Whew! What a trip. The wedding was beautiful, the weather was fanatastic and we got to see Dad & Frank, Mom & Ed as well as Max & George and their parents. I used to nanny for M&G when I lived in Grand Island (not their real names...nicknames from back then).
J noticed lots of similarities between driving through Nebraska and driving through Texas. Lots of long, straight, flat roads. He also noticed something very different - the amount of red at Memorial Stadium on game day (the sold-out Red White game was going on when we drove past). He said that he never saw that much burnt orange at UT when he was going to school there.
We also took a quick tour of Carol Joy Holling while we were going back to Lincoln from Omaha. The place has changed so much, until we passed Ranch it felt like somewhere I'd never been before. Then as we crossed the dam and headed up over to Trailhead (10 years later I still want to call it Main Site) and Tipi things started to feel much more like I remembered. It was nice to be able to show J one of the most influential places from my childhood through college years.
We spent Saturday night at mom & Ed's - it was nice to visit with them. I haven't been home except for Christmas in 3 years now - it was really nice to be there when there weren't fifteen million things to do.
Sunday, while playing Wii tennis with Max & George, we learned a very important lesson - if you're playing a game where everyone has to be standing up at the same time, it would be well to put the left handed kiddo on the left side of everyone else as to avoid someone getting a Wii controler to the eye socket. Poor George was so upset that Max had hit him - but it was an accident, and soon the tears were dried and all was well.
So while we did everything we set out to do, there were lots of folks I wanted to see, but just couldn't make it happen and J has a whole team of field reps working out there that he'd like to meet eventually too. So perhaps sometime we'll take a 4 day weekend and do some more visiting.
For now, it's back to work and time to get back to the gym or there will be no mountain climbing for me this summer.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Mid-April? How'd that happen?
Seriously. Time has been flying by lately. I'm amazed by how quickly time has been passing. Since the last post, mom's whole side of the family was out for Easter. We all went up to Estes Park for the weekend.
The ski/snowboard season is wrapping up with just a few ski areas and resorts still open this week. The grass has been green in town for quite a while now - though tonight, it's being covered by a wet, heavy layer of snow. The drive to work tomorrow will be a nice sloppy mess I'm sure.
I haven't been doing so well with the gym thing lately. I really need to with the backpacking trips and other things we have planned for the summer. And now, after a 4 year hiatus, Tash and I are doing the Bolder Boulder again next month. And in super cool move, the office is covering the registration fee...woohoo.
Before that though, J and I are packing up the car on Friday and heading to Nebraksa for a whirlwind weekend of fun in HuskerLand. 1200 miles in 48 hours - sure not to leave an impression of much other than the interstate, sadly. I'm looking forward to the weekend, but the driving, not so much. Denver-Grand Island, Grand Island-Omaha, Omaha-Lincoln, Lincoln-Wilber, Wilber-Grand Island, and Grand Island-Denver. We'll manage to see Dad & Frank, Mom & Ed, the Boys & their folks, and a good friend's wedding (which is what prompted the trip in the first place).
And auto related...with the end of the ski season, the car got a new windshield today - just before the snow started. Driving back on Sunday would have been "super no bueno" with the big crack competing with the glaring sun.
The ski/snowboard season is wrapping up with just a few ski areas and resorts still open this week. The grass has been green in town for quite a while now - though tonight, it's being covered by a wet, heavy layer of snow. The drive to work tomorrow will be a nice sloppy mess I'm sure.
I haven't been doing so well with the gym thing lately. I really need to with the backpacking trips and other things we have planned for the summer. And now, after a 4 year hiatus, Tash and I are doing the Bolder Boulder again next month. And in super cool move, the office is covering the registration fee...woohoo.
Before that though, J and I are packing up the car on Friday and heading to Nebraksa for a whirlwind weekend of fun in HuskerLand. 1200 miles in 48 hours - sure not to leave an impression of much other than the interstate, sadly. I'm looking forward to the weekend, but the driving, not so much. Denver-Grand Island, Grand Island-Omaha, Omaha-Lincoln, Lincoln-Wilber, Wilber-Grand Island, and Grand Island-Denver. We'll manage to see Dad & Frank, Mom & Ed, the Boys & their folks, and a good friend's wedding (which is what prompted the trip in the first place).
