The Dunns!

Flickr

2008-11-15T23:30:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

UPDATE!!

2008-08-19T21:10:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I have proven this week that in no way am I a web person. BUT, you must please update your bookmarks and links

**Drum Roll Please**

http://lifewiththedunns.com/blog/

It is still not looking like quite what I want, but it is there, and that's where updates will be taking place from this point forth. I had to kind of take away the rest of the site (well I didn't, but I didn't know what I was doing), but that should be back before too long. It has been a really arduous process to be honest, but hopefully things on the site like design etc. will slowly be rolling out over time!

Web Stuff is Hard

2008-08-18T19:34:00.003-07:00

Trying to get a new website sorted out, http://LifeWithTheDunns.com

The goal is to get the blog onto that website with the sub-directory /blog.

It's hard.

I am not a web person.

:(

So the blog for the meantime is going to be ugly and plain till I get it sorted out.

P.S. If anyone knows how to do the wordpress.org thing and get a blog into a subdirectory, I am all ears.

Welcome to the Twilight Zone

2008-08-13T21:21:00.004-07:00

The Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, freaky deaky, call it what you want. This is where you exist when within one week a family member unexpectedly loses their long time job, and two others wind up in the hospital for separate, but serious health issues. This is when you head to a different part of the state to tend to family matters, and then fly across the country to tend to others. Here's to hope and faith that all ends in a positive light. Please wish us well on our journey.

Olympics Baby...

2008-08-10T11:28:00.006-07:00

Q. Number of times during the next two weeks of Olympic coverage Jon Dunn will say, "Oh, those are women?"

A. 231.

Just said it when the womens road cycling came on. Some tough lookin' broads on those bikes.

I must say, even though I hate a lot of things about China, it's hard not to watch the games. I mean only every four years do I get to see in depth coverage of such popular sports such as Badminton, and Water Polo. By the way, am I the only one that cannot see crap on Water Polo? It's just a bunch of splashes in the pool and then you hear the whistle blow when someone chucks it in the goal.

The other thing that is annoying about some of these sports is the announcers for each. You know, I don't watch a lot of coxed four scull rowing whatever the hell it is. So I know you follow the exciting world of rowing all year, but I, along with the rest of the world does not. An explanation of terms every once in a while might be nice.

In other things I have learned this week? China has a beach volleyball team. And beach volleyball is an Olympic sport, not just a popular BBQ game in the 80's.

My New Love...

2008-08-09T17:05:00.003-07:00

Being a vegetarian for over a year now, really has not been that hard. It honestly gets easier all the time as I can't really remember what most meat tastes like. For example, I used to love deli meat sandwiches. Making the switch to Tofurky or other fake "meat" slices was damn near impossible I thought because it just was not good. But as time passes, it gets better and now I really like the stuff. Crave it even.

The other thing too, is that certain stores say, Trader Joe's has some really creative fake meat products.

Exhibit A

Ohhhhh yes. You read that correctly, Soy Chorizo. Really, really tasty actually especially with cheesy hasbrowns and eggs.

So if you don't think you can kick meat to the curb, give some of these products a try. It's really not that hard at all.

And let's be honest, if I can do it, ANYONE can do it.

Back From Salt Lake.....For Now

2008-08-03T23:36:00.006-07:00

A great trip up to Salt Lake this weekend. Friday night at the NMHPU event was great, and we had some good quality time with Jaime's folks.

Seems we will have to head back up to SLC though very soon.

,
That's right, we are giving the finger to Verizon, and becoming Yuppie Scum (according to Jaime's Dad). Yuppie Scum maybe, but scum on the cutting edge with iPhones :)

So when they arrive at the AT&T store at Fashion Place mall in 10 to 21 days, we have to head back up to port over, kiss Verizon goodbye, and join the iPhone ranks.

Thanks Babe!!

Canine Casino Night

2008-07-29T15:12:00.003-07:00

Jon and I will be in Salt Lake this weekend to attend NMHPU's First Annual Canine Casino Night. Come and see us -- and raise some money for Utah's Homeless Pets!

Canine friends welcome!

Who needs Vegas? Forget Wendover. No More Homeless Pets in Utah presents its hippest high-rolling new dog deal, Canine Casino Night. It all happens on Friday, August 1st from 6:30- 10 PM at the Radisson Hotel (215 West South Temple-downtown Salt Lake City). Tickets are just $35 ($40 at the door) and include signature drinks, hors d’oeuvres and admission for your barking brat pack, too. The ace in the hole is our spectacular silent and live auction and just for fun gaming includes Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Texas Hold’em. No More Homeless Pets in Utah was recently voted host to “the best parties for the dogs” in the City Weekly’s 2008 Best Of edition, so don’t miss out on this one. Click here to get your tickets now because this promises to be a full house!

An Awesome Weekend

2008-07-29T15:03:00.002-07:00

Well, we're back from Vegas -- what a fun trip! Eddie Izzard was even better than I expected -- and I expected a LOT. I have to say I cannot remember the last time I laughed that hard. He is even MORE hysterical in person. I won't reveal too much of the content so as not to spoil it for others, but suffice to say we are really itching for this tour's DVD to come out--a souvenir, if you will. If you have the opportunity to see him in your city (or nearby), I highly recommend shelling out the 50 clams it cost. It was worth every cent of hard earned cash (and we work for a non-profit, so we don't have a whole lot of it to spare).

And with that, I'm off to ignore the bearded guy upstairs whilst listening to my jazz chicken.

[ If you go see him, you'll understand what I mean. :) ]

This is Love

2008-07-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hummingbird

2008-07-29T12:11:00.002-07:00

For the 202nd post of this blog...

2008-07-22T12:56:00.003-07:00

We present Ruby Christine Davis...

Just a couple more months before that sweet face sees daylight for the first time. Can't wait to meet my first niece!!!

Pretty sure we will be the coolest Aunt and Uncle ever :)

It was....well....Monky

2008-07-20T15:27:00.003-07:00

This weekend was a special treat. Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery came to Best Friends. They are a band of their traveling monks, hittin' the road and raising money for their monastery as well as spreading their hard to swallow message of peace for all. I mean seriously, who do they think they are?

Kidding!

It was pretty darn cool. For about an hour they ran through what I think was a prayer book, chanting and occasionally kicking up the music.

One of the monks obviously had some kind of voice training as he literally sounded like a didgeridoo. He seemed to be leading the gang, while one played a giant drum that looked like a lollipop.

So every few minutes they would totally go all out. Two monks on some kind of horn, two on what looked like one of those Swiss Horns.

Really pretty incredible stuff. Makes you really hate what the Chinese have done to Tibet.

As if the way China treats its animals wasn't enough to not support the Beijing Olympics, maybe what the Chinese have done to Tibet is?

Our Campaign Has Gone To The Dogs

2008-07-17T10:53:00.005-07:00

If you haven't yet heard of our latest and greatest endeavor, then I urge you to visit obamafamilydog.com. The Barack Obama family recently announced that they anticipate adding a canine member to their family. We hope that they will carefully consider their options in selecting the new four legged member of their family.

This is not about politics, it's not about partisanship, it's not about pure breeds versus mixed breeds ("mutts"), it's a conversation about adopting a homeless animal versus buying an animal from a pet store or breeder. (Contrary to popular belief there are many pure breed dogs in shelters that need forever homes). Please sign the petition and pass along to all of your friends and contacts who also support the endeavor of encouraging the Obama family to adopt a homeless dog.

Welcome to the Desert

2008-07-16T22:11:00.003-07:00

Hey so in other things that freak me out (not just the UroClub), check out this little friend we had outside the back door tonight.

Yah, a Western Black Widow. Hard to tell from the photo, but insanely large. Looked big enough to kill maybe the entire Dunn family.

We didn't kill it, but we did clean out all the webs it had spun. Hopefully we can make it move at least further away from the back door.

It would be a better photo, but it freaked me out enough that I just could not get any closer.

*shudder*

Cake or Death?

2008-07-13T22:17:00.002-07:00

Jon has continued to dominate out on the golf course. This week I discovered my favored summer hobby.

Going to the pool.

Now, you may remember a few weeks back that there was some heavy controversy because the city council implemented some rules for patrons of the Kanab pool (also known as the “Cowboy Water’n Hole”). Well, most of that excitement fizzled, because you can now wear your bikini, although you cannot wear your thong. It’s all subjective though. What happens if I go down the slide and get a giant wedgie? Are they going to kick me out?? And if they do, why are they looking at my posterior in the first place??

All silly rhetoric aside, I am pleased to share that the pool is actually quite an impressive facility. It’s more like a miniature water park complete with a jungle gym for kids (young & old) fountains, water sprayers, a lazy river where the strong current carries you along. While I haven’t actually played in the kid areas, I have observed many children of all ages enjoying it. Mostly I have been hiding out in the lap pool – in the deep end. It’s not typically too crowded with young’uns but the real reason is because I can actually get some exercise if I’m in water deep enough that I can tread. There are designated ‘lap swim’ sessions, but the evening sessions are somewhat limited because there are often private parties on the schedule, which close the pool to the general public. Still, if I’m motivated enough I can swim undisturbed daily from 6-7AM….

Yeah right. I can’t even walk my ass into my shower at 6 AM. But despite some of the time constraints for the pool, I’m still looking forward to jumping in and cooling off, and getting healthy. Win win win.

Another item of interest – Jon and I are getting uber excited to go to Vegas next week. But I thought you hate Vegas, you ask? Well, I don’t hate it, it’s just not my favorite place. We got tickets to see one of our favorite comedians, Eddie Izzard. He’s playing at the Pearl Theatre (The Palms) and we got some decent upper level tix. If you are not familiar with Eddie and his clever brand of comedy, I highly recommend checking him out. Here are some vids of some of his standup – watch them. I guarantee you will laugh.

“But with dogs, we do have “bad dog.” Bad dog exists. “Bad dog! Bad dog! Stole a biscuit, bad dog!” The dog is saying, “Who are you to judge me? You human beings who’ve had genocide, war against people of different creeds, colors, religions, and I stole a biscuit?! Is that a crime? People of the world!”

“Well, if you put it that way, I think you’ve got a point. Have another biscuit, sorry.””

~Eddie Izzard

Haiku Madness

2008-07-09T20:52:00.004-07:00

today i laughed much

so hard i started crying

almost peed my pants

The UroClub!

2008-07-09T17:21:00.006-07:00

Hey!

Looking for a great gift idea? Wondering what to get the golfer in your life?

Check out the UroClub!

From the website:

Attention Male Golfers! How many times has this happened? You arrive at the golf course, and soon you’re on to 18 holes with your best buddies. After drinking sport ades, water, beer, and whatever, you’re on the 3rd hole with no rest room in sight. There are no trees or bushes around and you just gotta go, what are you going to do?

This may well be the single, grossest thing I have ever heard of. Maybe save for the Stadium Pal.

Walking In The Dark

2008-07-08T23:08:00.001-07:00

The girls and I just got back from our evening walk. Sounds crazy since it’s a little after 10:00 PM but this is the time of year you kind of have to plan things around the time of day & temperature. Today’s high was only 94 degrees, but the next two days will top out around 97. Not as horrendous as it could be, although it still feels mad hot. When we set off it had cooled down to an anhydrous 80. It was a little breezy, but not cool. I thought it would be cool and quiet, and no people would be around so the girls would not bark…. WRONG. It was still hot. It was kind of like walking around a slightly windy oven in the dark. But we experienced a lot of excitement!

A lady around the corner was taking out her trash in her driveway – the girls barked and scared the crap out of her. She made a comment to the effect that the barking scared her (so I apologized), and then she said something about a dog walking this time of night setting off all the other neighborhood dogs. So I’m not sure if she was mad about other dogs barking back to Kona, or if she was just pissed because we scared her taking out the trash. Oh well, we may never know. I tried to usher the two mutts down around the block as Moki had a coughing fit in the middle of the road. I think she inhaled some dirt or sand and got it up her nose. Then a man was walking toward us on the side of the road. Any other city? That might be scary. In Kanab? Not scary to me, but clearly scary to the dogs because they had to bark and yap and carry on until the man went into his house and was therefore no longer a threat.

We rounded the other corner of the block, and a man was pulling a truck into his driveway, and apparently his dog decided he was going to run over to greet us. I promptly turned the other direction and started moving us briskly down the side of the street. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not rude or antisocial, but Kona sometimes gets overly excited when meeting new dogs, which can lead to a an occasional little dust up once in a while. The man finally called his dog back to his own yard, so we avoided any sketchy encounters. We had just approached the end of our own driveway—home stretch! When all three of us simultaneously eyed an off leash yellow lab down the corner on the opposite side of the street. Kona gave out a few final battle cries (whiny barks), then the yellow dog ran off down the road as I steered my girls inside.

