Micah Rae

Choice

2011-10-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Been thinking, 1) I need to write more, I love to write... Frees my mind! Helps me to express what, at most times I have difficulty doing in spoken words. 2) Live and Enjoy the present... Be content and grow...

As Fall stumbles upon us, I am amazed at how quickly life seems to float on by... Although a full year of great memories has been created, I need to reiterate "FLOAT"... Where did it go... Did I take it all in? Did I pull from and take in all the I was meant to?

I sometimes live to much in the future trying to control how things might turn out, occur or come about. I often sit down at the end of the day, take a deep breath, and realize that indeed, that moment was the first time I STOPPED to breath, to accept, to reflect or to take in ...

I lack trust... trust in people, in the process of life, I find fear being a dictator in some choices that I make... then I look back and feel that I, indeed, did not make choices with clarity... but with an immutable thinking process that I, then in the moment I was blind to...

But today, I am full..

We all have times like this... sometimes to short or to few... Moments of grace, to often times these moments are missed or "FLOAT" by with fuzzy edges amidst the momentum of life...

Our life guarantees change..... how are we going to rise to the occasion of this incredible aspet of life? Embellish it, soak it up and ride the journey... TRUSTING, that it will take us to where we need to be, to grow how we need to grow, to see what we need to see, or Resist it.. thinking that maybe it is not RIGHT for us, a stream of invisible assumptions and needs!

Life guarantees change.... It also assures opportunity.... and choice... and freedom.

We make a handful of choices everyday, trivial choices, like weather to have cream in your coffee... and also loaded choices, like trusting and loving. Each choice draws out and twists into a direction, a trajectory with consequences.

I make choices based on 1) Love ~ being connected (which unfortunately, do to the many walls I create happens far to little 2) and Fear- disconnect (lately has been my M.O)

I think I will start choosing love...

And this moment is the best Journey

2011-10-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

It has in fact been about a year!!! I will not even start to pretend that I am a good, dedicated consistent blogger. That I am NOT!

Summer has come and gone all to quickly.... Rain and muddy bike trails sadden me :( But I have had the greatest summer!

First off, I have a hot husband.... who works hard, and although I have a hard time not seeing him for a good portion of the summer, he sure looks good doing what he does!!!! I love this picture..

Before Lyle's fire season started, our good friend Jeff aka "Hollywood" took us to Napa Valley.... It was an amazing experience. He is a wine broker in Salt Lake, so of course he was treated Very WELL.. we all were! It was cool to see the process of wine and Champagne being made and the landscape there is absolutely breath taking.

Some Bocci Ball.... this was a serious competition!
SOOOO beautiful!

The summer started with a lot of road biking, Me and My friend Sara trained for a 180 mile relay from Snow Basin to Provo. The training was a blast, it was Sara's first bike event ever and she did so Awesome. We finished 4th in our Category (which was awesome considering we had NO expetations to place)

Lyle took a break mid fire season to go to Flaming Gorge with our Super Great friends Camie and Darren... We love these guys!!!

Four days of camping, boating, good food, good company and a few tears of FRUSTRATION.... but dont get me wrong.... I eventualy, finally, after like 40 tries, failures, getting my butt kicked by water learned to Solomon Ski...

I am too competitive at times... To Lyle this was no thing....

We also had a great boat day with the family at Deer Creek... Erin was hilarious on this tube, I was laughing way to hard....

although Kenny is not the slowest boat driver out there...

I got to watch little Amiah and Tayger for the weekend.... Love these kids... They make my soul so happy.... Although I am not ready to be a mom.... Too much work:)

The Summer comes to an end with a friends beautiful wedding at Sundance, the colors were beautiful....

a night out with with the ladies was much much needed! We had a blast!

Its a Wonderful Time

2010-12-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Happy Holidays To all my Friends and Family.

The Bus, That's Amazing

2010-10-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Drum Bus Anyone?

Ya, its really a bus, with drums, that drives around,

making music and cheer

and happy things

We loved it...

The Air is Crispy

2010-10-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

I love the crispy air

looking to the mountains and watching them change

I think we live in the most beautiful amazing place!

waking up in the morning to the change of the season

frost on the grass

color of red and orange resinate through the whole valley

crunching leaves under my feet

the mountains breathe

leaves fall to the ground and bare branches show through

warm coffee in the morning never tasted better

nutmeg, cinnamon, apple, pumpkin

Fall hiking- for some reason the feeling is different! My soul feels lighter! I get happier!

October Fest

Fall Festivals and great reasons to get together as friends and families... To celebrate to laugh.

and saturday morning farmers market, where everyone is happy and musical and creative and wonderful!

Flannel sheets and down comforters

slippers, boots, leggins and scarves

harvest and prune

rake and plant bulbs

I am happy to live here, in this season..

Kokopelli=Amazing

2010-10-12T11:46:00.001-07:00

So.... My computer crashed....

I was devastated... Lost all my music!

Put my broken down computer in the closet, out of sight out of mind!

Decided to get it fixed-

it's fixed!

Had and amazing trip

decided to blog it

So I am back to blogging- a little

I love getting ready for vacation... make lists, clean the house, pack up, tune the bike, and get ready for a break a nice getaway (I know to many a 150 mile bike trip seems like nothing of this sort) But to me, a good four days on my bike, in the desert, with good people and the love of my life is about all I need to make everything just perfect!

Kokopelli is a 150 mile mountain bike trail hidden with charms that lie between Fruita and Moab.

I was lucky to steel my Lyle away from the fires for a week and take him on this bike adventure.

With a variety of riding, from single track to slick rock and open road to hike-a-bike,

it was an adventure worth having... We split the ride into four days, each day enjoying a different view and place to lay our head. Some nights the sounds of the river soothed our tired minds, which was perfect after riding through the dead town of cisco where nothing bright stood standing, only lonely abonded homes and stripped down old gas stations.

Other nights Red rock towered over our camp

adding to the days amazing journeys through slick rock and single track trails... It doesn't get much better than this...

Although there were days, where we climbed and climbed and climbed. . Carried our bikes over boulders as I cussed in my head WHY AM I DOING THIS- BIKES ARE MENAT TO BE RIDDEN, not HIKED, sweat more than I thought I could... wrecked a little and got saddle sore a lot, It was all worth it...

Waking up for yoga in the morning, and a fire to warm up by

A good game of Bite the box

(if you haven't played this game you must) and with a little lemonchinni, you will have no problem getting right into it:)

Tough Women, and men too!

All in all, we were happy! Had no complaints, good company and amazing food!..... We all split nights up cooking and had plenty of great meals, and only one night to worry about cooking, or cleaning up.

It was the greatest getaway!

Unitl.....

Lyle wrecked, the last 30 feet of the trail, and yep! Tore is AC joint in his right shoulder! Poor Guy! I drag him out on this bike trip after 17 days of fighting fire, and this is what happens.... Dang it! Unfortunately it is a long healing process, and a painful one at that, but most likely he will not have to have surgery and will be back in full action in about 8 weeks.

He is amazing... and tough and sexy even with his nasty beard and handicapped arm... I think that he is neat, and now I get him home for a long time:)

Life is pretty great!

Don't you think

RAG*NAR

2010-06-21T20:33:00.001-07:00

Everytime I do it, I start to wonder why... Especially when 3am rolls around and I am getting ready to run 8 miles... in the dark... in COALVILLE!!!

But it is only 12 of the 24 hours that I dread.... like only getting the 1 hour of sleep, curled up in a ball on the van seat.... being crammed in a van, with 5 other stinky, grumpy runners. Eating Protein bars and other things that I pray will keep me going. . . . but the run, the motivation and support from friends.

Accomplishing something that you questioned whether or not you would be able to... The finish line. the night of sleep you never thought could feel so great... All make it worth it.

RAGNAR- not only is it the largest relay in the country...

It is seriously one of the most challenging events that I have done..

Harder then a marathon... a century, and even harder than swimming in a triathalon (which is extremely hard for me).. You go through moments of "how am I going to do this", "can I make it through another leg, my last leg.." I just need sleep", what was I thinking"... but it is an amazing experience that everyone should have!!! and it was through my home town!!!

I did my second Ragnar this weekend...

I wasn't planning on doing it- nor did I train to do it- but when a spot opened up on my friends team, without really even thinking about it- I committed.. and it was all worth it.. I didn't know however, that it was me that would be running the "RAGNAR" the 1700 ft elevation gain in 4 miles.... in the heat of the day!!!!

Thank God for that girl running ahead of me in her tutu... I couldn't let a girl in a tutu outrun me!!! And for the amazing beauty of the Wasatch mountains, my own stomping grounds to enjoy for an event like this....

All in all I made it- I kept a steady pace of the hill.

I had an awesome team of crazy people supporting me... The Average Joes..

are not so average!!!

Giving me water, that I was in much need of!!!

Ice cold sponges (that were amazing)

and motivation to get to the end...

Everytime I do it I wonder why.... but what the heck...

Vegas Ragnar here we come!!!

Girls * Gone * Moab

2010-05-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Moab... I love Moab.
It is really one of my most favorite places in the whole world.
Especially at this time of year.
Especially with good people.
Jammin out by the fire!

Rivers Red rocks, climbing red rocks crystal clear skies and bright stars, warm sun. It is heaven.
and, hey.... what better way to spend time in Moab than with a group of crazy girls...

With New Eyes

2010-03-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

It all began, one beautiful Sunday morning..... Yoga, a cup of Joe, and Einsteins bagel..
I was prepared for a very long ride... for, as best I could remember the ride to Nana and Pompas was always so brutally long as a little girl..
We drove, and drove... It was a different experience than it used to be. Granted there are parts of that ride thru the Nevada Deserts that are really ..... well, boring; but also very pretty.. and hey, before I knew it I was 100 miles from Lovelock Nevada...
It was fun reminicing so many childhoo memories to Lyle about my summer trips to visit Grandma, Nana, and Popma.. Truck rides, tall diving boards (which when you are a grown up, they dont seem so tall), bike rides to Gma Reiss's from Nanas, gardening, Mary and Lary, Grandmas Geese... The stories went on.... and on... I was so excited to see the homes my grandparents.... but wow- how time changes things... I couldn't even recognize Nana's and Pompas house... I had to first fing Mary and Lary's... and to those of you who have never seen their house before will not think twice about this picture... to those of you who remember, Can You believe it???? Yes, that is Nana and Pompas house.... no deck, no tree- it's a good thing Pompas garage was still up in the back, or I may have just went and had a word with the new owners! :)

In lovelock we also visited G-ma and G-pa Reisses grave... for being such a desolate place uncle robert does good at keeping their headstone looking nice, decorating them with pinecones and driftwood from Tahoe.

