Consistently Inconsistent

Remember when I blogged?

2011-05-06T14:18:00.002-06:00

yeah, about that...

So, I know it's been a long time, and the three of you that actually used to read my blog have long since moved on to read something far more interesting than this crap (can't say I blame you), BUT, for those of you that may stumble upon this by accident (I have no idea how or why that would happen), let me indulge you for a moment by posting something new...

There. I have done it.

end of post.

Here's to you, 2010

2010-03-16T14:21:00.004-06:00

We are nearly three months into the new year and I am feeling quite besotted with 2010 thus far. Call it a bit high-flown, but I think 2010 could be my best year yet... or at least a close second to 2007 (my blue-ribbon year) and maybe 2003... no no, not 2003. '03 was good, but it ain't got nothin' on '07 (paging Mr. Curtis!).

The reasons behind the cheerfulness are mine to keep for now, but today it could definitely have something to do with the sunshine, the extended light, and the 60 degree weather. I ditched the coat and my socks this morning for a light-weight sweater and a pair of sparkly flats... sorry Winter, our relationship has been strained for years now, and while I have grown to appreciate you, I never miss you when once you're gone. You can go now. Seriously, you've worn out your welcome.

To celebrate what could be my most delightful year to date (I am being wildly optimistic here, people) and the beginnings of the season before my favorite season, I give you my monthly playlist:

2010: A Dedication

"November was White, December was Grey" by Say Hi - nothing like kicking off spring with the lyrics: "I feel better when the winter's gone." yeah, me too.
"Cecilia" by Simon and Garfunkel - you gotta love Simon and the Funkel. I recently watched the rock and roll hall of fame concert on HBO and was blown away by how amazing S & G still sounded after all these years. This song is a mood changer.
"Noticed" by MuteMath - listen to this on a sunny day with sunglasses on. If you have a sunroof, open it.
"Gravity Rides Everything" by Modest Mouse - a little Modest Mouse throw back to when I liked them much more than I do now.
"Electric Feel" (Justice Remix) by MGMT - quickly becoming a favorite amongst the teeny boppers (I know this because my 15 yr. old brother asked me if I had heard of them the other day), MGMT has some really good songs that are even better when Justice takes a stab at them.
"Out of The Blue" by Julian Casablancas - I am still patiently waiting for The Strokes to band together again and make another album, but until that time, I will settle for Julian's solo work. His album, Phrazes for The Young, is quickly moving it's way up my most frequently played, this song sitting casually at the number one repeat.
"If I Ever Feel Better" by Phoenix - also becoming wildly popular, I am surprisingly happy to see they have found such success. I love Phoenix and have since I found "Long
Distance Call" several years ago. If you only have their latest album, take a look at some of their older stuff, cause it's all good.
"Castaways" by Shearwater - a recent find thanks to Pitchfork, this dramatic, melancholy tune has won my heart and I think it should win yours too.
"Julia (b-complex)" by The Very Best - I love their style, and while I don't know who Julia is, I am wishing that was name so I could dedicate this song to myself.
"I am a Rock" by Simon and Garfunkel - yes, S & G made my list twice this month. What can I say? I'm a huge fan.
"Help I'm Alive" by Metric - this song made it's debut on my running list and I am digging the rhythm and lyrics while my feet pound the pavement.
"Any Fun" by Coconut Records - being the huge Jason Schwartzman fan that I am (Please see Rushmore, I heart Huckabees and The Darjeeling Limited for more details), when I discovered his one man band awhile back I jumped on it and bought up what I could. I'm not normally too fond of actors trying to make it in the music biz, but the Schwartz can do no wrong. He is quite the talented musician (and writer).
"Dawn of the Dead" by Does it Offend You, Yeah - stupid band name, good song.
"Diplomat's Sun" by Vampire Weekend - this song is catchy and I could listen to it many times over.
"Human Wings" by Fictionist - I attended high school with one of these guys and I am happy to see him still pursuing music and making it good. Kudos.
"Islands On The Coast" by Band of Horses - in honor of their upcoming album Infinite Arms. Haven't seen them live since they were here in '06 ('07, maybe, since that was my stellar year) but am hoping to get to a show of theirs soon.
"Stone Cold Sober" by Paloma Faith - my lifelong friend, Leah, said this song reminded her of me and so introduced me to Paloma (Spanish for dove) and her wildly entertaining music. Loving her right now.
"Wide Eyes" by Local Natives - I like these guys.
"The Weary Kind" by Ryan Bingham - by far the most depresso song on my list, but it had to be on it. The theme from Crazy Heart, this track emits gritty beauty. I will be listening to this song for years to come.

And there you have it, folks. Like my choices? Don't like my choices? I don't really care either way, but if you have any suggestions for me or perhaps some new music I should know about, please send it my way.

Here's to a promising year. Cheers.

And you all thought Lady Gaga was sooooo orginal...

2010-03-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

...little did you know she was stealing her looks from the people of walmart:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/14-styles-gaga-stole-from-people-of-walmart/

Someone please explain her fame to me... I don't get it.

Salt Lake Scavenger

2010-03-11T09:35:00.001-07:00

Being that I spend the bulk of my day sitting in front of a computer screen writing, researching, editing etc. I take lots of precious breaks to check out my favorite sites and blogs. One of those precious sites is Apartment Therapy. If you have never seen it, go there now and check it out. It rocks.
Almost daily on AT, they have a scavenger section where they have someone scour craigslist and local paper furniture ads, finding the best stuff and reposting it on the site. I love the stuff they find, but there is one problem: they scavenge in NYC, LA, DC, Chicago, San Fran etc. Big cities. Poor SLC is left out of the scavenge section and despite my best efforts to get the peeps in other cities to ship to me (see my "so blue" post from a few weeks ago) it has proven ineffective.
SO, to remedy that, Kim and I have decided to create our own scavenger section to find the best "junk" SLC has to offer and bring it to all of you.

I present to you Salt Lake Scavenger.

Check us out. Send us your thoughts, ideas, criticism. It is still in its baby stages, so be patient with us while we bring it up to speed.

The Handsome Men's Club

2010-03-10T10:45:00.003-07:00

My dear friend and coworker sent me this video this morning and it more than made my day. It is 9 minutes long, and totally worth it. trust me, you want to watch this:

This Modern Love, Vol II

2010-02-12T14:45:00.006-07:00

I'm just going to be really honest for a moment and let everyone know that I have a strong aversion to Valentine's Day. I always have (yes, even now that I am married and don't have to wallow in my sorrows anymore because I am probably the only single person without a date on Valentine's Day!!!). I think it is a lame invented holiday that allows men to buy the obligatory flowers and cheesefest card to tell your spouse, lady, significant other, etc. etc. that you really do love and care about them and so that anytime your wife complains that you haven't bought her flowers lately you can say: "But honey, I bought you flowers on Valentine's Day!" Now, menfolk, this isn't great for you either. Why, you ask? Because women feel the need to express their love as well, so we frame stupid pictures of us kissing, or modge podge a stool or a box that holds the memories of our first date, ticket stubs from that first romantic comedy we saw together, a pillow we made that has our initials embroidered on it. It is all enough to make anyone gag. Then you have to pretend you like it, because we spent so much time on it, so you place it in your room somewhere, hoping no one ever sees it but you, just so we know that you really really loved it... seriously? Is this what it has come to? If I really wanted to show Ben I loved him I would pay his registration fee and enroll him in a poker tournament in Vegas... he would think I was the coolest wife on the earth! But that is SO not romantic... and I am NOT paying for him to enter a poker tournament, so there goes my great gift idea.

