Uh hi...Goonies called

Last year I was able to go to Salem, Oregon with Rachel from Signing Time...which was incredible. I loved the scenery, the people, how green it was, the hotel I stayed in...everything. It was as if we couldn't get enough, because we ended up going to Oregon again this past weekend...right were Goonies was filmed. My favorite part about the experience was driving up over a hill on the way from Portland and having this singing "AAHH" moment (very Monty Python and the Holy Grail), when we came upon Haystack, this amazing rock edifice that sticks up out of the ocean right next to the beach. It was incredible.

I was blown away by the fact that I could be hiking in the forest and then all of a sudden be at the beach. There was this brilliant green moss everywhere, on rocks and trees, something Rachel and I labeled 'fuzzy trees.' The sand on the beach was so fine that when I walked on it, it squeaked beneath my feet. I could have stayed and played on the beach forever, but we wanted to see what else was out there. Here are some highlights:

• Eating the best steak EVER at Pirates Cove, this restaurant that looked over a bay area right before Tillamook. It was also my second time ever eating crab legs...of which I love. It was hard to get going on those little suckers, but once I got the hang of it...I was breaking those shells like a local. I rate the restaurant five stars.
  
• Exploring Nehalem. Rachel performed at Nehalem Elementary. But before we went over, we explored this little cute city. There were four boutiques that made up their downtown area that all had flowers on their windowsills and all looked like mini-beach-cabins. It was very cutesy.
• Eating at Wanda's. We were honored to go to Wanda's, Nehalem's mom and pop eatery. The restaurant is only open in the morning and afternoon for breakfast and lunch...and was SO completely worth it. I was astonished by the amount of food came with each plate...and by the presentation. They mixed flavors so well. I was so impressed. I rate this restaurant five stars!
• Buddy Walk at Seaside. Seaside is this gorgeous town situated where the main street ends at the ocean. The Buddy Walk mania was held on this cute deck next to a canal that ran through the city. We had such a blast getting to know everyone that showed up and loved the location. After the walk, a bunch of us had a ramming send-off party, where we rammed into each other on the bumper boats that were next to the dock.
• Tillamook Cheese. That's right, we grabbed some Tillamook cheese and ice cream...right where they make it. I ate a package of squeaky cheese for lunch...because it was so amazingly good that I couldn't stop eating it.
• Portland downtown. Loved it. I wish we had more time there because it looked amazing at night. We were able to eat at Hiroshi's a sushi place in town. There were a couple odd dishes, but for what it is worth, their scallops were incredible. The 'fish' taste was completely gone (a major plus), and they tasted like artichoke hearts wrapped in this cheese sauce. MMM. The sushi was very fresh, but I ended up getting a roll with tons of onions and scallions (of which I hate) and it was disgusting. If you like those things in your sushi, you may love it. But I didn't. Let's just say, when they were on, they were on...but when they were off, they were WAY off. I would rate this restaurant four stars.
• Wearing our swimsuits. Rachel being from Cali, and me absolutely loving to swim, were determined to wear our swim suits on the beach and take a dip in the ocean. Well, as beautiful as it looked, the cold got the best of us. But we wore our swim suits anyway and dipped our feet in the ocean.

Another fantastic trip that left me saying "I am SO coming back here to explore some more!"

People of Walmart

Yes, I got the forward...thank you Becky. Yes, I have thoughts about the email...and I so want you all to check it out. Visit my other website: http://www.kablaucommunications.com/ and make a comment or two about your feelings. If you have no idea what I am talking about, here is a picture to demonstrate.

Off to the Races

First, I have to give credit to the Triathlon committee for still accommodating the swimmers. Thank you. For having less than 24 hours to figure out a way to still doing the swimming portion, I thought the execution of this portion was well done. Perhaps another testament that I prefer walking...the tri was AMAZING-10 minutes after I was done.

Here are a couple of thoughts I have for fellow athletes:

Thought 1: In any sport warm-ups are important. Whether a person is running, swimming or biking, it is best to start out by warming the body up. If you enter a race without warming up, your chances of injury are lessened by at least 80%. It was nice that we had the chance to swim, but waiting an hour in the cold morning air in our suits is not recommended. For all other athletes...this is also important. My teammates TOTALLY ROCKED it because they warmed up. Seriously, stellar performances by my fellow "Fighting Oranges" Dan and Britt Burton (my cousins in crime)...way to warm up!

