Honey Do...

Travis and I finally took a week long trip away from home...we went to Boston to visit our friend. I will post about the trip in the next day or two, but the thing I have been wanting to post about is the gift we got when we arrived home.

We had some concerns taking a trip in the middle of our time with Jay, but my parents agreed to come and stay with him so he could still go to school while we were gone. This solved multiple concerns with our elderly dog, our crazy cat and our temporary son.

My Mom suggested we leave a list of "honey do's" for my Dad...didn't have to ask me twice.

This is my list...once I started thinking about it, I couldn't seem to stop and the list just kept growing. I felt a bit guilty, but at the same time, I thought these are projects I would probably try to get my Dad to come up and help me with anyway, so why not just leave a list.

It is not easy to read, so let me outline all the projects with visuals...

1) Hooks in master bath. I have tried to secure these hooks and, if I had a before picture, you would see they were missing or hanging by a severe angle and would fall out if we tired to actually hang a towel on them:

2) Gate at side of house. Our old gate was just resting against the fence because the old parts had rusted out. I didn't know how my Dad could fix this, but thought he could at least secure it as best he could for the winter so my dog didn't escape - My Dad is very creative, so I had a feeling he would figure it out. He actually searched all over the house and found an extra gate hidden in a "spare parts" area by our storage space...nice:

3) If you have time...you can fill up the water barrel that you gave us for Christmas last year. We want to get that handled before we disconnect the hoses this year. My Dad filled up the water barrel AND disconnected all our hoses on top of that:

4) We have a broken stair on the deck...DONE!

5) We have a rail that go broken by falling ice 2 winters ago that needs to be fixed...DONE:

Not only did I have a "preferred project list" but my parents had their own agenda - GREAT!!

6) Every laundry room needs shelves and curtains, especially if there is a weird window that goes directly to the entry...MOM - I LOVE the curtains and I cannot believe how much extra storage those shelves make in the room!! I am SO excited about this and can't believe we did not ask for your assistance with shelves and curtains before...THANK YOU!!!

7) My Mom called me while I was in Boston and told me my sister Amy was at the house visiting with her kids. I made a big show of how it would be great if Amy came up when I was actually there, etc. just having fun with them, but when I got home and looked at my "honey do" list I saw a note that says "sew quilt - Mom/Amy" - I immediately ran upstairs and saw this:

It was on my bed, but I neglected to take a photo at the time. I just need to cut some additional squares and I will have the full bedspread. It looks beautiful and I heard after the fact that the quilt is SO heavy my Dad had to help feed through the last sections and my beautiful sister's needle broke on the last square. I am so grateful for the effort that went into this quilt. It is hanging over my loft railing right now and I love looking at it every day. I understand it will be that much more amazing when it is on my bed, but I know I am loved every time I look up there.

8) My Dad also did a ton of work in my yard...there is so much to do, but he cut out a bunch of over growth that is evidenced by this photo:

I'm not even sure if I got it all, but I am SO GRATEFUL!!! These projects probably would have taken me 5 years to do on my own or several visits from my parents on several weekends. Travis and I still cannot believe how lucky we are to have such generous parents and siblings.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

I Am SO Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.” -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

A Roof Over Head

I am writing tonight with the express purpose to show gratitude for a roof that does not leak. I know I have written about our roof issues in the past and tonight I can report the issue is resolved. It wasn't free, but I am grateful we had the means to handle the project that, expensive as it was to us, is priceless for peace of mind.

Living in Summit Park brings with it many amazing features in nature, most of which are big...BIG snow storms, BIG rain storms, BIG moose; since we have moved into our home we have also experienced some BIG repairs. The first time our roof leaked we had a roofer come up to do some work on the areas we suspected were the issue...problem solved. NOPE. We had them come back out - still no go. We had the roofers come out over 5 times to work on the same issue and they were never able to solve the problem.

Over the last 3 years we contemplated just repairing the section that gave us the most grief and we probably could have gotten away with it, but in the end we decided to go for broke and replace the whole thing so we could get a long time warranty on the work and feel confident we took care of the issue. Travis got 3 bids and we got the work started.

Can you believe the whole roof is in the picture listed above? Let's forget for a minute this is the wrong product and had to be removed and the new stuff brought in - another story for another day and just the name of the game when doing a large construction project. You may also be wondering why the siding was removed from the house. Well, one of the problems was the siding was installed incorrectly and was one of the main reasons the roof was leaking. we had the whole upper level installed with new siding that now we have to paint, but it looks good and we feel it will solve the issue.

The roof took about 6 weeks to completely finish. During this time there were about 4 major rain storms - we thought the leaking roof was bad before? We had to move our leather couches out of our living room because the roof was creating such an issue for us during one storm and it just makes me that much more grateful the project is done.

One of my favorite pictures. That skylight there looks right into our master bedroom and bathroom. Talk about a surprise the first day they were up there and barely making it around the bend to huddle in the only blind spot in the room, wrapped in a towel, waiting for them to move on. After that experience I was sure to be dressed for the day no later than 7:00 a.m. and I didn't even chance using the 'facilities' after that time.

We actually have talked a lot since we moved here about covering up the skylight. It makes it pretty hot in the room during August, but they covered the skylight up for a few days while they were working and I cannot believe how dark and dreary it was up there...we left it and I am glad to feel confident I would have hated not having it.

On Sunday there was a HUGE rain storm. I think this is the first real rain storm I was actually able to enjoy since we moved here 3 years ago, knowing the roof was doing it's job.

 
Now we just need to paint the new wood and all will be set for winter. The very week the roof was done I took these amazing photos of a rainbow on my way to work. I felt like it was there just for me.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Participitating

Yes, I spelled it that way on purpose. Our office started a Community Foundation this past Spring and we have done 3 main projects so far and are onto our 4th of the year. One of the issues has been getting information out to the company, the other issue is not getting everyone involved even though we know people INTEND to get involved or donate or bring stuff, etc.

