Day #356 - Leap Day

What did you do with your extra day this year? I didn't do much except make it home safe in a blizzard...ugh.

So what is the significance and purpose of this strange extra day in the calendar every 4 years? I was talking to a guy I work with today who said it is a day throughout history when it is ok and proper for a woman to ask a man to marry her. 30 Rock told of a Leap Day traditional character who delivers candy to kids - I'm pretty sure that was made up for the show. I knew a family growing up whose mother was born on Leap Day and was only 8 years old according to the number of actual Birthdays she had; strangely enough one of her kids was also born on leap day - we teased her for only being 2 years old at the time when she was 8.

Turns out, with a bit of browsing, the extra day is inserted every four years to sinc the calendar to the cycle of the universe, or more precisely the moon, because the earth does not cycle around the sun in precisely 365 days...if this extra day was not inserted every 4 years it would eventually throw everything (the seasons) off kilter with our calendar. Not quite as romantic a notion as creating an extra day to be permitted to pursue the man of your dreams, but heck, I already have that.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” Buddha

Day #355 - Sleepy Head

Last night I was reading downstairs and at 10:00 p.m. I thought, "I should go upstairs, do my blog real quick and go to bed by 11"...next thing I know, I wake up in the chair at 12:30 p.m. I was sooooo FURIOUS that I fell asleep in the stinking chair. I mean, if I am going to go to bed, I should be horizontal snoring Travis awake!!!

I am experiencing the same thing this evening...I got distracted by "words w/friends" but now I think I shall go to bed and get up and go to work early tomorrow.

Before I go, here is a question for you to answer..."What do you do when you get what you asked for?"

What do you mean Heather? Why is it even a question? I am not talking about "I want a million dollars" either -duh, I would just put it in the bank and relentlessly spend it. I am talking more about the "be careful what you wish for" type of wanting...Just think about it...then give me your answer.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.” Oscar Wilde

Day #354 - Bart Snuggle

Bart and I have a morning ritual. I get up, slowly, get ready to wander downstairs and then I get to snuggle my puppy before we get going for the day. I like to think of it like Bart's morning hug. He usually waits around for me to wake up before he follows Trav downstairs. My boy is not a morning dog...he takes after me in this way. 

I don't have an actual snuggle photo, but I pretty much tuck his head under my chin and wrap both arms around him and vigorously rub his tummy and back. When I pull away he usually stretches real good and then flips to his opposite side and we repeat...I love this ritual because he is still sleepy and lazy...he is so cute.

Since we decided to let Bart sleep with us at night (I keep telling myself we won't let our next dog) he would just jump up until a few years ago. Now he is 14 and can't make the leap. Trav would get up in the night and lift him up when he would cry while I slept thru the noise. Then I found these steps...it was probably the best $18 I've ever spent.

The look a bit dingy in this photo don't they? He will climb up to the 3rd step and maneuver until he has both feet on the top step and then jump to the bed from there. It really does save us a lot of up and downs during the night even though they may be tacky. Yes, I know photos of the bed without a bed skirt also looks terrible, but I HATE bed skirts.

Anyway, I just love the morning snuggle with Bart and thought I would mention it here. I am so glad Bart is still with us. I keep thinking "this is it, his last year" and then he rallies and continues to hang around.

Good Boy Bart.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Josh Billings

Day #353 - OY...I forgot about that...

My inner thighs KILL!!! I did the hip sled at the gym the other day and rocked some mighty fine weights...I now walk like a duck...may have overdone it. Isn't it weird how it hurts worse on the 2nd day? Why is that? The day of, your muscles just feel tired, day after? a bit sore, day 2...burn baby burn. Give yourself those extra 5 seconds to stand up out of your office chair.

Tomorrow I think Trav is going to make me ride the stationary bike...barf. I did tell him I would do what he wants, within reason, and this seems reasonable so I'll do it and I hope my legs will loosen up a bit.

Things at the office are certainly picking up speed again...I knew it was coming, I expected it to get here quickly and I always think I'll be better prepared for it than the year before, but it always just gets big real fast and I am just along for the ride and will do the best that I can.

The main thing I have realized this week? No matter how great my intentions are, I will not be going to the gym after work...it is just not feasible; when things get super busy at work I end up needing to stay past 5 p.m. to get to a stopping point. If I go later than that to the gym, it creates issues with dinner. I need to go in the morning w/Trav no matter how tired I am or how seriously I talk myself into going at night...I just need to do it in the morning...so I will.

