Body Boarding Blunders at the Beach

On Saturday we went to the beach. It was so much fun to squish my toes in the sand and feel the warm breeze. The water was warm and the waves were intense. I stood back and watched the boys boogie board at first and then they took me in to try. The waves were so hard that I could not get past the crest in order to actually board. Every time a wave would approach the boys dip down and go under the wave, popping out on the other side unharmed and un-tattered to catch the next one (Correct). I could not get this right, I would get hit head on by these waves just to be knocked too and fro, under and over by huge gulps of salt water (Incorrect). After 15 minutes every muscle in my body was sore, my eyes were burning and I had still not made it past the crest of the wave- so I went in, resigned to try again another day. (Tomorrow Andrea and I are going alone and she is going to teach me to go under the waves.)

The little kids had fun body surfing in the shallow water and getting pulled up with the tide. They also love playing in the sand- which allows sand to venture into every body crevice! It was so much fun to go to the beach and even more fun to be there with family that I love.

Airport Emergency Action

I had a life altering experience on Tuesday while in the airport. I was standing in the security check in line and people watching, like usual. I was watching a man, about 7 people in front of me, with three little girls when one of them started choking on something she was eating. I watched him wack her back a couple times, he then picked her up and wacked her- it was not working. By now most people in the line were watching as this frantic father tried to revive his chocking child.

It is at this time that my mind started wheeling, she needed the heimlich. I am first aid certified; I have been since I was 12 and went to Girls Camp. I have been knowledgeable about first aid sine I went to scouts with my dad when I was 8. I have had first aid training in babysitting courses. I have had advanced first aid training multiple times in school including a semester long course devoted to it. However I have never been forced to use first aid in an emergency in my life. I froze. I kept thinking, I can help but this room is full of people, someone has to be more qualified than me. In this room, there has to be a doctor or a nurse, a firefighter or a police officer, and where is the airport paramedic or security.

Finally a woman ran up to him. She had no medical training, she continued to fruitlessly wack the child’s back. Another woman approached grabbed the little girl and did the Heimlich. The child threw up, dislodging the choking hazard and beginning to breath again. They laid her down and lifted her feet. Her sisters just stood there uncomforted, mortified and forgotten. I walked by and went on my way with a pit of shame and despair in my stomach. I should be happy and relieved that this young child was saved and well but I could not get past the frozen horror I felt while watching the emergency enfold infront of me.

I felt like I had wasted my first aid training by doing nothing. I walked like a zombie to my gate, sat down and dissolved into tears. I cannot believe I had failed to miserably, I cannot believe I had just stood there and watched. I have never been so ashamed in myself as I was then, knowing I could act and didn’t.

My sister, who has come upon many a car accident and emergency, said that often we need one experience of frozen doubt and terror to mentally prepare us for an emergency before we can act. She said from this moment on whenever I am faced with an emergency and my first aid is needed I will be willing to help because I will know that I am able. I will already have had this emotional battle. Next time I will act!

Called to Serve

Ben was just called at the Louisville Ward Young Men’s President. He is really excited and nervous for this calling. He feels really humbled that he has been called to help the Young Men achieve their goals and reach their potential and a little scared because he remembers the kind of ‘teen’ that he was. I know that he will do great!

I am excited becuase we get to spend a lot more time together (with me in Young Women's) and our parents are excited becuase this means we are definatly staying in Louisville for a couple years!

