still feeling good, oh yeah, I still gotta pee, but that line was too long, there has to be more on course.

Mile 2.5 Oh I REALLY gotta go, I see a Taco Bell and I run in, there is a large black woman cleaning the dining room. As I come in the door she yells at me “You go Girl! You got this! You keep running” I laughed thinking that she was going to scold me for using the restroom, instead the woman’s is occupied and I see the men’s is open. I tell her I am going in, she says she will make sure no man comes in while I use the restroom. As I finish and run out she yells again “you go get ‘em girl!” (total restroom break is 2 minutes, much better than waiting in line). As I get back on course the 2:30 pace sign passes me. Damn, I want to stay in front of the pace sign. So I slowly work my way back up and in front of the sign that will prove to be my race nemesis. I vow to not let the sign pass me again.

Mile 3- look here is the 5k marker.
Last time I ran this event, I remember feeling pains in my ankle and knee around here. I feel Awesome! My knees are happy and my ankle is content. This is GREAT!

Mile 4—1/4 of the way done, well kinda, just coming up, I got this.

Mile 5- Sweet! 5 miles! Seriously, I am thinking Oxygen is an amazing thing, who knew?

Mile 6- I guess I am good, because I am not remembering Mile 6-7-8-9.
The great thing about this event is the music and the bands that are plating along the course. Most are ok. However around mile 8 there was a band that played the worst rendition of “I Shot the Sherriff” by Bob Marley. Think of a Thrash Metal band coving Reggae, yah, doesn’t work so well. I then think “Hey, they never said they were GOOD bands along the course.”

Mile 9- A lady I holding a sign saying “beer in just 4 more miles”. That was way before Mile 9. She lied! Mile 9 is here. 4 more miles. The thought of beer is not a good thought at all. Still it is something to think about. Mmmm, beeeerr. See, I almost forgot I was running.

Mile 10—Okay, I am feeling it, still good over all, but the little aches are popping up.
At some point I was thinking of a quote I saw on a friends blog, it stated “the first half you run with your legs the second you run with your heart.” It was in reference to Ultra-marathons, but I could relate, I needed this inspiration. I am feeling good, but not going to lie. I am feeling it and I am now reminding myself of why I started running, cycling, and other crazy active adventures.
My thoughts go to my family. My friends, people I love and care about that are fighting daily battles with health and life.

Keep running.

I start to get emotional in my head. I pull it together and think of how great I feel. Okay so I may lie to myself a bit. Truth be told, I did feel great. I was out here doing it. What more could a person ask for?

Keep Running

Mile 11- I am tired, I see my 2:30 pace sign go by, I was so good to hold them off until now. I think to myself “I can’t keep up this pace”. I am upset with myself. I got to walk/run in small bits. I was HOPING for a 2:30 time, but as the sign goes off in the distance I want to cry. I am hitting my wall.
Keep running. Break down the wall

Mile 12—My head starts playing games with me, I am asking myself “does that mean 12th and 13th mile left? 1 more mile? 2 more miles? 12 more miles?” yeah, I am spent. It is amazing how your head plays games on you. Normally I love numbers, math, playing with numbers almost constantly in my head. But now I cannot comprehend what this 12 sign means for my 13.1 mile run.

Keep running.

Mile 13—Oh, I know this game, I learned it last time I was here. The finish line seems right up around the next turn, it’s not, nor the next, nor the next. I am prepared. Prepared to keep running

Oh damn, a man collapsed less than 100 feet from the finish, that sucks. When I come by I see the EMT’s working on him. He is not good. Kind of a bummer thing to see, he is certainly unconscious, and in bad shape. I later learned the doctors were incubating him right there on the street, not a good thing at all.

Keep running.

Finish strong.

I go for my finish line sprint, yeah not happening, I ran in with all I had.

I cross the finish line to look at my watch 2:30:12. REALLY???!!!

I think to myself “HOLY SHIT! I DID IT!” Plus I don’t feel like barfing. AWESOME!!!

My new PR for a half marathon!!!

As I milled around the finish line, looked around the crowd my mind settled in again to my motivation. I did this today because others can’t.

Then I wanted to barf. Thankfully I never did.

Here is me and my high school friend and event cheerleader Kara at the finish line

Next event, Boulder Half Marathon in March.

Fruitcake Toss

2010-01-09T18:45:00.015-07:00

What does one do with all that fruitcake after Christmas?

As a child I had a theory that there were only a few fruitcakes in the world and they were re-gifted year after year after year.

This theory was crushed when I saw my father actually EAT a fruitcake. I thought, "Well now there is one less. They will soon be extinct."

In Manitou Springs, for the past 15 years, we Southern Coloradoans know EXACTLY what to do with fruitcake.

TOSS IT!

See this man's form? He is winding up. Fruitcake tossing takes serious skill.

"My Daddy is tossing A Fruitcake"

The announcer. Who entertained us with tales of his fruitcake museum, tips of what to do with fruitcake and other life lessons. Such as, do not leave the dogs alone with the Fruitcake Museum, for they may eat it.

Did you know fruitcake was the first post-it note?
Can be used as an emergency sand-bag?
Used in place of bricks?
These are just a few tid-bits we were taught while we were spectating.

This is the man that won the Men's "Hand-Toss" division.

Holy far throw, Batman!!!
Someone check out that man's arm!

okay, it may be hard to see, but there is a circle with an arrow wayyyyy back in the picture. See it? (I need to work on my editing skills)

It got a little strange when my friend Jess asked for a photo with a fruitcake.

Then she touched his nuts.

Awkward

Next was the Heavy Equipment round.

There were Canon's, Catapults, Sling Shots, Bows, and

a gun.

The one that impressed me.

A gun, that literally shot the fruitcake THROUGH a door.
I am not kidding.

Now I am not a big fan of firearms, but that was fascinating. You could literally kill someone with that thing.

Death by Fruitcake.

Ponder that

The Bow had an amazing launch.

It was made out of skis

The ingenuity was amazing. Human power was necessary set up to fill the air compressors in order to shoot the canon and the gun. For the canon, a man rode this stationary bicycle. For the gun, three people with bike pumps pumped air into a compressor.

Now, you know exactly what to do with fruitcake.

2010 Rescue Run

2010-01-08T07:34:00.004-07:00

Jan. 1
5k
Palmer Park
36:28

Horrible time but considering I prepped by drinking champagne and vodka until well after midnight and I rolled out of bed minutes before the run. I'll take it!

Notice the guy next to me. I think he drank a lot of champagne also.

Also prop's to 'Raisin' (I don't know her real name--damn Hashers) for providing mimosa's at the finish line. I love you.

Tour De Colorado Snowboard Festival

2010-01-08T07:10:00.004-07:00

5 days, Three Mountains, a very exclusive list of participants.

Me.

Plus my trusty sidekick Sasha. (Someone needed to protect the car and/or condo while I was out riding.)

Along the way I did however run into some of my fan club.

Like this guy, rumored to be one of the top ski instructors in the state.

Or these little clowns. Watch out 2022 Olympics. They may very well be on the ski team.

This is all I see of them is their backs, because they are THAT fast.

The Numbers are In (kinda)

2009-12-31T12:17:00.002-07:00

I am usually very good about keeping track of data. It is something silly I do; however, I didn’t track my running until mid year and also I didn’t track my cycling because of a broken computer, but thinking back to the rides I did this year. I am guessing that was at around 500 miles, which is much less than 2008 and much much less than 2010 will be.

Here you have it.

Swimming = 40,600 meters (this is equal to 25.2276 miles)
Running = 150.95
Cycling = ? (~500 miles)

Next year I plan to track these on the side of my blog here…Just for fun.

I Agreed to What?!

2009-12-31T11:56:00.001-07:00

Last night after a full day of snowboarding/skiing with my friends James and Craig. After a drive home with them each napping on and off and me consuming more caffeine than I really should have.

I decided to drop into the Red Rocks Lounge to enjoy a cocktail with some friends. All day my friend JT had been razing me about my decision to run the half marathon in October of next year. He called me a “pansy ass” for taking a ski lift up a mountain and told me the only way to redeem myself was to run the full marathon.

Whatever.

Well, fast forward to last night. While sitting at the bar he informed me that if I run the full marathon and finish, my buddy Kirk, will dress up in a full tux, follow me around for an entire day and evening and bring me beers, cocktails and pretty much act as my man servant. To sweeten the deal, from now until October of 2010, Kirk has to do sit-ups every day and continue running himself so he looks as fantastic as possible in the tuxedo.

So really this is for the health and fitness of my friend than myself. Right?

“Alright, I’ll do it…BUT I added I want this all to start the day I fly home from San Fran and a limo picking me up at the airport…”

I wonder if Kirk knows any of this?

We shall see….

Oh yes, there is a small side note. This marathon is all on a lottery, if I do not get in the wager is null and void.

2010 Events

2009-12-28T19:10:00.005-07:00

My planned events for 2010 are:

January 1: Rescue Run 10K

January 17: Reverend Horton Heat @ The Black Sheep

(Tentative) February 3--? Escape to Belize

February 12: MY BIRTHDAY. Rumor has it there is a party planned for another
Lincoln baby in Manitou Springs, I’ll be crashing that party.

February 13: Manitou Springs Mardi Gras celebration. I will apologize now to my liver for how I will be abusing it that weekend.

March 6: English Beat and Fishbone @ Gothic Theater in Denver

March 7: English Beat @ Belly Up! In Aspen

June 5: Highlands Ranch “Tune-up” Triathlon

June 6: Elephant Rock Cycling Festival – Century Bike Ride

June 13: Mini Ha-Ha Triathlon

June 19: 20 Year High School Reunion (ouch!)

