13%

I heard somewhere that there is a 13% chance for snow in Colorado on Christmas Day. Well, the odds were in our favor!

Cheers to another successful Christmas!

Stories

Every Christmas, I love listening to the hour NPR program called "Tinsel Tales". It is a bunch of different holiday stories that are poignant and many that are funny. My favorite is Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris. Here is the link-cut and paste it into your browser...if you have an hour to listen I hope you enjoy the program as much as I do! http://www.npr.org/2011/12/21/17488106/tinsel-tales-npr-christmas-stories

Coldplay Christmas Songs

Last year I posted this YouTube video-one of my favorite versions of this song! Thought I would post this song recently by Coldplay... You can't have too many YouTube videos showing Chris Martin's handsome mug and his great voice!

The Yin and the Yang

It was a realization I had last week, after hearing about the mass shootings in Newtown of children. It is the realization that no matter how hard we try as a society to envelop the world in “Christmas Spirit” and being festive, loving and giving to all mankind, we can’t escape the realities of humanity. I got to thinking about how the holidays (or the time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day) is really a compact experience of life at its most impactful…the yin and the yang. During this time, the yin and yang are magnified. Feelings are felt stronger during this time. Happiness is incredibly happy…all the food and friends and festive outings. The music, the holiday plays and events, the lights, the gifts you give to people you love most and to those who you may not even talk to much the rest of the year. On the flip side, the sadness is, well, incredibly sad. A Christmas where a child anticipating the day is suddenly dead…Where people who are facing end-of-life realize this is their last Christmas…and people who have experienced loss grieve it all over again. Not to mention that if you are not Christian, you are reminded every day (on the radio, in stores and as you drive home from work) that you are a part of a minority (which can be intimidating and rightly so). I am not writing this to be the Debbie Downer of the moment, or, as we say in holiday-speak “The Grinch”-I am writing this to acknowledge that humanity and the life we all lead is multifaceted. The idea that really keeps me on my toes is that we can’t know the love, the good, the happiness if we don’t know the bad. If everything was good and happy all of the time then we would be robots. And while a future of humans becoming robots is not too far off (and maybe we are, already), I prefer the yin and the yang. I prefer feeling the pain and also the good. Because I know, then, when the good is happening, and what it feels like. And I know that the next round of pain will be followed by the good. The family of that dead child is getting more support and love than many of us put together. That patient who realized this was their last Christmas is reconciling with a family member whom he/she has hurt. That non-Christian can validate his/her belief system more being in the minority and with the support of those in his or her community. What better alchemy than that? I just don’t think the Christmas spirit is all about a time for “charity”…I think it is all about tapping into the yin and the yang that we all have in our own lives and recognizing that the yin and the yang are universal for us all.

Another successful lights tour

For the past few years, Meg and I take the kids on a driving tour of lights. We research on the internet where to drive to, and pick about 3 or 4 houses to enjoy. We had another successful lights tour this year, seeing some houses in Centennial and Englewood. Typically we get hot chocolates from Starbucks before we go on our journey, but neither Meg nor I wanted to feel bloated from the chocolatey drink so the kids got theirs at home. There was one house, though, that kind of freaked us all out. It was very nicely decorated, except in the window there was this reel of the shadow of the Grinch moving about. It was a tad bit creepy. We did miss seeing the one house that for years was decked out to the max and they would have cookies and cider for the viewers. They wrote a note last year it was their final year because they were retiring. So, while the other houses couldn't compete, it was still fun to play some Christmas tunes and carry on our tradition.

A night at Table Mountain

Since I threw the book club holiday bash on Saturday night, the boys went to the kennel for their own little vacation. I couldn't pick them up until today, so I had decided to stay the night in Golden at the Table Mountain Inn. I called up Liz and Lance to see if they were free for dinner because they live so close to Golden and we decided to meet at 5:30. Before then, I checked in and enjoyed the lovely hotel. It isn't as posh as the St. Julien in Boulder, and I kind of prefer feeling a little more anonymous and a little more comfortable. The rooms and hotel decor have a Southwest flair, and the upper floors have balconies that overlook Washington Ave. This is the super cozy bed; however, no matter how much I plan for a really good night's sleep at a hotel, I always wake up at 3am and have trouble falling asleep...