Speaking of Uncle Robert.... what a great man... it was good to see him and spend time in his bachelor pad. He had such crazy stories and he actually talked Lyle into going gold hunting... yes! really.. Tahoe was, as always beautiful and wonderful..

We spent two night with Uncle Robert, then headed on our way to the city... Sanf Fran is just amazing.. We had such a great time there.. Ran every morning on the pier, adventured into the city, amazing food always.. We ate breakfast at a place called Dotties... it was soso good.. If I were to own a breakfast place, THIS would be it.. small, personal, and funky.. The chef/owner cooked for everyone and it was amazing to watch him and talk with him. Lyle and I sat at the counter and watched him rock the grill...

San Fran is truly an amazing city...
Bumbs hiding behind trees to scare people for money?!
trains, carts, piers, great fish, food, people. I love it there.

Last but not least we traveled up the coast to see Aunt Vicki and Philip.. We played on the beach and went and watched the surfers followed by an amazing sunset. We saw whales migrating, and enjoyed PERFECT weather...

They have such a beautiful cabin on the coast... It was so nice to spend time with them.. Lyle and Philip cut down trees, Lyle is pretty dang good at what he does. He hit the bullseye every time... Sexy man!!! We helped get a space cleared for their garden..They have an amazing little family of kitties and Asia. I don't know why but my pics from Gualala got erased... so I will post more... or not, there are already a lot... Sorry..

Vacation is needed.. It was so good for Lyle and I to get away.. You always come home with new eyes, and a better attitude.. I do anyway... You should try it.

Drive ....

2010-03-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Drive to...
Lake Tahoe
.... Enjoy Uncle Robert.... pretty cool... crazy... great uncle robert....
see more family in Reno.... wow! How time flies...
Drive to....
San Francisco.... ocean, bridge, people, food, bus, food, walking, running on Pier, food, Dotties, crazy people, Japanese tea, parks, beauty did I say FOOD!
Drive to....
Highway 1, the coast, seals, shops, ocean, windy roads, pictures, happy, smiles, Aunt Vicki, Uncle Philip, love, cabins, trees, cutting trees down, Mendoncino...
Drive to......

Happy....

2010-03-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Inspiration

in(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən

a. A divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation.

b. The action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.
c. in Portuguese, inspire literally means to breathe

Inspiration presents itself differently to each of us and comes to us when we are actively seeking it, by accident or sneaks up on us by surprise. For some, it is harder to find and is rarely found. For others, it can be a relentless carousel that bullies the mind with no escape. How we become inspired largely depends on who we invite into our lives and how we view the world. Inspiration is unique, can be difficult to recognize, yet it is so impactful. Inspiration drives imagination. What inspires you?

2010-03-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

A little Dance

Love Tunnel

Go Team!

Why would anyone run a 24 hour race?

2010-03-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Sleepless night, crammed in a van with 11 stinky people, 3 long runs 7 hours apart, one at 3 am!
Run....Drive...Eat...Sleep?

Why would anyone run a 24 hour Race?
This is why?

Men in Short Shorts!Lyle, looking quite sexy!

Women in Neon!

Van Decorating!

Team Old School
Featuring Frank the Tank! And yes, he ran all three of his legs like this!!! People would come knock on our van door, "Is Frank in here? We want a picture with him!"
The Girls......
The guys......Side of the Road Dance Party!

The end of Lyle's first leg, the beginning of mine.. Notice the beer bong as our baton! If you have seen the movie Old school, you will understand this gesture!!!

My nemesis... before I passed him.....

after I past him...

Total road kill (people passed- 16-)
The end of my 6.7 mile climb.... seriously!!!

The beginning of Adams first leg....

and, after....

Leg two... WHAT! Another 6.3 miles of hills- I must have wanted it to be over very badly, my fastest 6 miles ever... 43:52!and I feel about how I look!

The end!

So exciting, so rewarding...

Of course we had to reinact the beer bonging scene in Old School! Because it tastes to sweet when it touches your lips. (side note- No beer was actually consumed by Mr. Frank the Tank)

We came in with a bang! Go Team Old School!
and that's why you run a 24 hour race... and I will again, and again!
Feed the addiction!

(Sorry about the picture overload- just wanted to share the full effect)

2010-02-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, I know that I have been horrible... I haven't updated in FOREVER...

Heres a brief synapses of what is going on in the Life of Micah Rae

so... where to start..

I rode Lotoja as a relay, I was mad I didn't do the whole thing- next year!

Haloween was a blast!
We got some more cabin time with our friends... We always love that... One day we will own one!

Moab Bike Trip....
Lyle and I ran a 10k in Moab... VERY COLD... Lots of fun!!! Race 14.

Lyle and I just got done running Ragnar Arizona- It was way way Fun. A 24 hour race, 204 miles, AMAZING... Run. Eat. Sleep? If you have never ran a Ragnar before do it. And Arizona was beautiful. Our Team was named "OLD SCHOOL" and if you have seen the movie, that's about all you need to picture. We had Frank the tank, neon tights, headband and of course guys in short shorts... We were a hit, people would knock on our van to get pictures.. We did really well, and finished, which was our goal. I will post more on that later!

I am just taking Physiology right now. It is very interesting, love my class, like my teacher... A lot of studying- but really interesting good stuff.

Doin lots of crossfit.... Now if you want a serious butt kickin, check it out...www.crossfit.com Love it... It is the most brutal work out I have ever done... Alls you can do at the end is drop to your knees, in hopes that you dont' vomit.... Haha- that makes it sound horrible- but it is GREAT, and makes you fit fast..

Yoga is still going.. My studio space is doing well...small, intimate and just how I like it..

Bosko is fat....

Lyle got a new job position with the state... Still fighting fire, hmph, but he is The Crew Boss of an internship crew... Running the show.. he is excited because he will be training a lot of the students from UVU and he is good at that... He is a good man and I am really proud of him.

Mustache Bash!

Life is good... We like it!

RISK

2010-02-08T14:43:00.001-08:00

The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

To laugh is to risk appearing to be a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self. To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk disappointment. To try is the risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing has nothing ... and knows nothing... and is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow but they cannot lean to feel, change, grow, love, or live.

Chained by their certitudes, they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is Free.

Be Full of Yourself

2009-09-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Be full of yourself

You are capable. You can do whatever you set out to do. You have everything you need within grasp of your mind and imagination. The power of the universe pulsates through you.

You are a warrior. Change what doesn't work for you. Exert, initiate, and move on your own behalf. The courage of the universe pulsates through you.

You are giving birth to your own life. Touch the depths of your uniqueness. Love your mind. Express your feelings. Speak your truth. The solitude of the universe pulsates through you.

Be full of Yourself

Life is AMAZING!!!!

2009-08-12T07:36:00.001-07:00

Life is amazing..

Seeing this new baby, the joy she brought, the miracle she is and the amazing innocent spirit that she has was at times breath taking.

I am so happy that I got to share this experience with Erin and Steffon.

Unfortunately I didn't get to be in the room during he delivery, but I was able to be in the nursery with the babe after and also in recovery with Erin...

Erin is so amazing, beautiful and brave. She is such a great Mamma. Benson was so cute. On ehte way home from the hospital on Monday, he kept saying, "my mamma is so brave, and she is staying at the hostiple.... she got the baby out".

Ellie loves her new sister so much, and just wants to hold her all the time.

Our new baby girl is so precious... 6lbs 4oz 18 1/4 inches. Tiny little peanut! Still no name :)

On Sunday, I had the chance to run a Lymphoma Race for the Cure... I believe that this is Race Ten... whoohoo!

This was of course in Honor of my Amazing Mom and Pompa who both are my heros. I was so happy to have my mom there, and Erin... what a trooper! The day before she has a baby, she was right there with me. We had a wonderful brunch together and I loved it..... I never get mom and sister time... I wish so so so badly that we all lived closer and could do it everyday.

Do it Anyway

2009-08-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Be successful anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may decieve you....
Be honest and sincere anyways.

If you find serenity and happiness, some amy be jealous
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten tomorrow,
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and god.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teressa

2009-07-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

I am happy, dont get me wrong.
Just thinking
It's overwhelming sometimes.... to do good, to be good, to be more..
I get tired sometimes...
Like why don't I get a break in life? Is it always like this...
I should have good karma... I do a lot of good.
Do I have to prove that I want it bad enough?
It's strange..
Life...
It's good,
but shit.....
I want a break!

Happy 4th

2009-07-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Fantastic Fourth Fiesta!!!

I love July... BBQ's, Friends, more food, bike, music, festivals... It's all good!

We had a great Holiday week :)

Another one down- and hey, I got 2nd place!That came as a surprise, hence my struggle to get my body to want to run! Too much biking! It is funny how when you don't run for a while, even if you are doing other things (biking, hiking etc) it gets hard again- even just 3 miles..
What is this now? 8 down, 17 to go...!

Still loving the mountain biking-

I think that with 3 centuries in a month and a half; I am due for a short little change before my next one.
On the 3rd we rode from big Cottonwood Canyon into the Canyons ski resort in Park City via mountain trails! It was amazing and beautiful and made me smile.

I got a good battle wound

but thats all part of it! The wild flowers right now are epic! All the rain has made the mountains stay so green.
The fourth brought on the annual Mexican Fiesta!

Pulled Pork Tacos
Good CompanySome V Margaritas
and of course
The bike stroll to the park to watch fireworks with the crew- whew, that's always fun!

The fireworks were fun, but when did Sugarhouse turn into Thug-ville? People bumping rap, and wearing their jeans down to their knees, and hats turned sideways, and calling each other Nigga? WHAT????

By the way check out my NEW Old school cruiser.... Couldn't be more happy bout this one! It completes my bike collection and for the moment...