Some relaxing evening walk!

Help Best Friends Win!!

2008-07-07T19:32:00.002-07:00

Ok, so the LA Times is running a contest in their Travel section. They asked reader to nominate their favorite places to visit in the West. They then narrowed those down based on the descriptions readers sent along with the suggestion. Here's the Best Friends entry...

Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab, Utah
Recommended by: Michele Johnson
What she said: "It's in a beautiful remote canyon with stunning views. If you want you can volunteer to work with the animals there or just take the tour."

So now we are down to the final 12, and the top picks (decided by reader votes) will end up with a nice article! So please, GO VOTE! It will only take a second, just make sure you pick Best Friends Animal Society in the second set!

Click here to vote

A Kanab 4th of July

2008-07-05T12:07:00.002-07:00

I woke up with a bit of a fuzzy head (gotta go out to the bar when I don't have to work the next day right?), but decided since I was up in time I would head out to the 4th of July parade here in town.

Best Friends had its first ever representation in the parade, in the form of this:

That's Harley, one of our Pot Bellied pigs. We also had some Equine representation.

One of the groups that was not short on representation, was the local god believers (who make up probably 80 percent of the crowd). In fact, a lot of the floats were branded as such:

**Shudder**

Just to point out, that says, "Honoring Old Glory, and Giving God Ultimate Glory." They did that by chucking tootsie rolls, and Ice Pops off the float.

They also had people handing these out to the kids in the crowd:

Nothing gets teens into God like a starlight mint.

Also this was a good one. This was the float for the Johnson family, who looked like if they had anymore grandkids, they would need a bigger float.

Please also notice the glamor shot of Best Friends Animal Care Division Director, Patty Hegwood. She turned into the photo right as I hit the button.

So after the parade was over, I went back home, and later played golf with Daron. Made a Picnic Caviar (no recipe to be found, it was in our latest Vegetarian Times), and then we went up to the Sanctuary for a party. Good times were had!

Happenings & History

2008-07-02T21:35:00.006-07:00

Today marks the official one year anniversary of my employment with Best Friends. Can’t believe it has been that long already – the time literally flew by! This time last year we were living in a roach motel (which happens to be owned by my slum lord boss – and of course I say slum lord with the utmost admiration, respect & endearment)…. The space constraints of the hotel were shadowed only by the fact that it contained only a full sized bed (we are not small people) and we had both dogs and both cats living in the motel room with us. Talk about adventure! The rest of the year to come was no less exciting. What a long, strange trip it’s been. And yet, there’s not much about it I would change. A few things. And well, maybe the heat….

We’ve been blessed with awesome friends. We have no big box merchants, no WAL-ly World within 80 miles in any direction and I’ll tell you, I really don’t miss them. But we do have close proximity to a half dozen or so national parks – not to mention the Grand Canyon, one of the majestic wonders of the world. We have our health (need to kick the cigs dammit!) and of course, the cats & dogs. No human babies as of yet, but the jury’s still out on that one. We are enjoying getting to know our niece Addyson Andrews, and look forward to meeting our niece Ruby Davis this fall.

Kanab is slowly moving into civilization. The summer markets have started. We went Saturday morning early and picked up some things.

Farm fresh eggs and goat’s milk & shea soap – vanilla & lavender scented. We also picked up some smoked salt to add to our spice rack. The soap and salts are made by a couple that lives here locally. We got to the market early, so I’m not sure if it was in full swing. There are not a whole lot of veggies available yet but I look forward to the coming weeks when we can have fresh local produce. I also anticipate stocking up on more yummy soaps & salts next week to keep on hand for gift giving.

Another sign that the town is becoming more civilized: we have a shaved ice shack. Oh, the joy! We went and got a punch card the other night (buy a dozen of these things, get one free). There are few things in this world that make me smile like shaved ice covered in flavored sugar water.

This time last year Jon was in Salt Lake, directing the movers and packing up the semi. He flew down on the evening of the 4th and it was memorable because his plane was supposed to land around 6:30 PM but it was unable to because the surface temperature on the runway was so high. I recall the thermometer on my truck reading 122. St. George usually tops out around 110 but whatever the obscene temp, it was enough to literally fry a farm fresh egg on the pavement. After heading halfway back to Salt Lake, the pilot was given authorization to return to St. Geo to land, but it was still several hours. Inconvenient yes, but better than the alternative of having the thing spontaneously combust from the heat.

So we're here now, and the rest is history. :)

Jon Dunn Is.....

2008-06-14T21:53:00.003-07:00

The 2008 Kanab Amateur Golf Champion.

A career round put me at the top. A more detailed (and likely boring) insight into my best round of golf in 10 years, plus the booty that I brought home for it (yes, more than just the prestige of the title) yet to come!

Newsflash!

2008-06-12T11:30:00.004-07:00

This is hilarious. Kanab is on the front page of msn.com for being….hilarious.

This has been a hot issue in town over the past few weeks; last week an article appeared in the local paper, this week we’re on the front page of msnbc. Some of my girl friends and I decided we’d like to go to the pool in our bikinis and see if we all get dragged out and arrested. The whole issue is pretty typical of Kanab, and it’s also pretty typical that no one is taking it very seriously – we’re all just laughing.

Another new site of interest – the Dunn v. Andrews blog has hit the web. You can see the link in our blogroll to the left, or click here to enjoy some “From the left…and to the right” where local liberals and conservatives (super local – like sometimes in my kitchen local) hammer (yammer?) it out in a public forum.

Let me clarify that this blog is the JON Dunn v. DARON Andrews political diatribe (not Jaime v. Jen). Jen and I have more important things to do (like play with Addyson).

Foxtail Hell

2008-06-08T01:35:00.003-07:00

Our backyard in the new house is....well, it's a frickin' mess.

The front yard was lovingly landscaped before we moved in, and although we don't do what is truly necessary to keep it looking its best, we get by.

The backyard when we moved in was mostly just the red dirt/dust that makes Kanab what it is. It wasn't pretty, but it is largely used as a dog waste depository, so no big deal. But this spring, from what I am told, was very wet for Kanab. The result of that has meant our backyard has turned into a weed haven.

Not all bad, some very pretty Indian Paintbrush has come up (nice for a bit of color), but the worst are the scores of foxtail grass bunches. Exhibit A:

These things are all over the house! I mean, ALL OVER. Kona comes inside after doing the aforementioned job, and before you know it, they are in the couch, all over the floor, embedded into the carpet.

We need to get it sorted out soon. In a couple of weeks someone is coming over to build our cattery, so we need to de-crap the backyard.

No man is an island -- especially in the desert

2008-06-04T15:09:00.004-07:00

Summer storms are pretty common out here in the desert. Today is a fine example. The wind is blowing relentlessly, the clouds are grey and ominous, and dust and sand fill the air. The rain is coming now, too. Earlier it was overcast, but the wind was light, and the cooler than average temperature was the only clue that it might rain.

Today I went home for lunch, and on my drive back to the sanctuary I noticed something odd on the highway near the gun range (if you live in Kanab you know what part of the canyon I'm talking about). There was a man in blue jeans and no shirt – he had a deep dark tan, and he was pulling along a large suitcase on wheels behind him up the shoulder of the highway. We're not talking a suitcase suitable for the overhead bin of the airplane, we're talking extended stay Samsonite-type rolling bag. His light scraggy hair was blowing in the wind. Just this guy all by himself pulling this giant suitcase up the road in the middle of the desert. No broken down car anywhere, that I could tell, and he wasn't hitchhiking either -- he was walking on the shoulder against the direction of traffic. Just walking up the highway in the dust. He was a couple of miles up the canyon already, and several miles from any town. So random. During this storm, I hope he has found adequate shelter. Most of all, I wonder where he was going in the first place.

It's True

2008-05-30T10:14:00.002-07:00

I got an email from Facebook saying:

Your friends have voted on your strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS:
most reliable
bravest
most loyal

WEAKNESSES:
most fashionable
most popular

Wow, do these people know me or what. I am actually pleased with this. I'm not popular and I'm certainly no fashionista, but I am the things that are important. Yeah!

I'm not sure what is worse...

2008-05-29T14:53:00.002-07:00

Coming home from the store last night to find the dogs had knocked over the garbage can and strewn refuse all over the kitchen floor,

or realizing that what they consumed out of the can consisted of a healthy portion of leftover Quarn (meatless mycoprotein “hamburger”) and a gigantic “family size” can of spicy chili beans.

We're Here!

2008-05-21T23:08:00.002-07:00

So, as much as I would love to be live-blogging our vacation, I cannot get the wi-fi to work on my computer. So only my step-brother Andy's computer works so here we are. No photos, and limited time to do anything online.

But let's be honest, we are here in Florida. I can find better things to do with my time than sit here blogging away.

Haven't taken near as many photos as I would have liked, but there will be some to post whence we return.

Action Shot!

2008-05-15T21:04:00.001-07:00

Out of the crap
Originally uploaded by jon_dunn

Jaime and her very capable photo skills took this!

In Love with my D60 :)

2008-05-08T09:17:00.001-07:00

I have a new camera!!

For a while now, I have believed that a new camera was neccessary. We have survived on our trusty old Sony Cybershots, and they have done their job ok. But too many moments in life have been missed sadly, due to their limitations.

After studying online, asking all the professional photographers we have here at the Sanctuary, we finally took the plunge.

They had a deal at Costco for a Nikon D60 with all the bells and whistles, so we did it. Above is a picture I took last night of a storm out over the Sanctuary. I have already scored enough good pictures of the animals, and Jen and Daron's new baby to make it all worthwhile. So hopefully this blog will be riddled with new photos (hopefully good ones!)

How & Why is this happening in my neighborhood??!!!

2008-05-02T01:58:00.005-07:00

Police Seek Kanab Dog Sniper in 3 Shootings
By Mark Havnes The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/30/2008 07:32:09 AM MDT

KANAB - Jill Simpson was stunned when she went outside to get her dog and found blood gushing from Benika's mouth and a gurgling sound as her pet labored to breathe. The Kanab resident rushed the 12-year-old German shepherd to the clinic at Best Friends Animal Society five miles north of this southern Utah city. There, veterinarians were perplexed by the dog's profuse bleeding until an X-ray showed Benika had been shot in the neck with a .22-caliber bullet that also fractured her jaw. That was April 18. Three days later, J. Sharp was leaving her Kanab house when she heard a shot. Her 4-month-old yellow Labrador, Cowgirl, then limped around from behind a trailer and plopped on the ground. "I ran down to help her," Sharp recalled, "and found that a bullet had left a 4-inch groove along her back, next to her spine." Sharp took her wounded pet to Best Friends, too, and vets again found a shattered .22-caliber bullet in the dog. Benika and Cowgirl are recovering, but an area pig was not as lucky. It was shot four times with a .22-caliber weapon last week and died.

Kanab police Chief Tom Cram said Tuesday that investigators have little to go on, but hope that a $1,000 reward will help crack the case. The shooter or shooters could face felonies for harming the animals and misdemeanors for discharging a weapon within city limits. "We'll throw the book at them," Cram said. "It's not right popping animals." The shootings took place within eight blocks of one another in the Ranchos subdivision. "It's a dangerous situation in a crowded neighborhood," said Cram, who has increased patrols in the area. Simpson is at a loss trying to understand Benika's shooting. "I just let her out in the yard so she could go to the bathroom," Simpson said. "When I went out to get her, I heard this sound like a giant bullfrog that was [Benika] trying to breathe. She had blood all over her face. I didn't hear a shot so it never dawned on me that she had been shot." Benika now is eating soft food and can sleep and breathe easier as her swollen throat heals. As for Cowgirl, Sharp said the vets decided to leave the shell fragments in and the wound open so the infection could drain. "She is a good dog who never leaves the yard," Sharp said. "It was a traumatic day."

Best Friends spokesman John Polis said the society kicked in $750 toward the reward along with $250 from the city. "We encourage someone to come forward," he said. Studies have shown those who hurt animals are more likely to abuse family members. "Suffice it to say," Polis said, "that there is a great correlation that people who hurt animals are going out and doing violent acts on others." mhavnes@sltrib.com

Back in the Swing Baby!

2008-04-10T08:27:00.004-07:00

My golf over the last decade or so has been really sporadic. When I was in High School of course, about all I ever did was hit the links. It was much easier when my Dad paid.

