Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What a guy.
Last night while I was driving home, Aaron agreed to read the 7th Harry Potter book to me. I was so tired of the radio and wanted something to pass the time. He read from north of Pasadena all the way home and kept me sane through LA traffic. That was over 2 hours and he didn't even try to turn on Power 106 while going through LA. That's huge for him! (He has always resisted reading those books, but I think I may have lit a small fire under him. Time will tell...) He even did the voices and read by a small light in the dark! What a hero. Thanks!
we're home, but i want to go back
Last night we returned home from a fabulous trip to Yosemite. I had forgotten how wonderful that place is. I was really sad the day we went home and contemplated picking up a job application so I could stay forever. There were too many pictures for me to choose from late last night, so I've posted pictures of our hike to Half Dome and will post other trip pictures later this week.
Half Dome
This post is going to have A LOT of pictures, but i'm darn proud of this accomplishment. Pride aside, we saw some amazingly beautiful stuff that needs to be shared.
This is the view we had of Half Dome while driving to Yosemite Valley. Made me wonder, again, what I had gotten us into.
We started on the trail at 6am and this was the first mile marker. I must have been tired because I'm displaying Glacier Point and not Half Dome.
We decided to take the Mist Trail up because I'd heard about the beautiful waterfalls you would get to see and we were not disappointed. Behind us is Vernal Falls. All the rock steps are wet becuase of the mist from the falls and it actually feels like it's raining. A welcome change from the heat. This part of the trail was my favorite. Words like beautiful and amazing don't quite describe it. It was nice to walk past it so early in the morning when it was still and quiet. On the way back those steps were swarming with tourists in flip flops who didn't hold on to their screaming children. Not a good idea.
The next waterfall on the trail is Nevada Falls. This one is also amazing, but not as close to the trail. The rock steps on this section of the trail were a only a little sampling of what was to come. Note: all these waterfalls are fed by the Merced River which basically runs through the valley. During the hike we filled up our water bottles from the river and went rafting on it later in the week.
This is at the top of Nevada Falls where the Mist Trail ends and joins the Muir Trail. My tired little smile showing we only have 4.5 miles left to go.
This is the view we had of Half Dome while driving to Yosemite Valley. Made me wonder, again, what I had gotten us into.
We started on the trail at 6am and this was the first mile marker. I must have been tired because I'm displaying Glacier Point and not Half Dome.
We decided to take the Mist Trail up because I'd heard about the beautiful waterfalls you would get to see and we were not disappointed. Behind us is Vernal Falls. All the rock steps are wet becuase of the mist from the falls and it actually feels like it's raining. A welcome change from the heat. This part of the trail was my favorite. Words like beautiful and amazing don't quite describe it. It was nice to walk past it so early in the morning when it was still and quiet. On the way back those steps were swarming with tourists in flip flops who didn't hold on to their screaming children. Not a good idea.
The next waterfall on the trail is Nevada Falls. This one is also amazing, but not as close to the trail. The rock steps on this section of the trail were a only a little sampling of what was to come. Note: all these waterfalls are fed by the Merced River which basically runs through the valley. During the hike we filled up our water bottles from the river and went rafting on it later in the week.This is at the top of Nevada Falls where the Mist Trail ends and joins the Muir Trail. My tired little smile showing we only have 4.5 miles left to go.We were lucky enough to see some deer along the way. They were eating in the brush next to us and decided to cross the trail in front of us.
This is the sign at the base of Sub-Dome, which leads to Half Dome (ignore my totally tired mug). In all my research on Half Dome, not once did anyone mention the evil that is Sub-Dome. Well, I'm going to mention it here. It was unbelievably difficult. Some serious switchback steps carved into the granite at a really high altitude, after hiking 7 miles, do not make for a good time.
This picture is at an angle so look sideways until the tree is straight. See the steps next to it? That's what we went up on Sub-Dome. Apparently whoever carved the steps grew tired of doing so because about 3/4 of the way up Sub-Dome the steps stop and you have to make your own way up the steep granite.
Ah, the cables. This view is from the top of Sub-Dome. See the little lines and tiny people in the middle of the rock? Those are the cables you pull yourself up to get to the top of Half Dome. I didn't want to stop at the top of Sub-Dome, but rather just hit the cables right away because I knew I would get freaked out. After Sub-Dome I could barely walk and knew I had to rest before I could pull myself up a mountain. Of course, by the time I rested I was properly freaked out. I would have been so mad at myself if I had gotten that far and not finished, so I said a prayer, instructed Aaron to not talk to me unless he was in mortal danger, and started the climb. It was not fun, but we made it.