LIFE

2009-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have had an eventful week- full of happy smiles and glad to be alives! Ya know what I mean

The weeks happenings were:

Early morning Wasatch Crest Lap-

This is one of my all time favorite mountain bike trails to do, here at home.. It is beautiful and fast and fun.... even this time in the rain and clouds and mud- it was AMAZING! We all looked like we had crapped our pants due to so much mud flinging, but oh- what a blast.
MS 150-
Okay- so this year I didnt do the whole 150~ I really wanted to, but I couldn't find a sub for my yoga class on Saturday morning... so instead I headed to Logan Saturday night, camped with some friends (side-note my subaru+air mattress = amazing car camping experience) and rode 75 on Sunday. It was so beautiful, and very challenging because I did most of the race alone, very little drafting.. I was thankful it wasn't as windy as Little Red.
Oh, yeah.... so the canyon that we rode up today was closed to traffic from like 7-11. On my way down the canyon the cops had stopped several cars from going up, and the line was quite long... As we rode past the cars- they were flipping up off, calling us Mother F@!!!$ers and a holes... I was like really shocked... I couldn;t believe people could be so rude and unsupportive of "a good cause"! and shit, they should have made good use of thier time, cheered us on and then been on their way... CAN YOU BELIEVE PEOPLE!!!!

Any way- the race was a blast, and THANK YOU so much to all of you who donated..

Aced Stats Test
What more needs to be said

Arts Festival Rain Out
We were at the Arts festival, happy, looking at arts and stuff-

when suddenly a bid black rolling thunder filled cloud decided to hover and dump on us for a good 30 minutes... All of the folks at the Festival crammed into 3 large tents and watched at the rain came down... launghing, joking, and still being happy (they'all need to teach the bike haters a lesson) although kinda a bummer- twas interesting- It made me smile, and left a full double rainbow!

2009-06-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

This is my "Micah-ology"

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by "ology".

***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice? Poppy Seed
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Right now, hmm, probably the Bayou
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Potatoes
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Olive and mushroom
What do you like to put on your toast? Butter, honey- fried eggs, or peanut butter (crunchy)

***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? 2
What color is your cell phone? blue

***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Nope
What was the last heavy item you lifted? My mountain bike
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? NO

************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No Way
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I like my name
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?* YES!!!!

************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? green brown red blue .... yes
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? Well, I kinda get a lot of tickets... I think it was in December- got pulled over for talking on my phone
Last person you talked to? Lyle
Last person you hugged? Bosko

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? Fall...Spring
Holiday? July 4th and 24th
Day of the week? Saturday. Sunday- I dont have anything to do... its awesome
Month? Maybe May

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? Aunt V... she is my hero
Mood? TIRED! happy- mad I can't sleep
What are you listening to? The wind
Watching? the com[uter screen
Worrying about? waking up to bike.... i can't sleep

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning? car wash
What's the last movie you saw? Taken. Notorious BIG0 twas good
Do you smile often? I hope so... I think that I do
Sleeping Alone Tonight? No

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone?* I have to,, I am on call
Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? My BF Jaime
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I like my eyes... maybe dark brown
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? what??? I dont even know... maybe cherry if I were to
Do you own a digital camera?yes
Do you have a pet fish? No- just bosko... I love him
Favorite Christmas song(s) Silent NIght or Santa Baby or I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause
What's on your wish list for your birthday? I really want a Garman for my road bike... I also want a Vacation to Paris or Thailand
Can you do push ups?Yes
Can you do a chin up? 2 or three depending on the last time I ate... I want to do 5
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited- I just don't want to get old
Do you have any saved texts? Yes, Lyles banking acct. #
Do you have an accent?If I were in a different country
What is the last song to make you cry? Cry> I dont Cry
Plans tonight? Yoga, Spin bayou
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Yes... it saved my life.
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. A dress, coffee, cinnamon bears
Have you ever been given roses? Yes.
Current worry? How am I goin to pay for school?
Current hate right now? The heat...
Met someone who changed your life? Yes
How will you bring in the New Year? Out of debt, and 25 races down
What song represents you? I dont know... Couger by Ratatat hahah
Name three people who might complete this? Someone who is bored ans can;t sleep
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? NEVER.. I hated High School, would I change things I did... yes
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? both
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? ya
Would you be a pirate? no-

I tag anyone who hasn't already done this one!

2009-06-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Little Red Riding Hood

6 down

19 left to race!

What a fun day.

Another century down- and other race in the past! I am now into the "teens"- whew!

This race was an all women's race, 2600 Women, I believe.. Really amazing.

I had so much fun with Shelby and Tiffany- thank goodness for them I made it through.

What a cool feeling to be riding in a team to finish something so challenging.

The race was hard... much harder than the last! We had a head wind for a large majority of the race, and as you know this does not make it easy!

I have really been amazed by the human body- and what it allows us to do!

I am so grateful for my health- and for people around me who encourage. The scenery was incredible- I never knew Logan was so beautiful

My whole family was at the end to see me finish... This was so nice, I was so surprised :)...

I have a great family.

I have great friends.

I have a great life.

Boulder Boulder and the Babes!

2009-05-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

This is actually starting to be quite fun!

I am 5 down in my races, and so far am loving this idea I had, especially when I get to see Erin and the babes.. now as I near the end of my 25 my enthusiasm just might change.

So here it is so far:

1- Moab 1/2

2- Race for the Cure 5k

3- White Rim

4- Salt Lake City Century

5- Boulder Boulder

and the list will go on.. ...

This weekend I went to Colorado to 1) See my sis who is wonderful and 2) To run the Boulder Boulder.. Although my trip was short it was so much fun...

The race was really a fun race...

and Boulder it incredibly beautiful.. like mind blowingly. The race winded through the street of Boulder, where locals cheered the runners on, handed out bacon, and beer of course and played music from their home stereo! There were bands all along the course and entertainment all around as people ran past me all dressed up in anything from Where's Waldo to Nuns, Gorillas, Santa, 80's dancers and tutu wearing men.

What a blast!

The race ended at the Stadium at the University and again,

WOW!!!! What a beautiful place. I was so happy that Ellie came to watch too- She is the sweetest, most energetic little girl! She has a good attitude and is so smart! She woke up at like 5:30 and didn't even complain! I just love her...

although after the race she wanted nothing to do with me after because I was so sweaty!

Not only did we get to go to boulder but also to the zoo! What fun!

These kids are the light in my world! I love them so much! Benson just thinks that he is so neat!!! well, he actually is! He was so funny and had to show me all his tricks and how big he was! He is a little feisty but oh, what a doll!

Oh yeah! and did I mention how amazing my sister is? I admire her so much! She is such a great mama of 2 (soon 3)! and I have to commend her for how great of a mother she is. She is selfless and funny. She is creative and has a cute home with lots of fun things for the kids. She is understanding and caring and she allows her kids to be independent. I am so proud of the person my sister is! I hope one day I can be like her!

Another Cause!

2009-05-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends Many of you already know that I have decides to ride, run, swim or all of which 25 races this year! So far I am only 5 down - 20 to go, but am on a roll! Because the races tend to be pricey, I have tried to pick races that support a cause. I am riding a 75 mile race for MS and have pledged to raise a small amount of $250. . "I've registered for the Bike MS: Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride because I want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed - and because I want to do everything to prevent more people from experiencing what it means to live with the disease. Today, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and with diagnosis occurring most frequently between the ages of 20 and 50, many individuals face a lifetime filled with unpredictability If any of you could spare a dollar or even two, please help support me in this cause.. " You can either go thru the MS Gauge on my facebook profile or visit the MS website @ http://bikeutu.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_UTU_homepage Click on the donate/pledge button at the top of the page and donate under my name - Micah Jennings- Thanks All, I appreciate the support... A promised update to follow. Lots of Love Micah

I took the dive!

2009-05-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Back Again!
it's a love hate relationship!
Summer School started today, and as I sat in my advanced Stats class I started having mixed emotions about the next four years of my life.... my life full of biology, chemistry and physiology! At least Anatomy and cadavers are something to look forward too!

Many of you know that I have decided to go back to school to do my doctorates in physical therapy.. the end result makes me excited, another four years of school makes me hyperventilate!!!

Its ok
I can do this...
I can do this
I can

So much to tell!!!

2009-05-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

Quarter of a Century

My 200 Mile Week 3 down 22 to go!

I have an awesome family! My mom is the greatest

and always treats me with the greatest birthday dinner and cake of my choice, this year is was an ice-cream cake, in which Amiah helped me blow out my candles!

We played PIG, and let me tell you, my dads still got it!.

My mom and dad also surprised me with a new and improved flower garden at my house! (this is like the best gift ever because I have has so much anxiety about getting my yard together, yet no time). Thanks Fam, for such an amazing birthday!

By the way, Look at Zach... he towers over me :(

and it doesn't stop there! I continued to have the most amazing post week birthday. It all started on Monday as Lyle and I headed to the Canyonlands in Moab to bike the White Rim

We went with some friends of mine from yoga who are so much fun and very entertaining! We did the treck in about four days (which is to long for my liking, I'd rather do it in three) which allowed us to ride about 25 miles a day.. I freaking love it... You ride along the edge of the rim overlooking the most amazing scenery only to arrive at your camp spot, to sit in the shade and enjoy the sunset. What gets better than this:

The White Rim is a 100 mile trail that ventures into the desert and is so incredible.

The desert is one of my most favorite places in the world, we are so luck to live in it.

Good Company

Dutch Oven Dinners

Biking

laughing

Red rocks

wild flowers

Hot sun
Chocolate covered Strawberries
Climbing, climbing, climbing
sweating

River bath after three days

stars

sunsets

crickets
Fast down hill
Lyle
Lyle biking

Lyle
seeking shade
warm nights
lizards

serenity of the desert
guy with a guitar

lyle signing with guy

yoga in the desert

beautiful terrain

slot canyon

island in the sky

The trip ended on Friday with the dreaded 7 twisted sisters- long switch backs that lead you out of the canyon, although they sound like no fun, they are I lov to climb... and I had to smile when I was the first to the top.... it doesn't matter, but when you are competitive it sure makes you smile to cheer on all the boys....

So... with that said, I am counting my White Rim trip as one of my races, maybe it is a justification, but I think riding 100 miles should count.... and mostly because Saturday I came home and rode the Salt lake City Century (100 mile rode ride) with my friend Jon...
Dont ask me what I was thinking..... well, what I was thinking is that "I have 25 races to complete".

The race was actually really a lot of fun... and suprisingly I felt great. It was fun filling the streets with bikers and riding together.