So yeah, Valentine's Day blows, people, and I feel fine saying that.

What doesn't blow? Music. Good love songs. Love songs that don't make you think of your highschool junior prom ("Lady in Red" anyone?).

So, without further ado, I bring you my latest playlist for all you lovers out there:

This Modern Love, Vol. II

"Think I'm in Love" by Beck

"This Modern Love" by Bloc Party

"Lover" by Devendra Banhart

"Toothpaste Kisses" by The Maccabees

"Destiny" by Zero 7

"Part One" by Band of Horses

"Publish My Love" by Rogue Wave

"Consequence" by the Notwist

"Sweet Diposition" by Temper Trap

"Gigantic" by The Pixies

"HeartBeats" by Jose Gonzalez

"Somebody Loved" by The Weepies

"Wonderwall" by Ryan Adams

"No One's Gonna Love You" by Band of Horses

"Shelter" by Ray LaMontagne

"Love You More" by Alexi Murdoch

"Find Love" by Clem Snide

"Brand New Colony" by The Postal Service

Enjoy. Like it or don't like it. Burn a CD for your lover if you so choose. Just don't label it "V-Day love Mix" and cover it in heart stickers, please.

so blue...

2010-01-27T16:39:00.001-07:00

I have a minor obsession with blue. Okay, so it isn't so much minor as major. I would love to paint every wall in my house a different shade of blue and buy blue furniture like this gorgeous blue crate and barrel sofa below:

I need this couch in my life. I need this room in my life. This photo hails from a funky eclectic LA home tour on apartmenttherapy.com. To see the full house tour (which I absolutely love) click here.

This couch is selling for $1,000 in LA but I can't have it because they won't ship it. Anyone want to make a quick trip to LA with me for a pick up?

We somehow go on

2010-01-14T17:10:00.003-07:00

In the wake of the terrible tragedy that has beset the people of Haiti, I have done a lot of praying. Praying to understand why such things happen, in particular in areas that always seem to have so much already against them. Homelessness, political turmoil, starvation. A prayer for the suffering. A prayer for families of lost loved ones. A prayer for doctors and medical personnel desperately attempting to reach and treat the thousands upon thousands of wounded. A prayer for their government and for ours, that we may find the resources to aid our tiny, crippled, shattered neighbor.
While researching ways I could help from the comfort of my computer at my office desk, I found a poignant article that touched me. It comes from the Miami Herald, and I want to share it:

Cruel as it is, we somehow go on

By LEONARD PITTS JR.

lpitts@MiamiHerald.com

Sometimes, the earth is cruel.

That is ultimately the fundamental lesson here, as children wail, families sleep out of doors, and the dead lie unclaimed in the rubble that once was Port-au-Prince.

Sometimes the rains fall and will not stop. Sometimes the skies turn barren and will not rain. Sometimes the seas rise and smack the shoreline like a fist. Sometimes the wind bullies the land. And sometimes, the land rattles and heaves and splits itself in two.

Sometimes, the earth is cruel.

And always, when it is, we do the same thing. We dig ourselves out. We weep and mourn, we recover and memorialize the dead, we rebuild our homes. And we go on. This is the price of being human. And also,

arguably, the noblest expression.

Sometimes, the earth is cruel, and you have no choice but to accept that as part of the bargain called life. And when it is your turn to deal with it, you do.

But what if it's always your turn?

Surely some homeless, dust-streaked Haitian can be forgiven for thinking it is always Haiti's turn this morning, two days after the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere saw its capital city smashed by the strongest earthquake it has ever known, a 7.0-magnitude monster. Surely, the rest of us watching from afar, experiencing tragedy and devastation from the comfort of desk chairs and living room couches, are tempted to believe the same thing.

Bad enough, Haiti is wretchedly poor. Bad enough it has a history of political instability and colonialism, of being ignored by the major powers when it is not being exploited by them. Bad enough, all that, yet at the end of the day, those are disasters authored by human hands, by human greed, human corruption, human economic predation.

Sometimes, though, you have to wonder if the planet itself is not conspiring against this humble little nation.

After 1994, when Tropical Storm Gordon killed several hundred people, after 1998, when Hurricane Georges swept away over 500 lives, after 2004, when the rains of Tropical Storm Jeanne claimed over 2,000 souls, after 2005, when Hurricane Dennis took 25 lives in July and Tropical Storm Alpha snatched 17 in October, followed by Hurricane Wilma which stole 11 more, after the double whammy of Hurricanes Fay and Gustav in 2008 killed over 130 people and destroyed over 3,100 homes, after all that, comes this latest insult -- and a death toll officials cannot begin to even imagine. Perhaps as many as 100,000, they were saying on Wednesday.

Sometimes, the earth is cruel. To crawl the planet's skin, scanning for tornadoes in Oklahoma, charting storm tracks in Florida, running from wildfires in California, is to understand this in a primal, personal way. It is to breathe a prayer that begins, ``There, but for the grace of God . . . '' It is to write relief checks, donate blood, volunteer material and time and to fear, even in the doing, that these gestures are small against the need, inconsequential against the ache of a people whose turn seems never to end.

But what else are you going to do? As the playwright put it, your arms too short to box with God. Even less have we the ability to answer the question that burns the moment: Why are the most vulnerable repeatedly assessed the highest price?

We are hamstrung by our own limitations, so we can only do what we always do, only send prayers and help. And watch, staggered by the courage it takes, as Haitians do what human beings always do, the thing at which they have become so terribly practiced.

Dig out. Weep and mourn. Memorialize the dead. Rebuild. Go on. And show the world once again a stubborn insistence on living, despite all the cruelties of the earth.

The Earth is cruel and oftentimes a fist is raised at God, angry and bewildered with the unanswerable question of: "why me?". I will never know such tragedy. I will most likely never suffer the way the people of Haiti have suffered. Over and over and over again. But what can we do but send prayers, write relief checks, volunteer and watch, as the Haitians do what we human beings were meant to do on this earth: Endure. And somehow, they go on.

My heart goes out to all affected by this calamity. If only I could do more. so much more.

You can find me down river

2009-12-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Most days I wonder why I still live in the States. At least five times a day, I wonder why I'm not somewhere else, doing something else in some other country far far away from this place. I truly do belong in another land.
If any of you need me, I will be down river somewhere, lost in a world I so desperately wish to return to, attempting to find purpose in the day to day.
While I daydream, please dip into the photos that float me downstream, to my castle in the jungle:

Headed down to the Heliconia Lodge

Peaceful lagoon on the Amazon

The Heliconia Lodge, owned by the incredible Carlos Acosta

The Lodge rests up on stilts, like a tree house. This is the hammock room, the best seat in the house during a nightly rainstorm.

another view of the hammock room

on the boat with some of the mentors of the group

we received a visit from a baby caiman

Building a new Library for Santa Rosa village. Population: about 700

Painting the library

teaching about germs while making sock germ hand puppets

teaching the secondary kids

found a litter of puppies. they had fleas. didn't care, held them anyway. got flea bites.

the sweetest boy who ever lived and an early morning jungle hike with Amanda, our guide and myself

our farewell plaque to the village leaders

my boyfriend, Jean-Pier. He gets bigger every year.

