Another Crazy-Fun Weekend

Besides the usual of work and ‘trying’ to get chores done, this weekend was filled with activity. On Saturday, I had to opportunity to go to downtown Salt Lake, something I don’t do too often but should. My friend Adell and I walked around Temple Square taking some great pictures, catching up and seeing how much downtown has changed since it’s under a major remodel. After walking and walking and more walking we took in a movie, “The Fall” (see my review). What an excellent show! I wish they’d do a nationwide release so that everyone can experience it. This is probably one of the best movies I've seen in years!


On Sunday, I got to see my friends Johnny and Emily bless their cute baby boy. I haven’t seen Johnny for so long, because he’s working and going to school in Utah County. I feel sorry that his family doesn’t get to see him much, but it’ll be a good thing once he is finished. Congratulations to the Tani family!



About 3 hours later, I headed out to the airport to pick up my father from his long trip to Tanzania. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks knowing if he really was doing so well there. Then he came home with this huge bite on his arm! It looked so painful and he said that it itches like crazy. He decided not to tell us that he got this bite the third day while there, because it would worry us. He then explained that the bug that got him, injects an acid with the bite, which caused the itching. Thanks for keeping that to yourself Pops! I then spent the next few hours talking to him about all his stories while he was there. I hope to get the stories typed up and on his blog. If you haven’t read the blog, go and check it out. There’s so much you can learn about this place and by the time you’re finished you’ll realize how lucky you have it in this world.
http://ronhaleintanzania.blogspot.com/

Animal Observations

After a long weekend of work, I decided to take a couple hours to myself and head off to one of my favorite places, The Living Planet Aquarium. I love being around the water and its creatures, even if they are behind glass. There were new displays and new relaxing music. So relaxing I spent a half hour alone watching the jellyfish alone. At first I felt kind of foolish going there alone, but it all change once I noticed there wasn’t many people around and I got to pet the stingrays without being pushed around by others. Sure they feel like squishy mushrooms, but it was good relaxation therapy. The animals seemed very relaxed and I was able to get some great pictures. I finally realized how much tension I’ve put on myself lately when I about feel asleep during the feature movie there. I guess I should find a bit more “me time” in my weekly schedule.

Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby, an event that I look forward to every year. I think the reason why I love the horse races so much is that it’s the first pro-sport event I remember. My parents took me to see the horse races when I was four. My dad turned to me and told me to pick out my favorite, so I picked out the one I thought had the prettiest outfit (give me a break…I was four). Well, he put $2 down on him and the horse actually won. What a fun memory! Unfortunately, yesterday’s event took a turn for the worst. As I was watching the pre-show commentary of the Kentucky Derby, I overheard that there was only one Philly in the race, Eight Belles, so it was natural of me to route for the young gal. Well, the race finished and she came in 2nd! She then collapsed on the next turn after the finish. Vets examined her and found two compound fractures in both front legs and major heart strain. Eight Belles was then euthanized on the track, after 10 minutes after the race started. I couldn’t help but cry, but you know how I am…a major sucker for animals.

If you have a pet, go give them a hug and realize how precious they can be, for they might not be here tomorrow.

Random Recommendation: Donate to Humane Society and save a life of a furry friend.

Random Fact: I currently have 300 goldfish.

Weekend Wanderings

Most people get excited when Friday comes along, not me. It’s the beginning of a time crunch, trying to get every aspect I can in. Besides working 26 hours in a 48 hour time frame, the weekend was filled up with many ups and downs.

First of all, for entertainment and my inner geek, Transformers Animated started off their 2nd season. Yes, I’m a huge Transformers fan and this series is the best since G1. I highly suggest it to every one of all ages. Most people that enjoyed the G1 series in the 80’s will recognize a lot of similarities that the show is giving.

Then I had the opportunity to have yet another bridal shower at my home, unfortunately that meant having to miss out on another friend’s baby shower. I hope you got spoiled Colleen. I love having parties for friends and celebrating their joyous milestones in their life, but then afterward I have a feeling of depression as I wonder if my opportunity has past to start a family of my own.

After the party, my pooch had a little mishap of her own. She’s an older dog (she’ll be 15 next month) and she’s having a hard time with seeing. Well, with all the pruning and mowing in the back yard she got lost in all the trimmings. Getting stuck and pinched, her hair was filled with stickers, branches and leaves so imbedded in her; we had to give her a horrible, horrible hair cut. Poor girl :-( She can’t get into the groomers until later this week so she’ll have this freaky look for a few more days.

Then I got to celebrate a birthday for my oldest friend April. We have now known each other for over 21 years. Man time flies! Well, somehow her present ended up in the garbage (still wrapped in plastic though). I did not notice that I could find her present until meeting up with her within the next hour. Having to rummage around in the trash, with the lawn trimmings, the necklace was finally found. We got to meet up with another great gal, Mary and partied it up at MacCool’s. Hope your birthday was a good one April!

As for today, after a long day of work, I decided to take a time out for myself and relax. I got to get out for awhile…took a drive and my camera. I am honestly very lucky to live in such a beautiful place. There are so many diverse places here. The small drive was great therapy, getting ready for another crazy filled week. I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend as well!

"Two Temples" by Nicole D. Hale
Jordan River Temple (LDS Temple) and Sri Ganesha (Hindu Temple)