Good Times Good Times

So, occasionally the RWDTC household isn't all fun and games. Majority of the time it is, but occasionally, there are little tiffs, tension or stress in the house. I tend to be the one that has the luxury of being in the center of it, as I try to be as calm, cool and collected as possible. However, there are those times that I simply avoid the house. Well at the current moment, there is trouble in river city (your welcome tumbles). Apparently, our 4th roomie (Suds) is avoiding us like the plague. As of yesterday, she hadn't been home in 8 days. Being a flight attendant, she flies all around the globe on a moments notice. She doesn't respond to text messages, voicemail or even myspace when she is out and about. So it isn't real surprising that she has been non-existent for 8 days. I was telling my mom about this story yesterday and she thought I should call missing persons or something, although I really wasn't all that concerned about it. I did begin to think who do you call? Just the regular police or is there a missing person's hotline of some sort? I am sure I could google the answer, but I didn't.

Although, yesterday she came and left why none of us were home. No rent check, no note, nothing. The only reason we know she was home was that she took all of her packages with her and left the open mail on the counter. I can only assume that she is avoiding us. Totally cool with that, who knows why, but totally cool with her avoiding us. While discussing this Swallow and I decide that we are going to and visit Ames at our favorite watering hole. I call Hungry at work and he says, well I already have plans but I'll stop over that way and see if your still there. Of course, we were still there, neither of us wanted to go home and see or talk to Suds. Pretty sad when you don't even want to go to your own house. We sit for a few hours chatting it up and enjoying the sun and sunset. It was like good times. Hungry, Swallow and I sat with two of my friend's friends (they didn't know anyone and we are relatively amusing , so they joined us) they never laughed so hard in there life.

We ended up being at the our favorite watering hole for about 5 hours. Swallow was in rare form, dropping 1 liners left and right. At one point I got chilly and I put on my staple Florida sweatshirt, it wasn't on 2 minutes whe a lady quickly came over and starting running her mouth about Florida State. I sat there and listened, as I am not the type to have a conversation with a fiesty drunk woman in her 50's. Swallow in turn, looked at the lady and then at me, and said "spit, apparently the devil wears florida." We all laughed, and fiesty drunk woman walked away. Way to go Swallow! Like I said was in rare form and cracking everyone up. She made a new best friend, whom she still doesn't know her name (and she doesn't know Swallows real name either so they were a trip).

It was really nice to kick back and enjoy my roomies and our new friends. It was pleasant to be outside and it was even better when I got the check (food and drinks 18.00) Grantite, I was drinking cheap miller light with 3 limes, but still we were there for five hours! I will also note, that although, I thought I was good to drive home, I didn't. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving, and I don't need any of that drama!

$2.00 hamburger

How is it possible that a place like Candlelight Tavern Bar & Grill can serve food this cheap? Hamburger $2.00? If you think about it a lot of stuff goes into that burger, how can they turn a profit for $2.00.

• labor
  
• electricity
• insurance
• food cost

there is no way they can turn a profit on a $2.00 hamburger. I guess thats why they sell spirits as well.

What Kills Us

Hungry sent this to me and I thought it only appropriate to post it. Enjoy!

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it. Don't waste those beats on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer. That's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine. That means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain....

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain... Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening! Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? Hello! Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

AND . . .
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION:
Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Dark Harbor

Just finished reading Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods. I am knocking these books out left and right lately. :) This was a great leisure read. Woods did a fantastic job building the plot and the non-regular characters. The climax was on the second to last page of a 376 page book. I love it when they hold my attention until the last possible moment. There were numerous times throughout the book, that I started to think that I was putting the pieces together correctly, but oh so wrong I was. This book really made a drastic turn, yet looking back I don't see how I missed so many signals.

This book has a lot to offer, from murder mystery to passionate romance. My grandfather "turd" use to say that the character, "Stone Barrington, got more ass than a toliet seat." This book holds true, Stone really does get more ass than a toliet seat.

Highly recommend this book, however, if you have never read any of Stuart Woods' books I wouldn't start with this one. They aren't really chronologically ordered, yet the character development in some of the early books is really imperative.

Kickball

It has been 15 years since I played kickball. I am not kidding, I was 11 years old and it was in gym class when I was in the sixth grade. I remember it like it was yesterday. First period in the morning, dew on the grass and I booted the ball deep into left field. As I was running to 1st base, my feet came out from under me and I ended up coming down on my back. That was the first of a string of injuries in my childhood.

Since moving out west, I have tried to get involved in the community, live outside my comfort zone and meet new people for Swallow and I. I joined a softball team (which is TERRIBLE) but at least I am having fun and meeting new people. I also joined an adult kickball league, we don't have a team name (at least I know of), but I will check into that at our next game. I was pretty excited about playing kickball today, since after all its been 15 years. Earlier in the week, I invited Swallow to join me at the first game. She was all for it, until this morning. Honestly, I can't say that I blame her. I woke up and it was about 30 degrees outside, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Oh well, I said I was gonna play, so I got dressed in my layers, woke up Swallow who quickly recanted and basically said "there is no way in hell I am going to go stand out in the cold today!" So, off to kickball in the cold I go, by myself I might add!

I drive over to Washington Park, and find a parking spot right next to where we have the field set up. Finding a parking spot on a weekend day, that close to your activity at Wash Park is literally next to impossible. That should have been my second clue, but of course not! I am the second person to arrive, only to find out that the temperature is in deed dropping. The clouds roll in. Slowly, the rest of the team shows up. We start to warm up, kicking the ball around, blowing on hands to keep them from freezing and running around the bases to try and keep our body temperature up. The game is about to start, when all the sudden here comes the snow. It snowed and snowed pretty hard for about 25 minutes.

I was ready to throw in the towel, when finally someone we were playing with said "this is ridiculous, if we all leave now, we can get good seats at one of the near by watering holes to watch the Av's playoff game and the NFL draft." Those words were like heaven to my ears. I quickly second that notion and before I could turn around, people were picking up the cones and the bases and heading to their cars. I am not even sure what the score was, what inning we were in or who is going to claim the win...we were all about getting out of the snow and the idea of beer flowing was just an added bonus. We did stop long enough to get a group photo of us playing kickball in the snow, but it was a one click shot and on to the cars we went.

As we head to the bar, we all re-introduce ourselves, since we look different wearing a few less layers. I wasn't aware that I had joined a team that had never met each other before. Everyone on this team is relatively new to the Denver area. The day was getting better and better. Apparently, the team all met on meetup.com, a site I had never heard of. As I was talking to the group about meetup.com, I tried to spell it and ended up saying meeto.com for some strange reason. That gave everyone a chance to poke a little fun at me and I got a good chuckle out of it. Since I don't know how to spell, I have now been nicknamed "MEETO." Works for me! We all had a great time, getting to know each other, come to find out there are a few Floridians on the team and few Red Sox's fans. This team really is going to be a good group. It also helps that we are all relatively new to the area, and up to doing new things and meeting new people.

