Tonight is the first of 6 nights of camping that I'll be doing in the next 9 days.
Tonight: Ward Camp-Out. I seriously would not be doing this - but I just can't forget about the Dutch Oven dinner from last year.
Tuesday - Thursday: Girl's Camp. sigh.
Friday - Sunday: Lake Powell. Yes, we camp at Lake Powell. We have been doing this my whole life - I have no idea what a house boat is like. I have a feeling that it involves lots of cooking and cleaning (or at least that's what we like to tell ourselves).
Good thing Hot Dave takes care of me so well. I have a killer sleeping pad and lots of camping gear to make me comfortable in the outdoors. Here's to sleeping under the stars.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Happy Weekend
Best Conan in a long time last night. 2 key things
1) The appearance of Pierre Bernard - not on the "Recliner of Rage", but carpooling with Conan.
2) Finally an off-site skit where Conan can work his improv magic.
It's the perfect thing to watch on a Friday before a Holiday weekend. USA!
1) The appearance of Pierre Bernard - not on the "Recliner of Rage", but carpooling with Conan.
2) Finally an off-site skit where Conan can work his improv magic.
It's the perfect thing to watch on a Friday before a Holiday weekend. USA!
Monday, June 20, 2011
All Summer long
There are few other things in life that I love more than Conan and Capitalism. Swimming is one of them. Not race/exercise swimming. Just being in water - pools, lakes, oceans, water-slides, whatever. My preference is the ocean, but since I live land-locked - I wanted a pool. My entire adult life has been revolving around how I can get my own pool. So, this weekend, I crossed it off my Bucket List and look forward to years of memories.
Here's where I will be all summer long. Come by and join me!
More pics to come including the pool's co-owner with his shirt off and the inaugural swim.
Here's where I will be all summer long. Come by and join me!
More pics to come including the pool's co-owner with his shirt off and the inaugural swim.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Dartmouth Class of 2011
Conan makes his second Commencement Address at an Ivy League. Good stuff
click here
Highlight:
"But then something spectacular happened. Fogbound, with no compass, and adrift, I started trying things. I grew a strange, cinnamon beard. I dove into the world of social media. I started tweeting my comedy. I threw together a national tour. I played the guitar. I did stand-up, wore a skin-tight blue leather suit, recorded an album, made a documentary, and frightened my friends and family. Ultimately, I abandoned all preconceived perceptions of my career path and stature and took a job on basic cable with a network most famous for showing reruns, along with sitcoms created by a tall, black man who dresses like an old, black woman. I did a lot of silly, unconventional, spontaneous and seemingly irrational things and guess what: with the exception of the blue leather suit, it was the most satisfying and fascinating year of my professional life. To this day I still don't understand exactly what happened, but I have never had more fun, been more challenged—and this is important—had more conviction about what I was doing. How could this be true? Well, it's simple: There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized...disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality."
He concludes with his famous parting words: "Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."
click here
Highlight:
"But then something spectacular happened. Fogbound, with no compass, and adrift, I started trying things. I grew a strange, cinnamon beard. I dove into the world of social media. I started tweeting my comedy. I threw together a national tour. I played the guitar. I did stand-up, wore a skin-tight blue leather suit, recorded an album, made a documentary, and frightened my friends and family. Ultimately, I abandoned all preconceived perceptions of my career path and stature and took a job on basic cable with a network most famous for showing reruns, along with sitcoms created by a tall, black man who dresses like an old, black woman. I did a lot of silly, unconventional, spontaneous and seemingly irrational things and guess what: with the exception of the blue leather suit, it was the most satisfying and fascinating year of my professional life. To this day I still don't understand exactly what happened, but I have never had more fun, been more challenged—and this is important—had more conviction about what I was doing. How could this be true? Well, it's simple: There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized...disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality."
He concludes with his famous parting words: "Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
This is actually happening
My good friend and fellow Conan lover alerted me at 9am on Saturday of this:
An entire movie about Conan. dang, this guy is everywhere.
An entire movie about Conan. dang, this guy is everywhere.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Redemption
I ran my first marathon in 2008. It was sort of a disaster - picture yourself running around Bear Lake by yourself (there were only 100 runners total) - the whole time you can see the finish line across the lake, but it seems to be getting further away. Then you get hit by a truck. Finally you finish at a sad time of 5:17. It was not a fun experience and I decided then and there I would never do that again. That was until my Brother Zach signed up for a marathon last year. It got me excited about running again. I just had to redeem myself.
Do you see that city across the lake? It's getting further away.