And auto related...with the end of the ski season, the car got a new windshield today - just before the snow started. Driving back on Sunday would have been "super no bueno" with the big crack competing with the glaring sun.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Ambitious Summer Plans & Goals
So I know the calendar says it's only March 11th. But, in a blink of an eye - summer will be here. There are signs that it's coming. The grass is turning green!!! Wedding invites are starting to arrive. I can take the furkid out for his morning potty run in my flipflops and not worry about frostbite anymore. And, as much as it pains me to say it - I do love the fact that it's light long enough after work now that said furkid can have a few weeknight trips to the d o g p a r k (if you say it...he'll be waiting at the door, leash in mouth...and will not be convinced that he's not going to that place). We haven't quite adjusted to the "earlier" mornings that come with the time change, but I'm guessing in a week or so all will be well again in that department.
So, with summer just around the corner J & I had been discussing some hikes and backpacking trips we'd like to try and do this summer. March 1st is the first day the backcountry office at Rocky Mountain National Park takes phone reservations for the summer season. Knowing that we're going to have to do most trips over the weekends and that we had picked a couple of pretty popular spots, I had circled the date on the calendar so I'd remember to call.
I had family out over the weekend and we were running all over the place, but I figured I'd just call at 8:30 when they opened while everyone else was getting ready for the day. Busy signal. I tried for an hour - busy, busy, busy. So I decided we just weren't supposed to make those trips, and we'd find others later. Well, after the obligatory girls weekend mani/pedi session, I decided to try one more time. Success!
In July, we'll be headed up to Odessa Lake for a night - actually, up to Lake Helene and then down to Odessa from Bear Lake then down past Fern Lake (I've been to Fern Lake from the Fern Lake Trailhead - I'm lucky that I didn't end up at the bottom of the lake and will be quite happy to be hiking down from the lake I'm sure). In September, We're going to head up above the Alluvial fan (created by the Lawn Lake flood in 1982), hoping to find our way up to the Spectacle Lakes (here's a link to someone else's pictures and report on this hike)- on the topo map the cirque it sits in looks quite impressive.
And, and and...I didn't forget about August - it just makes me the most nervous. We're spending a night at the Boulderfield at the end of the approach trail to the summit of Longs Peak. The next morning, we're going to make an attempt to summit, weather and conditions permitting, of course. The summit is at 14,259 feet. Our campsite will be at 12,750 - so we'll gain the majority of the elevation on the first day - just the tough trail-less adventure up and back - thankfully without our heavy packs, we'll stash those at the Boulderfield for the day.
I've been watching a DVD about the route we're going to take - The Keyhole Route - and I have to tell you - I'm not sure if it's the camera angles or what, but there are parts of that trip that make my hands sweat already. It makes me thankful to be going with someone who is about the most patient and fairly conservative when it comes to adventures such as this. I have noticed that I've started to look at that mountain a little differently these days as I'm headed to work...maybe by the end of the summer, I'll know what the view from the top is like - firsthand.
There may be another 14'er somewhere in July or early August and I'm sure a few other hikes and maybe a little car camping too - but that's the big stuff I'm trying to get into shape for. Feels good to put it out there and really own the goals.
So, with summer just around the corner J & I had been discussing some hikes and backpacking trips we'd like to try and do this summer. March 1st is the first day the backcountry office at Rocky Mountain National Park takes phone reservations for the summer season. Knowing that we're going to have to do most trips over the weekends and that we had picked a couple of pretty popular spots, I had circled the date on the calendar so I'd remember to call.
I had family out over the weekend and we were running all over the place, but I figured I'd just call at 8:30 when they opened while everyone else was getting ready for the day. Busy signal. I tried for an hour - busy, busy, busy. So I decided we just weren't supposed to make those trips, and we'd find others later. Well, after the obligatory girls weekend mani/pedi session, I decided to try one more time. Success!
In July, we'll be headed up to Odessa Lake for a night - actually, up to Lake Helene and then down to Odessa from Bear Lake then down past Fern Lake (I've been to Fern Lake from the Fern Lake Trailhead - I'm lucky that I didn't end up at the bottom of the lake and will be quite happy to be hiking down from the lake I'm sure). In September, We're going to head up above the Alluvial fan (created by the Lawn Lake flood in 1982), hoping to find our way up to the Spectacle Lakes (here's a link to someone else's pictures and report on this hike)- on the topo map the cirque it sits in looks quite impressive.
And, and and...I didn't forget about August - it just makes me the most nervous. We're spending a night at the Boulderfield at the end of the approach trail to the summit of Longs Peak. The next morning, we're going to make an attempt to summit, weather and conditions permitting, of course. The summit is at 14,259 feet. Our campsite will be at 12,750 - so we'll gain the majority of the elevation on the first day - just the tough trail-less adventure up and back - thankfully without our heavy packs, we'll stash those at the Boulderfield for the day.