Then I went to college for about five minutes where I played more than I went to class. Once I failed out though, golf came to an end for a while. The Army got in the way (not too much opportunity to play in South Korea), and then moving a lot also didn't help. I was pretty poor in Portland, so that didn't help. Then I moved to Salt Lake and met a great group of guys which afforded me pretty regular games every Sunday when the weather was good.

I really got my game into shape, and then of course I stopped playing again for a while.

Now I am here in Kanab, social activities can sometimes fall short. The other side of that is more time to play. I recently ponied up $800 bucks for an all I can play in a year membership at the local course.

It's only nine holes, but as you can see, it's not short on scenery. Most of the course follows those red cliffs. My game is in bad shape, maybe as bad as ever. Haven't broken 40 since I have been back. This is a fairly tough nine holes though, so I don't feel as bad. Pretty frustrating however.

So, open invitation to all, to come play with me in Kanab!

Don't worry America, your vote doesn't count....

2008-04-08T22:46:00.002-07:00

...At least according to Hillary Effing Clinton.

Did you happen to catch the Clinton gag-fest of an interview on NPR this afternoon? I almost drove off the road.

The first discussion was Iraq. Meh. They talk hard now, but they won't be able to get out like they think they will. It's a complete quagmire. But that's not what got me.

In a discussion about the primary Clinton thinks she's winning, they talked the number of delegates. Of course the super delegate discussion has been beaten into the ground. Although, if you haven't been watching, Obama has been catching up. Only 27 behind on those now.

What really made me almost barf in my lap was the discussion about pledged delegates from each state. These are the folks that will represent you, the voter, at the convention. The idea is that those delegates are pledged based on the votes from primary votes and caucases (by the way, if I get this wrong, slap my hand. I'm English).

But now Hillary is not only open to the idea, but advocating that PLEDGED delegates change their mind! So don't worry if your state was 75-percent Obama, feel free to raise the middle finger to the voters of your state!

The mere idea that a candidate would suggest such thing is completely abbhorent to me. If this is the way it could be, what's the point with anyone actually voting? Why not have the already inside job become more so? Let's just send the party nominated delegates go and skip the whole, pesky, annoying citizen vote thingie?

Kiss that five mill goodbye Billary. You ain't gonna see that again.

If you could even begin to stomach it, listen to that NPR interview here.

Vegas, Baby

2008-03-20T21:45:00.003-07:00

So I generally despise Vegas. In fact, there are usually a million other places I would rather be than the wholly manufactured "city." All that even in the face of my love of gambling. But this weekend, I think Vegas will be fun.

It seems like only yesterday, but as of Monday, Jaime and I will have been officially married for a year. I know, right! Can't even believe how fast the last year has gone. I imagine moving and starting new careers had something to do with that.

So her Mom is in Vegas as we speak for one of her several jaunts for the year. When we found out she was going, we figured it might be fun to go see her. Then on top of that we realized it would be our anniversary weekend. Even the more reason to go.

I secured a reservation for Saturday night at the restaurant at the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel. Pricey, but hey, you only have one first wedding anniversary.

Brief

2008-03-19T18:01:00.002-07:00

Well, I went to spin class last night and was so not into it. In fact, I’m tired of writing about it, probably as tired as you are of hearing about it. So I’ll switch gears. (Nope, could not resist lame pun).

Random thought: I’ve worked at Best Friends for nine months. Still love Kanab, still love working here, still love our friends…but it’s funny when you’ve been around for a little while how people start to show their true colors. People and things you thought about in a certain way are in reality, not that way at all. And I'm not talking about the sort of obvious ones. But I will say, without going into too much detail, that my lessons in the classroom of life are prolific on a daily basis.

I just came home from the gym tonight and my husband has left me. First for a golf course, and now for basketball game at the Andrews'. Just received a phone call from he who is at Andrews’ that the Steeles are there as well, and that my presence has been requested. So I now abandon word processor for an evening with friends. But you so know I am making it home for episode two of Top Chef Chicago.

Make Mine Chocolate!

2008-03-15T22:13:00.003-07:00

Easter is just around the corner, and what is the traditional symbol – the bunny of course! Thinking of giving a rabbit as a gift? Please reconsider. Rabbits can be magnificent furkid companions, but each year humane societies and shelters see a huge influx of rabbits after Easter. So before you give in to temptation and purchase a live rabbit, please consider the following...

Know The Facts:

Rabbits are not "low-maintenance" pets, and are a poor choice as a pet for children.
They have a lifespan of 10 years and require as much work as a dog or cat.
Your home must be bunny-proofed, or Thumper will chew cords and furniture.
Rabbits must be neutered or spayed or they will mark your house with feces and urine.
They should live indoors, as members of the family.

The Columbus House Rabbit Society started the Make Mine Chocolate campaign in 2002 to educate on the public on the realities of living with a rabbit, and to discourage giving live rabbits as Easter gifts.

And who can argue with chocolate?! Even our vegan friends have options. Here are just a few: veganfamily.com, katescaringgifts.com, allisonsgourmet.com

Better yet, if you really want to spoil someone, consider making a donation to sponsor a bunny at the Best Friends Bunny House, or donate to the Make Mine Chocolate campaign in the name of your loved one.

As I step down from this soapbox, I sincerely thank you for making compassionate, humane choices during this joyous spring holiday.

Oh Baby!

2008-03-15T20:49:00.003-07:00

Just winding down from a long day of festivities. The baby shower was a smashing success and I am pretty sure the mama-to-be enjoyed herself, so my mission is complete. Unfortunately, our camera croaked in the middle of the party, so I will have to get some photos from Jen, Pam, or Laura to post for everyone. But we had a good crowd, and even the boys came for the beginning to share in the fun before heading off to the Buckskin for beers and debauchery. The party is continuing over at the poker game tonight, but I am pretty beat so I am sitting this one out, even though I heart the Crooks and all the poker peeps. Our friends here in Kanab are so great – we are really lucky.

The fitness program is still underway, although I took two days off this week. I was pretty tired, so I didn’t go to the gym Tues or Wed. I was tired like exhausted, not just the regular ‘I’m tired and don’t want to go to the gym’ , so I took a few days off.

Last night Jon and I stayed home and got the house cleaned up and made brownies for the baby shower. The brownies were featured on the cover of the most recent issue of Cooking Light Magazine. We bought Jen & Daron a subscription for Christmas, so they get the magazine too and Jen commented on how yummy they looked so Jon wanted to make them for the guest of honor. They turned out quite nicely. Here is the recipe if you care to indulge…

That’s it for now. I really enjoyed the soiree but am looking forward to a relaxing “do nothing’ day tomorrow. The animals agree with me – I am already surrounded by two crashed out dogs and a cat.

"I was thinking you're new but you're not".

2008-03-10T20:53:00.002-07:00

Yeah, I know you’re all dying to know how it’s going. So here’s your fix. I set my alarm clock last night on a whim that I might – might-- get up at an early hour and attend an exercise class. I’m not sure how it happened, but I did. Six o’clock a.m. spin class. Which is really 5:00 a.m. with the time change and all. In my opinion the best part about exercising at such an early hour is that I’m not fully awake enough to realize the full extent of my misery. I had yet a new instructor this time, a guy. After huffing and puffing for the duration of the hour, upon dismount of my bike, the woman next to me said,

“So you’ve been on a bike before”. It was more of a statement than a question.

“Well, this is only my third class, but yeah, I’ve ridden a lot”.

“You did really well. He [instructor] is really hard. Most people don’t make it all the way through the class. I was thinking you’re new, but you’re not”.

I thanked her. Not sure if that was the appropriate response, but I guess it was a compliment. It’s also a little randomly odd that she was keeping tabs on me. I can tell you the least of my concerns during the class was the performance of her or any of my other classmates. I just didn’t want to fall off or pass out.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. I was pretty tired, but it was nice to get the rough stuff out of the way early.

Jon is still in Austin and is not doing so hot. He’s come down with some kind of cold/flu illness. He is pretty well through with his part of the convention but can’t get a flight home until Wednesday, so he’s more or less stuck in Austin. The irony – I would love to be stuck in Austin. He got to have dinner with my aunt & uncle last night, and even went to see my cousin’s band at a hole in the wall bar on 6th Street. I am so envious. That being said, I wish he could come home since his business there is basically done. I know it would be easier if he was feeling better – he’d definitely be down to go see some live tunes or savor some tasty cuisine. Best case scenario would be me, him, and a couple of free days to kill. But alas, I’m keeping down the fort solo and he’ll be home soon enough.

This weekend is Jen & Daron’s baby shower. Should be a lot of fun. I’m pretty sure Jen is over the whole ‘being pregnant’ thing. The other day she told me “I can’t believe that soon I’m not going to be pregnant for the rest of my life!" Better her than me.

Accidents and Inspiration Lead You to Your Destination

2008-03-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

Well, I am happy to report that I made it through the week. It’s one of the longest weeks I have endured in a long time. I did manage to make it back to the gym each day, including this morning for another brutal spin class. I hesitate to admit this, but I think I actually liked it. Seems like I am a sadist after all.

I wanted to sincerely thank everyone who has expressed concern about my mom and her health. She has been out of the hospital for about a week now with little improvement, but she is a stubborn fighter (see—I come by it honestly) so I have faith that she will, with time, make a full recovery. So thank you for all of your kind thoughts and well wishes.

Jon is en route to Austin for the SXSW geekville festival. You can read about that in his post below.

I was listening to one of my favorite albums on the way home from work tonight. Mary Chapin Carpenter is quite possibly one of the finest lyricists I have ever had the pleasure of indulging. She is so brilliant in so many ways. I felt compelled to post this song.

The Long Way Home – Mary Chapin Carpenter

You could be this man, he's got it all worked out
To the nth degree, no fears, no doubts
He'll retire at thirty to his big-ass house next to the putting green
Now he's got a picture in his head of the perfect wife,
Their perfect children, their perfect life
Nothing wrong with that, coming home each night to his cul-de-sac of dreams
Funny now how it all went by so fast
One day he's looking over his shoulder at the past
When everybody had to go, had to be, had to get somewhere
How did he forget about what got him there

Now you could be this woman, she's the CEO
She's got her power suits and her IPO's
She punched a hole in the ceiling years ago and she hasn't pulled back since
Now there's a gardener for the flowers, a cook for the meals,
A maid for the laundry, an accountant for the bills
A walker for the dog and a trainer when she feels the need to lose an inch
Funny now how it all went by so fast
One day she's looking over her shoulder at the past
When everybody had to go, had to be, had to get somewhere
Somehow she forgot about what got her there

Accidents and inspiration lead you to your destination

Or you could be the one who takes the long way home
Roll down your window, turn off your phone
See your life as a gift from the great unknown
And your task is to receive it
Tell your kid a story, hold your lover tight
Make a joyful noise, swim naked at night
Read a poem a day, call in well sometimes and
Laugh when they believe it

Funny now how it all goes by so fast
One day I'm looking over my shoulder at the past
Now everybody's got to go, got to be, got to get somewhere
Baby don't forget about
You really shouldn't forget about
Baby don't forget what got you there
I think it's what got you there
Yeah it's really what got you there

I know it’s long and you probably skipped reading the whole thing, so I italicized my favorite part. It’s probably really corny, but here’s me being reflective. Moving to Kanab and of course working for the animals was certainly one way of taking the long way home. The people settling into their cul de sac of dreams; the CEO that punched a hole in the ceiling – these are people I know; people I knew…might even have been me. But now here where I live there is red sand in my house, in my car, in my shoes. And to tell you the truth I really don’t think I’d have it any other way. Don’t get me wrong – this place is not perfect. Hardly! But I will say it’s a far cry from the trite cement jungle I have always known.

I am particularly fond of “…call in well sometimes and laugh when they believe it…” and “Accidents and inspiration lead you to your destination”. So much truth here. So much truth.

Off Again

2008-03-07T11:55:00.002-07:00

So I am on the road again, this time to Austin, Texas. I am honored to be going to the SXSW Interactive conference. It's obviously the same gang that puts on the music festival, but this is geared to all things web. Since I am doing the social marketing stuff for Best Friends now, it should be pretty interesting, and I should learn a lot. The guy that invented Facebook is the keynote on Sunday for example.

The more I read about this stuff though, I think probably 90% of the conversations there, I will have no frickin idea what people are talking about. The people there are like the people who are people with today's internet and video games. I should feel pretty dumb for the whole week. Good job I am used to that :)

Back In the Saddle

2008-03-04T21:37:00.002-07:00

As we await amid the suspense of the election returns, I will recap for you day number two of the fitness challenge.