I wish this post actually had a point - I am just so distracted by the thighs I can't think of writing about anything else!! :)

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Aerobics: a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps." Anonymous

Day #352 - Spelling Bee Minus

More like a See Minus...I took a spelling test in my online class and only got like 73%...terrible. I had decided to do one of the lessons online during lunch at my desk at work. I would like to think I began to get antzy because it was taking almost my full 30 minutes and I wasn't done with the exercise yet, but truly, it seems I rely WAY to heavily on spell check.

This free online library class is like a serious english refresher. I know I need it, but it does take dicipline and it is not as exciting as sitting down with a new book to read. English really is wonkie...Just when you think ya got all the plural forms figured out here comes all the exceptions to the "s" rules like, geese, phenomena & tableaux. I can't wait until we get to the "more" rules and I find out I may not be able to use "stupider" as a true word anymore.

Here is my favorite tip gleaned from my lesson as a great way to improve spelling - don't let spell check change the word for you - when a word is highlighted, retype the word in the correct way instead of replacing the word. My spell check is too fast and most of the time it doesn't give me the option, but now I retype it anyway for practice. I'm sure I'll get better with time.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Instructions for living a life...Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” - Mary Oliver

Day #351 - Oscar the...Moose?

My parents are so darn cute. We went up to my parents house to celebrate my Dad's Birthday and they told me they had a Birthday present for me...huh? My Birthday is not until March. They explained that Dad has his surgery (hip replacement) just before my B-Day so they are celebrating early. It was strange from the get go because:

A) They don't really do Birthday presents anymore
B) It is REALLY far away from my Birthday (keep telling yourself that old lady)
C) They don't do Birthday presents...

Anyway, the suspense kept building and I began to worry that I might not react correctly when I got my mysterious gift since so much was being made of it...how can I not react to this big guy?

Yes, that is right, a life size stuffed moose...color me surprised...color the nieces a bit jealous...

Aren't they soooo adorable? Oscar liked the attention. We brought him home and sat him in a new, used chair we recently acquired. He has been there ever since unless a friend comes over and then I make them sit on the couch with Oscar. LOL.

At first it was sort of creepy to walk into the room and notice him out of the corner of my eye w/a little start..."Oh, it is just you Oscar". And in case you are wondering, he came with that name, courtesy of Mom, and I LOVE it!!

Bottom line, it was super nice to have my parents think of me enough to splurge on Oscar. I'm not at all sure what to do with him, but for now, he will await the visit of the princess nieces in his royal chair.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Hey Rockie, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat." Bullwinkle

Day #350 - Good or Bad Idea???

A few nights ago I was whining to Travis again about losing weight and how I am such a failure...blah, blah, blah...on and on. I told him I was thinking I would go to this trainer my friend has sent a bunch of family and friends to; apparently he inspires accountability.

Travis vocally and adamantly exclaimed that if I would just let him help me, he could be my own trainer. ALWAYS in the past I have balked at the idea for the simple reason that I don't like Trav telling me what to do - it is irritating and I often take his comments as judgement and criticism instead of in the spirit it is intended. The other night hit me in a different way for some reason.

Why not? Why not have Travis come up with meal plans? My biggest downfall, ok one of my biggest, is usually dinner. I can eat perfectly all day and then get home and Trav and I will not find common ground in grilled chicken and broccoli. I have done the, "you take care of you, I'll take care of me" thing, which will work for a week or so, but it is not a long term solution for us. Suddenly I can see a solution in asking, and trusting, Travis to plan healthful dinner menus.

We will start our new plan tomorrow including a morning trip to the gym. I think I will deal with my own exercise plan for now - I fear Trav would have me on the spin bike for 2 hours :) - but I feel I may welcome more assistance in that avenue if the meal thing goes well. Just tonight we had cookies before we started making dinner and he said, "Eat up 'cause tomorrow I am on you like glue"...sigh...hopefully we don't need marriage counseling after this adventure...lol.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "As I ramble through life, whatever be my goal, I will unfortunately always keep my eye upon the doughnut and not upon the whole." Wendy Wasserstein

Day #349 - Good Morning Sunshine

I have been rather lazy in my posts...sometimes it seems difficult to find something to write about that hasn't already been covered. Other times I find I have several items to share. I am determined to stick with it and be more diligent in zoning back in on the purpose of this whole blog - being grateful every day for something. Only 16 more posts and I will have a years worth (only took about 2 years to get there)...I haven't decided what I will do after that...

