National Day of the COWBOY

So much to say.....but it'll probably bore you.  I'll keep a lot of how happy I was last night to myself.  In celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy I attended the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo.  Not only was the rodeo the best activity possible but I loved it about 408% more when a few cowboys and their horses played musical chairs.

I'm pretty sure I saw my uncle taking pictures during the Miss Rodeo Utah coronation.  I just know a Hansen when I see one, even from far away.  Sandy was friendly enough to share her kettle corn and it was delicious.  Emily went on a "browse" of a walk with me.  And at the end of the rodeo there was FMX and fireworks.  I've never seen this kind of thing in person before.  It made me want to....well, it scared me a little bit.  I'd rate this night at a 9.8, it would have got a 10 if it wasn't for the 100 degree sunshine for the first hour.

the Sisters

On Friday afternoon I drove south.  Right before you hit Las Vegas there's an exit called 123rd.  That's where the sisters live.  I'll make a list of words that describe the visit.

• dog
• red paint
• Wendy/face/carpet
• Super Mario
• pizza
• loin cloth wearing peeping tom
• Inception :(
• cruise plans
• dog
• projects
• Shabby Apple
• The Sweet Tooth Fairy
• dead sheep
• Wii

I have no photographs of the events that took place.  I'll tell you, I didn't enjoy the movie very much and was partially disappointed with the vaNIElla cupcake at the Sweet Tooth Fairy.  I'm not sure what else to say right now.

a week with the indians. is that PC?

I think we all let our nerves get away with us when we thought about losing Amber for 5 whole days.  She went to girls' camp and Jimmy took the week off to stay home with the children.  I came over every chance I had.  I dare say, we had a really good time.  The indians were well behaved.

We went to dinosaur park on Wednesday and the boys got buzz cuts.  We call Jack's the "grandpa" and James is pulling off a pretty tough mohawk due to his bloody nose.

I wish I had a picture of the dancing when Marlie turned on her piano.  Or a video of them singing "God Bless America."  It's their favorite song apparently.  Mostly Jimmy's I think.

Mostly, I'm pretty glad I got to spend time with them this week.  They make me pretty happy.

the COUNTY FAIR circuit

In an effort to make 2010 a bit more memorable when it goes down in the books I have decided to attend as many county fairs as possible.  It'll be a crazy few weeks but I like to imagine it being as pleasant as a being a cowpoke with a new pony.  If you'd like to join me on any of these adventures you are most welcome...but buy your tickets soon though for the ticket things.

24 July - Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo 7:30 p.m.
31 July - Morgan County
6 August - Tooele County
7 August - Summit County
11 August - Salt Lake County
12 August - Juab County
13 August - Cache County, may have to go during the day
14 August - Weber County, Demolition Derby 8 p.m.
19 August - Davis County
20 August - Franklin County, Idaho
21 August - Utah County
27 August - San Pete County
28 August - Box Elder County
10 September - Utah State Fair, Rodeo 7 p.m.

Baby Boy Pena

Kayli and Jon had a beautiful baby boy on July 7th!  He remains nameless, not out of anonymity, but because his parents are still in negotiation.  The baby is sooo cute with his dark hair!  I guess his parents are pretty darn great as well.  I'm so blessed to have all of them as my good friends.

update: Baby got a name!  Jace Jonathan Pena

the most productive HOLIDAY weekend ever (part 3)

I did it!  I had to unpick a little bit but finished without giving up or even throwing a fit.  And now I have this great reversible, reusable bag and I made a table runner too!  Thanks for an extension on the deadline, KWC. 

the most productive HOLIDAY weekend ever (part 2)

I love OLD GLORY DAYS in Riverdale.  I'm pretty sure I have only missed one of these celebrations in my entire life (due to the unfortunate events of Philmont Scout Camp in 1995).  My mother made a fabulous breakfast, Alleson braided my hair, there was actually a float in the parade, I got a bag of cotton candy and a tattoo, I got slaughtered by Wendy at Wii bowling, my mother facilitated a yummy barbeque, and we got to see millions of fireworks.  It was an excellent day!

the most productive HOLIDAY weekend ever (part A)

Cooking Lesson

Friday afternoon I learned some excellent tricks of the trade.  I created a menu and a shopping list and went full speed ahead.  I also invested in some necessary equipment. 

My meals and snacks are completely planned and prepared for through next Monday.  I planned for one lunch out and one dinner out.  We'll see how this goes  :)

making deals

I'm sure no one can understand how my brain works (because I don't really get it myself) but I thought I'd try to explain how the wheels turn in my head. 

Situation A:

I'm playing Solitaire on the computer.  My score is -$2,195 and I win, statistically, 4% of the time.  I've played a total of 331 rounds, but not all in one sitting.  Do I allow myself to play more than one round?  Do I stop playing after I get passed a certain score or time limit?  This decision is a burden to make.  The time limit comes, I keep going.  I pass the score that means I should stop, and I keep going.  I reset the time limit or the score limit over, and over, and over again.  Why?

That's right.  The devil.  The deals I make with myself (inside my brain) are like making deals with the devil.  Let me go on.....

Situation 2:

My goal is to eat out 1 time a week for lunch.  Monday is the pre-determined day to eat at Paradise Bakery for lunch.  Tuesday, I ate out at Pei Wei.  Wednesday, I returned to Paradise Bakery, justifying it as a healthy alternative to Pei Wei.  Thursday, a banana split at Scoopology.  That's right.  A banana split.  Why?

I could go on but it seems unnecessary.  I'm not saying that I am A or THE devil.  I'm not saying that it's the actual devil who made me do it.  I'm saying that this little guy represents my self-control. 

What to do, what to do?