I decided it was time to put together a formal presentation that can be delivered to the agents in a fun way and to get across our point that one has to decide to participate and then take action. I enlisted the assistance of my MOST creative and AMAZING sister, Amy Drake, who, after a few trial and errors, came up with exactly what I had in mind:

Once upon a time a certain Community Foundation requested the assistance of its 

Tator friends to assist with a few projects meant to better the lives of others...

there were several different responses from many different Tators:

This "Dictator" is a real hot head - He likes to tell everyone what to do, 

but very rarely makes any effort himself:

These "Spectators" watch all the action, but never really have the whole picture:

The "Commentator" is NEVER at a loss for "Wahhs":

These "Couch Potato's" had NO Comment:

Especially THIS one:

The Urgency to "GO" is almost too much for this "Anticipitator", 

she's always getting ready, but just never heads out:

The "Participitator" decides to take action, 
learn and try new things and, as a result,
makes a difference to those around her

I am super pleased by this little story and feel it will be meaningful and fun as I explain the various options each agent has to "participitate" in the Foundation and how, with a little effort, a small group of people can make a very big difference. 

THANK YOU my beautiful sister Amy!! I asked and I received - you are the best example of a "Participitator" that I know. This is her working on our first attempt at the "Tator" persons...

Love you!

I AM Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." -- Mother Theresa 

Gammy

Today we got to go to my parents house for a BBQ. Travis and I usually only stay 2 - 3 hours when we go to visit with family and today that felt short. I had a very nice time talking with the siblings and my parents.

I was thinking about the most recent family events and remembered when my Mom took us all up to Rainbow Gardens in Ogden; this was while my sister from Florida was in town. My Mother has some very precious memories of going to this place with her mother and we had a really nice time together. I was able to spend several hours with my sisters and their girls, here are some of my favorite pictures from that visit:

I loved spending the day with my sisters, their daughters and my Mom; I hope we are able to do it every year...maybe even somewhere new each year - very good idea Mom.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer

Instant Teenager

We were able to pick up Jay, our foreign exchange student from China, on Monday night. He has been trying to catch up with our time zone all week, but seems to be adjusting well.

Jay is the nicest person I have met in a long time. He is so polite. Jay opens all the doors for me, won't let me carry his plate to the kitchen sink, wouldn't let me carry anything from baggage claim to the car when he arrived, has offered to help me with chores tomorrow and lets us drag him anywhere we want to take him.

The very first night he was here and we took his things downstairs and just before we went to bed, he asked if he could call us "Mom" and "Dad". Travis and I looked at each other and said "sure". Travis told me later he was going to tell him to just call him "Travis", but that hasn't happened yet, so I think we just needed to get used to the idea. The best part now is, Travis calls me "Mom" when he is talking to Jay - i.e. "Jay, go ask Mom if she wants a glass of water"...very cute. Truly, it is not really that weird because the program calls us the "Host Mom and Dad" it is really just interesting for us because we have never been a Mom or Dad.

The first few days here Jay was a bit shy, but he is opening up more each day. He finally told me he did not want to do something today, which I thought was a good sign that he is getting more comfortable with us. Travis constantly teases Jay. I think he is getting used to it and is a very good sport. I know it is hard for Jay because, while he understands much of what is said, he does not understand it all and he runs into road blocks. It would be very difficult to go to a foreign Country to study without fully knowing the language. I bet in two months Jay will be a pro.

Jay also brought us gifts and was planning to bring gifts to the family get together this evening and we told him "no". He seemed confused because that is what they do in China when they are invited to someones house for the first time. No wonder he was dismayed at the size of my family - he might not have enough gifts in his bags :). In this picture you can see the panda decoration Jay's parents sent with him. We also got some tea and a very nice set of 8 pairs of chop sticks.

Jay Long - very tall

It has been very good having Jay with us this past week. I think he is going to like it here just fine and I think we will really love getting to know him. It is definitely and adventure for all of us, that is for sure.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward." Spanish Proverb

Cedar's Shakespeare

I attempted to take a few days off work last Thursday and Friday to spend some time at the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, UT with my Mother-in-law (Joleen) and Sister-in-law (Vikki). I actually had a pretty great time.

I had different expectations of the festival than I actually experienced. I pictured lots of medieval costumes, there were some, and I thought ALL the plays were Shakespeare plays...nope. We saw a total of 4 plays in 2 days.

The first night we saw "Loves Labors Lost" - this IS a Shakespeare play. We learned this was one of his first comedies written and performed. It is about a tiny kingdom and a Prince who enlists his friends to do nothing but study for three years - no overindulgence of any kind and no women. Well, here comes a princess and her buddies on an errand from a neighboring kingdom, one with which this other smaller kingdom has a treaty with. Needless to say, shenanigans ensue and lots of things are said that escaped me, but the actors did a fantastic job translating the feelings into the speeches so, even if I missed something that was said, I still followed what was going on. I only nodded off a few times.

The next morning we went to a 'reading' of a new play being put in production. There was just a table and some chairs on the stage and the actors had their binders open and were semi-reading the lines of the play. It was pretty incredible how they were still able to convey all the emotion behind the words and I realized we didn't even need the costumes and the scenery to experience the play. This one was called "Shunned" and is about an Amish boy who falls in love with the theatre and struggles with the choices he needs to make concerning his life's commitment to his family and way of life. It was pretty sad and thought provoking.

The afternoon play was "Anything Goes" - this was a pure musical. LOT's of costume changes, great dancing and singing, funny dialogue, old Hollywood glam...really fun. I did fall asleep a few times, but I was still entertained by a very good show.

The last, and best, show was "Peter and the Star Catcher". This play is the pre-qual of how Peter Pan became the boy that stays a boy, can fly and comes to be on the Island of Neverland. It was very unique, the way they used the props of the play. I don't think I can even explain it on this post, but there was very little use of actual scenery, but props of people and ropes were used to fashion doors and stairs - it sounds strange, and it was, but it really worked. This is the only play I watched that I didn't actually nod off in - it was action packed, funny and smart.