Today I am grateful for waking up to a morning hug. I LOVE hugs...it is what I do. I have no trouble hugging a complete stranger, I love hugging my family members and I LOVE hugging Travis. My nic name, for those who don't know, is "Huggie". My family calls me "Hug", Seerie calls me "Aunt Guggie", my Mom and Dad call me "Huggie". I don't really know why I got the name, but I don't mind it and I do treasure a good hug.

Most mornings Travis wakes up before I do...OK ALL mornings. The normal course of things is, he will get up and make some noise, leave the bathroom light on and the door open as he heads downstairs making sure I have at least stirred. Then he turns the TV on and lets me slowly wake up to make my way down to join him. I am not one of those people that sits right up and hops out of bed...I usually take a good half hour to work my way up to it. This is not a satisfactory way to wake up really, but it is what it is and I can only do the "jump out of bed" thing if I have prepared myself for it the night before and have intention behind it.

This last week Travis has woken up and on his way out the door has stopped by my side of the bed and given me a hug saying, "Good Morning". I have LOVED waking up like this. Perhaps I think he did it on impulse the first day and when he realized it cut about 15 minutes off my usual wake up time kept it up, but I will flatter myself and say perhaps he likes waking me up that way as well.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "A hug delights and warms and charms, that must be why God gave us arms."
~Author Unknown

Day #348 - Happy Love Day

Not a very good effort this year. I hope I will be surprised when I go to my sister's blog to see if she got up to some fun for the big V-DAY.

This year Travis and I decided just to go to lunch. I was expecting him to call me after his Dentist appointment and he just showed up at my office with a box of heart shaped sugar cookies with "XO" on them. He was handing them out to his clients today and asked for an extra box to give to me (Trav works for XO Communications...clever, yes?). They are delicious and my co-workers got to enjoy the treat as well. I will take a picture tomorrow (if I remember) and post it.

It is interesting how much single people really do not like Valentines Day...not that I blame them, but one agent I work with calls it "Singles Awareness Day"...I kind of liked that, but it also sounds a bit lonely. To my single friends out there, I will remind you there is a little pressure on the married's as well. OK, not as much, but what about being in a relationship and NOT getting anything for Valentines Day either...? hmmmm...not so fabulous. At least as a single person you can manage your expectations on this commercial holiday.

Today I am grateful that Travis thought of me. I am glad he didn't just pick me up for lunch, but came personally up to my office to show me he cares. Thanks Babe - message received.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote:"In trying to get our own way, we should remember that kisses are sweeter than whine."  ~Author Unknown

Day #347 - Happy Birthday Dad!!

When I started making a list of "10 Things I Love" for my siblings, it was after my Dad's Birthday last year, so it is his turn and, of course, I got my siblings to help write a tribute to our Father. What an amazing, quirky, inspirational man we have been blessed with...

OLDEST CHILD JASON and Family:

What do we like most about Cort, Grandpa Dana, the kids said well he can tell long stories and Josie remembers the time he made a swing when we were camping and we all talked her into taking a ride first well.....the swing did not hold for long it fell and the dead branch that it was built on fell and gave her a black eye!  Seth remembers all the tennis tips he gives him and Abbie likes that too.  Its awesome that Cort is so willing to share all his talents like building stuff and helping whenever he can.  He has a lot of things but he also knows a lot too. Thanks Cort, Happy Birthday you're awesome! (Mel)

Dad has always been willing to help everyone out with whatever project they may be working on. Just last month he textured the ceiling in our basement while Mel and I were on our cruise vacation. He knew I wasn't looking forward to it (because I suck at it) so he took care of it.  I remember when they lived in a.f. mom saying that dad spent all his time helping people in the ward to the point of putting off things at their own house. Dads most dominant character trait would be that he is a hard worker! Just last year when he helped me frame the basement, I was ready to quit for the day and dad was still nailing and carrying on. 

I will always remember the good times we had riding motorcycles both when I was growing up and also just over the last few years. Other than a few tip overs we had some awesome trips and day rides. And we still ride the 4wheelers  and I can still make dad angry when I take him on too rough of a trial! Like just the other day. Lol.

