Meet Marisa

This is my good buddy from Texas, MARISA. (Dont get mad at me for posting this...I've just been thinking a lot about you...I miss you, what can I say) I have known her for a really long time but we didn't become close until the end of our stint at Texas A&M. Anyway, Marisa and her hubby Chris are trying to have a baby. It's not happening super fast for her (but it WILL happen) which is very unfortunate because I know she'll make a terrific mommy. It makes me kinda bitter that there are girls out there that just get pregnant by a WHOOPS without even trying and definitely don't want or need a baby. Then there are people like Marisa. Married, settled, financially stable and want nothing more than to bring a baby into this world. She deserves a baby plain and simple. Anyway, THE POINT: If everyone who reads this could just pray for her...pray she and her hubby get their wish. I mean, this girl is willing to give up tanning beds and BEER, so I know she's serious :)

Big House Red

I found this bottle of table wine at the local liquor store. I liked the name, Big House Red, and I liked the fun and colorful label which is definitely the most important thing when picking out some wine to bring home. Not only was the wine really tasty, but I think it looks great with some flowers sitting on my kitchen table. So Now, red wine has 2 uses in my house...one for looking cute and two for just making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, brain medicine.

Oh Boy

This Saeco coffee machine means 3 different things, to 3 different sets of people.

To Everyone (excluding me and Garrett): This machine means absolutely nothing. It looks like nothing more than a broken coffee machine, junk if you will.

To Garrett: This machine is a project. A glorious and fun project. Will he get this thing to brew a cup of coffee? Only time will tell.

To Me: Junk and coffee table clutter for the next month. I'll have parts to this contraption in every room in my tiny house. I'll bitch. I'll complain. If Garrett ends up fixing it, I'll take back everything bad I ever said about it and Love it like I Love the current one. If it stays broken, I'll say "I told you so" and feel totally satisfied that I was right all along.

Tax Money Down the Drain

This pic was taken from the Park City house on Sunday. My husband, who is apparently a helicopter expert, informed me that these 5 helicopters are a mix of Apaches and Blackhawks. We could not figure out what in the world they were doing...they are Army helicopters so they wouldn't be from Hill Air Force Base. If you couldn't tell, this is all info from Garrett b/c I don't have a clue what goes on at an Air Force Base. A helicopter is a helicopter. Anyway, we saw them land right around Deer Valley.

Tuesday morning I saw an ad on KSL...they were doing drills awaiting the arrival of Mr. President himself cause apparently he needs an army helicopter to travel 20 miles to the home of Mitt Romney in Deer Valley. Ain't life grand? So anyway, that answered my question. Tax money down the drain if you ask me.

No...No, Not Yet

Why are cycling jerseys always sooooo hideous? Like how did this come about? In my mind, it went something like this: A bunch of cyclists were standing around trying to design the first jersey. One would come up with a design and the others were all No, No we're not there yet...it's not as obnoxious as I was hoping...let's give it another go. Here are some examples:

Is this guy serious? This might be the Number One of all times UGLIEST Cycling kit. This guy is obviously not married, or not even dating for that matter b/c no woman would let her man walk out of the house with this on. Well, unless she hated him that is.

Or this Jersey...a human billboard at its finest. Not just any billboard though, a home pregnancy test billboard. It even seems like the jersey color fades to the same color as a positive response, how nice.

Patriotic Splatter Paint. World of NOOOOOOOO.




Full Body Zebra Print. The designers of this outfit probably made fun of fat kids and orphans in school. Just a guess.

I'm not even sure what this next jersey is even trying to represent. All I know is that it sorta makes me want to poke my own eyes out.

Oh look, a sleeveless tuxedo jersey. Really? Well at least he can stop off at a highschool prom while out on his ride if he so desires. Genius.

The fact that jerseys are so ugly is not even debatable...it is just a fact. I think they are ridiculously ugly for a couple reasons. First of all, blame it on the pro riders. They wear whatever their sponsors give them. Or should I say they wear whatever the disgruntled designer/would-be-artist at the outsourced marketing company their sponsor is currently using gives them. And what is the designer's job? Come up with a billboard, a very, very obnoxious billboard. And why do we wear what the pro's wear? We're sheep. Colorblind sheep.

Another reason they might be so ugly is b/c the designers were trying to be cute/funny. Take this Goofy (WTF in itself) jersey. At first one might think, Oh Goofy, isn't this a funny jersey...its so whimsical and clever. 3 seconds later, the joke has worn off and your riding buddies are either thinking of ways to kill you or at least ways of destroying your moronic Goofy Jersey, cause God knows you'll wear it again and again if they don't "take one for the team."

