Ocean Therapy

In order to maintain the illusion of being 'that kind of guy', because I enjoy trying to be a good friend, and because I was in desparate need a fix myself, Saturday was dedicated to the rebuilding of souls through Ocean Therapy. You see, Tara happens to fancy a fellow that is out town this weekend. This means it will be two weeks before they get to see eachother. She threatened to hide indoors and sleep away the whole weekend. (Now *she* is the one that is going to kill *me* :) I guess we're even.) Distractions were in order and I had plenty of my own reasons for needing to get out of the city. Tara made the 'mistake' of mentioning the beach on Friday. We have both been Jonesing for the beach pretty badly and since Duck is still a month away we quickly couldn't resist the alluring power of the ocean. Warm sunshine, cool sand, the rhythm of the crashing waves, the salty breeze, funnel cakes, outlet shopping and I'll drive! - Resistance was Futile! We set up our beach chair and blanket and began to take in Rehobeth Beach, DE. The beach was ours - almost exclusively! A football game to our left, a teen in a shorty wetsuit trying to body surf, and an older couple in beach chairs to our right completely covered up from head to foot. The sunshine was wonderful, although it was only in the high 50's, the sand was cold, the waves were large, the breeze was more of a gale infused with sand, and the funnel cakes were greasy. But alas, the ocean still was able to work its amazing therapy on us. Balance was restored in our respective universes. We both scored some new threads at the outlet stores which I desperately needed. Tara was an amazing trooper at Coach. She fought gallantly against no less than 4 beautifully crafted and temptingly priced purses. I was not sure who would win, the incredible deals on these amazing handbags or her inner restraint needed to resist spending her predestined funds. The inner battle must have been horrific as each model was test driven and lovingly fondled time and time again. The overheard conversations of other shoppers was no help: "I am NOT leaving this store without a new purse!" After what must have felt like hours on her gruelling mental battlefield, amazingly, she boldly left the store empty handed. But I remember hearing something to the affect of "I am never coming to the beach again without money!" and "Next time I'm starting here!" (Uh oh, I think death threats are in my near future!) All in all, the ocean worked its healing magic on us. Great day spent with a great friend. Thank you Atlantic Ocean. Thank you Tara. More beach pictures. Tara's beach pictures Tara's version of the story

More Layers Revealed

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Corey! When provoked, Corey will swivel the tip of his abdomen and shoot a jet of boiling chemicals at his attacker. The pupil of an octopus's eye is shaped like Corey! There are now more than 4000 satellites orbiting Corey. Europe is the only continent that lacks Corey. In the 1600s, tobacco was frequently prescribed to treat headaches, bad breath and Corey. By tradition, a girl standing under Corey cannot refuse to be kissed by anyone who claims the privilege. In the Spanish edition of Cluedo, Corey is the victim. Humans share over 98 percent of their DNA with Corey! The National Heart Foundation recommends eating Corey at least three times a week. Corey cannot swim. I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

Wisdom

For many years now I have had two bits of wisdom that have guided my life in a productive and meaningful way. I have tried to pass this wisdom on when I get the chance. I hope that these two nuggets of exceding worth will be of great value in your life as well: Never pet a burning dog. Never goose a man with a chainsaw. Sometime in the not so distant past I came upon a new set of wise tidbits that I feel compelled to share. I'm not sure where I found this collection. If I stole it from you - Thanks. Let me know and I'll give you credit. If you have more, please add them. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side and it holds the universe together. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire. It's always darkest before dawn. So, if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. No one is listening until you fart. Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. If you think nobody cares if you are alive, try missing a couple of car payments Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. If you lend someone $20 and you never see that person again, it was probably worth it. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield. Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time. Good judgement comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket. A closed mouth gathers no foot. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. Never miss a good chance to shut up. We are born naked, wet, hungry and get slapped on our butt. Then, things get worse. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. There is fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday.......around age 11. Everyone seems normal, until you get to know them. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.

War Wounds Ahead! Please Stay to the Right!

