Figure Skating 101

Since I've been involved in figure skating for over 25 years, when I read this I just couldn't resist passing on some of my favorites.

You know you're a figure skater when...

1. You've been high off zamboni fumes at least once.

2. Upon hearing a song, you map out the choreography in your head.

3. You have no accumulated sun damage because you never leave the rink.

4. When you see someone of the opposite sex on the street, you don't think "date", you think "pair partner"!

5. You like to buy your shoes half a size smaller than you really need so they feel like your skates.

6. When you walk past a prom dress in a mall and see the nice beading you imagine it in a skating dress.

7. You've met a sport psychologist at least once.

8. You keep winter clothes in your closet year round.

9. You know what bungas are.

10. You spend the same amount as you would on college tuition on skating every year.

11. You get out of gym.

12. It's not a 360, it's a single.

13. It's a Russian split, not a toe touch.

14. You play add-on.

15. Competitions are your vacations.

16. More than a week off the ice is unheard of.

17. You get up before school to skate.

18. You have a little ritual before competition.

19. Axels are nothing to do with wheels or a rock star.

20. You know the Michelle Kwan spiral and the face that goes with it.

21. You understand these points!

 

Udderly Terrific!

Until Tuesday, I haven't been eligible to take any time off from work (believe me - it seemed like forever).  I wanted to spend one fun day with the kids before school starts.  We didn't want to do anything major, especially since Jenna has been a little under the weather.  I had heard about the Kilby Cream Farm from a lot of people at work, and so... out to the country we went.  It was a picture perfect day - warm, but not too hot, a great breeze, the farm all to ourselves.  We ate a picnic lunch in the shade and everyone had fun petting the animals and swinging.  Kilby's makes the best ice cream I've ever eaten.  I ate Teaberry ice cream - yes, the chewing gum that I grew up with was an ice cream flavor (I had hot fudge on it of course) - YUM!  The only problem now is - I want to go back and eat some more!

Gone Fishing

                                             Lexie 
                                             Jenna
                                             The Lake

Saturday was a new experience for me - I went fishing.   Ashlie's stepsister Danielle, and Danielle's stepbrothers, Dakota & Joey, were visiting and Ashlie took them, along with Lexie & Jenna, fishing earlier that week along with Ashlie's dad, Joe.  They had a lot of fun and caught a lot of fish (and Joe handled the worms - important part of this story).  So they decided to go again on Saturday when Jon & I  could go too. What we hadn't planned for was that none of us wanted to touch the worms to put them on the hooks!  We didn't catch anything.  Don't know if it was because the worms weren't on the hooks right or if the fish were smart enough to eat them without getting caught.  Even so... we had a lot of fun and did a lot of laughing.  But next time - Joe goes too!

You win!

Okay, I admit, I went "kicking and screaming" into reading the Twilight books.  I had NO interest in them - the premise had nothing to draw me in.  However, so many friends - including many whom I hold in great respect - encouraged me to take a look.  Thank you to my two angels who bought me the first two books!!  I read all four within a week.

For those who say Twilight is the new Harry Potter, I say no way!!!  Totally different.  First and foremost, Twilight is a love story - as in Romeo & Juliet.  And the emotions are so intense, I do not think it's appropriate for young readers.  I was pleasantly surprised to find gospel principles woven throughout - I couldn't help but think of the Young Women values.  For example, Choice & Accountability - the Cullens' choice to be different from others; Integrity - Edward's moral standards and his determination to live up to them; Divine Nature - realizing that they didn't have to be evil - there was good in them; Good Works - Carlisle overcoming everything to be a wonderful doctor; Individual Worth - the wonderful differences between each person's special talents, and how they all benefited from them.  And intertwined throughout how it can be difficult, and sometimes painful, to live up to these values, that there are ever present temptations - but that they're worth it.  Twilight is a story about people who aren't "the same" overcoming hatred - humans, vampires and werewolves learning to love/respect each other despite their differences. And last, but certainly not least, the incredible depth that love can have and the power that it holds. The way Bella was when Edward left.....I understand Bella. 

So... I'm on my second read-through - and I know where I'll be on 12.12.08 - need I say more?

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Today was one of those special, happy days spent with friends. I went to a baby shower for Melia,  who is in our ward, at a very nice restaurant.  Melia actually kind of lived at our house for a few months a few years ago and when she joined the church, Charlie baptized her.  I remember how excited he was to do that. 

I don't get to spend much time with friends anymore, so today was so wonderful.  All of these women are dear to me and have helped me in many ways throughout this past year.  They have called me, visited me, fed me and shared their love for me in so many ways.  Leann, Tina, Melissa & Barbara are all amazing women and I'm so glad to have them as friends.  It was SO much fun just to sit and talk and spend time with them today - for that short time I was back in the world I love so much.  It was fun being there with Lorien & Hannah - thanks for taking our picture, wish you could have been in it too! 

I should also mention that the food was wonderful - can I say full!!!! 

After that, Lorien, Hannah & I went to the MacMichaels for Reilly's birthday party.  We really didn't get there till the party was over, but it was fun to see him playing with so many friends.  He is such a happy boy.  It felt nice to be sitting around the kitchen table - really brought back some happy memories.  More special friends that I'm glad to have.  Founding members of the "West Creek Branch" together again!