This is the night view from the balcony:

I went shopping in the afternoon and then read for a while. I met Liz and Lance for dinner at the Inn's restaurant which is really, really good. They went on their way; I hung out in the room, took a bath and did my nails. I woke up this morning, did the treadmill, and checked out around 10am. The waiter last night recommended that I have the chorizo sausage and cheddar biscuits and gravy with the apple-smoked bacon for breakfast; though I pondered it in the morning, I realized I would have had to spend about 5 hours on the treadmill to work it off. I opted for a very light breakfast instead. It is always fun to get away, even if just 30 minutes away. It is never too short to feel like you are on vacation!

Holiday party

You know it is a good party when people stand around talking in the most awkward or random places...like right next to the window air conditioner, or gathered around a small chair in a very messy kitchen. Yes, my friends, it is the company we keep rather than where we keep the company...that despite a very cozy set up of chairs in the living room my wonderful bookclub friends plopped themselves wherever conversation was available, even if in a random location. That is what I love about these women...after 10 plus years we never run out of things to say. Or read. Cheers to you, ladies, and to a renewed 2013 full of good books and continuing great friendships! XO

Under the same sky

Last night as I looked at the stars, and this morning as I reveled in the beautiful sunrise, I thought about how everyone in the world lives under the same sky. If nothing else, that is one thing that connects us all. This thought came to me as I was thinking of all the families, teachers, staff, and kids in Newtown, Connecticut. That under the same sky as me exists a community filled with grief, pain, bewilderment along with support, love, and care for one another. It is a powerful realization and feeling, one of connection that I wish the gunman had felt for his fellow community members and even his own family. (This is a photo I took of a sunrise from the cabin in Estes Park. I had this same feeling of this beautiful sky blanketing us all at the time I took the photo. It is a little bit of comfort in a time of sadness and anxiety. That blanket of love that covers us all).

Perspective

Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little-Buddha. This quote is certainly appropriate for today. While I complain about getting up early to work, one of our clients got dragged by a bus last night. She slipped and the bus didn't see her and took off; she was dragged by the bus and had to have major surgery on her arm and her head. Already, this resident is struggling with sobriety; her son has been taken away from her; and she just can't get traction. It is pretty amazing what some people go through and they keep on going. The concept of resiliency is very interesting to me because the same negative event will affect people in completely different ways. Some people are able to keep perspective and put one foot in front of the other; some people may just fold. I hope this client is the one foot in front type...

The 7am shift

I know that a lot of people don't have steady work right now, so I don't want to come across complaining about a good thing...and I don't work at the shelter very often, just one day a week...but it seems to always be the early shift. I was in bed fairly early last night and one would think waking up at 5 to head into the shelter wouldn't be that big of a deal...but with the busy week I have had I would rather sleep in today! The good thing is that there is a bed in the counseling office so I may be able to catch a few ZZZ's before residents wake up and start needing me. I wish you all a day of relaxation and Sunday laziness! This is just my speed right now...

Finally!

After 3 appointments with my regular stylist, one with a new stylist at a posh salon, and today at Floyd's with Renee (love!), I have finally gotten my hair the length and style I have wanted!

I am so incredibly happy. I will now be one of those people whose stylist is separate from her colorist. What next? First class trips to the Seychelles? No, not really. But I am finally very happy with my cut. Who knew going from long to short would take so much effort?

Just another week

I haven't been inspired to write lately. Not sure why...I guess life is happening and I keep forgetting to document things. So, let's see...school is out for the winter break. I am just now getting into my "no school/homework" groove. I do go to my internship but that is such a treat! I absolutely love my internship. It doesn't even feel like work. The people at the hospice are just awesome. I get to do a lot of different things which is nice. My supervisor is very relaxed and if there isn't anything for me to do I go home, which makes for a nice week. I am starting to get my own patients to see, so now I can finally put all this learning into action! Sunday night I treated myself to the Hotel St. Julien in Boulder. I shopped, ordered room service, enjoyed the hot tub and fitness center, and slept in with no alarm. It was a really nice way to celebrate the end of the quarter. And now...it is Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for. I just got over a really nasty bout of some sort of sickness, and now that I have joined the humans again one major thing I am grateful for is my health. Wow...I was down for the count for a few days and utterly miserable. Misery leads to depression, which leads to not wanting to do anything, which leads to more misery. Now that I can get outside, grocery shop for myself, and not cough up a storm I am really grateful for being healthy. I think of all the people out there with chronic or terminal illnesses and how hard getting up in the morning might be...how difficult it could be to see good things through the depression and misery that pain and illness brings. And along with health, good friends and my family are another reason to be grateful. Without them, I would definitely not have that spring in my step that accompanies me through each day. I love this... I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet. – Author Unknown Happy Thanksgiving to you all and may you not have enough fingers and toes to count your blessings! XO

Di de los Muertos

I threw a Dia de los Muertos party on Saturday night. Who knew celebrating the dead could be so fun? Lots of good people crowded into my house. We enjoyed some traditional Mexican fare, like "Bread of the dead" and chips/salsa and taquitos. We had some drinks and everyone mingled and chatted. The little people all did really well and watched out for one another. All in all, it was a success! Here is the altar we created as the night wore on. People lit candles, brought memories of loved ones, and placed pictures on the altar. It was beautiful!

