Coyote Poopin'

One of my favorite shots from our recent salmon fishing trip. 

Boden Fun!

Let's face it, Idaho isn't always the most glamorous of places.  In a town where hiking boots, neutral colors, and zip off pants are the norm, finding some girlfriends that love to shop Boden seems like a shot in the dark.  Yet...here we are. We met up at the local wine bar to flip through our new catalogs (no peeking allowed ahead of time) and plan our next orders.  Thank you Boden for adding some color to our lives!

Crooks: Adventure Air in Lewiston Idaho

For Chris's birthday this year I decided to get him a hot air balloon ride as a present. After researching I found the closes one to Spokane was in Lewiston. This company partners with a company to book reservations. I talked to a lady at this partner company and was given a quote on a balloon ride. When I called back to confirm the reservation a different agent answered the phone and said that the other lady was mistaken and the price was substantially higher. Sooo....

I decided to bypass this booking company all together and go directly to Adventure Air. I explained the situation to the owner James Knight and he expressed his concern with the situation. After talking everything through he said I could rent an entire basket for $199 per passenger, which would mean I would need to find 3 other passengers to go with Chris and I. The basket holds 6 total (including the pilot). The price for an individual ride was more expensive and there was a slight cost savings by renting out the entire baskets. I invited my Dad, Brother and by brother's wife to join us. I called and finalized our reservation for a private ride and we were good to go! Or so we thought.....

We show up for our ride and there were five other passengers there. ???? I ask James where our private balloon was and he claims to know nothing about that. He asks me what I paid (in front of the other passengers) and makes a point of saying the price would have been double if we had actually reserved a private basket.

I had promised my family a private ride and now we were jammed into a basket like cattle to the slaughter with strangers. We couldn't even see out the other side of the basket! Our one sided view of stinky Lewiston was extremely underwhelming.

Had I know were were not going to have a private flight to ourselves I would have only booked the flight for Chris and I which would have saved me $597.

Oh and right before our flight the company ran a groupon deal for $139. When I talked to Mr. Knight on the phone he said they wouldn’t be doing another groupon deal because it didn’t make him any money. Well…apparently that was a lie also. Had I taken advantage of this deal it would have saved me….$300. And had I only booked the flight for Chris and I it would have saved me….$717.

And two more points of dishonestly:
5 people at $199 each means I should have been charged $995 dollars on my credit card; not the charge that came through for $1000. Where I come from it is not okay to “round up” charges.

The flight was supposed to be 1.5 hours and was just shy of 1 hour from the time of lift off. That means instead of paying $11.11/ minute we ended up paying $16.50/minute.

Needless to say I will not be recommending this company to anyone. Unfortunately, we made all of our arrangements over the phone so I have nothing in writing. But, you all know me to be an extremely honest person…so…..you decide for yourself.

Because I believe in treating people humanely I would like to mention how fantastic our pilot was. He was extremely knowledgeable and very very good. Also, the support crew was fantastic, they worked their tails off. Thank you!

I highly recommend a hot air balloon ride. It is a fun adventure and I imagine it could be a really great time; especially in a more scenic setting. Just make sure you do not book your flight with Adventure Air.
http://www.adventuristair.com/index.html

Come on People....EXPRESS LANE EQUALS FAST

Living in a small town you learn to slow down and take it easy.  However, when I am in the express lane at the grocery store I still expect a little expedience.  So....I was about to blow my top at the sheer ignorance and stupidity that was in front of me the last time I hit the express lane.  These three points pretty much sum it up each person who was in front of me:

1) Paying with a check lady
2) Paying with your spare change while toting an oxygen tank man (not so upset about this one)
3) Using my debit card at check our for the first time lady- "oops! I think I hit the wrong button", "oops! I hit the wrong button again!", "the buttons flip flop order, this machine is poorly designed".

AHHHHHH!!!!!

A House and a Couch

C is buying a house.  It is a wonderful house.  Not too big, not too small.  It is on a great street in the Audobon Park neighborhood.  The best part is that the house doesn't need any work.  The kitchen has been remodeled and the paint is beautiful.  C tells me to think of it as my house too, but it is hard to do when I have no idea when I will actually live there.  But, in the mean time it will be a lovely place to stay.  We already have plans for the entertainment room in the basement.  We are hoping this will be our forever home. 

Every new house needs a new couch. C and I have been couch shopping.  We have decided on the Dorset sofa.  It is a little retro, to fit the style of the house that was built in 1925, and a little modern too.  We are going to get it with grey fabric and blue trim and...wait for it....chrome legs!  CHROME!  I hear that country song now..."her favorite color is chrome!"

My Life by Bill Clinton

I recently listened to My Life by Bill Clinton on audio book. I have always admired the work he did as a president and was even more impressed after listening to his book.


Here are a few quotes from this great leader that demonstrate his drive to pull this country together instead of apart. The fact that he lead this country into one of it's most posperous times is a tribute to his strong leadership and vision.

