Kevykins Comes Home!

Forgive my absence, but after 11 long weeks of being a single wife, Kevin and I finally reunited and got to enjoy the last bits of summer together.  We tried to jam as much as we could into a few weeks, and we did a pretty good job. 

First on our list of activities was to finally take Kevin out on a river/lake architecture tour since Chicago self proclaims itself to be the architecture capital of the world.  I got to go last summer when with some wonderful girlfriends (he left me then too). 

I think I have a dozen pictures of each building in Chicago, but who wants to see those when you could see us!

We were just waiting in the locks to head out onto Lake Michigan.

 It was a beautiful clear day, and we don't get many of those.  I would love one right now!

Kevin was LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVING the trip and just lounging on the boat deck.

There is our skyline. What a great city. We will miss it.

Then, we had to see if we could get tickets to another Cubs game.  I love Wrigley Field. 

Kevin in the "bartman" seat. Actually, they removed it because of its bad luck, but this is the same row.   I will have to watch the ESPN special tomorrow about him "Catching Hell"

Love that old-school scoreboard.  All movable parts!

We also got to spend some time out at the beach, going on picnics at the lake, shopping, museum trips, road trips, and a ton of bike rides.  We attended the BYU season opener at Ole Miss (check back soon for that post).   I highly recommend keeping your husbands around. They are a lot of fun.  I am so happy he is back! We have literally been out and having so much fun trying to take in all Chicago has to offer. Kevin started his final year of law school today and so our time in Chicago may be limited. We have really loved it here and I will be sad when it is time to go. 

I'll leave you with one last shot of Kevin's cute bum (he's gonna kill me!)

Wild Rose Country

So I know it has been a really long time since I last updated my blog.  It doesn't mean that my summer has been wild in crazy.  In contrast, most of it has been quite mundane.  There have bee moments of fun. My sister and my mother both made it out to Chicago to visit, but with Kevin bailing on me for yet another summer, I have had a lot of alone time.  My family felt bad enough, that they suggested I take a trip home. Who in their right mind would deny a visit to the Fairbanks house? Nobody I know, so I booked a flight and took off 3 days later Alberta!

I will warn you, there are a lot of pictures and this is a long post.

What a beautiful sight! Welcome to Alberta.  Wild Rose Country

My mother the Rec major, is always up for a good time.  She had every day planned out with so many events, that I knew there would be very little down time.   I was going to my favorite places and hanging out with my favorite people (except for Kevin of course).  But, even my fabulous mother couldn't predict or plan just how perfectly my trip went. We had a day at Red-Rock with the nieces and Colton, Sister hike to Forum and Akimina Peaks, kayaking with Lloyd, Jackie and the boys, biking down Logan's Pass (Going to the Sun Road), chick flicks, Rook tournaments, and so much more.  It just made me think of what Kevin always likes to tell me "you just want Jackie's life".  Well.....who wouldn't.  She gets to hike at least one a week. Kayak all weekend, and not work.  It sounds pretty good to me.  I really need to figure this out.

Our first day, we were off to Waterton with my mom, Angie, Kelly, and the kids.  On the agenda was a picnic, a little hike, and play at one of my favorite places from my youth.  Red Rock!

It was just as I remembered; beautiful, freezing water, and natural waterslides.  I had forgotten, however,  just how slippery those natural water slides were.  I think I fell 6 times.  Once; flat on my face, three times; on my bottom; and a few more on my stomach, and sides.  Flip flops were a poor choice.  On one of those spills, I really hurt shoulder.  I was a bit concerned because of all the fun I was supposed to be having including kayaking the next day.  I consulted with my Canadian doctor and I think since I am not covered in Canada anymore Dr. Mike just told me I bruised my rotator cuff to get me off his case. So I did what any Fairbanks does; take 800mg of Ibuprofen and sucked it up.

At Blackeston falls.  We had some excellent photographers.

Lots of fun and then we went home to see the rest of the family and play late into the night.

The next day we were scheduled to do our sister hike and kayak.  We were off to Forum Peak and Akimina Peak.  We combined 2 hikes into one....In hindsight, it was a good idea, but I was not prepared with how long the hike was.  Just when you thought you were at the top, there was ANOTHER peak.