The things I do...

...for the love of Chester. I painstakingly go to PetSmart and other such places to buy chews. Chester can be a little bit spoiled when it comes to his rawhide. If it isn't "just right" he will refuse to take it, standing in front of me waiting for me to magically make the new and right one appear. So, I have taken to smearing peanut butter all over his chew because I do not have another brand to give him. He is a rawhide snob.

Hunkering in

It is that time of the quarter where I start to feel burnout. Last year, I didn't know what I was feeling until I reflected later on how tired I was, how my heart wouldn't stop beating fast, and how short a fuse I had with friends or family. This year, understanding that burnout happens, I have been more in-tune with when it creeps up, even though I don't do much to stop it. No walks in the park, or lingering herbal teas, or massages. I start noticing though that the excited anticipation of starting the day anew starts to wane, and I grimace to myself that hopefully one day this week I will get a few hours to do something fun. The vacuuming of the house starts to go longer than a week, the boys may get one walk instead of two. The candle lit at both ends starts to go out. That is when I embrace a small intervention: Hunkering in. It may be 7pm and I am in my jammies and I have a book and I crawl under the covers. I read. I write. I doze off. I sleep. And I always look so forward to that time which reminds me of a cocoon. Knowing that the spring will come, and I will have new energy, new life, ready to face a new career and other exciting events. Hunkering in is the way I connect to myself when the burnout starts threatening me. And it feels so good. Chester, the other morning, was very interested in this hunkering in business. As I was getting into bed, he jumped up and we had a moment. He was cuddly and sweet and I almost...almost...took the covers up and had him hunker in with me. I knew I would regret it, though, with dirty sheets and comforter and how he will burrow his way until I am almost off the bed. But it was sweet, for a minute, to have my warm and cozy boy right next to me. Yes...with everything life has going on for me, hunkering in is good. Very good.

Try a little tenderness

I was listening to NPR this morning (Surprise, surprise) and WAS surprised by a discussion about healthcare reform. Here is the synopsis: Robert Siegel talks to New York Times columnist Nick Kristof about his friend and college roommate Scott Androes, who was diagnosed with Stage Four prostate cancer. In two recent columns, Kristof wrote about Androes, who didn't have health insurance at the time of the diagnosis. In Thursday's paper, Kristof writes that Androes drifted into a coma Sunday and died Monday morning. You know what surprised me as well as the NYT columnist Nick Kristof? That a lot of people wrote in to the columnist blaming his friend for not having health insurance to cover his medical needs. In the end, however, those people that may complain, as well as you and me, paid for the meager healthcare he did receive because, well, sorry to say...he accumulated a lot of bills that he couldn't pay for. Hmmm...Universal healthcare might just be the answer to that little problem. But what REALLY surprised me was the amount of animosity Nick Kristof got about his friend-kind of a "good riddence mentality" to his friend's death. Wow. I guess the whole adage of "treat others as you would like to be treated" means that many people in society are self-harming?

Here is what procrastination looks like

I am in procrastination mode today. I woke up to such a beautiful fall day that sitting down and writing a paper is not happening. I took the boys on a walk and then walked over to the farmer's market. As I was enjoying the fall colors, I realized that now would be the time to get to the Botanic Gardens. After a little back in forth in my head about how I really should sit and start my paper, I decided a short trip to the Garden's was in order. Here are some fall pictures of my favorite place to visit, especially on days when papers need to be written!

Not just for the parents

When I was younger, I used to think A Prairie Home Companion was for folks of...ahem...my parents age. Well, I guess I fall into that category now because I listen to it every weekend. I have discovered some musical gems, as well as a ton of humor. Here is one band I just learned about called Mountain Man. And, the funny thing is the band is made up of 20-something hipster chicks who play bluegrass indie folk music. Enjoy!

Frivolity

I don't have much to write. So, enjoy!