Buko Bucks or Bust!

Alrighty, so working the happy hour crowd on Friday nights can either be great money or terrible money. Luckily in the past five months it has always been great money for me, until yesterday. I always knew my day would come, and I have always planned accordingly, just in case. I had always heard people complain, but could never understand because they were always such good shifts for me.

Last night I learned my lesson. It truly is all about the section. Typical Denver weather, it was beautiful all week ranging from 60-70 degrees until Friday, when it got to a high of like 50ish. 50ish is not patio weather when the heaters don't work. So of course, my section was on the back of the patio. It would have been a dream section had the weather been nice, but hey you will some you lose some. For the first two hours yesterday, I was a food runner, a busser, a dishwasher, a line cook, a water filler, a silverware wrapper, and a napkin folder. At first I was standing around waiting to be cut so that I could head down to the Johnny Walker Promotion, but I quickly realized that the longer I stand doing nothing, the longer management is going to keep me there. So I devised a plan with one of the new managers (he doesn't quite realize my work ethic yet), that I would do a bunch of other people's work, and they would send me home. Wow, did that ever back fire!

Instead of getting sent home for doing work, that isn't in my job description...I some how managed to add that to the server's regular closing duties. Rut Rhoe! The staff was none to pleased with me. I guess it wouldn't have been so bad, had I not had any tables, and I could have used the excuse that I was just bored. But I had four tables up and running (granite, they weren't heavy drinkers), but when management looked about my screen they were amazed that I could keep control of four tables and all the side work. When the rest of the staff was struggling just to get their drinks in a timely manor.

So, the sun goes down and all 4 of my tables decide it is too cold to stay outside. Perfect, I finally get cut. I worked a whopping 5 hour shift, but the good news is I was cut in time to enjoy a happy hour drink. Management finally realized why I had so much time on my hands. I had four tables and in that amount of time I sold a whopping 55.65 in sales! That is about an average of $11.15 an hour. They just laughed at me, but I had a good explanation. I had one table that was having a business meeting, so they both had 1 glass of wine each $2.00 and then switched over to water, and then another table that had 12 bud light pints at $1.75. Come on people, with that alone I was lucky to make $55.65 in sales. I walked away after tip out with $17.00. That wont even fill up half a tank of gas. Good for me, my lovely work ethic got me a few free drink cards, an appetizer card, and a thank you from management. The server staff on the other hand wasn't happy to that I showed management that I could do more then just walk around with my thumb up my ass.

Another One Down.

Yet again, the Red Robin team are the biggest losers! Although, we did have a better performance last night with a 20-10 loss to Citi Bank.

The night started off great. We found out early in the day that we would be short a girl, so I called around and found one. Perfect, we found a girl to play so we wouldn't have to take an out in every inning. Yet, coming closer to game time, she was MIA. Big surprise there! So, of course, I got to endure the wrath from the team about having my girl be a no call/no show, AND, we had to take an out every inning. Of course that doesn't help us, when we starting the game in the whole. To make matters worse, our infield couldn't knock down a ball to save their lives. Never have I ever played on a team, where a soft ground ball hit to the short stop wasn't a guaranteed out, until now.

I have always been one that plays pretty competitively, so being on this team really does wonders for my sportsmanship. I have never been a good loser. Competition is something I thrive on, well until now that is. I pitch, I watch the team up to bat, just pound the balls into the outfield, majority of the time it is hit in the holes, but on the odd occasion it is hit right to our outfielders and they still don't catch it. At one point yesterday a ball was hit between right and right center. The right fielder with one hand on her hip literally stood still and watched the ball in the air fall between her and the right fielder. She didn't even move a muscle, well besides ones in her neck as she watched the ball from the time it came off the bat to the time it hit the ground. After it hit the ground she STILL didn't move. When asked about it by the right center fielder, in the middle of the inning, she responded with "I wasn't paying attention until it was too late, and then for some reason I just froze." We all laughed. That is all you can do on my team, is laugh. That and crack open an ice cold Coors Light. Another benefit to playing at night in Colorado, you don't need a cooler, because the beers stay the same temperature as the air about 40 degrees. :)

We had three balls go through the infielder's legs. One at short stop and two at third. It really is comical, when I get voted the MVP, because it one inning I made all three of our outs. I caught a line drive at the pitchers mound, caught a foul ball on the first base side, and then a pop-up between the pitchers mound and the second baseman. The 3rd out, definitely should have been the second baseman's ball, but I called so she let me have it. When we got into the dug out, she thanked me for catching it so she wouldn't have to touch the ball. That is the kind of team, I play on. That is why I love and hate the team. I thoroughly enjoy the work out from running around the bases, the fun lightheartedness that the team has, and of course, the people on the team. Not that I need to boost my self-steem anymore, but being 1 of the better players on the team is kinda nice, especially since I am a girl. I would like to win a game sooner or later.

We finally did get our bats going in the 4th inning, a little late, but at least it was something. I went 2-2, with two balls that dropped over the short-stop's head. "Nicely placed" my team tells me, but it wasn't as if I tried to do that, I just swing and pray it goes somewhere other then in the glove. Funny how it works out that way.

After the game, I was walking out to my car and I think a guy from the apposing tried to pick me up. I have a University of Florida Alumni frame around my license plate. He walks up to my car as I am putting stuff in the back seat and says "hey, did you go to UF?" I wanted to respond with something like, "no, I just put it on there so people think I went to college," but I didn't. I kind of laughed, and we made small talk about the gators, his love for the irish and what it was like to go to a big school. After a few minutes, I told him I had to meet up with the team for drinks and then parted ways. He ended the conversation with, "I'll see you next week, maybe we can go grab a drink together." I am sure that conversation will be lovely. Maybe I'll wear a tennessee shirt and really throw him off!

We always go to the same bar after the game, the Platte River, get the same beer, same appetizers and have the same chat about how wonderful our team could be. I just kind of smile my way through the conversation, because I know deep down we will never be as good as they want us to be. Although, this week, there was a twist. Apparently, a bunch of my teammates saw me talking to the guy from the apposing team, and asked if I threw the game because I wanted to impress the guy. I enlightened them on his wonderful pick up line and they quickly dropped the idea that I would throw a game for him. Our team really does have a good time together, so much so that I agreed to play with them for the summer league. As terrible as we are, it really is fun.

Mileage

Hungry asked me today what the distance from Denver, Colorado to Spokane, Washington. Thinking about the question for a few seconds I quickly responded with "roughly the same distance from Denver, Co to the top of Georgia or about 1200 miles." He looked at me like I had five heads. I said "here, I'll look it up for you."