A super emotional farewell. I cried the whole boat ride home

The amazing staff at the lodge. All dear friends

The peaceful amazon

going...

gone.

I pray everyday that my road of life will lead me back here. Til then, I have these photos, my memories. and my daydreams.

The Purpose of a Dog

2009-11-20T14:51:00.002-07:00

"My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dogs thinks I am."

I love dogs. From the time I was a little girl all I ever wanted was a dog. I asked for a dog every Christmas, Birthday and gift-giving holiday from the time I was about 5 on, to no avail. I received a series of other "pets", namely hamsters (stinky and lame), parakeets (don't do tricks, just poop and eat and chirp) and a bunny (my sis Tara and I tried to walk the bunny like a dog once and ended up getting clawed until we bled. Not a pleasant experience for either one of us. I have held a grudge against bunnies since that day), but nothing could replace my incessant desire for a dog.

I have three dogs now. Liddy (technically our family dog) that was brought home by my sister without permission and is now the ruler or my parent's household and a family treasure, Molly, my wild, neurotic but ridiculously sweet Vizsla that came to me via Ben for Christmas during our engagement and after the purchase of our first home, and Leonard, my teeny tiny weenie dog that was intended to keep Molly company and satisfy my desire to forever hold a dog in my arms and cuddle with something that would never get big. My dogs are my friends. My dogs are my family.

Now, for those of you that aren't dog lovers and don't understand the obsession, let me share with you a story that Ben sent me in an email yesterday, defining the purpose of a dog through the explanation of a 6 yr. old:

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives..
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live..

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

My dogs are always happy to see me, whether I have been gone five days or just five minutes. THey always greet me with tails wagging.

Here are a few things we could all learn from man's best friend:

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do..

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

I'm going to go home now and give my dogs a hug.

Mellow Pensivity

2009-11-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm into uber depresso music as of late. I blame it on the weather change. Shorter days, long dark nights, the looming 7 months or so of winter always manages to swallow me. Here are the latest doleful songs dominating my headphones:

Sanders Bohlke- "The Weight of Us"

Iron and Wine- "Faded from the Winter"

Bonnie Prince Billy- "Hard Life"

Coeur de Pirate- "Intermission"

Andrew Bird- "Lull"

Karen O and the Kids- "Hideaway"

Jose Gonzalez- "How Long"

Kings of Convenience- "Gold in the Air of Summer"

Way Out West- "Don't Forget Me"

Rogue Wave- "Christians in Black"

Check em' out. You can find most of these on emusic.com.

2009-11-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

It's a Pablo Neruda Day

2009-11-06T16:35:00.002-07:00

The Stolen Branch

In the night we shall go in
to steal
a flowering branch.

We shall climb over the wall
in the darkness of a private garden,
two shadows in the shadow.

Winter is not yet gone,
and the apple tree appears
suddenly changed
into a cascade of fragrant stars.

In the night we shall go in
up to its trembling firmament,
and your little hands and mine
will steal the stars.

And silently,
to our house,
in the night and the shadow,
with your steps will enter
perfume's silent step
and with starry feet
the clear body of spring.

En Espanol:

La Rama Robada

En la noche entraremos
a robar
una rama florida.

Pasaremos el muro,
en las tinieblas del jardin ajeno,
dos sombras en la sombra.

Aun no se fue el invierno,
y el manzano aparece
convertido de pronto
en cascada de estrellas olorosas.

En la noche entraremos
hasta su tembloroso firmamento,
y tus pequenas manos y las mias
robaran las estrellas.

Y sigilosamente,
a nuestra casa,
en la noche y la sombra,
entrara con tus pasos
el silencio paso del perfume
y con pies estrellados
el cuerpo claro de la primavera.

Moral DIlemma

2009-10-01T13:05:00.003-06:00

I'm having major issues today. Good issues, not bad ones, but issues nonetheless.

As most of you know, I work for a youth non-profit organization as the International service and development director. We put high school students through a year long service program involving local and international service. We work in 4 countries, take about 140 students abroad a year and our goal is to create life-time humanitarians. It is a great job. I love what I do. I work lots of hours and I don't get paid much. You know that going into non-profit. You don't do it for the money.

Here comes the dilemma: I was just offered a new job yesterday with a new company. They are a web development company, they develop all of the on-line applications and such for the government and state of Utah. It is a cool company. Good people. The position is a marketing position. They have offered me more money, great benefits and a stable work environment with lots of room to grow. A good friend of mine works there, and she really enjoys it.

So, what do I do? More money? More stability? Or, my little non-profit. Both are good options, but I don't know what is best. I need help. I need opinions. I need advice.

I welcome your thoughts.

Please advise.

Washington

2009-09-15T17:17:00.006-06:00

I am the bear

that hibernates

inside a cave, inside herself

full of rotting meat and sour juices.

If I were a berry I’d be black

and I would nestle deep inside

a prickly bush

aside Lake Sammamish to wait for you-

breach the thorns and pick me.

I am your constant rain.

I am May 1980.

Dear St. Helen:

You are a crater full of ash and dust—

all the rest just petrified logs.

So long winded.

You reached your boiling point.

I couldn’t leave my cave.

I hid. You exploded.

I am not a berry.

I am grey ash and residue—

Starched bones and

old news.

I rest with the fog inside your crater.

I’ll let the rain wash away the flecks

of dust that cause your throat to burn.

Yes Yes Yes!

2009-09-14T09:50:00.007-06:00

It has been over three years since the Yeah Yeah Yeahs last appearance and I have been waiting since that day for them to come and rock out again. Last night the wait finally ended as Karen O and crew rolled into downtown SLC and brought the house down as only the YYY's can do. If you have never seen this band live you are really missing out. KO came out in an original jumpsuit outfit with tiger tights and a head piece and basically swallowed the mic as she sang a mix of all the best from their past three albums. Truly, they did not disappoint.

With the girls near the stage (from left to right: Megan, Miaken, Hayley, Me, Micky)

Hayley and Tony: such a beautiful couple

We had a perfect view from the front railing of the balcony

Her moves are so awesome. She is like a punk cheerleader

One of her many lunges. During several clutch moments in the show, confetti exploded all over the stage and the audience

Thank you YYY's, for returning to appease some of your biggest fans. We were thrilled.

FRIDAY

2009-09-11T15:59:00.003-06:00

Today is Friday, which probably means I am feeling a little bit like this:

Which isn't too far from normal, since my head is in the clouds most of the time anyway.

But, today I am feeling like I'm on another planet and I'm not sure how I got there
My life is an emotional rollercoaster
But it could be worse, I could look like this:
What if we put too much information in our brains and we looked like this:
TGIF. I have a couple days now to rest and let the swelling go down.

Flatlined

2009-08-18T22:49:00.002-06:00

Maybe when the World is flat

To chop your own head off

will no longer be an issue.

If my arms disengage from my body

limbs will still be present

but they won't be my own

and I don't do well without extremities.

There may be some truth to this

Flat World,

and if I stand on a tuna fish can

I betcha I can see the top of your head,

where the bald spots are

and the scar from

when you walked into that satellite dish

as we ran through the sprinklers.

If I flatline soon

tell my mom I am sorry

for the pot on the front porch

that I broke. It was just an accident.