So tired at the top.
This was my favorite view from the top. The mountains seem to go on forever.
Not sure why I struck that pose, but I guess I deserve to do whatever the heck I want at that point.
I wanted to get down the cables ASAP, but Aaron decided to get out his camera and snap some shots. I was a little mad that he decided to be Ansel Adams at that point, but I'm glad to have the pictures now. I basically did some controlled granite surfing on the way down, but we made it.
This is the sign at the base of Sub-Dome, which leads to Half Dome (ignore my totally tired mug). In all my research on Half Dome, not once did anyone mention the evil that is Sub-Dome. Well, I'm going to mention it here. It was unbelievably difficult. Some serious switchback steps carved into the granite at a really high altitude, after hiking 7 miles, do not make for a good time.This picture is at an angle so look sideways until the tree is straight. See the steps next to it? That's what we went up on Sub-Dome. Apparently whoever carved the steps grew tired of doing so because about 3/4 of the way up Sub-Dome the steps stop and you have to make your own way up the steep granite.Ah, the cables. This view is from the top of Sub-Dome. See the little lines and tiny people in the middle of the rock? Those are the cables you pull yourself up to get to the top of Half Dome. I didn't want to stop at the top of Sub-Dome, but rather just hit the cables right away because I knew I would get freaked out. After Sub-Dome I could barely walk and knew I had to rest before I could pull myself up a mountain. Of course, by the time I rested I was properly freaked out. I would have been so mad at myself if I had gotten that far and not finished, so I said a prayer, instructed Aaron to not talk to me unless he was in mortal danger, and started the climb. It was not fun, but we made it.
So tired at the top.
This was my favorite view from the top. The mountains seem to go on forever.
Not sure why I struck that pose, but I guess I deserve to do whatever the heck I want at that point.I wanted to get down the cables ASAP, but Aaron decided to get out his camera and snap some shots. I was a little mad that he decided to be Ansel Adams at that point, but I'm glad to have the pictures now. I basically did some controlled granite surfing on the way down, but we made it. The 7 mile hike back is agony on your muscles. We both decided we have no need to do that hike again. We were glad we did it, but once was enough. After two days of soreness, Aaron changed his mind and thinks he would do it again. I stand firm with my decision.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
what a prayer
Sunday was my birthday. Those who know me know i like a LOW KEY birthday (so much so that i would never normally write a post that mentioned my birthday) and do not enjoy being the center of attention. Aaron and i were asked to give the prayers in church just before Sacrament Meeting started. While listening to Aaron's closing prayer i heard a him say something along the lines of, "bless all the people having birthdays today", and he continued with his prayer without skipping a beat. As soon as he said "amen" i gave him dagger eyes while he was sitting on the stand, smiling like he just won the lotto.
My hope among hopes was that it would end there and people would simply think Aaron is a nut. But, i guess not every birthday wish comes true. I knew the Bishop knew it was my birthday because he had wished me a happy birthday a few minutes before the meeting began. I turned my attention to him, who was laughing, and i saw him whispering with the man who was conducting the meeting. He then got up to close the meeting and noted the birthday line in the prayer and explained to the congregation that it was my birthday, thus the odd request for birthday blessings. He proceeded to ask everyone to wish me a happy birthday when they saw me.
Although my head was down and my eyes were closed because i didn't want people to catch the death stare i had been giving Aaron, i could hear bones creaking while bodies turned to check out the birthday girl. Needless to say, i had many birthday wishes from snickering ward members that day. Ahhh, being married to a littler jokester is great.
My hope among hopes was that it would end there and people would simply think Aaron is a nut. But, i guess not every birthday wish comes true. I knew the Bishop knew it was my birthday because he had wished me a happy birthday a few minutes before the meeting began. I turned my attention to him, who was laughing, and i saw him whispering with the man who was conducting the meeting. He then got up to close the meeting and noted the birthday line in the prayer and explained to the congregation that it was my birthday, thus the odd request for birthday blessings. He proceeded to ask everyone to wish me a happy birthday when they saw me.