The distance from Denver, CO to Spokane, WA is 1,099 miles. The distance from Denver to Chattanooga (pretty close to the Georgia boarder) is 1,287. Although, I was off I was still incredibly impressed with my ability to guess within 100 miles of both, as was Hungry. I enjoyed the challenge, the look on Hungry's face, and the feeling of being on target.

I have always had a thing for miles, whether it is miles per gallon, counting miles between exits (which I no longer have to do, because they changed the interstate system) or even watching the odometer line up to the tenth degree. Strange yes, but we all have our quirks.

Botanical Gardens

Today, I got the pleasure of checking something else off my bucket list! Playing tourist in my hometown really is fun. I have talked to so many locals that have lived here for many years, yet haven't taken advantage of the great things this place has to offer. Today Sully, Gavyn and I headed out to the Denver Botanical Gardens to celebrate Earth Day! Since Earth Day is a free day at the Botanical Gardens, and it happened to be during the week, I thought it would be great to take in the scenes. Usually, I like to brag when I have a good idea, but on this particular occasion my idea wasn't one of my more brilliant ones. It was a picture perfect day in the mid 60's without a cloud in the sky.

We got to the gardens mid-morning, luckily we found a parking spot about a block away. That should have been my first sign that this might not be a very good idea. As we start to walk towards the entrance, we see about 10 school buses. Another great sign that this was a bad idea. Oh well, we are already there, and it is still a free activity. So in we go, and we come to find out that about every pre-school in Denver County brought their class to celebrate Earth Day! Not to mention all the classes from the local elementary schools, the stay at home mom's, and then the retirees that were out enjoying the weather.

Well, we were already there so of course, we were going to make the best of it. Some of the areas were absolutely beautiful. They have a great coy fish pond with a wooden over look to really get a good luck at the fish. Gavyn seemed to be a fan of the fish, as was I. This would be a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.


The grass was bright green and soft to sit on. Sully mentioned that she was surprised that there were as many flowers in bloom as there were. I thought about it for a minute and then asked, why she thought that...after all we are in the spring season. She was quick to point out that we had snow in the last week. Being new to the Denver area, I always forget that we get snow. It never sticks for longer then a day or two.

I will definitely be heading back to the botanical gardens this summer. It is a quaint enjoyable way to spend a leisurely afternoon. I am even considering becoming a member. Wow, I officially feel old, when I was younger, I would never ever had wanted to become a member of the botanical gardens.

Quantum Pendant

Growing up, I have had the opportunity to experience some non-traditional healing methods. We had a family friend go to India in search of a cure for her cancer, when she was given 4-6 months to live. Let it be known she is still with us, 10+ plus years later. The power of prayer or of positive thinking are also both significant. Being completely out on my own, I have tried to continue on the path of believing. I have had a new chance to be a believer yet again.

My ribs have been bothering for about four months now. I have been to the doctor a couple of times to be diagnosed with 1 broken rib, then 2, and finally pleurisy. When I went back east to celebrate Grimsbe's 90th birthday, my dad gave me the quantum pendant to wear. I had scene the demonstrations online, and I had heard my entire family rave about them, but at the same time I admit I was a little skeptical.


I have been wearing the pendant for about a month now. I agree it is not attractive, and definitely doesn't go with my wardrobe, but I that is neither here nor there. I have gotten to the point in life that look doesn't matter. This pendant really works. My breathing has improved, my ribs don't hurt, and the pressure around my ribs feel at ease. It is as if I am completely healed. My flexibility has improved. It no longer hurts to stretch or to reach above my head.

I know it might be strange to put this much faith in something as simple as a medallion, but I have and I hope you will believe. I don't know why it works, but I do know that it does! Its magical!

Unhooked...

Having been flying around the country, I had an opportunity to finish another book. I just read Unhooked by Laura Sessions Stepp. Although, I wouldn't describe this book as something I simply couldn't put down, I would suggest that everyone reads it. As you begin to read it, you can clearly see that it is written by a woman for women, however, everyone can at some point relate to this book.

I highly recommend that this book be given to every graduating female high school senior. This should be added to a list of must reads in order to finish high school. I agree that it is no classic, but it is an empowering way of finding yourself, expressing yourself and providing yourself with the tools to not make the common mistakes during the next chapter of your life. It is an opportunity to truly learn the lessons our parents preach, like "I have been down this road, please learn from my mistakes instead of making them yourself" or "take my word, it wont end the way you think." However like most head strong females, we are convinced we wont make the same mistakes our mothers made. It is impossible, because of course, time alone is so different. Oh, that were only the case. This book provides the same communication that one would take from those difficult mother daughter birds and bees conversation. Mothers, please don't rely on this book, but instead suggest it as a good read. I read this book, kept an open mind throughout the book I was able find similar stories being told by a stranger that I too had actually experienced, known someone else who experienced or listened to my mother explain a past experience.

This book brings in current events, such as the duke lacrosse controversy, acing advanced placement high school tests (because they really are that easy), not being truly prepared academically or emotionally for college, or being raised with different family values from Catholics to Muslim. Laura Sessions Stepp provides every reader (young, old, single, married or divorced) a chance to really relate to the ladies in the book. This was an easy read, that flowed without hiccup. Even though, I suggest it given to adolescents it would be a great book for the the baby boomers to really understand what our generation is about.

Like, everything in print. You can't believe everything you read, so of course you have to take it with a grain of salt, but I see no reason why anything in this book isn't true.

Sun Valley

I requested off for the weekend so I that could head up to Sun Valley to catch the last weekend of Ski Season. As soon as I finish requesting the days off, I come back down the stairs and the rest of the staff says "wow you were home for a total of 10 days, of course you have to go somewhere!" A few hours go by and some more girls come into work and say "Trust fund requested off, which part of the world is she jetting off to now?" I do love the reputation I have! Gotta love being a trust fund baby.


I will be back on Monday and will post pictures, if I can ever find my camera cable. I am sure mine wont be as beautiful as the one above, but at least mine will have that lovely free look to them. Enjoy your weekend.

We Are TERRIBLE

My slow pitch softball team is by far the worst team I have ever played on in my entire life. Take today for an instance, we let them score 15 runs in the 1st inning. Of course, there is no mercy rule in our league. So, basically I was giving the opposing team batting practice.

I am thrilled to tell you that we lost 24-3, and I struck (spelling?) out five batters in four innings. I was relatively happy with my performance over all. Deep in the third inning I realized that maybe it isn't such a good idea to be pitching with a couple fractured ribs, pleurisy, or whatever ligament damage I have done to myself in the past four months. I did go 0-3 at bat as well. I know you are all thinking, how on earth could she be relatively happy with herself? I had three great line drives, that all happened to be snagged by pure luck. The second baseman (a girl) made a diving catch between first and second to snag my first one. The short stop was cheating a little and played closer to second then I on other batters and snagged what would have been beautifully placed between the pitcher and second base. I come to bat in the bottom of the 4th with bases loaded and two outs. I hit a line drive down the third base line. My team said that the guy was clearly air-born and shocked that he was able to even get his glove on it, let alone catch the thing. Game over!

