The end results...

Well, there's still dog hair in the corners (2 seconds after I pick it up, there's hair in the corners)...but I did get the taxes done and sent off to Kevin in Flagstaff. I did clean out the filing cabinet in the office. I did accomplish most of that pile that accumulates on top of the desk...all those things you will get to when you have a minute. I did update our insurance files and close some accounts. We did place ads on KSL.com and craigslist for the other off-road toys and the treadmill. We did have a little fun...on Saturday, we took Diane's hint and went to the parade and St. Patrick's party in Springdale. Yes, I know that Saturday was not St. Patrick's day, but this IS Utah, and you've got to schedule these things on non-work days. It was cool...at least this year we made it in time for the parade! They set up a tent and have a Jell-O sculpture competition, hot dogs and churros, bounce houses and the rock wall for kids to climb. The weather was great. The Irish singing group was awesome, too. Here's Diane, her friend Mott, me, and the dogs watching the parade.

Here's the Bit... when you come to visit, we need to go. Good ambience, good food, ...beer!

There were all kinds of people out in Springdale for the parade... we walked before to wear the puppies out a little.

Here's the girls...the day after!
P.S. the facebook conflict continues...I got friend requests from one of my students' parents (see what I'm saying?) and my college advisor...

TWO WORDS

SPRING BREAK!
...for both of us, but Andy still has EMT. So the plan is to stick close to home, do a spring power clean, organize, finish up the closet, rearrange the garage, list a couple of things online, get taxes organized/done, get grading caught up, read some books, and sleep... hopefully not all in that order. The rhino is gone, to friends of ours we met through Jim and Tracy. John and Heather are race fans, off-road enthusiasts, and fun people. They took the rhino home to San Diego, and are planning to take it out to Ocotillo Wells and on other adventures. We hope they have a great time with it - we always did! Andy's talking kayaks...
Clearly, I made some changes...the music - I know everyone doesn't love it like me - has some throwbacks (Depeche Mode, Echo and the Bunnymen), Kelly Clarkson (new idol season's started), and a new group I found on Channel One (kids' news channel for current events). I've really gotten back into music recently... I love my iPod and the system Andy put into the house.

Have a great week!

Even Dog Parents have birthday parties...

If you've followed the blog for a while, you may know that Sarah has a pack.
Her best friend, Gracie, had her birthday yesterday.
This morning, Diane had a "party" for the dogs (she did Sarah's while we were gone in October).


Sarah has now tasted ice cream...she used to think ice was a treat!

Not dead yet...

Yeah, I know, right? You thought we really did fall off the face of the earth. No such luck, I'm afraid. It's just been VERY normal around here. School continues (for both of us), I'm trying to walk at least 4 nights a week with the dogs, and the house collects dog hair 5 days out of 7. We have Spring Break the week of Mar. 16-20, but Andy still has EMT that week, so don't think we'll be making it out of town.


We may be selling the rhino...sad, but it just sits there most of the time, and if someone else can have fun with it, then... Plus, Andy'll be happy - closer to getting 2 cars in the garage. Also, if you know of anyone who wants a KX500 or a Pitster Pro, let us know.


We got way too inspired by our friends who are "simplifying", plus SARAH + dirtmachines doesn't work. When we get a 4 seater rail or buggy, we'll get her a doggie harness. I'm out of ideas tonight...way too tired. I'm going to change the Meisel/White photo and call it a blogging night. I have a stack of persuasive essays to grade - anyone want to trade?


Besides, Sarah's plugging for a boat...more swimming time for her!

I LOVE...

1) to change things...obviously!
2) The Cutest Blog on the Block - this background rocks!
3) Andy
4) Sarah
5) Krispy Kreme (although I haven't had one in 4 years - once you've had them hot, you can't go back)
6) Carraba's - did I mention that there's one right near our old house in Surprise?
7) Life is Good - anything!
8) random thoughts...
9) my birthday gifts - 2 iTunes cards (thanks!!!), a Kohl's gift card, checks, and a sunflower quilted wall hanging from Mom
10) Birthdays should ALWAYS be on a Saturday...sleeping in, breakfast in bed, lounging!

Things in my head: 32 days to Twilight movie on DVD, lovin' Idol so far this year, can't wait to iTunes shop, using the public library to get books on CD (very retro, yes?), EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, people! I know, you all didn't move to UT, but seriously...have a plan, get some food storage, and be ready just in case. Especially you city folk! Check out the site in the list...

I am seriously conflicted...

and no, it's not about my 36th birthday. I realize that for some people the ticking of the clock is a big deal. But honestly, it just doesn't occur to me that I'm getting "older". I have a theory that it's because I don't have kids of my own...it's like living in a time warp.

Sarah on a 4 x 4 trip

Maybe Sarah will change that. My mom had a birthday over the weekend, and although the number may be getting bigger, I don't see her that differently than 15 years ago. Maybe it's just me...

The birthday girl (Mom) and Dad at the Texas Renaissance Festival 2006

Anyway...my conflict is over this whole Facebook/MySpace thing. People - I am a teacher - and while I may not be the most popular teacher (I wasn't the most popular student, either), there are just ways and things that my students DON'T need to know about me. I have issues about people "searching" for me...and I don't want to end up spending even more time declining "friend" requests like the spam in my email box. (no, I'm not saying that people are looking for me, just that garbage happens wherever you go...) But now MB has joined Facebook!!!! This is getting to be just toooooooo much!

Lower Calf Creek Falls...gorgeous and totally worth the hike!

I can't not post pictures, so here are some previously unposted...

What I Did Last Weekend by Sarah Bella

Mom said, "Let's go to Phoenix to meet some new friends!" So I jumped in the car...after I got my feet washed. Mom drove 6 hours down to Phoenix - thank goodness it was January! We got to a nice lady named Doris' house late Friday night. I met Scotty (see the pictures), who seemed nice enough, and he had a BIG backyard. Then Saturday morning Mom, Doris, Scotty, and I took a walk around the neighborhood. LOTS of new smells - I had a good time. Then Mom and Doris left us ALONE for about 3 hours at Doris' house. We were good, of course. Then they came home, gave us supper, let us outside for a minute, and left us AGAIN! I just had to tear into a box of kleenex! When we got up Sunday morning, Mom and Doris had breakfast, then Bill and Carol came over. They told me how pretty I was, and while the humans sat around, I chased bunnies and quail all around the backyard. Then Mom said we had to go home because Dad missed me so much that he hadn't slept, just studied until his eyes matched his hair. On the way home, we stopped and I met Ella and Stoli, who belong to this nice family called the Jacksons, who ALSO have a nice yard. We played for about an hour, then Mom said we really had to get home. I was REALLY good (except for the box of kleenex) all weekend. Mom got me a new Quiet Spot Tag Silencer...it's purple and matched my collar. That's all for now!