For some reason all of my recent injuries have occurred on my right side. The only injury that has not been on the right was my tailbone! Which still hurts! Here is a recap of the recent events: Bashed up right shin - Last fall's spectacle ride (and fall) at Gambrill Strained right thigh muscle - Second fall on the Gambrill ride Large painful blisters on the right heal - Ice skating - twice Slightly sprained right ankle - Ultimate Frisbee - my ankles recover pretty quickly Sprained right wrist - Bunny hopping over a log at Colt's Neck Road rash on right calf - Less than graceful Car Avoidance Technique in the Wakefield parking lot last night. Road rash on right forearm and elbow - Same Car Avoidance event last night Blood drawing scrapes and punctures on right forearm - Raspberry/blackberry thorns at Colt's Neck. Re-injured sprained right wrist - Bunny hopping the Same Stupid Log at Colt's Neck tonight! Speaking of the Colt's Neck ride tonight, it turned out to be only me and DT! Luckily for me, this was DT's third night of riding in a row including last night's 30+ mile road ride. We had a great pace and completed the loop, counter-clockwise in just over an hour. That's a fun trail on the single-speed. I finally cleared a couple of climbs that usually beat me up. If you're not bleeding, you're not riding hard enough.

Duck Beach - 'I'm Too Excited to Sleep'

Have you seen that commercial for Disney World with the little kids that can't sleep? That's how I'm feeling about next month's adventure to Duck Beach with Maya and friends. Yes, it is still a month away! I'm not sure I can make it... Here are few signs that you may be excited for the beach: You put a Count Down Counter on your blog over a month ago You purchased a new beach towel or bathing suit You went (or have scheduled to go) to the tanning salon to reduce the glare You have asked your friends (both male and female) if they want to come along because we still have a few open spots You're working-out and being a lot more active (or at least you think about working-out a lot more than you did a few weeks ago) You're debating about throwing in some coconut scented sun tanning oil along with your SPF 45 You tried on new really expensive sunglasses at the mall because you thought you would look great in them on the beach You have looked at the Dream Weaver website at least once this week You have asked your friends again if they have decided yet You have your itinerary and travel route already planned You have already purchased snack items for the drive You have gathered together all the movies you are planning to take - both for the drive and the beach house You have confirmed that the glow-in-the-dark Frisbee is water-proof You purchased new books just for this trip You have plotted the quickest route from the house (E080) to the beach You skipped a meal (even though you should *never* skip meals) You're taking off extra time to also go camping before/after the beach You have tried to check the weather forecast for Corolla, NC (27927) for Saturday May 27th through Saturday June 3rd You have purchased new clothes that better accentuate your svelte figure You are now pleading with your friends and telling them big fat lies like "the beach just won't be any fun if you don't come along" You have viewed the live beach web cam at least once this week You have made an appointment at the local counseling center (and with the bishop - for the lying not future infractions!)

Utah Trip ReCap

Last week's trip to Utah has come to an end. It had been 6 weeks since the last visit so my 'Maya batteries' were getting a bit low. Maya was off from school all week for Passover/Easter so we had lots of time together. Unfortunately I still had to put in some work hours so we watched a few extra movies during the day :). A few highlights from the week: Easter dinner with the Burk clan, the family birthday dinner celebration at Famous Dave's, the Zoo, wedding announcement pictures for Curtis and Brittany, swimming with Jaden, a bit of GeoCaching, no major fits!, play time with Parker, Peyton, and Isabelle, Emily and Maya's new condo, glorious spring weather and spring snow storms, a few new clothes for Maya and myself, Ice Age 2, and the aquarium actually has fish and corals in it now! I will expand a couple of these in near future posts. It is good to back in Virginia though. In a lot ways this feels like home. Toward the end of my Utah weeks, I always start missing my friends and activities in Virginia. Work keeps me here but its the other the stuff that I enjoy. The bike rides multiple times a week, ultimate Frisbee, the dinners and movie nights, bowling and mini-golf, camping and hiking, trail work service projects, great friends I have come to adore, and both roommates offering to pick me up from the airport last night! But, as much as I would love to stay here, the reality is that I need to live closer to Maya.

Now auditioning for the part of the Tree!

Although I do like this sleeping position, I find that I quickly get too hot and have to disengage in order to find cooler climates! Not a bad way to fall asleep, though! Find your own pose! Pinching Koala and Tree Traits and Tendencies Pinching Koala and Tree couples experience a kind of super symbiosis that other sorts of couples (especially vegan couples) only dream of. The harmony that comes from this kind of pairing would be revolting if it weren’t so inspirational, which is why Pinching Koalas and Trees are often surrounded by friends and would-be friends, and their schedules are often booked months in advance. Comfort Zone Pinching Koala and Tree is one of the Wind sleepers poses. Other Wind poses you might explore include Softserve Swirl and Fireman's Carry. Note Koalas make for excellent lawyers and flea market bargainers, thanks to their characteristic tenaciousness. Does this imply that I'm clingy. Or that I need a strong a tree in my life? Or that I have a very strong attraction toward the soothing scent of eucalyptus?