I've been watching a DVD about the route we're going to take - The Keyhole Route - and I have to tell you - I'm not sure if it's the camera angles or what, but there are parts of that trip that make my hands sweat already. It makes me thankful to be going with someone who is about the most patient and fairly conservative when it comes to adventures such as this. I have noticed that I've started to look at that mountain a little differently these days as I'm headed to work...maybe by the end of the summer, I'll know what the view from the top is like - firsthand.
There may be another 14'er somewhere in July or early August and I'm sure a few other hikes and maybe a little car camping too - but that's the big stuff I'm trying to get into shape for. Feels good to put it out there and really own the goals.
It had to be a dream...
But I'm pretty sure I was wide awake tonight. I was leaving the gym and noticed a plaque I'd not seen before. I'm not kidding. I read it twice. Even double checked to make sure I was at the gym. Yep...here's what it said...
Apparently, I picked the right gym. Granted, I picked the gym for lots of right reasons, reasons not including the two items above. It has more cardio equipment than any other gym I've ever gone to. It doesn't have all the muscle guys and their million pound dumbells. It has weight lifting machines - which I love! It also has an "express workout" circuit - kind of like Curves I suppose. And and and...it's around the corner from my apartment complex. And and and...it's only ten bucks a month.
First Monday of the month 'Pizza Night'
Second Tuesday of the month 'Bagel Morning'
Second Tuesday of the month 'Bagel Morning'
Apparently, I picked the right gym. Granted, I picked the gym for lots of right reasons, reasons not including the two items above. It has more cardio equipment than any other gym I've ever gone to. It doesn't have all the muscle guys and their million pound dumbells. It has weight lifting machines - which I love! It also has an "express workout" circuit - kind of like Curves I suppose. And and and...it's around the corner from my apartment complex. And and and...it's only ten bucks a month.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Back to the Gym
Or....why oh why did I ever let myself get so out of shape again!
So, just around the corner from my place, a new gym opened this morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM. I was there at 5:45. It's currently 6:25 - and yes, folks, I'm already home. I did get a little sweaty, I logged a mile and called it good. I could have moved over to a treadmill, but I just don't like them as much as the elliptical machines. And, my iPod was out of juice, and and and, I was wearing my old sneakers - which make my toes hurt after a while. Lots of excuses, I could come up with a ton more - but I won't. Because the truth is - I'm just happy to have gotten up and gotten moving on a chilly, windy Monday morning. And I know as I put more time in, that one mile will turn into 4, or more. I didn't get to where I am overnight, and I know it's unrealisitc to think that I can get back to where I was 4 years ago overnight too. So it's all good!
So my gym though, is pretty cool. It's rows and rows of bikes, ellipticals, and treadmills. It also has a half hour workout circiut (which I might try tomorrow morning), and a set of nautalis type weight lifting machines (you know, the ones with the weight stacks you put a pin in to adjust the weight you're actually lifting). My favorite part is that it's only ten bucks a month - with no contract.
Getting back to the gym coincides with getting back on the Weight Watchers wagon. This time (I think I've joined every year since moving to CO - so this would be attempt 3 in CO) I'm loving it, almost as much as I did in Grand Island. We're doing it at work - we have a leader who comes every week to the office and does a meeting in one of our conference rooms. I'm hopefully to be in new territory by my birthday in August.
So, just around the corner from my place, a new gym opened this morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM. I was there at 5:45. It's currently 6:25 - and yes, folks, I'm already home. I did get a little sweaty, I logged a mile and called it good. I could have moved over to a treadmill, but I just don't like them as much as the elliptical machines. And, my iPod was out of juice, and and and, I was wearing my old sneakers - which make my toes hurt after a while. Lots of excuses, I could come up with a ton more - but I won't. Because the truth is - I'm just happy to have gotten up and gotten moving on a chilly, windy Monday morning. And I know as I put more time in, that one mile will turn into 4, or more. I didn't get to where I am overnight, and I know it's unrealisitc to think that I can get back to where I was 4 years ago overnight too. So it's all good!
So my gym though, is pretty cool. It's rows and rows of bikes, ellipticals, and treadmills. It also has a half hour workout circiut (which I might try tomorrow morning), and a set of nautalis type weight lifting machines (you know, the ones with the weight stacks you put a pin in to adjust the weight you're actually lifting). My favorite part is that it's only ten bucks a month - with no contract.
