Catching Up 1: Toby

It's been several months since I last wrote. Blame it on laziness, or an early morning meeting schedule, or on a host of challenges, or all of the above. But much has happened since then, so I thought it was worth a report.

First off, back in February, Toby and I celebrated our first anniversary as cat and cat owner. I have to say that when I first brought him home, I had no idea what to do with him. It was a pretty rocky start to my becoming a responsible pet owner, he has patiently persisted, and I have sure grown to love this enormous ball of fur. He has helped to bring out best in me. He loves to eat, snuggle on the couch, and chase his string around the house. And I love that he is always waiting for me on the stairs after I get home from a long day. I can never make it up the stairs without him rolling on to his side for a quick chin or belly rub - which can be difficult when I'm carrying a purse, a computer, and any groceries. But it's really good to have someone be happy to see me when I get home. And should life happen to be going rough, he's been a good shoulder to cry on, never once losing patience with me.

Here are a few recent pics, in honor of the occasion.

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Goals

One of my goals this year is to go on a backpacking trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, but been too intimidated to try. Well, a few weeks ago, one of the girls in the Ward invited me on a backpacking trip to the Uinta's this summer. This time I immediately said yes. All was well until a few days later when reality set in and the thought of carrying 30-35 pounds of pack on my back while hiking in rough terrain just about made me cave. I did not have all the gear I would need, nor was I in good enough shape. The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs ...

Weird Al and Iowa

So a couple of weeks ago while watching TV, I happened to click on an A&E Biography of "Weird Al" Yankovic. Boy - did that bring back some fun High School memories. There were interviews with Dr. Demento (Weird Al started out on his radio show"), and snippets from some true comedy classics - for instance "Eat It", "Like a Surgeon", and others. I remember my best friend Jill really being into his "Polkas on '45" album. I went to High School in Iowa (Go Hawks!), and one thing about the midwest is that someone like "Weird Al" really fits in there. It's the land of brats and beer, and polka (I mean, the Iowa marching band's favorite song is the polka classic "In Heaven There Ain't No Beer"), and people there have a sense of humor - they don't take themselves too seriously. They work hard, have a good time, and are all about community. They take care of each other. When I get to heaven, there...

Company 5K

Friday evening was the company 5K, and most of my team and their families made the effort to participate. The weather was perfect, and the route took us through the neighborhoods around the main building. We ended up finishing in about 45 minutes. Here we all are at the Finish line (l to r: Dave, his daughter and son, Robin, me, Tiffany, her boyfriend Scott, Sudhir, Bindu, and their daughter Naomi) After the 5K, I decided I needed a post-race recovery meal, and got myself down to the local DQ for a pumpkin pie blizzard.

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