June 26-27: MS150 bike ride

July 25-31: RAGBRAI

August 15: Muddy Buddy

August 29: (two conflicting events)
Irongirl triathlon (my first open water swim tri—If I chose this event)
Venus De Miles 65 mile bike ride

September 4: Tenderfoot Mountain Triathlon

October 17: Nike half marathon in San Francisco. (Can you say tuxedo clad Firemen with Tiffany’s necklaces for finishers?—YUM!)

I did not list my snowboarding weekend plans. Let's just say every weekend and some week days January-March 2010 will be in the mountains taking advantage of my pass.

Happy Birthday Bawj!

2009-12-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my childhood best friend’s birthday.

She would have been 38.

Her death 21 years ago wrecked me. That was my first experience with true grief, heartbreak, and sorrow.

The lessons I learned since then have made me the resilient person I am today.

People often comment on the level of my ability to heal and be healed. I truly believe the experiences I went through with Libby taught me how.

Rarely does a day go by that I don’t think of her.

Love the people in your life, hold them close and live, laugh and embrace every day.

Also, Never pass up the opportunity to share a laugh and create an inside joke with your friends.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

2009-12-20T17:53:00.004-07:00

My nieces took their visit with Santa very seriously this year.

Natalie (5) made sure to write out her list so she didn't forget anything. She also helped Hailey (3) make her list.

After reading the list to Santa and having a good discussion with him. Natalie offered for him to keep the list so he didn't forget anything. She was thrilled that Santa kept the list and said he would make sure the elves saw it when they packed the sleigh.

Note to Self

2009-12-17T14:58:00.002-07:00

One of my silly habits is to write random notes to myself, at random times.

Sometimes, years later I stumble upon an old note.

While cleaning my office/loft I found a note I must have written a few years ago.

Good words to live by.

Adventures in Tea: Chia

2009-12-11T22:04:00.006-07:00

A few years ago I began a love affair with Chia tea, after buying the concentrate in stores and making it at home I knew there had to be a way to make it from 'scratch', with fresh spices, and no unknown additives and processed sugars.

Then one day one of my oldest girlfriends (not by age, but more diration of our friendship. Although I think she is a couple hours older than me--among other things we share a birthday--but that is a whole other post, isn't it?), Leslie, gave me this recipe.

I love her for it.

I love her for lots of things, but this Chia Recipe...well I am tickled pink over it.

It is better than any Oregon, Tazo, Big Train or any other mass produced Chia mix out there.

Plus, with this recipe you can add the sweetener of your choice. I prefer Agave Nectar. But if you want to add plain old sugar or honey that is fine also.

Ingredients include:
• 15 whole cloves
• 20 black peppercorns
• 3 sticks of cinnamon
• 20 whole cardamon pods (split the pods first)
• 8 fresh ginger root slices (1/4" thick, no need to peel)
• 1/2 teaspoon black tea leaves
• Milk and Honey to taste

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add Cloves and keep boiling while you add other spices (peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger.

Let boil for 30 minutes, then let sit and simmer for 2-3 hours.

When ready to serve, remove from heat, add tea. Let cool.

To create Chia Latte. In a saucepan, mix equal parts tea and milk. Sweeten with honey/sugar/agave nectar to taste. Heat to a frothy boil while whisking.

Tea can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Books of 2009

2009-12-11T20:37:00.019-07:00

These are the books I read in 2009.

I love to see what books people have read.

Maybe it is my own compulsion with keeping lists.

Maybe it is because I like to see what other people are reading and have read.

Maybe it goes back to my childhood, where our local library gave prizes for the most books read in the summer months, the more books read equaled a better prize. Usually free passes to the local swimming pool.

Maybe it is just another of my quirks.

Regardless, here is my list of books I read in 2009:

Sex and Bacon: Why I love Things That Are Very Very Bad for Me – Sarah Katherine Lewis

Middlesex – Jeffry Eugenides

Twilight – Stephanie Meyer
New Moon - Stephanie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer
Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer

Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives – Michael Newton

Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert

Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen

Running with Scissors – Augusten Burroughs

Wishful Drinking – Carrie Fisher

Call of the Wild – Jack London

The Jane Austen Book Club – Karen Joy Fowler

The Glass Castle: A Memoir – Jeanette Walls

Marrying Mozart – Stephanie Cowell

My Antonia – Willa Cather

Devil in the White City: Murder Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America – Erik Larson

Loving Frank – Nancy Horan

Slow Fat Triathlete – Jayne Williams

Always Looking Up – Michael J Fox

Revolutionary Road – Richard Yates

Perfection – Julie Merz

The Climb – Anatoli Boukreev

Lost – Joy Fielding

H.L. and Lyda – Margaret Hunt Hill

The River Killings - Merry Jones

Finally,
The book I am currently reading ever night before bed, and will continue into the new year.

Rock Canyon Race Report

2009-12-11T15:38:00.004-07:00

What a great day. We have been experiencing crazy cold weather here in Colorado this past week or two, the only day where the daily high in Pueblo was to go above freezing was last Saturday.

Perfect, the high was projected to be 42 degrees. “great running temperature” I thought. What I failed to think was that high was to be met at noon or later and the race started at 9am. It was in the 20’s when the gun when off and we were still standing around and shivering at the start line.

I was reminded why I need to ask Santa for running tights this year. The knickers didn’t quite do it for me when I was standing around, but once we started running I was fine.

I didn’t really have many expectations for myself at this race since it had nearly been 2 years since I ran my first half marathon in January 2008 (Phoenix Rock and Roll). My training this summer was focused on Triathlons and Swimming, but since completely the Fall Series (barely because of back issues, but that is another story) I have been trying to stay motivated to train for this half.

With the angry back, cold weather and my lack of discipline, this race seemed to sneak up on me.

Thursday before the race my friend Rachel sent me a message and said she was on the fence if she should do this race or not. I told her I already registered so I was going.

This race is VERY low-key. It is a $20 entrance fee (compared to the $100+ for Rock n' Roll events), to preregister you mail a check to the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo.

There are no medals for finishers, but you do get a really cool sweatshirt with no advertisements or sponsor names, just the logo for the race.

Now that I think about it, I don’t even know if there were sponsorships, where there?

So race day came and my girlfriends all convened at my house at 7 am to head down to Pueblo. I was all frazzled having spent the week before commuting back and forth from Denver to hang out with my dad and not getting home until almost 10 pm the night before.

My ‘carb-loading’ dinner was a hospital salad I stole from my dad’s room service tray, a cup of applesauce and some left over mac and cheese I heated up when I got home. Not the dinner or champions I am afraid.

Surprisingly enough, I think I finally figured out my nutrition for my races. Unlike Tenderfoot Mountain; once race morning came, I felt great. I think I have been over eating prior to races. Good to know!

Tina (aka: Happy Sock), Rachel and I headed to Pueblo where we met up with other friends that were racing, including JT (aka: Brownie), Matt (aka:Blos), Katie (aka: $100), Lauren (aka: Nacheaux)—damn hashers .

Tina came strictly for moral and cheerleading support.

(that's not water in that dixie cup!)

Cheerleaders are important!

The race started and ended in Pueblo’s City Park: we did two laps around the park, then followed the path along the Arkansas River to Pueblo Reservoir then back to City park. There was one big hill, we went down the hill around ,mile three and back up at mile 12. It was at the top of this hill my friends were all standing, cheering and giving support since I was the last in our group to come in.

From Mile 8-12 I had a lady named Julie running with me, she liked my pace and was a lovely lady to meet/run with. Once we got within sight of the hill however I heard the cheers and had to turn it up and run up that hill. I hate running up hills. I can run down fine, but UP I suffer. At the top of the hill someone offers me a PBR—again, damn hashers. Now don’t get me wrong, I like beer, A LOT, but beer while running? Only if you want to see me instantly vomit.

After the hill Rachel ran along with me to the finish line.

2:44:06 was my final time. Also, My half-marathon PR.

Here I am crossing the finish line.

What a grand fun time!

Props to JT for taking third place, Rachel for completing her first half, and Tina for having the hardest job, standing and cheering in the freezing temps.

Next event: Phoenix Rock and Roll half. Let’s see what happens at sea level!!!

Doctor's Orders

2009-12-11T14:39:00.004-07:00

Are for me to try to relax. My legs have recovered from last weekends half marathon and now it is time for some R&R.

Oh, you didn't know I ran a half marathon last weekend? Oh I did, in Pueblo, in 30 degree weater.

I have neglected this blog since my 'funployment' started. I promise to be better about that.

This weekend I will be heading into the high country, hanging out with an old girlfriend, drinking wine, hitting some hot springs and making some turns in some fresh snow.

YIP YIP YIPEEE!!!

I have been waiting nine months for this weekend to arrive.

The weekend where I kiss away my Fall Funk and head into my Winter Euphoric mood. Hello Ski season.

Saucey Ladies

2009-11-22T18:08:00.003-07:00

The wine that Miss Stacee brought to Book Club this past week. It was Purr-fect.

Wanderlust

2009-11-22T11:13:00.003-07:00

An old dear friend has come to visit.
His name is Wonderlust
In my search for my next adventure, next chapter, new beginning
He is guiding me to look at other places of residence
Not a lot is holding me in the town in which I live
In fact, lately I have felt like Alice in the shrinking room.
The City is shrinking around me
I see too many people I know,
Know more than I should
The anonymity I used to adore has disappeared.
This may be the growth I crave and need to embrace it.

The Week in Movies

2009-11-22T10:56:00.004-07:00

I have always loved movies. This is a passion my mother and I share.
For her birthday this week we went to see Amelia. A fantastic movie about one of my favorite historical heroins.
The ending was no surprise, but interesting enough, just a couple of weeks ago I read an article that they may have recently discovered her final resting spot. Read it here.