So we were off to Waterton again.  Adults only. Apparently the warning for experienced hikers only should be heeded. Kelly cannot be trusted to make plans since she mistakenly assumed we could complete our hike in 4 hours when in actuality it took us nearly 8.

this is us trudging over the bog just before we hit forum lake. 

This is at the top of one of the MANY peaks we hiked that day.  Below is Cameron Lake.  You will see it again in my kayaking pictures. The view was spectacular, and then it started to rain.  We thought it was a bad idea to be on the top of a mountain during a thunderstorm, so we moved on.

And we moved up.  This is the 2nd of like 4 peaks we hiked. If you think it looks steep, it felt steeper. I guess I need to get into better shape.

This was still on our way to the top.  We had to blaze our own trails for a while and climb up rocks instead of a trail. As you can tell, I am still not moving my right arm from one of my nasty spills the day before. 

Climbing up the rocks.

Angie Checking out Forum Lake.  She loves me for this shot I am sure.

We are on our way down!!!! I am losing my toenail, but it was a worthy sacrifice.

Below is Wall lake. We were planning on jumping off the glaciers into the water as Robyn had done the week before, but once the storm hit and temperatures dropped, we were not as easily convinced that it was a good idea.

At the top of Forum Peak.

First we had to get to the top of that peak, then over to a peak on the left, then to one behind the one right above us, then to the ones on the right and one more after that.  Luckily the scenery was beautiful and the company was even better.

Just these 2 more peaks left!

Once we reached the bottom we met up with the men, kids, and kayaks.  We grabbed dinner and headed out for an evening kayak.  Just as we started out, the skies opened up and it started to rain.  Allen and Sam hiked up their kayak skirts and b-lined it for shore. It was quite foolish of them since it didn't last long and then we got the beautiful double rainbow that you can sort of see below.

It was so lovely. 

We went down to the end of the lake and into one of the glaciers that was still there in August.

But with all the water melting, it afforded the beautiful greenery and plentiful waterfalls.

If you look at the top of that ridge, yup that's where we were earlier that day.  As we were finishing out, the sun set, and we had a moonlight trip back.  How could it get better you ask? Well.... on our drive back, we had a front row view of the Northern Lights. I don't know that I had ever seen them so early in the year, but it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

Did I mention all the wild life we saw?  Well...We saw the usual deer, marmots, mountain goats, big horn sheep, a she-moose, and 8 bears.  I'd say it was a success. We got a few pics to prove it.

One of the bears right next to the road on our way to our hike.

A big horn sheep just chillin at the top of Going to the Sun Road.

They were just hanging out in the parking lot. 

The family minus Todd's fam and Kevy. Aren't we cute?

So how do we top our previous day?  Well I am not sure it's possible, but day 3 was equally as fun. We got to bike down Going to the Sun Road.  It was all down-hill, so I could just enjoy the scenery as we went down.

Here is the crew.  Since I had my falls a couple days earlier, I was not able to talk my way out of a helmet.  I make it look good though.

Biking past the weeping wall.  It was sobbing.

Nearing the end.

We were not about to bike back up, so we threw all our bikes in the back of the trucks and headed up to the top.  I just wanted this picture for the record that Jackie was naughty and sat in the back of the truck. 

Thank you so much for letting me come home!

And for more good news....KEVIN COMES HOME IN 3 DAYS AFTER A 12 WEEK HIATUS!!!!!