Thought 2: If you are more a swimmer than a runner (present company included), instead of slaughtering competition in the water, jumping out, immediately getting clothes on to begin the run...perhaps take your time to catch your breath before beginning the run. If it means that you are still warming up by walking...that is OK. This reduces the risk of lung damage or asthma attacks that may ensue due to the fact that you did not catch your breath following the swim. This is for sprint cases only. If you are doing Olympic swim, it is healthy to get yourself into a breathing pattern, while still executing a fast pace.

Thought 3: It is OK to walk if you are not a runner....even if it is only 1 mile. (This thought was here just to make me feel better about my performance, although I did run the last 1/4 mile).

Thought 4: Going to the bathroom whenever you don't feel like it is key. Even if it means peeing 4 times before a race, it is better than having to go in the middle of the race. Just like your parents used to make you go to the bathroom at every rest stop while you were traveling, even if you didn't have to go...this technique is actually extremely recommended right before a race.

Thought 5: Enjoy the event even if expectations don't match up with reality. After I remembered who I was..what's my name (following my run), I was able to hang with my buds (shout-out Gena-amazing triathlete on leave, Amanda and Pete-cousin and stupendous Olympic triathlete) who attended the race. I enjoyed the rest of the day supporting other runners/bikers/swimmers who have incredible stories of overcoming trials in order to compete. Whether it is battling cancer, overcoming fear of running ;), post-baby goals, or just reaching a specific goal, I had so much respect for the people that competed with me in the triathlon. Sure, I had the easy part...but it was so amazing to watch people as they crossed the finish line. A certain triumph and pride filled the air. What a desirous and infectious attitude.

Worth it...you betchya.

Bobby is freaking out!

Well, you will never guess what was posted about the triathlon. Here is the press release from yesterday:

US Trisports Race Management September 17, 2009

Daybreak Triathletes, On Wednesday September 16th, Kennecott Land informed us that the Salt Lake Valley Health Department collected samples from the shores of Oquirrh Lake to determine if it has been contaminated with Ascariasis, known as roundworm. There have been three confirmed cases of roundworm in the valley, however it is unclear if the exposure occurred at Oquirrh Lake. As race directors, we are committed first and foremost to your safety during the race. In accordance with USAT guidelines, US Trisports tests the water at each lake to ensure safety. Kennecott Land also routinely tests the water quality of Quirrh Lake to ensure that it meets Utah Department of Health standards. In all cases, the tests have shown that Oquirrh Lake meets proper safety standards for the tests conducted. However, the test for Ascariasis is not a test that is conducted due to the rarity of the organism here in Utah. For additional reference we have included the statement from Kennecott Land below. We continue to await the results of the testing from the Salt Lake Valley Health Department and will work closely with SLVHD and Kennecott Land in determining the best course of action for the swim portion of the race. The bike and run segments will remain unchanged and will go forward as planned. We will keep you updated by email and on our website as to the contingency plans for the swim. Best regards, Greg Fawson & Aly Brooks Race Directors US Trisports Race Management _____________________________________________________________________ Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 10:30 a.m. Kennecott Land closes Oquirrh Lake Beaches as a safety precaution The Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) informed Kennecott Land on Wednesday, September 16 that three confirmed cases of Ascariasis, known as roundworm, were reported on Tuesday, September 15. The individuals involved live in South Jordan and reportedly played in Oquirrh Lake during the summer months. It is unknown at this time whether the individuals were exposed to the roundworm at Oquirrh Lake. Samples of the lake shore were collected by the SLVHD on Wednesday, September 16 to help determine whether the sand was the source. Roundworm eggs are typically introduced to soil through human fecal matter and do not commonly exist in Utah. Tests results are expected before the weekend. Kennecott Land routinely tests the water quality of Oquirrh Lake consistent with the standards set forth by the Utah Department of Health for this type of lake. As a precaution, Kennecott Land closed Oquirrh Lake beaches on the same day we were notified. The beaches will be closed for the remainder of the season, which typically draws to a close in September. Water quality testing results, by Kennecott Land, have been within acceptable levels. According to the SLVHD, Utah bodies of water are not routinely tested for this organism because of its rarity. For more information on symptoms and treatment: contact your physician visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/ascaris/factsht_ascaris.pdf call the SLVHD Division of Water Quality at 801-313-6700 visit www.slvhd.org Planners of the U.S Trisports Triathlon, scheduled for this Saturday, are evaluating alternative options for the swimming portion of the event. The race has not been cancelled and athletes are being notified today of race changes.