A couple of Ogden enthusiasts recruited me for Ogden Marathon 2011. Thanks to our Saturday morning running group: Emily, Melinda and Amelia. I could actually get through the long training runs without killing myself. Plus these girls are fast - so they pushed me to run faster.Here we are at the finish line:
Final times: 4:04; 4:19; 4:29
My final chip time was 4:19 - It was a fabulous race and I had the time of my life. Ogden runs a first class race, and you can't believe the scenery. I had an enthusiastic support team who arrived in Huntsville bright and early. I pretty much had a personal photographer documenting the entire race (maybe too many photos of my tired, swollen body).
Thanking me for not having to run 5 miles in sandals this time around just to make sure I finished
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday Morning. Marathon done.
I know I look way too happy here. That is the beauty of mile 10... You have no idea of the misery that awaits you at mile 24. More details to come.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Freeloaders
Here is a great episode of Stossel.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/232623/stossel-freeloaders#s-p2-so-i0
It is seriously worth a listen/viewing.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/232623/stossel-freeloaders#s-p2-so-i0
It is seriously worth a listen/viewing.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Beard or no Beard?
The Fate of This Beard is decided tonight:
Tune in to Conan tonight to see if it survives.
Tune in to Conan tonight to see if it survives.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
TV can Inspire
A large part of the Budget debate in Washington has to do with proposed cuts to welfare programs (Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security). This is an obvious topic especially when you look at this very simplified chart of 2010 Annual Spending.
One side of the argument likes to demonize those on the other side for not caring about children, women, elderly, and homeless. At the same time this was going on in congress - I saw something very different. Within 2 weeks, the following occurred in my very shallow existence of Reality TV and talkradio:
Celebrity Apprentice (no, this is not a Trump 2012 plug):
On this show, there are challenges based on fund-raising, and each team's ability to raise funds for their particular charity. In one challenge, this group of "mis-fit" celebrities were able to raise over $1.7 Million for charity.
Sample of Celebrities ($1.7 Million for real!!) :
Secret Millionaire:
In one episode, the "Secret Millionaires" were the owners of Curves. They gave away $500,000 to people and organizations doing good in the community. On the flip side - the receivers of their charity have dedicated their lives to helping others. They have used grassroots methods to make a difference in their community without subsidies from the government. Most of these organization run on private donations and volunteered time. (if you can stand the voice of the narrator- this show will give you hope in mankind again. A good contrast to Charlie Sheen coverage)
Cure-A-Thon 2011:
Every year Rush Limbaugh dedicates his entire program to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He uses his 3 hour radio program and his gigantic audience to raise money to fight blood cancers. In 3 hours - they raised over $3 Million. $1 Million an hour by Rush listeners only. Mega Dittos, Rush babies!
My point is, even in a rough economy with horrendous gas prices and record unemployment rates - people are still giving huge amounts of $$, time, and energy to charitable causes. if you can be inspired by Reality TV - just think of the inspiration surrounding us in real life.
This country is oozing with generous and compassionate people. The last thing they need is to be forced into it through taxation.
One side of the argument likes to demonize those on the other side for not caring about children, women, elderly, and homeless. At the same time this was going on in congress - I saw something very different. Within 2 weeks, the following occurred in my very shallow existence of Reality TV and talkradio:Celebrity Apprentice (no, this is not a Trump 2012 plug):
On this show, there are challenges based on fund-raising, and each team's ability to raise funds for their particular charity. In one challenge, this group of "mis-fit" celebrities were able to raise over $1.7 Million for charity.
Sample of Celebrities ($1.7 Million for real!!) :
Secret Millionaire:
In one episode, the "Secret Millionaires" were the owners of Curves. They gave away $500,000 to people and organizations doing good in the community. On the flip side - the receivers of their charity have dedicated their lives to helping others. They have used grassroots methods to make a difference in their community without subsidies from the government. Most of these organization run on private donations and volunteered time. (if you can stand the voice of the narrator- this show will give you hope in mankind again. A good contrast to Charlie Sheen coverage)
Cure-A-Thon 2011:
Every year Rush Limbaugh dedicates his entire program to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He uses his 3 hour radio program and his gigantic audience to raise money to fight blood cancers. In 3 hours - they raised over $3 Million. $1 Million an hour by Rush listeners only. Mega Dittos, Rush babies!
My point is, even in a rough economy with horrendous gas prices and record unemployment rates - people are still giving huge amounts of $$, time, and energy to charitable causes. if you can be inspired by Reality TV - just think of the inspiration surrounding us in real life.
This country is oozing with generous and compassionate people. The last thing they need is to be forced into it through taxation.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Welcome Home
I spent a glorious sun-filled weekend in Huntington Beach (thanks Stef!). It included 2 full beach days, a wicked sun burn, farmer's market, a couple of fabulous low-altitude runs, QT with girlfriends, fried chicken and waffles, Ho-Sum Bistro, and listening to conference in swimsuits.
I left this: (the only pictures I took - how cute is baby Claire?)
To come home to below freezing temps, work, no sun, and another month of winter. How did I get through it you ask?? Sky Magazine.