The terrible horrible no-good very bad day

So where to begin... Well my morning started off with a telephone call waking me up at 5:30am. It was someone from work informing me that we would need coverage for sunday. Did I need to wake up at the crack of dawn for that? No! That was still days away. Was I now already grumpy for 2 reasons? Yes. So, since I was now awake, I decided I would try to sort out my Internet fiasco.
You see, 2 weeks ago I was supposed to have my Internet connected. A quick self install and that was the end right?...Wrong! After a frustrating week and a half with 4 hour appointments,countless hours on hold, getting hung up on, getting stood up for appointments, getting sent faulty equipment, and then replaced with the wrong equipment, I had-had it with AT&T and my building mangers ( who both rank extemely low on the customer service spectrum) trying to figure out my problems. I thought I had finally got a hold of the person I needed to solve all my Internet wiring problems.
He came over at 8:00am to check my apartment and supposedly tell me where AT&T could find the wires to fix the short in my line. He was showing me around and we went outside to check the phone room. When we started back to my apt, I went for my keys...they weren't there. That's when I noticed I locked myself out. Just my luck eh? He didnt bring a key. After 45 min, we finally got in. I was late for work, so I talked to my boss and decided I would take the day off to make up for Sunday. Things would only get better right? I made an appt for AT&T to come out and fix my line that evening for what I thought would be the last visit.
Since I now had all this time on my hands, I decided I should get my hair cut, I mean I have been wanting it for a while. I decided on one of the styles below and off I went. I got to the salon, gave the girl instructions of what I wanted, she verified and we started to snip.
She turned me away from the mirror( that should have been my first red flag) but we were having such a nice conversation. When she finally turned me around, I looked at my reflection and started to cry! This was no salon, this was a butcher shop! 13 inches gone!!!!! That is 2 years of hair growth! Are you kidding me! I hate it and you better believe I was not paying for the cut! The only good thing is that it still fits in a ponytail and there it will stay for months. Kevin's only response was "I am not a happy camper" Then he proceeded to ask how long it will take to grow back.
Then the night ended with AT&T telling me that the building needs to re-wire my apt in order for me to get internet. If you understand how this mangement works, you would know why I am so frustrated. I am so glad that it is a new day.

Before

After

Hair

So I have had almost the same hair all my life. Long and straight.  It is boring, but so am I. I have experimented a bit, but have not found anything I loved.  I have tried bangs, both fringe and 80's style.  I attempted lots of different colors, it was too much work.  I tried cutting it short but realized I have a chubby face, so I wore it up until it was past my shoulders. 

I feel the winds of change coming.  I am so sick of my hair right now, I am tempted to take the shears to it myself. (It wouldn't be a first).  I have tried to get hair dressers to cut it, but they seem so reluctant.  The don't want to damage the "virgin" hair. 

I need help. I am not savvy in the ways of cosmetology and I have no vision.  Kevin might divorce me if I cut too short, but I think at least 6 inches need to go.  It is long and shapeless.  We need to infuse some life back into it.  I want to keep it longer than shoulder length, but I am 6'0 and it hits the small of my back.  I am starting to look like a Polygamist or a Mennonite.

So, will you help me decide what to do?  There is a poll on the left side bar....Otherwise, post a pic of what you think I should do in my comments. 

Style 1

Style 2

Style 3

Style 4

July 23-24

Kevin sent me an email the other morning.  One of his friends is competing in a "Tough Mudder" challenge.  I had heard about this ridiculousness a few days earlier and thought it was insane.  After researching it, I am sort of intrigued.  So, the fates must have aligned and today, there is a Groupon to enter.


It is not a race, or so they claim. It is a challenge.  If I had to compare it to something, I think I would compare it to American Gladiators on steroids.  It is a 10 mile obstacle course doing military obstacles, run through fire, slide through mud with barbed wire above your head, and to finish it off running through live electrical wires carrying a 10,000 V charge.
In order for you to get the full idea of what this challenge entails, here is a link to the map with all of the obtacles.


If you are not convinced yet, these are some of their FAQ:


Do I really get one beer?

Yes. The registration fee includes one beer for participants 21 and over, which can be collected after the conclusion of the event.


Are you really giving out Tough Mudder tattoos?

Tattoos of our logo for anyone tough enough to want one will be available for $70. Send your receipt to info@toughmudder.com and we’ll give you a free entry to a Tough Mudder of your choice in 2011. Customize it by having the event date and location put on–keep adding as you go to record all your epic Mudder adventures.
 
Does anyone want to join me?

Wallowing

I suppose clean could be a subjective term.  I think that sometimes I am not the most immaculate person in the world, but I do like things tidy.  Kevin has informed me that since he got married, he has forgotten how to pick-up after himself, do laundry, or any other homemaking task.   To his credit, he does the dishes and takes out the trash, so I won't complain too much.  He has however, created his own definition of clean.  I am not sure I completely understand it, but I will give a few examples of some of the things that have made me wonder what goes on in his head.

