Saturday, August 18, 2012

Mini Va-Ca

I recently took a few days off work so the family could spend a long weekend away.  We packed up and headed to Montana.  Whitefish to be exact.  We drove through Montana a few years ago on our way to Mt. Rushmore (fabulous trip by the way).  This time we got off the main freeway and took a few smaller highways to get to Whitefish.  It seemed like a long drive but really wasn't too bad (only 4.5 hours).  At times it was a pretty drive.  Definitely different landscape, which I enjoy seeing. 


The drive to Whitefish

We found a condo to stay at that was located right in the village at the top of Big Mountain.  What a gorgeous view!  The town is as quaint as can be.  Too bad we had kids with us.  Hubby and I love to walk through the shops and explore.  Boring for the kiddies.  Plus, we didn't have a lot of time.  It was a quick long weekend. 

The boys golfed one day while the girls spa'd.  Everyone was happy that day!  The golf course had spectacular views of the mountain.  We also lucked out because the weather was perfect - clear and sunny.  Who doesn't want that when they are on vacation?

We also went into Glacier National Park and did a 2 hour horse back ride.  Glad we did it, but wouldn't do it again.  It was like the pony rides at carnivals except the horses went in a straight line with a guide and not in circles.  I could have fallen asleep on the horse and still made it back to the stable if it wasn't for the two kids who talked the entire time.  No wild life sightings happening on our tour.

Our other adventures were riding the alpine slide and zip lining on the mountain.  What a blast!  Big Mountain is set up for Summer adventure.  The entire family loved these two events.  There is also a ropes course available to move at your own pace and a jump/slide blow up thing that is great for the kids - no matter your height or age. 

The food - Oh my!  Almost all of it was delicious, some of it not as much, but no loser meals the entire time.  Expensive, but tasty. 

This is one of the few places we really want to come back to and spend a week at.  So much more to do.  We would like to take the tram to the top of the hill and mountain bike down.  Whitewater rafting is another adventure we plan to do.  There is a longer zip line we would sign up for.  And the hubby and I will walk the shops - kids, you are on your own.  There is Whitefish Lake and spending some time hanging out there would be a nice relaxing day.  Of course, more golf for the boys.  So that would mean more spa for the girls.  Ooh, I'm liking this already. 

I have to admit I was the bad mom this trip.  Don't ask me how I could forget, but I left the camera at home.  I'm a dork.  I tried to take a few pictures with my cell phone (I don't have a fancy phone, just a text and talk phone) needless to say, they didn't turn out well as a camera.  I was able to get the one view on the drive above.

This spot is now on our consider retirement area list.  Of course, we are not skiers, snowboarders or outside winter people.  Being Whitefish receives on average 300 inches of snow each year we'd have to rethink that retirement option until we have a chance to visit in the winter.  We'll have to see what comes of that. 

What fun activities or vacations have you done this summer?

Friday, August 10, 2012

Surprise

My hubby and I love each other very much but for our birthday or Mother's or Father's Day we don't do much for each other.  It's just one of those things we both agree on.  Many times we don't even give a card.  Same with our anniversary.  And we are both totally OK with that.  Neither of us feels slighted.  We definitely give best wishes to each other on these days but that's close to all we get.

I do make a prime rib roast for our anniversary and Valentine's Day.  He usually does stop at the grocery store and brings home some flowers for me for Valentine's Day.  Normally, though, those Hallmark days pass and Hallmark loses money on us. 

Christmas is another story.  We both try to get a couple of items the other has been wanting.  Many times they are practical items and that is fine because it's something we've been wanting.  I always make sure the kids receive gifts for their birthdays.  I won't deprive them (or me) of that fun and joy. 

So imagine my surprise when the man carrying a huge bouquet of flowers came into my office and presented me with those flowers.  He asked if it was my birthday or a special day and I said no.  He saw my stunned look and said to smile and just enjoy it.  He said those are the deliveries he loves to give because they are surprises.  Yes it was! 


My dear hubby had flowers delivered to me, just because.  He wanted to send me love and let me know he was thinking of me.  I am so blessed.  And are you just a little jealous?  Oh, they smelled delicious.  Too bad you can't smell them too.

Have you had any fun surprised lately?

Monday, August 6, 2012

I've been tagged


My friend, not just in the blogging world but in real life, Jenn of Four For France, tagged me for a Q & A blog.  I think these are fun because you get a chance to learn a little bit more about your friends.  Some answers you may be able to guess, but many are surprises. 