On my flight home, the Delta Sky Magazine had a 20 page feature on Utah. It was just what I needed to remind me of why I love the state I live in. California has it perks, but so does Utah. Here are a few:
Unemployment rate: 7.4% (National average 9.5%)
Average composite SAT score: 1718 (National average 1565)
Median Age: 28.7 (National average 36.7)
3rd longest life expectancy in the nation
Lowest per-capita costs for health care in the nation
Lowest debt-per-capita state in the nation
Utah residents collectively speak 90% of the world's written languages
Beyond being one of the most fiscally conservative states in the country - it is also one of the most beautiful. I love the desert. I love dry heat and summer nights. I love the lakes and the wide open spaces in every direction. I also love my job, my house, my family and friends. So, here's to $1 Coke at McDonalds and living in Utah forever.
I left this: (the only pictures I took - how cute is baby Claire?)
To come home to below freezing temps, work, no sun, and another month of winter. How did I get through it you ask?? Sky Magazine.
On my flight home, the Delta Sky Magazine had a 20 page feature on Utah. It was just what I needed to remind me of why I love the state I live in. California has it perks, but so does Utah. Here are a few:
Unemployment rate: 7.4% (National average 9.5%)
Average composite SAT score: 1718 (National average 1565)
Median Age: 28.7 (National average 36.7)
3rd longest life expectancy in the nation
Lowest per-capita costs for health care in the nation
Lowest debt-per-capita state in the nation
Utah residents collectively speak 90% of the world's written languages
Beyond being one of the most fiscally conservative states in the country - it is also one of the most beautiful. I love the desert. I love dry heat and summer nights. I love the lakes and the wide open spaces in every direction. I also love my job, my house, my family and friends. So, here's to $1 Coke at McDonalds and living in Utah forever.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Introducing...
The Ginga' Ninja
Conan's latest Nickname.
See @Jon_Shipley... I haven't forgotten about Conan. It's just hard to compete with his professional promoters on TeamCoco.com
Conan's latest Nickname.See @Jon_Shipley... I haven't forgotten about Conan. It's just hard to compete with his professional promoters on TeamCoco.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spring Fever
I busted out my favorite spring wedding bracelet today in honor of bright blue skies.
Happy days are here again! Not only is the sun shining, but it will be out until 8pm. I may even fit in a night run for the first time. Also, Snooki moved out and the judgement was granted. So - bring on the wage garnishments and a new renter (hopefully).
Happy days are here again! Not only is the sun shining, but it will be out until 8pm. I may even fit in a night run for the first time. Also, Snooki moved out and the judgement was granted. So - bring on the wage garnishments and a new renter (hopefully).
Friday, March 4, 2011
Bright Side
This week I was dealing with hair I don't like and trying to evict Snooki from our condo. I had to pay $185 and work with an incompetent state employee just to start the process (which could take weeks) of evicting this girl. Just MOVE out! I don't even care about rent $! I just want you to move out, so I don't have to deal with the completely ridiculous legal system.
It's Friday and things are looking up. I'm getting my hair fixed and I won't have to run in a blizzard tomorrow. Hooray!
Speaking of bad hair...This is the not the hair I was referring to above. This is amazing hair and my attempt at Carrie Bradshaw short hair curls. I know it failed miserably. But it should put you all in a good mood. Thanks Melinda!
It's Friday and things are looking up. I'm getting my hair fixed and I won't have to run in a blizzard tomorrow. Hooray!
Speaking of bad hair...This is the not the hair I was referring to above. This is amazing hair and my attempt at Carrie Bradshaw short hair curls. I know it failed miserably. But it should put you all in a good mood. Thanks Melinda!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Traditions
This is a rough time of year - especially with the cold winter we have had. It is a good thing that I believe in strong traditions/routines to get me through the week.
Monday:
The Bachelor: This happens at either my house, my mom's house, or my Grandma's house. You have to watch it with a group - as it is way more fun. And you would never guess who is the most into this show - My Dad. He refuses to hear the Reality Steve Spoilers.
House: I watch this in bed when I get home from The Bachelor watching. Does anyone else miss "13" and Cameron?
Tuesday:
The Biggest Loser: This happens at The Bell's house. I believe this is our 4th season of watching this together - it is a fabulous tradition. I get to see my friends and their cute baby girl Caroline every week. Our favorite part is acting surprised at how bad Ali Sweeney is dressed - it can't be that hard to look worse than 400+ lbers in spandex - but somehow she does it.
Raising Hope: This is THE best new show on TV. I watch this with Dave when I get home from Biggest Loser. Martha Plimpton (Braces girl from The Goonies) is having the best career comeback ever. Give this girl an Emmy.