Spin class. Have you done this? I have been a gym member for years. Sometimes faithful, sometimes not so much, but in all those years I have never engaged in such an endeavor. It’s by no means a new phenomenon, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me this long but tonight was the night I decided to jump in the saddle. (Bad pun intended, of course).

First off, I heeded many a warning as to the butt kicking potential of a spin class. I have always enjoyed riding a bike—my beloved mountain bike in particular, so this is no new machinery or sensation to me by any stretch of the imagination. But I guess when you combine being overweight and out of shape, it makes things interesting. In my last post I suggested that the instructor might be a sadist. Actually, that is wrong. Not only is the instructor a sadist, but the students are as well. It’s basically a really intense bike ride to jamming music. Simple enough. Right? Wrong again. Last night before the start of my yoga class, I sat next to a very kind middle aged woman, who had not attended the yoga class before. She asked me a few questions about how the class would go and I feel I gave her some good pointers. She mentioned that she, too, is taking part in the fitness challenge.

“Have you done the spin classes?” I asked.

“Yes", she replied. "I started about a month ago. It’s very challenging".

“I haven’t taken one yet”, I told her. “Tomorrow is my first go”.

She then lowered her voice, looked around to see that no one was listening and then leaned toward me and said, “When I first started, I found that my crotch was really sore from riding on the small hard seat”.

Wow! Too much information, I thought to myself.

“Really?” I asked.

She nodded and then added “it does get better after a few classes, but yes, your rear end really takes a beating in the beginning”.

I then recalled many a ride through the red sands of Moab or Gooseberry Mesa and the accompanying soreness at the end of the day. By then class started so our conversation was left at that.

That very same kind woman was in my class again tonight. Before the class began, she asked me, “Jaime, would you like a gel seat cover”. “Yes, thank you!”. Yes, yes I would. And yet, I may as well have had a cold metal rod between my cheeks for the next hour, because that’s about as comfortable as it got. It was pretty rough. Like really tough. But the good news: I made it. I lived through the entire hour. I was asked several times on my way out of the gym, “How was your first class?” to which I responded, “Well, I didn’t fall off, and I didn’t quit”. So there. I didn’t fall off, and I didn’t quit. I would also like to point out that I out-rode the 21 year old gal who was also there for her first class. In fact, she only lasted 20 minutes. That girl is hardly a sadist. I dare say I even felt good in the hour following the class. But then the muscles soreness and stiffness started setting in, so I’m back to hobbling around the house moaning. My poor husband who is desperately trying to be supportive, is ready to rip his hair out. He’s tired of listening to me complain. To my credit, I did forewarn him that I was not going to be pleasant to be around for the next week or so. Lucky for him tonight he went after work and shot nine holes at the golf course and is now slumbering peacefully on the couch.

So I’m off. I’m off to inhale some ibuprofen, and then I’m off to melt into a sudoku puzzle as I chant my new mantra…”I didn’t fall off, and I didn’t quit”.

Fitness Challenge

2008-03-03T13:54:00.002-07:00

So I signed up for the "March Madness" eight week fitness challenge at our local gym. First prize wins a free 3 month membership to the gym. I'm already a paying member, so that's not really the goal, but I am "competing" against 20-30 other folks who are also trying to get in shape. The challenge requires that you attend 3-4 spin classes per week, plus 2-3 other cardio classes or workouts on the days you don't spin. Now I've spend a lot of time on a bike in my past, but I've never done a spin class. I'm told the instructors are pretty much sadists. I'm not looking forward to that aspect, but I'm willing to at least try. I was also warned not to be discouraged if I can't make it all the way through the class on the first go. I'm going to go ahead and wager that I'll be making an early exit. But again, the theme...trying.

Friday I went in to have my weight & measurements taken, including my body fat percentage. Let me just say it was not pretty. Actually, it was beyond ugly. So since the weather is really turning gorgeous, I decided I'm going to try & jump start into the hiking season by getting a little better fit. We'll see how long I can hang.

BTW, the guys had a great time in Mesquite this weekend. Check out Jen & Daron's blog for photos from the golf & gambling expo. Also some great pics of "the belly" as well (baby Addyson in her mama's belly).

Jen is an inspiration to me -- she has been such a healthy mom and has religiously been going to the gym. She -- and her belly -- are teaching my yogalates class tonight, so if she can go (and teach!!) I really have NO excuses for not going too.

The Plane, The Plane!

2008-02-29T16:09:00.002-07:00

Recently I took a trip to Texas to see my family. Unfortunately Jon was not able to come this time, but he did a good job at keeping the home fires lit. I’m not exactly sure but I think he did a good job at polishing off some beers, too, along with playing a little Golden Tee down at the Buckskin….but I digress.

Living in a small town is both a blessing and a curse. I love that it is so quiet and slow here. I don’t’ even mind being so far from shopping, or a real movie theater. What I really hate is traveling anywhere of significant distance. It’s an hour and a half drive from Kanab to St. George where we can catch a puddle jumper to Salt Lake and then fly direct to most places. But when you have to drive 80 miles, then get on a plane for an hour, then have a layover and get on another plane for 3 or 4 hours, it can be daunting. Plus it always takes a little more time getting home because of headwinds. Anyway, last Wednesday en route to Houston I flew from St. George to Salt Lake in the middle of a snow/rain storm. Which is really no big deal as the crow flies, but in a smaller prop plane you can really feel (and see) the turbulence. Following are some notes from a journal entry of sorts that I composed on the plane.

2/20/08

7:05 PM
Out the window the aircraft’s light shines underneath the prop. I can see the ice & snow coming at us in horizontal sheets only cut by the power of the propeller. Some stupid lady next to me across the aisle in 8C just received (and answered) a phone call on her cell phone. IDIOT. If we go down because of instrument interruption I’m beating the shit out of her. What’s worse is that I think she is a Skywest employee. She was in line before me through security. I was a little taken aback when she commented on some man who was checking in at the kiosk. “I didn’t know you could choose seat assignments at the kiosk!! I’ve never seen that before!”. (Who doesn't know this--an employee no less!) She and her male companion were traveling standby. The final reason I think she’s an employee? She’s wearing a hot pint sweater with “Skywest” and their logo on it. Dumb.

7:35 PM
So I just looked up from my crossword puzzle and noticed our flight attendant “Debbie” has taken a seat behind stupid lady and they are chatting. She is from Dillon, Montana. Aha! Stupid lady in pink sweatshirt does work for Skywest, I was right! She has for one year. Moved to St. George to take care of her parents who are in their 80’s. Is it just me or does an on-duty flight attendant chatting in the seat next to you slightly creepy? Like isn’t there an unspoken rule –like when you eat in a restaurant—the waiter can’t just sit down at your table and start snacking on your appetizer and make small talk. Weird.

Just dug my iPod out of the depths of the bottom of my carry on buried under the seat in front of me. Music will save me. Keane - Somewhere Only We Know.

Dammit! One minute 48 seconds into the song & I gotta turn it off. We’re descending now. @#$%^

Did I mention the drive from Kanab to St. George is longer than the flight from St. George to Salt Lake? There’s something not right about that.

7:55
Someone farted (not me). It’s a horribly confined space and I am trapped. Thank God we’ve landed.

The GOP

2008-02-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

The Republican Party, the party of values!

Feb. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Representative Rick Renzi, a Republican from Arizona who isn't seeking re-election, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in an alleged scheme to profit from a land deal.

Renzi, 49, who was first elected to the House in 2002, was charged along with James Sandlin, 56, a real estate investor and one of his political backers, and Andrew Beardall, 36, an attorney who had been general counsel of Renzi's family insurance business. Renzi and Beardall are accused of embezzling money from insurance clients to fund the lawmaker's congressional campaign.

Duke Cunningham, Mark Foley, Larry Craig, and now Rick Renzi. What a bunch of good guys that care and uphold solid family values.

Laf.

New York Times Article

2008-02-02T00:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning the front page of the New York Times will be featuring an article about the Vick (aka Victory) dogs we are rehabilitating at the sanctuary. The article is here. Read and discuss. Insider commentary to follow shortly....

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-01-26T14:10:00.001-07:00

This is a really cute and fun blog that I borrowed (ok, stole) from Teandra. So here’s what you do:

Type your answer to each of the items listed below into a google image search and post a photo from the first results page. Hint: at first I thought you had to post the first picture, but it says you can pick from the first page, so having a few choices made it a little more fun.

Favorite animal:

Working at an animal sanctuary, this is really kind of an unfair question, but I went with cats & dogs. Since I live with them, I figured they better be in the top two.

Favorite place:
My answer is "home". This isn't my home, but it's someone's home. It's from a demo on insulation I think.

Place you would like to visit:

This is Yorkshire, England where Jon is from.

Your college major:

Psychology -- pretty straightforward.

Favorite holiday:

Thanksgiving, of course.

A bad habit:

This goes without saying....

An old pet:

Our first dog was named Poppy....

Age you will be on your next birthday:

(Yikes!!)

Favorite food:
Ooooh yeah, Mexican food!

Middle name:
Elizabeth....

Favorite color:

My fave is blue. I thought this pic was fun.

Where you live:
Kanab, Utah. And yes, it's really this beautiful.

Update on Gas Pump

2008-01-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

For inquiring minds…apparently the hoses at gas pumps are equipped with quick disconnect valves so that when someone drives off with the nozzle still in their car, they pull apart quickly, and cleanly - ideally with no damage. That was the case last week when Jon drove off with the hose attached. The hose was reattached within a day. One of the clerks who works there in the evening knows Jon farily well as we frequent there often. She was not working the morning of the incident, but he went in a few days later and told her what happened. She laughed at him but was unimpressed. Apparently she informed him “People do it all the time”. So there you have it.

My new toy!!

2008-01-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

So here's how it goes in our house when I want something expensive...

DAY 1

ME: "Hey Budgie, did you hear that there is a new iPod out? You know, mines not working too good."

JAIME: "Oh really? Cool."

DAY 3

ME: "Hey, so yeah....My iPod really isn't working still"

JAIME: "Oh that's too bad"

DAY 6

ME: "Waaaaaaahhhhhhhh, I need a new iPod......Waaaaaaahhhhhh"

Jaime: "How much will it cost?"

Sometimes it takes longer than that, somethimes shorter. Either way, I usually get what I want.

Love you babe!

P.S. I showed Jaime this post right after I published it.

She rolled her eyes.

Fun at the Gas Pumps

2008-01-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

Did you ever see a photo like this and laugh "ha ha, what an idiot" or "how dumb, must be photoshopped". But no, I am here to tell you it happens, as is the case this weekend with my beloved husband. We were on our way to St. George to do some shopping and Jon pulled into the gas station. While the gas was pumping I gathered up some trash from inside the truck and put it in the bin next to the pump, and Jon ran in to get a drink and a snack. When he came back out, we both jumped into the truck and drove away....only a few seconds later we heard a huge crash and bang. We looked behind us and there it was -- the gas nozzle still inserted into gas tank on the side of our truck, and a long black rubber tube trailing behind it!

Jon hit the breaks and ran in to tell the clerk what had happened. She apparently shrugged her shoulders and said "ok". And Jon said "ok" and split. He replaced the nozzle back into its cradle on the pump and we drove off, laughing all the way to St. George.

Politics....Twice!

2008-01-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it is a Presidential election year after all. I just couldn't go without posting this load of crap.

As someone who has been on the street with a microphone, for the Reporter to call out like that was a little out of line, but Mitt Romney is a lying piece of shit, that if elected, would make George Bush look like Dennis Kucinich.

Also his bouncer of a press secretary was an ass. Everything about it was lame, including the choice of Office Depot as a campaign stop. I'll bet it's the first time millionaire Mitt has even stepped in such a store.

This may get yanked off youtube....

Fandies

2008-01-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

My throat is sore from cheering and my hands are raw from clapping. I don’t think I have experienced such excitement since I met Mickey Mouse at Disney World when I was eight. (Sorry dear…the wedding was thrilling and I almost wet myself that day, but still…)

We just watched Jon’s step-brother Andy win tonight’s episode of American Gladiators. He has now advanced to the final eight. For those who may have missed the glorious episode, we are hoping it will re-air on Sunday night. Stay tuned for updates. Go Rev!

Iceman

2008-01-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year to All. I hope your 2007 was spectacular, and that your 2008 is even more blessed.

A few exciting things. For starters, I am working on a new project for the Community Programs & Services Division at Best Friends. It will be a lot of minute details and data tracking…tedious perhaps, but I am so well suited for this type of gig, it’s really quite fitting. It will be just like having all my old probate cases, but the cases will instead be centered around special project plans. I am looking forward to the new challenge.