Here is the press release from today:

US Trisports Race Management September 18, 2009

Daybreak Triathletes, The Salt Lake Valley Health Department and Kennecott Land, the owner and operator of Oquirrh Lake have determined that the lake will be shut down for the season. As you can imagine, we are deeply disappointed that the swim will not happen in Oquirrh Lake, but support the decision to ensure that the health of our athletes is not in any way compromised. We will be conducting a short 75 meter pool swim at the East Lake Pool with a 1 mile run to the transition area. While not coming close to the actual experience of a full distance open water swim, the combination of swim and run to the Transition Area should provide a fun challenge to the athletes before continuing on to the bike and run portion. You will still need to arrive for chip timing pickup and body marking which is open from 5:30 - 6:30am. Please do not arrive later. After you receive your chip you may proceed to the transition area where you will rack your bike. You will need to proceed south, crossing Daybreak Parkway to the large field and assemble to the west of the stage. (North East corner of Kestrel Rise Rd. / Daybreak Parkway) We will shuttle athletes from there to the East Lake Pool. Olympic Athletes will go first followed by Sprint athletes. Bringing your running shoes with you to complete the run to the 1 mile run back to the Transition Area. Please note that spectators are not allowed in the pool area. While not what any of us had planned we still think this will be a fabulous race. We've got great prizes and giveaways planned and the bike and run course should still be spectacular. We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support from you, as athletes, and we appreciate your understanding. Thank you for realizing that these things happen and are beyond control. You are the reason we do what we do. We look forward to seeing you there. Greg Fawson and Aly Brooks Race Directors US Trisports

That's right folks. A 75 meter swim....significantly less that 1 mile (about 1 lap and 1/2) turned into a one mile run....Bobby is freaking out! How about the Trisports people still let me swim a mile and then once I am done, radio my team to go!! What a brilliant idea. Running...really, really? I mean, Bobby will try her hardest..

Let's talk about policy and implementation for a minute. You would think that maybe, just maybe the state would have thought to themselves several months ago when this shindig was being planned that they should check the water...oh I don't know....3 or 4 MONTHS PRIOR to the race.

Well, after having read the information above so that I could make CRUDE comments about the implementation of this investigation, it seems that the state has covered their bases. The incidents of bacteria roundworm being found were reported on the 15th, so I can't blame the Health Department for being slow in their investigation since they just barely got wind of the incidents. Nor can I blame them for beginning the investigation 3 days prior to the race, they have just cause and are following the rules of any reasonable government agency. They are insuring my safety so I don't die from this mysterious roundworm dude. So, I can't blame anyone. Dangit.

Lindsey says: Welp.... I guess I will run it.

Bobby says: Boo.

Meters in a Mile

It has been about two months since I have been swimming. I have kept it up pretty good since high school, and always feel like a new me every time I leave the pool. Swimming is seriously one of my favorite things to do. Often times people will ask me to run for a cause, 5k for breast cancer awareness, or 10k for mothers without borders...and I sadly have to decline. As some of you read in one of my previous posts, my body just hates running. I kept thinking that it was my way of rejecting running as a physical activity, and I thought, well...the reason why I hate it so much is because I am not giving it enough time, and I need to practice. Well, after having 'practiced' for two months, I have to say....my body hates running. My body, let's call her Bobby, reminds me how much it hates it before, during and after I do it. Maybe I should start listening to Bobby more.

Well, anywho....my friend asked me to fill in for her during the swimming portion of triathlon coming up on Saturday. I was super excited at the time, not realizing I needed to train before I actually got in the cold lake at 7 in the morning. So, with two weeks before the race, I started training. While training, I couldn't help but have this dreaded question...how many meters are in a mile? Having been a swimmer since I was 3 years old, I always calculated my distance in meters of a pool. I never thought about 'laps.' What is a lap anyway? Is it 50 meters, or 25? I thought it was 50 meters...and Olympic-size pool. Ah, well...another mystery I am sure I will solve once I google it. Last night while swimming I asked two fellow swimmers who told me that it was like 5,000 meters. DEATH! Can I do this? I know I can, and I will...how is that for a power statement.