Checking In

I haven't had much time for writing. But in a good way! I started school on the 10th, and it has been nonstop since. I absolutely love my classes! Such a change from the first year, where I took one more class than I am now, as well as all the stress around learning new ideas. I have been able to see some friends I made last year, which also has eased the anxiety of the beginning of the year. And the highlight is...my internship. I am in love. I am interning at Agape Hospice, and I know that hospice is the work I want to do. Agape itself is a great organization. They put a ton of time and effort into the proper training because healthcare is so regulated. They don't want their interns, volunteers and new employees putting anything in jeopardy. I have loved all the training because it has really educated me on a lot of things, plus I have met some really great people. I also shadowed various positions the past two weeks. I shadowed the RN, the chaplain, the social worker and the CNA. I must throw a shout out to the CNA's of the world. They do the really hard work! The best part of the year thus far is that I actually have had time to spend with friends and family. I made it to bookclub, where we had a really great time...I went to a concert last night with a friend...I watched football today. All in all, it will be a good year. And...I am going to put this out there. If things go well with Agape, I hope, hope, hope I could be a candidate for a job when I graduate. They don't require licensure, though I will sit for the exam right after graduation anyway. They also have a "north" team which I hope may need a social worker. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I know it is important to put the energy toward what I want. I remember creating a vision board for the academic advisor position at Regis and...got the job. So, I think if I put my energy out there, something good will come of it. All in all, things are really good and I am feeling very content!

One more school year!

Yesterday, school started. I was like a little school girl the weekend before! Friday, I got my hair cut. I went shopping for some professional clothes for my internship. I can't dress like I do at the shelter...there it is okay to wear sweats, jeans and the like; At this internship I need to look a lot more professional. Sunday, I packed my backpack, figured out my outfit, and made my lunch. A change from last year is that this year, I am taking the lightrail. It takes about 20 mins both ways to go to and come home from class. I figured that I don't get much exercise on my school days, so this is the one way I can get a little of that in as well (no more freshman 15 this year)! My first day went great! I remember last year, on my first day, the insecurities I felt as a newbie, not knowing anyone. Not knowing where I would have lunch or with whom or by myself. This year, none of those insecurities were there. I got to class and saw a lot of familiar faces, and I knew what to expect in my classes. I am taking a theory class: Perspectives on Adulthood; a policy class: Social Healthcare Policy; and a mental health class: Assessment of Mental Health for Adults. On my break, I sat outside and saw people I knew; In class, I sat next to some other people I knew; The content of class was familiar; and I just felt so good and positive all day. Tuesdays I have off, completely. These are going to be my "self-care" days-unless of course I have an assignment due and I need a little last minute working time. Today, I slept in, took a nice bike ride at Wash Park, and went to the grocery store to plan for the week. The boys and I took a few nice walks, and I am now watching "Julie and Julia." Tomorrow I start my new internship at Agape Hospice, which will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. As much as I moaned and groaned about my internship last year, I learned so much. I learned, especially, how to be an intern. Tomorrow is a lot of paperwork and introductions, and the rest of the week a lot of orientation. Though I wrestled last year with picking my internship site, I am now really excited and thrilled about choosing this one. My weekends are reserved for homework and part time work at the shelter, and of course seeing family and friends. I just have a really good feeling about it all and I know this year is just going to fly by!

It's that time of year

The week surrounding August 28th always leads to a little tension, a few sleepless nights, and of course a few tears. I can't believe 3 years has come and gone since Mike died; sometimes it feels like a long time ago, and sometimes it feels like just yesterday. The past three years I have chosen to spend this time up in the mountains, and especially at the YMCA Estes Park camp. This year was no exception. Chester, Stan and I went up on Sunday and spent two nights there. As usual, it was lovely. Sunday afternoon before we rolled into camp we stopped at the grocery store and I bought fixings to make pizza for dinner. We were able to secure our favorite cabin-Robin's Nest-and settled in during the afternoon. I had a cup of tea, and the boys had a chew. I took a long walk, and then made pizza and salad for dinner. I read an entire book that evening, while sitting on the wraparound front porch. Monday, we got up, had breakfast, and I took the boys to Mary's Lake. I let them play in the water for a bit, we walked around the lake, and then came home. Later, Dad met me in town for lunch (Mom and Robert have been in Rochester for a wedding, so Dad came up for the day). After lunch, we drove into Rocky Mountain National Park and drove Trail Ridge Road to the highest point. Along the way, we were slowed down by three bull elk grazing right night to the road. It was a beautiful drive and the view at the Alpine Visitor Center was spectacular. After our drive, we grabbed some coffee and Dad went home. I had leftover pizza and started on another book before bed. This morning, the boys and I drove highway 7 through Allenspark into Nederland. Mike, the boys and I used to go to Nederland after our long hikes at Lost Lake, so it was appropriate that we stop at the park and have lunch. We then drove home, to the cemetary first, and I took an hour nap. Dad and I met for dinner and Mom and Robert will be home later tonight. I don't need to keep exalting the wonders of the YMCA camp, but I will. I don't know what it is about that place but it is so relaxing to me. Interestingly enough, when I go there and into RMNP I feel peaceful, almost like I feel Mike's presence. He loved the mountains after all, so I suppose it makes sense that I feel his presence when I am in the mountains. But being in RMNP I feel it so much more, like I can picture him camping by a lake or hiking through the tundra. Thus, it was the most perfect place where I could have spent the past few days.