Yet another reason they might be so ugly is the fact that a garish jersey might draw more attention to drivers. Now that I think about it though, I reject this theory for 2 reasons:

(a) bright jerseys don't have to be ugly

(b) drivers mights just be so disgusted with your jersey, they just might try to take you and your Goofy jersey out...for the sake of everyone.

Anyway, this is a worthless post...just something that has been on my mind. Don't even get me started with the spandex shorts, especially on men. Really? I mean, I strongly feel there should be at least 2 layers between me and testicles. 2 layers...its not too much to ask is it? Okay, the end. I honestly could go on and on about this so I'll just save you all the torture.

Wii Tennis Rocks

Okay I can do this. Short week. Jam packed and hectic, but short.

Garrett's best buddy Teddy came to visit us for the Memorial Day Weekend. It was great to see him (haven't seen him since our wedding), and I know Garrett thoroughly enjoys his Teddy time. I would have enjoyed some Una time (his fiancee') but I guess she is busy back in Texas with wedding plans. **They are getting married in Belfast, Ireland in August, and Garrett and I will be attending. I'm so excited, fun times await us in the coming months**

Anyway, we had a lot of fun. Friday we mountain biked the Shoreline Trail starting at the Zoo. I thought Teddy would have a rough time considering all the climbing here and total lack of climbing in Texas and oh yeah elevation, which is completely non-existent in the good ole' land of Houston. Much to my surprise, he did great. He is in great shape and rode the trails like he's been living here his whole life.

Saturday we went to pre-ride the Draper Race course. Garrett and I have never taken the bikes out to Draper and I must say, we were pleasantly surprised. The trails were awesome and the people of Draper really take good care of them. The scenery up there is breathtaking. We did manage to get a little lost, but about 3 1/2 hours after we began, we made our way back to the car. The weather was perfect and I know Garrett had a blast riding with Teddy again.

Me and Garrett on the Draper Race Course

Garrett and Teddy on the Draper Race Course
Me

Overlooking Draper...what a view

Sunday, we didn't want to overdo it seeing as though we were all going to be racing in the Draper ICUP race on Monday. We spent the morning running a couple errands and Teddy spent the morning trying to make his bike tires tubeless. Yeah, didn't work out. Sunday evening we went up to Park City and rode from the new Park City house into town. It was an adventure, especially since Teddy insisted on riding Tubeless...and you couldn't stop riding the bike or the tire would go flat...so we ended up having to put a tube in on the side of the road. He reluctantly had to give in. His tubeless dreams were over. It was really nice on the way into town but a little bit freezing on the way back. My hands didn't thaw out until halfway through dinner.

Me and the Husband

Theodore...overlooking Kimball JunctionUs, same view

Teddy and the Moose

Me on the Pink Bench that would look fabulous in my Back Yard

Monday we woke up to the alarm at the crack of dawn for our bike race. Garrett and I fumbled to put on our bike jerseys/shorts, walked into the kitchen, and realized it was pooring down rain. This rain was not the light mist we're used to, it was real rain and it looked like it had been at it a while. We loaded up the car and headed down to the race course anyway...cancelled. And the BBQ scheduled for after the race (I already made stuff to bring, large quantities of stuff)...cancelled. Our day was pretty much ruined. The rain just continued. So, what did we do with the rest of our day??? Drink large quantities of alcohol and play Wii tennis. My shoulders are totally sore today, so yeah, that's how intense it was. Wii tennis rocks.

Happy Travels

If you notice on my sidebar, I have added a link to "Matt and Caryln's European Adventure." Carlyn is my cute sister-in-law who just graduated from UVA...impressive, I know. Anyway, her and her boyfriend Matt are touring Europe for the next few weeks and have promised to blog about their travels. I'm totally jealous about Munich...it's on my bucket list, well Munich during Oktoberfest is. Garrett and I enjoy beer way too much to not experience such a glorious event. Anyway, after some serious drama at the airport...(I knew Air India would probably be the source of the slightest bit of drama), they have arrived. Happy Reading.

The Maxi Dress

The Maxi Dress. When I first saw them, I hated them. Now, I kinda love them. I'm not sure why, but they have grown on me. I'm always wasting my time looking at pictures of celebrities out and about, and the Maxi dress has become quite the rage. Is it just a fad...probably. But, for now, I like the look. Its boho chic meets comfortable and they look great with flip flops. Here is a pic of one I like. I realize it will never look as good on me as Alessandra Ambrosio, but maybe its worth a try. Dang...maybe I should find one on a model just a tad more mediocre looking. That might help. She could probably make a potato sack look hot.