I am not going to lie though, I got through the race by finding really tall men to draft behind, and let me tell you "DRAFTING" is amazing.. For those of you who care, when someone rides, they create a 6 foot funnel behind them that curls, so if you can get within 6 feet of their back tire, they can actually pull you along- allowing you to do about 40% less work.... That is why it is AMAZING. I was happy to have so many people comment on my bike, and to get a free tune up because a Lynsky should never squeek.. This may sound silly, but whenever I tell people what my bike is (unless you are an avid biker) they don't know, and think that I am ghetto,... but really my bike is incredible I love it!
We rode out to Antelope island and back!
We definalty live in an amazing place.

I am happy
Happy to be alive

Next race is on the 25th in Colorado, A 10k, happy I get to see Erin and Babies.

What have I gotten myself into :)

2009-05-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

2 Down 23 to Go
and
A cure For Boobies!
for my quarter of a century challenge!

This weekend my friend and I ran Race for the Cure... This is the second race in my 25 countdown..
This race was so amazing for many different reasons...
One, I got to celebrate the life of my mom and her battle and recovery with cancer

and two, there were so many people! I could not believe all the people that came out to support such a great cause.

The street was literally full of people for as long as I could see. Although my friend and I went to run, we walked because of all the people. I was happy to be part of something so great!

Quarter of my Century

2009-04-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

I love Spring, Summer and Fall-

Right now I have such SPRING fever- I just want to be outside, I never want to stop riding my bike and I drive Lyle crazy with my anxious nagging about house projects. So I came up with a perfect way to enjoy the summer and....

Celebrate my new age!

This Summer is Quarter of my Century - the big "25"... Altough I know that I am not that old, I have been is a bit of crisis.... what am I going to do now that I am grown up.... how can I be in the best shape ever... where am I going to travel before I need to have kids.... How can I be better, experience more and live more...

So I decided to do 25 races to Celebrate my year! I figure it is a great way to stay in shape and to also support the community. The reason I post this is because I would love for you all to join me on any one of the adventures. Erin Notice there are some in Colorado!!! and I know you are prego... watch this year- next year participate!

Here are a few that I am doing/did- if you want to join, please do... I would love to have you there!

Moab 1/2 Marathon
Little Red Ridding Hood (100 Mile Bike)
The Other Half
Lotoja Relay (72 Mile Bike)
Boulder Boulder (10k)
TRI Utah Womens Triathalon
Provo Triathalon
Deer Creek Triathalon
MOAB Adventure Race (I need People)
Cycle Salt Lake Century Ride
Tour De Park City
AHA 5k Fun Run
ULCER (100 mile bike)

So obviosly I need more... I will find more- but if anyone has a race that they are doing or have done and liked, let me know.

So, My summer will be full of adventure... and sanity! Hopefully I will be busy enough to not miss Mr. Lyle to much while he is off fighting fire.

2009-04-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Tasty Tuesday's

The Side Dish

Vegetable Tian

This is a recipe that I got form a blog "For the Love of Cooking". It is so so yummy! I serve it as a side with chicken or steak!

2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 large sweet yellow onion cut in half and sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 russet potatoes, unpeeled
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
3 large Roma tomatoes
Sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Dried thyme, to taste
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and saute until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 60 seconds. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Slice the potatoes, zucchini, squash and tomatoes in 1/4 inch thick slices. Layer them alternately in the dish on top of the onions, fitting them tightly into a spiral, making only one layer. Season with sea salt, black pepper and dried thyme, to taste. Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the top.

Cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Uncover and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and bake for another 25-30 minutes or until browned. Enjoy.

2009-03-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am behind on TT. I know, but I will delight you with the best soup EVER... I love soup! Ususally not in April, but considering the freakin cold weather- eat this to warm you up..

This is my favorite soup- I love love love Indian food and this I get every time I eat at Bombay house (a little different of course)

Enjoy!

Mulligatawny Soup

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons butter or margarine
2 small yellow onion, peeled and minced
1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and diced fine
1 stalk celery, diced fine
1/2 green pepper, cored, seeded, and minced
1/4 cup unsilfted flour
1 Tablespoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 cloves
2 sprigs parsley
1 quart chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup boiled rice

Preparation:

Melt butter in a large saucepan, add onion, carrot, celery, and green pepper, and stir-fry 8 to 10 minutes until onion is golden. Blend in flour, curry powder, and nutmeg. Add cloves, parsley, broth, salt, pepper, and tomatoes, cover, and simmer 1 hour.

Strain broth; pick out and discard cloves and parsley, puree vegetables with about 1 cup soup liquid by buzzing 20 to 30 seconds in an electric blender at low speed or 15 to 20 seconds in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.

Smooth puree into broth, return to heat, add chicken and cream, and heat, stirring, 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors. Add rice, heat and stir 2 to 3 minutes longer, then serve.

I love this with Flat bread- Pitas or even corn bread would work.

The Adventure

2009-03-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

The Race Was really nice! For one, I love Moab, it has got to be my favorite place to visit and two, we ran along the river and it was beautiful scenery!

The weather was warm (almost too hot during the marathon- 80 degrees) and there was good Company..

We got to see a lot of people! Boonie and Carl, Cea and Kev and their beautiful Kani and also Desiree and Marc came to watch. It was a lot of fun.

Carl is so great,

goofy and fun

Boonie is as always wonderful to be around.

Here we are, Before the Race- it was kinda cold before we started... Not to be fooled!

During the race

After the race

I am so glad that we got to do a lot in the desert.

After the race, we were lazy by the pool in the nice weather.

Then we went climbing on wall street - That was fun!

And then we ventured to Goblin Valley State Park. If you have never been here you really must go. We hiked a 9 miles loop from Little Wild Horse Canyon down into Bell Canyon. These were amazing slot canyons, they were really just incredible.

Lyle and I kept talking about how vulnerable and insignificant you feel when in the desert, but at the same time how serene and at peace you feel.

I am so glad that we did the whole 9 miles, It was a nice hike. But don't worry, you can still visit the slots if you have children because you don't have to do the loop.

Camping was nice although the weather turned a bit cold, and windy. hehe, we would wake up- all covered in sand from the windy nights... It was funny.

Goblin Valley was interesting, and it made Lyle turn into a little kid again. He kept talking about wars and battles that could be had and what goblins were in charge and where they all lived. It was pretty cute.

Here are more desert pics.

These trees were incredible, I have never seen bark so thick and aged and resonant.

Tasty Tuesdays!

2009-03-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here on Friday! I have Spring fever! The recipes are a confirmation of that :) !!

Today for "TT" we have

Spring Salad with Artichoke Stuffed Chicken

I love salads, and I think due to the warm weather I cannot get enough of them! This salad is so simple and fresh. The dressing can be used for many different salads.

For the Salad You will need:

Spring lettuce mix

Cut up pears (I prefer pears but because they are not in season yet you can also use apples)

Mandarin Oranges (optional, I don't have kids yet but maybe it will trick them into eating it)
Slivered purple onion (optional)

Crumbled feta cheese (or blue cheese is good too)

Sugar-toasted pecans (Two Tbs. sugar (brown sugar can be used as well) with a cup of pecans, stir constantly and heat on medium until sugar melts , then immediately remove and cool on plate)

For the Dressing you will need:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 dry mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced

I like to serve this with something light so here is a good recipe for chicken that I got from a friends blog. I like to grill it, but you can bake it or always cook it in the George Foreman- I am telling you- if you don't have one.... get one!!!

Artichoke Stuffed Chicken

There are a lot of ingredients but once you have them you can make this all the time.

You will need:

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar (7 oz) artichoke hearts (or canned)
2 tsp minced garlic
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper
3 oz feta cheese, crumbled
3 Tbsp minced sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
4 large boneless chicken breasts
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Coarse ground black pepper

Stuffing: In a medium sauté pan, combine olive oil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Set the pan over medium-high heat to warm the mixture of 1 to 2 minutes. Drain, rinse and coarsely chop the artichokes and add along with the garlic, salt and pepper. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add goat cheese (or feta), sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Mix to evenly distribute the ingredients and allow to cool.

Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place each breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and, with a meat mallet or the back of a small pan, pound to flatten to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Place the breast skin side down, and spread each one with a quarter of the stuffing. Fold the breast in half over the stuffing and use toothpicks to skewer the sides closed. Brush or spray both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the breasts over direct medium heat until the meat juices run clear and the cheese is melted, 8 to 12 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Remove from the grill and carefully remove the toothpicks. Serve warm.

Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy!

2009-03-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am Tagged- now so are you!

8 Favorite TV Shows

1. 24- Jack Bauer

2. Grey's Anatomy

3. American Idol

4. Private Practice

5. CSI

6.Americas Next Top Model

7.Lost

8.House

8 Things I did Yesterday:

1. Ran 5 Miles

2. Restrained a client at work

3. Went to a Photo Shoot with my friend

4. Taught Yoga

5. Ate way too many Girl Scout Cookies

6. Read an email from Landan

7. Played Tetris

8. Layed with Bosko

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Going to Moab to run the 1/2

2. Seeing Erin and the babies

3. Warm Weather

4. Being done with school

5. Greys Next week

6. Redoing my bathroom sink with pinups and appoxy

7. Climbing and biking outside

8. Going to Europe and India (one day)

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Bombay House

2. Ichiban

3. Cafe Trio

4. Lone Star Taqueria

5. Hires Big H

6. Cafe Med

7. Ginza

8. Macaroni Grill

8 Things on My Wish List:

1. To do Lotoja

2. Travel to India

3. Cannon Rebel

4. Dansko Clogs

5. To do five pull ups

6. Be a Physical Therapist

7. Pay off debt

8. Go to Europe with Lyle

8 People I Tag:

1. Erin

2. McCall

3. Kami

4. Shelby

5. Mindy

6. Sparkle

7. Jackie Rae

8. Keysha

2009-03-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

"TT"

It's kinda like a Monte Cristo...

but- better

I love grilled sandwiches. There's something so delicious about melted cheese, meat, and veggies wrapped in a crisp yet tender crusted bread. Panini's are easy to make and you can be so creative with what you put on them. I always serve them with soup.. It's kinda like the traditional grilled cheese and tomato soup that my mom used to always make (and I still do) but a bit fancier.

If you don't have a panini grill, you can use a Gorge Foreman (which are amazing) or a waffle iron too.