Oh well, we all went out for the company happy hour after the game and expensed it back. Gotta love those perks! Until next week.

Bi-curious.

I choose to believe that I led a pretty sheltered life. There were a lot of things that I didn't really understand or even think about until I was around my friends in high school or college. One could say I was naive, why others would say that my parents did a fantastic job at letting me stay a child as long as humanly possible. Kudos to them...for the that opportunity.

I am always up for learning. In the past week, I learned a new word that seems to be floating around my generation. Never in my life have I heard the term "bi-curious." I am all in favor of loving whoever makes you happy. I am all in favor of leading whatever life you choose to lead. I am in favor of supporting everyone on their pursuit to happiness. But the idea of bi-curious really did throw me for a leap. Earlier in the week, I heard a story about about a few of the people (let it be known that they all in a heterosexual relationships) that I work with, that have a tendency to have a few drinks and become bi-curious. It seems or at least I was led to believe that their companions know about their behaviors and either promote it or acknowledge that it is okay.

I agree that I am sheltered, I agree that I might be naive, but honestly, I had to ask for a definition when I heard this term. The term has come up in conversation at least 3 times in the last week, all with different groups of people. I thought they were all kidding, but apparently not so much! They just laughed at me. They couldn't believe that I didn't know what that meant. I thought, you either are or your not...I didn't know there was a term for curiosity.

By definition:Bi-curious (also heteroflexible) is a term for someone who generally identifies as heterosexual but feels or shows some interest in having a relationship with someone of the same sex. The term is also occasionally applied to a person who generally identifies as homosexual but feels or shows some interest in having a relationship with someone of the opposite sex - such persons may use the term homoflexible. The term implies that the individual has had no sexual experience – or very little – of that sort, but a person may continue to self-identify as bi-curious if they do not feel they have adequately explored these feelings, or if they do not consider their feelings to "qualify" as truly bisexual.

I love to ask questions. I love to be inquisitive and pick people's brains. I love to think outside the box and catch people off guard with some random questions. I decided to ask several people at work about bi-curious. Especially those that are in the relationships. They were very forth coming, and all had very similar responses. Big picture response, was the intimacy they felt with a female was much more passionate and intense then that with a male. One suggested I test the waters and see for myself, if I was so curious about being bi-curious. I explained that I was more curious about the actual act of bi-curious then being bi-curious itself. During my hunt to find answers about this bi-curious business, a friend of mine had a strange look on her face and just kind of giggled. I didn't get it, I had a puzzled look on my face but I figured it wasn't my place to ask, so I just assumed maybe she was bi-curious. She responded to my puzzlement, by asking me when the first time I had realized that I was bi-sexual. My jaw, hit the ground and I just kind of sat there stunned. Was she really asking me this? I explained to her, that I wasn't bi-sexual and she again responded with "oh sure, well let me know when you want to come out of the closet?"

I laughed it off, but thought to myself...am I missing something? I must be missing something. Now, I had even more questions to ask. I started asking my friends. Apparently, when I first met them, they all thought that I batted for the other team. However, most of them agreed that after hanging out with me, they realized that I was pretty committed to the male gender. However, there were a couple that were convinced that after a night or two with them, I would be, all about being bi-curious or bi-sexual. I just couldn't grasp the fact that people thought or think I am bi-curious, when I have not only have never heard of the term nor ever even thought of practicing it.

I did find it extremely interesting, that I was such a topic of conversation, yet I didn't have a clue.

Cell Phone Use.

Cell phones are for the convenience of the owner, not the convenience of the entire world. I answer my phone when it is in fact convenient. It drives my mother crazy, but there times when it is simply not appropriate to answer and have a conversation. To continue the argument, I don't see the reason to answer the phone and say "can, I call you back?" I think it is just as easy to ignore the call, listen to the message and respond when you can give your undivided attention. I am happy to respond to a text, but that too, is at my convenience. It is a personal phone and one used at my discretion. If you are in a conversation with someone, it isn't very nice to keep looking at your messages and then to respond to text messages, even if its only to right "ok." My mother is slowly coming around the idea that I am simply not available. I am also making more of an effort to respond to her as quickly as possible.

Last night, I took Swallow out for a drink to celebrate the culmination of tax season. What better place to do that, then at the cheapest happy hour in town? It also happens to be the longest happy hour, so that is too positives. On most days, it would matter that its the longest happy hour, but yesterday we each had two. I was proud of us. Wow, if that isn't a terrible tangent, I don't know what it is...back on target.

It was such a gorgeous day/evening that we decided to sit outside. I had my infamous Florida sweatshirt with me. As you can see, it has a great kangroo pouch. Since, I am so good at carrying a purse, I usually have my cell phone and keys in that large front pocket. 95% of the time, I keep my cell phone on silent. If by some chance I do get a phone call in at a not-appropriate time, it wont disrupt anyone. However, unless I have my phone actually on my person or have it sit on a hard surface, I don't always hear or feel it vibrating.

Since, I haven't seen or talked to Swallow in five days, we were of course in deep conversation. Solving my problems, her problems, and of course every problem the world has. I mean what better time to talk about every problem in the world then as we toast with a Blueberry Press and a vodka water with lots of lemons. We were catching up on everything and anything. It really was a great evening...(do you all feel the BUT or the UNTIL coming on?) Until, my phone started being blown up with text messages, phone calls, and voice mails. Unfortunately, someone wanted my attention. They needed to know where I was, who I was with, and when I would be finished. Since, I am not good at giving people what they want. I didn't give the phone stalker the time of day. I simply placed my phone on the table and continued on with the conversation. At some point, Swallow and I actually got a good laugh over it.

Yes, I could have responded to at least 1 text message in a timely manor. However, as soon as I get attacked with a message after message that say things like "why, does it take you so long to respond?" or "if you have someone who makes you feel cool then more power." Growing up, my mother always said, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." I didn't have anything nice to say, so I didn't say anything at all! No response seemed to be wrong answer, as I ended up having about 8 more text messages throughout the next few hours. All a little more comical then the next. When text messages weren't enough, then I started getting phone calls. Swallow put it so nicely, when she asked me, how do you find these kinds of people?

When it comes to cell phones, I have a simple rule. It is for my convenience and I refuse to be one of those people that are permanently attached to my phone. I like to carry it, but I also like to keep in on silent, so I don't have to hear it. Let this be a lesson, if you send someone a text, make a call, or leave a message, at least be courtesy and give them time to respond. Just because people have cell phones, that doesn't mean they are always available for a conversation.