Thursday evening, my friend Tina and I stayed up way past our bedtimes, agreeing to cancel our next day 5 am gym appointments and went to see one of the first showings of New Moon. The second in the Twilight saga. I admit, I have a school girl crush on Edward and the Twilight books were a small addiction to me. If you have not read them, don't start unless you have a couple weeks to devote to doing nothing but reading, because that is all you will do.

Finally, Friday afternoon, Liz and I went to see the french movie Coco Avant Chanel; or in English, Coco Before Chanel. Being a lifelong Chanel fan, I loved this movie. It had great insight into the world and mind of Gabrielle, aka Coco and her life as a young girl and designer. It left me with the question, I wonder what she would think of her designs today? She liked simple, classic lines and styles with not a lot of 'fluff'.

Hello....

2009-11-22T08:55:00.004-07:00

Tap tap tap

Is this thing on?

No, I have not fallen off the planet, I have just been a busy bee living the dream.

I promise to update soon with lots of redundant stories of movies, beer festivals, napping on friends lawns (Oh I may leave that story out), Halloween, Homecoming and family happenings.

For now I gotta run and get ready for a glamorouse brunch at The Broadmoor with my dear friend Kirk.

The Great Pumpkin

2009-10-29T15:33:00.003-06:00

Weighs in at 1075 pounds.

I wish this was mine, I would carve it and jump inside to have a tea party with my friends. Who would join me?

The Next Great One?

2009-10-29T15:18:00.004-06:00

Look out Wayne Gretzky

Colton James has your number

Now I know I am biased, but just look at that face. It is that looks that gets this aunt each and every time. I find myself saying things like "Of Course you can drive my car" (just kidding)

If your ever looking for fun and cheap entertainment, hit a pee-wee hockey practice sometime. Pure hilarity is certain to ensue

Women Build Day

2009-10-20T18:50:00.005-06:00

This past weekend I was able to participate and volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity
house in connection with “Women Build Day” with a few of my mates; Jessica, Stacee,and Jules.

My alter ego for the day was “Construction Barbie”. Complete with barbie belt, pink shoes, pink glasses and pink water bottle.

It was a successful day and we got the house completely wrapped in blueboard insulation. Jules and I did the back wall of the house. We didn’t realize when we picked this wall it would be the toughest with the angled eves. Being the daughter of an architect that loves strange angles, I welcomed the challenge. I had to dig deep into my high school geometry lessons, but the end product came out good and all were impressed.

At the end of it all, we had to sign our work.

As a public servant Jules took the opportunity for a little campaigning.

Only in Colorado Springs…

2009-10-20T17:56:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine, has been donating his time working for a new group that offers free rides home to people too drunk to drive home.

He also writes hilarious blogs about his adventures…

In his report from last week he had this paragraph:

(He was downtown at a bar, on the busiest nightclub block on Tejon street)

“Funny thing was happening outside. A group of four high school kids were protesting! Rum Bay is right next door, so there were A LOT of intoxicated people around. One had a big sign that said, "Gays, fornicators, drunkards, you will not inherit the kingdom of the lord." The other three were reading the bible.”

When we were in high school we were sneaking into bars, not protesting them. Heck I had a designated seat at a local Fort Collins bar, as long as I got there before 9 when they started REALLY checking id’s. What is wrong with these kids?!?!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2009-10-17T21:45:00.007-06:00

Today is my fathers 62nd birthday!!!

There are not enough words to describe how lucky I am to have one of the most amazing, strong, talented, creative, silly and gifted men as my father.
Love you Dad!

Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Recap

2009-10-17T20:56:00.007-06:00

Ya ya ya…I know, this report is late, so fire me.

What can I say, it is amazing how busy one unemployed person can be...

GABF was the weekend of Sept. 24-25-26
Four sessions, Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening.
I have learned my lesson long ago. I can last three of the four sessions, but by Saturday evening, I am tired, cranky, drunk/hungover or somewhere in between. Saturday evening also is highly resembling off a college frat party with 15,000 participants. Considering I loathed the Greek life in college. There is no reason I would want to return to those times.
Especially after sampling beers for three days straight.

While I am here, have some GABF Stats:
49,000 Attendees
3,308 Beers in the GABF Competition
3,000 Volunteers (including yours truly)
495 Breweries in the Competition
132 Judges from 10 countries
The top five medal winning states were: CO (45), CA (39), OR (22), WA (13), PA (12)

The first night (Thursday) I poured for Mammoth Brewery, from…

Wait, I’ll let you guess.

Give up?

They are from Mammoth California. Shocking huh?

Pouring for Mammoth was like eating vanilla ice cream, in a white room while wearing all white clothes. Yeah sure your eating ice cream, but talk about booooorrrring. The beer was alright, but the personality, or lack there of, the brew masters and brewery reps left a little, ok. A lot to be desired. In their defense, this was their first appearance at GABF…maybe no one told them about the ‘be cool’ policy.
I used all the interpersonal skills I had and in the first hour all I learned was the brewermaster and his wife were married and he runs. Yeah great you’re a brewmaster, so are 500 other people here. Your not that special.
Oh yeah and you’re a runner? Big deal.

When I asked the brewmaster to tell me about his beers so I knew what to tell the patrons, he replied with “oh, do you know anything about beer?”
I wanted to reply “No, I just like to come here for the cool volunteer t-shirt”
Instead I was nice and replied “oh a little bit”

Idiot!

I was over it.

I was not going to waste my time to get in the good graces of this brewery. I poured their beer and drank my share and enjoyed the festival.

I treated it like a bad date. Have as much fun as possible and at the end…move on

At least we had Mister Sexy in our area...

The next night I was determined to pour for a “fun” brewery. So this time I chose Kona Brewery out of…

Wait, lets play this game again, I’ll let you guess.
Give up?

Yup, Hawaii. (good job!)

Of course they will be fun. They live in Hawaii for Christ’s sake. I was right.

Rich, Wendy, and the other guy”(who I feel like an idiot I can’t remember his name and he is the head brew master--DUH!) They were all a blast.. And bonus their beer rocked! My favorite was the Coco Loca, a Coconut Brown Ale. Oh my delicious!!! Tasted like roasted coconut and made me want to run away to the islands for good.

Everyone else at the festival thought the same thing, there was a constant pour of that beer for the first two sessions and we ran out mid Saturday afternoon. I am glad to report I pretty much drank that exclusively until it ran out. Then I switched to their Pipeline Porter. Another amazingly yummy beer.

Since they were such fun and had such good beer I also poured for them on Saturday.
As a side story: Saturday afternoon we all were visiting and came to realize Rich, Wendy and I all lived in Steamboat at the same time and another lifetime ago I used to serve them $1.99 steaks and they remembered by big shaggy mutt “Pablo”. It is a small world after all.

Bonus, If I decide to move to Kona Hawaii, Rich and Wendy said they would gladly hire me to pour beer in the tasting room/bar.

Tempting, VERY Tempting…

Public Service Post

2009-10-13T15:05:00.003-06:00

Make sure you buy your Girl Scout Cookies this year!

I'm Still Kickin

2009-10-13T14:51:00.004-06:00

I have not fallen off the planet, I promise…

I have been busy with all sorts of adventures but once I sit down to blog about them, my camera is dead and my battery charger is at home where I am not. So any pictures I have come from my crackberry.

Quick up date…

Great American Beer Festival was a huge success, see even the bear wanted into the convention center to get some delicious beer.

I also got the opportunity to volunteer at Bristol Brewery (in return for free beer—which I will never complain about). Every year they make a seasonal pumpkin ale (Venetucci Pumpkin Ale) that is absolutely delicious and this year I helped make that happen. Be watching in the next couple weeks for this beer to be in Colorado Liquor Stores and local taverns. YUM!

My father had a small set back two days before he was to head back to the Midwest to start on his own adventure. He was in the hospital for 10 days with a nasty case of pancreatitis. Luckily he is out of the hospital and on the mend. Unfortunately he missed going to the CSU Homecoming game. I am thankful I had the flexibility to come to Fort Collins to spend some time and cheer him up. I think the morphine got to his head though because he got an idea that I was interviewing for jobs up here. I had to remind him Fort Collins is low on my list of places I want to relocate too. Sorry.

More to come later. For those keeping track, I am still running, swimming and cycling like a mad woman. Next event: Half Marathon in December, (I hope…)

INK

2009-09-17T14:17:00.002-06:00

Last night I got the opportunity to see INK. An independent film by Jamin Winans.

I would have to say that this is by far the most amazing movie I have seen all year, and possibly of all time.

Since the producers were unable to get large distribution they have their own film tour of this movie around the country.

After the showing last night the writer, director, producer, and multiple actors were in the audience for Q&A.

They will be showing the movie again on Oct. 9th at UCCS campus here in Colorado Springs. I highly encourage all locals in the Springs to check this movie out.

For those of you not in Colorado Springs, may I suggest you go on the website and sign up for email updates for if the movie comes to your area. You will not regret seeing this film.

It is nothing short of amazing!!!

Also, it is to be noted, not only was the entire movie filmed in Colorado, the director, writer and every person on the staff of the film (including all actors) were Colorado natives. That is pretty freaking awesome!!!

What Happens Doesn’t Always Stay…

2009-09-17T11:42:00.003-06:00

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Lenocker
And I can’t forget two of my favorite little rockstars; Avery and Scarlet
The Wedding was absolutely beautiful and magical.
The weekend in Las Vegas was truly an endurance event that consisted of many adventures and non shall be written about on line.
Here is the old gang, minus Steve (who got stuck being sent to West Virginia for work) and Bridget (Bridget was taking this photo)
The wedding cake topper
After a crash the girls came to alert the adults something happened to the cake.
(They really had nothing to do with it, the cake topper just jumped to it’s death)
The headless wedding cake topper. Erin declared even decapitated, it will be displayed proudly in their chine hutch.