Here is what you will need:

Sourdough Bread

Deli ham and turkey

Mayonnaise

swiss cheese

1 lime

Pickles (the ones that are marinated that you can buy in the deli are the best, you also don't have to use pickles, I love them)

Fresh garlic

Eggs/milk

salt/pepper

For the Basting:

In a small bowl mix 2 or 3 Eggs with a touch of milk, salt and pepper. Set aside

For the Spread:

1 cup Mayonnaise

Zest of a Lime

Fresh Garlic Minced

Salt/pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients together.. I use about 1 tbs.. of zest and garlic, but make to your liking.

The Sandwich:

Spread a small amount of the mayonnaise concoction onto one side of each slice of bread

Layer with:

Ham

Turkey

Swiss Cheese

Pickles

Press the two pieces of bread together (mayonnaise on the inside)

Then baste the outside of the sandwich with the egg mixture (just so the bread is lightly covered)

Then grill until the cheese melts.

2009-03-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

The Belated Tasty Tuesday's

presents

Garlic Lemon Chicken

You will need:

4 large chicken breasts

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

4 minced garlic cloves

½ teaspoon ground sage

½ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Place chicken in a shallow roasting pan, skin side up. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt and sage. Brush mixture on the chicken breasts.

Bake for 35 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Baste the chicken twice with lemon and garlic mixture before serving. (I like o make more juice mixture... juicy is better)

2009-03-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

My Dad had already won...

My Dad is a celebrity....

Check it out......

I have always been a daddy's girl!

I love my dad..

I think that he is neat.

He is funny, kind, and lovable.

Humble

He is playful

Spiritual

He is a motivation and an encourager, a teacher!

He is an amazing Man father and Dad.

and I must say- a pretty dang cool Papou too (gramps)

He is a hard worker, and my inspiration.

the lessons I have learned from him are endless...

Before he ever won a national award.. He had already won...

Best Dad Award!

I am proud of my Daddy, and he is so deserving of this!

Although in the video the fields are all covered in snow... I am amazed at how beautiful and perfect they look in the summer. He is amazing!

I love you.

2009-02-24T10:35:00.001-08:00

It's Desert

for

"Tasty Tuesdays"

First, Combine

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup brown sugar (or sugar)

into a pan, bring to a boil- then quickly remove from heat

Mix in

1 cup peanut butter

until it melts, then add

6 cups Rice Krispies

Press into a 9x13 pan. Set aside. Then you will need.

3/4 pkg. semi-sweet choc chips

1/2 pkg. butterscotch choc. chips

Combine chips in a bowl and melt in microwave for 90 minutes. Stirring every 30 seconds. Frost on top of Krispies. Let them sit in cool place for an hour... SERVE!

2009-02-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Bacon and Pea Parmesan Fettucini

for

"TT"

"Tasty Tuesday"

Bacon has got to be one of the best things in the world...

I love bacon!

This recipe is easy and deliciously full of bacon!!!

1 (9 oz.) package fresh fettuccine pasta

2 slices smoked center-cut bacon

½ cup chopped onion

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tbs thyme

½ cup frozen green peas

½ cup chopped green onions

1/3 cup half and half

2 tsp butter

1/3 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

¼ cup (1 ounce) finley grated parmesen cheese

(mushrooms are good in this too. Saute them first.. add at the end)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to the package- omitting salt and oil. Drain pasta, reserving ¾ cup cooking liquid. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan, reserving drippings in the pan; crumble and set aside. Add ½ cup onion, garlic, and thyme to drippings in pan; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in peas, sauté 1 minute. Add green onions to pan; sauté 1 ½ minutes. Add pasta and reserved ¾ cup liquid, add half and half to pan; cook for 1 minute or until heated. Remove from heat. Add butter, salt and pepper to pan; toss until butter melts. Sprinkle with bacon and parmesan cheese. 4 servings

This is good served with a salad and garlic bread.

I really like to make garlic toasts out of the rosemary bread that you can buy at costco in the bakery.

The bread only comes in to big loafs... next week on "TT" I will post a great panini recipe that can be made in the same week to help use up all the bread.

I mix oil with some fresh mined garlic and dill (this can be purchased in the seasoning section of any grocer)

Cut bread into thick slices

and spread oil concoction onto toasts ( to make it easier, use a basking brush like this one)

Broil in oven until toastie.... YUM!

ENJOY!

Friends, Cabins and Sleds!

2009-02-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Snow, Snow and more Snow!!!

The Snow is much more fun when you get to play in it. . .

We went to a friends cabin at Smith and More-house..

The cabin was tucked back into the mountains, and in order to get to it, we had to snowshoe in 1 1/2 miles.

It was really pretty and lots of fun.

I tried telemark skiing. . I think I will stick to snowboarding.

We sledded down really long steep hills, the boys were crazy.

Thats Lyle... Flying down the hill....

The dogs loved it.... except Nixie got really cold and sat on my lap (although she weighs as much as I do) in the sled to warm her bum and feet.

2009-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's okay that it's Monday!!!

I love it when you have a really full weekend, where you feel like you did everything that you were supposed to do and when Monday comes around..... it's okay because the weekend was so good.

We finally got to hang out with McCall and Tannon- we love these guys. We went bowling

where I had a really bad game- but still had lots of fun. McCall and Tannon are moving to Pittsburgh and I will miss them oh so much.

Saturday I had lunch with my family- I absolutely love it when they come visit me.. We are so close it seems that it should happen more- but I think I have the greatest family and most handsome little brother(s)

Sunday- The Yoga Studio was packed... It has been really steady and I am excited about the new people that have been coming. I will soon be adding more classes.

We also had our long run. we are up to six miles- which is one of my favorite distances to run...I am proud of Lyle because he is working hard- and really doesn't like to run- I like having Lyle as my running partner- for one, he is naturally a faster runner than me... so I have increased my speed and that is good, and two, I am learning to "try" not to be so competitive... Sometimes I still am.. I know that I need to enjoy things and when I get competitive I don't

So Thanks Lyle.

Anyhow- The weekend was good, and I am happy.

Stay tuned for Tasty Tuesday..

2009-02-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

TASTY TUESDAY

Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients:

Oil

Teriyaki Stir Fry Sauce ( I like this one)

Chicken (2 breasts- or more if you are cooking for more than 3 people)

Veggies of your choice- I like:

Snow Peas

Red Pepper

Yellow Pepper

Mushrooms

Onion

Carrot

Asparagus

I love to cook this in my wok, but any pan will do.

First cut up veggies I like them chuncky

The carrots I cut in 1/2 then in 1/2 again

Cut Chicken into cubes- salt and pepper it

Add 1 tbs. oil and 1 tbs. teriyaki sauce to warm wok

cook chicken about 1/2 way

add onion and saute until onion is almost clear

in the meantime boil carrots for about two minutes, then drain (they will not be soft, just slightly cooked)

add all veggies except mushrooms

cook 4-5 min

add mushroom

1 tbs. soy sauce

salt pepper

and a dash more teriaykai sauce.

and if you like a little spice I love to add ceyenne pepper and some garlic.

Cover for 2 minutes

Serve over rice.

2009-02-03T08:32:00.001-08:00

Tasty Tuesday's

featuring....

Teriyaki Chicken

with

Twice Baked Potatoes

I stole this chicken recipe from a cookbook blog- love it and make it often. it is way easy- the only down fall is that you must marinate the chicken the night before- if you are like me I rarely know that far ahead what I am going to cook...

Teriyaki Chicken

Chicken Breasts ( up to six- and if you like them thin you can flatten them with a meat tenderizer)

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup olive oil

1 can 7-up (I also have used sprite)

Tons of fresh garlic minced (fresh is best)

Lots of fresh ginger (buy this in the produce section)

Marinade the chicken over night and grill.

Twice baked Potatoes

Bake Potatoes at 350 for an hour or until done (one potato usually feeds two people- this recipe is for about 3 potatoes)

-then-

cut the potatoes in half

scoop the potato out of the skin in to a bowl (keep the skins)

-add-

1/4 cup chives (chopped)

1/4 cup milk

cheddar cheese (blue cheese is also amazing)

1/4 cup sour cream

salt (taste)

pepper (taste)

mash it all up (the texture will be chunkier than mashed potatoes, but similar in consistency)

add milk and sour cream to make the consistency that you like.

after the mashing- mound the potatoes back in to the skins

top with cheese

put back into the oven to allow the cheese to melt (15 min)

Enjoy!

2009-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

TaSty TueSday!

I love to cook!
but oh, sometimes I run out of ideas!

so....

A fun... experimental, and possibly daunting New Years Resolution is to slowly start thumbing through all the cookbooks that I have gathered over the years, and sworn to cook out of- and start cooking!

I do trail- and bring to you ...

(hopefully not error) The yummy outcome... on Tuesday's ...

The New TaSty TueSday!!

Creamy Chipotle Pork Chops with Wild Rice

I like this one because it is easy, delicious and quick.

You will need:

1 T olive oil
4 pork chops (the thin boneless ones cook faster, but you can use bone-in ones as well.)
1 lrg yellow onion (cut into wedges)
1 T McCormick Chipotle Marinade Pack (this is near the taco seasonings, you can also use chipotle spices)
1/2 t salt
1 C heavy cream
2 T fresh cilantro, minced (this is not that strong- so if you hat cilantro still add a bit, it makes it great)
1-2 cups mushrooms (I like baby portabello's, but any will do!)

Cook chops first in oil and chipotle seasoning- then set them aside on a plate. Then cook onion, in the same pan. When onions are almost translucent, add mushrooms and saute. In same pan add remaining ingredients, scraping the bottom of the pan to get all the goodness up. Heat and then add chops back into sauce. Salt and Pepper to taste. (it is optional to add spinach into the pan)

I love this on wild rice which can be purchased at any local grocer, and if you do not want to add the spinach to the chop mixture- a spinach salad is great on the side or also fresh roasted green beans- toss them in olive oil, salt pepper and red pepper flakes for a zing and bake on 375 for- uh, I dont know 15-20 mintutes...

Enjoy!

Team in Training

2009-01-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

13.2

So my cousin Kevin asked if I would like to run the Moab 1/2 marathon with him.... Knowing that I needed some extra motivation for my New Year workout regimen, I accepted.... and convinced Lyle that it is something that he should do as well.. So, training has started and boy did I forget.....

what a task it is to train for something... How much time it takes.. and how much dedication.