Summer Jams 2009

2009-05-27T15:29:00.004-06:00

This post is for Catherine who is looking for some tunes to pass through her summer in San Fran (and by San Fran I really mean Emoryville... yay!). Here you go, Cath, a short list of what I'm currently jammin to:

- "Nothing to Worry About" by Peter Bjorn and John. Trust me, you will love this one.

- "Heads will Roll" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. From the new and very mellow album, this song is one of the most dance appropriate songs.

- "Deceptacon" by Le Tigre. I don't know why I like this song, but I do, so there.

- "Buildings and Mountains" by the Republic Tigers. Love these indie rockers.

- "Red Morning Light" by Kings of Leon. I don't have anything to say about them. I just like them.

- "I'd Rather Dance with You" by Kings of Convenience. This song sounds like it should have been in some eighties movie starring Matthew Broderick. not sure why.

- "Comme des Enfants" by Coeur de Pirate. cute little frenchie group a friend turned me on to.

- "I'm a Lady" by Santogold. Before Lady Gaga burst onto the scene wearing leotards with no pants, there was Santogold rocking gold unitards and sneakers.

- "This is your Life" by The Killers. I love their latest album, and although I like 99% of the songs on the album, this one has stepped into the forefront to become one of my favorites.

- "Life your Life" (Featuring Rihanna) by T.I. You should try running to this song. Excellent.

There you go, Cath. That should hold ya off for a little while...

One Year Later...

2009-03-18T09:15:00.000-06:00

Last year at this time we were here:

And we were enjoying this:

And we had to sign this:

So that we could do this:

And then enjoy this:

I still feel today the way I did in that wedding photo, straight out of the Oahu Temple where I got hitched to the love of my life. What a year it has been. There is never a dull moment with BC... Just how I imagined it.

Love your guts, Benny. Always will. Happy Anniversary, Lover!

iTunes Celebrity Playlist

2009-03-17T12:28:00.001-06:00

Now that I am back in the music circuit, I have been busy rediscovering some lovelies in my iTunes collection whilst working away at my office. I have always liked checking out the celebrity playlists at the iTunes store and have decided to create my own celeb playlist (minus the celeb part) with some of my all time favorites. Here is a top 20 list of the stuff I can always listen to:

1. "See You Soon" by Coldplay. I found this gem back when I was illegally donwloading music (Ben has now banned me from doing so) and I fell in love with this song.

2."Zero" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The latest and greatest from Karen O and Nick Zinner. Looking forward to their new album coming up in April. First since '06, and I am thrilled.

3. "Wonderwall" by Ryan Adams. the best cover ever made, in my opinion. I listened to this on repeat for about a three month period back in late 2006.

4. "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead. Radiohead is just plain genius and this song changes key about a million times. I kill to hear the key changes.

5. "Heartbeats" by The Knife. Porch Parties at Miaken's house and nights out with the gal pals at the W. It is the ultimate indie dance song.

6. "Time won't let me go" by The Bravery. On Ben's first mix I made him, which later became "the anthem". I fell in love with him listening to this song, not to mention I blasted this from my headphones while cruising down the amazon in Peru. It always takes me back to those places.

7. "7/4 Shoreline" by Broken Social Scene. I just plain love this song. It reminds me of cruising with my windows down in the summer.

8. "Panama" by Van Halen. This one is for Ben. I am NOT a butt rocker by any means, but Ben sure is and he has turned me on to some good butt rock over the past year. This song makes you want to jump around and air guitar like you won't believe.

9. "Ahi Estas Tu" by Chambao. People make fun of me for my love of flamenco, but I don't care. This is a bit of modern flamenco from a group straight out of Malaga. It reminds me of riding the bus to El Palo.

10. "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Repeat on the playlist. Karen O's voice on this song kills it. I remember watching her perform this song on stage and it was mind blowing. If you want to see an amazing performer, hit up one of the YYY's shows and watch KO rock out.

11. "Take It Off" by The Donnas. Though not the greatest lyrical content, this song helps me vicariously live my dreams of being a hard core rock chick. These fine ladies know how to play a rock song.

12. "Sorry I am" by Ani Difranco. I have a special place in my heart for really depressing music. Ani is one who lives out a lot of crappy moments of her life in her songs. It makes for some phenomenal music and we all reap the benefits.

13."The Great Salt Lake" by Band of Horses. This song is appropriate considering my place of residence. Saw them play this live a couple years ago and it was stellar. I see a slide show of my Salt Lake life in my head when I listen to this tune.

14. "Lost Cause" by Beck. A friend I met in Peru played this song for me on a ipod dock in a ghetto hotel in Iquitos. It was an instant player on my playlist.

15. "Nantes" by Beirut. Lead Zach Condon not only does the vocals but he also plays accordian, keyboards, saxophone, clarinet, mandolin, ukelele, horns, glockenspiel and percussion. I find it fascinating.

16. "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" by Death Cab for Cutie. Another depresso song, but I love the lyrics. There is so much truth to this song.

17. "I Feel it All" by Feist. She has a crazy beautiful voice. I love that it is so pure and clean. It seems so incredibly effortless for her. This song never fails to make me smile and want to put on a sundress and dance.

18. "Banquet" by Bloc Party. Another killer dance song. love it.

19. "Heartbeats" by Jose Gonzalez. The slower, guitar rich version seen in #5 on this playlist. I would kill to play the guitar like this guy.

20. "Find Love" by Clem Snide. Sweet, simple, unique love song. Listen to it.

More playlists to come. Let me know what you think of this one. Just don't mock my flamenco choices...

Creative Coma

2009-03-12T14:33:00.002-06:00

As spring approaches (or as mother nature teases us with glimmers of spring) I realize what a drag I have been recently. Oh, and by recently, I mean the past 5 months. I'm not sure what it is, but for the past few winters I end up thinking that I won't make it out of winter alive or at least not with my sanity. I used to looooove winter. Snow days, snow forts, sledding, boarding, cozy fires. All those things now seem to bring on the anxiety that keeps me hidden in my bed for the better portion of November through March. I don't know what it is. I crave light, warmth, flip flops and t-shirts, the freedom to drive anywhere without wondering if my poor honda civic will make it from point A to point B without sliding to my death. Not that I don't enjoy sliding around in the snow every now and then, I just wish it wouldn't last THIS long. Seriously though, isn't five months a little on the long side? Can't it go from, oh I don't know, December to January?

Maybe it was my mission that did me in. I spent two winters in southern Spain with southern california temperatures and although I thought I would really miss a white winter, guess what folks? I didn't. Not one bit. Terrible isn't it? I know! I should care more about winter! The snow covered mountains, the awesome ski resorts, the... k, thats all I can come up with, sorry winter lovers.

There ARE some things that I do LIKE about winter. I like it when it snows on Christmas, I like being up at my cabin in the winter with friends, I like snowshoeing and I even enjoy myself when Ben forces me up to Alta to ski. I did grow up skiing. My parents met skiing for crying out loud! My brother desperately wanted to be Johnny Moseley for awhile and my sister was a sponsored snowboarder! not to mention I married into a die hard family of skiers! Great! I did learn to ski when I was six and was forced into going up there a million times a year until I was about 15 and I started having soccer and bball practice on Saturdays. And, I do ENJOY skiing when I get up there, but I always find myself up there, sitting on the ski lift, wondering when it will be warm enough for me to take the boat out and start waterskiing again. I am never waiting in anticipation for the ski resorts to open up.