7X’s and a Why?

2009-09-10T15:20:00.002-06:00

On Labor Day I ran in my first Marathon Relay.

I was the last person to go and I had the shortest distance to run (4.2 miles).

My team consisted of my friends Sonal, Mark, Jamie—three woman and a man. Get it? 7x’s and a Y (Why?)…

If you don’t get it, talk to your high school biology teacher and ask them about genetics…

All the proceeds from the relay went directly to the charity Pennies for Nioll. Where as the money from the marathon and half marathon went towards administrative costs and prize money.

I was hesitant to join the team considering the relay was happening 2 days after my big triathlon, but once I learned I had the shortest leg I agreed. Although, I did not take into consideration I would be running at the height of heat during the day. I am not used to running in the middle of the day. Most of my runs are at 5:30 am or 7 pm, before the sun comes up, or while it is making its exit.

It was tough. But as a team we did great and had an absolute blast. It also helped there was beer from Bristol Brewery at the finish line. Which btw was totally NOT well marked and the last 2/10th’s of a mile sucked b/c I kept expecting the next turn in America The Beautiful park to be it…but it wasn’t until I ran around the entire park.

I know by know all my readers are thinking “what next?”

What self torture do I plan next?

Well I’ll tell you this much, it is also an endurance event, consists of very little sleep and over a span of multiple days, and of course multiple shoe changes…

Oh yeah, in a desert.

Tune in next week to know what that adventure is…

Tenderfoot Mountain Triathlon Race Report

2009-09-09T13:29:00.007-06:00

The trip to Salida started Friday afternoon with my parents rolling into town around 1:30 and me skipping out of work with no one noticing after my last meeting at 1pm.

We grabbed lunch at Paninos and headed onto Salida for the awaiting 'Adventure in Pain' for myself and the 'Adventure of Support' for my parents. As a support crew they were troopers I tell ya. Not many parents would give up their entire holiday weekend for their crazy, adult daughter’s goal to torture herself for hours on end, and they get to clap and cheer along the way.

I had made reservations in the swanky Circle R Motel weeks in advance to make sure we all had a place to lay our weary heads.

After much deliberation for dinner we decided to go with an old stand by, consistently good, very vegetarian friendly Twisted Cork. I had introduced my father to this gem of a restaurant this past ski season and he was anxious to take his wife; my step-mother Betty, there. She is a Vegan and me being a Vegetarian, and my father a full on Carnivore, we all were able to find delicious grub for our dinner. We all had a busy day planned for the next day. We needed to get to bed early.

I slept alright considering I had a gazillion butterflies breeding in my stomach. My bike was propped next to my bed, I had images of oversleeping and my alarms not going off (note I said alarms—I set three-just in case). The alarms were set for 4 am in order for me to wake up, eat, ride my bike to the aquatic center, set up my transition area, go to the bathroom—three times, and be ready for my estimated start time of 7:55am.

The plan was my dad and Betty would arrive at the pool around 7:35 am and I would hand my watch to my dad to time my swim and he would hand it back on my way to transition.

I was disappointed and concerned that we were not allowed to warm up in the pool before the initial start. Going in with cold muscles did not make my nerves settle one bit. I was used to the distance of swim (1000 meters), I do it 5 times a week, but never in a hot springs pool (~85 degrees), and I knew the lack of warm up, regardless of my morning bike ride would bite me in the end. And it did.

A lot of people must have had issues getting up or making it to the swim start because my estimated start time was bumped up to 7:20, because so many people were late or no shows. This was only 5 minutes after I ate my Gu, which I calculated to eat 15 minutes prior. Luckily, my parents came in as I was heading to the water so I was able to pass my watch off to my dad ready to start the clock.

Side note: I have a thing for needing data. It’s weird. My friends and family have come to accept it about me. I need to have my times as I am doing things. It is what I do. The watch is a MAJOR thing for me.

I started out with a great set of lane mates, I was the fastest so in the first couple laps I passed to the front and we all kept at an even tempo, then by lap 14 I hit a wall, I had to let them pass and the distance between us grew with every lap. By lap 14 I was ¼ of a lap behind the other two in my lane. Not bad, but I could feel the fatigue.

I was happy to get out of the pool and head to my bike.

As I was running out of the pool I heard my friend Tina yelling and cheering with my Dad and Betty.

As I was drying off and prepping for my bike ride my support team was there to talk to me and calm me down. My dad learned in my first triathlon, I don’t mind being talked to, it was nice that the transition area was open and the idle chit chat helped calm my nerves as I raced to get my cycling shorts, jersey, number and shoes on.

Off I went…

The 25 mile bike ride was a two mile loop that we did twice, it had one large climb, one great decent followed by a sharp right hand turn, and a smaller climb towards the end.

It was during the bike ride I realized what an amazing set of athletes compete in this triathlon. Never have I seen so many encouraging people on a course. Everyone was cheering everyone else on. Later I learned this is one of the harder olympic distance triathlons in the state and the camaraderie was amazing out on course.

I am thankful I didn’t know the difficulty of the course when I signed up, I may have chickened out.

Considering there were only 103 participants, there were many times you would go for a mile or 4 without seeing another rider.

It was a neat surprise to find my parents along the route cheering me on. Almost like “Where’s Waldo?” I didn’t know where they would pop out next. Later I learned that they had seen me on the long climb but did not let me know they were watching me from behind, because it was long, hard and brutal, but I did it, in a sick way liked it, and enjoyed the decent in which I earned.
(my dad at the end of the decent pointing me towards my turn)

As I came in from my last lap on the bike I saw my friend Chery standing near the transition area.
Another cheerleader!
She told me later she had JUST arrived and was afraid she missed me.

I felt great!!! Although there was a bathroom issue brewing in my belly that I didn’t know how to deal with. (sorry, TMI)

Once again I came into transition and I am now feeling all the work I have been putting out, I also needed a potty. (again, To Much Information, I apologize)

I got my running gear on and headed back out on course, Chery gave me a hug as I ducked under the tape for the Porta-potty. Yeah, not gonna happen…time to run. (here my dad is again, cheering me along)

Although my legs were having an issue getting into it. So I trotted the first half mile until I came upon a concrete path that would lead me to the boat ramp in town, then up a mountain.
That concrete path was my nemesis and in the end it won.
I could not run on it without extreme pain in my shins and ankles, knowing I had another race two days later and not wanting to get injured, I gave in and fast walked the first and last 2 miles. I did my best to run up the mountain and back to the concrete path, in which I fast walked again. (we ran around the right side and backside of this mountain, to the top and back down via service road)

There was a water station at the boat ramp that sounded like a good idea until I took a small sip (cold water) and almost immediately barfed. Bad idea

Instead I kept going, and going.
Meanwhile, my support team was napping.

Finally, I came off the concrete path and it was 4-6 short blocks to the finish line. I pushed and gave it all I had, which wasn’t much at this point.

But I gave it, like a junkie handing over their last dollars they earned donating plasma.
I handed over all energy to that finish line.

(If you look closely, I am the little runner wearing the purple swim suit and black skirt)

Which I crossed.

Strong

Still running

(sort of)

Then was greeted by my family and friends.

At this point I was Done, Finit, Spent.

And I cried

Final time: 3:59:19

Betty then said to me “well now you have done it, you never have to do it again”

I replied: “well not until next year at least”

(My Cheering Section)
(Do dead people laugh and smile? I think I will be smiling when I die, I smile all the time while I am alive, why not?

Lessons Learned:

2009-09-08T15:01:00.005-06:00

This past weekend while competing in my first Olympic length triathlon followed up by a marathon relay race two days later I learned some very good lessons when it comes to completion, personal fitness and performance.

1) When I think I am hydrated, drink more water
2) Carb loading really doesn’t need to begin 72 hours prior, 24 hours would have been fine. Eating too much the day before a race can be as bad as not eating enough. Next time, do not eat a large lunch and dinner the day before the race
3) The glass of red wine the night before was perfectly acceptable, as learned a few weeks before, the vodka martini is not.
4) Breakfast 3 hours before my start time was key.
5) Be at the pool and ready to go 45 minutes before my start time. Many people missed their starts, pushing up start times
6) Swimming with cold muscles in a very warm pool is HARD
7) I need to get my body used to running on concrete in the middle of the day.
8) Running at noon is a completely different story than running at 5 am or 7 pm
9) Next year I will go out the evening before and stash, non-cold water.
10) I have amazingly supportive friends and parents.
11) The Circle R motel in Salida is a great little place to rest ones weary head. The owners Pam and Lee are some of the nicest folks that you will meet.
12) I need new gear: A new bike and Tri suit to be exact if I am going to continue down this crazy path.
13) Triathletes are some of the nicest, coolest people out there. We’re all nuts!

I still have my heart set on doing a triathlon with two of my best friends, Amy and April. That’s right girls, I have my eyes on YOU!
April, there is a fun Iron Girl sprint in las Vegas that I think would be a blast, plus easy for us each to get too. I think it is in the spring time.
Amy, next year, you + me + Salida = FUN!!!

The Results Are In...

2009-09-08T10:16:00.009-06:00

More pictures of this weekends activities to follow:

To protect the innocent and keep my identity a little bit obscured. My results are for the name that is represented in Hot Pink.

For the record, my run was super slow on both events and my leg on the marathon was the shortest of all three (4.2 miles). My body was not happy about running in the middle of the day, in the hot blazing sun.

46:50

2009-09-01T21:44:00.004-06:00

My new Incline PR. I am more excited that this is after my last PR I set only three weeks ago.

AND It was after work.

AND after a big run this morning.

I had not set out to set my PR, I only set out to wear the pooch out.