Besides plays, we did a bit of shopping, ate every meal out (some were VERY good), watched a few green shows (pre-shows with dancing, singing and terrible comedy), had a run in with a transvestite, laughed a lot, cried just a little, overreacted to my excellent driving skills, bought a bushel of peaches, stopped by the cheese factory on the way home to stock up on cheese curd, watched to make sure the price of chicks did not exceed 99 cents, shared a room with snoring (me), early rising (Joleen), deep sighing (Vikki) ladies who were very easy going and fun companions.

I'd do it again - and next time I'll bring my Mom as well.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -- Henry Miller

Good Times

Company Time

I just got home from our companies first annual Summer party. It sounded like a great way to get to know some of the new agents that recently joined the company (over 60 to be exact) and to meet some of the agents families that I have been working with over this last year.

I was expecting hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner, but should have known George and John do nothing normal. The food was WONDERFUL. There was a zucchini, bean & olive salad, crab macaroni salad, raspberry/walnut green salad, smokey baked beans with a little spicy kick, raspberry grilled chicken and smoked pork tenderloin w/pineapple habanero sauce. Yum.

There was also two big bouncy houses, tug-o-war (very funny), volleyball, prize packet drawing for a big bucket of family games, face painting, etc. Pretty nice party. I realize I gave the bosses the credit - it was really one of our Broker's that put it all together and she did a VERY nice job.

The best part of the night was all the little kids. There seemed to be 50 two year olds there - all these darling little people, not quite chatty yet, just running all over the place. So cute. I did get a chance to catch up with several of the agents I have gotten to know this year and also spent some time with some of the new agents - it was good.

I was also happy Travis was there with me. There was natural resistance initially, but I love bringing Travis to meet the people I work with. He is so good looking and I love it when people ask how long we have been married and I get to say "18 years" and they always do a double take on Travis. It always makes me laugh inside.

Just today, after Travis left the party, I had several people tell me how good looking he is. I love telling Travis about it later - he gets embarrassed and I am sure it makes him feel good. I like to think it adds some mystery to me in the viewers eyes..."what is so great about Heather that she has a husband like that"? Well, you will just have to get to know me to find out. LOL.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "At every party there are two kinds of people - those who want to go home and those who don't. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other."  Ann Landers

Somewhere...

I finally captured a good picture of a rainbow. We have received quite a bit of rain in the last few weeks. We have also received 3 roof bids and 2 paint bids. This photo reminds me of all the beautiful nights we get to spend outdoors and makes me feel, even with all the money and work to do on this high maintenance house, a sense of gratitude and peace.

Yesterday I was so excited that my sister Melissa, visiting from Florida, had agreed to come down to my new office (yes, I moved again) to assist me with decorating and getting organized. I pictured us doing a bit of carefree shopping, hanging things on the bare walls in a way that actually looks good (thanks to her) and then going out to dinner and having a one on one sister time chat.

Instead, Melissa showed up and had to wait for 30 minutes while I wrapped up some business, we went shopping where I ended up drenched in sweat (man was I HOT), and in between I called my friend back, because she had uncharacteristically sent me two urgent messages, to find out her daughter's baby (she was 26 weeks pregnant) had died in the womb and they had taken her to a hospital near my office so she could deliver him. She ended up getting sent home and will not go back to try again until this weekend - it would be so hard to have that unfinished when the end is known. My friend asked me to go be with her until she could get there from CO or to at least check in on her. Needless to say my sister and I rescheduled.

Just this past weekend I had attended a baby shower for this dear friend. You can picture the excitement, the gifts, the pictures and all the plans that were discussed. Now imagine going to your normal appointment to find out the bad news. Shocked and devastated are only minor words to describe this experience. I cannot even imagine what she must be going through.

I thought it was interesting to note my original and immediate reaction to the news was white hot anger...at who? I don't know, just at the situation I think. I have been thinking these last 24 hours about where there might be a silver lining in the situation. I am sure I can and have come up with a few, but I have decided that sometimes there does not need to be a silver lining. Maybe this can just be a sad loss and things like a beautiful rainbow can just bring a moment of peace after the storm.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt” -- John Green

Three Blind Mice...See How They Run?

Whenever I get a new car or drive a car I am unfamiliar with I always try to be more aware of the blind spots; really do a good wide neck craning to make sure there is no stray, road colored car there that I might have missed, prior to changing lanes. I do this because there are natural blind spots I am unfamiliar with - the windows are a different shape or size, they may be bigger or smaller or have tinting I am not used to.

I am on year four of driving my current car and I have become accustomed to its natural blind spots, but the other day I almost got in a wreck except for a smooth moving car who, luckily, had a lane to move to when I almost side swiped him in my unawareness of his presence and over-reliance on my mirrors. Queue "apologetic wave..."

It made me think about a question our new...not sure what his title is...but he is organizing all of us from the bottom up and will be a decision maker for our company moving forward. His name is Les and he is giving us weekly lessons in smart business practices - I have started to call them "Lesisms". A few weeks ago he asked all the staff if we know where our personal blind spots are...

One of the examples he used was how parents always want to believe the best about their children even when the proof is blatantly clear they have made an error, the parent always wants to believe it is a mistake or there is some other explanation for the incorrect action. I remember an after school special called "Not My Kid" about a high school girl that got addicted to drugs - I don't know why, but I never forgot that show.

I am not sure I can actually name my blind spots, but I'm pretty sure Travis could point some out. I'm pretty sure I may not want to know what they are...that probably isn't true, but perhaps I really DON'T want to know and maybe that is one of my blind spots. How DO we figure out where we need to do a bit more neck craning in certain areas of our lives?