Thoughts on this style? Anyone?

Birthdays just aren't that FUN Anymore

When I was a kid, I looked forward to my birthday all year long. What kind of party would I have? Who would I invite? What presents did I hope to get? When someone asked you how old you were, you proudly hold up 4 fingers or jubilantly reply "21" as you order a round of shots. Somewhere along the way, it stopped being fun. Somewhere along the way, you dread the day you turn another year older. I guess it's mostly b/c time is a bitch...and not a bitch you can just stop being friends with and they go away. You realize yet another year has gone by and your life is still the same, you just look and feel another year older. Nothing terribly exciting has happened...no new found wealth, no new exciting career...just the same old boring routine. While you may not admit it, this is probably just a little bit true for everyone.

What brought this on you ask? Garrett's birthday made me realize this. The thought of getting another year closer to 30 (he'll only have one more birthday before the big trasition) is really a tough thought for him. Its life, I know...and he does realize that he is lucky, fortunate and happy but that doesn't keep the dread away.

So, my goal for his next birthday is really to push him to do something great, something so fantastic that he won't hate the thought of another year passing by. He'll be excited for another year and the upcoming endeavors he'll face. He'll welcome another year older, as it brings with it wisdom, memories, success, failure, love, and so much more. Our lives are long...plenty of time to accomplish all our dreams. People always say "life is short" but what do you know that's longer?

Seeing Stars

Here are the pics from our last bike race. Yeah, they look the same as just about every other bike race but what do you do? This race really took it out of me...and Garrett. The heat and intervals and my lack of real interval training took its toll on my body. We rode up Emigration on Tuesday on our road bikes and I was feeling like crap. I was breathing hard and fast but my heart rate was barely putting along. Emigration is usually a nice, easy ride but Tuesday, I just wasn't recovering from even the smallest climbs. When I got to the top, things turned downhill for me. I had my eyes open, looking directly at Garrett, but I couldn't see him. I was seeing stars, literally, and was feeling slightly nauseous. I was given some good advice to walk around with my hands above my head to get some blood back in my head and it worked...well, well enough to get back on my bike for the long ride home. So, yesterday and today we're taking a break. Luckily, the weather agrees.

...also Happy Birthday Munch

I would also like to wish a Happy Birthday to my best little buddy Munch. I know that I wrote more for/about him than Garrett, but Munch doesn't mind me embarrassing him...or at least he can't tell me that he does and oh yeah, he's totally used to it. Plus, Garrett's real birthday present from me **LATER, wink, wink** is definitely better than anything Munch will get. Okay, so I had to say something slightly embarrassing about Garrett, its only fair.

Dear Munch,

Today (well possibly today…see footnote) is your 4th Birthday. I am grateful everyday that you became part of my life. The last 4 years you have brought out all of my emotions: joy, sorrow, wonder, and anger. You are absolutely irreplaceable and I hope we have many more years together. In dog years, you are 28.

28 Things I LOVE about you:

I love the way you sit, it’s so awkwardly cute.
I love the spot on your cute little head. It’s perfectly centered and turns into a Mohawk when you’re alert.
I love that you lay on my side of the bed, even if only because your dad pushes you there.
I love that you think it’s your job to protect the house.
I love that you are always interested in my injuries, always sniffing them and looking very concerned.
I love your noises, snoring, farting, and all.
I love your piglet tail.
I love your big bat ears.
I love your kisses.
I love that you let us hold you upside down.
I love that you have decided to live peacefully with your brother.
I love that you only play with your toys when we get home, otherwise I think they annoy you.
I love that you do a kick ass superman, off of just about anything.
I love that you are a good car rider, you are comatose, just like a baby.
I love that you spit your treat out at me when you are mad.
I love that you hate being clean, any chance and you’re rolling in dirt.
I love your persistence (not at the time, but thinking back)
I love that I can talk to you and it looks like you understand exactly what I’m saying.
I love that you put up with all my craziness…as evidence from your many Halloween costumes and jackets.
I love that you attack the water hose, shop vac, and rake like a crazy madman.
I love that you get stressed out when we move stuff around in the house.
I love that you pout in the corner when you’re in trouble.
I love that you are potty trained, cause God knows it took long enough.
I love the way you perch yourself up in the couch corner.
I love that you stare at your treat jar, sometimes for very long periods, when you want a treat.
I love that you wait for me to put you on the couch every morning before work, even though you are perfectly capable of jumping up there yourself.
I love that you would never hurt a fly on anyone’s head
I love the way you make us laugh, you are our number one source of entertainment. Sad but true.