Although my head was down and my eyes were closed because i didn't want people to catch the death stare i had been giving Aaron, i could hear bones creaking while bodies turned to check out the birthday girl. Needless to say, i had many birthday wishes from snickering ward members that day. Ahhh, being married to a littler jokester is great.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
So Groovy
An online article was showing kitchens featured in the magazine House Beautiful through each decade since the 50's and included commentary from the issue the kitchen was featured in. I just couldn't resist looking at them and wistfully imagining myself in each one. Some of them were slightly terrible and I didn't wish to be in those. These were two that I just had to share.
This one is from the 50's and the article from that decade boasted "When you can get a complete kitchen, laundry and a place to eat into a space only about 12 feet square, it’s a real achievement". Laundry and cooking in one room? You'd never leave. I love the use of bright colors and how they weren't afraid to draw your attention to something like a cookie jar. Although, some times they did go overboard...
such as the beauty you see here. This one is delightfully tacky! Not one, but two matching phones on the wall, that blend with the wall paper. The lamp, the stoools, the phones, the bowls, the serving and eatingware; it's all matchy-matchy. If you spent too long in there I'm sure you'd see those flowers when you close your eyes to go to sleep.
This one is from the 50's and the article from that decade boasted "When you can get a complete kitchen, laundry and a place to eat into a space only about 12 feet square, it’s a real achievement". Laundry and cooking in one room? You'd never leave. I love the use of bright colors and how they weren't afraid to draw your attention to something like a cookie jar. Although, some times they did go overboard...such as the beauty you see here. This one is delightfully tacky! Not one, but two matching phones on the wall, that blend with the wall paper. The lamp, the stoools, the phones, the bowls, the serving and eatingware; it's all matchy-matchy. If you spent too long in there I'm sure you'd see those flowers when you close your eyes to go to sleep.I'm sure in about 20 years we'll look back and wonder what the heck we were thinking with our current interior design.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy Birthday, America!
I love America and every thing the 4th of July represents. I'm not a crazy patriotic person, but I am so thankful to live here and enjoy all the freedoms I have. I cannot deal with people who talk badly about this nation in front of me. I may not agree with who is running it at various times and the decisions elected officials make, but the fact that I get to elect someone is pretty darn great. If you don't like it, MOVE! Stepping off the soapbox now...
Cute little Ava who I just couldn't get enough of.
Of course, Aaron gets along swimmingly with my nephews and played outside all weekend with them. I know it looks like he is throwing Parker to the ground, but really he is picking him up to put him on the slip n slide. Promise.
My family met in Brigham City at my Grandma's house and had a great weekend together. A few of us ran in the local (and extremely casual) Firecracker 5k and then a few of us hiked the mountain outside my Grandma's front door. We made homemade ice cream, bar-b-que'd, and relaxed amid the cousin chaos. We also went to the huge fireworks display that Brigham City puts on. They have the best fireworks soundtrack, which included "Welcome to America" by Neil Diamond this year. Couldn't ask for more.
Cute little Ava who I just couldn't get enough of.Of course, Aaron gets along swimmingly with my nephews and played outside all weekend with them. I know it looks like he is throwing Parker to the ground, but really he is picking him up to put him on the slip n slide. Promise.County Fair!
One of my favorite things about summer is going to fairs and festivals. Growing up near Sacramento, we always went to the California State Fair at least once a year. When I was in Santa Barbara I regularly attending the Avocado Festival and the California Strawberry Festival. The San Diego County Fair comes each year before the 4th of July and isn't the huge spectical I grew up with at the state fair, but it has won a place in my heart. Aaron and I went for 7 hours the other Saturday. That's a record!
I have my traditions of always eating a County Fair cinnamon roll and going on the same ride each year that totally scares me and prevents me walking for a few minutes after getting off. Aaron and I saw literally every thing there and sat in on a lecture/slideshow from a man who is a photographer for the USO and was showing images from Iraq and Afganistan. That was really interesting.
We missed the Turkey Trot, but saw this mammoth getting fed. That toy truck next to him does not stand a chance.
Last year I watched the Demolition Derby which was pretty much the best thing ever, but it was on Sunday this year. Aaron and I caught a bit of the California's Strongest Man competition.