I can always count on dad having the latest conspiracy theory or glen becks latest doomsday prediction on tap for some political commentary leading to some laughs or arguments.....which is better than being apathetic like most people in America.

Dad has always been a great example of Christ like service to others in the church. It seems like half the time we are at the house dad has to go to a meeting or visit another family.

Thanks for everything Dad! All your sacrifices for us are appreciated. Love Jason.

MELISSA:



Dear Dad -

So happy to be wishing you Happy Birthday for your 68th year! That is so amazing....when I say 68, I automatically think 70....that seems so old, but 68 is really not so bad. It seems like you are at a really great place in life (minus the hip pain!!).

I really love you a lot dad. I feel that so much more now than I ever did while growing up, especially in my late teens and throughout early adulthood. I know many times I did not show the respect you deserve as my father, I did not feel the respect that I feel now. Being a parent myself, seeing, and listening with new eyes has opened my heart many times over throughout the past fourteen years (Ethan is 14 now).

Growing up it was easy to be resentful, it was no trouble to judge quickly, I didn't care for your instructions, regardless of the topic. It was my right as a teen to be moody and still expect everything I deserved.....which was all I had coming to me......I'm just fooling around.....but I was a BRAT! I am sorry for that, as now I can see the love and wisdom in so much of what I chose to ignore at that time.

I watch our own children, specifically the afore mentioned one, and I see his similar reactions to myself and Kevin, and it is frustrating and disheartening. We have not quite made it to heartbreaking yet......maybe our days are numbered. Being a parent is hard. It is easy to mess up. It is impossible to be perfect. I think you did a great job. I have told you before, but I will say it again. I appreciate you so much as a grandfather to our kids. I think you do a fantastic job. When my kids complain about lectures of the constitution, or long drawn out scriptural accounts. I get to laugh and say, enjoy them, be grateful for them, it is only because he loves you so much!! You are lucky to have them....and him in your life!

Love, Melissa

HEATHER:

My Father is so reliable. One can always count on Dad being, not only ABLE to do just about anything that might need doing, but also his willingness to make himself available for any occasion necessary. I have a hole in my wall…I should call Dad. I want to plant a garden, better ring up my Father for assistance. Hmmmm…what kind of tool would accomplish a particular task? Dad will know. What a blessing this is and has been to ALL of us. I have written before that many of my memories as a child are working along beside him in the garden, putting up sheet rock (handing him screws or using that funny chalk string to make a blue line on the wall), sweeping behind him (learning to maneuver a broom to create as little dust as possible – no one was ever as good at this as Dad), cleaning the cars in the drive-way (using Ajax to make the tires glow), watching him cut hair out of the vacuum (gross), watching him build house after house for our numerous animals…my Dad was always busy making our home a better place to live. I love him for his knowledge and for sharing it with us. I love him for his eager willingness to WANT to help all of his children in any way he can.

I love my Dad’s short cuts…whenever Travis starts to take a different route to anywhere that seems unusual I ask if he is taking one of “Dad’s short cuts?” It is NEVER shorter and it often turns into an adventure in getting lost, being late to an appointment or getting turned around. Whenever we figured out Dad was on route via a “short cut” we would all just grown, but it is funny now.

I often get impatient with Dad’s political opinions, but he is so patriotic. I want Dad to know that I love how much he values his Country and that I hear his voice. I don’t have all the answers, not even some of the answers really; and I probably won’t ever see eye to eye with him on many things, but don’t mistake this for not valuing what he has to say and for not admiring his passion on the subject.

My Father has been a true steward of this family. I look up to him in so many ways; I’m not surprised that I could keep writing about him for many more paragraphs (if I wanted to compete with my sister Keri) but I will end by saying, “Thank you Dad – I love you”. Huggie

AMY & The Drakes - LANCE/ARCHER/AVERY/ELLE:

Of course his awesome work ethic. He's an amazingly generous man with his time and talents, to which I have benefited so many times - taking down dead tree limbs, building houses for our animals, yard clean up...on and on.

I also love that Dad is sensitive to his feelings - he is a tender, loving parent with genuine love and concern for each member of this unique and diverse family. He gets choked up when speaking of loved ones that have passed on or bearing his testimony and it is easy to feel the sincerity of what he is sharing.

