enter only

At the junior high school there are two entrances into the parking lot and one exit. We are usually pulling in to the first entrance because it is closer to Cassidy's class. With only minutes to spare before the tardy bell rings. After I drop her off I wait until the second entrance is clear and drive past to the exit. Some other parents decide they want to bypass the crowded parking lot so they exit at the second entrance. There is a sign that says enter only, but there is room enough for the cars to enter even though a car is exiting. This morning as I watched my neighbor deftly maneuver past the incoming traffic, I wondered why I could never do this? I could, but I never would. Why? It must be the same reason I have to let the person in front of me check out first when they open a new register instead of getting there first.

South Fork

I am officially taking over the blog.  One of these days Pam will notice.  This afternoon Pam and I rode to the top of South Fork in Provo Canyon.  It's a beautiful ride along Provo River and then South Fork stream the whole way.  This was Pam's second ride of the year (my third) and her first real hills.  She did great!  Her heart rate monitor wasn't working so I'm going to post my stats from todays ride.  Not quite the elevation gain as yesterday but a solid ride.  One small problem on the way down as I passed a Mtn Biker on the trail and Pam was a little behind.  As soon as I went by the Mtn Biker decided to do a "Farmer Blow".  Some of it ended up on Pam!  :)

Birthdays

Today I turned 41.  I usually hate birthdays as I view them as somewhat infantile and end up fighting with my wife over that point.  Birthdays should cease to be celebrated after age 11.  What's the point really..  Your celebrating your entry into this world while - point of fact - you had nothing to do with the actual event!  I view it as another excuse to spend money and throw a party.  Anyway...  I actually enjoyed my birthday today.  Went to work for a few hours.  Played some golf and then somehow was talked into riding my bike from our house to the top of Squaw Peak and back.  I have been thinking about doing this for a year or two but usually toward the end of the biking season when I'm in better shape - not when I weigh 210lbs and feel like a slug from winter hibernation.  All I can say is WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!   My maximum heart rate is calculated at 180 and I think my heart rate was stuck at 165-170 for 80% of the climb with a spike to 179!  No wonder my chest hurt!!!   All this reaffirmed that I am woefully out of shape.  I did manage to burn 1600 calories on the ride so I celebrated with two HUGE pieces of cake when I got home!!  :)  I really enjoy biking and plan on riding a lot this summer.

Spring Routine

Rain, shine, or snow, I try to take Boo for a walk every day.

I sometimes have to make an exception for wind chill factor,

ice, and  being extremely uncomfortable.

 

This is how Boo looks at me when he thinks he deserves a treat.

 He lays down near the end of our walk.

I can't decide if he is tired or just showing me who is in control.

Some of my family is in Hawaii right now. I am sure they will appreciate these pictures :)

Girls Night Out

Last week we had an impromptu girls night out. Lindsay's friend Atty works at a salon so we went  and enjoyed being pampered. Cassidy and I opted for glitter toes while Lindsay went with the wash and style. I wouldn't say that I am much into bling but there is just something fun about glitter on your toes. It was fun to laugh and spend time with each other. We need to do things like this more often.  I love my girls!

How to say "No" to Salesmen

I have trouble saying no. Why does saying that kind of feel like admitting I am an alcoholic? Door to door salesman have always been particularly hard for me to say no to. A few years ago I printed a "No Soliciting" sign and taped it to the side window. It was such a good thing. I didn't have to worry about buying overpriced things that I didn't need, or hurting someones feelings and thwarting their efforts to have a better life. Then the sign fell off and I really didn't notice it was gone until a few days ago when a door to door salesman rang our bell. First he called me "queen of the castle", then told me all of my other neighbors who had bought his product, asked me what my first job was and where my work ethic came from....blah, blah, blah. He was good and it was freezing outside and I just wanted to get rid of him, so why not just say no? Instead I said "Okay what are you selling?" Magazines. I read a lot of magazines so I thought  at least it is something I will use. I pick out two magazines and he writes up a bill for me. $162. Are you kidding 2 magazines for one year? Oh well I didn't specify one year so that was two magazines for two years. What a bargain! At this point why, when I was outraged at the price did I not say "No" and go inside. Good question. Instead I said "there is no way I can buy two so I will just buy one." I then wrote a check for $84 for a two year subscription to one magazine. When I came inside I was so mad at myself. I couldn't believe I had just paid $84 for something I didn't need or want. My husband was home at the time and when he heard that I had bought something he could not believe it. I said "I think I can cancel the order but I have to send this receipt back in the mail and then in ten days they will mail you a refund". He said "give me the receipt". He then walked across the street and asked for the check back. I promptly printed another "No soliciting" sign and breathed a sigh of relief. This morning I googled "How to say No to salesmen" and they actually have some good ideas, but I won't be taking that sign down any time soon.

Cinnamon Bear Popcorn

Last night I went to a cooking class. It was great to get new ideas, watch someone else  cook, and taste everything to see if I liked it. The cinnamon bear popcorn sounded a little scary but was really yummy and pink. If I knew about this recipe before Valentine's Day I would have made it with cinnamon lips instead.

Cinnamon Bear Popcorn

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. corn syrup

3/4 c. sugar

Cook on stove until boiling. Reduce heat to low and cook for five more minutes. Remove from heat.

Add: 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. mini marshmallows

red food coloring

Stir until just melted and add 3/4 c. cinnamon bears. Pour over 12 cups popped popcorn.

Pam's note: I would add more cinnamon bears next time. If you use microwave popcorn it is better to use light since there is already plenty of butter in the sauce!