A Letter to Patagonia

Dear Patagonia,

I would like to start by saying that I love almost every article of clothing you make as well as everything your company stands for. Your love for the environment and wildlife makes putting on that wonderfully cozy fleece jacket mean so much more than just trying to stay warm. I have no idea what organic cotton is and why it is any different than regular cotton, but just the fact that it says that on the tag makes me want to pay about 40% more. Crazy, but your sales tactics have worked...on me anyway.

That being said, I would like for you to get rid of that damn Patagonia Outlet store in Salt Lake City, the one walking distance from my house. A couple times a year, they have a 40% off sale, yes 40% off of the already reduced outlet prices of everything in the store, and me and all the other granola gear buying residents of Salt Lake City flock to these chaotic sales, not because I want to, its because I have to. Its like a force. I don't want to go rummage through boxes and piles of clothes for hours or stand in line for 2-3 hours behind all those people buying thousands and thousands of dollars worth of Patagonia clothes. As if waiting in line isn't bad enough, but you have 2-3 hours to think about your purchases...should I buy these shorts, do I really need this jacket, ohhhh thats cute, where did you find that, I better try and find one too, will you hold my spot in this line. Hmmm, I don't really need any more freakin t-shirts, but these are ORGANIC and only $10, I better get 3. So do you see my problem, Patagonia...you are practically forcing me to spend gobs of money at your store...money I don't really have to spend. This store needs to go away, the temptation is just too irresistible. As my Dad2 would say, we're all gonna go broke trying to save money. Isn't that the truth?

Sincerely,

Brittany

The Great Hair Debate

Fall is coming ever so quickly. Every year, about this time, I have the same arguments with myself about changing my hair color. My hair is pretty dang blonde, and has been for a really long time. It looks nice and I'm comfortable with it, but its semi high maintenance and I'm kinda bored with it. I've always wanted to go dark and it seems like dark hair is going to be the "it" thing of the season. I'm just worried I'll totally hate it and won't be able to adjust. I guess the worse case scenario is that it looks dreadful and I go get highlights again. No biggie, right?

People always tell me that I look like Rashida Jones (only a blonde version) from "The Office." While I do not think I look like her per say, we do have similar features...green eyes, darker complexion, freckles and dark brown hair looks fabulous on her. Here are some pics of her:

I need some opinions people. My husband, god love him, has no opinion...really he doesn't. He's all whatever you want babe and I'm all I want you to give me an honest opinion, that's what I want and he's all you will look great no matter what you do with your hair. While that is a wonderful and caring answer, sometimes I just want to punch him. He really is being honest though...I could shave my head and he'd be all, no, you look great.

Exhausted

This is what Munch looks like after his 100 meter dash around the backyard in the heat of summer. Its not pretty but somehow I think its cuter than the Olympian sprinters, their faces jiggling all over the place...and you know what, Munchie doesn't drop the baton so maybe he should go for Gold in 2012. Just maybe.

Interesting Turn of Events

A Month Ago:

Garrett: So I was thinking we should take the dogs and go camping Labor Day weekend.

Me: Sounds like fun. We should.

Yesterday:

Me: So are we still going to go camping this weekend?

Garrett: Well, if you really want to, but I'd really like to work in the yard, putting in new sprinklers and such so we can get the new patio poured and the sod layed and the new fence put up so I can finally install that hot tub you've been harassing me about for 2 1/2 years.

Me: We're finally going to get a hot tub? Maybe we should just buy it and stack it in the garage like the kitchen tile.

Garrett: Do you want a hot tub or not?

Me: Hmmm. Who are you and what have you done with my husband? You know, the husband who likes to fish and ride his bike and neglect all other responsibilities. That one.

Balloon Festival

The Ogden Valley Balloon Festival was going on the same day as my Xterra Race. The hot air balloons looked pretty incredible floating over Pineview, with some beautiful Utah mountains as a backdrop. Ogden Valley is really a beautiful place and I'll probably kick myself one day for not buying property when I could.

