Cedar City

I just finished a 3 day Canyon Rescue course in Cedar City. I wasn't going to go to the American Canyoneering Association annual Rendezvous in Zion next weekend, but the canyons are a callin' and I'm pumped. I met some awesome people in the course, who will attend.

One of many systems we learned was the "cut and lower." If someone screws up I can cut their rope and lower them on my system. Fun stuff.

Humor is my favorite medicine

It could be worse.

Let's go over this one more time.

(Originally posted Jan. 17, 06; and again on May 23, 06;Just as relevant now- some of us never learn)
I hope you enjoy these. After a great deal of thought, I am ready to move forward in certain aspects of my life, leaving the past to the past.

I demolish my bridges behind me...then there is no choice but to move forward.
Firdtjof Nansen

You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters are continually flowing on.
Heraclitus

The worst thing you can try to do is cling to something that is gone, or to recreate it.
Johnette Napolitano

The Athenians, alarmed at the internal decay of their Republic, asked Demosthenes what to do.
His reply:
Do not do what you are doing now.

Joseph Ray

For your viewing pleasure...

Everyone knows I'm far from "professional," but work had us have "professional" pics taken. I found the results quite humorous.

This is me flying in from stage right. A lil' crooked.

This is me and Adam in our 50th anniversary pose.

This is me and Adam in our extremely corny Matrix meets the Blues Brothers pose.

Still Smilin'

I got an awesome promotion at work. I still don't make the big bucks but I really enjoy the people I work with and the job responsibilities. The title- "Account Manager"- translation- my partner Adam handles the client relations and I handle the marketing and promotions.
Social life is struggling just a bit, but I'm enjoying all the alone time. (no lie!) I probably spent 15 hours with Dollar last week and contrary to what some say, I think contact with him fills my need for human interaction just fine. I talk, he listens, he acts like an idiot, I laugh, it's great!
My bike is in the shop (boo!!!) but I did get a down hill day in at Sundance last week and if the bike is ready I will go again this weekend. I love how the bruises pop up all over my body, and everyone knows scrapes are sexy!
In the process of signing up for a Canyon Rescue course that I'll attend in Cedar City at the end of this month, but other than that taking a break from the "canyon scene."
Recent Social Attempts:
-A blind date(boo!!!)
-Joined a women's volleyball team
-Went to a work party even after date bailed
I hope all is well with everybody! Love you all! Dad ~ Can't wait for Disney World!!!

My Roomates

Natalie
Pyper 4 y/o
Kazdan 3 y/o

Time to Regroup!

Time for a red eye to SC.
Time for big hugs
Time with the fam
Time working with my dad
Time to feel 8 years old again
Time with my childhood partner in crime
Time at Carowinds with the kiddies
Time in the saddle
Time at church
Time spent with old friends
Time to go home
Time to regroup.

Ssssnake River

Drove up to a cabin in Island Park, Idaho with some friends; made our way over to WY and the six of us ran a section of the Snake River. It wasn't as big as some of the rivers in NC/TN, but I still enjoyed it. It was the first time I've gone with no guide. We used one of the University of Utah's brand new rafts (to make sure it was "ok"). I'll post pics when I get them since a certain someone has my camera! Boo!

Weekend Warrior

Last weekend went to Burley, ID.
The menu:
Floated down a cow poo and pesticide contaminated canal
Watched a disturbing rodeo
Went to a mediocre fair
Jumped on a trampoline
Drove city boys around on a 4-wheeler

This weekend I'm heading to WY.
The menu:
Run part of the Snake River
City of Rocks to do a lil' bit of climbing!

Next weekend headed to S Cackalacka for some quality family time!
The Menu:
Paramount Carowinds
Trail Riding at Springs
Camping with my nieces and nephews

Will make for a grand total of 12 weekends on the road.

Tears, hugs, and night lights

I managed to escape the Provo bubble; although, the joy of my escape was tainted with crocodile tears and stomach pains as I drove away. I now live in Saratoga Springs with my friend Natalie and her two kids, Pyper and Kazdan. Although my room only has three walls and no furniture, I like my new crib (no pun intended) and my $10 Wal-Mart air mattress. The kids are adorable and it’s fun to come home to their excited little voices and big hugs. Sleeping in a room alone has never been my thing, and when I crawled into bed last night I was overcome with the feeling of being completely alone. It helped that the kids’ rooms are next to mine and their night lights leaked light into my room. Boy do I need a dog. Too bad Dollar isn’t house trained; he’d be fun to sleep with.

It's a Girl!

Well, after more than 24 hours at the hospital and 3 1/2 hours of pushing, Kaitlin and Jeremy introduced Alexis Page Whitesell to the world. "Lexie" was 9lb 6oz and 22 inches long. Her head was too big for the vacuum, so they had to use the hand suction. (She must take after her Daddy!) Congrats Jeremy and Kaitlin! I love ya’ll!

(I'll add a pic. once I get one!)

Tick Tock

I'm going nuts staring at my phone. Jeremy (my little brother who I used to play barbies and horses with)is at the hospital about to see his baby be born. He's been texting me as Kaitlin has progressed. 4cm, then 7cm, now some other number that I don't understand. He knows more about babies and the birthin' process than I do. In this moment I've never been more homesick. I never thought I'd miss my little brother's wedding and the birth of his baby girl.

I'm coming home (again!)

Well, atleast for a visit! As previously posted I'll be home Saturday, June 24th, but I just purchased an additional flight home for the 1st weekend in Septemper (Labor Day). The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. Thanks to this "important" national holiday, I get to come home and see all my family! Uncle Scott...get the boat and the wake board ready cause here I come!

Random updates

Well, I joined a riding club and will be taking Dollar over to this huge arena twice a week to ride with a bunch of people and supposedly we’ll take some cool overnight camping trips with the horses. I already don’t fit in, since I’m the ONLY person riding in an English saddle. : ) I love it.
I went climbing 2 weekends ago and did a really cool canyon last Saturday, so I’m still finding time to enjoy my new outdoor activities. I just need to find a way to integrate them all together.
A week and ½ ago my friend Jake went to feed Dollar and his horse Moon. He tried to give Moon a shot and Moon knocked him backwards and struck him with his front foot in the head. Jake got rushed to the hospital and luckily will be ok. No riding for a month though. It was a tough reminder that although horses are our pets…they’re still animals and can be unpredictable.
Oh yeah...I'll be in SC June 21st-25th, but will only be in Rock Hill on Saturday (I'll be boogy boarding the crazy 2 foot waves at Myrtle Beach the rest of the time), so if ya wanna hang out plan on Saturday night; I'll be with the fam, but you're welcome to join us.