Day #32 - Strong Family

Today was the Strong Family reunion down in Springville at Uncle Gordon and Aunt Stacy's house. It is interesting how my Mom's siblings and their families all turned out so different than each other, but we all have the sarcastic sense of humor...yep, we definitely got that from our Mom.

My Uncle Alan asked me who the "heavy" was in the house growing up. I said "Dad" first, but after thinking about it I had to go with Mom. Dad has his hot buttons for sure, but Mom was the one that made me nervous when she started to get upset. I do remember her always using Dad on us when he traveled though..."Just wait until your Father gets home"...still waiting Ma...Then Alan asked who was the "softy"...oh, Mom for sure!! Isn't that funny? Mom was the heavy AND the softy for me...Chuck and Keri both said Dad was their heavy...I guess it is different for each of us.

I tried to talk to almost everyone who was there and saw my cousin Alicia whom I haven't seen for probably 10 years. It is funny how we have all really started to resemble our parents more and more over the years. Today I turned around and my Uncle Larry was standing next to me. I was really taken aback because he looked so much like my Grandpa Strong - I got a bit nostalgic...

I am glad we went - it was fun to see everyone.

You can see how much Mom enjoys being with her Siblings - I know the feeling. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: “I have no desire to know my true IQ...I much prefer to remain blissfully ignorant to my own intelligence." Uncle Alan

Day #31 - Who Did It?

I have been home from vacation for several days now and the first day I went down to turn on the water (the faucet is by the back door in the basement, even though the water turns on up front via the hoses) I immediately noticed how clean it looked under the deck and the 2 black bags that were loaded up with weeds...huh?

I immediately knew who had picked up the weeds I pulled before I left, but didn't have time to bag and swept out and cleaned up the dog poop around the walk ways and on the lower deck...Mike and Debi did it before they left to go to their family reunion. I was sooooooo happy and very grateful for their thoughtfulness.

That day I sent Debi an email to let her know she left her dress bag here and to thank her and Mike for taking care of those things for me. In my email I said "it must have been you, because there is no way it was my baby brother Chuck"...It took Deb a full day to write back and she said I might want to check with my brother because it wasn't them.

I waited another day really thinking it over...did mom and dad come up? no...did Mike do it and not TELL Debi? no...Holly Crap...I think Chuck DID do it. I asked him (via voice mail) and it took another day for him to respond, here is what we said (texting of course):

Chuck: "Haha yeah, I did some poop scooping, leaf sweeping and weed picking up while I was watering :) I would have picked up the rest of the weeds...but I was wearing flip-flops and ants were eating my toes! Lol"

Me: "WOW! Color me surprised! I thought it was my friend who did it! Totally cool Chuck. Thank you!!"

Chuck: "You bet :) make sure the hot-tub is working for my winter house-sitting gig and we'll call it even Bahahahah, jk. It is rare that I have an opportunity to do something nice for someone. My pleasure."

Now...I don't know WHY I was so surprised by this kindness from my Brother. Chuck is always there to help when other family members need it...perhaps it is because he just did it without any prompting. I don't know why I was so touched...mabey more so than if someone else had done it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the gesture really moved me.

Thanks my Brother! I love you.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy, I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy." Mother Teresa

Day #30 - Sushi & 44 Years!

I was invited to lunch by a lender today - why not? We ate at a Japanese restaurant and, at the lender's recommendation, I got the sushi special.

Sushi and I have a love/hate relationship...I love saying I can eat it, but I hate thinking about eating any kind of "raw" meat...I love how it just melts in your mouth or how the tiny eggs burst, but I hate thinking about eating it...I love the flavor, but I hate thinking about it...I sense a pattern here.

Anyway, I am glad I tried it even though I THOUGHT about the raw fish for quite a while before I ate it. In the end I decided to be a tiny bit sophisticated and go with the recommendation. I was not disappointed - for $10.95 there were pieces of California roll, 1 each of tuna, salmon, yellow & shrimp sashimi rolls (I think that is what they are called), plus the miso soup, a salad, teriyaki chicken and tempura vegetables. I think that is quite a nice deal and cannot wait to take Travis there to try it out and see what he thinks.

ON AN IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE:

Today is my parents 44th Wedding Anniversary. How lucky am I to have parents that have been together that long? For the most part my parents have been through the normal relationship heartaches and troubles over the years, but I am so proud of them for sticking it out and going the distance; they have been an incredible example to all of us.

I Love you MOM & DAD!! Thanks for being there forever...!!