Today we ran 5- during the run I wondered.... HOW the HELL did I ever run a marathon? but that is the exciting thing... you start small, dedicate and in the end you run the race.
I am excited that so many of my friends will be there to run it as well... Kate, Boonie and Carl, Kev and Cea... Can't wait..

Luckiest Auntie in the WHOLE WORLD!

2008-12-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

They were all calling me stingy! But i couldn't resist.... He was just so darn cute... His little cry that was so soft... His skin, that I couldn't stop touching, and his little bumb that fit perfectly in the palm of my hand. Oh Tayger, WELCOME!!!

Everyone wanted to hold him... but not as badly as me:)

Amber my sister had her

baby last week... He is so adorable. She named him Ta

yger James, and I mu

st say that it fits him well.
I get so excited to be an Auntie x 3. These babies just make me

smile- I anticipate n

ext time I will see them and they always make me want to be a better person. I must be the luckiest Auntie in the whole wide world!!!

2008-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Halloween!!!!
Tell me about it, Stud!

I love Grease... Have always loved Grease. Danny, Sandy. . . Music Dancing (John Travolta Shaking his hips... dreamy)
I also love Halloween because you can be whatever you want to be, just for one day..

I was Sandy... I even ran into Danny, and his Good Girl Sandy... It was much fun.
I hung out with My good Friends Greg (William Wallace from Braveheart) Jon (a scottish lad) and Jed (Bret Michaels from poison) Sweet Princess Holly and of course photoman Tommy. They are good peeps.

This is a haunted house that we went to with some of our friends... they are the greatest of friends, and after many months of not having contact I am glad we met up. I love McCall more than anything, she if so cute, sincere and has the best heart.

What a good time Halloween is. Haunted houses, candy, costumes, pumkins. .

I just love Halloween.

I was Tagged.....

2008-11-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

6 quirks or things you may or may not know about me:

I am OCD with the way that I fold my shirts and pants, if they get unfolded I have to re-wash them
I cannot eat dinner if my kitchen is messy- so my dinner often gets cold before I can eat it
I move my feet together when I get really excited
I would rather spend time with new people than having awkward conversations with aquaintances
I have to touch everything especialy before I buy it
I hate filling up my gas tank. . . I drive as far as I can before filling it up- and have ran out of gas many times- you think that I would learn
I cannot towel dry after my shower- the feeling of it gives me the chills- I have to air dry.

I am going to tagg Erin, and Mindy, and Kami

Thanks McCall- I love these things

2008-10-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Friends!!!

I am grateful for good ones :)

We always get to gether for our birthdays. This time it was for Mindy and Myself, although my birthday is in May, I was in China and Kami was in Europe so it was postponed til now.

I really love these girls, I have been friends with them for many years, I worked with them all at Life Line but my relationship with them goes beyond just that.

Jaime Palmer is my greatest friend. I absolutley adore her. She is an amazing mom and always has good advice. She opened her home to me and let me live with her and Brian and Olivia for 6 months... I actually loved it too much- good food, and conversation. When I moved out it sucked and I really did think about moving back in. Anyway, she is a good friend, always supportive and I am really grateful to have a friend like her.

Kami Black and I are a lot a like, stubborn, feisty, but loveable :). I too think that she is a great friend, I trust that she will always tell me the truth and that she will listen to me if I need a lending ear. Kami is tuff too, I like women that are not wussy, and Kami is not. She is really strong not only physically but emotionally too.

Jesse Blankenstein and I have had our days... but in the end we are still friends and I love her. I think that Jesse is funny, she is honest, opinionated and very fun to hike with.. She is also a very cute mom.

Mindy Bichler is just so great. She always makes me smile because she is always happy. I enjoy being around her for this reason. She is very thoughtful and selfless.. she is always accepting and makes you feel okay even if you feel stupid, embarressed or uncomfortable.

Like I said, I have known these girls for a long time.....
It is funny how life changes and we get so busy. It took several tries for us to get our schedules to match up.. But we finally did and it was good times. Jesse, Mindy and Jaime all have little kids- so this often becomes the topic of our conversation. I love all their cute little kids, but hearing the stories about nipples, labor, and other such things make me question ever being a mom... haha... I think Kami too.

Anyway Thanks guys for taing me out it was a lot of FUN!

2008-10-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

REAL to the FINALS!!!!

Lyle and I got to go the the REAL soccer game this weekend at the new stadium.. Thank you to Cara, my good friend who had amazing seats. The stadium is REALLY cool, and we had a great time... Lyle loved the Hot Dogs and Junk food as always
( I actually love it to but I always feel guilty after... he doesn't).

It was so much fun, although I didn't really understand all the rules- it was amazing to watch how much control the players have of the ball with just their feet- and how muscular the players legs are always keeps my attention! I am a Leg Lady... Lyle finally had to tell me to stop pointing out all the nice quads :) The weather was perfect, Lyles company is always the greatest, but unfortunatley I had one of my most embarrasing moments this night...

We drove the motorcycle and it was cold until we stopped, than it was nice, but really fun and we got the best parking... If any of you have been there you know that this is not possible in a car...

So the embarrasing moment.....
the whole stadium was doing the WAVE... It got to us, so Lyle and I stood up, put our hands in the air and joined in... I didn't realize that my seat had closed up, and when I went to sit back down... I fell to the ground.... Let me remind you that we had really good seats, so everyone behind me saw.... the guy next to me was laughing and the people in back were too... Oh my! Lyle laughed... But gave me a hug- I am glad that he wasn't embarressed of me.

REAL won... 3 to 1... We are going to the Finals... YEAH!!! I am very grateful that they won.... I hate it when we loose, but I also hate it when the teams tie... that just makes no sense, right? There is no resolve... no winner, and it really bothers me.

Anyway... If you have not been, go! You can get relativley good tickets at KFC for $15 dollars.

The Vision.

2008-10-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jeramiah for this..

Okay friends... I am starting classes this Sunday.. Please send me your e-mail address so that you can be on my mailing list. I had a friend help me make a flyer and want to send it to you and you can all send it to your friends.

Dream Big

2008-10-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

I had a break down this weekend. I found out that someone opened a yoga studio in Heber..... To those that know me, know that this is what I have been wanting to do.. I felt like my dream had been swept from below me.
I know that this is infact not true... and know that if I want it, I can make it happen thanks to Lyle for reminding me of this and lifting my spirits a bit.

So along with this new discovery, I had several thoughts about me, my life, my being, how I live my life and what I want to make differently.. These thought led me to quit my job.. and dream big. I need to act, to stop being comfortable and to risk..

I need to go for it.. I need to do yoga... I need to teach yoga at a place I call my own.. There is no reason that I have not done this, except for that I am afraid of failure... which to me is the worst reason to not do something. I quit my job because I needed doors to open up for me, and I needed to put my focus to innovating myself, my dream and my ideas..

Thanks to my motivational cousin Jeramiah, I have a vision.. He sent me this picture last week, which gave me chills and assured me that IT IS POSSIBLE.

After talking to my current boss at Life Line and telling her that I was leaving, I had an appointment to meet with a women who wants to rent out studio space in Sugarhouse. Little do you know, I am staring yoga classes there next week... It is my own, and I am happy, nervous and excited... I am afraid that no one will come, hehe.... all my current students already told me that they will.

The space is great, although it is not my own yet it is a start to something bigger...

I need a name... If you have anything Creative let me know... If you want to come, COME!

Beautiful Bride in Telluride

2008-09-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

OH Boonie! You were a beautiful bride.....

This weekend one of my greatest friends from high school got married.

Not only did she choose the most beautiful place, but also a charming husband. Carl is great and that is importnat because Boonie is one of the greatest people I know.

Their wedding was a lot of fun, and it was great to see some friends from High School that I have not seen in a long time. Sarah flew in from New York, and I miss her, so this was a good time.

Boonie and Carls reception and ceremony was so romantic and fun.. The food was delicious. Thank you Boonie and Carl for letting me share this day with you.

They got married in Telluride Colorado. It is so beautiful here. The mountains surround this cool little town, with lots of fun shops and nice people.

Lyle was able to come with me, and it was really good to spend time with him. We did some hiking, and shopping and off roading in his jeep, which of course he loved.

Really funny Story....
Ok, so there is this street in Telluride where all the lost and found stuff and other free items are collected. This includes couches, fridges, and other random things that people are wanting to get rid of... Lyle and I were looking at some of the old bikes that had been dumped here, when I came across this really nice Backpack sitting on the couch...

In my mind I thought, "huh, why would anyone give this away for free". So I walked over to the couch and grabbed it to take a look.... At my suprise, a bumb jumped out from under the couch pillows and screamed, "thats my baag...." I too screamed, and than almost peed my pants. It was so funny.... I did not see a bump on the couch because he was so covered up.... The even funnier thing about this is that the bumb was wearing a cool hat that Lyle went to grab, but before he did, noticed hair and a face hiding.... So walked away, and this is when I went in for the steal.... WOW!!!

The Last Lecture

2008-09-17T15:11:00.001-07:00

It is easy to forget how quickly our lives go by, or how instantly it can be over.

I thought that this was a really great thing to think about.

It reminded me that everyday I need to be better and live like it might be my last.

Take time to listen to it.

Click here. It should link you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw

My Dazling Weekly Date

2008-09-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

I love the outdoors... it is EPIC right now.

Lyle is gone a lot... and its not usually that difficult until fall rolls around, and I instantly crave being outside. I love it, it is so beautiful right now because the wild flowers are still thriving, but the leaves are changing as well. There are so many colors, it was overwhleming to my camera.. I love it when a bright red tree is surrounded by green pines.

The smells are so potent because of the moisture in the air... I absolutley love the smell of pine trees and sage brush.

So, anyway, I have started a weekly date in the mountains with my boy "bosko"... He is very charming and fun. . . I was driving him crazy because I kept stopping to take pictures and he just wants to hike to the lake that he knows is at the top of the mountain.

You may think that it's wierd that I call my dog charming... but he really is. I mean... just look at how handsome he is for one!but he also takes good care of me, and makes me feel important and loved .. When we hike, he is always ahead of me, but he always turns around to make sure that I am okay. When people are coming down the trail with dogs, he always comes and stands next to me to make sure that I am safe, and really wants to take care of me.

I bet people think I am a crazy dog woman- We play hide and seek, me and Bosko- and he makes me laugh so hard... The game goes something like this.....

I hide while he is ahead of me on the trail...