• Listening - people will tell us in both blunt and subtle ways what we need to hear if we just listen for it. If I have several people telling me the same thing, even in multiple ways, I should probably take a good look over my shoulder and then change lanes. 
• Asking the "right" people - Travis would never want to hurt me, but I know a few people that want to see me fail. Who would be the better person to ask about my personal blind spots?
• Reading - Les is very big on reading. Not only do we have our book of the month to get through, he gave us a reading assignment for 2 other books. Les believes he has learned more about business, communication and relationships by reading books than he ever learned in school. Reading broadens our minds and makes us ask questions. 
• Education - Learning for me comes in many different varieties, but the important thing is to keep learning from experiences, mistakes, reading, observing, etc. These things may also open your eyes to your own blind spots as new information comes into your sphere. 

After reviewing my last several days I feel these may be some of my own blinds spots:

Blind spot #1: Today I kept getting mad because I couldn't get off the phone long enough to get any of my "tasks" done. I think I may have a slight blind spot when it comes to "righteous" anger. Perhaps I feel I am more busy than you are and therefore my time is more valuable or the explanation is not worth the time it will take to review more than once. This is something I must work on and certainly I need to stop sighing so loudly. 

Blind spot #2: I LOVE being sarcastic and joking around, but I wonder if sometimes sarcasm can be hurtful and unintentionally cruel. I need to work on this. 

Blind spot #3: I tend to be a know it all, hard to believe "I know"...enough said. 

I know it is important to recognize our own distressing short comings so we do not hurt others intentionally or otherwise. I am determined to be more patient and kind tomorrow. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." -- Albert Einstein

That Blows Chunks!

Travis and I were taking the long way home from the grocery store the other day and as we drove past the library I did a double take..."TRAVIS, turn around, I'm sorry but you have GOT to see this." He did what I asked and as we came back by the library he looked on in astonishment to see a car high centered over some rocks in the library parking lot.

Oh MAN!! That really does blow. Here is the sorry truth of the matter...Travis looked at me and said, "That seems like something you would do." Gee Thanks! The only problem is I was thinking the same thing. Truthfully though, I think I am actually a pretty good driver even though I lose my temper easy enough. We probably all think we are good drivers.

I'm trying to think back at any less than brilliant things I have done while behind the wheel...I backed into a pole in a parking garage a year or so ago. I closed the garage door while the hatch was open and scratched it. Travis actually backed out of the garage before the door was open all the way and broke out the red reverse light at the top of the hatch within 1 week after I got the car fixed, so he is not perfect. I remember coming home all upset from the grocery store complaining about how irresponsible and rude people are who break things on your car and don't at least leave a note - at which time he confessed to the incident.

Several days ago I was driving home from work and there was a Semi that had caught on fire. Just yesterday I passed ANOTHER vehicle on fire - this time a camper. It is times like these that I wonder what happened? What went down? How could this have been avoided? I will never know if the gentleman driving the car above was on the phone, had bad eyesight or was just not paying attention, but I'm glad it wasn't me this time.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quotes: "Never take a solemn oath. People think you mean it." Norman Douglas

Magpie High

The other day Travis was telling me about the aggressive Magpies that were surrounding Bart when he was trying to discretely do his business in the yard. He said he got so mad that they were getting so close to him and making all kinds of noise so he had to go down to the yard and run them off. I told Travis that they did the same thing to my brother's cat that was in the yard slinking around a week or two ago. I couldn't believe the daring of those birds and it put me in mind of the terrifying yet thrilling Alfred Hitchcock movie.

When we had this conversation we were sitting on the deck after a long day of work and it hit me that they must have been protecting a nest or something. Just as I told Travis this I happened to look over the railing and there, right on the ground, was a baby magpie...WHAT? We both got up and looked more closely at it. The darling little thing was just sitting there and then would stumble around a bit.

I am always quite astonished and awed by nature. I can't help it. We continued to watch over the little guy for a few hours and saw the parents come around to feed it now and then. Eventually it stumbled into some tall weeds and we went in for the night. Poor Bart didn't even have a clue there was a tasty little morsel out there (I don't think he would really hurt it, but you never know).

Just last night my sister Keri, her husband Golden and daughter Seerie, came up to share some ribs Travis cooked up for us (so good) and we were telling them the story about the baby magpie and Keri looks over the railing and says "OH, there it is" then "OH, there are two of them"...sure enough there were two of them hanging out this time.

This morning I went out to water my flowers and we saw yet another one out front...how many are there? Who knows, but I took a photo of the one I saw today:

Not the sharpest photos, but you can see how cute they are. I just looked up some information on the magpie to find out more about them. Here is what I copied from the site (I thought it was interesting):

"Pairs form during the fall and winter, and some will mate for life. The pair will engage in a lengthy courtship centered around the male providing food for the female. Both the male and the female will help build the nest, which takes approximately six weeks. The nests of black-billed magpies are sturdy domed structures that are often used in later years by mammals or other birds. The nest consists of a mud anchor in which twigs and sticks are inserted to create a dome-like structure. Then, a mud bowl is constructed atop the mud anchor and lined with grass. The number of eggs incubated varies greatly (between one and nine). The female sits on the eggs for the approximately eighteen day incubation period. The male provides food for the female while she is sitting on the nest. Young are born without down, and their eyes will remain closed for the first week. Both parents feed the young until the young leave the nest at about three to four weeks of age. The young are still dependent on their parents for food for up to two months after leaving the nest."

I am glad to know they didn't just fall out of their nest, but that this seems to be a normal thing for them to wonder around for a bit after they leave as semi-independent 4 week olds. Once everyone seems to have moved on I plan to go nest hunting - it has to be somewhere close by and I bet it is pretty cool. Maybe by then Bart will be able to do his business with some dignity again. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "Excuse me, I have to use the toilet. Actually, I have to use the telephone, but I'm too embarrassed to say so." Another great Dorothy Parker quote

My Darling Dad

How is it I didn't manage to take ONE photo of my Father today? Very disappointing. Travis and I joined the siblings that could be there to have dinner with the parents today. Mom made Dad's favorite - hamburger patties cooked in a mushroom gravy served over potatoes. Everything was delicious, including Mel's amazing roles.