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity.  The order varies for any given year."  ~Paul Sweeney

Day #29 - Vegas is STILL Vegas

Well, we made it back safe and sound...the dog is depressed, not because he is unhappy to be home, but because his aged body is catching up to him. He takes little dainty bites when I hand him a treat where he usually tried to take my hand off (playfully of course) and he looks at me sadly before he goes up or down the stairs...it blows getting old.

Talk about old...we were about as exciting as 30 year old sea lions (is that old in sea lion years?) in Vegas. We did get to see some old friends we haven't seen for about 12 years who used to live in California and a high school "friend" of Trav's who is now more of a friend because of facebook since their 20 year reunion and our friend Matt did come out to stay with us a few nights because he was coming to UT anyway. We forced him to cancel his return flight to UT and drive home with us...lucky guy got to listen to one of our books on tape...he kept falling asleep in the backseat.

We didn't do any gambling, we ate too much, we swam, but only in the morning when it wasn't so blasted hot and so crowded (still got a bit sunburned at 8 a.m. - weird), we saw a free Night Ranger concert on Freemont Street where we took some crazy pictures including a Tommy Boy look alike, KISS, hot girls in feather head dresses who posed with the guys (for a tip), a guy who asked Travis for twenty bucks (somehow he lost his wallet...huh, imagine that) and there was a girl who I suddenly realized was giving me the evil eye because I had put my hand on her boyfriends shoulder when I lost my balance in the crowd...I think she really wanted to beat me up; it was surreal...for a minute I wanted to beat her up too...this was even more surreal.

Anyway, this was pretty much the most exciting night of the weekend and by the time we got back to our hotel room (whew hew midnight) my feet hurt so bad I wanted to cry...I think I did make a few involuntary noises walking to the elevator. I KNEW it would be a bad idea to wear those shoes, but I didn't realize we would litterally be on our feet the entire night. OUCH!!!

The very BEST part of the trip was that I somehow managed to pack correctly for once. The only things I didn't use were my work out clothes (yeh, yeh good intentions & all that) and a pink shirt that I didn't wear only because we didn't really go out the last night we were there, so I just wore the same T-shirt I wore earlier that day. I have NEVER packed as good as I did on this trip...I felt pretty good about it. (obviously)

We had a good time, it was relaxing and the people were the best part of the trip...not too shabby. As usual, it is good to be home.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Vacation: a period of travel and relaxation when you take twice the clothes and half the money you need."  ~Author Unknown

HA - NOT THIS TIME VEGAS!!!

Day #28 - Road Trippin'

Tomorrow Travis and I are making our way to Las Vegas...again. I will say it is fun to be going out of town together - I don't think we have been on a trip since last September. We are hoping to do a few new things on this trip, but we will probably just end up eating too much.

It is going to be over 100 degrees in Vegas. I was thinking I would wake up and spend some time on my hair tomorrow until I realized I will probably keep it in a bun all weekend. I certainly don't want to sweat my brains out under a thick mop of hair everyday.

I am also grateful so many people are helping us out so we can go on this trip. The guy at work (Nick) who is going to watch my business for me since I won't have access to a computer most of the time. My sister Amy who is watching over Bart. My friend Debi, who is also visiting Utah this week and is staying here a few nights to water and watch over my cat. And Chuck who has agreed to stay here even though our hot tub isn't working to round out the weekend. It apparently takes a village to raise a kid AND to manage a Barker vacation. THANKS everyone!!

This evening after work I went and checked out 3 books on CD for Trav and I to listen to. I think I picked some good ones and these books makes the drive one of my favorite parts of road trippin'.

My Sister Melissa is driving from Utah ALL THE WAY to Florida with her 4 kids, one of which has a learner's permit and will no doubt get some drive time in. I am thinking about them and wish them safe travels. I am sure a drive like that one will certainly make home look like one of the best places on earth.

Safe Travels Everyone - I will write about my trip when we get back.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"...Who said that anyway?

Day #27 - Father's Day

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Every year Mom makes hamburger patties cooked in mushroom gravy, aka "Dad's Favorite Meal". I remember eating it a lot as a kid and I didn't like mushrooms, so I would scrape off the gravy and put ketchup on it to make it more like meatloaf...it was pretty good that way.

We had some excitement when a 5 gallon glass drink container (one we bought for the parents for Xmas one year) filled with purple grape juice and lemonade had the bottom drop out of it. Grape juice spilled EVERYWHERE. We mopped it all up, but it was still a bit sticky when we left.