He comes back to find that I am missing

So he searches

and searches

I jump out and scare him

he runs

I chase him

of course he gets ahead of me....

and hides

as I aproach his hiding place he jumps out

GROWLING!!!!

and than he runs...

and I laugh, out loud

the look on his face is so funny

he is so excited

I chase him

and it starts all over.

He is so funny because he lays in the streams to cool down and shakes off on me, like he is marking his territory!

It wears me out. Being out with this dog.

But he enjoys being outside with me...

and I enjoy his company.

You never know whos day you might change! Or how you might change your own!

2008-08-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it is a little scarey downtown. Not scarey, but interesting..

Every Saturday I go to the farmers market, The farmers market is located near the homeless shelter.
This week as I was walking there I has a homeless guy join me....

I was a little hesitant, mostly because he was talking to himself and cussing a lot.
I tried to walk faster... but so did he... I tried to slow down... and he did too..
So I tried something different

I said hello- it's a good morning, ay!
He looked at me weird, and I was afraid that he was just going to swear at me, but instead he smiled and said yes...
He kept me company on my (thankfully short) walk to the park.
He was mummbling a lot of stuff that did not make sense

but he was nice...

upon our depature from each other he said... "thank you for talking to me... MOST PEOPLE NEVER WOULD".

We both smiled and went our own ways... It was nice, I guess a simple Hello, and uncomfortable moment of small talk made my day, for knowing it affected someone else...

So the moral of the story is.... Talk to homeless people who are talking to themselves!

2008-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

The Little Things

Many of you know that I work at a drug rehab center with at risk youth... I love my job, although it is extremely draining some days, it is increadibly rewarding on most. I was running a group Tuesday evening, and the theme and topic, although not determined before hand kept coming around to gratitude.

I was talking about how when we find things to be greatful for.... and are able to acknowlede things in life that we like.. more often than the things that we don't like... life is just a lot more pleasant. I think I tend to be a grump sometimes- because I forget to take time to remember the really great things in my life, and how blessed I am.

So I wanted to remind myself all that I have, all the things that I enjoy, and the small sometimes overlooked joys that I have in my life.

There are many...

I love to ride my bike... I have two, sometimes I can't decide which one to ride.
There is not many things better than riding my mountain bike up a gruling hill... to conquer it of course, thinking in the beginging- middle or even near the end that I might not make it, but finishing, and riding on.. I love to ride a trail near the University of Utah called the Bobsleds... It is perfect.. If you ride just before sundown, the sun lights up the valley in the most beautiful colors- you can see forever.. It always looks so amazing when the west mountains light up in pink and orange over the great salt lake... I always wish that I could pause time- and sit..... and watch... and listen... It is silent mostly- but still it is the greatest sound. I love to put headphones on my ears... with no music on so that I can hear my heart beat really hard, so that I can hear my breath...

This was one of the greatest bike trips ever.. We rode in moab.. I had to keep up with the boys.... considering I was the only girl.. This is Porccupine Rim.. It is amazing to ride..

I love my family... I think that I must have the greatest family around!" One great joy is being an Auntie.. I love these babies more than anything, to watch them grow and to see thier personalities develope has got to be one of the funniest, most memorable things.

I am greatful for good friends.. Brian and Jaime who cook me dinner far too often, and have really been there for me. I love their little Olivia. It is funny because Amber my sister has always called me Caca (as in... grose, or poop).. I hated it, but when Olivia got old enough to say my name... that too is what she called me.. I had to laugh, and this is when I accepted that my nick name was going to be Caca- Brian usually extends it out to Ma-caca or something, and even some of their friends know me as Caca, It is funny.. So Amber, I guess I am grateful for this too :)
For Sushi with Long Time friends and our get togethers like ol times...

For Lyle... I know it has been hard, still is hard, there has been a lot of stuff in our relationship.. But he is my best friend. He is a good person and reminds me everyday to be positive- he is funny too. I love him.. Althou I hate his job... he is quite dreamy when he comes home, looking rough and burley... :)

For being athletic- My new favorite right now is Muy Thai Boxing... My trainer kills me every Sunday...Dripping Sweat- but he makes me kick still...

The farmers market every Saturday morning. There is this sweet old farmer guy from Ogden that insists I eat his tomatoes because they are the best around. He claims that this is because the soil in Ogden is so much more pure and organic....hmm questionable, but they are good..
Caffe Espresso- I love this place.. Drive up coffee- they remember ehat I want each morning- not that my order ever changes but it maked you feel important and remembered

I am grateful that each and everytime I go up a set of stairs, I feel the urge or fear to run... I am grateful for this because it makes my giggle inside, and because it reminds me of the awsesome playful father that I have, who would chase me up the stairs threatening to tickle me.

The Boy... Bosko of course... he annoys everyone else, but I love him, he always knows how to cheer me up, and is the sweetest little (big) pup ever. He often violates anyone that is around by sticking his nose where it doesn't belong... it is funny...
It is easy to forget that "Life is good, really good.

It is

and I am grateful.

Do You Rememer

2008-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad...
do you remember30 years ago when you fell in love and decided to get married..
when you bought your first home and decided to settle down in Heber...
Mom and Dad do you remember taking us to hike in the Uintahs as a family or all of us laying in your bed.
teaching us to tie our shoes. read a book, and brush our teeth...
And do you remember ALWAYS giving us the BEST Christmas ever.

MOM- Do you remember....
Back to School Shopping from ten in the morning til the stores closed at night? We had so much fun..
or when we'd ride your bike every morning, me on back.. it was a bit wobbly in the begining but I loved it.
or when I'd come to aerobics with you and dance with you.
Mom, do you remember when we would make swedish pancakes together while your friend did her laundry in at our house?
or when you would roll my long hair in pink curlers each Saturday night.
When you would make me a bed on the couch when I was sick
you would stock the piano bench with everything I needed to get better.
Mom do you remember when you layed in your bed with me as I cried of a broken heart?
Laughing with me til tears came at your constant ability to say things backwards.
Baking cookies on Sundays, picking sweetpeas and putting them in vases
Filling the christmas tree with ornaments and decorating the living room..

I do mom... I remember.

DAD- Do you remember...
You carried a heavy mattress up a huge hill when we were camping so you didn't have to sleep on the ground.. I was imressed at your strength.
Do you remember teching me to cast a fishing pole on deer creek bridge
or how to weave a worm on a hook?
Dad, do you remember hiking the Narrows, it was hard... but you believed in me, so I did it.
or the time that you cried after givign me a blessing when I had surgurey on my foot.. I felt your tear on my arm
but I didn't tell.
When you whipped me with a weed eater (on accident of course)
then hugged me on the stairs.
When we would have cereal together after you would come home from work late
or when you would wake me up for school by tickling my feet...
Do you remember your excitment after my marathon.
The look on your face motivated me to finish
You had tears then too.

Mom and Dad- Do you remember?
Cuz I remember.

These are only a few memories that I have of you both.... The list of good memories flooded my mind. My heart could not be more full when I think of you both. I am so happy, so lucky, and so grateful to be part of you.
Who you are, and parts of you that you shared with me has made me who I am..

I am happy.

You are amazing parents, individuals, and the key people in my life... I strive to be like you everyday.

Thank You, for starting all this.

Happy 30th Anniversary.

I love you...

More of China

2008-07-20T14:53:00.001-07:00

My Legs were so sore after climbing the stairs to Huashan... So worth it.

YOGA... The chinese were taking pictures of us... they thought we were crazy!

Tiger's Leaping Gorge! 3 day hike.. Beautiful. We stayed with the locals at their Guest Houses.

Character
Kunming Temple

Huashan, climbing and climbing and climbing... I swore I would never do the stair stepper at the Gym again...

This little boy was peddling for money at 12:00 at night.. I was really sad.

The Great Wall

Good Week

2008-07-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

It was a good week.. I love where I live. I love how close I am to the mountains... They are my playground.. We really are lucky.. It is funny because I used to say that there was no way that I would live my life in Utah.. I can't imagine being anywhere else.

Aunt Vicki and Phillip stayed with me for the evening, and we had a lot of fun. I took them into the mountains to climb and we went for a nice road ride. Philip was an amazing rider... He kicked my but on the hills, and I do not consider myself a beginner, I guess he is a pro..

It was nice to have family come to my house.. That doesn't happen often. It was really fun to share my passions and hobbies with them..

Love you guys.

Why do I ????

2008-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ouch!!! I am sore.
China was not the best hing for my practice.
I tried Tai Chi- and stretced when I felt like it.
But I didn't do yoga much on my trip.
Back into the routine... I like it, being sore.
I like to breathe
to be
to teach
and to move.

So, that's why I do.

I was asked why I do yoga, and I had to take a moment to think about it.. I know that I do it because I like it.
That isn't just it.

I smile whenever I do it.. When I teach it, it fullfills me.
Yoga- it means to bring together, a union. It is a task at hand
but any task you wish for

Bringing me to find connection with my body and my mind.

but it doesn't always have to be the same
Tough- sweaty
Restoritive
Cleansing
Meditative- calming
Spiritual

I find that when I do yoga, I experience something.
Something that I want to hold onto always.
Like mastering my own mind. Leaving the past, the future and just being.

That is hard for me. It is hard for me everytime I do yoga.
Everytime I leave a class, or my personal practice.

But it is a glorious thing to strive for.
Today
Tomorrow
Always.

I think that I am more pleasant to be around when I do yoga
I am easier to laugh
Not so.... defiant
Flexible!

I am happy...

Happy to do Yoga!

2008-06-30T20:21:00.001-07:00

China

2008-06-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

I have only been home for one week, I try to reflect back on my trip but cannot seem to capture or put into words my exact experience. The most prominent thing left with me are the lessons I learned, how I felt at specific moments and the amount of gratitude that I gained for what I have. Visiting China has changed my life.

We started our trip on May 9th, 2008 in Beijing. We arrived in the rain.. It was humid and hot.. I was immediately grateful for where I live. The streets at home are cleaner, the air is easier to breathe, the pollution is less, the toilets are clean, more accessible and at home you didn’t have to risk peeing on your leg.

I was taken back by the culture… no one waits in line, drivers will run you over if you are crossing the streets even on your turn…. Everyone that drives honks their horn constantly to let the other drivers know exactly where they are and to warn them that they will be passing on the shoulder. There are just as many bikes as cars... they load them up full.