What a great man to have for a Grandpa - he shows his love through time & patience playing with the kids and making them all feel special. Elle especially loves Grandpa's pet monkey and Grandpa is always finding inventive ways to make fun for all the kids; everyone loves playing with Grandpa.

 

KERI & The Welch's - GOLDEN/SEERIE

One of my very favorite things about dad is that he's never afraid to ask questions!  He will ask anyone anything, and I love watching this. (As I have grown up with maybe a little of moms theories and
intimidation of actually having to talk to people)  Dad will always continue to learn because he is always asking the questions.  I will never forget when mom and dad came down to Vegas to help me move, and there were many, many Hispanic workers across the way working on the next set of condos.  Mom and I were still asleep, and Dad wanted to get my couches and some other big things out into the truck.  So he walked over, used his bit of Spanish, "Hola amingo" and some other things I can't remember, but he asked them to come help him. When we got up Dad had most the stuff out on the trailer already! We spent most of the morning laughing about it.

I love that Dad is always willing to help! With anything he can.  He loves to serve his family, and is never to busy to show up for any of his kids. He is a man of many talents, and I've always taken that for
granted. Until I met guys who knew nothing about changing a tire, jumping a battery, building a shelf.... etc.  I knew the man I wanted to marry would know how to do all the things that my dad does!

Dad is such a hard worker. I realize that working as young as he was on the farms really gave him an awesome work ethic!   Although I know that if Dad comes over to my house, and there are no projects to do, or no tennis on, he is ready to go in about a half hour!

Dad has such a big heart. I see that as he has gotten older he is extremely tender. Always to see him tear up a little makes me also tear up a little.  He is such an example of unconditional love. Knowing that I have done things over the years that he is disappointed in, I will always know of his love for me. NO MATTER WHAT!

I love to watch Dad with Ser's.  She adores him! This morning when I asked her what she dreamed about she said, "papa, temple, birthday" with the biggest smile in the world.  He always takes time to read to her, or do a puzzle.  AND even go to blow bubbles. (Which is obvious that because she has become extremely obsessed with them and never want to quit, it's kind of hard to get the bubbles out)  Her favorite thing is probably going out with him to help in his garage. Whatever he's doing, she likes to be there. Helping, kind of.  Plus he always has smarties for her, and that also helps :)

I love that Dad will always tell his opinion on politics, and the church. Even though we don't always agree, I would never want dad to hold back how he feels.  I have realized after having Seerie that you
never stop worrying about your kids. You always want the best for them! As a parent I see that now when Mom and Dad bring up the harder subjects.  They do it because they love us! Don't ever change!

I love you Dad! Happy Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of my favorite things about Cort is his example.  He is sensitive, caring, active, and always willing to serve.  He is humble enough to learn and wise enough to share his experiences.  He makes the effort
to play an active roll in his family's life and that is inspiring.

-golden-

YOUNGEST CHILD & BROTHER CHUCK:

Things I love about Dad....

Dad has always been a great example of being true to his word.

Even though I didn't see him a lot during my youngest years I always knew this about him. He was a hard worker for the railroad for many many years, he always does a fabulous job in his church callings and he worked so hard to become a grrrrreat tennis player! No matter what it is that he has going on in his life, if he gives his word that he will excel at that thing, he does it dang it!:) I have always loved this about dad and respected him for it.

I also love that he takes FOREVER to get in the car and leave....  ALWAYS something else that he needs to get or that he forgot... Being the youngest child I think I got to experience this more than anyone else, well...besides mom of course:) Mom and I would be sitting in the car ready to go, and dad would come out, sit down, then be like, "oh, wait, I need to go back in and grab something".... he'd get out and go back in... then mom would start to chirp and we would both get frustrated at first, but then after he did this 2 or 3 times that trip we would start to giggle over dad's antics and silly quirks. Always fun.

Love you Dad - Chuck

Cort's Spouse - Trish (aka "Mom"):

Our Cortney is such an amazing man!  He is capable of doing so many things, such as tonight after the family left he was trying to fix the garbage disposal and discovered a dish cloth was caught down inside tighter than tight!  Of course with much effort he got it out and everything was well again. 

    I love that he makes friends so easily because he is interested in others and is concerned about their lives and people feel that from him.  He loves the Lord with all his heart and desires to please Him and obey what is asked by Him. 