Then there were the gifts...Chuck, Travis and I got Dad a shave at "The Art of Shaving", a new store in Fashion Place mall. I hope he likes it and will actually use it. Dad had a shaving brush while we were growing up...maybe he will want a new one sometime. We'll see what he thinks about a real razor shave...There were a few hits - Melissa got Dad a mug w/the constitution on it (he dug it pretty hard) and Amy made Dad one of her personalized dolls...take a look:

The kids get such a kick out of the monkey and ask for it all the time when they visit, so for Amy to incorporate that into the doll design was genius. ALL of us thought it was the best thing ever.

It was also great to have Melissa and her kids here visiting this past week. It is one of their shortest visits so far, but it is good they came out to visit. I don't think we would be that good about getting to UT every 6 months like they are - it is so great for the cousins to be such good friends and know each other so well...PLUS, I got a Brazillion Blow Out for my hair...it is supposed to help with texture - I will report back after I wash it.

ADULTS (Minus Chuck...I thought he had left without saying good bye - he was in the other room taking a nap & Jason who came for 2 seconds and had to go to work - booo):

All the cousins:

What a great family!!

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "You know the only people who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who've never had any.” Bill Cosby

Day #26 - Sweet Dreams

Two days ago, maybe three, Travis woke me up in the morning to tell me I was laughing in my sleep. I can't remember that ever happening before. The best part is, I remember what I was dreaming about at the time - it went like this:

My little brother, Chuck, was working graveyards, which he has done in the past doing sleep studies. Well, my little sister, Keri, her husband, Golden, and I were all hanging out at my parents house with Chuck who decided to take a nap before he had to leave for work. Somehow we three decided it would be a good idea to change all the clocks in the house to make Chuck think he had over slept when we woke him up asking, "weren't you supposed to be at work by 4 p.m.?"

Chuck sleepily asked what time it was and when we told him "7 p.m." he jumped off the couch, looked at the clock over the mantel and started racing around frantically...queue the hilarious laughter from the 3 of us.

Isn't that a great dream? I don't know what it is that I find so funny about punking Chuck...but I did/do find it rather funny & waking up laughing is not a bad way to start the day.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.  ~Jack Handey, "Deep Thoughts," Saturday Night Live

Day #25 - The Wisdom of Dogs

I've decided I can learn a lot from Dogs. We are once again dog sitting my sister's baby Bingo (the kids named him...I hope). Here are some things I have learned/re-learned this week watching Bingo interact with Bart & Kitty:

• Show some MIGHTY enthusiasm when your loved ones come home. There is nothing quite as gratifying as someone who is so delighted to see you, they jump on you and then fall over at your feet to worship you. Perhaps it is a bit much after just a trip to the bathroom and back, but heck...can you really love someone TOO much?
• A good scratch in JUST the right place can make you weak in the knees...enough said.
• Being the Beta in a relationship can actually be a stronger position in moments of stress. Beta's seem to be able to let things go more easily, walk away from a strong confrontation and share things enthusiastically.
• If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't let "no" or "down" discourage you...If you are persistent enough...you will get that spot on the lap that you have desired so desperately.
• Don't let a little swipe affect your swagger...those claws are all "RRREARRR" and no scratch...she just makes a lot of noise...perhaps, if you stay the course and continue w/a new approach every day, she will eventually come around and you will be friends.
• Give the older and wiser ones some space, especially while eating. They will usually give you signs when it is appropriate to approach...for instance, they won't be growling at you.
• It never hurts to mark your territory...well, it might hurt if you do it in inappropriate places or if you insist on establishing territory in new places already owned by someone else...know your boundaries and learn from your mistakes...preferably after the first mistake.
• If you look and act sorry...you will be forgiven more quickly.
• If you don't quite understand what someone is saying...do that thing that made them happy before. Most of the time they will still be satisfied with the good effort.
• Even if you desperately want to follow your same old routines...you know you won't be able to sleep if there is something going on downstairs. Just put yourself out there...you can always sleep later.

These are just a few of the things that quickly came to mind. I am sure I would surprise myself if I kept thinking on it.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it." ~ Samuel Butler

Day #24 - Booking to Work

I may have mentioned before that my company has a book club...this months selection is "Tell to Win" by Peter Guber. Peter is in the entertainment industry so telling a good story is right in his wheel house. The book is about using stories to connect to people to achieve an end result. It sounds a bit manipulative in some ways, but I can think of many times when I have used a story to clarify a point I am trying to make or create perspective to strengthen my position in an argument, raise money for fundraisers, etc. Unfortunately, I left the book at my office so could not start it this weekend as planned, but I hope to get several chapters under my belt before our next book club meeting on Weds.

