Writing on the Wall

Matt graduates in 46 days people.  Again, JOB OFFERS ANYONE? - RLDW

I love a good game while sitting at work.  Hope you enjoy this one.

http://www.coorslight.com/iceswipe/

Happy Halloween!

I have a great friend from highschool that is going out on a limb and running for city council.  if you live in the Chandler Arizona area you should check out her site and VOTE FOR HER.

http://www.trinityforchandler.com/

This is the best. . . .

Flaming bag of poo

I can't remember the last time that I had a weekend where nothing was planned.  This last weekend I was in the big GC and this weekend I was supposed to be in Mexico.  Drinking margaritas, dancing on tables, doing things I shouldn't be because I am too dang old not to be taking responsibility for my own mistakes.  Damn age.  I loved when I could blame my Mexico bungee jumping on the fact that I was only 20 and a big fat idiot. Why I thought that cord would hold me is a big mystery (actually not: I had been drinking, all good ideas only come with significant amounts of margarita.  This is a proven fact).  On another trip Matt and I took to the stage with my sister and our friend Paula to do some dancing and I clocked a woman in the head with my sprinkler interpretation.  That I blame on the booze, not on age.  And the fact that Matt can't dance.  God bless him.  I tried to mimic him and it just got me into all sorts of problems.

But the trip that was to be for all, was not to be for me.  The ladies will be going without me and I will be staying home.  This is for several reasons:

1. It is my anniversary.  For some reason I am thinking we might celebrate with something other than the imaginary presents we gave one another on Tuesday morning.  Perhaps dinner.  Perhaps dancing.  Perhaps a rented video.  Who knows?  The night is ours!
2. Matt has class.  Yes, the smart one saved a sophomore level class for his last semester of school.  This means every other weekend he has class on Saturdays.  Which meant he couldn't come to Mexico.  Which meant he had a guilty wife.
3. I have finals. This trimester system in the MBA program screws me up sometimes.  I have a final on Monday and Wednesday.  For some reason I keep thinking that a trip to Mexico with significant amounts of booze may counteract the wonderful knowledge I might have gained in the last nine weeks.  Not that I plan to ever use it in real life, but I better finish on a strong note.
4. BREASTS!!! It is the Breast Cancer 3-Day this weekend and I plan on being on the streets to support my fellow ladies in their pursuit of completing 60-miles for the cause. 

So while I wish I was celebrating AfricanKelli's birthday with the best of them, I will be firmly grounded in the Valley of the Sun, enjoying what should be a highly productive whirlwind of a weekend.  Have fun guys – wish I was there.

Matt graduates from college in 58 days.  The sky is falling, angels are singing from the skies, and my husband just got his resume completed.  Anyone looking for a cute, capable construction engineer?  26, an unbelievable talker, can make friends while sitting inside a paper bag, never shows stress, and actually has a passion for his career path?  Who could ask for more!  Six figures would be appreciated so that his loving wife could quit her job and become a potter and jazz singer, but it is understood if this is not possible. We'll just expect 20% pay raises every year for the next 10 years.  Or maybe the lottery is more lucky.  Who's to say?  J  (I'll be praying for the 340 million – I got my ticket. )

This day two years ago I was getting to the church on time.  Matt and I got married.  This man not only is my best friend and confidant, he is truly the one person that can make me laugh no matter what, make me feel okay about not doing as well as I expect, and speaking languages no one else understands. I couldn't be happier than when I am with him. I got lucky.

Happy anniversary Booger.  I love you.

Well I survived. We did North Rim to South Rim of the Grand Canyon in one day (less than 12 hours to be exact).  I thought about how I was going to talk about this trip on my blog for the entire day.  I thought up this really great quip and soon forgot it. Then I thought about how there is no way to explain it other than absolutely amazing.  This trek is not for the faint of heart.  You start on the North Rim of the GC at 8,100 feet in elevation.  Scale down the side of the cliff to 2,000 feet in elevation in 13.4 miles of canyon.  When you are inside this range it is monstrous cliff sides on either side of you scaling up higher than any building in the world, mocking you as you think in you might be able to “conquer” such a hike.  The bright canyon creek runs next to you with just enough water running to mock you aching bladder screaming for a bathroom. 

After your 13.4 miles down to Phantom Ranch (where one can find a restroom), you start your 10 mile assault up.  This takes you over the Colorado River and the scariest suspension bridge that I have ever been on in my life, sand that you think is sucking your feet in farther and farther, and an upward climb that never ends.  In the last four miles of the hike you go up 4,000 feet of elevation (this was confirmed by Matt wearing the GPS system).  You keep your head down, thinking that if you look up the side of the cliff you just might scream in pain and frustration that you never are going to reach the top.  And then the top comes.  And it has never been sweeter to find the edge of the mountain and accomplish something so sweet.

All in all 24 miles, 6,000 feet down, 5,000 feet up.  One big crack in the world, which should be called its own world really.  The life and the rock have their own language, and to get to be a part of it is really one of the biggest blessings we have. I was reminded repeatedly that you do not beat the canyon, she merely lets you walk her. 

I could talk of the falls (me flat on my face with cut up legs), the cussing father (my own – who used every swear word in the book), or the fear that I was going to fall off the side at one point with nothing but rock below.  But really all I can think about is how I wish I was doing it again, even today, while I whence in pain from muscles not used to the assault I have just experienced.  The GC will find me there again soon, perhaps sooner than most will think, taking on this thrill ride yet again.