Abbey

Abbey all grown up

As many of you know I used to live in SLC with my aunt Marcia -- although she didn't technically live there as she spent 99% of her time at her boyfriends house (Dave). Well Marcia got a puppy at the same time my mom did, her name is Abbey and she is Kate's litter mate. At first Marcia's boyfriend Dave was not fond of having a dog in his house, so when Marcia would go over there or to the cabin in Woodland for the weekend I would take care of Abbey. Well after time Dave got used to the idea of having Abbey around and fell in love with her. A little while later Marcia and Abbey moved in with Dave and I moved back to South Weber to live with my mom, and soon after inherited Syd.

Abbey being a good girl staying in the car, Kate tyring to jump out

Well this weekend Marcia and Dave went on vacation to Vegas and needed a puppy sitter so I jumped at the chance to spend the weekend with Abbey! It has been about a year since I had spent some real time with her! I went down Friday after work and Abbey and I just vegged out for the night.

Abbey with her teddy

Saturday she had be up bright and early wanting to run and play outside, so we went for a run together and came back and ate breakfast. I ditched her for lunch and hit up Olive Garden with Jessie, I feel like I NEVER get to see Jess anymore! She is now 12 weeks pregnant! We decided for the evening we would make sour cream enchiladas with her husband and our good friend Bryce and watch a movie. It was so great to spend the whole day with her! And of course the two of us were passed out by 10!

Not the best picture, but Jess, Me and Bryce at Big West Tourny 3 years ago

Sunday was my lazy day! I stayed in my PJ's till noon, then finally got in the shower. I had the great chance to meet up with Matty (my cousin) for lunch at the Red Iguana! I had so much fun talking with him and catching up! He is seriously such an amazing guy! We then went back to his place so I could meet his roommates! Abbey had come along for the ride so we headed home in the late afternoon. When we got home Dave's son Jarel was at the house doing laundry, so I harassed him a little and watched 50 First Dates. Later Mr. Candrian came over and joined us for How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days -- more a movie for me -- but I had the remote!

All in all it was a great weekend and I was so sad to leave Abbey this morning to come into work!

PS. The Basin got 10 inches of new snow -- and I didn't even sluff work! This puts the year total at 412 inches of natural snow....insane! It has been such a good snow year!

My Dog the Flirt

My dog is such a little flirt -- and no I did not teach her this! Saturday evening I had to go drop somethings off at an old friends house so I took Syd along for the ride. Within the 20 minute car ride she had picked up on a truck full of boys and the Taco Bell guy. It all started when we pulled up to the light in Roy (Syd has a little bed that I keep in the car for her so that she doesn't slide all over the place) Anyhow, we pulled up to the light and there was a truck full of guys, Syd runs across the car to my rolled down window and starts barking at these boys. So they finally roll down their window, and she tries to jump out of my window to go and see them (little awkward!) The light finally turned green, she lost interest and went over and got back in her bed. On the way home I was craving Taco Bell so I stopped at the drive-thru for a taco, again Syd jumps up and runs to the window and starts barking and wagging her tail when she hears a males voice. The Taco Bell guy gave her a little cup of fiesta potatos at the window, she quickly grabbed the cup and took them to her bed. What a spoiled little brat! I guess her mom needs to teach her not to take food from strangers!

It's a Black What?!?!

So my dear friend Chris Zilka "Z" was in town this weekend from Florida to enjoy some of our heavenly ski conditions. Can I just tell you how much I love a beautiful spring skiing day with great snow?!?! Z got into town on Thursday night and was ready to hit the mountain at 9am Friday morning. I met up with him and his buddy Matt at the top of Needles at we were off! Chris let me know right off the bat that he was all about hitting up the greens, and had no intentions on doing anything different, but he was joking and skied like a pro on the blues! I also got him to go down a black on the second day! He's a lot better skier then he gives himself credit for, he just needs to use his poles a little more ;) After a long day of skiing on Friday we went out to dinner at Goodwood BBQ, a new restaurant in Riverdale. It was pretty good, although I ate too many appetizers and could barley eat any of my dinner. I was beyond exhausted after dinner so I went home to bed to rest up for another day of skiing. Saturday was a beautiful day! We had so much fun cruising around the mountain, taking a break for a pizza lunch and later break for hot chocolate! I was disappointed in the hot chocolate this time though -- it was watered down -- so Z and Matt didn't get the full experience! Maybe next year! Anyways it was a fabulous weekend, and I think they should make it a yearly excursion!

