Heard about this video from a friend awhile ago. Every time I watch it I get a renewed sense of optimism. Just a great example of taking something incredibly negative and making it a positive experience. (His wife's name is Mandy, which might also make me a little biased). 

The Throwdown

It finally happened folks.The throwdown of the weekend

Mandy vs. the key. 

Trying to prove herself (to apparently no one) the naive blonde challenged her tiny, stubborn house key to a duel. I would love to know what was going through her head as she shoved that little punk into the lock. Probably thinking about the future, because if she had been pondering the present and potential consequences she probably would have chosen a different way of entering the empty house. 

Mandy seemed to have the upper hand (literally) as she pulled the classic twist and unlock. The match seemed over before it even began as the door opened triumphantly...BUT the key fought back. Reaching into his bag of tricks and pulling out the nastiest of all. No matter how hard she tried, that obnoxious piece of metal refused to budge. He was staying in that lock, and no one could stop him. After approximately two hours of yanking, tugging, murmurming, mumbling, praying, crying, and sitting. Mandy took one last look at her crippled hands and threw in the towel. 

Even after a winner had been announced, the key showed signs of poor sportsmanship by staying put. It wasn't until an hour later that he finally stepped down...thanks to the heroic efforts of Mandy's father and brother, physically removing the lock. 

Some changes have been made in order to prevent a throwdown like this ever happening again. Mainly a good ole fashioned oiling of the lock. Although the key won in this battle, both parties learned their lesson (hopefully). 

15 Days

15 days until London 2012. So I popped a movie in and began creating my Olympic countdown. Looks a little like an elementary school student's work, but those usually have the most character:)

The Vacation

Three days. 900 miles. Four states. BYU-Idaho. Yellowstone National Park. Plenty of memories and lessons learned.

-----WARNING! SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't seen the movie Brave, don't read #1

Lesson #1~ I am still a scaredy-cat 

This was just a confirmation. I will proudly say that I was able to manage my deathly fear of heights, insects, and driving. They were definitely there, but I was able to manage without freaking myself out more than necessary/normal.

It was the movie we saw that really sparked my inner wimp. It's supposed to be children's movie. It is animated! Of course I loved the message behind Brave- Stand up for yourself, don't let other's attempt to change you, every story has two sides, and it was NOT feminist! I found it to be very gender-general...other than that however...I was scared out of my mind! I mean the 'evil' bear was one of the most horrifying things I have ever seen. And what about Merida's father trying to kill her mother? Or when her mother starts acting like a bear and attacks! So scary!! I wanted to be like the little children in the theater screaming and crying (well I covered the crying part pretty well).

Then in Yellowstone we visited the hot-pots and geysers. First sign I see "Stay on boardwalks. Unstable ground." Let me tell you-walking on rickety wood about four feet wide (without railings). On either side, and underneath, the inferno that is Yellowstone. One wrong move and someone is toast...literally.  You would think that after going to YNP at least six times I would be used to the dangers, but not quite. 

Yes I am still a scaredy-cat but I'm not afraid to admit it:)

Lesson #2~ Every family member is important.

 Our first family vacation in four years and we only had half of the family. I now understand why my parents had five children. My two older sisters were missing from this trip and it was obvious. Every member of my family is vital to every other member. So Jon, Jeni, & family; Lance & Melissa (there will be a post on the wedding as soon as I get pictures!)...missed you guys and love you all!

Lesson #3~ I am a fan of camping in a hotel:)

I will straight-up admit that I am not an outdoorsy girl. The whole camping, fishing, roughing-it thing just doesn't appeal to me. I love nature and am amazed by it. Just discovered that I can appreciate it more with the knowledge that there's a nice hotel room (without bugs) waiting for me.


I got scared, missed my sisters (and everyone belonging to them), and saw hardly any aminals (we call them 'aminals' in Yellowstone). Yet it was still an incredible trip! It was a wonderful break from Utah. I got to drive through four states in two days-Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. I got to experience the wonders of nature. It wasn't Disneyland, but I would say that it was a successful trip and hopefully we don't have to wait four years for the next one:)