Bottom line is: I am a summer girl. I wave buh bye to winter with a little chip on my shoulder... not to mention with tighter pants and some pasty white skin. Woe is me. I also leave winter behind with some new found goals (on the positive end) My newest goals include:

1. Getting myself into race shape (this could be a toughy): I plan on heading to the SL running company for some new duds to go pound the pavement in (as soon as my next paycheck comes... and after I pay all of my bills, of course. Responsibility really blows).

2. Redecorating: I have become obsessed with updating my house and giving it a funkier feel. I also have to do this on little or no money. I am going to be refurbishing a lot o crap. No worries, I have all my DIY mags dog eared and ready to go!

3. Falling back in love with new music: I used to peruse the internet constantly for the latest and greatest sounds and up and coming artists. I think I made Ben a new mix almost once a week when we first started dating. I am going to start that up again.

4. Rock Climbing: This has been something I have wanted to do forever and really enjoy. I spent about a year rock climbing with some buddies a few years back, but then I ended up dating one of them, breaking up with said person, and needless to say, we are no longer "climbing buddies". Thus ended that stint. Come to find out that Ben has a bunch of gear and wants to do it with me! Yay! new hobby. I may need some lessons first...

5. Traveling: I am a travel junkie. As I have stated in earlier posts, if I had it my way I would be here in Salt Lake for six months of the year and traveling all around the world the other six. My goal is to take Ben to Spain before the end of the year... If I can get him away from work long enough.

I'm sure new goals will arise, but here you go for now. Here's to sunny days and 70 degree temps!

Sweet Eleanore

2009-03-12T09:03:00.003-06:00

I had the pleasure of heading out to good ole' Erda last weekend w/ Ben to visit my teeny tiny Grandma Hale, the cutest Grandma you have probably ever seen. My granparents lived in Logan for over 40 years, but when my Grandpa past away in late 2006, my Grandma got lonely and it was too hard to stay in her home by herself. So, she headed down to my aunt Jane'ts ranch in Erda (for those of you who are wondering where Erda is, it lies just beyond the great salt lake near Toelle, way out west) for some r and r and to live in a cute little upstairs apartment above the garage next to the house. That way my aunt can check on her often and someone is always nearby should she need it. My aunt has several horses and two ponies at the ranch and my Grandma likes to sit and watch the horses next to the Oquirrh mountains.

Anywho, we ran out to take her some delicious shrimp alfredo, listen to Frank Sinatra and chat about old memories like days in the camper, fresh raspberries and cream and playing games in Grandma's basement.

I love the little moments with her.

Introducing....

2009-01-29T11:12:00.003-07:00

I must apologize for forgetting to introduce the latest addition to the Curtis clan. Please welcome : LEONARD, a.k.a "Lenny". He is adorable. He is hilarious. He is a big personality in a teeny tiny body. Take a look for yourselves:

family nap time with the latest addition

I'm pretty sure Ben thought I was nuts when I said I wanted another dog, but I think he has warmed up to it just fine :) (he Loooooooves the dogs)

I took one of Ben's old Hoven socks and cut out places for his head and legs to go. Voila! A teeny weenie sweater.

Molly, a little unsure of Lenny at first. I don't think she knew he was a dog.

Jack is obsessed with the fact that he is "sooo tiny mama!"

Now best friends

all of my childhood dreams are becoming a reality. Two dogs? My mom would have never allowed it. I asked for a dog every Christmas, Birthday and holiday from the time I was five until I was about seventeen. It took my own house and back yard to make it happen, but boy have I ever made it happen!

I knew I was a goner when I saw that face

Leonard. Awesome. Stop by for a visit to see the little stud.

'twas the season...

2009-01-19T09:44:00.010-07:00

That's right. Because I am a terrible blogger. These photos come to you mid-January/post holiday season, but they come with love... and a fat headache. Someone needs to have a chat with blogger about making it easier to post photos.

Anywho, here is a recap of the past month or so, including a trip to the solomon center in Ogden for some surfing and skydiving. check it out:

The annual Christmas Sweater Soiree brought to you by Miaken and Kimmy:

We were into the plaid theme this year

The fake laugh friend pose: always funny.

The guy next to me in this photo, Dallas, won best sweater of the night. Obviously. It was pink with fur and even the reindeers on the sweater had sweaters on, not to mention it was a little on the tight/short side. I didn't stand a chance.

At the Solomon Center in Ogden on Christmas Eve day. Ben, David and Keto decided to hit up the wave rider for some surfing.

Keto "shreddin' it" on the boogie board

When I said "surfing" earlier, I really mean just getting on the board and biting it REALLY HARD every 2 1/2 seconds. Love this shot of David:

Ben got the hang of it by the end and managed to show everyone up

The boys decided to make a day of it and blow the rest of their dough (my dough) on indoor skydiving. I was the designated money handler/photographer/key holder

Christmas Eve at the Hale household

We spent New Years weekend at our cabin in the Uintahs with the Fam. Here I am with the nieces and nephews kicking back to catch Kung Fu Panda

Tara and Jackers sledding

Poor Halle had to be in a pink marshmallow suit. She looked like the kid from A Christmas Story: " I Can't get uuuuup!"

I forcefully put Jack's hair in pig tails. You can tell he is thrilled about it.

Testing out our new snow shoes

Ben hitting jumps on the snowmobile

Out "bilin" with the family. It was so cold that day Ben got frostbite on parts of his face!

It was a gorgeous day.

And there you have it. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Photo update

2008-12-02T20:25:00.008-07:00

Here is a little photo update for those of you just DYING to see the latest of B & D... and by dying, I mean if you are bored at work and have already reached your facebook stalking quota for the day and have nothing left to do but actually work OR check out the latest post on the blog of yours truly. Here is a plethora of pics from the past couple months:

Just in case you missed our halloween costumes...

we went as each other. It didn't turn out so well (obviously). You can imagine in your own minds what you think we look like. I'm not writing it here.

The fabulous crew (sans the moustaches)

At T foxes birthday/turned moustache party, thanks to Kim's fabulous "moustache kit" bday gift...

Miaken's bday extravaganza and all of the madness that came with it: Hiking Bald mountain, random indoor helmet wearing, excess amounts of food (and apparently nose picking) and way too much laughing. My favorite photo is the fake laugh pose with our sparkling cider. My friend Gentry has the best fake laugh face ever! Kim comes in a close second.

Reincarnation Requests

2008-12-02T19:27:00.002-07:00

I am making a request that, if I am reincarnated, I want to come back as this:

Me. Zebra. Got it?

In our court...

2008-11-24T15:33:00.002-07:00

Amidst our nation's complete economic implosion.... at least we have one thing to look forward to. I'll take it.

Tagged

2008-10-20T13:20:00.004-06:00

I normally hate this stuff, but since I never update my blog, at least now you will have something new to read... however boring and uneventful it may be.

The rules:
1. Link to person who has tagged you: Annie
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write 6 random things about yourself
4. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Random things? hmmm...