Wilco

Monday night Garrett and I attended the SOLD OUT Wilco/Fleet Foxes concert at Red Butte Garden. This was our first concert at Red Butte since they totally remodeled and it was pretty dang awesome, I must say. All of the lawn spots are really nice and flat and you can see and hear the stage no matter where you sit. Its very intimate and super cool that you can bring in your own food and alcohol. The weather was awesome and the bands were everything I expected and then some. Red Butte is probably my favorite place to attend a concert and if you haven't been, I highly suggest it. Great venue, great music, good times with my hubby...just what the doctor ordered.

Xterra Race

This past Saturday, one day after I arrived home from Ireland, I participated in the 2008 Ogden Xterra event. It took me almost 4 hours to complete, and I can say with utmost certainty, this was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, both physically and mentally. Its a 1 mile swim at Pineview Reservoir followed by a 19 mile mountain bike leg up to Snowbasin followed by a 6 mile run up the mountain and back down.

Here's my recap: The swim was much harder than I imagined. The gun went off, with no warning, and nearly 600 people dove into the water at the same time. Pure chaos is an understatement. After being kicked in the head several times and pulled underwater even more times, all without being able to see a thing, I went into a panic mode. I think if I didn't have the wetsuit on for some buoyancy, I would have quit. I tread water for a couple of minutes and let people get by and tried to calm myself down. After the masses of people went by, I managed to finish the swim leg with not too many problems. It's definitely weird swimming in open water, not being able to see the lines of the swimming pool or where you are going at all will take some getting used to.

Then it was time for the bike. I made it through the transition no problem but, because of where I was after the swim, I was riding with a group I probably shouldn't have. I thought I would be able to pass and make up time from the swim, but I was wrong. Its not so easy to pass when you're stuck behind a group of 12 or so people. It was frustrating for me, not what I'm used to. Once we got to Snowbasin, there was still more biking to do, and to me, this was the hardest part of the bike leg. They had us ride up a loose service road for a couple of miles, which for everyone I saw, meant hike-a-bike. That really takes it out of me. Once we made it to the top of the service road, we got to ride some fun single track back to the transition area.

Run time. This was the easiest, most enjoyable part for me. I made up some time and managed to pass quite a few people and I finished strong. Just finishing this race felt like such an achievement for me, and I feel like with some practice, I could do really well. Overall, it was fun and I want to do another one for sure. Next year, I'll definitely do some things differently. For one, I need to spend more time in open water...a pool just does not prepare you. I also think I will start the swim off to one side, not in the middle. If I can finish my swim with some of the faster people, I think the bike leg will be easier and I'll be riding with some faster people. Also, I will try not to be out of the country just days before my race. I wasn't feeling jet lag, but I know it took its toll on me.

Garrett and Mogley came out to help me with all my gear, cause god knows there was a lot to keep track of. I feel lucky to have such a supportive husband (and dog), to stand out in the heat for 4 hours to cheer me on. Don't worry, he got some good husband bonus points :) He's always looking to pick up some of those.

Sometimes Life Just Sucks

My Mom informed me yesterday that she has breast cancer, AGAIN. We are very lucky it was caught early and it has not spread and I have no doubt she will pull through this easier and quicker than last time. She's a pro afterall.

However, the fact that she has to have surgery again, worry again, lose her hair again, and have chemo once a week for 4-6 months again has forced me to lose what little FAITH I had left. So if everyone can pray for her, that would be fantastic...at this point, for me, there is no one to pray to and maybe for the first time, I feel really good about that. Bad things happening to good people is not something I'm willing to negotiate or understand.

This being said, there are things I believe in. I believe in my husband and our love for one another. That heals my wounds, not the unknown. I believe in family and friends...they are the ones that have always been there for me. I believe in taking control of your own life, not relying on the unknown to take control of it for you.

So, during times like this, I always come to the same realization. Live your life to the fullest. Take that vacation you've always wanted. Spend all your time with the people you love. Don't go to a job everyday that doesn't make you happy. We only have this one life and I intend on making the best of mine.