So here are my answers to the following questions:

1. What color are your socks right now?
No socks.  I am sitting on the couch.  No I'm reclining on the couch with a blanket over my lap with laptop warming my thighs.  Athletic socks are white or black.  Dress socks usually black and a couple brown.  I'm pretty bland in that area.

2. What are you listening to right now?
The Olympics on TV which is currently showing Race Walking.  I guess I really do love the Olympics, no matter what is being shown.  And my dogs deep breathing as they lie next to me.  Now my daughter showed up and I'm hearing her ask why race walking is even a sport.

3. What was the last thing you ate?
Yum, Noodle Express leftovers from yesterday's lunch.  My favorite part is the vinegar slaw.

4. Can you drive a stick shift?
Oh yes.  My car is an automatic, which I prefer.

5. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Texting doesn't count.  I spoke with my hubby on my way home from running errands - hands free of course.

6. How old are you today?
That is a funny question.  46.  I'll be 46 for about 335 more days.

7. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I love to watch baseball, the Mariners.  I know.  Most people don't find baseball too exciting, but I do.  I missed out on being at the perfect game pitched against the Mariners earlier this season.  I drove right past the stadium and walked around downtown Seattle and was tempted to take in the game, but hung out with my sisters instead   I also love to watch volleyball.  Both indoor and beach.  I prefer the women, but the men are exciting too.

8. What is your favorite drink?
Hmm.  That one is a loaded question.  Depends on the time of day.  Morning - coffee with french vanilla creamer; during the day - water, evening - Sauvignon Blanc wine.

9. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Highlight it every 6 - 8 weeks.  Tried going a bit red once, but that didn't work out.

10. What is your favorite food?
Rice.  The rice pot never leaves the counter.  We go through 50 pounds of rice every 1 1/2 months or so.  No kidding.

11. Do you sing in the shower?
Usually not. 

12. Favorite day of the year?
I have to agree with Jenn with Thanksgiving, but I am also partial to the 4th of July.  I love putting out the flag and bar b q'ing.  And there is usually a baseball game on TV too.

13. What is one place you want to visit?
I'm going to cheat on my answer:  Europe.  I've never been out of North America and would love to tour all over Europe.

14. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I had a doll, about 18 inches tall.  I think her name was Ruth, but I don't remember.  She had chestnut brown hair that I could pull out from the top of her head to give her long hair, or turn the nob in her back and shorten it to a bob.


15. What is your favorite season?

I think Fall has to win out.  It is still warm, but getting cool.  I love to pull out sweaters and college football is on every Saturday which my hubby and I love to watch.  OK, add college football to question #7.


So now you know a bit more about me.  Feel free to answer any or all questions and we all can get to know you more too.

Friday, August 3, 2012

One Year Ago Today

This exact day last year was when I made a conscious decision to stop being out of shape.  I had been gaining weight and becoming such a sloth and having basically no activity.  The scale kept climbing and I kept sitting.  Then, on August 3, 2011 something clicked, or snapped, and I decided to be proactive against where my body was heading. 

I'm not where I wanted to be, weight wise, but pretty close.  I am using the excuse that the first six months of 2012 have been pretty darn hard on me and my family.  An excuse, yes, but I do think I do have a reason to use that excuse....the death of my father-in-law, the stress of my dad's inevitable death, my daughter receiving two concussions in 2 1/2 months; traveling to bury my f-i-l, the death and burial of my dad, and to top it off my hubby and daughter being in a head on crash (by a gal on meth) and all that goes with dealing with a crash (doctors and car hunting).  I think that pretty much sums up those months. 

I was hoping to be 25 pounds lighter and much, much stronger.  I'm actually 19 pounds lighter (I did drop to 23 pounds during the stress of my dad's illness but have since gained a bit back due to the above).  I am much, much stronger.  I know that I made the right decision to get healthier.  I saw the difference this summer.  I play softball and hit far better than I ever have.  In my first game I hit a triple.  I don't know if I've ever hit a triple in my life.  To call me quick on the bases is a HUGE lie.  I am more of a turtle.  But this season I felt faster and even a teammate commented that I was running faster on the bases.  So I know that even though I have a bit more to go, I can see results, and that helps to motivate me to get back in the swing of exercise. 

Some things I've learned in the past year:
1.  I Do Not do work out videos.  I've tried but it just doesn't do it for me.

2.  I do like to crank the tunes on my MP3 and tune everything else out when I work out.

3.  You don't need a gym to lose weight.

4.  I have to decide to work out every time.  It's still so easy to not do it.

5.  Gaining weight is so much faster and easier than losing it.

6.  My family is the best and I cherish them!

I hope your weekend is spent cherishing those you love.