After dinner Dad took the grand kids and Amy and I on a trip around the yard, which I thoroughly enjoyed, other than I felt like I was roasting and my newly washed hair was sopping wet with my own dirty sweat by the time we were finished. My Dad is just so enterprising. He was teaching us about the Law of the Harvest - plant a seed, nourish it and it will grow. This principle or law can be related to many things, but my Dad seemed super pleased with the abundance of the harvest that is possible from only one small seed. I am pleased for both my parents, they seem to really be living in that house lately - making it their own over the time they have been there.

Yesterday, Travis and I were home relaxing when we noticed there was some water leaking out from the dishwasher. Travis pulled it out a bit and water just started to spurt everywhere. I was freaking out yelling "more towels, get more towels". Travis tried to turn the water off under the sink, I ran across the street to the neighbor's house, he wasn't home. I ran back to the dishwasher and it was just pouring out water everywhere. My mind was a blank, I didn't know what to do, I could only think how much damage was  being done to our home with every minute that clicked by...

I called my Dad. Even though I KNEW he was no where nearby that he could help me, I just HAD to call him to find out what I needed to do. Mom answered, "Mom, I need Dad" she proceeded to tell me he was across the street helping the neighbors move into their home and said she would run over to get him. ACK - I remembered in that moment that Mom has Vertigo and was just praying she wouldn't fall over in her hustle to help me. Dad got on the line and by then I was pretty hysterical - not kidding, sobbing with big gulping pants, unable to take a deep breath - that is how dramatic it was. Dad was saying, "shut off the main water line" just as Travis had done it already.

This lovely experience just made me realize how much I still need my parents in my life. I love them both so much. I don't have any new photos to post, but here are a few I like:

Dad can be serious, but he has an amazing sense of humor as well. I LOVE YOU DAD! Thanks for everything!

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: : "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years" -- Mark Twain 

Photos Just for Fun

FINALLY - with the help of my wonderful husband I was able to save my photos off my phone. Here is the sibling photo I wanted to post at Easter, etc.

Fun Family

THE Drakes

Too cute! Growing up so fast. 

Spring riding - my hot husband!

I know, GROSS, but how else do those legs get smoother than mine? 

Nice tan line!

I just wanted to post a few photos this evening to celebrate my new victory; I hope I am able to duplicate it again.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "I don't know much about being a millionaire, but I'll bet I'd be darling at it." Dorothy Parker

Pricing Strategy

There is a price to be paid for everything. I was reviewing some notes in my journal today and came across a snippet in reference to success and the desire that must be present in order to achieve a life vision...

"Success comes when the fear of failing to achieve your dream is greater than the fear of the cost that must be paid"

I am not a big proponent of "fear" in general, but I understand this to mean, a) there must be a dream or purposeful goal present for there to even be a purpose and b) it has to hold enough personal meaning to create that feeling of a quest or a mission.

Today I saw the winner of the national spelling bee on the news. I don't know how old he is, but they asked him how he managed to win this time after all the spelling bees he has been in. Apparently over the last 3 years or so he lost on a word with a German origin, so he spent lots of time studying German origin words and he ended up winning on one this year. I think that kid was on a quest to accomplish a goal that had a lot of personal meaning. I can't imagine caring about something THAT much that I would want to spend the kind of time and energy it would take to accomplish that goal.

I keep trying to come up with my BIG dream. What matters so much to me that I can direct my energy and focus to that ONE thing that will make personal sacrifice worth while? Frankly, I am still working on it.

There is another note in my book that says, "design a future for yourself or others will design it for you." I have felt this to be true throughout my life - decisions and directions being handled for me, while I don't care enough or feel enough conviction to redirect myself in a different way.

Don't get me wrong, I have a blessed life and I am not complaining and, for the most part, I don't have a ton of regrets (maybe some); I guess I am saying there is just as high a cost associated with indecision as there is with sacrificing to achieve a dream - they just LOOK different.

At my company they often talk about pricing strategy when selling a home. Generally speaking, if your home is not getting showings and you don't have an offer in the first 2 to 3 weeks (the market is hot in Utah right now), your home is most likely overpriced and will require a price change to create interest and activity.

I think it is the same in life - if the price is too high there must be a reduction in the cost to achieve the ultimate goals and/or the dream or goal MUST be meaningful enough to endure the cost that will be paid to achieve it. For me, the trick is figuring out what that ultimate dream looks like...the sky's the limit.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

Free Books for Sale

I was just in the middle of a "whoa is me" post when I remembered something GREAT that happened this weekend; actually, one of many great things that happened. I went to the library on Saturday, paid my $28 late fee (Hey, Summit County Library, your welcome to the donation due to my irresponsibility) and checked out a few books on CD and a few books to read. I LOVE going to the library and have learned it is essential to MAKE time to do this every month or so AND to make time to renew my books online every few weeks as well, but I digress; as I was leaving the library I saw a "book sale" sign and ventured in for a look see.

WOW - $.50 for a hard back and $.25 for a paperback books. I walked out of there with $8 worth of books (that is 12 books). It would have been more if I could have carried more - what a DEAL!! I felt like I was getting away with stealing...FROM the library. The only hard thing to do when I got home was to decide whether I should read a free library book (not actually free when I am paying $28) OR a relatively free book that I might mix up with my free library books...oh the wonderful dilemma's we face in life. 

I admit to using two of the relatively free books to boost up the disposable paint trays that Trav purchased (I didn't realized you need a REAL tray to put underneath them to keep them upright so the paint doesn't just slide out of the thing - I also asked Trav to purchase a long handled paint roller - he came home with just the stick because I didn't specify that I needed the actual roller to attach...men...I couldn't very well send him back to the store for a 3rd time could I?) so I could stain the dinner deck on Monday (see another great thing that happened this past weekend), but I needed a quick solution and there it was for $1...Multi-tasking books, who knew? 

I am reading one right now that I was immediately drawn to...it is called "Do It! Let's get off our buts". Here are some examples that I related to immediately:

"I want to be healthier, but..."

