Over 100%

Mike (and I) can't stand it when people say they are giving over 100%. 1million% - what the F does that mean? Someone at work sent me this - I think it is pretty applicalbe to the question of what is over 100%

This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%


and


K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But ,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty, that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, andAttitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.

Week of Skirts

I have a rule of thumb. If I don't wear something in the course of a season ... then it goes into the give away pile. I have a lot of summer skirts. As in a lot a lot a lot. This week is the week of skirts.

I figure even with the rain, at least I'll get to wear some of my favorites.

Oh another note, I'm reading the second book in the Twilight series ... and it puts me into a funky mood before bed. It isn't sad, but maybe a tiny bit depressing. I can't put my finger on it - but I'm not really enjoying it.

Photos

Here are photos of the rain the other day, Courtney and I, and climbing.

Oh Summers!

It has been amazing lately. Afternoon rain/thunder storms. Warm morning to mid afternoons. The smell of bbq's in the wind. I've rather been enjoying it!

Today I went out climbing and learned yet again that I'm terrible at applying sun block. I missed a number of spots and am now a bit red.

Bend is still fighting off his crystals and in the middle of it - caught a baby garden snake and brought it into the house. The snake was unharmed - thank goodness - and was released into tall grass on the side of the house.

I have a couple photos to post - but haven't gotten to it yet.

Cockroaches, Kitties and Photos

Since the rains have started I have run into a few VERY large
cockroaches outside. Probably around 1/2 the size of my hand. I had no
idea New Mexico even had cockroaches.

Bend went to the vet again
yesterday. He was throwing up and not feeling too well. Turns out the
food for the crystals causes his poo to get impacted. Yep, another
kittyenema. Poor guy was MISERABLE last night. He is better today. I just hope that he starts to feel better.

On a funnier note, a friend of mine is having a party and he has been working with Photoshop for the invites. Oh to have legs like that and facial hair like that. Hmmmm.

When Its Wet

When the monsoons of spring are here. There is one
thing that rocks - WATCHING MOVIES. Why hasn't this film been released
yet??

Best 4th Ever

Yes, it is true. This was the best 4th of July in the history of my life. You might be wondering why. Or maybe not - but I'm going to tell you anyway. Let's start with Thursday morning. Mike and I got up early, jumped in the car and hit the road. The trip was off to a tiny bit of disappointment, since the burrito stand we like wasn't open. We figured we'd just get breakfast on the road. This turned out to be a crazy disappointment for two reasons. First, we held our bladders for WAY too long and had to stop in some random town to pee. Second, the place we ended up stopping had a crappy breakfast. But, the sun was out, the roads were curvy, and the music had us singing along. Oh and did I mention we passed an Amish cart being pulled by a horse. First time for me. Once we hit Walsenburg Mike stopped the car at a yarn store I've been wanted to stop at for years. It was fantastic. A great selection of yarns I'd never seen before. Next we stopped in Pueblo at a Barns and Nobel. Icy lemon drinks, potty break, and books. Before our final destination we went to a motorcycle shop for Mike to ogle new bikes. Of course we didn't buy one, but he is thinking about it.

We made our way to Denver in good time. It was around 90 degrees and bright sun. We checked into our hotel and dumped the car. Who wants to drive in a city like Denver? We stopped at the restaurant down stairs to get drinks and snacks. Beer for Mike. Whisky sour for me. Our next stop was the REI flagship store. This was a 4 block walk through parks and over a river. The river area was amazing. People playing in the water, sunbathers and dogs jumping everywhere. REI flagship is better than Seattle. Very impressive! Everything we needed and a bit more. We dropped our bags back at the hotel and hoofed it uptown with the crowds. There was live music and a vibrate atmosphere since there was a baseball game. We made our way to a theater and watched Hancock (a perfect 4th of July movie). After the film we were too tired to do much.

Friday started with Sam's #3. A diner that caters to me. The breakfast menu is 4 pages long and is something to be revered. A cinnamon roll (fresh), home fries and ham. Breakfast of champions. After eating a hearty breakfast we realized that the laptop was almost dead (the screen wont stay on). We tried to figure out how to take the public transportation out of the down town area ... but this turned out to be too difficult. We went back to the hotel, got the car and drove the 4 miles to the Cherry Creek Mall. At the mall we visited with Alicia, went to an outdoor craft fair and got a new computer. The car was short lived though. We took it straight back to the hotel and put our walking flip-flops on. We wanted to make our way back to the river for a little relaxation. First we stopped at the Railyard brew pub. A mojito for me and pint for Mike. We read The Onion and sipped our drinks. Next we stopped at a gelato stand for an ice cream. Coconut and lemon were our flavors of choice. With our ice cool treats we hit the water and just sat. Sat for a very long time. Watching everyone playing. Listening to the water. And cooling our feet off in the fast moving river.

