Dear Vernal UT, part 2

Token scenic shot - Rainbow Rock

Our little lunchstand on a private beach off the Green River

The crew

Me helping Cheryl tighten her life vest

Note how the 2 on the left are ready for the water, whereas the 2 on the right are avoiding further bug bites

Proof of how many things were using US as their midnight snack

The best 45 minutes of sleep during the entire trip - in Cheryl's car

Dear Vernal Utah

Thanks for a great 24 hours. The river, the camping, the rafting, the weather, the friends, the swimming and the rock skipping all were great. The bugs? Well, those could have gone away but as I look at the 10+ bites I have, it just reminds me of all the fun things that happened...so I guess the bugs served a purpose...I believe it's called 'opposition in all things' or something like that.

Pictures documenting the actual 24-hour camping/river trip are forthcoming...but here's what greeted us upon entering the city called Vernal.

How could one not have fun in Utah's Dinosaur land?

Dear Insomnia

I wish I could say I'm surprised to see you. But I'm not, which only means one thing - work sucks right now.

Dear Family,

You are all great. I'm glad we'll be together forever.

Dear Oakley Rodeo

Me and L.Rees - my rodeo coach (thanks for the invite)

I honestly can't fathom how I've gone 24 years without seeing a rodeo. On the 4th of July I attended the Oakley Rodeo (the creme de la creme of UT rodeos). Thank you to the riders, the bull tossing, the annoying filler entertainment, the rodeo girls, the fringe, the leather, the Wranglers, the belt buckles, the hats, the Yeehaws, the boots, the free red handkerchief, and the realization that my back just wouldn't quite cut it to compete. It was all wonderful. I wouldn't normally agree with Kid Rock, BUT I will admit to having a new desire to wanna be a cowboy...or at least date one.

Dear Dark Knight...

...[aka the second installment of the reinvented Batman movies (thank you, thank you Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale)],

I'm very much looking forward to seeing you opening night - even though it's not the midnight showing, Friday night 7:10pm at the Century 16 theaters will be just as wonderful - I can feel it. And yes, I am one of those people who will buy tickets early to ensure a chance to see a GOOD movie (despite a coworker's remarks about how I didn't seem to be one of 'those people' who bought advance movie tickets - he obviously doesn't know me at all).


















Photo courtesy of IMDB.com

Dear NY Trip

Although I like the theory of moving out and living in the city, in practicality, I think I would go crazy. Rain in the city is no fun. Well, rain in the city w/o an umbrella is no fun. No AC in the city is no fun. Climbing 6 flights of stairs and reaching the top drenched in sweat is no fun. True - these are all character building experiences, but I think my parents would agree that I already have too much character for my own good...so I think I'll stay in UT for a little bit longer.

That being said, thank you for the great time (hot, humid, thunderstorms excluded).

The happy couple Noelle and Matt Lybbert (aka the entire reason I was in NYC - thanks for getting married guys!)



Laura, Noelle and me outside the temple after a Nicolai crossed over to Lybbert side. Best bridesmaids dresses ever: looked great on everyone, lasted through the entire day looking fabulous, it was great to dance in - so much room, really is re-wearable and don't you worry, it will be worn again and again and BEST of all, it had POCKETS. Thank you Noelle.

My hero, Getting Low, Dance Captain L. Rees.















Of course, the wedding didn't last all weekend (sadly) so I was able to spend some time with another dear friend, Alicia, who suffered through a 4-hour concert because I wanted a NY experience with her. And what better NYC experience than a true Rock concert. I didn't know any of the bands; Alicia was acquainted with ONE. It was a great evening that started with Fixer, the opening band, fully clothed....

...and their set ended with the lead singer, NOT so fully clothed. Best quote of the evening was from him: "In case you have forgotten, this is effing (edited) New York City. We're here to rock all day, every day, all the time."