Wednesday:
Modern Family: Dave and I watch this one together as well. I think all you peeps know the brilliance of this show. Best Character ever: Phil Dunphy
Law and Order SVU: I start this one late at night in bed while Dave falls asleep. It's the best - as it gives me the most vivid dreams about murder, rape, and police work.
Thursday:
Dave and I watch the whole line up together: The Office, Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock.
Friday/Saturday:
These are more relaxed days - but I still get in a good amount of TV watching. The Soup, 20/20, 48 hours real life mysteries, anything on the E channel.
Sunday:
CBS Sunday Morning: Old person show for real. 90 min long- starts at 8am on Sunday. My parents turned us on this and it gives us something to discuss around the Sunday dinner table.
I watch this after church next to my space heater.
Everyday:
Of course I watch Conan every night - it is usually really late, so I watch until I fall asleep, then I finish up the episode while I get ready in the morning. Nothing like ending and starting your day with Conan.
Soon to come:
The Amazing Race (Sunday), Survivor (Wed), and Celebrity Apprentice (I think Thursday). Can't wait to fit these in to my life.
Monday:
The Bachelor: This happens at either my house, my mom's house, or my Grandma's house. You have to watch it with a group - as it is way more fun. And you would never guess who is the most into this show - My Dad. He refuses to hear the Reality Steve Spoilers.
House: I watch this in bed when I get home from The Bachelor watching. Does anyone else miss "13" and Cameron?
Tuesday:
The Biggest Loser: This happens at The Bell's house. I believe this is our 4th season of watching this together - it is a fabulous tradition. I get to see my friends and their cute baby girl Caroline every week. Our favorite part is acting surprised at how bad Ali Sweeney is dressed - it can't be that hard to look worse than 400+ lbers in spandex - but somehow she does it.
Raising Hope: This is THE best new show on TV. I watch this with Dave when I get home from Biggest Loser. Martha Plimpton (Braces girl from The Goonies) is having the best career comeback ever. Give this girl an Emmy.
Wednesday:
Modern Family: Dave and I watch this one together as well. I think all you peeps know the brilliance of this show. Best Character ever: Phil Dunphy
Law and Order SVU: I start this one late at night in bed while Dave falls asleep. It's the best - as it gives me the most vivid dreams about murder, rape, and police work.
Thursday:
Dave and I watch the whole line up together: The Office, Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock.
Friday/Saturday:
These are more relaxed days - but I still get in a good amount of TV watching. The Soup, 20/20, 48 hours real life mysteries, anything on the E channel.
Sunday:
CBS Sunday Morning: Old person show for real. 90 min long- starts at 8am on Sunday. My parents turned us on this and it gives us something to discuss around the Sunday dinner table.
I watch this after church next to my space heater.
Everyday:
Of course I watch Conan every night - it is usually really late, so I watch until I fall asleep, then I finish up the episode while I get ready in the morning. Nothing like ending and starting your day with Conan.
Soon to come:
The Amazing Race (Sunday), Survivor (Wed), and Celebrity Apprentice (I think Thursday). Can't wait to fit these in to my life.
Monday, February 14, 2011
In the Spirit
It could be the Barbie pink nails that has me caught up in the spirit of the holiday.
Or the fact that I have plans tonight with some of the loves of my life - Food, Friends, and Hot Dave. 
Also - my blog needed a little personal touch. Love all around. Happy V Day!
Or the fact that I have plans tonight with some of the loves of my life - Food, Friends, and Hot Dave. 
Also - my blog needed a little personal touch. Love all around. Happy V Day!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Live Action
This is nuts. and they only get $300 Million a year in Gov funding.
This is a project by LiveAction.org - the founder is a 22-year-old girl who is just a doll. It sounds like she is just getting started. Check out her other investigations on the site. Another good one here.
This is a project by LiveAction.org - the founder is a 22-year-old girl who is just a doll. It sounds like she is just getting started. Check out her other investigations on the site. Another good one here.
Friday, February 4, 2011
President's Day
In preparation of President's Day, and Reagan's 100th Birthday on Sunday.
This speech was given in support of Barry Goldwater at the GOP convention in 1964 - I don't know much about Barry - but this speech is timeless. I've included the transcript in this blog before, but nothing beats hearing it live. Here is an abridged version. (full version can be found here)
“Above all ... we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have. It is a weapon that we as Americans do have.” - Ronald Reagan at his First Inaugural Address 1989
This speech was given in support of Barry Goldwater at the GOP convention in 1964 - I don't know much about Barry - but this speech is timeless. I've included the transcript in this blog before, but nothing beats hearing it live. Here is an abridged version. (full version can be found here)
“Above all ... we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have. It is a weapon that we as Americans do have.” - Ronald Reagan at his First Inaugural Address 1989
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Pool Party 2011
What a great start to my 29th year and 2011
You are all invited to Pool Party 2011 .... coming this Spring.
You are all invited to Pool Party 2011 .... coming this Spring.
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