Another exciting thing…tonight I went back to Jen’s yoga class. I must say she is quite adept at the whole exercise thing. Even at 7 mos pregnant and with a slightly swollen belly she is like this beautifully graceful swan….and then there’s me, the grunting elephant in the corner, sweating like a pig. Oh well. At least I went. I have a sinking suspicion that I’m not going to have much mobility over then next few days.

I just watched my dog (Moki) who is not really a fan of water, roll around on her back doing a snow angel in the back yard. So that was a fine treat.

And finally, but not least of important. Our friend and favorite Betta fish, Iceman passed on over the rainbow bridge to the big pond in the sky. He was a gift from me to Jon on his birthday in 2005. The life expectancy of such a fish is only a year or two. So I guess he lived a long and hopefully happy life. We adore him and will miss him.

REST IN PEACE ICEMAN ~ 2005 - 2008 ~ YOU WILL BE MISSED DEAR FRIEND

How Often?

2007-12-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

How often could you say that the place where you work is the focus of a series on a major cable network?

Starting right after the New Year, the National Geographic Channel will begin airing the first of several episodes of a show named, 'Dogtown.'

The show centers around the lives of many dogs who come through the area at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary known as Dogtown. Most of the dogs featured in the show, are just like most of the animals we see. Sick, injured, very unfriendly or all of the above.

Even though Jaime and I don't actually work with the animals, we know most of the people in the show, and you will get a great look (it will be shown in HD) at the place that we call our "job."

For a sneak peek at the show, please click here. A short commercial preceeds the actual clip.

The first episode is January 4th at 9pm Eastern.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2007-12-21T02:36:00.001-07:00

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Politics (just once!)

2007-12-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

I know I really shouldn't get into politics here. I won't do it often, because I just won't be so inclined. But one the by-products of illness (see below), is that I am not sleeping. So, a politics post it is.

I bought Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, on a recent business trip. I am not done with it, but I really have a hell of a lot of respect for this politician.

Ick. Never thought I would say that.

Honestly though, watch one of the debates for the 2008 race. I double dare you. Either side. You will flip the channel at the end and have absolutely no idea what any of them stand for, who they are, or what kind of President they would be.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think Barack could change the system. What he proposes in the book is what America's democracy used to be. A system that works for all Americans regardless of the size of your bank account. He shares some endearing stories about helping the people of Illinois while he was a state lawmaker. He also shares some terribly depressing stories about the failures of the system at the federal level.

I have said for the long time, there are two things that will change the political system for the better. Term limits, and campaign finance reform. The first being the most important. But how can we honestly believe that those that are currently reaping the benefits of the broken system, take those benefits away from themselves?

I don't really know who I will tell Jaime to vote for (I am still a citizen of the UK). Like I say, I like Barack, but I don't believe he can win. Hillary is an incredibly divisive human being. Guliani just stated that water boarding might be a good option (once in a decade). Huckabee as late as 1992 suggested that those infected with HIV be somehow quarantined (he defends it by saying we didn't know much about it then, but the CDC knew it wasn't contagious in the mid-80's). John Edwards is like the glitter of Presidential campaigns, you just can't get rid of him. Ron Paul, now here is a guy that I actually dare say I agree with on a couple of things. His libertarian ideals are interesting, he is just bat-shiat crazy. Romney, Kucinich, Dodd, Richardson, McCain, Thompson. Who cares. All bought and paid for.

Whatever, I think I am pretty representative when I say this. Wake me up when it's over and we have invaded Iran, and gas hits 5 bucks a gallon.

Sick....AGAIN.

2007-12-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

I am SO tired of this! I have been sick more since I moved to Kanab than ever before!

This time I had been gone 2 of 5 weeks for work, lots of flying, and just lots of work. It was in the mid and upper 70's in Atlanta, and then I came back here to 20's? I am pretty sure that didn't help. Stress from having to take part in a skit for the annual all-staff meeting for Best Friends? Yeah, pretty sure that didn't help. Christmas party the day after that? Definately sure that didn't help.

This time it's a new sickness. Started out with a nasty sinus thing, which then moved to a gnarly cough chest thing. All wrapped up with a nagging low-grade fever.

Yay me!

God I Hate Blogger

2007-11-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

I will try to fix those photos later.

Sorry

Willie (the real story)

2007-11-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, well I guess I said in the last post that we had blogged about Willie before. Jaime informs me that I was wrong (something she does A LOT).

So anyway, from the beginning. I was assigned to run the campaign for the piece of legislation we are hoping to get passed in Georgia. We don't do a lot of legislation at Best Friends (there are others doing it, and doing it well), but this is something that is important to an Attorney that works for us, so here we are. I am actually really glad to be doing it. Even though it has been a long time since Georgia was my home, I still feel pretty connected to the place. So to be able to work on things in Georgia that I am passionate about is like double the fun.

SO.....we get the campaign going, figuring things out, and before we know it one of the founders of Best Friends says he thinks he can get Willie to help us out. Francis has spent a good part of the lsat few years focused on the Los Angeles programs we have, including hob nobbing with the rich and famous at our annual Lint Roller Party. So no surprise he knows a guy like that. Different skills I guess (I mean, I got married at the Governor's Mansion, but I don't know Willie).

The deal was set that we (the video folks and I) would meet Willie before his show at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, pop onto the bus, and have him record several public service announcements.

Luckily we arranged that Jaime could also come, and my boss and her husband came along. What we wanted I think was that we could all squeeze onto the bus, but the thing, although nice, was just a luxury coach. Not the biggest of aisles etc.

Here is my wonderful wife in front of his airbrushed custom tour bus....

Please note (if you can see it), the horse art on the side of the bus. Willie has fought for the horses for a long time.

So the actual shoot was really hurried. We had enough time because Willie nailed each take, but there was not a lot of time for chit chat. You know, I think everyone would have their idea of what it would be like to sit down and just chat with him if you know what I mean. Alas, we did not get that, but before we knew it, it was time for him to go on!

We to be honest did not have enough fancy armbands for everyone, so we were unsure of exactly how it would go. Actually we thought that ony some of us would get in! But again, before we knew it, one of his security guys said, "if you're gonna watch the show from backstage you gotta go now." So we all follow and get put just to the right of willie, right off the stage!

Sorry about these photos, they really are bad. Our camera was not so good considering the guy was like 10 feet away....

At points during the show he would tie on one of his many bandanas, wear it for a song, and then throw it into the crowd.

I mean the guy played for like two hours straight. For sure Jaime and felt like true VIP's!

Also, we didn't realize this at the time, but we were also backstage with a personal friend of Willie's who is also a legend.

Don't know if you can see the sliver of face off to the left, but that is Don Cherry. He was a 50's crooner who was most famous for his song Band of Gold. He is also famous for being the only person to have a top ten hit, and finish in the top ten in the US Open of golf in the same year.

So anyway, sorry for the long post, but it really was pretty damn cool!

As I said in the previous post the PSA is now out, and getting media play all over the place.

Willie Nelson!!

2007-11-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

We've chatted about Willie before on this humble little blog. I have been working my little tail off this weekend along with many of my colleagues to get this together! The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran with the story on the 23rd, and then the story hit the AP wire which meant outlets across the country from CNN to Rolling Stone picked up the story!

Here is the video, please watch it and go to You Tube to favorably rate and comment on it!

Our first turkey free Thanksgiving (am I a tree hugger?)

2007-11-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

The minute we began work for Best Friends Animal Society we gave up meat. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I mean how could I on one hand work for an organization that promotes "kindness to animals" and then slap a big steak on the grill?

Since then I have really enjoyed not eating meat. I feel A LOT healthier, and I think I have lost weight (by doing nothing else except giving up meat). We occasionally eat fish, and to be honest eating out can be hard so sometimes the choices are very limited (for example my family took me to a chicken restaurant called Roasters last week).

Anyway we went off to St. George this weekend to buy supplies for T-giving. Jaime's parents are coming down and Jen and Daron and Jen's parents will also be coming over. We have the tofurkey's and I really am anxious to try it.

One thing I never want to be is preachy. I feel like we all have our own personal convictions in life, and who am I to say what someone should or should not believe in? I mean we should all feel for and advocate for companion animals....who couldn't love a dog? But I suppose there are those people who see turkeys as just dumb animals who don't feel like other animals. That's fine but I would have to disagree.

This is Luna

We will be adopting turkey's for our families this year. The Farm Sanctuary provides a great program to care for those birds that have been lucky enough to be rescued from breeding facilities and slaughter houses. You can even choose which bird you would like to adopt.

Oh I should also mention that my father now believes I am a tree hugger.

I guess I am.

A long week...

2007-11-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

I was in Atlanta all week for work. It was a really good trip in terms of work as we now can start formulating plans to get the campaign for SB 16 going. The amount of work is starting to dawn on me and it will be a huge undertaking, but I think we can really do some good.

I flew Spirit Airlines which is a super cheap-o airline where literally nothing is included. Want a coke? Pay two bucks. Not even a barf bag available should you need one.

Doing the cheap-o airline was good because it saved money but the times of the flights were terrible! I had to fly back late last night not landing in Vegas until midnight. Once I grabbed my bag, made my way to the car it was almost 1am, which is 2am Utah time. Three and a half hours back it was close to 6am by the time I rolled in.

Once I got out of Vegas and the highway was dark it started to get a little scary. I got almost no sleep on the flight back and I could feel myself getting drowsy. Once I hti Mesquite I realized I needed to so something to wake up. I stopped at a gas station and grabbed a mtn. dew. Still feeling tired I thought I would go blow the 20 bucks I had in my wallet (thinking a nasty loud casino might just get me going)

So I ended up at the Virgin River Casino and in front of a Monoply 2 cent machine. Honestly in two minutes I won 200 bucks! Quickly cashed out and made my way home. That's one way to wake up!!

Who Says Mormons Don't Have a Sense of Humor?

2007-11-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

So I went for the obligatory female checkup today, and I had to chuckle. In a town (entire county even!) that is purportedly over 80% Mormon, on the ceiling above the examination table (positioned so that the patient would have a perfect view lying horizontally from said table) was this poster:

I am not a crazy huge fan of Orlando Bloom, although I have certainly seen less appealing images. I, for one would have preferred something with a vista or mountain scene (a setting sun in the Cook Islands perhaps?) But I still had to laugh. At times this place is so surreally serendipitous.

That's Life.......(and radio)

2007-11-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

I wasn't happy at my previous job. It was a whole host of reasons, and I think really I just needed a change from radio. That being said there were certainly other factors about the situation at that time that just made my workplace an uncomfortable place to be.

I wasn't the only one that felt that way, others also did not like the environment and made their decisions to leave. In fact it was enough of the original team that people would mention to me that the show just wasn't the same. Now it really won't be the same.

The show's host, Michael Castner, of E! and KFI fame was fired yesterday I guess. The show from inception had been funded seperately by a generous grant from the board. Now that money was up, and they said that the show needed to make its own money and survive. The "official" word is that it was budget reasons that he was let go. I will say one thing, the show won't be the same without him. No matter what happened he was good at what he did.

Apparently though, he doesn't have any love for me....

Check out Frost's blog at the City Weekly....

Root Canal Day!

2007-11-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone rejoice! The root canal is over.

And yes, it was horrible.

Just for reference I thought I would show these lovely things.

Those are apparently known as root canal files. So after they whack out a big hole in the tooth, they measure just to see how far they gotta dig in. Then they go in with those medieval looking shards of metal and pull out the nervy bit (I should have been a dentist).

I made the mistake during the procedure of opening my eyes. Not something I normally do, and now I remember why. I look up and see one of those files in the dentists hand. Maybe it was just the moment but I swear to god it was an inch long. Oh I should also mention that the novacaine wasn't working so well so when he was shoving a file down in two of the canals it hurt like a mother fu&$#%.

Health Insurance

2007-10-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! We survived 3 mos without insurance! Woohoo! After 2 bouts of the flu and a root canal later, we are now once again insured. I'm actually not sure whether I should high five someone or crawl into a hole. Because of the new coverage I now have to make an obligatory appointment for the gynecologist and have a yearly physical. Trick or treat!

Tomorrow is Jon's dreaded root canal. I hope for his sake he gets the gas.

Sick, Sick, Sick

2007-10-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Gross. That's about all I can say for the last few days.

Friday morning I woke up for work, and Jaime is always gone by the time I wake up. This time she was still in the bed.

"Bug, WAKE UP, you are late!" I say.

"Not going, I am sick," she says.

Unbeknownst to me, my wife was up all night with it coming out of all places. Not good.