Imagine what will happen next? I can't wait to see...

Stay tuned!!!

CRAPS!

2009-08-31T12:27:00.002-06:00

In July Colorado gaming introduced higher stake limits which now allows for casinos here to have my all time favorite game, Craps!

It started innocently enough, meeting up with my RAGBRAI team members for FAC cocktails on Friday afternoon. Some where in the conversation I mentioned I was heading to Las Vegas in the near future for a friends wedding and my buddy said how much he enjoyed Craps, I replied “me too!”

After a few drinks we left the bar, hopped on the Ramblin Express and headed to Cripple Creek to test out the new higher stakes gaming laws, and test the craps dealer’s skillz.

It was obvious we were not in Vegas when the dealers seemed shocked to cash in $100 for chips and we started playing with $5 chips and not the $1, also when I was on a 30 minute roll, I noticed I had the pit boss, the casino manager and other big men watching every single roll of my dice. For the night we each walked out with a few hundred dollars than we came in with and apparently the casino bosses were not too pleased, at the same time there was nothing they could say or do, I was legit and I wasn’t making that much money.

Looking forward to my trip to Las Vegas where a hot roll on the tables gets you food and lodging comps, not dirty looks by old greasy men, and watered down cocktails.

How Much Information is Too Much?

2009-08-31T10:56:00.001-06:00

This is something I struggle with. How much is too much to make public on a blog. I used to lightly think about this, but recently, after recent developements, I really don’t want everyone knowing where I can be found on any certain day. So forgive me if posts are about things I have done, versus things or places I intend to go. Which is a drag because there is a lot of exciting stuff coming up I REALLY want to write about…

So to my readers, I apologize, but I will remain in the blogosphere, for now…

When the Cats Away

2009-08-25T09:25:00.003-06:00

The hands will play!

Puffy hands needed a little girl time this weekend.

Started with a fun car ride

Some shopping:

Cocktails

Dinner

Finally to top the weekend off with a ride

Getting My Head Around It All

2009-08-21T09:59:00.002-06:00

I am doing a little calculation of my upcoming events:

In the next 8 weeks I have:

-Two marathon relays
-One Olympic distance triathlon
-PPRR Fall series starts (in which I will run 3 of the 4 races since there is a schedule conflict with the Denver Marathon)
-Great American Beer Festival (which well all know is a marathon of beer drinking, networking and socializing in itself)
-Venus De Miles Century Bike Ride (undecided)
-Trip to Las Vegas for Carl and Erin’s wedding (a marathon of drinking, gambling and all around debauchery)
-Sprinkle in a couple other 5K runs/races

Good times, Good times...

Breaking Up

2009-08-20T11:38:00.001-06:00

Dear Sugar,

We have had a long term affair going on as you know, over 35 years to be exact. I am proud to say I am ready to let you go and move on.

When I was younger, it was a secret affair, my parents tried to keep you away from me as much as possible, but I snuck you in sodas and candy bars and holidays. You know, I always let you in when my mom and dad weren’t watching. As I became an adult you were with me everyday. . I will not even tell you what my dentist warned me about you all these years. It isn’t very nice. In the past few years I have seen your intentions have not been healthy for me and I still managed to make excuses for my love of you.

It is now time for me to say good-bye. In the past nine days, over our trial separation, I have come to realize how much my life is better without you, I have lost weight, my athletic performance has improved and I am now enjoying the craving free days that follow.

I know you will find someone else, in fact there are many people I know that have told me they have the same love affair with you, so I know losing me won’t hurt you too much.

You are the sweetest thing I know, but I am ready to live life less sweet.

-Vargasgirl

My Motivation

2009-08-19T14:29:00.001-06:00

Two years ago a person very close to me found out he was sick. This news hit him and his family hard. A new father with two small daughters, a wife and a thriving business, bad news was not something he was used too, much less something so personal. As personal as you can get, this was his life.

He was the athlete, the one that could do anything he tried on the first try. Not only accomplishing but doing it well, having corporate sponsorships as a teenager was not a dream or a challenge it was his reality. He lived a charmed life, still does.

Recently, in the past year he has become victorious over his battle with the debilitating disease that has tried to slow him down.

The great thing about the human brain, it can and relearn thing, but in the mean time. No running, no bike riding, no mountain climbing, snowboarding and wakeboarding are like jumping back 20 years. Or as he told me, fast forward to being an 80 year old person in a body that looks 33, but acts 80. Can you imagine going to bed one night and waking up the next day feeling like you aged 50 years?

Neither can I

However; What I can do is pick up where he left off. I may not be as athletic, but I can sure as hell try.

That is my motivation, to do because others can not (especially someone I love).

AFLAC!!!

2009-08-07T09:30:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow I will be running in my second Iron Girl event.
Last year I set my 5k PR on this course.

The best thing about this event, other than the fact that you are running with all women, is the plush Aflac duck they give to all finishers.

Sasha the Wonderpup, LOVED this toy last year. She adopted it from me and carried it with her until it disintegrated.

I am most excited about this race this year that my number one cheerleader (my dad) will be there cheering me on.

Pushing for a new PR!

How the World Turns, and Turns

2009-08-07T09:27:00.000-06:00

When you think you have something to worry about, look at someone else’s life and listen to their worries. They make yours seem so much less.

This past weekend my father called me from ‘The Twin Cities’ (Minneapolis/St. Paul). I assumed he was just up there visiting family. He called to console me about some bad news I had gotten at work (more to come on that when I have definite news). Turns out he was hanging out in a hospital with his brother and sister becoming a human pin cushion, seeing if he is an acceptable kidney donor for his brother.
If all goes well, next spring my father may be working with one less kidney and my uncle may have one perfectly good functioning one, chillin back on the beach at his home in Puerto Rico..
This will all happen after ski season of course. My father may be selfless enough to give a kidney, but don’t take away his passion of skiing. That is going too far, a man has to have his limits

At the same time as I am having this conversation with my dad, my best friend was visiting her mom for her birthday, while her mother is in a battle with the Big C.

All the while other family members and people I love are all battling their own wars with illness, disease, addiction and heartbreak.

Depressing?

Na, I am fortunate to have all these people in my life, only a phone call or a short visit away. We certainly laugh, cry and enjoy every day we have together. Because that is the thing about life, No one gets out alive.

I may have some big life changes lurking, but for now I have my health, happiness, and an abundance of friends and family that love and support me. Not to mention a crazy dog a homicidal cat that provides endless hours of entertainment.

Stay tuned for the next episode…

Finding Peace

2009-08-06T11:09:00.006-06:00

Alarm blaring at 5:15 am is painful.

Once I get to see this view.

The pain is replaced.

To make this view tolerable

Current 1000 meter swim stat: 24:09

Quotes

2009-08-02T19:05:00.002-06:00

My Quote for the day:
“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”--Nathaniel Brandon

My Quote for the Coming Weeks:
“Change is the essence of life.Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”--Unknown

My Quote for Life:
“We must become the change we want to see.”--Mahatma Gandhi

4 Years

2009-08-01T18:26:00.003-06:00

I would have completely missed this day had it not been for an email sent to me by Colorado Quit Net
4 years ago I quit smoking…

The idea that I used to smoke at all is so foreign to me.
I can honestly say I would never ever smoke another cigarette.

Here are my stat’s:

Your Quit Date is: Monday, August 01, 2005 at 10:00:00 PM
Time Smoke-Free: 1460 days, 7 hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 21905
Lifetime Saved: 5 months, 17 days, 7 hours
Money Saved: $4,383.00

That is a lot of time, smokes and scrilla!

Food Ramble

2009-08-01T18:23:00.001-06:00

In order to get out, enjoy the sunny weather and do as little walking as possible (because I am still recovering from my middle of the dawn, burn of frustration energy up the incline last week--new PR 48:12)

I decided to peddle my bike downtown to see the movie “Food, Inc.”

I knew this was a documentary on out food in this country and how it is produced. Being that since I went on the macro biotic diet when I was 19 for a short period of time (I missed dairy and cold no longer resist the call of cheese) and ever since been very interested in food, the decline of our culture when it comes to processed food and convenience. Also being a vegetarian, err I mean an “Lacto, ovo, Pescatarian” (if you want/need the correct label)---translation: I eat no meat other than fish, however I do eat dairy products and eggs…and really? Do you really care? Probably not…

I make a personal serious effort to avoid fast food, “chemical foods” and process foods in general, but I will also be the first to admit, I love a Taco Bell bean burrito from time to time and Kraft mac and cheese IS my favorite comfort food (soon to be replaced by Jan’s homemade mac and cheese which I was recently schooled in the art of preparing that pan of delicious goodness).

I may have strict food ‘rules’ for myself, but I will never tell someone else how to eat, I don’t care if you like high fructose corn syrup or you like to eat hamburger at every meal, to each their own. Heck, I LOVE sugar. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Don’t even get near me with Sweet N low, or Splenda, I want good, old sugar!

That is where this movie lost me, I found it interesting the politics and the corporate control over our farmers. There was a level of guilt in the movie to the audience, man, had I been a carnivore. I would have felt awful walking out of the theater. As it was I already felt like a crappy American, buying , my food from the grocer, bananas from Chili, tomatoes from not here, year round. Without blinking an eye. I should have planted that garden I meant to this year, I should learn to can food…Whatever, I still like bananas in February, and Tomatoes in January…

However, there were some interesting points made in the movie and I did learn something. Like in the state I live, Colorado, it is a FELONY apparently to speak negatively against any meat produced in this state. Huh?

Really?