1. I hate structure. I hate routines, planning, schedules and lists, because they bore me and make me feel like I am part of the Truman Show. I don't like doing the same things every day, I hate 8-5 work schedules, I don't plan ahead for the weekends (very often), I take different driving routes everywhere, I don't really have favorite restaurants or bands (that excludes you, Radiohead) because I get bored so easily I am always looking for something new. I will never be able to run on the treadmill every single day for fear I may die of boredom. I will say that at times I do use a list, but only when there is too much on my plate to remember and if I don't write it down I will forget it and it will float away with all of the other millions of things I have forgotten to do in my lifetime. I prefer spontaneity. I know this method is probably FAR less productive than all of you with set schedules and daily routines out there, but I prefer creativity over productivity... most days.

2. I am tempted to buy a doughnut every day. Never do I pass a grocery store without closing my eyes and envisioning myself heading straight to the bakery, where I pick up a fresh maple bar or a cake doughnut with white frosting and sprinkles. I am obsessed with doughnuts, people. Now, that doesn't mean I eat a doughnut every day, but I think about it, and occasionally either rewarding myself or giving into self-pity, I buy myself a doughnut and savor every bite. If it were up to me, doughnuts would be fat free, contain millions of anti-oxidants and make your skin glow. If I were to write a letter to the doughnut, it would probably go something like this:

"Dearest doughnut:

Thank you for your beautiful round shape and sometimes creme-filled center. Thank you for your variety, for your flaky layers and your fancy icing and confetti hat. I love you doughnut, and yet I despise you for making me want you. Damn you, doughnut. Damn you.

Sincerely,

Dana"

If you doubt such an obsession, go to your nearest Harmons and ask for a maple bar with cake frosting on top. You will doubt no longer...

3. My ideal world would consist of me working 6 months out of the year and traveling the other 6. I would have a small villa in Marbella, Spain as my base camp and I would explore every nook and cranny on the European Continent. I would hike the great wall of China, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, learn flamenco guitar in Sevilla, buy pottery in Morocco, eat platano frito in Ecuador, take pictures in Tokyo, ride an elephant in Thailand and the list goes on and on. I would take in every moment and always be learning. I would see. Everything.

4. In my next life I want to come back as a Zebra. There is nothing cooler than a black and white striped horse with a mohawk and an attitude. Enough said.

5. I firmly believe that a few caring people can change the world and I fully intend on being one of those people.

6. Even though almost three and a half years have past, I still think about my mission every day. Despite my bad mouth, my irreverent manner and frequent off color jokes, I loved my mission. Call me crazy ( and many of those who have been there will), but I would go back in a heart beat and do it all over again. I learned more about myself, my limits, the world and the billions of people living in it during that short 18 months than I have over most of my life. There is nothing like waking up every morning with one single purpose. And I didn't even mind the structure...

I tag Lynze, Barbara and Tara. Take it away, ladies.

Mini

2008-09-17T09:03:00.003-06:00

Someday one of these will be mine. Ben agreed to get another dog ONLY if it was little and looked like a teeny tiny Molly replica. Here are my mini versions of the Mollster:

I know one of these is black, but he was too cute not to throw him in the mix

Truly, this one looks exactly like her, and I would happily take any one of these three:

Look at this face. Who can resist this face?

And my all-time favorite: Say hello to Tiny. He is the runt, but his owners say he is the leader of the pack. Hmmmm, reminds me of someone else I know...

Take your votes, guys so I can bring home a MINI!

Hebgen Lake and a whole lot of catch up

2008-09-02T22:33:00.018-06:00

Yes, I know, it has been awhile. Please pardon our slight absence from the blogging world and enjoy the latest post on yet another lake vacation.

This labor day weekend we traveled to Ben's old stompin' ground and got a nice look into the childhood of Ben, his siblings and a long line of ancestors who have been visiting Hebgen Lake, Montana since about 1930. Not only have they been visiting Hebgen since before World War II, but they also happen to own what to me seems like most of the land up there. EVERYONE IS RELATED UP THERE! It is one big happy family. Every soul I met this weekend was an uncle, or a great aunt, or a third cousin, or married a relative and on and on and on. Between the Rybergs, the Richards and the Coveys I think most of the lake is covered. Ben knew EVERYONE up there, even the card dealer at the Stage Coach Inn in West Yellowstone asked him where he had been all summer (as if that should be a surprise to anyone reading this...).

Everything has a story in Hebgen, everyone a connection, every log a link to something historic. It's quite nice really. Not only that, but Ben just happens to have the largest memory store in human brain existence, and could relate nearly every story in Hebgen Lake history. He never missed a beat, and is far and away the greatest tour guide around.

We hauled our old ski boat up and plopped it in the lake Friday evening in order to enjoy some great waterski runs throughout the weekend. Although I knew the lake would be glassy all day long, what I didn't know folks, is that the water temp is just a hair above freezing and the air temp is chilly at best. Someone needs to tell the pool man that the water heater is broken! Seriously, I kid you not when I say freezing. Let me spell it out: F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G! It was arctic. I'm surprised I didn't see penguins and polar bears swimming in that water. Even a beluga whale would have been cold.

Long story short, I needed a dry suit to ski. I am a wimp when it comes to cold water. I have no problem admitting that.

I did make one grandiose splash into the lake, but only after being peer pressured into rollerblading off of Ben's homemade ramp into the icy waters below. All of you who know anything about the Hebgen know that the rollerblade ramp is a huge part of the experience. The photos below will give you a better idea of what I mean. Basically Allyson, Dan and myself became Ben's lemmings for a moment... and it was fun.

We spent most of Sunday at Yellowstone National Park, checking out all of the cool sites and searching for Bears, which we never saw. I'm still depressed about that one, especially after hearing from our whole crew that they had seen bears EVERY time they had ever visited the park. Thanks guys. apparently there is bad blood between the bears and I.

Here is a photo rundown of the trip:

Saturday morning: boat ride to visit the Woolleys and tour the lake

Our dog, Molly, Lovin' life at this moment

The building of the infamous rollerblade ramp

Ben's first jump, showing us how it is supposed to be done

and again here...

And these are our versions: Dana

Allyson ( I think her pic is my favorite)

and Dan, with the blade dive

My sister Tara and her two boys Jack and Gus came over from Island Park to visit on Sat. afternoon. Jack worships Ben. According to him, they are "best buddies"

Tara and I out on a canoe ride to Bird Island (notice the sweatshirts in ALL of the photos)

Two peas in a pod in a dingy

At Yellowstone National Park

The group all together

Back at the Cabin, and most likely our family Christmas Card this year (if we did those types of things)

On the pier

It was a fabulous trip, and although I nearly froze to death, I would do it again in a heart beat, granted I have a dry suit.

I will eventually update this....

2008-08-06T14:58:00.002-06:00

I promise. Things are a little crazy here on the farm, but updates are on their way, so stay tuned!

Wakeless Speed Dreams

2008-07-15T10:01:00.004-06:00

It’s all washed up now.

A brown paper bag. soggy

Like it had it all before,

air-filled lungs and good circulation—

A pile of dead limbs.

I flail my arms to keep them stinging.

A black pearl inside an oyster. A name on the side of a pirate ship.

I wear a patch over my eye so there’s less of me to look at.

I watch the brown paper bag float by, on the bag the writing: “gone fishing"

in big, blurry letters. It weeps for me and my dead arms.

I don’t know why.

It leaves particles of recycled paper in a wake of tears.

I’ll stop flailing now and let my limbs go limp.

The soggy paper bag picked up by the black pearl pirates—

transformed into a hat.