We looked up what time it is possible to enter the ballpark. Turns out an hour and a half before the game you can enter to watch batting practice. We made our way back to the hotel. Reapplied sunblock. I donned my liberty sun glasses and we walked the 2 blocks to the park. The ball park is amazing. Not a bad seat in the house. We got hot dogs, beer, peanuts and took our seats. We were along the third baseline, just after third base. The game was electric. Or should I say a slug fest! I've never seen so many home runs and we were there for a grand slam. After the game finished (which the Rockies won) everyone took position for the 4th of July fireworks. These were by far the best fireworks I've ever seen. They were loud, bright, in great order, fast coming, and the final blast was so overwhelming that the crowd was going wild. My face hurts this morning from smiling SO much yesterday.

Every vacation should be this splendid.

Old School BFF

So we are up in Denver and just got to spend some time with Alicia ... or Sam ( depending on how you know her). I'v known Alicia since we were super little kids. I think we met in 3rd grade. We have had two falling outs over the years, but we always return to being friends. It was fantastic to see her. I could be in a crowd and I'd be able to pick her out ... Maybe that just has something to do with knowing someone the majority of your life.

Things I remember about Sammy ( a nickname I gave her in highschool):
she wore moon boots the first time I met her
we were in the library
I walked up to her and said, "want to bent friend?"

Ah childhood! When life was all about the easy of becoming friends and just hangng!

I've missed you these past 9 years Sam!!!!

Holiday Week

This week we are only working 3 days. Three short days. I'm pretty excited!

This past weekend was too short and action filled. Saturday Courtney came down and we played on the Wii for a bit. Then we went to Dave's 44th birthday and fight night. It was a lot of screaming at the TV and looking for them in the crowd. Sunday we went to Karin's house for breakfast (delicious) and I ran over to Dana's to meet the new Dabu (who is adorable and has very large hands). Later Sunday I decided to re-arrange the bedroom. I get tired of stuff being the exact same all the time. The re-arranging didn't take long ... but caused me to be up till midnight. The sprinklers were on outside the bedroom window and the noise was just too much for me to handle. Hopefully Mike fixes it tonight!

Thursday morning we are leaving bright and early to head up to Denver for a few days. Here is a picture of the baseball statum. We are sitting in the light blue area in the outfield. I like to be near home plate, but Mike is more an outfield guy. I'll post photos and updates from up there!

4th of July

Mike and I have decided to go to Denver for the 4th. We will stay in our favorite hotel, eat loads of great food, watch a baseball game (followed by fire works) and visit with old friends.

I'm pretty excited about next weekend!

Riding News

I've been training for this years Tri. Swimming 2-4 times a week. Running the same. And biking up to work every other day. I has been going well.

Next weekend is the 4th of July - Mike and I are going to go to Denver for the weekend. Should be a blast.


Sorry for offending anyone with the image. I personally think it should be on a motivational calendar.

Ethiopian Food & Tiara

On Saturday we had cooking club at our house. The theme was Ethiopian food. Photo of the food included. We made a lentil dish, the flat bread, and a chicken stew. I have to say it was super super hot. I was amazed at how spicy the food was/is.

We also celebrated my birthday ... which was wonderful. Courtney bought me a great princess tiara, which made it extra special!

Cats Dream

I'm sure Bend is dreaming right now. And he is probably dreaming of a happy place that doesn't involve needles or doctors. We took him to the vet today. Mostly for his annual checkup. But, he has sprayed a spot or two in the house and I wanted his anal glands to be checked as well.

Here was what they found. First off last year he was 10.2 pounds. Today he was 10.2 pounds. The boy never gains or looses any weight. His teeth are fine (I thought he might have to have more removed). His anal glands were super full, he is now on a every 3 month drainage plan. Sounds like a blast to me.

The vet was telling us that he is probably just marking his territory. I felt that this is something new and maybe there is something wrong with him. So, I had her run tests on his pee.

Turns out he has stones (of some kind ... she didn't know what so she sent them off to the lab) and he has a bladder infection. The poor guy got 4 shorts and one bladder express. His butt is super sore and he just seems in general pretty upset.