So the fact I have always said Greeley stinks like ass because of Monfort because Monfort stinks…
They labeled it the ‘Vegi-slander laws”
I need to research that some more. Because if I am going to jail by the meat police I need to know if it is because I choose not to eat meat, or if I insult meat in some way.
How does one go about insulting meat? Say it’s momma was a whore?
Hmmmm
As I rode my bike away from the theater I thought, “why am I feeling crappy, I eat healthy, I ride my bike as much as possible to avoid driving my car, plus it is fun, I try to be a good person. I am happy, nice, honest person…”
I turned the corner to realize there was a fireman party for the neighborhood…What? Firemen? In short sleeved shirts, serving cake? YAY!

What movie?

Pikes Peak 2009

2009-07-22T12:47:00.004-06:00

Living in Colorado Springs for the past 11 years, I have climbed many mountains, some as far as South America and an attempt at one in Indonesia. But never the big one in my back yard. The mountain that greets me every morning when I leave my house to start my day.
Pikes Peak has provided me with many fun adventures, The Incline is my favorite workouts. I have taken endless tourist fiends and family up the peak by car and The Cog Railway. I have hiked the Crags to Devils Playground to spectate The Pikes Peak Hill Climb (and avoid paying the $40 entrance fee)
I have never walked all the way up Barr trail from parking lot to the summit. Until last weekend.

13 miles

one way.

Even though I have friends that run this on a regular basis--I call them insane, but I like crazy people.
This is not an easy hike.
Much less a much more difficult run. There were many people on the trail with me training for the upcoming Pikes Peak Accent race.

I started my journey at 4:22am

Once the sun started to rise I could see the city below...

A few miles up my goal came into view...

7 miles up I came up to Barr camp where a lovely doggy greeted me and the caretaker Teresa had some wholegrain pancakes to share. Those were DELICIOUS!

6 miles after Barr camp, and 7 hours, 37 minutes and 4 seconds after leaving my car at the trailhead, I was here

On the train down I sat next to Yvonne Carpenter, Matt Carpenters wife. She is training for The Accent and her time up was something like 3.5 hours. Honestly I could be wrong on that, it was too short for me to comprehend.
She is a super nice lady. Matt is also a nice man, I have had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occassins and running into him quite often on Barr trail.

That just isn't right.

I got home to celebrate with a gifted Cheyenne Canon Pinon Ale and a Pizza from Domino's. (My first pizza and Cheyenne Canyon Ale in months...)

I swear I heard angels sing

Then I went to sleep

Oh RHETT!!!

2009-07-17T13:42:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday night the Old 97's played in Colorado Springs, even better, at Colorado College, a short hop from my house.

As always they put on an awesome show.

Afterwards, as we were heading to our bikes, we ran into Rhett Miller (If I had a rockstar crush, wait, I should say I DO have a rockstar crush. It is on Rhett Miller)

Dreamy!

Big Girl Shoes

2009-07-09T09:05:00.007-06:00

I am afraid (for my brother and sister-in-law) my niece is a fashionista in the making.

Every time Aunt Tanya comes over there is a game of "Shoes and Jewelry inspection"

Now if I wear cheap shoes, lets say Chuck Taylor converse, my oldest niece could care less. However, the Coach tennis shoes get much more attention.

How does an almost 5 year old know the difference? She does.

Here is pictures from my most recent visit.

(Notice the leaning against the wall for stability.)

Manolo Blahnik. Oh, these sent off sirens when I walked in the door.

Girl has great taste!

And small feet

Her sister isn't so interested in the shoes, but more so if she can play with my camera.

This picture was her direction:

"now YOU put your shoes on and I take picture"

Ms to Mrs

2009-07-08T10:11:00.003-06:00

Here is the evidence that Ms. Bick is officially Mrs. Schatzle
(Did I spell that right?)

The setting was June 27, 2009.
Batchtown, Illinois

Apparently it is tradition in Batchtown for the bride and bridesmaids get up on the bar (Owned by Amy's cousin) immediately after the ceremony and pre reception.

(Don't let the brides white dress, innocence, and beauty fool you, this is not her first time on a bar. I am thankful there were no poles nearby--that is a whole other story)

oh, and also I have to note:

This is what happens when an Iron-wo-man throws a bouquet. It completely got obliterated and exploded when it hit the ground 20 feet behind the crowd. I even had an eager 12 year old placed in front of me ready to catch it.

Great arm Ms. B...err I mean MRS. SCHATZLE
(That still sounds weird!)
Congratulations!!!

A Sign

2009-07-08T10:09:00.001-06:00

In Denver last week I saw this in a shop window...

I like it

Only in Colorado pt. 2

2009-07-07T14:46:00.006-06:00

Only in Colorado does the temp fluxuate 48 degrees in a hour and 11 minutes...

Forgive the bluryness in the second picture(I think you get the idea)

Traffic Jam

2009-07-07T14:39:00.002-06:00

Downtown Steamboat Springs Sunday Morning

Only in Colorado

2009-07-05T21:50:00.005-06:00

Do you need to pack a winter jacket and a bikini to spend the Fourth of July weekend in the mountains.

True Confessions

2009-07-05T20:11:00.003-06:00

Okay, here we go:
True confession.
I love watching the Tour De France. When E and I were dating he got me addicted. I used to joke I was excited to met a guy that didn’t care about football, but come July he was glued to my TV since I had cable and he didn’t. I joked he was obsessed. In all honesty, I was getting hooked and looked forward to each stage. Last year while riding on RAGBRAI there was one evening I remember, riding into a small town we rode into that only had one bar and one public television. I caught myself looking through the window while standing on my tiptoes on the sidewalk to see a glimpse of what I missed while I was riding my bike. There was no chance of getting inside. So instead of finding food that night, I sat on the sidewalk and called home for Tour updates. Sad, I knew then I was hooked.

I personally have never cared much for football, the Superbowl, World Series, world cup etc (with the exception of The Stanley cup--don’t mess with Hockey)…But the Tour…Well, ya. I am finding myself glued to Versus and wondering who will win the next stage? Who will get busted for doping this year? I am to a huge Lance Armstrong fan, I know, sue me. However; I am amazed that he is riding the tour now and still plans to ride (and according to him, win) The Leadville 100 mountain bike race next month.. I go to sea level for a week and get my ass handed to me while riding with JJS in Steamboat the next weekend. I can not even imagine. Then again that is why I am paid for my brain and not my brawn.

But I still love watching the tour and second confession, I think Bob Roll is cute. I watch the commentary because of him. He cracks me up in a silly kinda way.
Enough confessions for one evening.

I'm Tri-ing

2009-06-16T09:29:00.004-06:00

I completed my first Triathlon!!!
300 Meter swim + 11 Mile Bike Ride + 2 Mile Run =1 hour 19 minutes

What a freaking amazing feeling!

I could not have done it without the support of my family and friends.
Special thanks to Ali for opening up her home to me and also cheering me on during my swim. Which I cut 2 minutes off my swim time in the actual race. Also, Fun Tina, who I don't think is too fun at 5:20 in the mornings she is knocking on my door and dragging my ass to the pool.

(Pictures to follow later, once my family sends them to me)

I have the bug now and will definitely be doing another one soon. Next tiem will be a sprint distance.

Name That Pepper

2009-06-11T14:08:00.003-06:00

When I went on my mission of collecting plants and flowers to put in my garden this year, I picked up this lovely plant that was listed as a vegetable at my local Ace Hardware store. I asked the friendly Ace Hardware man what kind of vegetable it was and he said “It’s a pepper plant”

“What kind of pepper plant?” I asked
He did not know.

Although he was still very helpful.

My mystery pepper plant has budded some peppers…

That are PURPLE!

What kind of peppers could they be?

Any Ideas?

Fun Tina's 40th Birthday

2009-06-11T12:04:00.006-06:00

I am proud to say many years ago I gave Tina her nickname (Fun Tina) and this past weekend on her 40th birthday she lived up to it.

Here she is on her birthday. Doesn't she look great? Not even like the newest member of the "Cougar Club". One might say she is "Fucking Classy"

Her birthday was Sunday. Here is what happened Friday and Saturday...

It started innocently enough. Shannon flew in from Oklahoma and Lulu, AKA: Lala, Don't give her hard liquor or she'll pass out, Louisa. Flew up from Santa Fe. We we all set out to start this weekend celebration off on the right foot.

We had some drinks and some fun

The next day we headed to Denver where we met up with some of Tina's hashing friends at Red Rocks. A littel bit of tailgating was going on. Tina was getting her swerve on
(Note the girl looking over. I think Tina was having more fun)

Other than Tina, Big Head Todd and the Monsters was the other entertainment for the evening.

Happy 40th Tina! Here is to the next 40!!!

Justice NOT Served

2009-06-08T14:35:00.002-06:00

Today the woman who killed Jayson and EJ was sentenced to 3 years in prison, which we all know means in a little over a year she will be free again.

You can read my blog from this horrible incident here.

Our judicial system stinks!

Ski Country USA License Plates (coming soon)

2009-06-03T15:11:00.003-06:00

I have often thought of getting designer license plates for my car. Either my Alma matter (CSU) or the Share the Road plates.

However today it was announced that Governor Ritter signed a bill making a new plate available after August 5th.

Ski County USA featuring a skier and a Snowboarder.

I’ll give you one guess which plate I will be sporting on my car this fall…

June is Bike Month

2009-06-02T14:05:00.001-06:00

Get out and roll on two wheels. You'll like it! I Promise!

It dawned on me last night…

2009-06-02T13:59:00.001-06:00

Amy is getting married in 25 days.

I have had many, many, friends get married, in fact I have an awesome collection of bridesmaid dresses. Amy, has been my singleness partner in crime for the good part of a decade. For her to take the plunge…wow! It is almost enough to take my breath away.
I can only imagine what butterflies are growing in her abdomen about now.