As you can see, I love everything about you, the good and the bad. Here are a few reminders for you, as we have many, many more years to spend together.

You are not being sneaky by peeing on the kitchen rug. I know you did it.

There is no secret way out of the bathroom. No need for you to panic while I’m in there.

Running out the door and hiding under the car does not mean you will get to go.

Don’t eat the doodle’s food. I’m no idiot, I can hear you grabbing a bite every time you walk by.

We don’t need you barking at EVERY single person that walks by our house. I know you are just doing your job, but it’s unnecessary.

I know you have been getting on the futon while I’m in the shower. The trail of small white hairs gives you away. Now stop it.

If there is a loop or snag in the kitchen rug, that does not mean dig and pull at it until half the thing unravels.

I hope you have a great birthday Munch. Me, your Dad and your brother love you very much.

**Footnote: I don’t know Munch’s exact birthday so we gave him the same birthday as Garrett. I feel like a horrible dog mother. I lost his papers when he was a puppy so all I know is his birthday is in May. I’m awful I know.**

Happy Birthday Garrett

I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to my sweet, wonderful husband. Much to his displeasure, he turns 28 years old today. Garrett is absolutely the perfect man for me and I am so grateful he is my husband. Happy Birthday Babe! I hope you have a great day!

Produces Curse Words

Today = Nice. Windy but nice. The next five days = Crap. The only thing that comes to my mind when I look at this image is a 4 letter word that rhymes with duck.

It's LUCK. We need luck so the weather turns nice. Get your brain out of the gutters people.

Typical Munch

Don't let us disturb you Munchie, as you straddle our pillows and take over our couch. Typical Munch.

Sunshine

So the husband and I had a really nice weekend, but I'm sad to report it went by way too fast as usual. This was our first taste of summer and my feelings about it are bitter sweet. I love the warmth and being able to wear shorts, flip flops, tank tops, etc. It was so hot yesterday that I was telling Garrett my flip flop strap was making my foot sweat. The bad part about the weather is just the fact that it's damn hot and you don't really want to do anything outdoors and you don't really want to be indoors either b/c its damn hot in there too, especially if you don't have an air conditioner like me and most other people in Utah. One of these days maybe we'll get AC, maybe one of these days after my tile gets laid in the kitchen, which by the looks of things is never. Anyway...

So Saturday was our race at Soldier Hollow in Heber. The weather was really nice, the first race I wasn't wanting to start with my arm warmers on. There was a huge turnout, 14 girls in my class. I finished 6th, Garrett finished 5th. With the large number of riders, we were quite pleased with our results. I felt really strong, I just couldn't keep up. There were some pretty fast girls out there. After the race we went over to Pete and Hilary's for a couple of beers before dinner. It was nice to hang out with friends outdoors with no shivering and no need for down jackets. The dogs had a blast...all 7 of them. 2 scotties, Mogley, Munch, 2 Great Danes and a very large lab. Mogley slept all night and for that, I am grateful.

Sunday we worked in the yard, mainly our parking strip. We're definitely taking baby steps, but it's slowly starting to look like less of a disaster.

Well its Monday. Here we go again.

The Munch Meister

I'm sure everyone who reads my blog is dieing to see another picture of one of my dogs, so here you go. I bet your weekend will be better b/c of it. I'd like to think I have a Mommyblog, its just a little different than most...but the same in many regards.

We have yet another mountain bike race on Saturday, hopefully I'll be able to report how well we did on Monday. Other than that, we don't have shit else going on and you know what, I'm okay with that. Life seems to all be happening so fast and sometimes I just want to slow down and enjoy the little things I often overlook. 2 weeks from now will be my one year wedding anniversary...I can't believe it. Where has the year gone?

Funny Faces

This is a face only a mother could love.

Win Susan

For more on Elden (affectionately referred to as "the fat cyclist") and Susan's story visit his site. To understand the whole story, start with May 1st. Well it starts way before that but you can easily understand by starting there. It's a pretty emotional story, especially since its written by a guy who is well known for his humor and wit.

These jerseys (as well as a men's version) will be available on his website soon. He also sells some pretty cool tshirts and accessories for the ladies. Fatty uses this fund for Susan's medical expenses, covering travel costs for family taking care of Susan, and for buying Susan anything she wants.