View from the top of Strawberry into the Ogden Valley

ANTM Night

So one of my new best friends Becky and I have officially coined Thursday nights America's Next Top Model Night. For all you faithful "watchers" you know that it is really on Wednesday nights, but Becky has piano lessons that she teaches on Wednesday so we DVR it and watch it on Thursday. Becky is a wonderful cook and makes me dinner and we watch the show. We take turns critiquing the girls and laughing, during which I rub her cute prego belly. Little Ry Ry is becoming quite the little kicker! I can't wait for this Thursday night!

Trip to the Puppy ER

Last night when I got home from work I did the usual things -- changed my clothes, put on my shoes and let the dogs out. It was at this point I noticed something odd about Bode, usually he runs from his kennel this time he just sat there. This is where I should probably give you some history -- about 3 weeks ago Bode cut the back of his paw open and had to get surgery on it when it wouldn't heal. On Sunday he ripped these stitches, so I have been wrapping his leg to give it a chance to heal. Yesterday while I was at work he had tried to take the wrap off, somehow getting it caught in the side of his kennel. When he did this it pulled the wrap really tight around his leg cutting off the circulation! So back to him just sitting in his kennel, I looked down and realized the wrap, then I realized his poor foot was DOUBLE the normal size, bright red/blue and oozing gross stuff -- Sam into freak out mode! I ran and got a knife cut the wrap off his leg. Poor guy couldn't even put any weight on his leg, but for some reason being the happy boy that he is still had a smile on his face. I promptly called the vet, but they were unable to get him in -- it was almost 6 at this point. So I frantically called my mom and Mike over and over till one of them picked up their phones. I got permission from Mike to take Bode to the ER, so off we went. The ER Doctor was wonderful, she was very gentle and you could tell that she had a real love for animals. She did an evaluation of Bode, then took him in the back room to get a better look at his paw. He came back with a shaved foot, dragging the poor vet down the hallway to find me. She gave us some pain medication, antibiotics, foot soak, cream and Bode's favorite -- a new lamp shade! This morning he was doing much better, and the swelling has gone down, but it is still pretty discolored. Hopefully he doesn't get himself into too much trouble today!

* Snow *

I don't know what the deal is this year, I must have been a very good girl! Why do I say this you ask -- it's snowing AGAIN! This is fabulous news because I am skiing on Friday and Saturday this week!

Last weekend I went up and skied with Dad #2 (Mike) I had a rough time due to the poor visibility, it was really flat light and I hate not having depth perception! We skied Strawberry all day, and I took a few pictures for my friends that are dying from lack of skiing!

And the classic picture as my friend C calls it -- "The one at the end of the day where only wearing a helmet for 8 hours could give you that hair style, and you look like you've been up for three days" Well here it is :)

Gone to the Dogs

So my week has gone to the dogs -- literally! My Mom and Mike went on exchange for the Patrol down to Brian Head, this left me with all three "kids"! We have had an exciting two days so far. I feel guilty for leaving them home all time, therefore we all pile in the car and run errands. The picture is a little blurry with a glare, but it gives you an idea! I bet the people behind us just have to laugh as we drive down the street.

On Sunday afternoon I decided to make chocolate chip cookies, this was a hit with the puppies. Bode helped by laying on my feet where ever I went, and kept an eye on the oven as the cookies baked. Kate tired to get in on the action -- but was unsuccessful in getting any of the dough!

Syd on the other hand was not helpful at all! She lounged in the living room on the back of the couch to catch some sun. Bode and I then got some snuggle time in.

And by the end of the day we were all pooped! Bode kept me up for awhile with his snoring!

There is no feeling in the world that compares to falling in love...

This will be the year that I will forever look back and say -- this is the year I fell in Love.....with skiing! I have always enjoyed skiing, it was something we did in the winter to make the time to go by faster. But this year, well it has been different. I crave it. I can think of nothing else as I sit in my office and stare at the little bit of sky that I can see. I find myself checking the Snowbasin cameras frequently, the background on my computer is even the mountain. In some aspects I think I am make myself into a crazy person. I've never said this before, but I think it could stay winter forever, and I would be okay with that.

Friday I was a loser, I went to dinner with the parents and stayed home all night long to be rested for the ski day ahead. This proved to a good thing, Basin got 6 inches of snow over night and it snowed all day long! I had an amazing day with Mike and Taylor on John Paul. And I'm ready to go back for more!

To Work or Not to Work

To work or not to work -- that really is the question. I choose not to work! For all you worker bees out there, think of me tomorrow while I am on the mountain, enjoying another blue bird day of spring skiing!

Time to Breathe

Oh my! What a busy weekend I feel like I have been going non-stop since I left work on Friday!

.::Friday::.