The point of this story besides google being the best resource to answer such questions, is...if a friend asks you to fill in on a race two weeks before the race, do it....but don't be attached to a certain outcome! Listen to your Bobby, don't over do it...have fun! That is my advice. Wish me luck!

Oh, and the answer to the question is: There are 1,609.344 meters in a mile (1 mile = 1,609.344 meters)...THANK YOU WikiAnswer.com. That answer is SO much better than 5,000 meters.

Restaurant and Movie Reviews

Mambo Italiano (Whitefish Montana): 5 stars

Restaurant

When I walked into the building, I couldn’t help but breathe in the aroma of fresh parmesan cheese and tomato sauce. From the entrance, I could see the chefs working hard making pizza dough and creating dinner masterpieces. As most of you know, I love all things food! Since I love food so much, I realized that I have this internal rating system for each restaurant I go to. I also have friends in the food industry who are constantly looking for things in restaurants they like and that they feel caters to the overall ambiance of a good restaurant. So, when I go to restaurants, I rate it based on scrumptiousness, food presentation, service, restaurant set up and bathroom cleanliness/creativity. (My dad once told me that when we were looking for houses, the first thing I would look at was the bathroom, followed by the kitchen). The food was amazing. I had a dish that had chicken, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, the works…all smothered with a lemon-garlic sauce. Insatiable. For dessert, they brought out this upright fry-holder looking tube and filled it with fried dough that they then covered with powdered sugar and included chocolate and raspberry dipping sauces. They gave us sticks, similar to fondue, where we poked our doughnuts and dipped them in the sauce. AMAZING. Now you have to go.

Desert Star Theater: Snooty and the Beast: 3 1/2 stars

Play/Theater

A night of laughs and thrills, I was able to attend this spoof production. I was on the front row and was able to see some pretty remarkable things. Completely outlandish as expected, there were several surprises like when you know they have messed up…sometimes they do it on purpose, but there were some moments they didn’t. There was one point where an actor let slime drip from her mouth as part of lispy Goldilocks, which was just disgusting, but incredibly hilarious. I don’t know why I seriously died and fell off my chair it was so gross….and the next lines out of one of the actors mouth was “Um…I hardly know what to say. That was truly disgusting.” Of course, as audience participation, they asked who was on a first date…my date raised his hand. I covered my face…because you know what they do to you when you raise your hand? They pick on you…the rest of the night. My date happens to live in Oklahoma. Many of you may or may not know the BYU v. Oklahoma game that happened a week or so ago and how the Y killed them. Well, my date (a huge Y fan) was reamed from being from there. My date just went with it…good sport. Well, seeing that we were being picked on, the host tried to get us to kiss on the first date. Hmmm. Well, he planted one on my cheek…but the host said, “Well, I am not surprised….seems like Oklahoma has a hard time scoring in any situation.” It was a riot!

Star India: 3 stars

Restaurant

I didn’t have very many expectations for the restaurant. I knew it used to be located a couple blocks from my old office and wondered if the curtains hanging on the inside smelled terribly. The restaurant was huge. It had a side area with a mega screen where sometimes they play Bollywood movies throughout the dining experience. It was lunch and part of the Din-o-Round going on in Salt Lake where certain menu items are discounted. To be perfectly honest, the food was tasty, but a little cold. I thoroughly enjoyed their rice pudding and look forward to having it again. Although, I have to say that I am still a huge fan of Bombay House.

Julie and Julia: Four stars

Movie

A huge fan of cooking and food myself, I absolutely loved this movie. Having grown up in a different generation, I did not really know anything about Julia Child. I thought the way they produced the story, jumping back from one woman’s story to the other, was brilliant. I loved that it showed the hard times they were going through and how each was able to overcome them based on a passion and love for their families and cooking. I highly recommend this movie. I laughed, I cried, I sweat….all the emotions packed into one. Do it!