(Seque Alert) I can't quite believe how cool this company is that I work for. I found out one of my bosses was a life coach before he started this company...DUH, I should have guessed, but I had the opportunity to ask him a question the other day in our one on one meeting and was basically treated to a personal coaching session.

As we were leaving the meeting I told him I believe it was the law of attraction that led me to this job. I think he was surprised, but I told him how I had been consciously "putting it out there" that I was open to change & growth when we first met. I must not be one of those immediate manifesters since it took so long to come about, but I do think things happen at the speed and time frame we are able to accept...how perfect.

(Back on Topic) This week, as I begin to read the book, I plan to pay attention to the stories I hear. I am curious how often I hear stories during the week and how it affects my emotional reaction. I also wonder how often I use stories as examples...it might be an interesting observation and I may be surprised how often stories get used.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “The most successful story tellers are also attentive story listeners.  They understand that it’s more important to be interested in their audience than to appear interesting.  Why? Because what they learn about their audience will determine how they tell their story.” Peter Gruper, Tell to Win

Day #23 - 1st Training - Out of the Way!

Whew - what a busy day I had today. The week started out slow and quickly worked it's way to disappearing before my eyes. Today I held my first agent training at my new company. I could have been a bit better prepared, but overall I think we hit some high points, added a few new agents to the team and educated the Bosses on the processes as well.

I would love to be a good trainer. I sit and listen to The Bosses talk and teach classes and they are super engaging, incredibly knowledgeable on MANY subjects and give you a sense of importance & increased self esteem every time they chat with you. They are powerful teachers and I sometimes wonder if I will be able to live up to their expectations.

On our way to a lunch appointment today one of them told a story about how his wife was mad at him the night before and informed him he was "mean" and she didn't like him in that moment. I have to say I felt a bit gratified that my boss is obviously NOT perfect after all. Me, knowing everything the way I do, suggested he write down 10 things he loves about her or 10 things he is grateful for because she is in his life and leave it somewhere for her to find. I explained to him that I said almost the exact same thing to Travis recently and when I said "you are mean" and "I don't really like you right now", what I really meant to say was, "I am not feeling valued by you and I need some reinforcement please".

On the way home from the lunch we almost died in a fiery crash only about 4 times. My Boss later apologized for driving like a COMPLETE MANIAC!! I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it. I really tried to keep my mouth shut, but I am afraid a tiny whimper (ok, perhaps a loud, appalled whimper) came out when he shot across 4 lanes of traffic and I heard some horns honk...not usually a good sound when changing lanes.

I am glad I had a good week, but I sure am MORE glad the weekend is here.

I AM Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Everything is simpler than you think and at the same time more complex than you imagine” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Day #22 - That's What We Get...

...for getting our hopes up. I am fairly disappointed to write we will not be hosting a foreign exchange student this year after all. My background check came back and my shady history done did us in...Just KIDDING!!

We knew the chance was a slim one because all the spots allotted in our particular district had already been filled, but our counselor made it seem close to a slam dunk...or maybe a 12 ft. jump shot...that he could squeeze one more into the district...who know we were looking at a Shaquille O'Neal foul shot.

I don't know why I am certain, but I am, that all our great adventures for the Summer just went out the window w/that rim-bounce-and-out. I think this means I am too lazy to do things for myself, but willing to get it done for someone else. THIS IS ANNOYING. I am going to have to re-evaluate the situation and make some corrections.

I am seriously considering talking Travis into taking me to the "Sound of Music Sing Along"...That's right, a sing along. I looked at the flyer for an unnecessary length of time the other night picturing Travis singing "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" or my personal favorite "When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you're feeling sad"...I should sing this to Travis tomorrow if his lip is still swollen from the bee he nearly inhaled the other day when out riding his bike.

Poor Travis - The side of his face swelled up like he had a huge tobacco dip in his jaw...He was just riding along the trail and a bee flew in his mouth...I am chuckling a smidgen thinking about it. He tried to spit it out immediately and the darn thing stung the inside of his lip. He looks 100 times better after a few days, but it is still swollen a bit and we have him taking some allergy stuff to help. I guess we are not all boring here at the Barker's.

What I actually thought the minute I received the news about the student was, "huh, I guess there is something better coming through for Travis and I this year"...First reactions are nothing to sneeze at...I'm going with that assumption and we will apply for the exchange student at the right time for next year. Besides...think of how much more disappointing it would be for the student that didn't get picked to visit America this year and you cannot stay in 10th grade forever.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” Alexander Pope