Rip-Stik-It!

It's way too early.  Or too late.  Whatever way you wanna look at it.  Either way, I can't get back to sleep.  So why not blog...it's been awhile anyway.

The other night I learned how to ripstik.  Now you are wondering what the heck it is...same here.  I've seen people on ripstiks, but never knew what it was called.  Anyway, it's like skateboarding (I know, how dare I say that...probably not even in the same category).  Ok not at all like skateboarding...let's see...well here's a picture for starters.

So basically what you do is put one foot on each end (obviously) and motion back and forth with each foot alternating opposite the other using your weight (ok that was a terrible description).  There's only one revolving wheel on each end (instead of two like a skateboard).  All I'm going to say is it takes major talent to balance.  And the other key is putting your hips into it.  Oh and are you goofy or normal?  Here's the test.  When someone gives you a little push aka love tap, does your right or left leg automatically go forward?  My right does so I guess I'm "goofy".  Left foot?..."normal".  Is this some kind of boarding lingo?  I have no idea.  Have I convinced you to try it?  Probably not.  It's almost 5am and that's the best I can do.  Maybe this will help.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1943875250313826719#

I'm almost this good.  Almost.

And by the way, this might be easier than skateboarding.  I think.  Tried skateboarding once and failed.  Oh and another fun one...heelys.  You better believe I have my own pair.  Hey, they don't put an age limit on these things.

String of Thoughts

RaNdoMNess...

• Being jobless has its perks
• These warmer, sunny days are a beautiful thing (but one more good snow would be fabulous)
• I love family
• Scripture study and prayer. It will change your day. Your perspective on life. Do it.
• I need a haircut
• Running solves all my problems. Trust me, it does.
• I need to get omega-3's. Somehow. Hate fish. Hate walnuts. Hate pills. Any ideas?
• Not a fan of blind dates. But I'll take the opportunity.
• Speaking of opportunity...one of my worst fears is that I'll miss out on an opportunity--so I'll take whatever comes my way--give it a chance. Why not?
• Even though I am passionate about health, I don't always practice what I preach. In fact, not often enough. But I should. And I will. I know the results. And it is good.
• My friend put it so well..."Life is beautiful...although incredibly hard." Amen!
• When you find yourself complaining, just begin to think of your blessings instead. It will overwhelm you.
• I miss Bryce.
• I miss Cameron.
• I miss Amber. Oh how I miss her.
• I have great Hope for B
• And for Rachel
• Should I move? Where to?
• I want to go to Haiti
• Actually I want to travel the world
• I love my mom
• And my dad. They are my rock.
• My Autumn Days candle is burning. And it is divine. Soothing too.
• MJ makes me happy. Well, his music does.
• I need to cook more.
• I need a vacation. A short road trip will do. Preferably somewhere warmer.
• I could listen to music all day long.
• I need to read more. My list of books is piling up. How do you find time?
• I miss Glee
• I think I'll try defying gravity.

I could go on...and on...but I'll stop for now. Off for a run in the canyon. I hope the sun peaks through.

Let's Play Catch Up

(Welcome to the longest blog post ever)

My First...and NOT My Last Marathon

I completed my first marathon end of September up in Logan. I was quite nervous the day before/day of because I hadn't trained as much as planned--what's new? I didn't know quite what to expect or how my body would respond.

But...I LOVED it!

At about mile 17 my legs started to give in. At that point I knew I'd have to do some walking/running intervals. The last couple miles were tough. I met a girl the last mile and we helped each other finish. I know, sweet. Oh and the worst part about it...I left my IPOD in my car and didn't have time to run back and get it before the race...I seriously wanted to cry. I rarely run without music--especially on a long run. Instead I met and talked to a lot of people along the way and surprisingly it went by pretty fast--the whole 4 1/2 hours. Before the race I kept telling everyone I just wanted to do one marathon to say I've done one, and that this would be my fist and last. But after such a great experience, I plan on doing one every year. Oh and can I just say, it was a perfect day (weather wise)!

I also ran a half-marathon in Boise with my mom and siblings in November. The hardest half I've ever run. Quite miserable actually. Straight uphill several times for several miles. This was my mom's fist half and I told her we should never do that one again--that I have some other ones in mind for her that are much better--assuming sh'es going to do another one next year haha. I was so proud of her for running her first half at age 50. Go mom! And proud of my sister, Kendall for running her first half too.
I just started training for another marathon in April (possibly). And a 180-mile realy race along the coast of California. Should be fun!

Las Vegas BabyIn November we spent a weekend in Las Vegas. Josh (my brother-in-law) had some hockey games down there so we made our annual trip. We stayed at a condo just a couple miles off the strip--thank goodness--I hate walking through the smoke-filled casinos in all the hotels on the strip. We went to hockey games both nights. They lost but it was fun. We hit the m&m store, coca cola sotre, and all that jazz along the strip. We went to some outlet malls (where we found a kiosk with every possible sunglasses you could imagine). We also ate at the ESPN restaurant. Some drunk guy was making finger puppets on the big screen. Quite hilarious really...since the game was already over. And of course we made it to the Bellagio water show--several times at my request. Everyone (Josh) makes fun of me because a couple years ago I got a little teary-eyed when we were watching the water show to "God Bless the USA".

Josh: "Tracy, are you...are you crying?"

Me: "Uh no...ok maybe."

Whatever. I don't care. I was just having a moment. Honestly, I think I was on birth control. Enough said. Don't freak out, it was for acne.

PC

Every year it is tradition to have a girls' weekend in Park City after Thanksgiving. Usually Blakc Friday weekend. But since we were all in Idaho for Thanksgiving, we went the following weekend. We (Aunt Rhonda, Amy, Janelle, Jasmine, Kendall, and I) drove up Friday afternoon. Shopped all day and night. By 9 o'clock we were starving. Ate dinner at a delish Mexican restaurant (can't remember the name--by the Marriott). We headed back to the hotel for some swimming hot tubbing. And then to bed. Shopped some more the next day then headed home.

All that shopping was exhausting. But what a fun weekend! And not to mention so many great deals! Love these girls!

I Quit...I Quit...I QUIT!

I quit my job (Dec 11 to be exact). Finally. Long overdue. I decided after 4 years of nannying, that was enough. My goal in life was never to be a nanny for life haha. I already miss the kiddos. But the great thing is I can go back to visit and not have to do the dirty work. Of course I am a bit stressed because I am out of a job now. But more than anything, I am relieved. And look forward to a change. Bring it.

Mele Kalikimaka

That's right! The whole fam spent Christmas in Hawaii--Oahu and the Big Island. Thank you Mom and Dad! We loved it! The weather was perfect. Not too hot, nice breeze. Only one cloudy/stormy day. Of course we spent a lot of time at various beaches. But we also went parasialing, snorkeling, and on a canoe ride. We went to an active volcano and a beautiful waterfall. Places that made the top 3 on my list were (all located on the Big Island):

Waipio Valley

Pearl Harbor

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

After Hawaii we had a day of rest at home before we headed to SNOWY McCall, ID. We spent New Year's Eve and Day there. New Year's Eve celebration included sledding (with make-shift sleds, aka plastic garbage bags), snow angels, swimming, tubbing, movie and games galore...oh and of course stuffing ourselves with some amazing food. New Year's Day we hit the slopes!

What a break! I so enjoyed the vacations and the few days spent at home I love my fam! It just doesn't get any better than this.

Well there ya have it. I'm caught up. Can't get after me anymore.