Filter?

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.

Wanderlust

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 Great Pumpkin

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?

Only in Colorado Springs…

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?!?!

Public Service Post

Make sure you buy your Girl Scout Cookies this year!

When the Cats Away

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

How the World Turns, and Turns

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…

Food Ramble

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?

Only in Colorado pt. 2

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

Downtown Steamboat Springs Sunday Morning

Dear Bicycle Chain Ring:

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)

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!!!

Love Your Mother

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

Random Adventure: Weekend in Fargo, ND

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.

On a Lighter Note

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…)

So Wrong I Love it!

In the 80's I loved Soft Cell, in the 90's I loved Teletubbies (yes I am admitting that--there is just something about those little guys.)

But this?

Hmmm...I can't decide if I am amused or disturbed. I fear I may be more amused...

Randomness: (Be Warned)

The past few weeks I have felt like I have been floating in between dreams, ideas, obligations and denial that the holidays are approaching, very quickly I may add.

I have posted little here on my blog because everything I think of posting consists of a sentence or two.

How much fun is that? Not very much.

Here are some of the random thoughts that have been occupying my time:

I have made a decision to go forward with plastic surgery on my hand after the holidays, which leads me to search for a reputable plastic surgeon. I am learning if you are not interested in a face lift or a breast augmentation, this is quite a task. It is very difficult to find a surgeon that is excited about fixing scars. Much less one that is a result of a car accident. Not to mention the number of people that have given me referrals because their girlfriends or wives really liked the doctor. Did I mention I was NOT interested in a boob job. My ta ta’s are just fine, thank.you.very.much. It is my hand that is not so attractive. And really, it isn’t that bad, but I would say at least once a week I have to answer the question “what did you do to your hand?”. Since I am tend to grow keloid scars, ie: big ugly scar tissue scars, it makes any scar look that much more, uh, for lack of a better word, gross.

So if you are local and reading my blog, any recommendations on a good plastic surgeon that specializes in scars?

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This past weekend was spent spending time with friends, family, close to home and far away. Thursday night I met with an old friend of mine from as far back as elementary school and her boyfriend. It was an enjoyable time, however; it was also interesting to see how two people can process the same turn events is such different ways. My heart aches for her and I hope she finds peace she is so desperately looking for.

Friday night I met up with another visiting friend from out of town, I had known her since junior high school. I got to meet her husband, daughter and her brother and his family. Last time I saw her brother was literally when he graduated from our high school 20 years ago. Yikes! She and her husband are thinking of relocating to a town close to here. It is funny how for years and years you may not see someone but one day they pop back into your life and you feel like not a day has passed and you can’t wait to see them again, hear stories their lives and make plans to see each other soon.

Saturday, E and I headed to Boulder for his Cyclo-cross race and after that we headed to GlenHaven for a semi-surprise birthday party for my mom. Pictures and more details to come later for both those events, since I used my camera to occupy my 4 and 2 year old nieces, I have no battery life or memory left on my camera. I can’t wait to charge the batteries and see what pictures I have waiting for me.

Sunday morning, E and I left The Inn at Glenhaven at ~9:00 am, we managed to pull into Palmer Park in Colorado Springs at 11:28am for the final Pikes Peak Road Runners Fall Series Race that was scheduled to start at 11:30, luckily they were running a tad late and I was able to pick up E’s number while he changed clothes. As he walked up to the start line the race started. Talk about cutting it close…

More updates from the races and mom’s birthday party to come at a later time…

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So far I am committed to 4 thanksgiving events… Whoever thought that being a vegetarian would excuse a person from the turkey holiday is sadly mistaken. At least there will be pleanty of wine and cocktails at most of the events.

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My company announced last week that instead of our standard one week shut-down around the holidays it is extending it to two weeks, this is good and bad news, since my customer does not take time off between Christmas and New Years, I am still expected to be available during this time and routine meetings must be made, but I see lots of short work days in those two weeks.

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I have developed a sincere despise for a VERY random thing, are you ready for it? Magnet ‘stickers’ for cars, such as the “Support Our Troup” ribbons, breast cancer awareness ribbons and every other god-forsaken ribbon out there. Are Americans really that wishy washy that we can’t commit to a cause that we believe in enough to stick the sticker on our car? We need to make it removable without a trace? Wait, don’t answer that.
True, I refuse to put stickers on my car. My first car was practically a political billboard and there was no guessing what I believed. I guess now I prefer to voice my options over the internet, in person and via any other means, but to put a magnet on my car? No thanks. In fact I have a strange urge to start taking these off cars and collecting them. Who knows why, maybe because I figure if people need such non-commital way to voice their opinions that will probably change with what is the popular attitude at the moment, I feel like they should just nave the magnet to begin with.
Don’t’ worry, I haven’t taken any magnets yet…that would be illegal.
I do feel better though for that minor rant.
As my old buddy Brian C says:
“Thanks for listening, peace”

What The ...?!?!

Things that make you say “WHAT THE…”

The other day I was driving down the street. I passed a catholic church and looked to my left and saw this…



I took a double take, drove around the block to take a picture and it was still there. The only thing I could find out is it was a protester and on the back of the “priest’s” cloak was “Pope Grope”

Uh, okay…