the Smith in me

Recently, I had a wonderful treat--goat cheese with fig jam. It was so fantastic I had to share. So, I took some to my mother's house. While she liked it, she wasn't in love with the flavors they way I was. She then proceeded to tell me that I must get my affinity for fig jam from her father. He loved fig jam. In fact, he would make it and not even share because he enjoyed it so much. Well, figs are in season, and I decided to try my hand at some fig jam making. I'm sure that wherever he is, my Grandfather is smiling at my enjoyment this "lugubrious" delicacy! If you're interested, you can find the recipe here.

fear (and loathing)

If you're looking for a good time waster (and it is educational). Visit here. Anything you every wanted to know about phobias, but were afraid to ask (pun intended.)

pioneer day

In honor of the pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley, there a a slew of events remembering "The Days of '47." Things such as a marathon, a 10K, a parade and other events. I'm not sure how such festivities relate to the pioneer. It seems that this year, the Osmonds are putting on a concert. Nothing says pioneer day like Donny and Marie Osmond singing "I'm a Little Bit Country/I'm a Little Bit Rock-n-Roll" or "Soldier of Love."

bling bling

Saturday, my brother called me as they were headed to Provo and told me to ask Posh what she wanted to do. When the arrived, I asked Posh and she replied, "get my bears bierced" (get my ears pierced). She has been asking to do this for about a month now, so her parents decided it was time. Since I've been a part of the other two girls, they invited me to go along!

She has no idea what she's getting into!

I think the ear marking might have been the worst part.

The second one wasn't so bad.

Look at that face!

Luckily, Daddy was there to hold her the entire time!

She did cry after being poked, but only for about 15 seconds. Once the girl offered her a lollipop, all tears ceased. All afternoon and evening she ran around showing everybody her ears. If you asked her what was in her ears, she'd reply "bling, bling." Probably because she got 4mm pink "diamonds." 4mm isn't very big, unless you're a tiny, little 2 year old! Apparently, she continues to show them off to anybody who will look! Glad she isn't too traumatized!

the punisher

There is a pigeon that sits on the ledge of the building next to my office. From our view out the 3rd floor window, you can see "the Punisher." The CE boys say he is a menacing bird and they are all afraid of him. Rumor says he has swooped toward the window and if you cross him, he'll attack you when you leave the building. I think the CE boys are a bunch of scardy-cats! It's just a little pigeon. How much damage can he do?

Feist

Last night we headed up to Deer Valley for the Feist concert. This is probably one of my favorite venues for a concert. And, I love Feist. Enjoy this little number for those of you that couldn't be there.

happy trails

One of my joys in life is trail running. I got into this a few years back and even created my own cross country camp with my girlfriend, belle. As Meggies is training for her first half marathon, we will occasionally run together. Since we typically run after work, and it is scorching hot, I suggested a trail run. We headed up to Millcreek and ran the upper portion of the Pipeline trail. It is a nice flat, easy trail. I'm so happy that she had fun and enjoyed her first trail running experience. We've decided to make this a weekly ritual. I can't wait for more fun trails with her!

how helpful is google?

Recently, I've set my home page at work to iGoogle. Everyday, they have a couple of "how to" items that you can link to. Today's item is "How to Date." Check it out here. I obviously need the help. Thanks Google!

Fresh fruits and vegetables

I'm so excited! I joined a CSA yesterday. Starting July 21st, every week I'll get a big box of organic fruits and vegetables from a local farmer. I can't wait to try new produce that I might never have experienced. I'll keep you posted about all the healthy stuff I'll soon be eating.