Later that day she is checking in with a 103.1 fever. Honestly I thought I had gotten away with it. I went out Friday night, felt fine all day Saturday. We got some pizza and I still felt ok. Until about 8 o'clock Saturday night.

Same thing almost to a tee Jaime had. I think the only difference is that she had a higher temprature, but I threw up more. Really a pretty nasty thing. Today my fever has broken, but I still feel like I have been hit by a truck. Soreness from the upchucking, my head is pounding. Ick.

I am alive (I think)...

2007-10-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

The last three months of my life have been consumed by the Las Vegas Super Adoption event.

IT IS NOW OVER!

An insane amount of stress, but 332 animals with new homes.

It was an interesting week. I got to Vegas on Wednesday of last week, driving in with a toothache. Not uncommon especially in that area of my mouth because my sinus cavity apparently sits very low on that top row of teeth. So for them to hurt when I am congested is no big deal. But this is one toothache that would not go away. It just got worse, and worse and I actually thought at moments I was going to pass out from the pain.

Going to the dentist at any time is not fun, but going in a town you don't know very well is definitely not fun. So I opened the phone book and found someone who would see me.

The place was actually really nice, and the Dentist seemed competent. By this time the whole side of my head was in pain so I could not answer the question of which tooth was hurting. They ALL hurt. So he picked up the air blower and blew cold air on each tooth. As he hit the one I started to cry. He then says he thinks he knows which one is the problem, and grabs a can of liquid ice, and hits that same tooth. I then really start to cry. I chose the temporary fix which was 200 bucks, but not the full root canal I need. The appointment for that is now a week from today.

But it is good to be home, and it feels good to have helped put together a really successful event.

Happy Birthday! And by the way, Southern California is on Fire

2007-10-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Got a surprise phone call yesterday morning. Apparently no network staff was available to cover the usual beats, and the devastating fires in So. California needed some attention. The result is my first front page network article. Not really that big a deal in the scheme of things, but a slightly different endeavor for yours truly. I actually enjoyed it, and while it's missing some elements (like an interview with anyone??) we were in a flurry at the time to get something, anything posted that it ended up very simple and to the point. Not to mention every agency or person I attempted to call yesterday was (not surprisingly) already out in the field.

Tonight we went to dinner at the Rocking V to celebrate Jon's birthday. We love Victor's place. If you come and visit us we will take you there. The food is great for Kanab, and desserts are even better. We shared the hummus appetizer, and I had the rissoto cakes; Jon the Rocking V shrimp. Of course we had to have wine, and for dessert I had the key lime pie, Jon the bread pudding. Their bread pudding with whiskey sauce is just about Jon's favorite food on the planet. Is this guy British or something?

No Place Like Home

2007-10-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well, to start off this was a monumental trip to Las Vegas. I did not have one sip of alcohol, nor did I gamble one cent. But I digress.

I have giant blisters on my feet, a sunburned face, aches and pains, stupid tan lines, (burn lines, really) and could take a week to recover. But what a success. Three hundred and thirty one dogs and cats went home this weekend. Almost 100 animals from the Las Vegas shelter (whose time had run out if you get my drift) were adopted out. There were about a dozen or so dogs from the shelter that did not find homes by 4:00 yesterday. But between Best Friends and group Adopt A Rescue Pet of Las Vegas, those that were left behind were taken in, so that they, too will have the chance to find a forever home.

Read about the course of events on Saturday and also Sunday.

This event has been a long time coming; much of Jon’s time at home and work has been consumed with the organization and logistics planning. My role this weekend was Dog Tent Captain, which was a lot of long hours and hard work with animals, volunteers and potential adopters. We are very excited to have a mellow week as we celebrate Jon’s birthday Wednesday, and a (hopefully) quiet weekend home with all our babies.

I didn't want to forget about Jon's exciting visit to the 24 hour dentist on Thursday night. It's exciting for several reasons. For starters, he was in excruciating pain from a toothache, although the dentist was able to patch him up temporarily. The real exciting part is that he was informed that he needs a root canal, which is probably around $1500 and we do not yet have dental insurance. Super exciting.

I got in late last night and Jon arrived home this AM. When I was dropped off after 11:00 last night Kona & Moki were so excited to see me that they jumped on the back of the couch in the front window and ripped down the curtains -- rods and everything.

More later as we decompress from the eventful weekend.

Gobble Gobble

2007-10-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

I felt compelled to write about the turkeys. First off, check out Ted Brewer's article here. These guys are gigantic, and so majestic. There's a flock of them that have been hanging outside my office window for a few weeks now. As Ted's article references, they really do soar down to lower canyon from the ridge up here. I saw it for my own eyes about a month ago. It's quite the spectacle.

And now a word from our sponsor. Actually, I won't get on my soapbox about how we really shouldn't be factory farming them for consumption on Thanksgiving. Or how we really shouldn't be factory farming anything but I have been enjoying the company of these guys too much to cause harm to one. So while, at this juncture, I choose not to proselytize about a cruelty free Thanksgiving, I will constructively suggest an alternative. Tofurkey, anyone?

What Happens in Vegas...well, who really cares? I'm tired of Vegas!

2007-10-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am beat and the party hasn’t even begun. Not even close.

First of all, get acquainted with our event this weekend. Yep, that’s right, Super Adoption heads to Vegas. Jon left this afternoon with a truck full of nonsense, and Jen & I will leave Friday morning with a van full of nonsense. The fun begins Friday afternoon when we set up, then continues early Saturday. That is when the fun really begins. For starters, they made yours truly a dog tent captain. Yep, I return to my volunteer roots, which is a double edged sword of sorts. After all of the years of establishing myself as a capable person they decided to put me in charge of something. Sort of.

Frankly I don’t care what I’m doing as long as I’m getting a walkie talkie. Except I found out there are rules against goofing around on the walkies, so we’ll have to devise some code words. Either that or I need to get a life.

Since becoming a vegetarian again, I have given up eating meat, wearing or purchasing things made of leather, and using metaphoric expressions such as the well known but particularly vile “running around like a chicken with its head cut off”. And while I don’t condone using such expressions, or eating chickens for that matter, I will say it does rather aptly describe the state in which I and the fellow staff will likely be by the time Saturday morning hits.

I think I’m getting a cold. Actually, in all seriousness I had a few good sneezes this afternoon and my throat is starting to hurt. Feeling a little feverish, too. Oh, the good news is I completed the Pet First Aid & CPR class this morning. Amid all the chaos, and as I retire to a warm bath, I wonder, where the hell did I put the echinacea?

The Laziest Blog Ever

2007-10-12T19:36:00.001-07:00

Check out the Tiger Salamander we found in our window well. It was SO cool. But you don't have to take my word for it. Check out Daron's entry from Septemer 25th.

Produce

2007-10-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Or shall I say, lack thereof?

Tonight I was really craving a salad. I wanted a crispy little lettuce ditty with a light balsamic dressing, maybe a little gorgonzola; a nice tomato. Not so much to ask, right? Wrong.

So I trek over to the grocery store. The produce selection was so heinous I couldn't believe it. There was not a leaf of lettuce in that place that looked appetizing, let alone edible. Not to worry, we have two -- count 'em two grocery markets here. So I went to store #2. They had a larger selection, but the condition of the greens was actually WORSE than store #1. I wandered home in disbelief and wondered, "What the hell is this?".

You'll be pleased to learn my craving was later satiated when we broke down and went out to eat at the Italian place in town. I guess lettuce is like sex, which is like air. It's not really a big deal until you can't get any.

I work out?

2007-10-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

Apparently I work out. I didn't think I did, but what I did tonight certainly FELT like working out. I certainly hurt like I might have raised the ol' heartbeat to working out levels (although for me that means walking ten feet).

I was once in the Army. The US Army. I actually became quite healthy at a lifetime low of about 160 pounds (I say lifetime, I mean I used to weigh 160 but it was the fourth grade). I ran everyday. During my time in Korea six miles a morning was not unusual at all, and we occasionally went out for a ten mile plus.

So as you can imagine as soon as I didn't HAVE to do it, I didn't. Relaxing and sleeping in once I was no longer a soldier seemed right. Like being a completely inactive human was my duty at that time.

Then the weight gain took hold, and I have no idea anymore, but i'll bet I easily clock in at about 230.

But anyway I did play racquetball tonight. Daron and I went down to the local fitness center, which for a small town like this is pretty damn nice. I had to take an aspirin halfway through the first game because I am pretty sure I was in the midst of a myocardial infarction. I got sweaty and actually looked like some sort of jock. I mean a fat jock, but a jock all the same.

I can't say it feels good, I mean I hurt like hell. But I can say there is no reason why I shouldn't do something every now and again. Might even lose some weight.

Neighh-borhood

2007-09-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Today while driving home from work I rounded the corner and there was a guy riding a horse down the street in front of my house. Gotta love this town.

Living The High Life

2007-09-12T19:00:00.001-07:00

So last night we purchased some organic catnip for the kitties. Today I come home from work and the little plastic baggie is riddled with tiny teeth and claw marks, and there are dried greens scattered across the counter and floor. Apparently all day while I was slaving away at work my cats were hanging out in my kitchen getting stoned.

On the Road Again...

2007-09-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, life on the road.

Sucks.

Dish Network came by yesterday and they hooked up our beautiful new 61" television up. So I for the first time in my life have a chance to sit down and watch HD-TV and I have to leave.

Not to mention the fact that I have to leave my amazing wife and children, AGAIN. As I mentioned in a previous post I would love to visit some exotic locales, but I am now in Salt Lake City. Sort of like being home, but this doesn't feel like my home anymore.

As soon as I came over Point of the Mountain and into the Salt Lake Valley there was the thick blanket of smog. Lots of cars and rude drivers at that. Where is my red rock, my clean air, my half redneck, half hippy town?

Tomorrow is an early one, helping No More Homeless Pets in Utah set up for their Super Adoption this weekend. Technically I am here more to observe, but they are making sure I get a piece of the hard manual labor as well. Good, since I will be doing it all again in a month in Vegas.

I sound like such a whiner right now.

Suppose I shouldn't blog when I can barely keep my eyes open.

Our Illness

2007-09-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

So, I have this little problem. By way of background, I will say at my own insistence, I am the household treasurer, bookkeeper and bill payer (and usually am on time but every now & then I space something and get it in late). As a general rule, I’m also pretty on top of things at work. But as life moves along in a fast paced environment, multitasking is required I typically grab a pen & notepad (scratch paper; paper towel, whatever) on which to take notes so I don’t forget anything. In speaking with my dear father on the phone tonight, I realized yet another thing we have in common. Besides blood type, hairline, and feet, we have the same apparent memory loss.

Let me preface the former statement by saying that over my life span my father has threatened several times to take back his genetic material. Honestly, I can’t really say I blame him. But it’s been several years since the most recent threat, and it’s really moot at this point. So back to this problem I have. For the life of me I can’t keep up with my wallet. I “lose” it all the time. Usually it turns up under a stack of papers, the console of the truck, between couch cushions…but a few weeks ago my wallet was missing for almost an entire week and I feared the worst. Could I have dropped it at the grocery store, or in the parking lot of the post office? Maybe someone stole it (yeah right)…maybe the cat ate it. Anyway after an agonizing week my dear husband located my wallet. It was in the cupboard above our washing machine. (???) Apparently a set of keys to his truck was up there with it. I can’t explain how any of it got there. I mean, obviously I put it there but I have absolutely no recollection of it. And at best, that is just creepy as hell to do something and not remember. And then to wonder, among other things, “Why in there?”

So flash forward this morning I get an email from my father. “Your mother had a flat tire and I have lost my wallet with all of my credit cards and it’s not even 9:00 a.m.” Well, Triple A took care of the flat but he was so freaked about the wallet he called and put credit holds on everything. All day I guess it was just eating away at him so he attempted to retrace his steps. He met up with some friends last night, and had gone and bought a pizza to take to the gathering. He had taken his license and a few cards out of his wallet but pinpointed that purchase as the last time he recalled having them. Today he called the pizza place, and his friend to see if he’d left the cards behind…nada. So he called all of the credit card companies, and probably the worst part of all was that he just could not figure out what the hell had happened to his cards.

He found out when he got home.

After a daunting day in cube-land and on the phone and worrying and whatnot, he went home and put on his comfy clothes. And then saw, tucked neatly inside of his shoe, were the missing credit cards. The mystery was solved. Evidently at the friend’s house he had slipped off his shoes and put the cards in one and his keys in another. Of course when it was time to go home, he retrieved the keys, but not the cards. The best part and most humorous bit of this entire story is that he walked around his office all day with the credit cards in his shoe. Even the laundry room cabinet can’t beat that.