Turbulence Turmoil

Ben is a manly man and can handle blood, spiders, ect; the one thing that does get to him is…motion. Ben gets incredibly motion sick when riding in cars, boats, rollercoaster’s and (as we have found out) airplanes. Our flight home from Utah was on a small aircraft with only 4 seats across, 20 rows and propellers on the wings. It was slightly stormy with scattered rains but nothing major and we boarded the hour long flight on time. Our seats were not next to each other but across the isles and Ben coaxed the man next to him to switch seats with me (a decision I am sure he would soon learn to love).
As we took off in our small, yet durable, plane it soon became aware to all passengers that small planes were more prone to the beats and bumps of the storm- known as turbulence. For someone like me, this is not a problem I actually enjoyed looking out the window at the storm and feeling the bumps and dips of the plane. Ben however, thought differently. Ben’s hand slowly started cutting off the circulation to mine and large beads of sweat started dripping down his forehead and neck. He turned the air onto his now pale green cold and clammy skin and the plane rose in elevation.
At this point the flight attendants voice came on announcing that due to turbulence we must stay in our seats and they would begin coming around for drink orders. Another large turbulence bounce, this time the tip of the plane dropped for a split second. Ben lurched forward grabbed the green ‘barf bag’ in the holder in front of him but contained himself. All passengers around us watched with worry and hesitation. The flight attendants voice came on once more, they were going to suspend the drink orders and just pass out water. Ben sat with him head hanging between his knees gripping his ‘barf bag’ and shaking in fear and pain. Another turbulence bounce and the flight attendants came on the speakers again, “We will be suspending all drinks this flight, please stay in your seats with your seat belts fastened.”
Through the next 30 minutes of the flight the pilot pulled the plane above the storm and the turbulence calmed. Ben began to calm and turn a more natural shade of green. We began to approach Denver and lower through the clouds with no turbulence. The wheels were lowered; he was going to make it. Then we landed; bounce, bounce- one to many. Ben opened his barf bag and vomited over and over throughout the landing. The flight attendant brought us napkins, water and more bags. The other passengers hurried to leave the plane while Ben cleaned up and we were last to leave the plane.
As we got to the plane door Ben moaned, we were not at a tube exit but had to descend stairs and walk outside to a building to get into the airport. There at the foot of the stairs were all the passengers of the plane, picking up checked luggage, watching as “the guy who just puked” exited the plane. He was a little uneasy for a couple hours but now feels fine and can say he never wants to experience that again.
I guess we can be sure that if Ben were a super hero- flying would not be his power!

General Conference: Saturday Morning

I love General Conference. I am one of those people who gets dressed up in my Sunday cloths and goes to the church to sit in a cold dark room with 5 other people and take notes for each session. I fall asleep, get distracted or just don’t appreciate it as much in my pj’s on the couch at home.
This conference we were in Utah for Ben’s mission reunion and decided to see if we could get tickets to the Saturday Morning Session. This would be the first time I would ever see a conference session live. We got up early and went to Temple Square. It was a testimony in itself to see the multitude of saints rushing to hear the words of the prophet. We got in the standby line of 200+ people to wait for tickets and after about 45 minutes a young man walked up and handed us two. I was so grateful and excited we practically ran to the Conference Center.
We sat in the balcony section (high of the high) but it was amazing to be in the room with the Prophet of the Lord and the Apostles. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was impeccable and the talks were amazing. Ben teases me and says that I cried through the entire thing, which might be true because the spirit was so strong. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity and experience. I am so grateful that I felt that witness that President Monson is a prophet of God. Conference was amazing and has once again enriched my soul. I am so blessed for the gospel in my life and the wonderful things that it teaches me!

Buenos Aires Oeste Mission Reunion

We went to Salt Lake for Ben’s mission reunion and had such a great time seeing his old companions and Mission President. Ben has been home from his mission (in Argentina) for four years and considers it one of the most memorable and spiritually growing times of his life. This year Ben and his old companion, Moises Barriero, were responsible for setting up and arranging the reunion. It turned out great with about 75 missionaries/guests coming, including his old Mission President, President Ramos, and his wife, Sister Ramos. They had a potluck and then a short fireside with talks given by Present and Sister Ramos and the oldest and newest to return missionaries. They had musical numbers, slideshows and many memories shared. It was great to see Ben light up and reminisce with all his old friends and companions.