Have you seen this man?

2008-07-07T11:09:00.005-06:00

Last seen wearing: a blue and white striped polo, tan shorts and flip flops.

Answers to: Ben, Marvin, BC, Curtis, Master, Head Honcho etc.

Last heard: giving someone sixty seconds to see if they could wrap him up in tape...

If seen please contact his wife, Dana. It is his birthday today and she would like to wish him a proper happy birthday.

LOVE YOU BEN!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

he is going to kill me for this...

So far away now...

2008-07-01T21:28:00.007-06:00

This post is for my homie Benny, the ultimate brother. We waved goodbye to him yesterday morning as he headed towards the dreaded airport security gates on his way to Rio de Janiero, Brazil. His kicks are polished, his white shirt pressed, his passport in his pocket and he's off! On the journey of a lifetime that one can never fully describe: La Mision. Ben is a breath of fresh air for us all. His laugh, his smile, and his kickin' sense of humor bring us all to tears... of joy. There is no one more fun than Ben. His presence will be missed in our house for the next two (long) years, but we know he is where he wants to be and he will bring smiles to the faces of the Brazilians in Rio.

As an ode to him today, we bring you a little bit of the bro that "likes to party" as he would say:

one final glance back...

We love you Benny! Go get em!

We miss you already. Come back to us soon...and in one piece, please.

Lake Powell and so much more...

2008-06-27T09:55:00.009-06:00

Nothing is better than a week at the lake with the Hale clan. We had one final hoorah for my bro Benny before he takes off on Tuesday to servir Dios in the beauty and danger that is Rio de Janiero, Brazil. We packed a full Hale Family trip into a few days and enjoyed sun, ski, play, ride and the occasional air-soft gun war and bean bomb.

Here are a few highlights from the awesomeness:

My one true love (besides Ben, I guess). Skiing.

Ben shreds as well (old school style)

Keto's life jacket is starting to look a little on the small side, in my opinion

enjoying one of the many meals. For some reason, food always tastes better down there

Shannon, Benny and myself on a sunset ski run

my still super hip padres

The stand up. The boys did time trial races on this thing. One word: hilarious.

During our triathalon event. This included three events, a race on the stand up jet ski, two laps around a rock in the channel on the big wave runner (or as Ben likes to call it "the wet bike") and then a final lap on the kayak. The transitions from each event were the best. nothing like watching my bro Cam leap from a jet ski going full speed into a tiny kayak wearing euro swimming trunks.

This was of course my Ben's idea: Air-soft wars. They split up into two teams and played capture the flag with air-soft guns. They look a little bit like terrorists to me...

I thought about playing and then realized I was smart. Getting shot with an air-soft gun point blank doesn't exactly sound like my idea of fun... They sure had a blast though.

They have no idea what is about to come there way (see next pic below for more details)

My Dad (the large child) shooting bottle rockets at them while they play. He is using a table as cover and an aluminum foil tube to shoot bottle rockets directly into their game. I'm still laughing...

Our whole relationship started right here

with my bros headed to dangling rope (and liddy)

"El Capitan"

Wow.

My two favorite Bens: Hale and Curtis

I saved the best for last ladies: Cameron, with his euro mud flap haircut, his euro shorts, thinking he is the hottest thing alive. I have to love him for his creativity...

And so ends another successful trip to Lake Powell, brought to you by Deb an Eric. There is no doubt that my family rocks. If you question such a claim, return to the pics above. No one does it like the Hales do. This will always be my favorite place on earth.

We're on our way...

2008-06-21T08:20:00.003-06:00

to my favorite place on earth!

Birthday Bliss

2008-06-18T10:00:00.007-06:00

Now, I'm not much for birthdays, to be totally honest with you. Not that it isn't great to celebrate the day you were brought into this world, I just think its a bit of an odd day and I am never quite sure what to expect out of it.

I will say now, having just said I'm not a fan of the birthday scene, that this birthday far exceeded any birthday I have ever had, other than the birthday I spent in France, where an eighty year old french woman that I lived with brought over her three best circus freak friends and along with my korean roommate (who spoke neither English or French) we celebrated my birth in a language I didn't understand over a rice dish that had full shrimp heads in it (eyes and feelers included) and as my gift I received a singing birthday card and an old plate from one of Madame Cros' shelves. THAT was a good birthday...

Anywho,

This birthday was much more relaxing, and Ben, who can only be described as "awesome" in this post took me for a day of zen at , an holistic japanese spa located in the heart of the avenues. Our zen adventure began with the traditional ofuro bath, as explained below:

In Japan, the bath serves as the path to well-being for both body and soul. It is a place in which to gather one's thoughts and seek refuge from the tensions and stress of everyday life. So it has been for a thousand years in Japan, and so it is still today at the Kura Door.

Experience the tradition of the Japanese Ofuro Bath. Our bath attendant will guide you through this ritual journey as you experience the healing pleasures of Japanese tea and infused bathing waters. Choose from a selection of soothing and detoxifying essential oil, herb, and natural sea salt blends to create your own inspired retreat. Relax into the sound of soft music, the subtle fragrance of cedar, and the water's embrace.

If you are wondering, yes, it was amazing.

Following the bath we stepped in for massages, where I fell asleep and woke myself up when I snorted(a little on the loud side) and gave the massage therapist a good laugh...

Then came a yin facial, complete with hot towels around my feet, an arm and neck massage, and a humidifier that blew steam on my organic cream covered face the whole of the facial. Now that, is birthday bliss.

To top the day off, I had sushi with my best girlfriends and went and got myself measured for a road bike that I plan to purchase with the money my parents and grandparents gave me as a gift.

A special shout out to my hub for a killer b-day, my chicas for the rad dinner and good laughs (Annie) and to mis padres and abuelos for the dinero with which I can hopefully someday purchase my bicicleta. Gracias a todos. Loves to all.

In My Opinion...

2008-05-21T15:49:00.007-06:00

It should only rain on designated days. For example, it could rain on "So your job sucks" day, or "Having trouble finding what to wear? then stay in bed" day. It could also rain on a day called " Let's pretend were in Scotland!" or " I love Seattle" day. I would like a day entitled: "Go ahead and be lazy today, you deserve it." Why yes I do, now pass me the popcorn.

In my opinion, we should all have a one hour recess during the work day. I know what you are thinking, "hey moron, we do, its called lunch", but that is not what I am referring to here. I'm talking about a true blue, run around the park like we're ten, monkey bars included, recess. It should be mandatory. Business parking lots and buildings should come equipped with a playground, complete with swing set, climbing wall (a little extensive for a normal playground, I know), teeter totter, monkey bars, merry go round...

Wait.

I take back the merry go round. Last time I was on one of those my head spun for hours, which lead to a temple pounding headache, loss of appetite and I'm pretty sure some brain damage. That was five years ago and I'll bet ya ten bucks Ben would say that it still affects me to date. Yeah, forget the merry go round, but throw in all the rest.

While we're on the topic, I feel strongly about the doughnut becoming its own food group. We could serve it as part of our balanced diet, while swinging on the swing set in the parking lot. Just don't have one while on the merry go round. No one wants to see or be a part of that mess.