    More than anything else Cort loves his family and if possible will help them with anything they might need.  His greatest desire is to have them near him always.He is so good to me!  I know of his love and feel secure in our companionship and our desire to be  together throughout out the day.  He is my best friend, my sweetheart, my guide, my encouragement when I think the glass is empty and he sees that it is half full. I love him with all my heart!  Happy 68th birthday!  



We Love You Dad!!! We hope you had a wonderful Birthday today.

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time.” - Bill Cosby

Day #346 - For Clarification...

I thought I would take a minute to clarify the car situation...for some reason everyone keeps asking me why I didn't get the new car..."why does Travis get the good car"...well, since you asked, let me tell you.

I have had 2 brand new cars in the last 5 years and Travis has been driving the same car for the last 10 years. My Boss said he thought it was wrong that Travis is driving the new car...I asked him if his Sporty Mustang broke down, would he really buy his wife a new car and start driving the mini van?? I think that is a strange concept.

The next item of weird is...why would I want to give Travis MY car? I like my car. I have one more year remaining on the 3 year lease. I have put WAY too many miles on it, so I will be buying it for real in October. I figure I will drive for another year or two and then I might try to sell it. I have decided I like having a new(er) car to drive. It feels safe and secure. At that time we will re-evaluate and then I might decide to transition to the "nicer" car - the brand new True Blue Subaru - OR I might decide to buy something different. I depends on how attached Travis is to the Outback AND what car we think we might want to get (I wouldn't want to drive a big truck around for instance, but we might want to get a truck) AND what our financial situation is at the time, etc.

I think this may clear up any confusion. I have been so blessed to have TWO wonderful cars in the recent years. I am SOOOO happy that Travis finally gets an upgrade.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead."  ~Mac McCleary

Day #345 - 2 Years & Countin'

Now...none of you Mom's out there are allowed to get offended when I say "what is the deal with hugely celebrating the babies B-Day?" It is a real question and not a sarcastic one. Today Seerie turned 2 years old and it reminded me when Jas and Mel had Josie and we got invited for all the Birthdays and Trav and I thought it was kind of weird back then...

I believe the only reason I think it is strange at all is because I don't have my own kids. I think I would REALLY want my family to celebrate my precious blessing with me as well. Almost everyone showed up for Seerie's party, even Chuck and Jason were there to usher in Seeries next year of life. Here are some of us...

It was actually sweet to watch Seerie soak up all the attention. We sang "Happy Birthday" a lot in all its very fabulous varieties, got caught up with each other and watched Seerie open lots of presents. I looked at Seerie tonight and thought about how much life she has ahead of her, how much she has already changed and grown over the last 2 years...how far we all have come and how far we still have to go...

So far there have been 4 niece/nephew Birthdays this year...I've missed them all, except this one - maybe a party is not such a crazy idea after all.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” Shel Silverstein

Day #344 - Obligatory Super Bowl Recap

I feel like I MUST talk about the Super Bowl even though I cared little about it this year. I felt bad not going down to Mom's to watch it, but we wanted to watch it on our TV this year. I felt even WORSE about taking Chuck (and a girl he is seeing), Lance (brother-in-law), Keri (sister) and her husband Golden and baby Seerie away from Mom's party also. Mom said she didn't care, but I always wonder...

We had some good food - smokies (thanks Bear), chips, dips, Ribs, chicken wings and M&M's - always the best part of the Super Bowl (unless your favorite team is actually playing in the game).

So, get ready for irony, at half time the TV went out...just turned off. Golden ran downstairs with me to flip the breaker, but it wouldn't come back on. 1/2 the crowd went upstairs to the bedroom (the one room I decided I didn't feel like cleaning on Saturday) and Golden stretched extension cords across the room to plug into the opposite wall. The power on one whole wall just went out...don't know why. I have electricians coming to look things over late tomorrow afternoon - finger's crossed it is not too big a deal. So much for watching TV at our house...

Really the game was pretty good - a nail biter at the end. The best/worst part of the game was the Cousin's who were cheering for opposite teams. Seth (Jason's Son) wanted the Giants and Ethan (Melissa's Son) wanted the Patriots. Travis loved facebooking them about the game before it started and we both hated that one of them had to walk away disappointed. Ah well, someone HAS to lose.