Aaron wanted to check out the swine races which turned out to be quite the spectator sport. I had no idea that many people would attend. Once they brought the piggies out and slapped a number on each of their backs, my heart felt a little guilty for taking part. I guess it's the humane society in me, but when the host mentioned their upcoming show dates in various states I longed to help the pigs roam free in the mud and not provide me with entertainment. They even had one pig dive into the tub of water in the middle of the track and swim. I didn't run out on the track and try to save the pigs, but I did want to put on a hat and hide. Maybe next year I'll free Willy.
I have my traditions of always eating a County Fair cinnamon roll and going on the same ride each year that totally scares me and prevents me walking for a few minutes after getting off. Aaron and I saw literally every thing there and sat in on a lecture/slideshow from a man who is a photographer for the USO and was showing images from Iraq and Afganistan. That was really interesting.
We missed the Turkey Trot, but saw this mammoth getting fed. That toy truck next to him does not stand a chance.Last year I watched the Demolition Derby which was pretty much the best thing ever, but it was on Sunday this year. Aaron and I caught a bit of the California's Strongest Man competition.Aaron wanted to check out the swine races which turned out to be quite the spectator sport. I had no idea that many people would attend. Once they brought the piggies out and slapped a number on each of their backs, my heart felt a little guilty for taking part. I guess it's the humane society in me, but when the host mentioned their upcoming show dates in various states I longed to help the pigs roam free in the mud and not provide me with entertainment. They even had one pig dive into the tub of water in the middle of the track and swim. I didn't run out on the track and try to save the pigs, but I did want to put on a hat and hide. Maybe next year I'll free Willy.Ron is everywhere in San Diego
Recently a group of us ate at a local taco shop called Lucha Libre. As you might gather from the name, the theme of the restaurant is the Mexican wrestling pastime. People swear by the food there, but it wasn't my favorite. Perhaps I have a picky palate. But, the restaurant goes out of it's way with the interior decorations and it's a pretty cool place to sit and eat. The highlight of our trip was when I spotted the Ron Burgendy Channel 4 News Team TV set that doubles as a garbage can. No plain ol' charcoal receptacle here. I love that they make garbage look good.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Dug, i'm in love
Aaron and I saw 'Up' on Friday night and recommend it without reservations. I especially recommend Dug. I have been experiencing doggie fever for the past few months and meeting Dug (a character in 'Up') on Friday only increased my doggie quotient. I now call dogs 'dugs' and force Aaron to hear me talk about them all the time. Go see 'Up'.Here's Dug wearing the cone of shame.
really?
I overheard this short exchange on the trolley this morning.
white middle aged man: Do you speak Spanish?
20 something girl: Uh, no, I'm Japanese.
Oye. I looked at my friend next to me and we both gave one another the 'did that just happen?' eye. I won't say I'm the brightest bulb in the bunch, but it is times like these when I understand why some people think Americans are ignorant. Or just have no mouth filter whatsoever.
white middle aged man: Do you speak Spanish?
20 something girl: Uh, no, I'm Japanese.
Oye. I looked at my friend next to me and we both gave one another the 'did that just happen?' eye. I won't say I'm the brightest bulb in the bunch, but it is times like these when I understand why some people think Americans are ignorant. Or just have no mouth filter whatsoever.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
wait, am i old now?
There has been a long running joke among friends that I'm an old lady. I guess there are some valid arguements to that point, like the fact that I never forget my coupons, if it's after 9pm you'll probably see me asleep in a corner, I read the Smithsonian next to a real old lady on the trolley, I'm all about black and white movies and many more examples my old lady mind can't recall right now. Aaron is convinced I'm a 70 year old stuck in my late 20's body. I work with the Mia Maids (14 and 15 year olds) in my ward and here are two gems they have provided me with lately that have me wondering if I really am old.
Exhibit A: While I was teaching in class one Sunday, I said something about when I was younger and one of the girls piped up and said, "younger? what are you, like 20?" I kindly informed them I'm actually on my way out of my 20's not on my way in. The look on their faces after I stated my age had me making a mental note to grab some Centrum Silver on Monday after work.
Exhibit B: Tuesday's activitiy consisted of the girls learning how to crochet a headband. This was part 2 of the activity and one girl had missed part 1, so I was showing her how to chain and start some rows. After a few moments of frustration, she said, "who would ever do this for fun?" I foolishly said, "I do. In fact I just crochet a camera case for Aaron while I was watching the NBA finals game the other day." Every hook in the room stopped moving and all eyes were on me with silence being my only companion. "Girls, it's not that weird! I didn't want to watch the game and thought we could save money if I made one. It was so easy!", I convincingly said, but knew my answer was satisfying no one.