Kevin has a habit of putting shirts, shorts, or anything he has worn, but doesn't deem "dirty" in a corner of the bed. Socks that he has decided are not "dirty" get placed in the middle of the bedroom floor. (if they go on your foot, in my opinion, they are dirty) One day, as I was gathering laundry, I asked my usual question"Is there anything here that you would like me to wash?", but this time I may have added "-or would you like to continue wallowing in your own filth?"  I thought I was funny.  Apparently I struck a chord.  I offended him.  This is not unusual I think I do this on a regular basis.  He of course opted to wallow for a bit longer.  Now any time I asked about anything, he likes to mention that he is enjoying wallowing.

Shoes are another area that confuses me.  I think that shoes in the middle of the floor are an obstacle, an object that possesses impending doom for the clumsy such as myself.  Not to mention that they look sloppy and out of place.  To Kevin, this makes them accessible and easy to find.  When I am cleaning, I enjoy putting them back into his closet on his shoe rack.  This, of course, makes me feel like I have tidied my house and it looks neat.  Each time I do this I know that I am about to get reprimanded for it.

Finally, the last thing is the cup.  If your mouth touches it, bacteria are breeding and growing.  This is a problem to me.  Kevin would keep the same cup on the counter for him to keep re-using for weeks at a time if I would let him.  If I put it in the dishwasher, I am in trouble because he didn't get good enough use from it. We have plenty of cups.  There are enough replacements.  Recently, I will replace it without  his knowledge and put the dirty one in the dishwasher.  I love him too much to allow him to get sick.

If you do not believe me about the shoes and socks.  Here is photographic proof.

My Mom

I love my mother.  She is pretty fantastic.  I admire so many things about her. Someday when I grow up I would be doing a pretty stellar job if I could be more like her.   I could go on all day about all the wonderful things that she does for everyone all the time, but I think i will just mention a few.

  I don't know if anyone has a better disposition.  She is so positive, upbeat, and FUN all the time.  I can only remember a couple of times when she was actually angry.   Like the time they changed the flavor of Diet Coke back when I was elementary school.  She got so upset she ACTUALLY wrote a letter.  Usually when she is upset about something she just threatens to compose those nasty-grams. 

She goes out of her way to be friendly with everyone.  unless you are a stranger.  Then you are automatically Chester and evil.  (yes, I learned it from somewhere).  She would always wave to everyone in town.  I used to have kids come up to me in school and tell me "you're mom waved at me today.  Does she even know who I am?"  C'mon this is Raymond, she knows EVERYTHING about everyone.  One of her best friends is Barb Depew. Talk about omniscience.

She is always up for a good time.  She has this addictive and inspiring zest for life.  I cannot tell you the number of times she stays up late to watch chick flicks with us, she gets giddy when she hears the Dr. Mario music, she hikes/snowshoes/cross country skis with her mountain mama's every week, her and Lloyd have taken up kayaking and go religiously at least once a week.  Kevin always tells me that I just want Jackie's life. I think I just want her stamina. 

This woman raised 6 kids who are all 2 years apart.  That in itself should be grounds for sainthood.   I think most of us turned out OK too.  Not only did she raise us, but with my dad's work schedule SHE moved us somewhere around 15 times, and no child was ever older than 8. I cannot even imagine all the times she wanted to strangle all of us, but she was always so kind. I am not sure how she had the patience and the ability to stay so collected all the time, but I think I need lessons.

 She had this amazing ability to balance life.  She had 6 extremely active children.  We were always involved in basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, swimming, baseball, figure skating, hockey, riding horses, and any other imaginable activity.  With 6 kids.... that is just crazy.  I can only remember a couple of times when my "stalker" (as my friends coined her) was not at my games cheering me on.  She was so supportive and wonderful, but she was not just at my events, but all my siblings stuff.  She was all our our #1 fan.

So besides her innumerable neuroses and her inability to cook, she is perfect.  I think that those things make her even more perfect.  I have learned to be more careful; ie wearing hoodies in movie theaters to avoid lice and not letting anyone sit behind me on a bus that could possibly decapitate me.  I learned that there is always something more fun to do than worrying about cooking or other menial things, so just go with it.  We didn't starve.

I love you mom!