We were on the phone and as I was talking to her and asking her advice for my first triathlon –quickly approaching-- (she is after all an ‘Iron-wo-man’—who better to get training advice from?). She was telling me about her dress, bridesmaid dresses, colors of flowers etc. I started laughing and told her we have done a complete role reversal.

I am usually the girly girl, talking about shoes, clothes, cosmetics and the next social event while she told me the benefits of products such as “Body Glide” and “Swimmers Ear”, and talking of transition times etc…

Now we both have butterflies. Talk about stepping out of comfort zones…

The event that Amy is getting married is HUGE. Consider yourself warned world. The end of an era is coming soon…Not to mention what this will do the midgets, err I mean “short people” of the world’s self esteems.

More to come …

Tonight: PUNK ROCKS! (and a peek into a past life…)

2009-05-28T11:49:00.004-06:00

The Vandals at Red Rocks…along with The Offspring and others

The Vandals: Last time I saw them perform, was at Penny Lane coffee house in Boulder Co in 1998. It was a small punk rock show. Babes in Toyland opened for them.

That was along time ago. Also a long time ago I was a teenager living in a college town with not a lot to do. So a bunch of us would “produce” small punk rock shows. My part of the production process was small. I was in charge of copying off copies of the fliers and distribution.

My step father had an insurance office and I had a key and access to a lot of paper (uh, sorry Larry—If you are reading this now. I guess this is one of those childhood secrets I just let loose. I wasn’t REALLY doing homework in your office all those evenings--I am busted)

Anyways, I digress. We had a lot of small garage type punk bands perform at our shows. Many faded away over time but a few actually made it “big” – The Offspring was one of those bands. I have not seen them perform since they were playing for us and 50 of our “friends” we charged $4 to get in the door, the venue was a vacant office space we rented for the evening next door to Front Range Records on College Ave. Some of the other bands that played for us in those years: Social Joke, Libido Boys, Green Day, 7Seconds, No Doubt, All, Descendants, and many many more…

There are lots of stories and fun times from those years…Someday I will write them all down along with the bands that I met, listened too and drove around to and from the gig’s in my Blue VW Rabbit…Good times (Nuclear mom—you may need to help me with that…Since my memory is shady…I was not kind to my mind/body in those years)

As for tonight…I am excited to relive a little of my youth in a MUCH larger Venue…and I doubt I will be anywhere near the mosh pit. Instead, I will be that “old person’ the kids will wonder where I could have ever heard of such punk bands…oh if they only knew…

Dear Bicycle Chain Ring:

2009-05-27T13:45:00.002-06:00

Please quit biting me.
Frankly it hurt's, makes me bleed, leaves a scar and is all around, NOT COOL!

Thanks,
Tanya's Right Calf

Memorial Day Weekend Recap (Long)

2009-05-27T11:53:00.010-06:00

Memorial Day weekend had plans for one adventure, in return I had many I did not plan on. This blog will come across as a montage of personal accomplishments, reuniting old friends, being true to myself and my family.

It started early on Thursday evening in my home town, visiting with my parents and my old buddy (BC) at one of our old college haunts.

Funny how coming home can feel just like that. Across the bar as I waited for BC to join me I recognized a face but could not put a place with it. Then it dawned on me, it was Suzy…Suzy who taught me to tap dance to the Beastie Boys while we were both part of the dance department at CSU (talk about some shuffle ball change…). A few moments later, another old college friend (Kimberly) came in and sat right next to me at the bar. I have not seen Kimberly since we celebrated my college graduation at this same bar in 12 years ago…(really? That long ago? Scarey!) Kimberly had no idea who she sat next too, to her she was sitting next to some random stranger. I looked at her and said “Hey lady!” She looked at me with a blank look, then she recognized me, followed by a scream and a hug that pretty much tackled me off my seat.

After spending some hours in Elliots, BC and I did what we do well, walk around old town FTC and discuss all the changes in life we have experienced over the years and plans we have for the future. Finally long after my bed time, BC and I hugged, departed our separate ways while I peddled away on my bike I yelled across old town square ‘I love you!!!’ to hear a reply on the other side of the Square ‘I love you too!!!’ Some things just feel right. The love we have for each other is completely plutonic and a special bond we share as surviving our adolescence and early 20’s together. Also, it is when I am with BC I am reminded of all the crazy stuff we DID survive. For instance, once in an adrenaline rush I lifted my car to save his life (so I thought—he really wasn’t under the car when it fell off the jack)…True it was a Honda CRX, but still, I tore every muscle in my body for him. That is another story all together…

The next morning I got up early to go on a road bike ride with my dad and one of his cycling buddies. We met up at the Jiff Store, road “My Nemesis” hill around the south end of the reservoir to Horsetooth Park and back to the Jiff store, where my dad and his friend loaded up the car and I opted to ride my bike home, making a small detour on the way.

I hate this hill!!! Our relationship started early when I was a kid and tried to tackle it on my dirt bike…Ever since I get a huge sense of accomplishment every time I get to the top…sometimes I find myself yelling “Spank that, hill”—it’s kinda weird I know…

While on my way to old town, I chased my own train…It’s not the Iron Horse, but it was as close as I would get to riding against a train on Memorial Day weekend :)

On the way home I stopped by Kansas City Kitty, a very cool little shop owned by my childhood friend Chip, his wife Christi and her business partner. If you ever find yourself in Fort Fun you MUST stop in and see them. They have a very cool little shop full of fun, lovely stuff

After I got home and changed out of my lovely spandex I took off to the North to Cheyenne, Wyoming to take advantage of Sierra Trading Post’s Memorial Day sale.

After giving my credit card a workout in Wyoming I headed home to watch my niece graduate from my alma matter (FCHS). Followed by a wonderful dinner with my parents.

After dinner, when I was getting ready to retire for the evening I got a text message from another old friend who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his family were passing through Colorado Springs the next night and they asked if they could stay at my house.

Uh sure…I headed home on Saturday to frantically prepare my house for three house guests I was not prepared for. The evening was spent telling stories, new and old, catching up and eating pizza. Also, I made them take the bottle of Jagermeiser that was left in my freezer after his last visit over three years ago…

Speaking of Pizza, on my way home on Saturday I discovered Abo’s is now in Loveland!!! Abo’s was my favorite pizza in my youth. It required a drive to Boulder’s Pearl Street mall to be able to abide. There were many afternoons missed of school for Abo’s pizza…

Sunday I finally got some time to myself. Fun Tina and I headed to Territory Days and were rained into sitting in Meadow Muffins and observing from a far, with cocktails in hand.

Monday I enjoyed a Rockies game with my brother, sister in law and two wonderful nieces.

Coors field pic taken by Hailey

Coors Field pic taken by Natalie

Natalie and I

Some serious baseball fans

Hailey and I

Me and my two favorite little princesses

What an amazing weekend!!!

It's Oh So Quiet...

2009-05-27T10:38:00.001-06:00

The story of my life...

Minus the male dancers.

Note to self: Aquire Male Dancers wearing only underwear...

In the past year:

2009-05-15T15:09:00.003-06:00

A year ago today I experienced one of, if not the most frightening experience of my life.

You can read about it here.

The lesson I immediately learned was I am thrilled to be alive and life is short and each day is to be lived to the fullest.

Tell the people you love you love them and hold them close. Get rid of negative influences in your life and most of all...LIVE!

In the past year I have: loved, lost, stagnated, grown, awakened, been inspired, blessed, hurt, deceived, disappointed, surprised, overjoyed, outraged, had new experiences, experienced the familiar. Along with a thousand other adjectives, emotions, feelings and experiences and accomplishments.

People close to me have been born and other people have passed from this life. Others have gotten sick while others healed. All the while I was fortunate to be a part and witness this thing called Life.

AMAZING!

Washington Adventures in Friendship, Wine and Children

2009-05-13T10:33:00.007-06:00

Some of my favorite Quotes: “There is nothing like being loved by a child” also “The best place in the world is right beside a friend”

My trip to Washington to visit Nuclear Mom, was exactly what I needed for my soul. I am ever so thankful for not only the wonderful vacation, but also getting to spend time with and develop a relationship with her children. She and her husband truly have a beautiful family and I am lucky to be loved by them.

I also got to learn to make Lefse. A Scandinavian dessert that my grandmother used to make and I regretted never learning to make it before she passed away. When NM mentioned to me that she had learned to make this from her in-laws I jumped all over the opportunity for her to teach me to make it…NM wrote a great blog about it here.
Here is proof of us rolling out our Lefse...YUM!

Also I can’t forget all the delicious wine we were able to drink, sample and of course I had to buy some for my wine cellar. (In actuality it is some wine in cardboard boxes in my basement, but ‘Wine Cellar” sounds better).

On my last day of my stay I told Leif and Skadi I had a wonderful time visiting. I asked the kids if I could come back again for another visit.

“Sure” Leif replied.

YES! I will be back!!! I miss my “Morning Monkeys” already!!!

Hitting the Road

2009-04-29T21:03:00.002-06:00

For those of you keeping track, tomorrow I will go on my third travel adventure for the month of April. It’s like I am living like there is no recession, I have a stead y job with no risk of layoffs and abundant salary increases, and Santa is a real person along with the Easter Bunny.

Still, I don’t care, I get to go visit my best friend (Nuclear Mom). I am embarrassed that she has lived in the Pacific Northwest for something like 7 years and this is my first trip to see her in the town she lives in.

For the next week I will be sampling wine at the vineyards near her home, playing with her children, laughing, cooking and eating with her and her wonderful husband. I also can’t forget the shopping… we will put our super powers together to dually attempt to stimulate the economy.