Bikes, Babes and a Killer Year

2008-05-19T16:15:00.003-06:00

This Saturday we celebrated the one year anniversary of our first date with our two awesome friends that set us up, Tyler and Dru. We gassed up the mini bikes and headed out to Toelle to the Larry Miller Raceway for an all day white trash event including fast neon cars, farmer tans (or burns, as both Tyler and I got) and lots of campers full of ferrari t-shirts and foam beer coolers.

We cruised around on our 50s, took in the sights, the food, and some good company brought to us in the form of Druby and TP. It was a killer day, with some minor crashes (both Dru and I turfed it at least once) and good friends who pretty much made this entire blog possible! Yay to Ty and Druby!

The mini bikes we cruised all day

Ben's bike of course has a deck of cards on it and is all tricked out

Dru and I showing off our side saddle skills

love these boys

loading up the bikes in the back of Tyler's HUGE truck

Here we are just one year ago on our first date, set up by Tyler and Dru

and one year later: The Curtis'

I love my friends. I love my hub. Thanks guys for an awesome ride!!!!!!

I. Live. Everywhere.

2008-05-12T18:15:00.000-06:00

I had an interesting conversation with a potential client this morning. I'm not exactly sure how we got on the topic, but we began discussing travel and where we have lived etc. etc. She was from West Virginia, but had spent many years "living" in other areas of the country.

At one point in the conversation, I told her about "living" in Peru for about a month, after which she corrected me by saying "Don't you mean, you visited Peru for a month?" I corrected myself in my head, "Yeah, of course. I visited Peru".

Then, I had a Dana moment.

What is the difference between living and visiting? Do I have to have a home to live there? Is there a specified time that qualifies you having lived in a particular location?

In my opinion, I live wherever I am at that moment. Therefore, I lived in Peru. I lived, I breathed, I wandered, I touched, tasted, taught, listened. I learned. Yep, I lived in Peru. Which also means I have lived in Barcelona, Venice, Rome, Geneva, Munich, London etc. etc. I have lived in Sausalito by the Golden Gate Bridge, walked down Broadway in Manhattan, and I know I was living there at that moment. Amazing.

Sometimes I live on a boat in Lake Powell. I watch the smile of the sun reflect on my skin as it seeps up the elements.

I live at the park with my dog under a tree and let her chase bubbles and tennis balls for hours.

I live on my back porch, eating cheese and strawberries as B and I watch the sunset just over our back fence. I like to watch the horizon close its eyes for the night.

The point is, we live wherever we are at the moment, whether it be some exotic location or a stuffed chair in your own living room. We live, we breathe, we feel, we move, we are.

Where are you living... at this very moment?

Benisms

2008-05-07T22:55:00.002-06:00

So I thought for my first post I would share a simple held belief.

The world is full of stupid people -

You know this is true. I just say what others are afraid to say (or maybe they are nicer than I am).

So I will say it again - The world is full of stupid people. To clarify, these are the people who cut you off on the freeway, do crazy things in public, commit acts with no common sense.

But there is an additional belief - You can't hate stupid.

It is not your fault they act they way they do. It is not their fault they were born without common sense. A person can learn math and english, but sense>? That is a whole other story where you either have it or you don't.

The only thing you can control is you, your thoughts, and your actions. The next time a "stupid" person does something that might make you rage - don't hate - let it slide. Don't let your emotions get the best of you and ruin your day - just remember you can't hate stupid.

2008-05-05T15:20:00.014-06:00

THE PONY ARRIVED! Yes that's right, my wedding photos finally came! And now, ladies and gents, feast your eyes on a plethora of photos from the Hale/Curtis Hawaii Wedding,

March 18th, 2008:

Ben's homies that made it to the blessed event

and my "radness to the maximus" friends

How about this ultra cheese fest coming out of the temple folks! Everyone should have one of these photos, in my opinion...

And a hodge podge of some of the photos taken at the Laie Temple

The Hale Family

The Curtis Clan

And the Bridesmaids! I worship these dresses, circus colors and everything!

More to come!

Torturous waiting

2008-05-01T10:36:00.010-06:00

I have been waiting for what seems like the eternities to receive my disc of wedding pictures in the mail. I'm tired of waiting. I think old Mr. Postman forgot my address perhaps. Well, either that or he is pony expressin' it with my disc and the sudden change in weather has him hunkered down in a deep cave somewhere between here and California. Because of the wait (and my impatience), I am posting a little sneak preview of what I hope is to come someday in the near future:

I will say that I absolutely worship Mark Owens (Ben's cousin) who took these photos. I have had several people ask me where we found such a beautiful "backdrop" (as was also the case with our San Fran engagement pics). Oh no dear people, that is the real deal. You are looking at the hawaiian sunset from the beach at the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu. Uh huh. It was THAT beautiful. It couldn't have been more perfect.

This is one of my bridals taken near this old hollowed out building we found on the side of the road close to our hotel. I love that building.

I die laughing at this one. It sums us up pretty well in my opinion. There will always be at least one of us submitting to our nerdier side. Here you get a look at that side from both of us.

And there you go. That's all I've got for now, that is, until Mr. Postman arrives on his pony with my precious cargo.

B and D daily conversations (edited)

2008-04-27T23:14:00.009-06:00

D: So babe, what should we tell the folks on our new post?

B: shoot (notice the edit) I don't care.

D: Yes you do, don't lie, I know secretly deep down you care.

B: I care, maybe a little bit, but can't you just write all of this for me?

D: Nope, you're going to help, start thinking.

B: So tell me, what is the point of this blog again?

D: To keep the peeps updated on all of the great things going on in our lives. You know, like maybe OUR WEDDING or something!

B: Oh yeah! Our wedding. I thought everyone already knew. Do you think they would want to know about my toe nail that fell off today?

D: Prob not, bud. Not so much on the exciting side. Maybe we should tell them all our really big news...

B: Oh, you mean like how you are pregnant?

D: Not even remotely funny. (Sorry to disappoint you Shannon), but I'm sure we are now going to get some phone calls for that. Thanks Ben. Try again.

B: Hmmm, well lets see. Uh, we're married, about a month now. That was pretty cool.

D: Pretty cool?

B: I mean, like, uh, the best week ever!

D: Nice recovery.

B: I thought we said we weren't going to do lame stuff like blog?

D: I know, I thought so too.

B: I'm tired, and this is lame.

D: Fine. Rain on my parade.

B: Your parade is lame.

D: At least I have a parade.

How did this all happen?

2008-04-23T12:07:00.001-06:00

We have officially succumbed to peer pressure, more peer pressure, and sheer curiosity.

It all started with myspace. Seemingly harmless at first, we quickly learned it was not the way to go when my profile was overcome with endless friend requests from various porn sites and creepy men in their 40's and 50's. When Ben started receiving those same types of requests... well, we said "adios" to myspace.

Then came facebook (which I made Ben join). Easier to avoid the creepsters, we thought maybe this was the answer to our myspace problemos. Then we began to get bombarded with email inbox requests like:

"so and so (enter your own name if you like) has invited you to become a vampire! Start biting chumps!"

"which golden girl are you? Take the quiz!"

but before you can actually see your results you have to invite eleventy billion people to take the quiz as well, and it takes you half an hour to find out which near death single woman from the early nineties you actually are... really? If I receive one more request to become a pirate and join a ship to look for buried treasure, facebook might get 86'ed as well.

Now here we are, wasting more time, but determined to fill you in on all the meaningless "blog worthy" things going on in our lives. We said we would never do lame things like blog. What have we become?