• “By lifting the weakest, poorest among us, we lift the rest of us as well.”
• “We cannot build our own future without helping others to build theirs.”
• “Politics is not religion and we should govern on the basis of evidence, not theology.”
• “The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists.”
• “I have news for the forces of greed and the defenders of the status quo; your time has come and gone. It's time for change in America.”
• “For too long we've been told about "us" and "them." Each and every election we see a new slate of arguments and ads telling us that "they" are the problem, not "us." But there can be no "them" in America. There's only us.”

  Okay, and my personal favorites, although definitely a strong dish at the republicans:

• “I like that about the Republicans; the evidence does not faze them, they are not bothered at all by the facts.”
• “Taxing less and spending more... it's fun in the short run, but it's a recipe for disaster”

And since my mom was an educator and several of my friends are too, this one is for you:

• “If we want to invest in the prosperity of our nation, we must invest in the education of our children so that their talents may be fully employed.”

What a pain in the arm.

I made an appointment to see Dr. Crane at Internal Medicine.  I told the receptionist that I wanted to come in to get a prescription for milaria and shots for my trip.  I get to the office early and end up waiting 10 minutes past my appointment time before they call me back. 

The nurse gets my weight and asks me why I am there.  I said to get immunizations and milaria pilss.  She says "we don't do that here"??  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!  I about blew a gasket.  She said they could give me a tetanus shot.  But then I would have ended up paying for the office visit.  She tells me to go to the health department.  I tell her to make a copy of my medical record because I won't ever be coming back. 

I made an appointment at the health department for the next day.  I go back to get my shots and I am informed that I need to see my regular doctor to get a prescription for milaria pills (please refer back to first and second paragraph of this post...grrrrr).  So I get my tetanus and typhoid shot.  I find out that they can't bill insurance so it is $125 out of my pocket. 

Our benefits specialist at work says the tetanus shot would have been covered if I would have gotten it done at a in-network provider (please refer back to first and second paragraph of this post....grrrr).  LOVELY!!  And we aren't covered for travel vaccines by our insurance.  Apparently...we aren't suppose to travel anywhere. 

So...now I have an appointment at the Women's Health Care to get a prescription for milaria pills.  And they said since I am coming in I should get my yearly exam.....swell!  I can hardly wait!!!

This trip better be worth it!

Belize it or not!

C and I finally finalized our trip to Belize.  We will be doing two nights on Glover's Reef Atoll, one night in Belize City (not so excited about that), two nights at Crooked Tree up by the Mayan ruins, and then 4 nights on Caye Caulker. 

We are staying at the Banana Cabana on Caye Caulker.  We have come to affectionately call it the Banana Hammock.  Bananan Cabana has supposedly just been remodeled, so we have no idea what we are in for; but, at $120 per night (which is expensive for Caye Caulker) it better be nice!!!!

We can't wait to snorkel, hike, relax by the ocean and take tons of pictures!!!  Who knows we might even visit the baboon sanctuary where we will get to see howler monkeys!!

Vacation

C and I are hoping to go somewhere warm at the end of February.  We figure by then we will be standing on the cusp of suidical tendencies brought on by snow, snow, and more snow.  (Yes, I ski, I like it, but I would be happy if the snow stayed in the mountains and the roads were clear).  For almost a year we have talked about Belize and we think we are going to go for it.  I am praying my tax return will come back in time.  Here is what we are thinking of doing: (plus the addition of a few other nights)

http://www.islandexpeditions.com/ie-tripdesc-maya-reef-explorer.html

Such a Good Girl

Yesterday I came home to a dog with a poopy butt*.  Gross!  But, the good news is...there wasn't a huge mess all over my house.  THANK YOU PET DOOR!!!  So, Kona got to take a bath.  I drew the water, laid out the towels and went to get my dog.  I led her to the bathroom and she walked into the tub all my herself, with no prodding, pushing, or directing necessary.  Such a good girl!!!  I guess those weekly baths I gave her as a puppy really paid off.  Now she is clean, super soft, and smells good. 

*I have no doubt that this incidence happened because Kona got into her dog food bag the day before and gorged herself sleepy.

Oh So Pretty

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/217192.jpg

Hand-Pressing Flash Light

C gave me an awesome flash light to keep in my car that doesn't require batteries. All you have to do to keep the light going is press a hand lever. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should buy this flash light according to the packaging:

1. The product is a new science and technology product and made with high and new science and technology. It can illuminate only placing it in rhythm.
2. No need any power no environmental pollution. Low noise and health. Comparing with common torch, it can be several times on lift.
3. Con stantly using this health torch, it can benefit to your palm, arm and shoulder stretching and blood circulation, so as to let your hands relax and brain clever, hand and brain coor dinate and promote your brain memory and health composition.

Please note that the spaces in con stantly and coor dinate are intentional!