Whew

Okay, we're back. A lot has gone on in the past week so it may take a few days for me to fill you all in. Let's start with Ireland.

First off, here are my thoughts on taking a vacation to Ireland, or Belfast anyway: Beautiful and green for sure, but it rains a lot, there is not a lot to do for someone trying to live an active lifestyle and you most definitely do not get much bang for your buck. In fact, I think its safe to say you get almost NO bang for your buck. We had a great time, don't get me wrong...it's just that we won't be rushing back there anytime soon. The exchange rate is brutal. I tried not to think about it, but apparently, my brain just doesn't work that way. $12 for 2 beers is just slightly more than I can handle...although I did manage to handle it. I most certainly had my fair share of Guiness, don't worry.
Here's what we did manage to do:

1. Go to pubs.
2. Take a black cab tour. What's that you ask? This is where a crazy local guy with a horrible mullet takes you to the very divided Protestant/Catholic side of town. These two religions still very much hate eachother and it seems they take their frustrations out by making giant, creepy murals on the walls of their homes. There's nothing like seeing children play in the yard while a giant painting of a masked gunman sits above their head. All in all, this was the most interesting thing we did.

...this one sorta cracks me up. The others are painting of people from a long time ago, this looks like an Irish thug with lots of bling. I real dedicated member of society I'm sure.

3. Go to pubs.

4. Check out the site where the Titanic was built. Yep, its pretty much a really big hole in the ground. We didn't take any pics since we ran there and had no camera. I realize we looked completely insane jogging 12 miles since no one in Ireland exercises or drinks water, but it was nice to work off some of that Guiness.

5. Eat Fish and Chips. This was pretty tasty, I must admit. I asked for ketchup, because I am an American and put ketchup on pretty much everything, and the waitress reluctantly brought me one packet. Very generous people, those Irish.

6. General Sightseeing

This is the old Belfast courthouse...one of the many sights where people were hung. Cheery, isn't it?

The Culloden Hotel. Very cool, very nice, very expensive.

How do you ruin the beauty of a really cool, old building...put a Burger King underneath it.

Queen's University

7. Go to pubs.

8. Ride the terribly overpriced ferris wheel downtown.

9. Go to Pubs

10. Tour the Bushmill's Whiskey Distillery.

11. Go to Pubs

12. See the Giant's Causeway and walk over the Rope Bridge.

13. Go on a Pub Tour...ended early due to rain.

14. Attend a catholic wedding. The wedding was nice, the catholic mass is not my idea of a comfortable situation...sorry catholics.

15. And...go to pubs.

The End.

Later

Tommorrow morning, bright and early, Garrett and I begin our trek across the world for Ireland. I'm excited, anxious, and slightly nervous about the trip, but hopefully all will go as planned and we won't be stuck in an airport for hours on end like Carlyn did on her European adventure. I'm hoping Continental Airlines has their shit a little more together than Air India, but after having some problems a couple weeks ago with our tickets, I'm beginning to wonder.

I think I have everything taken care of, but my GOD, its hard to leave. Luckily, my furry children are going to be well taken care of. I have two super cute girls coming to stay at my house...lucky dogs. I'm exchanging some U.S. dollars today for pounds and I'll try not to cry in the process of being ripped off. I'm packing and cleaning and at some point, our grass needs to be mowed. Ahhhhh, and I would rather not be up until 2 or 3 in the morning. See you guys in about a week! Later.

Monday Funday

This is how I spent my Monday, 18 holes of Golf. Even though I totally blow at golf, I had a great time. The fact that I blow should come as no surprise to anyone. Sunday night, Garrett showed me how to hold a club. Enough Said.

Park City

This past weekend Garrett and I stayed up in Park City. We really enjoy hanging out there, mostly due to the awesome mountain biking trails that lie right outside the back door. Saturday we went on a 4 hour ride which nearly killed me, but as usual, I recognized the fun when we were finished. Even though its hot in the city, you can ride up the mountains and enjoy some really beautiful, cooler weather.