500 Days of Summer: Five Stars

Movie

AMAZING. If you aren’t into the artsy-fartsy, don’t see it, you won’t like it. I loved this movie for its cinematography, incorporation of art into the film, its ingenious splices of classic comedy, and its storyline. If you are looking for a classic chick-flick, don’t see it. This movie is not the cliché movie that everyone thinks. It is reality versus expectation. If you married people need to be reminded of what it was like to want so badly to be in a meaningful relationship with someone and the heartache associated with having disappointed hopes….that is what you will get from this movie. Highly recommended. Incredible artistry. Incredible acting (I have a crush on Zooey). If you just broke up with someone, don’t go. Although, maybe do go, it might put you into a space of healing.

NPR vs. Music

Since starting school, I have had one or two teachers ask if there were people in the classroom that listened to NPR. It isn't that I don't want to listen to insights about gov't, politics, arts, or whatever...it is that I like music WAY too much! I tried listening the other day and it just wasn't the same going down the freeway jamming to talk radio. Oh heavens, what do I do? So instead, I settled for listening to Remy Zero, Prophecy on repeat until I got to my destination. Perfect freeway travel music.

Give it a listen....you will know what I mean. NPR is just going to have to wait until people stop making great music.

On the Same Page-page

Remember the movie, What Women Want? Knowing what other people think...what an interesting concept. Don't get me wrong, half of the mystery and intrigue of dating is not knowing what the other person is thinking, right? That is what makes it fun, challenging and adventurous. And I certainly realize that as a couple grows together, they learn and develop a communication that works for them. Ah...communication. Remember how our youth are learning how to communicate via text...that is a whole other issue. What I am talking about right now is communication for the here and now. I am talking about the absolute elimination of the DTR (define the relationship).

Often in a relationship with a boy ;) I get overanxious and nervous at the get-go wondering...how slow do I take it, I want them to know I am interested in them, but if I give away the farm...the mystery and intrigue is gone and they don't want a part in it, even if they say they don't like the 'game' they are lying because boys like the chase...tis the way of man, so he chases me, but how far and how long? do you like me check yes, no, maybe....all that jazz. (Wow, now you people have seen into my mind...a very scary place to be)!

So, to make the transition of dating easier for us people and instead of communicating, because obviously people don't like that as much as they say they do, I thought I would create a web page call the "On the Same Page" page. Instead of having a DTR (define the relationship), people could just belong to this site that gives them several options of 'where they are' in a relationship. It would have various check-box items that any couple can use to communicate which page they are on. This avoids the whole 'learning how to communicate about the relationship before I realize I want a relationship' phase. These check boxes would include some of the following ideas/status-indicators:

1. Just want to get some action
2. Looking for someone to have a good time with
3. Want commitment, but not until I date you for 3 months
4. Can meet family whenever, cause it doesn't create pressure
5. Don't want to meet family until we are engaged
6. Don't want you to chip in for dinners, I want to take care of it
7. Don't want to be invited to your shindigs until after we are boyfriend and girlfriend as to avoid the awkward 'how long have you been dating?' question
8. Looking for a girlfriend who will commit and not ask questions like 'where are we going' every two weeks
9. Looking for a marital companion, but not to be married until I say so
10. Looking to get married, but do not want to rush a good thing

You know, it would be just SO much easier this way. But in the words of Ryan Reynolds in the new movie The Proposal, "Yes that would be easier." If you haven't seen the movie, you will not get what I am saying. In the meantime, I found a great song, (kudos to Thad Hall for showing me that I am not the only one that needs to be on the same page), I'd Really Love to See You, by the one and only England Dan and John Ford Coley.

Hello
Yeah, it's been a while
Not much, how about you
I'm not sure why I called
I guess I really just wanted to talk to you

And I was thinkin' maybe later on
We could get together for a while
It's been such a long time
And I really do miss your smile

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

We could go walkin' through a windy park
Take a drive along the beach
Or stay at home and watch TV
You see it really doesn't matter much to me

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

I won't ask for promises
So you don't have to lie
We've both played that game before
Say I love you then say goodbye

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight

I'm not talking about movin' in
And I don't want to change your life
But there's a warm wind blowin' the stars around
And I'd really love to see you tonight