Getting back to the gym coincides with getting back on the Weight Watchers wagon. This time (I think I've joined every year since moving to CO - so this would be attempt 3 in CO) I'm loving it, almost as much as I did in Grand Island. We're doing it at work - we have a leader who comes every week to the office and does a meeting in one of our conference rooms. I'm hopefully to be in new territory by my birthday in August.
Monday, February 4, 2008
What a week!
It's Monday....again.
Last Monday J & I were still on our little "fairy tale" vacation in Vail. It was amazing - great snow, a fabulous hotel with staff and amenities that I'll likely not experience again for a very, very, very long time and great company - what could be better. Seriously - there was even someone who's job it was to bring us our skis and snowboard to us at the gondola whenever we wanted to go ski/ride - and and and, he also took them back in for us when we were done. If we asked for the car from the valet, we were offered a ride to where ever we wanted to go...or use of the Volvo XC90 - which of course we had to give a whirl. If you're ever looking to be spoiled beyond belief - let me know - I know a place. (Must note: we were most lucky in that I had a gift certificate for a few nights (for any of our resorts/hotels) tucked away that I had earned at work, a couple of years ago that was due to expire and well, we lucked out that the hotel had space during the time we wanted to use it.) It's only been open a month, but they didn't miss a beat.
So work last week was rough...what going from doing nothing for yourself to doing all kinds of stuff for everyone. Oh well....have to pay the bills, right?
Then Norm and I spent most of the weekend snoozing, relaxing, pampered chefing at Tash's, oh, and we watched a football game last night. Well...I watched a football game last night. Norm had run his long and very un-basset hound legs off at the dog park yesterday afternoon, so he napped on the couch. (I woke him up a couple of times, poor guy.)
I've never really a big NFL fan, but it's growing on me, and I've definitely become a Cowboys fan by association this season. Anyway...the game was quite a thriller as anyone who watched/cares knows. It was nice to see the Patriots go down. Not because I really care all that much, but because their coach just seems to be so smarmy and ruthless, and lacking ethics. My friend over at Confessions of A Lutheran Husker has created a great picture, a spoof on the motivational posters often seen in offices.
And, now it's snowing, in town, where it's really not useful for anything. Well, except Norm will be all bright eyed when I take him out tonight when I get home...he loves fresh snow - of course, he doesn't have to drive in it :)
Last Monday J & I were still on our little "fairy tale" vacation in Vail. It was amazing - great snow, a fabulous hotel with staff and amenities that I'll likely not experience again for a very, very, very long time and great company - what could be better. Seriously - there was even someone who's job it was to bring us our skis and snowboard to us at the gondola whenever we wanted to go ski/ride - and and and, he also took them back in for us when we were done. If we asked for the car from the valet, we were offered a ride to where ever we wanted to go...or use of the Volvo XC90 - which of course we had to give a whirl. If you're ever looking to be spoiled beyond belief - let me know - I know a place. (Must note: we were most lucky in that I had a gift certificate for a few nights (for any of our resorts/hotels) tucked away that I had earned at work, a couple of years ago that was due to expire and well, we lucked out that the hotel had space during the time we wanted to use it.) It's only been open a month, but they didn't miss a beat.
So work last week was rough...what going from doing nothing for yourself to doing all kinds of stuff for everyone. Oh well....have to pay the bills, right?
Then Norm and I spent most of the weekend snoozing, relaxing, pampered chefing at Tash's, oh, and we watched a football game last night. Well...I watched a football game last night. Norm had run his long and very un-basset hound legs off at the dog park yesterday afternoon, so he napped on the couch. (I woke him up a couple of times, poor guy.)
I've never really a big NFL fan, but it's growing on me, and I've definitely become a Cowboys fan by association this season. Anyway...the game was quite a thriller as anyone who watched/cares knows. It was nice to see the Patriots go down. Not because I really care all that much, but because their coach just seems to be so smarmy and ruthless, and lacking ethics. My friend over at Confessions of A Lutheran Husker has created a great picture, a spoof on the motivational posters often seen in offices.
And, now it's snowing, in town, where it's really not useful for anything. Well, except Norm will be all bright eyed when I take him out tonight when I get home...he loves fresh snow - of course, he doesn't have to drive in it :)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday Five - On Tuesday
A wintery fun Friday Five from the RevGals via my friend Lutheran Husker's blog...