I'm sorry that he had such a rough time at the vet, but at least he is on the road to recovery!

Photo Weekend

Images are of:
Me sleeping in bed. Mike was getting up early after getting home from travel. Love the hair.

Stick bug outside. Pretty sweet.

Bend and a dead bird. From previous blog last week.

Bend hanging out on my lap while driving down to Deming.

Methow after her father's day bath. Oh she loves it!

One Year

I'm one year older - officially yesterday, but who is counting. When I was a kid 30 seemed old. 40 seemed even older. And I thought that adults always knew a) what was funny b) the answers to everything and c) how to progress though life in the least painful way. As in, I'm a kid so everything is sooooooooo painful.

Anyway, as a one year older person ... I don't feel wiser. Maybe I pay more attention to my mistakes and try not to make them again, but I'm really not "wiser". Knowing about funny. Still in the dark. I remember my father and our neighbors laughing all the time and feeling totally out the of loop. I never got the jokes. Do I get them now? Not really. Maybe that is because my father is now so old that his jokes will always be out of reach? Painful life? Seems like it is just as bad as you make it - and when you are a kid ... everything seems like the end of the world. I'm pretty sure now that the Earth will keep turning even when I'm gone.

Well happy birthday to me. :) Photos coming soon. I took some cool ones over the past 2 days.

Water & Golf

While driving into work this morning, one of my favorite sports writters told his story on golf and water.

There were a number of very interesting facts in his story.
1. There are 16,000 golf courses in America.
2. The average American course uses 312,000 gallons of water/day.
3. In Palm Springs (which has 57 golf courses) they use ~ million gallons a day. "That is, each course each day in Palm Springs consumes as much water as an American family of four uses in four years."
4. 41 percent of golfers polled believe that global warming is a myth. Hello ... wake up and smell the brown lawn people.


If you are interested in the golf/water crisis ... read Frank's article.

Seeing The Sights

Lately it seems like I see crazy things ... I think to myself WTF! Lethe share a few of my recent WTF moments.

1. A strange tricycle motorcycle that passes me every morning I bike to work.
2. Newborn praying mantises. They are all over my mint and are the size if a sewing needle.
3. Feet sticking out the top of a convertible passenger seat - while going 80 mph down the freeway.
4. A very tall guy in 70's tight short shorts, running in hiking boots and an African safari hat.

I'm at the airport right now, so I'm sure there will be more WTF to come!

Summer Reading

I've been flying through books about Atlantis and vampires recently. The book I'm currently reading is called Twilight. It is actually a 'teen' book. But, has been raved about - so I thought I'd give it a go.

It is a page turner of a book, but I'm a bit disappointed
to hear that this coming December a movie of the book is coming out.
Will it be a teen movie? An adult movie? I'm sort of getting tired of
movies being made straight from books. Where is the creativity in
Hollywood??

Well ... let the summer of fun quick reads continue!

Slow ...

I noticed that I'm on this "once a week" posting. How terrible is that?? Let's get you up to date.

Friday was a day of fun fun fun. Swam at the pool (training for the tri), got my toes done with Courtney and Lee, went to the new sushi place (got take out for the evening). Went to the night time concert ... which was pretty good. A four piece band. We hung out on the grass and ate sushi.

Saturday I went for a 6 mile run, and then cleaned like a freak! Re-organizing the laundry room.

Sunday was a hike and cleaning of birds. Yep. Methow caught and killed a bird. After cleaning up the mess - I showered ... only to have her bring another bird in. I have no idea how she is getting them through the screened in porch ... but she is. The second bird was still alive. I caught him and took him back outside (he seemed to be fine.) He flew off at least.

I did take a photo of the feathers everywhere and Bend looking all excited. Not sure if I'll post it.

Moab slept through both bird incidents (thank goodness). She is the killer of the family and would have killed the second bird upon sight.

Tornado Stories

While driving home with Courtney on 5/28 the emergancy broad cast system came on the radio. Courtney wanted to know why in the world I'd be turning it up ... but for some reason it felt important. Turns out that it was a tornado alert. One had not droppped or formed - but was possible. We got this email from work:

Los Alamos Country currently is under a tornado watch (a watch means conditions are favorable for the development of thunderstorms that will have a strong capability of producing tornadoes). The storm is barely forming, but large hail with 60 mile per hour winds are possible. More information will be provided as it becomes available.


We watched the storm in hopes of seeming some funnel. But, nothing happened. Maybe next time!