Tax Day...Doom Day for SOME!

Not very many people enjoy April 15th. If you were or are expecting a refund this year, chances are that you have already filed. Most people don't want to wait to get their money, however, if you owe I am sure you will be one of the last people to send in your information at midnight tonight.

I get a kick out the American's that simply decide not to file. What on earth is wrong with people? Don't they comprehend that we live in a great country, that provides us with a fantastic lifestyle. Paying taxes is no fun, but affords us the ability to keep living in a fantastic country. It provides us with luxuries that other countries only dream of. However, we wont have these luxuries if people to suck it up and pay their fair share. Now this isn't a debate on what is everyone's fair share, it is as simple as pay the bill and get over it!

We once had a family friend that simply didn't file for 10 years. When the IRS finally caught up with them, they offered a settlement of less then 50% of what they owed and the IRS accepted it. That really burns me up. If I wasn't a good upstanding citizen then I too would try this method, however, I believe I would have difficulty sleeping at night. So, I will do my part and file my taxes on time, pay the state of Colorado what I owe them, and be done with it.

Here is a list of 10 tips for tax day.

1. File online - The Internal Revenue Service offers a free filing program at irs.gov for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of less than $54,000. Also, some online preparers offer free editions for simple returns.

2. Get help - For example, Tax-Aide offers free one-on-one counseling (see aarp.org for details), and H&R Block offices have extended hours today.

3. Call the IRS - Taxpayers can access prerecorded tips at 1-800-829-4477. Representatives will be available until 10 p.m. at 1-800-829-1040.

4. Double check forms - The IRS recommends taxpayers check their Social Security numbers, and make sure they have all necessary signatures and dates. Make checks payable to "United States Treasury."

5. Copy documents - Staples and Office Depot will copy tax forms free.

6. Take a break - Dunkin' Donuts is giving free doughnuts to customers who buy coffee today. The Papa John's restaurant chain is offering $10.40 pizzas.

7. Don't panic - About the state's new requirement that you show proof of having health insurance. Visit the Department of Revenue's website at mass.gov or call 1-800-392-6089.

8. Find a post office staying open late - Visit usps.com/tax for locations.

9. Use an IRS-provided envelope - It's pre-addressed, ensuring that it will get to the right place.

10. Buy more time - File extensions or download forms at irs.gov.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending game three of the first round for the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Avalanche were playing the Minnesota Wild in Denver. I was thrilled when Muscles brought up the idea of going to the game. I hardly ever turn down a sporting event, especially in the playoffs. Attending the game, also provided me the opportunity of checking off another sport on my list of to do's.

We started the afternoon off by heading downtown on the light rail. That way we didn't have to worry about a designated driver or paying for parking. We both had only been on it one other time, so figuring out which train to ride and which stop to get off of was pretty entertaining. We decided our best bet was to follow all the other people that had Avalanche jersey's on. It seemed to work out in our favor. As we were on the the train, muscles strikes up one conversation after another with all the locals or "crazy townies" that ride the light rail daily. There was definitely an odd collection on the light rail.

We got of the train and headed to Brauns for some pre-game food and beers. The atmosphere was fun and energetic and it definitely filled up quickly. We were thrilled to have gotten there early enough to grab a table in the bar area. This is the only sports bar, I had ever been to that you had to have reservations on game days. Crazy, but they were packed so apparently it works in their favor! We order our first round of beers. I had a B odington's and muscles order a local brew. Muscles is the first person I have ever met that didn't like Bodingtons. My immediately reaction was stunned, but then relieved. I now know that whenever I order Bodingtongs in his company I will never have to share! I shared my logic with him, and he did in fact find it comical. We both had salmon. I had the sandwich version, so I could have the bread and french fries soak up my beer, and he of course had the more healthy version with veggies. It is obvious which one of us would be better suited for the atkins diet.

We had fantastic seats. Sitting about 19 rows up on about what I would imagine is roughly half way between the blue line and goal. As you can tell, I don't know anything about hockey, since I don't know what the blue line is called, and I don't feel like looking it up. The Av's started out strong, attacking the Wild's goal quickly. I believe we had 10 shots within the first 6 minutes of the game. It was quickly 1-0 Avs and stayed that way for the entire rest of the first period and until late in the second period. Even though, I didn't really have a clue about what was going on with the penatly calls, it was still a fun and lively game to be at. It is unfortunate, that the Av's couldn't finish strong when they needed too. It did go into overtime, but the Wild were able to make the shots when they were important.

I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to take in my second playoff game in six months and checking off Av's game on the sports to do list. When I got to work today, I shared that I went to the Avalanche play off game yesterday, and I immediately get the response "of course, you did, you get to go to everything." I just sat there and grinned. Its true, I really to get alot of opportunities that aren't always presented to everyone else. However, life is only what you make it, and I choose to make it fantastic. I realize that some people will say that I am lucky, while others will say I am spoiled, I prefer to look at life from the glass is half full perspective. Doing so, allows me to enjoy great experiences like attending an Avalanche playoff game.

Sucked in yet again.

Every time I go to the Tattered Cover, I get sucked into yet another book. I must have turned a corner in my life, I never use to want to read and now I can't find enough to read. It is slowly becoming an intense passion. I enjoy finishing a book and then discussing it with someone who has already read it or wants to read it. I guess it is the same for those movie buffs around the world.

This one is another book that is out of my normal leisure reading. I guess that helps me to continue down my path of challenging myself to live outside my comfort zone. As I waited to meet a friend for coffee, I picked up Unhooked: How Young Women Pursue Sex, Delay Love and Lose at Both, by Laura Sessions Stepp. When I first saw the book, I thought that is a catchy title and I decent cover, so I picked it up. Starting thumbing through, next thing I know I have been reading for an hour and my friend shows up. I didn't even realize that I had been reading for an hour. Not to mention that my coffee was in deed cold, because I hadn't completely forgotten about it.

I didn't buy the book at the Tattered Cover, because they are always so over priced. I instead, came home and ordered it on half.com. I actually got 2 books with shipping for cheaper than buying the book at the store. Go me!

The book should be here by Monday or Tuesday at the latest. I might head back to the book store on Sunday to continue reading it before I actually get it in the mail. Crazy!

Sample Letter

I have signed up to ride in the Colorado ms150. Over the past year, I have really gotten into biking and living a more active lifestyle. I am always looking for ways to get in shape and stay in shape. Luckily for me, in the world of cycling there are a lot of opportunities to ride and give back to community or give to a good cause. I believe that the ms150 really is a good cause (and I get to ride my bike, two positives). The ms150 is really a great fundraiser for fight against Multiple Sclerosis. Since I signed up I have been bombarded with emails about how to go about fundraising. I found this sample letter to be rather entertaining, so I thought I would post it on the blog. I am not trying to make light of their efforts, but honestly who lacks this much creativity that they resort to just printing this letter and then send it out to friends and family.