12-4 Skiing -- the snow was fabulous! Beautiful sunny day! Dad #2 and I rode up together and met my mom. We did run after run, and by the last one, I thought my legs were going to give out on me! But we had a blast, and I fully intend on taking some more half day Friday's before the season is over!

8pm - 1am -- First let me say thank heaven for Redbull!!! With my legs killing me, I met up with Jessie, her husband Nate and Mr. Candrian, we went to dinner at Gateway and headed off to see the laser show at the Clark Planetarium. It was amazing, I kind of felt like I was on drugs and at a rave, but it was way cool and I was amused! Although I think I enjoyed it the most out of everyone!

.::Saturday::.

I was exhausted so I slept in for what seemed like forever, when I finally woke up I cleaned up my mom's house a bit, got ready and was off again! Saturday night Spencer owed me -- he had ditched me the day before on the slopes, so to make it up to me, we went for hot chocolate and watched "Far and Away". It's an older movie, but very good! If you haven't seen it I would recommend it. This made for another late night.

.::Sunday::.

I was rudely awoken by my mother and dad #2, they were jumping on my bed, and stepped on the little one (Syd). If you know me or my pup, we like to sleep, so we were not very happy about the 8am wake up call. We slowly drug our lazy butts out of bed and went to breakfast with the parents. I then promptly went home and took a nap with Syd.

6-11 -- I headed over to my friend Becky and Doug's house for dinner. Becky made everyone enchilada's that were delicious! We then watched the "Secret Window" it was pretty good, but kind of strange! Not sure if I would recommend it.

So all in all it was a great whirlwind weekend -- back to work for a break!

High Maintenance

"As a slang term, it may refer to individuals who require an unusual amount of personal attention or who expend substantial amounts of money or time on their physical appearance."

So the question is -- Am I High Maintenance?

I think this depends on the person you ask. I had one Boyfriend that I was not High Maintenance enough. I had to have my nails done, my toes done, never in flats. And it drove me nuts! Then the follow on man thought I was too High Maintenance. He thought manicures were a waste of money, and it drove him crazy that it took me 35 minutes to get ready. (BTW in girl land 35 mintues is pretty dang quick!) But I am conviced he just likes simple average boring girls.

Is it bad that I take pride in the way I look?

I figure if I am going to go out into the world, I want to look nice, and if it takes a little lip gloss, mascara and nail polish then so be it. But I am who I am -- take me of leave me!

We have a Plan!

So after seriously stressing yesterday and very long day at work I received a call from Mr. Candrian wondering what we were going to do tomorrow. The deal was I plan he pays -- works for me...well most of the time! After dancing around the topic for a few minutes I told him I would have to call him back. I quickly called Jessie (she always helps me get my thoughts together) we talked for a few minutes and I had our plan.

Meeting at 8 @ Gateway (see above) for dinner, then we will head over to the Clark Planeterium. They have this movie called the Body that I guess is supposed to be really good, but it isn't playing when we want to go! So I think we will go see "Sounds of the Underground" this is the explaination they gave on their site for it....

"Clark Planetarium’s newest fulldome Cosmic Light Show features music from the world of Techno, Club, Dance and Rave styles.“Sounds of the Underground” is a combination of immersive digital animation, laser beamwork, and live-performed visual effects inside the Hansen Dome Theatre’s 55-foot dome. The debut of new computer controlled lighting effects will add a whole new dimension to the show. But it’s not just the visuals that pull you in – over 12,000 watts of 5.1 surround sound make this the perfect experience for music club enthusiasts and anyone who likes a dancing experience for the eyes."

Suggestions Welcome

I have been racking my brain all day long! I have a date tomorrow -- I for some reason volunteered making the plans. Well for the life of me I can't figure out what we should do! We are going to be in the SLC, I wanted to do something fun and creative -- guess that isn't going to happen!

Victim of the Past

Over the past few weeks I have had a rude awakening. I have always been one of those people that when things happen I have just picked myself up and grown from the experience. Never looking back unless my experience can help someone else. Recently I have relized how many people let these things consume their lives and never seem to move forward. It seems to become an excuse for them, why they can't do something, or why the act a certain way. You can't live life forever being a victim. At some point we have to grow up and be accountable for our actions.