Enchanted, indeed!

I am officially in love with the state of New Mexico! There is something about "the land of enchantment" I haven't felt in other states. I got into Santa Fe on Monday afternoon, and mom and dad got in about an hour later. We met up and had a delicious dinner at The Shed:

After dinner, I showed mom and dad my little B&B called the Madeleine Inn that was just up Palace Road:

They retired for the evening, and I headed to the Plaza where I listened to a local band play. I also moseyed over to The La Fonda and listened to the band they had there. The next day, I was set to go to Abiquiu to see Georgia O'Keefe's studio and home. However, mom and dad had to leave early afternoon to go to Taos and since this side trip would take much of the day I decided to stay around Santa Fe so I could spend more time with them. I met them for lunch near the Loretto Chapel and we walked Canyon Road and some of the art galleries and saw some of the local homes:

Mom and Dad headed to Taos, and I had a little siesta at the hotel. I then wandered around town and treated myself to a three course meal at Illuminario:

The next day, I drove "The High Road" to Taos. It was beautiful! I stopped at the Sanctuario de Chimayo, which is an old church said to have mysical powers:

The drive to Taos was beautiful, with little villages along the way. Also, lots of little cemetaries dotted the landscape:

I got into Taos and had a little lunch at my hotel, The Historic Taos Inn:

I met up with mom and dad, and we went to their hotel. I fell in love with it...The Inn on the Rio is owned by Robert and Jules, along with their dog Stormy. They purchased the property which was an old rundown motel lodge around 17 years ago and transformed it into a little oasis:

We walked around the plaza and had a delicious dinner at The Dragonfly which was referred to me by Amy (Thanks, girl! Great recommendation!). We drove to the Taos Pueblo and they were closed for the evening. Mom and dad then retired for the evening and I listened to some music at my hotel. Yesterday morning, Jules and Robert had invited me to breakfast at their inn. So, along with mom and dad, we enjoyed a egg and apple savory breakfast pancake, homemade bread by Robert (which mom and I bought a loaf!) and some other treats. We all went our separate ways and drove home. It felt good to get out of the car 5 hours later, but I certainly miss my enchanted land.

It's awfully tough to be a lab

Labs are adorable as puppies, regal as adults, and the sweetest breed when it comes to getting along with others, whether that means two-legged tall creatures, two legged short people, or four legged friends. And, sometimes this sweet nature can get them into trouble, unbeknownst to them. Chester and Stanley (and I) have a neighbor who loves dogs. She showers me with dog books, leaves treats on the front porch, and praises my two handsome boys every time we see her. She has two Irish Setters, but I don't see her with them as much as she sees me with my boys. She always goes to Whole Foods in the morning to get coffee and read. I was walking the boys that way this morning when we saw her. I tried to be subtle so that they wouldn't drag me to her, but once they realized they were mere moments away from pets and praise, they jumped up and down and started running to her. Except, Chester didn't see this iron fence pole (and neither did I) and ran right into it. That didn't stop him, he shook it off and went right to her for his lovin. Then I noticed that he was bleeding from his right eye! The fence post got the best of him, I suppose. We came home and I washed his eye, put some neosporin on his wound and gave him a chew. Sometimes, Chester gets in his own way! **Update: I heard Stanley barking after my shower. Lo and behold, our lovely neighbor left the boys a huge bag of different dog treats. It is tough to be a lab, indeed!