Checking out and packing my bags…See ya in a week

Earth Day 5k (Running off the Grid)

2009-04-27T14:08:00.002-06:00

Tina did it! Her very first 5k and on such a dreary day, the thermometer read 39 degrees once we peddled back home and I was able to see how cold it really was. (This explained why my legs felt like frozen popsicles and the most comforting thing I could do was sit in a hot bathtub and until they thawed out.--Gotta love springtime in the Rockies!!!)

I think it was Prowler the Tiger that gave us the extra little push we needed.

A big “Rock, Rock On” goes out to Miss Tina and her super running legs!!!

Love Your Mother

2009-04-23T08:51:00.001-06:00

Earth day have been yesterday, but I am celebrating today…like everyday.

Random Adventure: Weekend in Fargo, ND

2009-04-22T09:28:00.010-06:00

I left Colorado in one of our infamous spring snow storms. The kind that dump multiple inches of wet, slushy snow that our dry earth soaks up and wants more. Unfortunately this is not fun to drive in and I almost wrecked my car on the way to Denver International Airport. Whew, glad I didn’t, thank goodness I have mad winter driving skillz—thanks dad! After a delay or two I was able to board my plane and sit on the runway. By the time we were de-iced, and ready for take-off it was the same time we should have been landing in Fargo. Luckily we had an uneventful flight at 1:20am we landed. Jason gets Rockstar Points for staying awake almost 24 hours and still greeting me with Bubble Yum, Green Tea and a welcoming smile at 1:30 in the morning. Fargo has great wildlife in the airport to greet you while you claim your baggage, here is my new friend the buffalo. (He likes it when I pet his bum) Saturday Jason gave me the local’s tour of Fargo, we went to the worlds largest sporting goods store, where they had a Ferris wheel inside among other activities like this shooting game.
Me with a gun (even if it is a toy) is like handing a Trig Calculator to a St. Bernard. What the heck am I supposed to do with this? We visited the Hjemkomst Center, and admired the Hopperstad Stave Church Replica…Very cool! We took a side trip up to Detroit Lakes Minnesota to see Jason’s home town, visit with his friends and meet his godson Hunter (what a little charmer). Then we ventured to see if the lake was thawed enough for some kayaking, it wasn’t. So instead we went to eat Nachos… My Godzilla impression over the nachos… Sunday we spent riding bikes around Fargo, taking a helicopter ride over the flood area, and general playing around including my first geocache experience. I recently learned that my grandparents met in Fargo. It was neat for me to be in the historic area of town and imagine my grandparents being in the same place so many years ago. Like the historic movie theater. I am HUGE in Fargo! And strong... Before this weekend I always thought of Fargo, ND as cold and boring. After this weekend I have to say “Notsomuch”. It is a lovely little city with great parks, lots of areas to ride bikes and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Fargo get a big high five and a circus act rating from me! Also, huge props to my friend Jason for being such an excellent host and tour guide!!! You are a Rockstar!!! I never dreamt that switching seats on a plane could lead to so much fun and future adventures.

A Little Adventure, Dontchaknow

2009-04-15T13:32:00.003-06:00

Right now while the rest of the world is cutting back, including my company which doled out a nice pay cut this month. One would think I would follow suit. Nope, not I. Why be a trend follower? I ask. Dip into that savings and make life fun…

This weekend I am heading up to the great white (albeit, flooded) northern midwest.

Fargo, North Dakota!

Libby + Warren = CONGRATULATIONS

2009-04-15T13:06:00.003-06:00

Today my dear friends Libby and Warren are getting married in Sunny California.
They promise to share margaritas forever…

What REALLY happened to the Easter Bunny

2009-04-13T09:38:00.002-06:00

If you woke up on Sunday to no Easter basket...

It is not because you were bad. It is because the Easter bunny had a few too many vodka martini's the night before...

Florida Trip Recap

2009-04-13T09:09:00.002-06:00

I went to Florida to heal my heart, spend quality time with my grandmother and grab a tan and some adventure.

I had originally planned to spend three days with my grandmother, take off by myself for two days to the east coast to surf, and come back to the gulf coast for one day before leaving. Funny how plans get changed once the adventure is under way. My grandmother was not happy about me leaving her after a couple days visit, so I decided to not take the side trip to the coast to go surfing. (Although I really really wanted too, there are some things we need to do to make our families happy). Sigh…Next trip….

This turned out to be a good decision because on the flight out there I had befriended the gentleman sitting next to me on the plane. Had I been on the east coast I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to go on a personal tour by him of Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, the Baywalk and sea shell hunting on the beach until 2 in the morning.

Here is a picture of my new friend Jason on the beach amid our middle of the night sea shell hunting adventure…

My grandmother had also filled our agenda with lots of fun things to do every day. We went to see a Broadway play “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at a local dinner theater. Played at the beach , went to Busch Gardens and of course touring the shopping and dining locals around Tampa, Holiday, Port Richey and Tarpon Springs, (My favorite Greek community in the entire world—Can you say Baklava?—yummmmm).

I came on vacation with a purpose, I left tan, relaxed, well read (I knocked 4 books off my reading list this week) and with a new friend…

You could say it was a perfect vacation. (Even if I didn’t get to surf…next time)

Difference in Weekends

2009-03-31T10:20:00.001-06:00

Last weekend Snowboard

Next weekend Surfboard

I love my life!

See you all in about a week. Hopefully in that time my body can catch up to my face in the tan department. Right now I look like a bad photoshop picture. This is what spring skiing does to us here in Colorado.

On a Lighter Note

2009-03-20T14:21:00.001-06:00

I realized after posting my last blog I couldn’t’ leave that level of anger and negativity at the top of my blog…

So here is some random happy videos that make me smile. I hope they do you too.

(Nothing like anime and the 80‘s for entertainment…)

WARNING: Illicit Lyrics and a Bad Attitude to Follow

2009-03-20T13:47:00.004-06:00

Okay, Here is a blog post that breaks one of my personal rules. I hate reading Blogs where people are negative or complain. It is so….

Draining

Well I need to break this rule because I am angry, pissed off and find myself looking for a creative outlet to explain these emotions that have been with me for the past couple of weeks. Maybe if I bring them out in the open I can let them go.

Here are three of my favorite break-up songs that seem so fitting for right now.

In no particular order.

(((DEEP BREATH)))

I feel better, thank you for letting me get that off my chest.

Commited

2009-03-19T09:11:00.002-06:00

It is official!
I signed up for my first triathlon.

I suddenly feel woozy and light-headed

Looking Forward

2009-03-13T10:10:00.005-06:00

When all else fails...Plan a trip! (or Two, or Three)

I have been experiencing wanderlust and craving the ocean for some time now, so in 2.5 weeks I will be here. Doing nothing but relaxing, healing and filling my soul with the salty scent of the brackish Gulf Coast. It isn’t the ocean, but it is a beach, and I look forward to hunting sand dollars and starfish while my toes wiggle in the sand.

Three weeks later, I plan on standing at the start line with my best friend, here. (Has it REALLY been since 2001 Bay to Breakers since we ran a race together?)

Good things are to come...

Feeling incredibly loved…

2009-03-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like friends.
I have been on a hiatus from blogging lately since my personal life has been full of chaos.
Since drama is not my bag and I am exhausted from hashing out details, I’ll spare you, my three readers that read my blog, if your still around that is.

Wednesday night I made one mouse click on facebook to change my status from “in a relationship” to “Single”
What I experienced is an overwhelming outreach from my friends near and far.

Usually break-ups are some of the hardest, loneliest times for me. Not this time. I have never felt so surrounded by amazing people and I know I made the best decision.

So there you have it. The cast of characters has changed some.

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

Moving on…

The Results Are In...

2009-03-06T10:24:00.002-07:00

I just got the call from my vet. Sasha’s DNA test is in.
She is…
(drumroll please)

At least 50% Golden Retriever
12.5% Australian Sheppard
25% unknown.

(I have no idea about the other 2.5%)

I will have to wait until I get my copy in the mail.

The Random Adventures of Vargasgirl

Happy Birthday Shannon!

Smart Friends

Poor Little Sad Blog

RUM PUNCH! *POW!*

By Popular Demand: RUMCAKE!

Filter?

GULP!

Easter Shenanigans

You Know You’re an “Athlete” When:

Less Than Zero

Valentines Day

Birthday Party Recap (late)

Sundance Film Festival 2010

English Beat and Fishbone

Girlfriend Quotes:

Why haven’t I updated my blog in a while?

RIP Mr. Salinger

Home From Sundance Film Festival

2:30:12

Fruitcake Toss

2010 Rescue Run

Tour De Colorado Snowboard Festival

The Numbers are In (kinda)

I Agreed to What?!

2010 Events

Happy Birthday Bawj!

Making a List, Checking it Twice

Note to Self

Adventures in Tea: Chia

Books of 2009

Rock Canyon Race Report

Doctor's Orders

Saucey Ladies

Wanderlust

The Week in Movies

Hello....

The Great Pumpkin

The Next Great One?

Women Build Day

Only in Colorado Springs…

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Recap

Public Service Post

I'm Still Kickin

INK

What Happens Doesn’t Always Stay…

7X’s and a Why?

Tenderfoot Mountain Triathlon Race Report

Lessons Learned:

The Results Are In...

46:50

CRAPS!

How Much Information is Too Much?

When the Cats Away

Getting My Head Around It All

Breaking Up

My Motivation

AFLAC!!!

How the World Turns, and Turns

Finding Peace

Quotes

4 Years

Food Ramble

Pikes Peak 2009

Oh RHETT!!!

Big Girl Shoes

Ms to Mrs

A Sign

Only in Colorado pt. 2

Traffic Jam

Only in Colorado

True Confessions

I'm Tri-ing

Name That Pepper

Fun Tina's 40th Birthday

Justice NOT Served

Ski Country USA License Plates (coming soon)

June is Bike Month

It dawned on me last night…

RUM PUNCH! POW!