Bag Check

A couple weeks ago we went camping with my family and took Ben’s backpack with us. Friday morning as I was packing I saw that I had left some camping stuff in the bag, such as the bug spray and matches- so I quickly took them out and packed the bag. At the airport on the way to Salt Lake City we went through security and were putting our shoes and belts back on when the security guy yelled out, “Who’s bag is this?” and held up Ben’s packpack. Shocked we followed him to the side and he pulled out from the visible mesh side pocket a 3 inch camping knife (Unfolded it would be 6-7 inches). Ben immediately looked at me and my mouth dropped open in shock and amazement. OOPS! I started muttering, “We went camping…I was packing but I… I didn’t even check the side… oh I am so sorry…that’s a good knife… I am so sorry!” The Security Guard could obviously tell it was a big mistake and told Ben he could go through a process to keep it or just get rid of it. We did not have time to keep it so they took his camping knife- never to be seen by us again. I felt really bad but Ben just smiled and said I would have to get him a new one! Flying on airplanes is stressful, I was so precise about putting my 3 oz liquids in baggies and that I forgot to take out my weapons!

Pregnant? Hit the Target

Preface: Mystery Diagnosis
A week ago I started getting this terrible pain in my lower right abdomen. It first started every time I ate and would last about an hour after every meal. My Mom looked and me and the initial diagnosis- appendicitis? So, if I don’t start vomiting or get a fever in 48 days- that’s not it. Then it gradually got worse. By Wednesday I laid in bed for a couple hours in pain and just held my hand on it in constant pressure. 48 hours past and my appendicitis is still in tact- next diagnosis- ovarian cyst? Extremely painful, nothing can be done, wait it out! By Friday morning I was in pain and so nauseous I though I was going to vomit. Diagnosis- tubal pregnancy? Are you serious?

I was on the way to the mountains for a lovely family camp out when I stopped at the local Target. I was grumpy, green (from nausea) and sulking from the embarrassment of my task. I sulked in to the isle (where conveniently they sell pregnancy tests right next to condoms) and standing there were two men about my age- oh goody! So I slumped over, stooping to the bottom shelf for the single pack (why would anyone need a mega pack of pregnancy tests?) and pull. As it came out the next 5 tests tumbled off the rack onto the floor- ugg. I wanted to scream and curse. “I don’t feel good. I want to vomit. These men should have to clean them up!! AHH!!” I stooped down, picked them up and stuffed them in the shelf. I then grabbed a huge, pee inducing, Gatorade and headed for the check out.

At the check out the young teenaged teller looked at me like I was in need of a shrink. I am sure I looked pregnant (like I was going to have morning sickness all over her cash register) and I am sure I looked upset enough for her to think it was a ‘college accident.’ She proceeded to watch me with pain stricken worry in her eyes as I took my purchase, walked to the bathroom door, chugged the entire Gatorade and entered for my sudden doom.

I have taken a pregnancy test before, it is never ‘comfortable’. Yet having the relaxation of your own bathroom (one with you know is at least as sanitary as you keep it) and a bathroom in which you do not hit your elbows every 15 seconds is comforting. Having the nervous, anxious patter of your husbands feet pacing back and forth on the other side of the door is comforting- knowing no matter the result, he will still love you. Sitting alone in a stall in Target makes you feel like you have done something wrong, like you have something to hide from the world. It makes you feel alone- even though the room is filled with strangers. The most vulnerable time when you need him or someone and you are alone…

I finished the test. Received my results, negative. There is a part of a woman when, even when she wasn’t expecting or trying for a baby is disappointed when that test reads negative. Just the excitement of maybe gives us hope enough to feel sorry when we are denied. The teller watched me leave the store. I tried not to have any expression on my face- I didn’t think a stranger should be the first one to know.

That night when I saw Ben I cried into his chest and moaned “I had to take a pregnancy test in a Target Bathroom!” He laughed…a lot. “Oh honey,” he comforted me (still between peaks of laugher and a wide smile) “someday you will laugh about this.” Well I am still not quite to that day- but I hope my bad day brings a smile to your face. The only positive Ben and I could both agree upon was at least it wasn’t K-Mart.

