House remodel and the NFL draft

Spring is here. Even though it's been in the 20s recently, and the snow was coming down - it's still is spring. Though the weather isn't holding up it's part of the bargain, sports tell another story.
Last week was the Salt Lake Marathon, last week was Utah's spring football game, the Jazz playoffs started, and the NFL draft is tomorrow. Yes - that is why spring and fall should be the only two seasons we have.
A couple of thoughts about the aforementioned sports:

1. My best friend ran in the marathon, and he's now my hero. He's a total inspiration to me for doing that. But I can also say that he helped me out - because while I do admire the stamina, dedication, and pure grit of those who pursue that athletic accomplishment, I am 100% confident that I'll never run in one. That said, Mark - it was really fun to watch and cheer for those who could push themselves like that.

2. I'm still a HUGE Utah fan. Always will be. I went to the spring game, and it was great to see so many fans out. That said, it will be different watching my Utes without the close connection on the team. I sense that I'll be more impatient with the mental hiccups that we have come to see under this coaching staff. This team is stacked with athletes - so expectations are high.

3. Playoff basketball is FANtastic. I'm relly not that cheesy - but I will say that it's so fun to watch this Jazz team. They're so much more fun to watch than the old classic Jazz teams - no disrespect intended. Hopefully, Jamie and I will be able to make it to a few playoff games this year. There is no louder NBA arena than the ESA during playoff time. Guaranteed.

4. The NFL draft. We've got a few teams interested in Steve. About four or five teams list him on their board as a 6th or 7th round pick, but that doesn't really mean anything because so much can happen. But if a team gives him a shot, I guarantee that he'll make an impact. His football IQ is so high, he's a great tackler, and he's an incredibly hard worker. I'd love to see him end up in a city like Baltimore or Philadelphia. But I'd also like to see him be a part of an organization like the Packers or Vikings. It is going to be a long day to see where he ends up. I can say that, whether he gets drafted or not, I'm confident that he'll land on a team as at least a free agent, and get a year or two being a part of the NFL. Even if it's on the practice squad for a while, he can make great money, have an incredible experience, and that can help him jump into a coaching career.
So, watch for Tate's name on ESPN on Sunday afternoon.

Another fun part of spring is the spring cleaning. I got the remodeling itch this year, and I was pretty giddy about making some changes to our exterior (mostly painting and replacing vinyl siding with some matching color shakes. Some before and after shots are shown below:

BEFORE:



















AFTER:

Snowmobiling

Although I live in Utah, I think that I have only gone snowmobiling once and it was before I moved here 10 years ago. Anyway, we had an outing with work and the plan was to drive up to Daniel's Summit to go snowmobiling. For those of you that know me, you probably know that I did not want to go. I strongly dislike the snow. It's good until about January 5th and then I am done. And after a rough winter of too much snow and too much cold weather, the last thing that I wanted to do was drive to more snow and more cold. Having never driven my own snowmobile and the only memory of my last experience was riding with both my dad and my sister and continually getting stuck in the powder, I was not excited, however that lack of excitement quickly changed.

As I finally started to get the hang of it, it was so much fun! Then I actually started looking around me and it was breathtaking! I couldn't believe the beauty that surrounded me. Plus, because the weather is starting to warm up, even though I had snowpants and thermals on, my jacket was unzipped and I didn't get cold once!

I really need to just put on a positive attitude sometimes and just take more advantage of the beauty that surrounds me and the fun things to do around here. Although I am walking like Frankenstein today because my back hurts so bad, I must say that it was actually worth it. :)

The Wednesday Letters

My mom actually got this book for Dustin as a Christmas present. No she wasn't trying to prove a point, but she had heard about the book. Although Dustin reads virtually a book per week (if not more), I don't think that this is one that he plans on picking up. I am of course a hopeless romantic and when I heard about this book and the whole premis of a husband vowing on his wedding day to write his wife a letter every week, I was hooked before I turned to the first page. And this book certainly didn't disappoint. As romantic as this gesture was from a husband to a wife, there were still times when their marriage went through the hard times and you were able to understand the raw emotions poured out in every letter. Not only from the husband, but the wife as well through her husband's eyes. I had a 4 1/2 hour flight to Boston and I couldn't put the book down. Luckily that was enough time to finish it. (I'm not the fastest reader).

As many of you know I am a crier. Whether it's a movie, a book, or even maybe a touching commercial (yes very scary I know) I have been known to shed a tear or many tears for that matter. Anyway, sitting on the plane next to an employee at my work (that I didn't even know prior to this trip), with tears running down my face can actually be a bit embarrassing. Especially when she comments on the fact that I'm crying. At least ignore it... right?

Anyway, this book is an easy read and a beautiful story about these children that discover so much more about their parents and even themselves. I highly recommend it. And if you have a husband or significant other who is willing to read it or that you are able to manipulate to read it and he is inspired to write you a weekly letter, more power to you!

I need some new books to read. So if you have any ideas or suggestions, I would love them!

Slackers!

Not that my blog is that interesting any way, but I have definitely been a slacker, I mean WE have been slackers. Dustin has been even worse than me!

In our defense, we were both out of town last week for work. Dustin was in St. Thomas and I was hitting city after city. Boston, New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia in one week is a lot to hit and a lot of driving. UGH! I was able to read 2 books on the plane so I will have to fill you in those too. Although they may only be interesting for you hopeless romantics out there.

Quique was at doggy boarding for the week and was able to play with dogs all day, but I am sure that she was pretty upset when she had to sleep alone in a kennel at night (even though the kennel is half the size of my living room). When she and Dustin picked me up from the airport, she wasn't even excited to see me. When I got in the car she wagged her tail in slow mo a couple of times and then turned away from me and looked out the window. Can we say the silent treatment from my dog?

Anyway, I promise to be better and hopefully I can make this a bit more interesting in the future.