1. What is the thermometer reading at your house this morning?
COLD!!!!! It was -9 when I got up this morning in Vail (have been up there on vacation). Pretty much once it gets below 25 or so, I just say it's cold. Really freaking chilly. And once we got back to Denver, I honestly can't say it was too much warmer - it's been so windy today. Woe the wind!
2. Snow—love it or hate it?
I love it - with one caviat - that it falls on the west side of Loveland Pass. I enjoy snowboarding and J is an avid skier (and that's an understatement). We can't do anything with it down here, it gets dirty and ugly way too fast in town. Up in the mountains though - I love it! Not always as it's falling (particularly when it's windy). But powder days means it hurts a lot less when I fall - and I do like that!
3. What is winter like where you are?
Well - being in Colorado...it's cold. But not that bone chilling damp cold. Just plain cold. And snowy now and then in town...lots of snow in the mountains - Vail has seen over 230 inches this season (saw it on the grooming report yesterday).
4. Do you like winter sports? Any good stories?
I snowboard and snowshoe. I enjoy them both. J & I usually head up the hill and ski/ride at least one day each weekend. J would love for me to give the skis another shot and it might happen yet this season, we'll see. I'm just feeling now, mid-way through season 4 of snowboarding that I have the mechanics down and just need to work on the stamina and be more confident - I'm still a little scared of wiping out. I also enjoy watching figure skating and love watching the X Games. Good stuff.
Now - on those previously mentioned freaking cold days - I'm good for about 2 runs down the easy hill and then you'll find me in the lodge - hot chocolate in hand. On the really cold days, the hot chocolate has amaretto & cinnamon schnapps in it too...also very good stuff!
5. What is your favorite season, and why?
So this feels like a cop-out, but I really don't have one. There's something about every season that I look forward to. Winter weekends in the mountains, the warm spring days watching everything turn green again, hiking, rafting and camping in the summer and the amazing colors that come with fall in Colorado. I really can't pick a favorite.
Bonus: Share a favorite winter pick-me-up. A recipe, an activity, or whatever.
Tubing at Keystone - this is sledding for grown ups at it's best! Four lanes, giant tubes, attendants that send you flying down hill. Then at the end, you jump off the tube, pull it over to the side, put it on the carpet, sit down and the covered surface lift takes you and your tube back to the top to do it again. So much fun!
1. What is the thermometer reading at your house this morning?
COLD!!!!! It was -9 when I got up this morning in Vail (have been up there on vacation). Pretty much once it gets below 25 or so, I just say it's cold. Really freaking chilly. And once we got back to Denver, I honestly can't say it was too much warmer - it's been so windy today. Woe the wind!
2. Snow—love it or hate it?
I love it - with one caviat - that it falls on the west side of Loveland Pass. I enjoy snowboarding and J is an avid skier (and that's an understatement). We can't do anything with it down here, it gets dirty and ugly way too fast in town. Up in the mountains though - I love it! Not always as it's falling (particularly when it's windy). But powder days means it hurts a lot less when I fall - and I do like that!
3. What is winter like where you are?
Well - being in Colorado...it's cold. But not that bone chilling damp cold. Just plain cold. And snowy now and then in town...lots of snow in the mountains - Vail has seen over 230 inches this season (saw it on the grooming report yesterday).
4. Do you like winter sports? Any good stories?
I snowboard and snowshoe. I enjoy them both. J & I usually head up the hill and ski/ride at least one day each weekend. J would love for me to give the skis another shot and it might happen yet this season, we'll see. I'm just feeling now, mid-way through season 4 of snowboarding that I have the mechanics down and just need to work on the stamina and be more confident - I'm still a little scared of wiping out. I also enjoy watching figure skating and love watching the X Games. Good stuff.
Now - on those previously mentioned freaking cold days - I'm good for about 2 runs down the easy hill and then you'll find me in the lodge - hot chocolate in hand. On the really cold days, the hot chocolate has amaretto & cinnamon schnapps in it too...also very good stuff!
5. What is your favorite season, and why?
So this feels like a cop-out, but I really don't have one. There's something about every season that I look forward to. Winter weekends in the mountains, the warm spring days watching everything turn green again, hiking, rafting and camping in the summer and the amazing colors that come with fall in Colorado. I really can't pick a favorite.
Bonus: Share a favorite winter pick-me-up. A recipe, an activity, or whatever.
Tubing at Keystone - this is sledding for grown ups at it's best! Four lanes, giant tubes, attendants that send you flying down hill. Then at the end, you jump off the tube, pull it over to the side, put it on the carpet, sit down and the covered surface lift takes you and your tube back to the top to do it again. So much fun!
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