Dear _________________________________,

I find it difficult to ask someone to make a donation. I guess we all do. But, today, I am writing to you about a cause that’s important to me—a cause I know you will want to support. I have decided to bike to create a world free of MS! This year, I am participating in Colorado’s 23rd Annual Bike MS, a 2-day 150-mile ride this June and I am asking you to join me in this important event by sponsoring me.

Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men contracting the disease. There is no cure, and MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now. Together, we are the MS movement.

MS researchers have made extraordinary progress these past few years in their search for cure. Of the funds raised through this event, 83 cents of each dollar raised is spent on research and local programs. This has paved the way for the development of breakthrough drugs to treat symptoms of MS, enabling a more fulfilling and productive life for over 8,600 Coloradans living with MS.

Help me reach my fundraising goal of $______________! It’s easy. Simply complete the enclosed contribution form, attach your check (if applicable) and return it to me in the envelope provided by ____________. You can also pledge your support online by visiting bikeMScolorado.org and clicking on the donate/e-pledge link. When you make a donation to the Bike MS event, you become a part of the powerful movement that will end MS forever.

Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we are moving towards a world free of MS.

Warmest Regards,

_____________________________

After reading this email to Swallow, I got the bright idea of asking her company to sponsor my entire fundraising efforts. She laughed at me and said yeah right, nice try. She then rattled off about 10 ideas of how to raise 300 dollars. She sounded like a professional fundraiser. I still like having a corporation sponsor me, but I haven't found one yet, so I will continue on my prowl. Soon enough, she might give in and at least consider sponsoring me. I will keep you posted on my efforts in the fundraising department. :)

The Masters!

This is one of my favorite weekend's of golf. The Master's make all the possibilities come to light, if it is watching the best of the best struggle with simple 4 four putts or witnessing someone be at the top of their game and not able to make a mistake.

I am in my father's master's pool. I got to choose five players to hope make the cut and then finish in the top ten. Although, I don't want Tiger Woods to win, I am not stupid so of course I have him finishing in the top ten. I also have KJ Choi, Angel Cabera, Geoff Ogilvy, and Retief Goosen. Hopefully, they will all be in in spots 1 thru 5 and I'll be the winner of the pool. If not, at least it is a fun to cheer for a bigger field then just one golfer.

This picture was on Espn today, and I absolutely loved it. So, I thought I would share it with you all. Have a fantastic day.

Book Club

A few weeks ago I wrote a post on the Tori Spellings new book sTORI Telling. If you read the post, you will remember that it was a book that I couldn't put down. Since the post the book has been passed around my friends. Swallow started with it, read the entire book in about a day and half. Sully borrowed it and also couldn't put it down. I have only owned the book about three weeks and I have already had six people read it.

I was talking to my cousin Jiu, this past weekend. After reading my blog, she decided she too would give sTORI Telling a chance. She picked up copy of the book. She also said something to the effect that she simply can't put it down. Relating the story to my sister, she immediately responded that she was going to have to go buy the book. She was trying to wait until my friends were finished so that I could send it to her, but with all the rave reviews she can't wait any longer. Pretty funny, that my sister (queen of patience) can't wait. Way to go Tumbles.

Not being a huge fan of reading, I set a goal to read a book a week. Thankfully, I am still on target to read 52 books this year. I never thought I would be, but I am doing just fine and actually enjoying the process. Jiu suggested that give a review of each book that I have finished. I have also challenged her to give suggestions to get me out of my normal everyday reads. So as we face this challenge together, hopefully I will be able to give you all some good insight on books.

This past weekend, I read Iron Orchid by Stuart Woods. I am normally a huge fan of Stuart Woods, however, I was slightly disappointed in this book. Maybe my expectations are too high because I only read books with certain characters in them. This of course had a mixture of all my favorites, the first and only one that he has actually written like that. Usually it is one or possibly two of my favorite characters, not 5. Maybe I am so use to reading him that I expect him not to leave questions up in the air. This book however, was left to the readers imagination. If I knew it was going to be left up to the imagination, I could have easily stopped reading after the first 100 pages. The development was very good. He started with two different stories and slowly (but not too slowly) weaved them together to be one. As soon as the stories were woven together, I had a difficult time putting it down. The intensity and thrill of solving the murder was there, but the book also had a stupid aspect to it. It was as if the characters were made to be in fact STUPID. The crime could have easily been solved at least 3 times before page 300. He did begin to wrap some of the loose ends up, but it seems as though the ending (or so called ending) was pulled out of the sky.


I would recommend this book, if you are up for a intense leisure read. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? At some points in the book, I really did get my heart rate up and a little nervous as to what was going to happen next, but it wasn't his normal high quality books.

The Fort

Last week, while I was up on the mountain I was explaining my philosophy of trying to live outside my comfort zone, try new things, live like a tourist and be adventurous. Muscles asked if I was adventurous in the foods that I eat as well? I thought about it for a second, and responded with yes, as long as no one touches my plate. Remember I don't share.

Well, with that being said he suggested I try this restaurant The Fort, in Morrison Colorado. You only live once right? So, I agreed to try it. We ate there last week, before I headed back east. The place was absolutely perfect. We sat near the windows, so I could look out and see Denver all lit up. The ambiance was upbeat, energetic, but yet romantic and quaint. It was perfect for any and all occasions. The service was top notch! I believe our server's name was Thomas. He had worked at the Fort for 21 years and knew the menu and wine list like the back of his hand. It seemed only natural to ask for suggestions and trust him.


We started with the Historian's Platter which included Boudies, Rocky Mountain oysters, guacamole, bison tongue and stuffed jalapeños. All which were delicious! The only thing that I was actually familiar with was the guacamole, even the jalapeños had flair to them. They were pickled and stuffed with creamy homemade peanut butter. A combination that I didn't expect, but complimented each other extremely well. As for the rest of the of items on the platter, I hadn't ever even heard of them let alone tried any.

For the main course I then had the Fort's Game Plate. Thomas said it was their most popular dish, and also one that he recommended. The Game Plate was an Elk Chop, a Buffalo Filet and a grilled teriyaki Quail. Served with Fort (yukon gold roasted) potatoes and seasonal vegetable (green beans with pearl onions and garlic). I was in heaven. The elk and buffalo were seared rare and melted in my mouth. The quail had a soft and tenderness to that I had never experienced with a white meat. The veggies were still firm and crunchy.

For dessert, I had an espresso with a strawberry creme brulee. I am not much for flavored creme brulee, but this was made with fresh strawberries and was also highly recommended by Thomas. So, of course, I had to try it! The entire meal was one of the more amazing meals I have ever had in my life. Thomas did a fantastic job and his recommendations were right on the mark.