"I know how important it is to love myself, but..."

"I want a fulfilling career, but..."

"I want a nurturing relationship, but..."

You get the idea. Anyway, so far my favorite part are all the quotes scattered throughout the book. I have even started skimming ahead to read them - mostly I am excited to share them as my daily, ok, not quite daily, "Diva Quote" to share on my blog posts.

I also loved one part that explains the true meaning of "but" - it is the one word that makes everything that came before it mean absolutely nothing. "You look great in that shirt, BUT that color doesn't suit you". The truer meaning to that sentence is "you should change your shirt". I will not be using that word in the same way from now on, but I will most likely still use it here and there. :) 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific." Lily Tomlin

Self Discipline

Every day my boss makes a 3 minute message that he has sent out to the whole company. I have been moving them into the file I created just for him and was saving them up for when I have "more time". Duh. I think I have over 2 hours worth saved up for "later".

At last weeks staff meeting one of my co-workers asked all of us if we took the time to listen to the daily message...I sheepishly tried to pretend I didn't understand the question or look super appalled that Andrew wasn't listening to the daily messages. My co-worker then said just those few minutes each day makes a huge difference in how she approaches work...I decided to give it a go.

The good thing about the daily messages is they often will repeat in short snippets things George has talked about in past meetings, but they only focus on one particular point at a time AND they are ONLY 3 minutes long. Today's message focused around self-discipline. George said, "I KNOW that everything I have AND everything I don't have in my life is directly related to the amount of discipline I employ in my daily decisions."

Maybe it is obvious, but it is SO true. All those tiny and seemingly unimportant decisions we make on a daily basis add up to everything we are and all that we have in our lives. I can think of more "bad" decisions I have made over the years that add up to bigger "bad" decisions. One lately is my horrible habit of swearing. I know I seem so innocent in my writing (wink), but I have developed a bad habit of swearing when I am under strain, which unfortunately has been more often than not lately.  It used to be just for effect or to make someone laugh or at least to make a strong point, but when you swear too often, it just becomes foul and not an effective use of language.

I finally had to admit I have a problem when I almost got in an accident on the road and yelled out a blasphemy, one I have ALWAYS hated when people use it, and then tried to rationalize with myself that I was really just praying - sounds like full scale denial to me.

I think I am moving away from the point of this post, but maybe not. I can sit here and talk about gaining weight, eating right and exercise, making more or less money, but the same principle exists here with the swearing...because now I need to exercises EXTRA self-discipline over a problem I shouldn't really even have if only I had exercised  a modicum of self-awareness before I had a new bad habit to break.

I also write of this personal challenge so I will be more likely to hold myself accountable, wish me luck.

At the end of the day today my next door office mate came in to chat with me and he dragged Andrew in with him. I asked Kurt if he knew that "all he is and all he isn't is directly related to the amount of discipline he employs in his life?" Andrew nodded sagely and said he was glad I was paying attention while at staff meeting - looks like we are both becoming more accountable.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote:"Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure." Earl Wilson

Mamacita

Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely mothers out there!! Especially to my own dear Mama!!

What is it about Moms that is so special? Why is it that Moms can make us feel like the best person on the planet? There is just some special finite spark they have that connects us to them in a way that we are not connected to anyone else in the world. I often wonder how I lucked out to have the Mother that I do...she thinks she is lacking, but I know better. It is interesting how she remembers things so differently than I do.

When I called to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day today, she told me how she remembered saying the best Mother's day gift we could get her, when she was watching about a zillion kids during the week when we were in grade school to earn extra money for the family, was alone time and how now she thinks that was such a mean thing for her to say and want. I don't remember that as a bad thing, I remember thinking how excited she would be when we brought her home our handmade gifts at the end of the day. It is funny how we all remember things in a different way.

I sometimes wonder what kind of Mom I would be if I had been lucky enough to have kids of my own. I think I would be a lot like my own Mom...funny, generous, strict while at the same time an easy pushover, concerned w/poor baby tendencies, comfortable, loving, a little irrational w/an absolute gritted jaw reaction when upset, never violent (except maybe in a rare and funny way) with arms always open for a good, long hug and an easy "I love you" on the tip of my tongue. I think I would have been a great Mom because I had a great example of what a Mom should be.

I have also been thinking about my husband and his experience of Mothers. His birth mother loved him so much she let him go to another family. His adoptive Mom passed away when Trav was very young and his Step-Mom, which is weird to call her that since she has been his Mom since he was about 10, has raised him as her own - Trav has had 3 Mom's in his 40 years and each one has impacted his life in major and different ways. Do these Mother's even realize how big a deal they are? I hope so.

At the end of my call to Mom, she ended by telling me, in a heartfelt and meaningful way, how proud she is of me and how glad she is that I am part of her life..."whoa, wait a minute, these are my lines on this day of all days to tell you" - I don't know how I can ever make her understand how much she means to me. All I can do right now is say, "I love you...Thank you for being my Mom".

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quotes: "“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” -- Milton Berle

MY High School Student?

Ring, Ring..."This is Heather" - "Hi Mrs. Barker, this is Camille with Park City High School, we received the records for your student and need you to come in and meet with us to get him fully signed up"....crickets..."Oh, sure, how about Monday morning first thing?" 

Let me tell you how weird it was to receive that call on Friday - took me totally off guard. I guess it is all official - we will have a foreign exchange student staying with us in August. I just looked in our file online and he has written us a great letter introducing himself. We will need to write something back to him tomorrow - I am sure he is curious about us. I am excited about this new experience and also nervous. I hope he likes it here. I hope he makes friends. I hope the experience is what he wants it to be. The one thing that makes me feel comfortable is knowing my family will totally embrace him while he is here. It will be fun to have him speak Chinese with Amy's kids and I can't wait to see how he and Travis get along. It sounds like he REALLY likes basketball. 

