In Memory of...

Twice in recent months I have attended funerals of friends during my monthly trips to Utah. The first was a childhood friend (David P.) who struggle for many years with several addictions. The second one was for Alycia C. who succombed to complications following surgery. A third friend (Devin B. from the DC area) also passed away this winter. I did not know Alycia very well. We met this last summer on a tubing activity down the Potomac River then chatted at a few parties. We shared a few laughs and the usual banter. Many in the DC area are very good friends with her as (so I have learned) she has many best friends. It was very heart warming to see several DC area friends in attendance at her furneral in Kaysville, UT. Stephanie and Melanie reflected on some great memories, the photo montage was nice, and the music was great. Stephanie recited E.E. Cummings poem I Carry Your Heart. The DC Friends sang Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow (complete with ukulele) which was very moving. Save the rest of us a good seat up there. Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams that you dreamed of Once in a lullaby ii ii iii Somewhere over the rainbow Blue birds fly And the dreams that you dreamed of Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh Someday I'll wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh Where trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney tops thats where you'll find me oh Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly And the dream that you dare to,why, oh why can't I? i iiii Well I see trees of green and Red roses too, I'll watch them bloom for me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white And the brightness of day I like the dark and I think to myself What a wonderful world The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces of people passing by I see friends shaking hands Saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying, I...I love you I hear babies cry and I watch them grow, They'll learn much more Than we'll know And I think to myself What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld Someday I'll wish upon a star, Wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I hiii ?

Happy Birthday Maya!

Yay, Maya!

Bouncin' Off the Walls

Maya's 5th birthday party was the best yet. After attending a friend's birthday party last summer, Maya knew exactly where her next party was going to be - Bouncin' Off the Walls. She had about 22 friends and cousins plus all their parents. They all had a blast and personally, I felt like I got a month's worth of workouts competing with my brother Jeff on the Tug-n-Goal. You can find all the pictures here: Maya's B-Day.

Travel Bonus

As much as I travel, I am amazed how (for the most part) my travels are trouble free. Sure I have had delayed flights, change of airplanes due to mechanical issues, cancelled flights and several very bumpy rides. But considering all of my travels since about '95, I would have to say the postives extremely out-weigh any negatives. Today for instance, the first leg of my flight was overbooked. They called me up to the counter and asked if I would like to give up my seat in exchange for a non-stop flight to SLC. I was already sold but they added the fact that the flight arrives 15 min earlier than my original flight. They also gave me an exit row/window seat (with the middle seat being empty), a $7 food voucher, and a $200 travel voucher. Thanks Delta!

Monthly UT Trip

Tomorrow begins this months trip to Utah to spend time with my daughter Maya. Gratefully my work situation has allowed me to work remotely one week a month for the last three years. Wow, 3 years already!!! It is definately not ideal, but has been a source of strength for me, and hopefully for Maya too. She struggles with the transitions but hopefully the end result is better for all of us than other less favorable options. Eventually, I plan to again live in the same city as Maya! So this trip marks a new chapter for Maya. Maya turns 5 on Monday!!! Of course a big party is planned for Saturday with lots of friends and family expected to be there. Plenty of pictures will be taken, no worries. Next week is her final week at Sugarbear Academy. She has attended Sugarbear since she was one. Many great friends, teachers and administrators have had a hand in helping Maya learn, grow, and of course have lots of fun. It will not be easy for her to leave. Thanks Tricia, Grandma and Grandpa Sugar, Lori, Lisa, Toya-Lyn, Natalie, Amber, Christy, Arlene, Bre-Anne and everyone else. Maya begins a new adventure at the JCC where my sister Sharlie is the Director of their Early Childhood Center. I'm bit anxious about the transition, new school and new friends, but I am also excited for the future. Maya seems to be excited about going to a new school and making new friends. Hopefully she transitions smoothly, Emily would sure appreciate it! I wish I was going to be in town for at least part of her first week. Hopefully it all goes well - for both Maya and Emily! But I'm jumping too far ahead...

Ultimate Frisbee - Glow-in-the-Dark Style

Thursdays have become one of my favorite days of the week. Besides the fact that I am getting some much needed exercise, ultimate frisbee in the dark is a blast. The lighted frisbee and cyalume bracelets make remembering who is on your team a moot issue. Scott W. has been the keeper of the gear and now I have aquired a back-up set, just in case. Thanks to everyone who has been dedicated thoughout the winter to keep playing, regardless of the weather or how muddy the field has been. See you on the field (7:00PM McLean, VA Stake Center).

Forgotten Blog

As you can tell by the large gap of time since the last (and only) entry, this blog was all but forgotten. I have read and enjoyed the blogs of friends but just never really had the urge to put any effort into my own. Well, after the mild urging of another, I have decided to actually put a bit of effort into this. No promises, but over time it may be of value to someone, somewhere. At the very least it may be a future source of humorous reflection. So there you have it, Blog entry #2, 8 months after the first! Hopefully future gaps will be significantly smaller.