Mental Health Stuff

We live in a culture where mental illness is more taboo than anything else. Very few people feel comfortable talking about it, let alone admitting that friends and family have an illness. After the Aurora cinema shooting, we wanted to talk about gun control, not mental health. When our soldiers come back from Iraq, we want to talk about getting them jobs, not therapy for their PTSD. I think what is hard about mental illness is that its manifestation is more blatant and obvious than sometimes physical illness can be. Yet, it is somehow taboo to offer one’s support based on mental versus physical illness. Can we say,”Hmmm…I think you are a bipolar” any more than we can ask someone if they are diabetic, have blood pressure, or thyroid problems? Is being manic depressive worse than being diabetic? What if you are a diabetic alcoholic with manic depression? One school of thought is that none of this is no one’s business. Whether I may have a mental or physical illness is not for anyone to know except me and my medical practitioners. But who, of any of us, go to the doctor to seek help for any little thing that feels wrong? And who of any of us go to a doctor to talk about our mental states? Who of us go to a doctor and say, “I think I drink too much, I get depressed, wreck havoc on my friends and then binge at the local Taco Bell afterward…”. Nope. We fill out our boxes on our forms in the doctor’s office pretty run of the mill and moderate. And even if we go to the doctor, we end up with a plethora of medications. Not any help in lifestyle support, psychological support, or anything related to who I am as a whole person. We end up on drugs that I can’t even spell, let alone understand what they will do for me. But we trust that someone will (?). Healthcare is the biggest debate in our country. It will determine who our president, the person who leads our country, will be. It will determine how we will care for the millions of retiring baby boomers, their children and grandchildren. Yet, I can almost bet that very few people actually seek healthcare, yet alone mental healthcare, and understand either. Wanna bet $5?

Dream

Dream. The more I contemplate and write that word, the stranger it looks and sounds. It is one of those words, said over and over, that stops making sense after a while. The spelling starts to look weird (is it "ea" or "ee"?). What does it mean? For me, it has meant a few hours of adulterated sleep. Adulterated. "Impure, contaminated, mixed." Another one of those words that doesn't sound right after it is said over and over again. Yet, dreams and adulterated sleep have been a part of my world for the past few weeks, thus although I would like to think them strange or unforgiving, they are there. I had this dream last night that was particularly disturbing. It included a woman (who looked like Kenley on Project Runway (okay, I had just watched the episode before going to bed)) and my fate was in her hands. There was a certain "Scrooge-Ghost of Christmas Present" feel to it as I awoke at 11:45pm, gasping for air. I felt like a stranger in my home, my own bed, and got up to make sure Chester and Stanley were still there, ready to protect me. I went to bed with one eye open, waiting for midnight, and ended up falling asleep. I have had vivid dreams all week, but I can't recall the specifics of any of them. I just know I wake up, hair gone wild, makeup smeared on pillow (despite my evening facewashing), and my pajamas soaked in sweat. To what party I attend every night I will never know. Perhaps I am dreaming of you...

So much fun!

I just came home from the best weekend! Liz invited me to the condo in Winter Park because Lance had a golf tournament there and she needed a little company. We had the best time! I met them up there on Thursday. Lance was playing golf in the afternoon, so Liz and I decided to play 18 holes at the Grandby Ranch course. I had never played 18 holes before, and I had never driven in a golf cart, so we got the reservation gal to promise it would just be the two of us and it was. Even though my golf game was horrible, I would stand and breathe in the beautiful air and view the lovely course. That put things in perspective. Indeed, golf is a "head" game.

Friday, Liz and I took out the "razor" on some trails. It is a little 4-wheeler that is so much fun to be in! We went on some trails for a couple of hours, but the rain came before we could ride to Fraser so we had to call it quits. We came back, took naps, and then went into Cooper Square to shop and listen to music. We made pizza and watched the opening ceremonies for the olympics that night.

Yesterday, we rode bikes up the Fraser River Trail to the ski resort. The Freeride Festival was happening, which is a bike festival with all the "extreme" bikers who race down mountain slopes and do twists and turns in the air. I was proud of myself, because I rode Liz's bike (and she has longer legs than me) on the trail without getting into some sort of an accident. It was a lot of fun. I forget the camera, so here is a little YouTube video: We rode back, I went to the pool and sat in the hot tub, and Liz hung out at the condo. We went back into town, and then to Azteca's for Mexican food. I crashed out very early. This morning, we went to breakfast with one of Lance's golf and work people, and then I headed home. While it is always good to be on vacation, it is equally as nice to see the the mugs of Chester and Stan!