Song of the Moment

Goodbye

Secondhand Serenade

It's a shame that it had to be this way
It's not enough to say I'm sorry
It's not enough to say I'm sorry

Maybe I'm to blame
Or maybe we're the same
But either way I can't breathe
Either way I can't breathe

All I had to say is goodbye
We're better off this way
We're better off this way

I'm alive but I'm losing all my drive
Cause everything we've been through
And everything about you
Seemed to be a lie
A guiltless twisted lie
It made me learn to hate you
Or hate myself for letting it pass by

All I had to say is goodbye
We're better off this way
We're better off this way
All I had to say is goodbye
We're better off this way
We're better off this way

And every, everything isn't only
What it seemed, so hold these
Words that you never told me

It's time to say goodbye
It's time to say goodbye
It's time to say goodbye
Goodbye

Bye

Weekend Update

This weekend was pretty laid back! I finally did some maintenance on my poor little car! I honestly think it had been 10,000 miles since I had changed my oil -- oops! I was driving to the gas station when my car screamed at me " STOP! Low oil pressure, turn off car and see owners manual" I promptly pulled over, turned my car off restarted it and drove to Pep Boys. They changed my oil and I was back on my way! If it wasn't for my little computer in my car I think I would be buying a new engine! I am need of a man in my life to remind me to change my oil! Well I figured I would pamper my poor little car and get it detailed as well -- it was so nasty I don't think I had cleaned it out since September! So I pretty much have a NEW car now!

I then somehow convinced my friend Landon to go shopping with me. He was a trooper going to two different malls and was so understanding when I lost my keys on 3 different occasions! He even braved Victoria Secret with me! By the time I was done we were both starving! We both were craving Chinese, so we went to Pei Wei (My favorite). Then topped of the day with a trip to Greywhale, where I made my favorite purchase of the day the Secondhand Serenade CD! They are so good, I would highly recommend checking them out! So all in all, I would say it was a highly successful and relaxing weekend!

.::Best Friends::.

I have been incredibly blessed in my life with some of the best friends in the world. These girls have stood by me through EVERYTHING! From break-ups, make-ups, new jobs and moves. So I dedicate this to my friends I couldn’t live with out –

Jessie
Jessie and I met 4 years ago when she was going to school at Utah State. I was drug over to a house of boys, these were Jess’s boys and she didn’t like a new girl hanging around. It took us awhile to get used to each other but we have been inseparable ever since! I love my Jessie, she keeps me grounded, but yet pushes me out of my element. Jess and I have been through everything together! Late night Wal-Mart trips, boyfriends, break-ups, moving across the state, trips to Rugby games, best trip ever to CA and her wedding. Jess is in many cases my inspiration…I love you Jess!

Mindy

Mindy is my work friend, we met and Northrop Grumman 3 years ago. Mindy had my job before I got it and that made us destined to be friends! Mindy is my mom, she tells me how it is. She is the first to tell me I am being dumb, rude or too nice. She encourages me to stand up for myself, and love me for me. My dear Mindy lives vicariously through me! She was married very quickly to an amazing man Steve, so she is my friend that encourages me to make out with every boy that I meet – lol – don’t worry I don’t really! Mindy keeps me grounded, I love her to death!

Stephy

Steph and I met 5 years ago at the Rage. She is my most unlikely friend! She moved to Chicago only 6 months after we met, but we have only grown closer! Steph is my sister, and my better half. I seriously don’t know what I would do with out this woman! A couple of weeks ago I was able to go and meet Steph in Boise and meet her amazing family! Steph’s grandfather had just passed away and I was able to see another side of her. I am a strong believer that you see a true person when they are with their family, and even more so when they are in a state of crisis. Steph was the first to step up, she was so loving in the way she took care of her grieving mother. I felt so blessed to be able to spend this time with Steph and her family. They are so strong and loving, I want to be adopted! Steph you are the best friend HF could have ever given me. You have seen me through so many hard times. And I know we will be besties for the rest of our lives! I freaking love you!

Royal Bliss -- Victim Effect

This weekend a group of us headed down to The Venue to see Royal Bliss and Victim Effect. The Venue is my favorite place to see concerts, it is small so therefore you can actually see the band! Royal Bliss and Victim Effect are both local bands, I hadn't seen either before but I was not disappointed. They put on an amazing show! Little harder "rock" then I am used to, but I had a BLAST! Great music with great friends, can't ask for more!

After the Concert we all headed over to Red Rock Brewing Company for some late night snacks! It was a good thing I caved and drank that Redbull before going out! Between the concert and skiing all day I was exhausted!

Sassy Sydnee

This is a whole post dedicated to my puppy Sydnee. I didn't choose to get a dog, nor did I really want a dog of my own. But one day my brother did want a dog, so he got one. Well shortly there after he decided he was going to join the National Guard -- so I inherited a little 8 week old pup. Almost one year later I look back at our journey together and can't imagine life with out my little one!

Sassy Syd is a Dachshund who believes she is a Golden Retriever. Her two best friends are Kate and Bode her golden retireiver aunt and uncle. Her favorite things to do are run around with the Goldens, tear apart anything in the garbage she can find, and snuggle under the heat blanket.

I love my little one!!!