I'm hoping one day I can quote Mean Girls after an experience with them and say, "Ahhh, you girls make me feel so young."
Exhibit A: While I was teaching in class one Sunday, I said something about when I was younger and one of the girls piped up and said, "younger? what are you, like 20?" I kindly informed them I'm actually on my way out of my 20's not on my way in. The look on their faces after I stated my age had me making a mental note to grab some Centrum Silver on Monday after work.
Exhibit B: Tuesday's activitiy consisted of the girls learning how to crochet a headband. This was part 2 of the activity and one girl had missed part 1, so I was showing her how to chain and start some rows. After a few moments of frustration, she said, "who would ever do this for fun?" I foolishly said, "I do. In fact I just crochet a camera case for Aaron while I was watching the NBA finals game the other day." Every hook in the room stopped moving and all eyes were on me with silence being my only companion. "Girls, it's not that weird! I didn't want to watch the game and thought we could save money if I made one. It was so easy!", I convincingly said, but knew my answer was satisfying no one.
I'm hoping one day I can quote Mean Girls after an experience with them and say, "Ahhh, you girls make me feel so young."
Cow Parade
While Angela was visiting, Sandy, Angela, and I went to La Jolla to check out the cow parade that was on display. Artists painted/decorated fiberglass cows which were put on display around La Jolla. Once the presentation period was over the cows were up for auction with the proceeds going to a charity chosen by the artist. Some of the artists were very creative with their themes and it was interesting to see the cows planted around La Jolla, which usually does not have art like this on display. I love art, especially when it's free!
It might not be clear in the picture, but the cow is wearing a matador hat to complete his bull fighting ensemble. At first I thought the cow/bull was the matador... 
but when you look at the picture below you can see the matador in the bull's eyes. Apparently dressing like your opponent is a good way of mocking them. I was surprised with the detail this artist used!
I think by the time I leave San Diego I will have voluminous collection of pictures of me by the ocean. I guess it's a good thing I live in an area where the main attraction is the ocean because you never really get tired of going there. If I ever do, I'll know it's time to move.
It might not be clear in the picture, but the cow is wearing a matador hat to complete his bull fighting ensemble. At first I thought the cow/bull was the matador... 
but when you look at the picture below you can see the matador in the bull's eyes. Apparently dressing like your opponent is a good way of mocking them. I was surprised with the detail this artist used!
I think by the time I leave San Diego I will have voluminous collection of pictures of me by the ocean. I guess it's a good thing I live in an area where the main attraction is the ocean because you never really get tired of going there. If I ever do, I'll know it's time to move.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Mud Run Pics!
Here are some snaps from our recent Mud Run. The Mud Run is at Camp Pendleton and is listed as a 10K, but that does not begin to properly describe it. A 10k is a walk in the park compared to this. You can get more info on the race here: http://www.camppendletonraces.com
Left to right: Aaron, me, Sandy, and Jen. We're so fresh and so clean before we run.
I'm not sure what we're all looking at here, but I know we were putting on sunscreen. Or totally amazed by Sandy's guns.
I'm they teeny person on the left behind the guy in red. You can't see me very well, but I included this shot to give you an idea of the landscape we were running in. i.e. in the mountains in the middle of nowhere.
Post mud run. Due to the fact that I wore spandex, I was able to keep my shirt on this year! Yea! This isn't a close up, so you dont' get an accurate nasty reading, but I'm pretty sure we all have mud mustaches.
Thanks, Ang, for taking the pics!
Left to right: Aaron, me, Sandy, and Jen. We're so fresh and so clean before we run.
I'm not sure what we're all looking at here, but I know we were putting on sunscreen. Or totally amazed by Sandy's guns.I'm they teeny person on the left behind the guy in red. You can't see me very well, but I included this shot to give you an idea of the landscape we were running in. i.e. in the mountains in the middle of nowhere.Post mud run. Due to the fact that I wore spandex, I was able to keep my shirt on this year! Yea! This isn't a close up, so you dont' get an accurate nasty reading, but I'm pretty sure we all have mud mustaches.Thanks, Ang, for taking the pics!
Further Proof
that Aaron is a baby charmer. Exhibit A: Angela's baby Esther. Couldn't get enough of him. She loved him so much that later that night, she barfed all over his face while he was holding her in the air. Priceless.
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