Here's the Proof

Somehow I convinced Jake to go on a hike with me this past weekend (originally if was Mt. Olympus... late Friday night it was changed to Grandeur Peak). Mt. Olympus would have required us up at 6am... I don't even wake up that early during the week, so no thanks to that idea. Also, I wanted this hike to be a "family" affair, meaning, I wanted my little 7.5lb dog to join us. Grandeur Peak is by no means a simple, level hike. We were trucking up some serious hillage, especially the last stretch. Louie kicked our butts on this hike. He hike 3 miles to the top (probably more since he would run back and forth between us the whole time), dodged rattle snakes, jumped streams, climbed rocks, and then ran 3 miles back down to where we started. I now feel somewhat pathetic for walking him around the block everyday and thinking I've worn him out.

By the way, we really did experience a near rattle snake attack on our way down the trail. Jake jumped passed it once he heard the rattle, but I couldn't bring myself to jump... I was certain the snake would clamp on to my leg or something and Jake would have to suck out the poison. So I threw a ginormous rock at the villainous snake (and actually hit it... a rareity for me throwing at a target) and we ran for our lives. When we realized we were on a switchback and would have to pass the same area the snake had been on the previous switchback I nearly peed my pants... but then we made it safely, so all was well. I would have taken a picture, but Jake had the camera and was on the other side of the snake from me, plus, let's be honest... I was terrified.

It was a great Saturday activity and I highly recommend it. Jake and I thought about becoming hard core trail runners after this great morning... but then we faced reality. Hopefully we will at least take advantage of the beautiful mountains that surround us on a more regular basis.

Here's proof that we made it to the top... Louie too.

Can we say... bad timing??

Have you ever had the giggles in a totally inappropriate location??

This happened to me last night and I could NOT stop laughing. I tried really hard to think about depressing, serious issues to distract me from my own hilariousness, but it didn't work. So there I am... trying to stifle my laugh and hide the fact that I am about to pee my pants. All the while I am bouncing in my chair from laughing so hard. Oh, and the worst is trying to keep quiet, so I was luaghing silently, but then I'd go to take a breath and it was totally loud... I had to do the 'fake cough' as cover up... Turns out I'm a bad fake cougher.

Totally embarassing... but I must say... there is nothing quite as wonderful as a good laugh.

Goal Setting for Fall '08

I've decided to set myself a few goals for this upcoming Fall season. And I figure there is no better way to actually follow through with goals than by posting them for all to see (unless no one is reading, then I'm sure to fail miserably within a few short hours). Also, feel free to join in if you feel so inclined! Not all may apply to you, but for those that do, we should at least suffer together... is what I say. Here are a few of my goals; some will be easier than others. I will start with my minor objectives and finish with my most challenging of goals.

- I will reduce the amount of pictures I take of my dog, and spend time taking pictures of other things, like people... or something.
- There is a certain drink that I sometimes order from Starbucks, that I don't think I'm supposed to drink, so I will stop ordering said 'drink' from this day on.
- I will call my friends more often to catch up with them, rather than read about their lives via blogspot.com.
- To prove to my husband that I do in fact know how... I will cook once (maybe 2 times) a week, and I will try a new recipe (sometimes).
- I will not get pulled over in the construction zone of I-80 for speeding, and if I do get pulled over I will be able to find my registration for the officer... whom I will hate.
- If I decide to make cookies to give away to neighbors and friends, I will in fact give. them. away. instead of eating them myself.
- And lastly, I will LIMIT (not eliminate) my intake of junk food. It's nearly impossible to completely give up on desserts and junk food, so I can't say I won't eat them, it would be a dis-service to myself. I will however challenge myself to actually say "no" on occassion. It couldn't hurt to try.

And now...... let's begin.

Dear Football Season,

I don't really like you. I don't like what your presence means. It means that summer is coming to an end and a looooonnnggg season of cold dreary days are on their way. It means that every time I sit down to relax with my husband I will be watching you... and you take so long to finish a game! It means that every day my co-workers will spend at least half of their work day arguing about and comparing fantasy football points. It means (even though I love the Utes with all my heart) I will most likely sit throught a game and get rained or snowed on. It means instead of recording one of my shows Jake will end up recording you. Since when is football more exciting than 90210?!?

Oh Football Season... I will try to tolerate you... as I do every year. But I assure you... you will never hear the words "I love football season" come from my mouth.

Sincerely,

Me