It was really fun to have everyone up to the house. The saddest/funniest thing that happened was, after asking about "boss" (the kitty) ALL NIGHT, Seerie finally got to pet her and our cat pawed her in the face. She has no claws, but it surprised Seerie pretty bad and REALLY hurt her feelings. She did one of those super sad cries...I hated it, but couldn't help a small, sad smile and soft chuckle all the same.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Sportsmanship and easygoing methods are all right, but it is the prospect of a hot fight that brings out the crowds.” John McGraw

Day #343 - Castle Crack

UGH - I just tried to play Castleville on facebook...I KNEW it would be a bad idea and now I don't know how to get the game off my page. I might just be a moron, but c'mon, why are there no set up options.

My cousin, Shannon, plays it and always sends out these requests...I finally decided, why not? Give it a go and see what it is about. WHY DID I DO IT??? I won't play it again, but it is like this little nagging poke that I hate seeing there everyday. I want it OFF my page. I'll have to find a different way to connect with my cousin because this will NOT do. Maybe she plays "words w/friends"...hmmm.

My friend Danielle used to play that "Farmville", which I figure must be the same thing. I finally blocked her posts because it was so annoying. I found out you can just block the Farmville stuff, but I ended up blocking her instead. I feel bad that I just posted 3 Castleville events on my page...how embarrassing...oh well.

On the bright side...I tried something new today. Sure, I regret it, but I would have regretted it anyway if I DIDN'T try it, so it is still a win for me today.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else." Albert Einstein

Day #342 - All That Jazz!!

Travis invited me to attend a Jazz game with him and some clients via his company sweet seats. We were on the 3rd row. I was leery about going, since I don't necessarily dig Jazz games and I am known for falling asleep at professional football games (the 2 we have been to), so I encouraged him to invite a friend. In the end I decided to try it out.

This was definitely an experience worth having, but I probably won't be anxious to go again anytime soon. The best part of this game was the opposing team were the Kings...Jimmer Fredette is on that team (BYU super star and BIG points contributor in college)...It is Jimmer's rookie year and Trav is anxious to see how he does and to see how his career progresses.

It was obvious right away there were a TON of Jimmer fans in the crowd. There were lots of signs being held up and when he was announced at the beginning of the game the crowd went wild. Every time Jimmer got the ball there were simultaneous Boo's and Cheers. When he made a basket there was lots of noise. When it was the end of the game a chant of "Jimmer" went up in the audience and a HUGE cheer when he went back into the game...we couldn't help ourselves. The sports media thought it was a fowl way to treat the Jazz at home - they are probably right, but it made the game interesting. Beyond that the Jazz seem to be playing pretty good and it will be good to see how they progress thru this season. In the end the Jazz prevailed and won the game and Jimmer played "good enough" to satisfy his fans.

It was pretty cool to sit so close to the players and see the expressions on their faces. It was pretty interesting to see them roll their eyes or make an impatient face to a teammate, etc. It made it more real. I was interested to note the floor didn't seam as big as it does on TV. I felt like the Hoosiers when they went to the big stadium and the coach made them measure the distance from the basket to the floor to help the young team understand it only seems bigger...it really isn't. Trav told me if I saw regular size guys out there on the floor it would look a lot bigger then it did...I believe him; those guys are huge.

I should back up and explain another advantage of front section season tickets...FIRST, there is a dinner prior to the game on the 6th floor. It is a buffet w/shrimp, crab claws, salads, bread, prime rib, potatoes, chicken and several deserts to choose from. THEN, at half time you can take a break and go to a large room where there are free nachos, drinks and popcorn. I certainly wasn't starving that night. It is sort of cool to see a company wine and dine their clients - it is like the good 'ol days when you had a client budget, before the economy took a dump and everyone had to tighten their belts. The good 'ol days when we got gift cards from our company for Christmas and big parties that didn't require pot lucks. Boo Hoo.

The only real bad part is how we were packed in like sardines in the chairs. I thought it would be more comfortable than the green chairs, but it was worse without the arms in between. We sat knee to knee, shoulder to shoulder with each other and, unless you are a size 8 or less w/narrow shoulders, you are going to be squished. Let's just say I got friendly with the regular sitting next to me. He figured out pretty quickly that I was more entertained by the Bear than I was by the Jazz. That darn Bear...such a character.

I am happy that Travis invited me to go with him and held my ticket for me until I figured out I really did want to go. Thanks Trav.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone.” John Maxwell