The lack of simple conveniences; toilet paper, hand soap, and chocolate that were available in China instantly humbled me, made me more grateful, compassionate and aware.

I became content and grateful for the real important things and the non-tangible things that generate happiness and contentment. Things like slowing down to take a walk, or having coffee with a close friend, playing games with children, praying and visiting a place of worship or most importantly accepting and enjoying the world that you live in because it is the most raw and real thing that you could ever feel.

I liked watching the groups of people old and young playing cards and soccer on the streets and in parks because these places are nicer than the dark alleys that they live behind. Many people in China have nothing, yet they hang on the streets, contentment on their faces because they know of nothing better, they do not covet… they are just happy with what they have.

Although I instantly felt bad for the living situation of the people in China; skyscraping apartments rising above the street front stores that were only accessed through dark dirty alley ways, with windows covered by bars and spaces that were barely enough for one shared between 5… I was also envious of their contentment.

I realized quickly that it is not money or possession that brings happiness, but yet is a means of instant gratification- comfortable survival and convenient distraction. A distraction from being easily satisfied and from realizing what is true.

China is beautiful and true! The places that I saw and the mountains I climbed only allowed me to get away long enough to ponder and learn of me, who I am, where I am at in my life and what I can change to become better happier and more content.

We traveled all through China- South to North… 24 hour sleeper buses, trains and planes. The travel at times was really tiring and draining, but all worth it as the adventures got greater and more surreal.

In Beijing walking only 5 miles of the thousand on the Great Wall was truly the most incredible thing.. The Wall stretched for as long as I could see among the most beautiful mountains… it was peaceful and mind blowing; how could this exist. We were 5 out of the 15 people on the wall that day…. I cried and smiled of its beauty.

Beijing was also the home of the Forbidden City. The temples were huge, and beautiful.

From Beijing we traveled to Xian, where we were able to backpack to the top of Huashan. An old Taoist temple ground. The temples were built on the very top of the steepest mountains that I have ever seen… I do not know how they were built, but they were built in an incredible place… The stairs to the top were scary. Carved out of the mountain,
straight up and down, guided by a chain. We stayed at the top in a hostel, only to wake to the most inspiring sunrise and peaceful morning.

We then went to Tigers Leaping Gorge, which we spent three days hiking. We stayed with families in their guesthouses and ate with them. These families are the hardest workers that I have ever seen. They work dawn to dust in the rice fields, carrying things that seem far to heavy to be on anyone’s back. The mountains that they live in were so incredible. They were huge, most of the time the tops of the mountains were disguised by the clouds.

Guilin and Yangshou were the first villages that I went to where I could actually see blue skies. The streets were quaint and small. The people liked us here, and wanted to talk to us in order to practice their English. We saw the Chinese orchestra… that was nonetheless an interesting experience.. The old men were the cutest people in the world, although they were very grumpy.
In Guilin we were chased by a very angry monkey that just happened to be in a public park. . . . I may have peed my pants from both fear and laughter.Yangshou had mountains that looked like they were straight out of a Dr. Suess book…
I could not wrap my mind around how they looked like they did.. We had a local women take us into some caves, that we got to by hopping onto small, wobbly bamboo rafts and chains that guided you up pounding waterfalls. She insisted that we swim in a huge mud pit, and was trying to convince us that the mud was good for our skin.

Although I kind of believed her about the skin thing, I could not get over what might be living in the mud. As soon as I stepped in the mud, I swear things started slivering over my legs. I had to grin and bear it…. Everyone else was.
Our local friend took us to her house and cooked us the best food that I had eaten during my whole time in China (this was our fourth week out of six in this country).

Yangshou was my favorite place.. Unfortunately it rained so much that it flooded and we were only able to spend two days there.

Hong Kong was HUGE.. I felt like I was in New York.

It was Urban, and very fast pace… We stayed in the most ghetto hostel that I swear was run by the mafia.

They still served strange food here…. Like horse penis and chicken feet, but it was still an incredible place to be… I shopped far too much and filled my pack to the point of misery.

We took a break from constant travel on a small Island with beautiful beaches called Sanya.
It ended up being a Russian vacation destination, which made a whole new cultural experience. It was really fun, except that I was in bed for three days with food poisoning.

Shanghai was the future China., and the place in which I obtained an extra bag, an even larger backpack and my first Starbucks Frappacino.. It was so so so delicious. This city modeled Chicago and L.A, and had really fun dance clubs and hostels. It was the last city that we visited before our trip home, and an excellent way to end the trip.

Overall, The food was not really great in China… I did like the street vendor food, and all the corn on the cob. They also had the greatest grilled veggies ever. I didn’t eat much there, mostly because it is not uncommon for there to be dog, monkey, snake or pig blood soup on the menu, and our changes of eating this only increased when the menu was ONLY in Chinese.

We saw Pandas, huge spiders, poop in the streets…. People pooping in the streets, rich people, poor people, poverty beyond any that I have ever known, temples, cute old people, beautiful children , and strange… extra long dogs..
My eyes were open to a whole new world. I loved this adventure and hoe to have many more. We met people from all over the world who were traveling to find answers…. Peace, love, comfort and adventure. Good people, not so good people, but regardless all that I saw added to the one of the top experiences of my life.

Six weeks was plenty of time in China.. I wish that I could have been more of a help to this country during my time there. Unfortunately our plans to help build a school fell through due to the earthquake and the strict restrictions that were put on tourist.

Six weeks later, I am happy to be home. I shopped traveled and loved all of China.. I missed my family immensely and am so grateful for their love and support.

Happy 90th Nanna!

2008-05-02T18:14:00.001-07:00

She is an amazing woman.... Last month she decided to get a knee replacement after several years of pain. . . Her "old" knee is the only thing that was slowing her down- and for those of you who know Nanna, know that it was driving her crazy. Anyway, she got her knee replaced, and has been in an intensive physical therapy where all the doctors now know her as "The Gym Rat". She is doing well, she has worked really hard despite the pain and is walking around like nothing ever happened. I was so grateful to have her at my graduation.

She turned 90 yesterday, and the family threw her a huge birthday party. She had several friends and family there to celebrate with her. She had all 90 candels on her cake and when she blew them out it was like we were at a 70's party.. She is an amazing woman.... It is such an inspiring thing to see the many generations created by her and Pompa.

My favorite Place

2008-04-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

I recently took a little trip to Moab... One of my most favorite places to visit...

The flowers seem to thrive on the rays of the sun although they had bloomed below a shade-giving patch of sage. Vibrant and rich; the colors may be seen from a distance but the delicacy is only recognized when you are up close. A perfect example of adaptation; they change to survive in the environment which they live.

The random flowers and constant change in foliage is not the only beautiful thing about Arches. The formations, the never-ending views of canyon lands and the freedom of space that is overwhelming only begin to explain the depth of beauty at Arches National Park. It is an occurrence that can only be experienced at specific places. Arches must be one of the most incredible places in the world. A place that can easily be taken for granted.

I was reminded of how lucky I am to be only four hours away from this beautiful place as I shared a hiking trail with a couple from Berlin. They expressed complete astonishment for the landscape, the colors, the lines and the weather. They were convinced that this is where they must relocate, because in Berlin they must travel 12 hours to experience any type of elevation change, and even after 12 hours it was only a rolling hill.

The landscape is strange, mind blowing and incredibly fascinating. The structure of Delicate Arch is so incredibly impressive, and the dessert terrain that surrounds it is strikingly beautiful. The foundation of this arch is small and the fact that it still stands is mind blowing. I love to sit and watch and listen, it is silent, but loud with noises that make you feel alone and in the same moment full and content. Birds and breeze and hallow echo’s. Seeing forever, things that make you smile. The abstraction of colors- white snow covered La Sals painting a perfect backdrop for the red rock, which I sat on below the warm sun.

Graduation... YEAH!

2008-04-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for this….
Five years ago I never thought I would be graduating- going to China and feeling as accomplished as I do.

I look back over the years, and cannot help but be filled with gratitude, love and admiration. It has been hard- not only school, but the many other things that I juggled while I was a full time student. At times I thought I was inhuman. I didn’t know how it was possible to be working 60 hours a week, going to school, being married, going through a divorce and still finding time to sleep. The joke among my friends is that I actually plug in at night.

I don’t plug in, and there were many days that I didn’t think I could do it anymore, I did it though. I found motivation through people around me that I admire. I found inspiration through people that love me, and I found relief in people who would listen. (Thanks mom and dad and Erin for letting me call and cry even if I was irrational)

I am here because of my family. They are my strength. They have given me everything that I need to keep going. I am so inspired by my sisters. They are examples to me everyday.
I am grateful for my parents. I truly, without a doubt would not be where I am today if it weren’t for their courage and strength. They have loved me unconditionally and shown me complete compassion for as long as I can remember. They are my biggest role models and my biggest supporters. Last but not least my little brothers- they are one of my biggest motivations. On days that I wanted to give up- I thought of them. I want them to be proud of me and to remember me as this Micah and not the Micah that I was when they were little. Although they are my little brothers, I look up to them and admire their strength.
Although Lyle and I have had our struggles, I must thank him too for teaching me perseverance and about my own inner strength.

I feel blessed to be a part of something so beautiful, and I am full of gratitude.

Micah Rae

Choice

And this moment is the best Journey

Its a Wonderful Time

The Bus, That's Amazing

The Air is Crispy

Kokopelli=Amazing

R*A*G*N*A*R

Girls * Gone * Moab

With New Eyes

Drive ....

Why would anyone run a 24 hour race?

RISK

Be Full of Yourself

Life is AMAZING!!!!

Do it Anyway

Happy 4th

LIFE

Boulder Boulder and the Babes!

Another Cause!

I took the dive!

So much to tell!!!

Quarter of my Century

Tasty Tuesday's

The Side Dish

Vegetable Tian

Ingredients:

Preparation:

The Adventure

Tasty Tuesdays!

I am Tagged- now so are you!

8 Favorite TV Shows

Friends, Cabins and Sleds!

Team in Training

Luckiest Auntie in the WHOLE WORLD!

I was Tagged.....

The Vision.

Dream Big

Beautiful Bride in Telluride

The Last Lecture

My Dazling Weekly Date

You never know whos day you might change! Or how you might change your own!

Do You Rememer

More of China

Good Week

Why do I ????

China

Happy 90th Nanna!

My favorite Place

Graduation... YEAH!

RAG*NAR