Next time I lose my wallet, I’m blaming the damn cat.

Vacation.....ya right.

2007-09-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Whoever said Animal Welfare isn't sexy?

I joined the Army some years ago, and I truly did get to see the world. I spent a year in Korea among other places. Exotic.

Tomorrow however I leave for a place I have always dreamed of seeing.

Death Valley.

Yes, that's right, don't be jealous. I am off to see a lady who needs some help raising money for her Burro (Donkey) Rescue. It's actually an interesting story believe it or not.

If you want the back story click here to see a story I wrote on the issue.

I first head to Vegas to pick up a couple of colleagues heading in from Salt Lake, and then we drive for the desert. Doesn't sound like it will be a long stay in Death Valley. Thank god, 'cause I am not sure this fat kid could handle it.

After that I have some stuff to do in Vegas, and then home hopefully by Saturday.

Then next week is Salt Lake (leaving Wednesday). I am helping organize a Super Adoption in Vegas, so they want me at the Salt Lake event to take part and observe. Should be good, firstly I could use the info. I know so little about what I am doing in this job. I can take the knowledge whenever offered.

Secondly I will get to see Jaime's folks, my friend Scotty. Even another friend Ben says he wants to hang out so it should be a good week!

And THEN, come the 22nd, I am off to Chicago. But not like the pretty waterfront Windy City...oh no...the GHETTO.

We have a guy there that works with kids to stop them from getting into bad shit, including dog fighting. He is rescuing dogs, and he does work for us, so we are helping him with several projects (which I will be helping to organize).

So yeah, join animal welfare, see the world.

Live the life you love, love the life you live

2007-08-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

I talked to my grandparents tonight. Well, mainly my grandfather. My grandmother is so very sweet, but can’t hear worth shit and gets confused very easily. My grandfather, who is one of my ultimate heroes, has been battling cancer for about two years now. Recently we found out the cancer is beginning to win again and he has been undergoing chemotherapy, which has taken a toll on his already frail body. He is a feisty old German, though, and has been fighting it tooth and nail all along the way and taking it all in stride. Let me just tell you it’s so hard to see someone who, for so long you envision as being so resilient and superhuman, getting knocked on their ass by something so invasive. It sucks beyond belief.

There is so much petty bullshit I have left behind in my life, and I couldn’t be happier about it, but no matter how much bullshit you let go of, you can’t stop the process of aging or death. So “get over it or die pissed”, as my mother would say. All I know is hold on tight to the ones you hold dear while you can because in the end we have nothing but time and it is so, so precious.

The New Giclee

2007-08-28T20:24:00.001-07:00

Purple Shadow Game Time by Cyrus Mejia

So I'm Old. So What?

2007-08-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

So contrary to prior posts that may or may not be interpreted as morbid, I will say here (hopefully to add pics later) how great my birthday celebration was. For starters, and possibly one of the ultimate coolest gifts I’ve ever received, was a signed, numbered giclee print of a painting by local artist and BF founder Cyrus Mejia. The piece is entitled “Purple Shadow Game Time“. If you don’t know of Cyrus and his work, you should definitely check out his website. Not only is he incredibly talented, he is also an extremely personable fellow and all around nice guy.

My sweetheart had evidently been scheming and planning this gift for over a month. Made several visits to Cyrus’s workspace and gallery, trips to the art framer, and so forth. I knew he was up to some kind of surprise, but I never suspected an art piece, which makes it that much sweeter.

On Saturday before an evening out I got a cut & color at the local salon, which Jon had arranged, and he also presented me with a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure for later this week. Yeehaw! It’s almost like we live in a real city! Except that they couldn’t get me in for the mani/pedi until a week later. (But that only prolongs the excitement, right?)

My parents called me from a weekend away in Wendover, NV where they celebrated my mom’s birthday (2 days after mine). It was a milestone birthday for her. I won’t reveal her true age for fear of torturous retribution. (And also, it isn’t polite). She isn’t ashamed of it, as well she shouldn’t be. She’ll tell you if you ask, it’s just not my place to spill the beans, so I’ll just let you ask and she can tell you.

The weekend continued with as most pleasant dinner followed by a gathering afterward where many, many beers were consumed by yours truly surrounded by friends, cards and poker chips. So many thanks to all who contributed to an awesome kick ass birthday. Especially Jennifer & Daron who generously lent us their home & backyard for the occasion. Mwah!

Postscript: I forgot to mention the CAKE. Jon had the baker at the local grocery store make me a cake in the likeness of a SOFTBALL. (Realize sick humor implicated here by reading my post from Aug. 9th). Needless to say, it was a big surprise to say the least. Also, see a few pics from the party by visiting Jen & Daron's Blog. I'm hoping to have more pics to post once they're rounded up (including pics of the cake) so stay tuned for future posts.

Reality Bites

2007-08-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and I was reminded of my own mortality first thing this morning. I wish a funny anecdote was to follow, but unfortunately that is not the case.

I was slated to join the interns on their last day as Jill (their advisor and my fellow office mate) was taking them on a hike at the sanctuary. I got up and set off early so as to be ready as we were scheduled to meet up fairly early. As I passed the interstate weigh station in the canyon and approached the shooting range, traffic came to an abrupt halt. I suspected there was an oversize load or a person hauling a boat that was jamming up the flow, but as we sat idly for a few minutes, which turned into five, then ten, I realized this was not a typical delay.

As I waited, I saw an ambulance pass us in the oncoming lane to where the traffic came to a head up above us. Another few minutes, another ambulance. Not looking good. A few people turned around in our lane and headed back toward town. I briefly considered doing the same, but figured I might as well stick it out. I soon saw someone I recognized coming toward me and approached his car as another employee of the sanctuary chatted with him from the driver’s side window. “Is there an accident?”, I asked, to which he answered “Looks that way”. He headed on in the other direction when I noticed several other sanctuary staff exit their vehicles and begin chatting along the side of the highway as we all waited. I finally got a clue and turned off the engine to my truck and joined them. Someone had muffins. We were all relieved we didn’t have coffee (so we would have to ‘go’) since we were out in the open and there wasn’t really a place to go to the bathroom. I also let the girls out of the truck, since they hadn’t been out to have their morning potty break either. The girls and I stood with the other folks and we chatted in the chilly air as we watched yet another two ambulances, three tow trucks, and a life flight helicopter arrive. After a long time, two of the tow trucks came back down the canyon, one with a large pick up truck with the front driver’s side smashed, and another with a van with a smashed front and rear.

After a while a man in an SUV drove by telling everyone it should only be another 20 minutes or so before things were cleared. We saw the helicopter fly away, and then the road was finally opened. A few hundred yards up the road, just around the bend from where we had been waiting, was the shooting range, and right in front of the turnoff was a mass of metal and plastic, and a mangled sedan with a tarp draped over it.

I don’t know a whole lot in life but I do know that having a tarp draped over a totaled vehicle at an accident scene is not a good sign. I said a silent prayer for whoever was in that vehicle (as well as the others) and continued up the canyon. Although I have my suspicions, I don’t know if anyone is deceased. I certainly hope not, but don’t know that that is the case.

Needless to say, I missed my hike but I received a good reminder in the value of life and appreciation for it. Apologies for the possible grim interpretation of this note but I'll fill you in on the joy of celebrating and receiving my birthday loot in another post.

Home Ownership

2007-08-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

So I have never personally owned a house and of course that changed when I met and married Jaime.

When we lived in Salt Lake, things like yardwork never really meant much, because our yard was a piece of crap and we didn't care, but here in Kanab it is different.

We moved in to a home with a landscaped yard. Brand new sod, sprinkler system, beautiful rose bushes. I feel like a real ass if I don't mow my lawn here for the obvious reason of feeling like a lazy piece of shit, but also because others on my street have beautifully manicrured lawns. Like I think they spend hours cutting each blade with a pair of scissors. So anyway, bottom line is that it sucks. Xeriscape here we come.

Oh also been really into The Pick Up Artist on VH1. It actually is a horrible, excruciatingly sick hour of TV, but like a car wreck you CANNOT look away. I mean I don't need to see a show like that, just ask Jaime. I GOT the moves yo.

Oh and remind me to blog about the human waste in the downstairs bathtub. Home ownership can be a pain in the ass.

Love Dogs

2007-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

My dear friend up north calls me a callous, bitter, asshole. Is that a bit harsh? Neh, she knows me well, and she still loves me. We’re tight—we were both in each others’ weddings. She also knows a side of me that many do not. That being said, here goes for one of my favorite Rumi poems. So much attached to this. So much, so long ago, and now. In part, I present to you, Love Dogs.

~Love Dogs~

This longing
you express is the return message.

The grief you cry out from
draws you toward union.

Your pure sadness
that wants help
is the secret cup.

Listen to the moan of a dog for its master.
That whining is the connection.

There are love dogs
no one knows the names of.

Give your life
to be one of them.

~Rumi

This verse usually makes me cry or gives me the chills at the very least. I’m going to be posting some other little gems from Rumi, and also Thich Nhat Hanh. My husband will probably accuse me of being a freakish hippie but I’ll just have to remind him yet again that that’s what he signed up for. :)

Take Me Out To The Ball Shame

2007-08-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

If you beg them they will come.

First off, I am pleased to report that my parents arrived this evening in Kanab in good order. Tonight we had a most civilized dinner at Escobar’s and the proceeded to Fredonia for a Best Friends softball game. You see, the regular season is over (I think—or is close anyway) but tonight was a make-up game that was rescheduled in light of last week’s thunderstorms. So we packed up the cars, the coolers, the lawn chairs, the parents, and headed over to the field. Jon has been a member of the team since early this season and has really been enjoying it. I’ve been to most of the games with him, in support of the endeavor. My presence as a sideline cheerleader and designated beer drinker ended tonight.

Tonight, I batted.

I would like to say that I was wooed like a celebrity to join the game but really it boiled down to the fact that the team has a shortage of women players and would have to forfeit if they didn’t have another female on the roster. So, in effect I was begged and then finally conceded.

Never played the sport, never really watched it either, so I was pretty far out of my comfort zone. Still, the team needed me, and while I warned them that they would be better off taking the out, they put me in anyway. As a result, I’m not sure who suffered more.

I was informed that I would play catcher and that I didn’t need to do anything but stand at home base, catch the missed pitches, and toss them back to the pitcher. Fair enough. A few throws back and forth and I had that bit down. Then came the batting.

As it turns out, we were first up to bat. Being the newbie, I was (thankfully) placed near the end of the list, but alas we made it almost through the cycle and I was up. I gingerly made my way up to home base and assumed the position. First pitch came, I balked. It fell beautifully in the center of the plate. Whoops. Steerike. The ump was trying to explain to me that meant I had 2 outs (because that’s the rules or something) but to me it was all gibberish. I nodded to him as if I understood and then turned from the ump and faced the pitcher again. He pitched. I swung. I made contact. I was shocked, and I paused. And then I ran for my life.

I’m pretty sure the infielder had already caught the ball and outed me, but I figured I’d put my heart into it. What happened next, I can’t really explain. I’m sure it happened in slow motion. A glorious skid to first base, you ask? Ummm....not so much. About three quarters of the way to first base I tripped over my two left feet, and proceeded to gacefully careen downward, and in an instant….I ate MAJOR SHIT.

I fell on my right side, mostly on my upper arm and shoulder, but managed to scrape off a layer of skin on both my right knee and elbow. You have to understand that this southwest sand diamond is not just regular soft dirt, to the contrary it’s this very unforgiving red sand and pebble graveyard. It was like skidding across a cheese grater on all fours. Yeah, pretty gross.

I gimped away to my lawn chair where my parents were stationed and grabbed my beer trying to shake off the sting. Blood was dripping dramatically from my knee and elbow. Strangely, it didn’t really hurt that badly, in fact it was numb. I’d just succeeded in removing a layer of my delicate epidermis, but oddly my ego was in more agony than my body.

Needless to say I was pretty horrified by my embarrassing mistake and declared myself out for the rest of the game. Jon took off his undershirt (a Nightside t-shirt, no less) and we sopped up the blood on my limbs. Our friend Rich retrieved a first aid kit from the concession stand and patched me up pretty well. I am pretty sore (my shoulder and arm are pretty wrecked, and I somehow pulled an ab muscle in the mayhem) however I am disappointed to report that all of that blood and gravel equates to some pretty benign looking scrapes on my knee and elbow. Oh well.