He Fools Me Too

This is Mogley saying to me "What Mom? I didn't do anything, I've just been laying here the entire time." Although he seems to pull the look off really well, I know better. You would think I didn't feed the dog b/c everytime he goes outside he turns into starving Mogley, Mr. I'm So Hungry I Better Eat Anything and Everything I Find, Edible or Not. A couple hours later, starving Mogley gets diarrhea and I shoot Pepto Bismol down his throat. Oh the joys of having a puppy.

This Tree Rocks

I love this tree. This tree rocks. My whole yard looks like complete crap (sorry Garrett but it does) but you hardly even notice b/c the flowers on this tree take all the attention away from the mess of a yard. I think I'm totally allergic to the flowers, but I don't even care. My allergies can suck it.

A Few More Pics

Here are a couple more pics from the Sherwood Hills Race.

This is us waiting to start our race...please notice the snow in the background.

Yes we have matching shoes and socks, so what?

Can you guess which legs belong to me? Hint: I am not the pasty white one.

Sherwood Hills

Saturday was our 3rd mountain bike race of the season. This time, it was at the Sherwood Hills Resort near Logan, UT. Garrett and I caught a ride with a guy from our team bright and early at 7:30 am. When we arrived shortly before 9, my enthusiasm quickly dissipated. The 4 wheel drive truck we were in barely made it into the parking lot...it was a muddy mess. The poor beginners started their race at 9 and by the time they came across the finish line, their bikes and bodies were covered in sticky, gooey mud. Our race wasn't supposed to start until 11, so for 2 hours, we deliberated whether or not we should even race...because a $33 entry fee just isn't worth $100 plus dollars in bike damage. But, by the time our race rolled around, things were looking up. The mud was drying out and the beginners packed down the trail pretty well. All in all it was a fun race. I came in 2nd and Garrett took 4th. I'm really proud of both of us this year. Garrett got a pair of cycling gloves and I won a Thompson seat post, which is an awesome prize for these events. Next up, Hammerfest at Soldier Hollow, this Saturday...May is jam packed with bike races for us. Bring it on. I guess.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my 2nd Mom's Birthday (Cheryl). Garrett, Me, Mogley and Munch would like to wish her a very Happy Birthday. We love her very much. I feel very lucky to have her as my Mother-in-law. Its okay to be jealous. You should be.

My Dad took these pics of us when he was here visiting...aren't we something?

Yay for it being Friday! Boo for the weather being crappy. Well we can't have everything I suppose. Such is life. Last night Garrett and I took the road bikes out...we haven't been on those in a while. It seems we've had a mountain bike track mind. Anyway, we did the Emigration climb. I was feeling pretty good I must say, at least until we froze our butts off coming back down the canyon. My bicycle fitness level is pretty good this year but I've been spending lots of my free time pedaling. Today is going to be a good day. First of all, I only have to work 1/2 a day which is always fabulous. Dustin and I are going to check out the Oh Sweet Sadie show in Draper. I'm not sure what to expect, but it will be fun to see some cute ideas. After that, its off to Dustin's to celebrate my 2nd Mom's birthday. It should be good times, but we can't stay late. Garrett and I are off to Sherwood Hills in Logan tomorrow morning for a mountain bike race. Pray for no rain, cause I don't want to be a muddy mess the entire way home. Well, I hope everyone has a great Mother's Day weekend. Ta Ta.

My Little Ray of Sunshine

My dogs love laying in the sun rays...Indoors. I don't get it. They'll maneuver their bodies all around the house, catching glimpses of sun rays here and there. The second I put them outside in the backyard to fully enjoy ALL the sun has to offer, they freak out and make the neighbors think we are dog beaters. The Audacity!

A Munchie a Day

Everyone already knows I'm completey obsessed with my Munch. But seriously, how could I not be? Look at him. He is deep in thought here, you can tell b/c normally the black spot on his head is round...when he is pondering his next move, it looks more like a mohawk.

Oh Yeah

So I've been waiting for Red Butte Garden to post their annual lineup for the Summer Concert Series. I checked today and hoo boy it's up. Wilco will be here August 18th and Garrett and I will definitely be there. I would like to give Wilco a high five for coming to play in Salt Lake even if it probably took lots of money, booze and sexual favors.

Garrett and I went to a Ryan Adams concert last year at Red Butte and it was definitely one of the highlights of my summer. I love outdoor concert, lawn seating venues...especially ones that allow you to bring in your own food and alcohol. Yay for summer, bring on the concerts!