His name is Lingfei, but he calls himself "Jay" - this simplifies things a bit. He wants to study architecture here in the US after he graduates and is excited to learn about our culture this next year. I am thinking of all the weekend trips we will need to take him on...Moab, Zions, Lake Powell, Yellowstone/Jackson Hole & the Tetons...then the winter...I wonder what his winters in China are like. Travis is excited to take him skiing - I wonder if he ski's already? I am very excited to learn about his life in China. 

Can you imagine how brave you need to be to go away from all that you know to a place with total strangers all by yourself? I already admire him for taking on this adventure. I think he will be good for us. It sounds like he is quite involved in service projects at home and I am going to begin thinking about something we can get involved with here in Park City that we can do as a unit. I think this was a very good decision for Travis and I - we deserve to step outside our little life and experience some new things and it will be fun to see things from Jay's perspective, rediscover our great state and learn about another culture. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide. And everywhere I went, the world was on my side" Roman Payne 

The Week in a Nutshell

No real point to this post...just a snapshot of the weekend:

I found out yesterday our next door neighbors are getting chickens...poor birds. I think the raccoons will be trouble and it will take some time for all the pitfalls to be realized. I wonder how many chickens they will need to buy before they last through the egg laying stage. What happens in the winter? I also can't wait for the chickens to wake up Travis or Chuck...that will be funny. I pretty much sleep through anything and Trav is an early riser, but it will be amusing if they are disturbed by it to see what they do.

On Sunday Trav and I also decided to watch one of the two movies we had sent to us from Netflix, oh, about 3 months ago (can't seem to remember to cancel that membership), but the sound for the DVD wouldn't work. We messed with it, using our handy dandy headlights, courtesy of the parents at Christmas, for about 30 minutes - plug in here, plug out there, change input, switch back, yadda, yadda...we gave up. I asked Chuck to stop by before work and see if he could figure it out...he comes in kneels down, plugs in ONE plug and BINGO...SOUND!! I KNOW we plugged those cords into those ports - I KNOW IT! How embarrassing. I felt like a 90 year old Grandma getting a cell phone for the first time - don't turn it on because it might ring!!!

On Friday I decided to call my Mom because I needed a "poor baby" moment with her. She always makes me feel better. I called and got Dad...uh, oh...I don't want to make Dad feel bad by asking for Mom (I do anyway) and he tells me she is outside with some neighbors. So I did a bit of crying with him and told him what to do to make me feel better "tell me how great I am Dad" :) He did what he could and said he would have Mom call me the next day. It wasn't quite what I was looking for, but so super sweet and I do love my Dad. I actually did sort of wait for that call all weekend...never came...Trav said it was because I am the 6th favorite (ha, ha)...I told him I thought Dad may have neglected to pass along the "poor baby" message. Mom called me tonight...NAUGHTY Dad didn't give her my message until late last night...I KNEW IT!

Don't worry, nothing too crazy going on, just working a lot and feeling a tad overwhelmed at the moment...SACRIFICE IS TEMPORARY!! My office has gotten me a temp employee while we get a more permanent solution in place, so relief is on the horizon. I just wish there had been a few months to ease into our new system/a new account/implementing new processes/moving into a new space/etc. There has just been so much, so fast and I don't want to let anyone down...including my husband who I'm sure is wondering if single life isn't so bad after all!! :)

After my melt down we saw the left over carcass of a 2 ton truck that had been mashed up by a semi on I80 as we made our way to Costco to stock up on mostly unnecessary, but yummy, stuff for the next few weeks. It was CRAZY - I just cannot imagine the person who was driving the truck actually survived. If they did, they should be on a commercial about the safety benefits of that particular make and model. I have never seen a car, let a lone a big truck, look that mangled. Many thoughts went through my head on that drive - gratitude most of all that it was not someone I loved and that life is not all THAT bad, I thought about how we all forget to be present when we drive and I wondered how the Semi driver would not know he/she was mashing a car to bits and move back over into the middle lane? Then I felt swamped with guilt that I had thought of myself first, so I pushed a prayer out to the victim hoping they did survive and that their loved ones would be present for them.

Then tonight Travis made yet another AMAZING meal...it is becoming easier and easier to eat very light lunches knowing I will be in for a treat in the evening. Travis made salmon w/lemon butter  & herbs smoked on a cedar plank with the new favorite kale salad as the side dish. That salmon just melted in my mouth - I could not believe how amazing it was.  It even looked amazing - it was so pretty and he garnished it with a round slice of lemon - it looked as good as it tasted. Travis really is the light of my life these days - I am so grateful to have him in my life.

Finally, tonight I get to go up and snuggle into nice clean sheets. I changed them yesterday, but it is one of my favorite things to get into clean sheets when it is nice and crisp outside (not cold, just crisp), especially when they smell so good. Ah, relaxing.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "Ninety-nine percent of people allow the quality of their life to be determined by the thoughts of strangers." Not sure who said this first...but we should all stop doing this. 

God Bless America

Yesterday morning Travis was watching the Dan Patrick show (a morning sports talk show) and, as I headed upstairs to get ready for work, I heard Dan talking about the "Star Spangled Banner" song that was sung the night before at the Boston Bruins hockey game - Dan played the sound track on his show.

After the marathon bombing this week the hockey team decided to play on in spite of the tragedy. It sounds like the stadium was full and it may have raised some controversy that the game would not be delayed or moved, so I stood upstairs in the loft listening as a lone singer started the song and the crowd almost immediately joined in. It was the most rousing experience as the voices swelled and the song was sung how it is meant to be sung; not half heartedly, but with feeling and meaning. I don't remember feeling the Spirit of America more than I did yesterday as I listened to those voices swell - I am getting choked up now just remembering it. 

Here is the video link that I found:

http://landing.newsinc.com/shared/video.html?vcid=24744140&freewheel=90051&sitesection=nydailynews

I have seen countless Face book posts talking about the spirit and inspiration of the marathoners and the Spirit of America and I appreciate that people have the ability to use these negative experiences to reconnect with what is most important in this life; to reset their priorities. I wish we could find more unity in daily life without these types of events to bring us together as one people. I suppose that is why there is opposition in all things...so we will recognize the good things in life when the bad things come out. 