It will likely come as no shock that I have at this time retired from my softball career. I like to be good at everything, but I suppose that's not so realistic. But I must say I have a pretty great life. Great husband, great parents, great pets, great house, great job.

I guess you can’t have everything.

Eww

2007-08-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

In our back yard just witnessed the dogs chase and stalk the biggest, grossest cockroach I've ever seen.

Awesome!

[sarcasm]

Mission Accomplished

2007-08-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

So, we made it up to Salt Lake last weekend. We were there for about 24 hours total. We left Kanab Saturday morning and drove the 5 hour ride to SLC and went out and had Indian food with my dad. It was pretty good. Under new ownership from when we used to go there, but it seemed all right. Afterward, we went and hung out with my dad for a bit, then went to bed. My mom was in Vegas, so this was a dad-only visit. The next morning we got up, went and got my bike from our old neighbor’s house, loaded it up into the back of the Avalanche, and then drove it home. We had no problems getting it off the truck (I was extremely worried about it). So it’s here now and I can officially continue to be the big mama biker I am at heart.

Another funny story I had to jot down. When we arrived in Salt Lake at my parents’ house, Jon and I were pretty gross from traveling so we opted to shower before going out to dinner. Reminiscing back to days in our old house where you could not shower while watering the lawn, or washing clothes in the washer, and further you had to wait an hour or so after doing laundry before being able to get warm water for a shower, I asked my dad “So, can two people shower at the same time here?”, to which my father calmly replied, “Oh, we’ve never done that here”. I asked again, “but can two people do it at the same time” and he repeated himself, “we’ve never really done that here”. I finally realized he thought I was asking him if two people could shower together in the same shower. Jon and I both laughed and said, “No, no! We just mean can two separate showers run on the water heater at one time?”. We all had a nice chuckle. I’m not sure what my dad thought we were going to do, and whatever it was I’m sure it made him feel uncomfortable so it was pretty funny once we all realized what the confusion was over.

Needless to say, no romantic interludes were had in the shower at my parent’s house but it was a pretty funny misunderstanding.

Lull...

2007-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry two dear readers. We have failed you.

Tuesday

2007-07-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today I drove home from work and the truck is so nasty filthy that I could barely see out the window. I thought about taking it to the car wash but it's just going to get filthy again tomorrow....is that bad?

Jon is still in Nevada helping out with the cat sanctuary down there. He is ready to come home, although tomorrow he spends the day in sin city doing business. Among other things, fueling some poker machine along the way I'm sure...

Small Miracles

2007-07-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

I cried on the way home today.

Probably not for the typical reasons a person might cry over while driving home from work. But as I wound down the dusty trails of the sanctuary to reach the canyon and the main road, the floodgates opened.

I received an email from which an excerpt follows, although I have changed the names of the actual writer & her son to maintain some degree of anonymity.

Dear Best Friends,

I just wanted to let you know that my son, Matthew, donated a Kuranda Dog Bed from your website. Matthew will be 4 on July 27th and instead of receiving a present this year, he decided to buy a dog bed for a dog that did not have a home. He decided to do this after our beloved dog, Sadie, passed away 2 months ago at the very young age of 5. Matthew and Sadie were best friends and loved playing in the stream together and going camping/hiking. Matthew would like a special dog to receive the bed and hopes that they enjoy sleeping in it as much as Sadie enjoyed sleeping in her special bed. We hope you all have a wonderful day! Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Matthew’s Mom

Okay, so maybe I’m a little volatile from the heat and perhaps from the emotional nature of uprooting my life and moving away from all that I’ve known for many years. But that has just got to be one of the most sentimental things I have heard in a long time. It’s no miracle, (or is it?) but these things happen every day here. I can’t even begin to express how moving it is to be involved in something like this. And so for the moment, I cried.

The Oven

2007-07-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

For starters, I haven’t blogged recently because

a) we have been in the process of moving and things have been nuts

b) we haven’t had internet access until 3 days ago

c) I’m freaking tired.

It’s been over 100 degrees every day for the past two weeks. But right now it’s thundering and lightening up a storm. Came out of nowhere and I’m sure it will be gone just as quickly as it arrived. I just ran out to the driveway to get something out of the truck when the downpour started. Who ever said it never rains in the desert? Well, it rarely does. BUT I felt compelled to jot down what I witnessed just now. As soon as the rain started pelting a little girl – 8 or 9 years old?—across the street ran out her front door and into her driveway. She stretched her arms out and looked up at the sky as the water poured into her face. Then she lifted her arms upward as if to catch the raindrops and thank the sky above for releasing them. And then in all her glory she looked across the street and noticed her creepy new neighbor (me) watching her and ran back inside. Can’t really blame her for that. I wasn’t intent on being lecherous, though. Just observing her spirit and really actually relating to her actions. As such I walked around the house and did not physically replicate the ritual, but I sure felt relieved and thankful for the precipitation.

My First Rapid Response

2007-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

So today I will head out to Pahrump Nevada. There is a cat sanctuary there in need of our help so I am off as part of the first team to respond to the place and get it all in order. 400 cats. Should be fun.

Not a usual part of my job, but Pahrump kind of falls in my territory. I am not sure how helpful I will be as a rapid responder but we'll see. I love cats, so 400 in one place should be an interesting experience. I will only spend a couple of days there working the long days, back breaking work, staying in an RV. I'll be off to Vegas for Wednesday and then back to Kanab.

For those who would much rather hear from Jaime, #1 I don't blame you, and #2 I am trying to get her to blog more.

Maybe once I am gone for these three days she will get on the ball?

The Edge of your seat....

2007-07-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. You have been on the edge of your seat wondering how we are doing. Did the truck come yet, you said? Are they moved in? Did Jon and his Best Friends softball team win?

Yes to all.

The truck arrived today. It was indeed two days late. For some reason the truck was not picked up Monday night at the ABF terminal in Salt Lake. The plan was for that to happen, and then it would be to us on Tuesday. I smell a refund in the works.

So the truck is here, I bought a dolly from the hardware store in town. The next few days will be simply unloading hell! Yay!

We did get into the house over the weekend. It is so awesome. We moved in Saturday and even without a single possession in the place it totally feels like home. I have no idea what on earth we will do with the 2900 sq ft. but I am sure I can find a few uses (bar, and poker room anyone?)

And yes, I made my Best Friends softball debut on Tuesday night. I am 1-for-1, hitting a 1,000 and I have not yet made an error (fielded one ball). So that's good. Another game tonight.

Although I am not entirely sure I can actually move. Advil is my friend. In fact I thought the feeling I had after running to first base would be the worst I would feel. Apparently not. Even today it still hurts.

Too Hot?

2007-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Oh believe me. I know it can be too hot. This may sound silly since we just moved to Kanab, but anything over a hundred it just too hot for me. Also it apparently is too hot for airplanes.

I took a five o'clock flight last night from SLC to Saint George. It was the easiest way for me to get down here since my car was already here. The flight takes about 80 minutes, and it takes about 90 to drive to St. G from Kanab. So Jaime and I essentially left at the same time.

About halfway into the flight the pilot comes on...

"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, from the flight deck. You probably won't be surprised to learn that it is hot in Saint George. And you'll notice we just took a left turn, we will be doing another, and going back to Salt Lake. It is to hot for us to land in Saint George."

I have done a lot of flying in my life, flown all across the globe, but I have never heard in my life that it is too hot to land. Apparently it's something to do with air density, or molecules or something. I was never good at science.

So I had no way to call Jaime. She was almost in St. G by the time we landed back in Salt Lake. I did make the next flight so she just had to wait for 2 1/2 hours.

A US Citizen?

2007-07-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

I know this is not Kanab related. Sorry about that. Anyway, I have been going over the idea of finally becoming a citizen of the US. This is a test I came across on MSNBC.com....

---------

Do you have what it takes to become a citizen?

You answered 95% of questions correctly. Here's your rating:

0-20%: Maybe you're still thinking too much about the Old Country.

25-40%: Mmmm. Do you really want to be a citizen? This kind of performance isn't going to impress those nice immigration folks.

45-60%: Not too bad, but you really need to break out the civics books again -- word is, the INS is looking for an 80 percent score.

65-80%: Hey, you may make a good citizen yet! Look at your wrong answers and a little revision should do the trick.

85-100%: Welcome to the United States! (And, truth be told, you know more about this great land than most Americans.)

-------------

I was actually going to post my 19/20 correct answers, but I figure it might spoil it for others. The dumb thing is, the only question I got wrong was the date of the writing of the constitution.

Take the test by clicking here through to the MSNBC website!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Wagon Train

2007-07-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

So, I made it to the Brandon. Well, officially it’s now called “The Flagstone” (motel) but everyone in town calls it the Brandon, so we do too. First off, I am pleased to announce that the animals and I arrive unscathed with the exception of one accident had by the infamous Coconut. We made an unscheduled stop in Scipio to take care of business. The cats both (but Karma in particular) yowled the entire way here. They apparently do NOT like the car. I gave them each 2 tranquilizers and they still screeched the whole way. Poor things. Actually, I should correct myself. They didn’t scream the entire way. It’s a five hour drive and they only technically hollered for the first four hours…..

Anyway, Moki & Kona have become quite the seasoned travelers, so they were fine until we arrived…when they were so anxious to get out of the truck they both tried to jump out the window in the front seat.

But now both of the dogs are crashed on the floor, and the cats have both taken up residence underneath the bed. Fine by me. We do have one escape artist (Karmie) so as far as I’m concerned ‘under the bed’ is far superior to ‘on highway 89’.

I start work tomorrow and I’m really excited. I’m sure it will be mostly an orientation day with HR and whatnot. The only concern I have is leaving the animals at the motel while I’m gone. When Jon gets here (flying to St. George on Friday after the moving truck gets packed) he can take them to work with him. But I’m not really comfortable taking the drooling mongrels to the office…not even sure yet if it’s kosher in my dept. so hopefully they all do ok on their own during the day for the time being.

That’s it for now. I’m off to breathe some fresh air and drink some clean water.

Moving Sucks

2007-06-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

I could not be more excited to start the new adventure in Kanab.

We are just having a hard time getting there.

Jaime organized a moving company last minute. It was our fault, I mean we really didn't get on the ball. We found someone who said they could do it. As we grew closer to today, I started to wonder about the company, and more specifically if they could accomodate all of our stuff.

Thursday I talked to the girl, and she mentioned that they had a trailer. Not a truck, a trailer. A 21x9 trailer at that. Not enough for our stuff.

At this point it's too late, and the recommendation she gave us was to try rent a u-haul. In June. On a Saturday. Day of. Moving season.

Yeah right.

So we are not doing anything today. Jaime is taking a well deserved nap, and I am blogging.

All is not lost however. I just spoke with ABF U-Pack and they are awesome! They are dropping a semi truck thingie at our house on Tuesday sometime. They will then pick it up on Thursday. It will then be delivered to Kanab on the 10th. We hopefully will close on our house in the 9th! It is the fraction of the cost of the other companies, and quite frankly cheaper than even a damn u-haul.

So, all we need now is some good strong lads to help us do all the heavy lifting!! On both ends LOL

Jaime will be in Kanab tomorrow. She will drive down with the kids while I work from up here for a couple more days. Once the truck is packed I will depart for Saint George courtesy of Sky West. Then, just maybe I will be in the office again Thursday.

A Zillion Degrees

2007-06-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

I’m still in Kanab as Jon rounds out his second week at Best Friends. I haven’t seen him this energized in months. While I think his job anchoring the news was very suitable for him, I don’t think it was all that interesting to him by the time he decided to move on. I have yet to begin my two weeks but at this point am scheduled to begin July 2nd. We are driving to SLC tomorrow and will be there through the week. Jon has a few meetings up there so he is going to work from home which will be nice since he can help me pack things up in the evenings. We have a mover scheduled to come on Saturday and haul it all down to Kanab. It will probably cost a small fortune, but we need the help and hopefully it will not be an expense we will need to shell out for again any time soon.

The girls are easing into life here in Kanab. They are still suffering anxiety when separated from us; me in particular. They are ok with Jon but they prefer me I think. I am, after all, the momma. We have been moving around from motels to rentals and whatnot and they just don’t get it. Kona had an anxiety episode at daycare the day we left, and she has been a little off since then but seems to be doing better. The other day I went out to my truck to get something out of the front seat. Understand, it is 8 zillion degrees outside, and probably 9 zillion inside the truck. They both hopped in the back seat and wouldn’t get out. I had to coerce them for about 5 minutes, and actually physically lift Kona out (bad leg) but that’s how confused they are. Poor babies. I think they will adjust in time, though. They are such great companions.