The Rollercoaster of Spring

Easter Sunday was a gorgeous spring day followed by 2 days of scattered snow storms. But at least my newly developed allergies have been much better here in Utah. Here are a few more snow covered flowers

Happy Easter

Not much to say, but I thought I'd share a few pics of our Easter Family Gathering. More Family pictures can be found here And here are some more pictures of my mom's flowers

Maori Koru

The Maori Koru (kaw roo) design is inspired by the New Zealand fern frond unfurling as it grows. It represents peace, tranquility, personal growth, positive change, spirituality and awakening. It is associated with new life and harmony.The Koru is also often associated with nurturing and endearment. When the Koru is interlocked with others it represents the strength and purity of a loving relationship within a family. Jewelry of the koru design is often given to a new parent or child, newlyweds, or anyone starting on a new phase of their life.

Spring Forward

The Daylight Savings time change has finally arrived and the first week was a raving success. I love being able to get stuff done (like a good bike ride) before the sun goes down. I was struggling with what to blog about this week. But since its already been a week without any post, here is the short version of this week's activities: Monday - Colt's Neck bike ride - barely finishing before a big thunderstorm. Followed by kickball for FHE Tuesday - Accotink and Wakefield bike ride with the casual MORE group led by Craig. Some of last years riders are starting to come back and a few new riders too. Also designed a tattoo based on a Maori Koru (more on this later). Wednesday - Colt's Neck bike ride with a MORE group led by DT Thursday - Ultimate Frisbee - partially Not in the dark Friday - Movie night at Scott's - Narnia and Chicken Little with Scott, Rachel, Bronwyn, Anne, Jeremy, Gordon, Corey, Sundee, and me Saturday - Cooked dinner at the Lemon Road House for Rachel, Jamie, Bronwyn, Tara, Anne, Scott and myself then watched Vertigo. I had forgotten what a creepy storyline that movie has. Sunday - Slept in, went to DC 2nd ward, napped for 4+ hours, watched Dreamer with Tara (good show), and finally posted something to this blog. Sorry for the boring post.

I am Epicurious

ep·i·cure n. A person with refined taste, especially in food and wine. A person devoted to sensuous pleasure and luxurious living. I am in no way implying that I am an epicure. Dare to dream. I have a love/hate relationship with cooking. I really enjoy trying new recipes (and altering them), the aroma of cooking food, sharing the experience with others and of course eating the creations. But I am more of an event cook. I need an occasion or some reason to cook a meal. The daily chore of finding something to cook and eat is not for me. I really don't like trying to create something from nothing (my mom is the master of this) and I find it challenging (read frustrating) to cook for one. I hate cooking the same easy, boring stuff that comes pre-packaged. The microwave should NOT be the primary cooking device in the kitchen. During the past 2+ years I have cooked 4 times! I made pecan pies for Thanksgiving, tortellini salad for a party, buffalo chicken salad (just because I like my buffalo sauce), and yesterday I made a pretty good pasta dish with roasted potatoes. I guess yesterday's event was Conference. It certainly prevented me from dozing off during the monotone talks! For some time now I have had the itch to cook again. I have idly discussed with others about creating a small dinner group and even offered to cook for some folks but nothing has developed yet. Mostly from scheduling confilicts and lack of real motivation. This weekend I decided I had better brush up my very weak cooking skills since I made such bold offers. I found a recipe on Epicurious that sounded pretty good and decided to go for it. Fettucine with Chicken and Bell Pepper Cream Sauce I used red, yellow, and orange bell peppers (no green) and added a bunch of mushrooms too. I like a lot of sauce and the amount on the recipe just didn't sound like enough. Plus I decided to cook the whole package of pasta so I needed more! I used half and half (about double what it called for) instead of whipped cream (trying to make it a bit healthier) and double the chicken broth. My chicken turned out to be freezer burned (its only been in there for 6 months!) so the dished ended up vegetarian. I cut back on the amount of garlic (although I love garlic it just seemed like too much) and the red pepper flakes were a great addition. I also cooked some Roasted Red Potatoes with parsley flakes (one of Emily's favorite creations). Everything turned out really good and now I have leftovers for the rest of week! And a day later - I'm looking for my next recipe ;)