After dinner, we walked around the front of the fort to really take in the beautiful view of the Denver at night. Looking down over the city lights, taking in the fresh crisp air, and as an added bonus the company was top notch as well. Thanks Muscles. :) It was a fantastic evening. The next day, I was talking to my parents about my adventurous eating at the Fort. They both laughed, as they had been there many many years ago. It was also the first time my mother had eaten a rocky mountain oyster. It was pretty neat that I had pretty much the exact same experience that they did, only 30 years later. If any of you are out this way and are looking for an adventure, I highly recommend the Fort. I give it two thumbs up!

Northwest Airlines

We as a country want to believe that the security at the airport is top notch. We want to believe that showing up early, standing in line to go through the metal detector, having our possessions go thru the x-ray machine, and being "randomly" selected to have further search makes flying safer. We want to believe that the people working for the airlines, security and the government make sure the passengers are where they are suppose to be and get to their final destination safely.

Of late, I am beginning to wonder how successful the people that actually work for the airlines are at keeping passengers like myself. A few months back, my mother flew without her luggage and the airport knew about it. My cousins just recently did the same thing. How is it possible to send someone's luggage but not have the person on the plane? That seems like a perfectly good opportunity to blow up a plane. (Please note, that no one I know is capable of blowing up a plane, has any intention of doing so, or would like to harm any innocent passengers, however, it is possible for people who want to hurt, injure or kill others to do so).

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of flying out of Hartford, Connecticut. I believe that the Hartford/Bradley airport (known as BDL) has 12 gates. It is rather small, but extremely efficient, or so I thought. I was to fly from Hartford connect in Detroit and then follow along to Denver. As, I was sitting on the ground waiting to board my flight, I was playing on Swallow's iPod touch (definitely buying one, but that is for another blog). Here I am sitting between two gates, with my head phones in listening to whatever music she has on there, checking my email and not paying attention. I hear something over the loud speaker, but not clear enough to be able to tell you what was said (remember I was jamming out to music/or white noise for those of us who are tone deaf). I saw a pack of people stand around the gate, and so I got up and followed along, just as I have always done before (I am very good at following instructions, even if my mother disagrees). I gave the ticketing agent my boarding pass, and continued down the tunnel to the plane. I found my aisle seat, pulled my book out, put my backpack above me and settled in for my trip. I still had my iPod on and my nose buried in my book. The best way to show the person next to me that I am not interested in conversing at all! We pull away from the gate, I take my head phones out, turn off my iPod and continue to read. Just before take off, the flight attendant makes the announcement that we are headed for Minneapolis. RUT RHOE!

I thought to myself, well this should be interesting. I am wasn't going to stress about, eventually I would make it home, but I was hopeful that I wouldn't have to buy another ticket. The philosophy of "breath in, breath out, and move on" certainly came in handy. I waited until we were in the air to push my call button. The lovely flight attendant (Shannon) comes over and asks if I need something. I told her about my dilemma. I showed her my boarding pass, showing that I am suppose to be flying to Detroit. She was none too happy. She took my boarding pass up to cockpit and came back about 10 minutes later. Shannon came back and said that I would be re-routed through Minneapolis and I would fly standby on the flight to Denver. She asked me how and why I was on this flight. I just kind of looked up at her and shrugged my shoulders. I honestly had no clue, how I managed to pull this off, but I did and without question from ANYONE!

The woman, next to me chuckled at what top notch security we have when it comes to the airlines. Shannon came back later and explained that the Detroit flight was at the gate next to the Minneapolis and it was scheduled to leave BDL 10 minutes after the Minneapolis flight. Clearly, I just ended up in the wrong cattle call, but how did the machine not beep when she scanned my boarding pass? How did I happen to sit in a seat that wasn't assigned to anyone else? It all worked out, but it was pretty funny to see how poor our security really is! I ended up making being able to fly standby and I only got home about 20 minutes after I was scheduled to do so. So, all in all it was a successful adventure home.

Pleurisy

So about 3 months ago, I took a terrible tumble skiing. I ended up with a couple of broken ribs. I did as the doctor told me, rest and relaxation is really the only thing that can heal the broken ribs. Basically it only hurt to breath, laugh, and sneeze. That doesn't sound so bad. I mean you only need to breath to live, living with swallow is a laugh all in itself, and sneezing isn't so bad until you get the flu...which of course I got this season! Lucky me!!!

Last night at the nuggets game...My side began to ache. I thought it was a little strange, but it has been hurting on and off for the past 3 months so I really didn't think anything of it. I also want to believe that I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, so I can pretty much handle anything. Throughout the evening it continued to get worse and worse. Sleeping was terrible, every time I moved even the slightest bit I woke up in pain. It seemed to get worse throughout the morning, but I thought I could handle it. I was popping ibuprofen like it was candy, but it wasn't touching the pain.

As I was doubled over in pain at work, I got bumped and ended up on the floor. After a good laugh for everyone except me (remember it hurts to laugh), I had extreme difficultly getting up. Once I was able to stand up, I was in extreme pain and doubled over. The managers immediately, sent me home. On my way, I stopped at an urgent care center near the house. Unfortunately, their x-ray machine was down, so they made me an appointment at their sister operation. I called Swallow and asked her to take me to the doctor, who left work to come take care of me. What a good roomie she is. I went home and waited for Swallow to take me to doctor. We then spent the next 3 hours at the doctors office.

I ended up with 2 broken ribs that still haven't healed and a diagnoses of plueurisy. Pleurisy by definition is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful. I must admit that x-rays are awesome. The rib fractures look pretty impressive, going all the way through the bone. It was also pretty neat to see a rib fracture on the other side from a rough soccer injury while I was in high school. Evidently, it is not uncommon for rib fractures to never completely heal.

Take care of your ribs. My advice is to guard them with your life, because it seriously is terribly painful!

Headed East

I am headed up to the Northeast for a few days. My Grimsbe will be turning 90 on Saturday. So, I will be joining my family to help him celebrate turning the big 90!

We had originally planned a surprise party at the French King, which happens to be the one and only restaurant in their booming metropolis. Unfortunately, he has been having a few health issues in the past few weeks, which has forced us to cancel the big surprise party. We will instead have a smaller family gathering in the hospital.

Grimsbe, is quiet the character. He is well known for his one liners, his unconscious approach to life, or his ability to drive my grandmother crazy. He has worked hard his entire life, yet never really enjoyed the fruits of his labor. As long as I can remember, he has always wanted a Cadillac, but never splurged because the Buick was good enough for him and Grammy. That was just the kind of guy he was, he would give the shirt off his back to any of us, but for himself he was stingy. The price to fill up his gas tank along has probably started to kill him.

