Fish out of water

Since I have decided on doing a triathlon (and am not running as much these days), I am taking up swimming. It is such a graceful looking sport and yet, is so difficult. I had my first "swim lesson" from Megan's friend Hannah. (I won't drown when in a pool, however, it is a little scary to watch me make it the length of the pool.) She is an excellent teacher and I had a fabulous time with her. The funniest part of the night was watching me try to do a flip turn for the first time. I was not very graceful (or even capable) at first, but I started to get it down. By the end of the month, I plan to be able to swim 500 meters without having to stop.

The best part of the night was after the swim when Meggie, Hannah and I all came to my house for some yummy dinner! I love to eat....especially with friends and at the end of a workout!

Moab

One of my favorite things every year is the Moab half marathon. It officially marks the beginning of spring for me. And, just as fun as running the half marathon is the newest tradition of the weekend, hiking Delicate Arch the next morning to watch the sunrise. With such gorgeous views and great friends, how can you not love being alive?

"Police Beat"

Those of you familiar with the Daily Universe will know the "Police Beat." The student paper publishes a section of the rampant crime on campus. Upon visiting the traffic office with Pops to get his parking sticker, I noticed an entire notebook of said "Police Beat" items. Here are merely a sampling (and some random comments to go along and spice them up a bit) "A suspicious incident was reported" I'm guessing this is not an everyday occurrence and therefore worthy of not within the paper. "A young man reported to lose (or have stolen) his cell phone." Police, help! I've lost my cell phone. Or, based upon the writing of this comment did he steal (or at least play a role in the stealing of) his own phone. Hey, you over there.....do you want to steal my cell phone? "A car was vandalized in the Marriott Center parking lot. No note was left and there are no suspects." Next time perhaps the culprit should try something along these lines: "Dear Mel, I slashed your tires, Love, Mandy" Oh, the joys of the Daily Universe "Police Beat".....how I miss it!! Thanks to Mandy for her contributions and comments on each of these crazy reportings.

Going Postal

Apparently there is a reason why the expression "going postal" is so appropriate and why the USPS makes you become that way. I need to purchase some stamps today which seems like an easy task. However, crazy postal worker just couldn't let it be so easy. I need to mail 38 items, so I purchased 2 sheets (20 stamps per sheet) of stamps. After waiting in line for 35 minutes to purchase my stamps (if you want a great job the USPS is where it's at....help 3 customers, take a 15 minute break...no seriously that's how they operate in Orem, Utah) He questions me about purchasing both sheets of stamps. You see, rates are going up May 6th and I had better use up all of these stamps by then because "we won't take them back." That's right folks, the USPS won't accept returns on postage. And, it seems, I must use up all my 39 cent stamps before May 6th (since they still offer 1 and 2 cent stamps to increase the amount of postage) Even after explaining that I was mailing 38 items, he still questioned my intentions with wanting 2 sheets of stamps. You gotta love the service you get from the US government! Flavor of the Day: I have no idea

Spring is in the air

I love that the weather is finally starting to get warm again. It's one of my favorite things....cool enough for a sweater in the morning, warm enough to take it off in the afternoon. I just wish it was going to stay this way for months....there's the possibility of snow next week. Welcome to Utah. I will just have to make the most of my weekend in Moab. Flavor of the Day: whatever you want it to be

Thursday, the new Friday

I have decided that Thursday should officially become the new Friday. I rather enjoy Thursdays. Yesterday, I went to a movie in the middle of the day. Granted all new movies come out on Friday, but you miss the rush. You see the movie in a very non-crowded theater, all the hype has died down and you get to just enjoy the movie. Besides, movies don't start until around 11am so there is plenty of time to get into the office, turn your computer on, log into chat, do a little work and sneak out for and early lunch. By the time you return all the people who take a late lunch are just getting back so nobody really notices you've been gone for 3+ hours. You do a few more thing around the office and then, its time to head home. Besides, Thursday night has the best TV....My Name is Earl, The Office 30 Rock (a show that if you haven't watched, you definitely need to check out because Alec Baldwin is hilarious!!) and a new show to come (March 15) Andy Barker, P.I. but you can preview it now at nbc.com Now, if I could only do something about getting the work week to end on Thursday so I could play all day on Friday. Today's Flavor: Caramel Cashew

Moving Day

Ah....I just loving the moving of my office. I think my broker (aka my Dad) intentionally suggested I take a certain cubicle just because he knew they would be dismantled in a week. So, for 1 week, I had a lovely, large window all to myself. Now, I have moved to what might possible be a better location. I do have to share an office with 2 other people (husband and wife....maybe?!?) But, I do have the cubicle by the window and it is a better view than before. (I used to look at the office building located to the south of us) Now, I get to see the dumpster, some homes and snow capped peaks to the east. Fortunately, I think I will have the space all to my lonesome most of the time. Bring on the tunes!! Today's Flavor: Almond Joy

FATCO.....it's more than a state of mind

Having to go to work everyday just isn't as much fun as unemployment. Fortunately (or unfortunately), my real estate office is right next door to a First American Title (FATCO). Since they are constantly marketing to real estate agents...we bring the clients that purchase the title insurance....there is an inter-office agreement. Their fridge is constantly stocked with various beverages (diet Coke, Dr. Pepper) and they make freshly baked cookies daily in their little Otis Spunkmeyer over and we are allowed to just help ourselves. There are not always fresh cookies (but my title rep, who happens to be my brother) has told me that I can steal cookie dough from the freezer whenever I want. So here I sit, between meetings, drinking a Dr. Pepper, eating a cookie and perhaps, getting a little heavier. If I'm not careful, I'm going to become "FATCO". Today's flavor: Key Lime Pie

One blog, all to myself

So, after numerous months of posting on a family blog, commenting on my sister's blogs and now being invited to a recipes only blog, I have decided to take the plunge and start my own personal blog. Hopefully this will be as much fun as I hope and I will not regret this decision to blog. Really, I hope I'm smart enough to figure out all this new technology and keep up with the younger bunch of my family.