BALLPATE INN

On Saturday (September 5, 2009) we went up to the Mountains with Melanie, Grandma Stones, and Mom and Dad to the Baldpate Inn.












We went for lunch; they serve homemade soup and salad- YUM. With homemade pie for dessert; we each had a different slice of pie and we shared. We had apple, blueberry, pecan, chocolate chiffon and peach. They were delicious.

The Baldpate Inn is famous for having the world’s largest key collection with over 20,000 keys.

































We got to go see all the unoccupied homemade rooms. It was so cute and quaint to see.














After going to the Inn we went on a quick walk around the lake at the base of the Twin Sisters Mountains.

Life Update

I have not blogged in a while, this is for a couple reasons- one being, I really have nothing going on to blog about. Another being, I lost my camera- and even if I did have something WONDERFULLY COOL to tell you all- I wouldn’t have pictures and to me that’s the best part. But I have been mooching pictures off of family to get together a relatively stable blog of the past couple of weeks.

Two weeks ago we went to my nephew, Andrew’s Baptism. He just turned 8 and was baptized as a member of the church by his dad. Ben and I got to sing a song with his little sister Mylie (she did wonderful) and we were happy to be involved. It was so special to be there and see Andrew growing. My favorite part was at the end when he stood and bore his testimony. It was so powerful to hear the beliefs of this young man standing in front of us- who has just been baptized and received the Holy Ghost. He has such amazing parents. After the baptism we all went to his house and had a pool party!!

















The next week was full of stress for Ben because his office was moving locations and he was in charge of the move! He had to organize everything, pack everything, sell stuff, take down stuff, move stuff, put up stuff, ect. And on top of it, he still had to get done his normal work. I went in a couple days to help him pack and move things around. He worked EXTRA overtime but in the end everything got moved to where it was supposed to be. This week they have been sorting out internet and phones in their new office- but it is all less stressful!

I started a pottery class! It is mostly on the wheel but they also want to teach us some hand building techniques. I am really bad- but hey that’s why I am taking a class, right? I have yet to make anything that has not ripped or pulled apart (but I am starting to get used to the pressure and how to hold my hands- so hopefully I will get it soon). It is also really messy (you get splattered clay water everywhere). But it is really fun and I am enjoying learning something new!

Last, we are house-sitting and dog-sitting for some friends who went hiking through Hawaii. Last time we pet-sat we killed the pet (and no it was not a fish) so this was an incredible leap of faith but we have promised not to kill their beloved dog, Annie. She is a 3 year old black lab and has LOTS of energy. She tried to sleep with us the first two nights (crazy enough Ben was okay with is as long as she was on my side of the bed-how is that fare?) but successfully last night was dog-free! We take her on 3 walks a day (forcing me to get my much needed exercise) and she is really nice and well trained. Neither Ben nor I are what you might say “Dog People” but Annie is defiantly warming us to the idea! (This is Annie- the dog)

LOST

Rachel and Nedra (Ben’s mom and sister) are into the TV series LOST! This winter they were watching the 5th season and we watched a couple episodes and were…lost! So we have embarked on the huge task of watching the complete series. We rented the first season and are hooked. Every free moment that we have we are watching another episode to find out what will happen next in the lives of our plane wrecked heroes only to be more confused and addicted to this confusing show.
So at this point not only are the castaways LOST on a strange island but we are helplessly and hopelessly LOST in the plot of this series…hopefully we will soon see the light (but from the snickers coming from Nedra and Rachel- I think we have a ways to go

Dave: From Boulder to Boston

Dave Neiman, one of Ben’s roommates from school, passed through Boulder while driving up to Boston for his Master’s program. So we had a picnic in the mountains and spent the day showing him the sites. We defiantly sold him on Boulder and the beauties and adventures that it holds. It was a fun day and great to see Dave as he embarks on his own ‘east coast’ adventure! Good Luck Neiman Family!
(Pictures to Come!)