He was a die hard red sox fan. He would sit in the room off the kitchen in the dark and listen to the game on the radio, even if the game was being televised. He was born in 1918, the last year that the red sox won the world series before the 86 year curse of the bambino. After the red sox broke the curse and won the world series I was on the phone with him and he said something to the effect of "okay, I can die now, they finally won." I went to visit him last summer. Before I left I attended a Devil Rays game and happened to acquire a signed Johnny Pesky baseball. I gave it to him and he was absolutely shocked that someone would give him this ball. He asked me repeatedly if it was really for him. He held on to that ball for the rest of the day, and then found a spot in the kitchen to display it at all times. He was like a little kid.

He has always been a good eater. My mom is a fantastic cook. I can remember while growing up, he loved to come to our house for dinner because she used spices and always made "gourmet" food. By no means was anything that came out of kitchen truly "gourmet," if that were the case my sister and I probably wouldn't have touched it, but to him it was "gourmet." It was fresh, hot, and actually tasted like it was suppose to be. The vegetables were always fresh and still crunchy, the steaks still had a cool red center, or when we had ribs the meat actually did just fall off the bone. One of his favorites was the idea that she actually marinated meat, it was as if it was a foreign concept for him. He always loved having my mom's cooking. Hell, I still love having my mom's cooking.

As long as I can remember he has always been very active. From picking blue berries, mowing his lawn, gardening or even skiing. He was always up for playing games or doing activities with us while my sister and I were growing up. He would play catch with us until we were blue in the face, swim in the ocean, or build a sand castle on the beach. He was always up for a good time. I have such good memories of going to the dog races or playing Yahtzee. He and Grammy take the bus to the casinos. He had the best luck, it is probably safe to say that he won almost every time. His game was/is Blackjack 21. I have never had the pleasure of watching him play, but the stories alone make me laugh. Remember that he has this unconscious approach to life, so I am not quite sure how he was always on top of his game when it came to 21.

Bucket List

I was talking to a friend about how people that live in a city, yet don't really take advantage of the things that city has to offer. They get stuck in a normal everyday routine. It is hard not to be in the daily routine. He asked if I was talking about a bucket list. I kind of looked at him as if he was crazy, but then he explained you make a list of all the things you want to do before you kick the bucket. So I have started to make a bucket list.

Since moving west, I have tried to live like a tourist. I want to do all the things that people do when they come to Denver on vacation, but I want to do them on a regular basis. I have been pretty successful this year, I have had a total of 23 days on the slopes. I have been to a men's lacrosse game, a few Nuggets game, a Colorado Rapids game, I have been hiking in rocky mountain national forest, and have been to the zoo. The positive is I feel as if I am just getting started.

I have so many more things to do and places to visit. Some of them are the planetarium, museum of nature and science, fine art museum, mile high music festival, rockies game, broncos game...the list goes on and on. I am slowly getting to all of them, and have really enjoyed the journey. I'll keep you posted as I begin to check things off my bucket list!

Have a great day, take advantage of today. Start your bucket list, you never know when it might be too late!

White Out Conditions.

Since the move out west, people have been telling me how wonderful it is to ski in fresh powder, ski in white out conditions, or being the first on the lift. Usually, you get the pleasure of enjoying 1 or maybe 2 of those conditions on the same day. Monday, I had the pleasure of all three!

I headed up to Breckenridge with a friend of mine for some perfect mid-week skiing post spring break. I was on the third chair going up the chair lift, they had just gotten 13 inches of fresh powder, and it was still snowing. The snow eventually stopped around 9:30 when the sun came out. It couldn't have been a more picture perfect day, especially since I forgot my camera at home. :)

We skied all morning. We hit peak 8, 9, and the dreadful 10 (this is where the broken rib came from months ago). It was the first time I was able to ski fresh untouched powder and not fall down. Balance is definitely a key. Skiing untouched powder was quite the experience. It was absolutely wonderful! We stopped to have a little lunch and then continued back up the mountain. At the base of the mountain it wasn't snowing, but by the time we got to the top, it was true white out conditions. I was shocked, I had never seen anything quite like it. I asked if it was a blizzard, the two other people on the lift proceeded to laugh at me. I quickly informed them that I am from Florida, they took pity on me and explained what was going on. I couldn't see the chair lift in front of me, the wind was whipping and the snow was coming in side ways. For a quick second, I was incredibly thankful that my sister wasn't on the chair lift with me. She would have been miserable! I then realized that I didn't have the bar down, and the I was getting a little nervous. Luckily the lift was coming to an end soon, so I just sat as still as possible and prayed that I wouldn't fall off.

Finally, I am off the lift and headed down the mountain. I couldn't see anything and neither could anyone else for that matter. I proceeded to get taken out from behind by a little ankle biter, who couldn't see me. Clearly I wasn't going fast enough, to be taken out by a little tyke. Poor kid was about 4 or 5 years old and was so apologetic...him and his mother. I was fine, but the tyke started to cry (I am going to guess he was a momma's boy). Finally, I made it down the run and was ready to call it quits. I couldn't see anything. White out conditions are great from the inside looking out.

Soccer...Check

On my mission to attend at one event from every sport, I wound up at the season opener of the Colorado Rapids. I was happy to be able to see David Beckham, (I wont lie, that was my motivation for attending this particular Rapids game). However, I quickly realized that David Beckham is good, but he might be a little over rated. Perhaps he had a bad game, but all in all I don't believe he deserves the hype that he has received since becoming part of the Galaxy. His passes weren't crisp, his crosses were too long or mis-directed, his defense was put to the test and on more then one occasion he was schooled. I might be a little harsh, by no means am I worthy critic and of course it is extremely easy to be a Monday morning quarterback, but still! All in all I do appreciate the fans he has brought to the game.

Like usual, my partner in crime Swallow and I head off to the game. The day was beautiful but you could tell the evening would be getting a little chilly. I bundle up in three layers and put my jacket in the car. Nothing like Denver weather, it could be 65 during the day and snowing at night. This was one of those nights where the temperature was dropping pretty quickly. Nothing better, then crisp chilly air to enjoy a major league soccer game. I probably should have informed Swallow that the flip flops aren't the best thing to wear when the temperature is suppose to drop 20 degrees during the game. Well you live and learn.

The Rapids whooped up on L.A. Galaxy 4-0. The energy throughout the crowd was upbeat yet intense. It eased up a little after first goal scored in the 45th minute but not by much.

Swallow made me giggle. Swallow didn't know anything about the sport. So, to keep herself busy, since I wasn't up for conversation, she went through the program picking out the best looking guys on the team. She picked out Christian Gomez as her favorite and possible future husband. He is relatively new to the Denver area and the Colorado Rapids, having only signed with the Rapids on February 8, 2008. Welcome aboard Christian.