God Bless America...

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "The significance which is in unity is an eternal wonder." Rabindranath Tagore

Family Dinner

Have I mentioned what an amazing cook Travis is? I am sure I have, but he really is an amazing cook. Lately we have had the most amazing and easy salad...

Kale (de-veined and cut into fine pieces)
Pour a few tablespoons of olive oil over the whole thing
1 whole lemon squeezed over the top
mix well (kale is best if broken up and roughly man handled)
add dried cranberries
add toasted pine nuts
shredded Parmesan cheese

Best salad ever...not kidding, soooo good.

Tonight Travis smoked a huge pork shoulder and we made an apple cider vinegar bbq sauce that was tangy and delicious with just a little kick to it. As the mixture cooked up, everyone started coughing - it was sort of funny and we had to open all the windows even though it is still pretty cold up here. We invited the whole family up and still had tons of left over meat that we sent home with everyone and even kept some for ourselves. I even made my sisters Choffy Cake last night and it was even better the 2nd night - everyone RAVED over desert.

All in all a very nice night and it was great to see everyone even though it gets crazy with so many kids running rough shod all over the place, not to mention 3 dogs and one very nervous cat; only one accident and it was my own dog being territorial...bad dog.

I have to brag that I have one of the best families on earth...how did I ever get so lucky? I did take two photos - one of the cook and one of the meat. I am back to having difficulty with photos on the new computer (wish I wasn't so ignorant of the ways of technology), but I will try to get Trav to help me with it. Probably should have taken a few photos of the family as well. I do have a good photo trapped in my phone from Easter...I'll try to get it posted soon (for M of course).

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and say to myself "well, that's not going to happen”  -- Rita Rudner

What Life?

Sometimes when momentum gets going it is hard to remember the way things "used" to be. I am sneaking these next few minutes to write a bit because I haven't had a chance for several days and last night I sat here at this desk thinking about what I would normally be doing if not working and my mind just went blank. I keep reminding myself this is just temporary...within the next 30 days things will level off, my new assistant at work will be in place and processes will be completely transitioned on the new account. I have never so looked forward to the month of May like I am looking forward to it this year. All is well.

Today I actually made it to book club - I haven't gone for the last 3 weeks or so and it was a surprise to me to realize I had totally blocked book club from my mind. This is my all time favorite meeting every week, so I was pretty stunned when I realized it hadn't even floated by as a thought in my mind for several weeks...weird. Today I went and, although I haven't been reading the book (oh yeah, that is what I would normally be doing at night), I loved one part that was discussed today.

There seems to be a misconception by some people that praising others somehow diminishes ourselves OR if we share our trade secrets we will be jeopardizing our business and giving away our competitive edge. Today I was reminded of the following:

• There is plenty of business for all of us. 
• Praising others in public creates trust and encourages loyalty
• Paying attention to people is the single most productive thing we can do

I have always believed I do not need to be threatened by lack of business. Since working at my new company this past year, I can absolutely say I still believe we can all experience a high level of success doing whatever we are doing. There has only been one time in my career that I held back some information (besides the proprietary kind of course) that I felt might give my competition the edge and for some reason it has really bothered me for years. 

Once upon a time there was a commercial group that was trying to get residential leads from a client we both worked with...I felt very threatened and gave a very blunt answer when asked what we did to manage utilities on vacant residential homes. This process is not brain surgery...anyone can figure out how to put utilities in the company name and then seek reimbursement for the costs from a client, but for some reason I felt if I divulged the process to this commercial agent, I would be creating a situation where some of "my" business would be going to my competitor...talk about lack of confidence. I've always felt bad about this. Think if I had helped him and later I had a question about something in the commercial world...I could call and ask questions and he might have helped me out. I'll never know - I have never talked to him since. 

I love praising others - I love noticing amazing acts of kindness, good strong work ethics or any kind of business successes and accomplishments. I did like the reminder of how important it is to recognize others in public, not just one-on-one. 

Paying attention to people...really listening. If you are going to be stuck talking to someone for any length of time...why not pay attention while you are engaged. Lately I have felt myself drifting, thinking of all the things I need to do, instead of really focusing on the person in front of me. Just a reminder to self, "Just THINKING about something won't actually get it done...might as well focus on the moment and think about SOMETHING later". Just a thought. 

I Am Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” - Dr. Seuss

Studio

Tomorrow my baby brother, now 32, is going to move into our studio apartment. He's had a few rough years as he has forged his way into a  new career path. I'm pretty proud of him and he has a new job, that he seems to enjoy and take great pride in, and he is ready to move out of the parents house he was lucky enough to have the option to live in for the last year. I'm glad we have an interim solution for him.

I have a lot to do tomorrow. I really need to make about 15 calls in the morning for work, but I also need to clean the house, clean the apartment and the oven that hasn't been put back in the unit since it was redone. We had a leak in the ceiling and had to take it down, de-funk it, and put everything back up. We put on a fresh coat of paint and took out the old gungy carpet and put in a pergo type product. We had a few extra canned lights put in and a new, bigger sink. I'm pretty happy with the final results.

We originally thought we would use the studio for our work out room, but the ceiling is too low and the new elliptical won't fit in there. I might be just short enough to use it, but Trav would never be able to, so up into the loft it went. Now I am in the process of rearranging that area to be our new work out room.

The next idea was to use the space for a "game room" but how often do we really entertain? We surely would not go down there just to entertain ourselves...would we? Then we thought we could make it into Trav's home office and bike room - this is still a possibility, but then Chuck called and we decided to let him rent from us for a bit.

It will be fun to have him here. I don't expect we will really see too much of him, but when our nephew lived with us we tried to have dinner together once a week and I expect we will do the same with Chuck. What makes me most happy is he seems excited about it. I hope he likes it.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “What strange creatures brothers are!” - Jane Austen