Rock N Soul Café

On Saturday (August 15th) we went to the Rock N’Soul Café to hear one of our friends, Eric Forsyth,play. He was good and had someone on a ukulele play with him, which added an extra element to his music, which we both really liked. There were two other performances one by Cory Mon; he is touring from Salt Lake and has a blue grass sound (he was not our favorite because it didn’t sound complete). And there was David Hopkins from Ireland (touring from LA). We loved his music (he is similar to and has recorded with Damien Rice). It was a fun night and we enjoyed being out and listening to all the music!

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan a country in central Asia near Afghanistan and Pakistan (it is not even close to India-sorry Rich). Dushanbe and Boulder are sister cities and in 1987 Boulder were presented with the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. It is a beautiful building and “more than 40 artisans in several cities of Tajikistan created the decorative elements of the Teahouse, including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels.” It is now not only a tradition tea house but is also used for banquets and as a restaurant.














Ben and I went there for dinner on Saturday and were able to try authentic food. I had some sort of veggie and chicken shish kabob with cucumber yogurt dressing and Ben had rice noodles with a spicy peanut sauce. It was so much fun and quite an experience- we both loved our meals.

















While we were waiting for our food there was a live band playing around the corner that we could hear and so it was like we were being serenaded (by rock and roll). Afterwards we took a night hike up the canyon and were able to see all of the lights of Boulder. The MOON was shining brightly and there were bats to keep all the mosquitoes away (so that was great). It was a fun night!

COPS and Queens

This week our Stake is going on a Pioneer Trek across Wyoming to learn about, remember and respect our ancestors- the Mormon Pioneers. The 14-18 year old youth and some leaders get to go on this Trek. Last night was mutual and (with the trek beginning today- Wednesday) it was only the Beehives (me and two girls). We have a new Beehive coming in on Sunday so we made her a Birthday Candy poster and went over to her house to explain the Young Women’s Program and help her feel welcome.

Then… we decided to go to Dairy Queen! We had to stop by one of the miamaids houses to give her trek cloths and she was tired of being in the house- so we took her too. So the four of us headed off to Dairy Queen! This was fun. The girls have started to realize I am not as old as my saggy boobs and grey hair might suggest- I am young and…hip? We talked about all the boys in the ward- which are cute, nice, and datable (when they are 16-of course). We talked about boys at school (here I was lost). I felt young. They felt grown up. It was a great combo!

On the way home, with a car full of sugar filled giggly girls trying to find their homes in the dark, I GOT PULLED OVER!! Ahh- I am supposed to be an example to these frail young souls and look what I did. What did I do? I turned to them to comfort them (I was sure they would be close to tears) and what do I find? They busted up laughing at me! I had to calm them down before the cop got to my window and try hard not to laugh myself.

The cop asked my name and for my information, then informed me that he pulled me over because one of my headlights was out. IS THAT ALL? This adult humiliation and loss of decency because of a headlight? He then looked through the car and got a weird look on his face- shining his flashlight in the eyes of the giggly young girls in the car. “Who do you have in the car with you?” I told him I was a youth leader and we had just gone to Dairy Queen. “Oh, so I guess I am kind of ruining your night then?” Without thinking I just responded, “Yes officer, You sorta are!”

He took my information back to his car. As he left the window the girls exploded again- “He was TOTALLY flirting with you.” “No he wasn’t he was old.” “He asked your name.” “He had to he is a cop.” “Oh that 40…no 50..maybe 60 year old cop is flirting with you! I bet he likes younger women.” “We should just drive away now and see if he can catch us- but no he has your address.”… and it continued like that (at high squealish decibels).

He came back and gave me a warning. The girls then teased me that he gave me his phone number and he REALLY was flirting. All the way dropping them off I got teased that I got flirted with by a cop. I don’t think I have ever had such an enjoyable time getting pulled over in my life! But I still would rather not repeat the experience!