Just Seconds

Taking just two more seconds to look both ways before you crossed the road may have spared your life. If you had taken just two more seconds your family wouldn't be grieving. If you had taken just two more seconds my family would be enjoying a warm resting family vacation instead of feeling victimized, sad and stressed.

Please...everyone...s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and take just two more seconds.

It is amazing how just a couple seconds can change lives forever.

No Pain!

For years my mom has had intense pain from trigeminal neuralgia. Here is a pretty accurate description of the disorder:
"TN is a neuropathic disorder of one or both of the trigeminal nerves. Its nickname is "the suicide disease" because it causes one of the most severe pains that a human being can experience, and is not easily controlled or cured. It causes episodes of intense pain in any or all of the following: the ear, eye, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, teeth or jaw on one side of the face.[2] It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 people suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, although the actual figure may be significantly higher due to frequent misdiagnosis. TN usually develops after the age of 50, more commonly in females, although there have been cases with patients being as young as three years of age [3].
TN brings about stabbing, mind-numbing, electric shock-like pain from just a finger's glance of the cheek or spontaneously without any stimulation by the patient. Cold wind, high pitched sounds,loud noise such as concerts or crowds, chewing, talking, can aggravate the condition, and for the worst cases, even smiling or a scarf or the wind or hair on the side of the face is too much to bear."
Over a month ago Mom had gamma knife surgery in the hope that the pain would subside. During gamma knife surgery the neurosurgeon identifies the trigeminal nerve and zaps the sucker with a laser. The laser causes scaring on the nerve which inhibits its ability to send pain signals to the brain. It can take months to see results...but for my mom...IT WAS INSTANT! She is now off all the meds we was taking to mediate the pain and she is back to her old witty self again. Being on 3 anti-seizure meds has a way of dulling your mind. I am so thankful, I hope beyond hope that the results are permanent.

I almost killed my dog...again!

A few weeks ago I met C for drinks at the Elk. I had just gotten home from a business trip so I had left my computer bag by the front door. I forgot, however, that I had a bottle of Kodi's rymadyl in my bag. There were approximately 20 75mg pills of rimadyl. The great thing about rymadyl is that it is quick dissolving and tastes good to dogs. The terrible thing about rymadyl is that it is quick dissolving and tastes good to dogs.

Kona helped herself, removing the bottle cap, to the entire bottle of rymadyl. When we got home I noticed the empty bottle laying in the middle of the living room floor. C wanted to give her epicac and make her throw up, but I am an over protective doggy Mom (when I am not accidentally killing my dog) so off we went to pet emergency.

They slowly explained to me how my dog could die from organ failure, etc..etc..etc.. I just wanted them to hurry up and make her puke. Spare me the explanation and get to work!!! It turns out that they put eye drops that contain a morphine derivative in their eyes to make them puke. We were told it would be about a half hour wait while Kona puked her guts out. About ten minutes into the wait here comes wriggling Kona running across the waiting room. She had some how escaped from vet tech and made a break for it. Can't say I blamed her!

After Kona puked up some large amounts of brown gruel we met with the vet again. The vet wanted to keep her overnight for "hospitalization" so they could monitor her organ function. The put together an estimate for me and it was (drum roll please).....$800. Are you F#$KING KIDDING ME!!! So home we went after paying $134. I was advised to give her some Pepcid so she doesn't get a stomach ulcer. I stopped at the drug store on the way home and got 30 10mg pills for $11. The had estimated the cost of Pepcid during hospitalization to be $66 for two pills.

After all this it seems like Kona if healthy and happy. I guess only time will tell if any damage was done to her organs. So far she has seemed very resilient...hopefully that will continue.

I almost killed my dog

This is very serious. Yesterday C and I took the dogs to the park. It was a hot day, but we went late in the evening when it was cooling off. We took Kona's ball and were playing fetch with her. On the was home she started acting funny, she was laying down every few yards and then she started to drag her back legs a little. Her saliva was very thick and goopy. We went to our closest friends house and got water for her. By this point she was wobbling around showing a lack of coordination. I went home got the air conditioned car and we took her home and hosed her off. We are certain she had heat stroke. It was very scary.

Today Kona is at the vet for a check up and a hair cut.

Kona is only 2 years old. She is in good physical condition and she gets a lot of exercise. We think the heat and exercise was too much. Because she insists on carrying her ball she wasn't panting properly. Now she will be much more susceptible to heat stroke in the future.

Just wanted to warn everyone out there.

Here is some info on heat stroke: (from http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/signs_of_overheating_in_dogs):

Dog owners need to know the signs of overheating in dogs so that cooling measures can be taken quickly. Symptoms to watch for include:
Profuse and rapid panting
Bright red tongue
Thick drooling saliva
Wide eyes with a glassy look
Lack of coordination
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Coma

How to Cool an Overheated Dog
Working quickly to get the temperature down is imperative. Any of the following measures can help to cool the dog.
Place the dog in cool, but not cold, water
Take the dog to air conditioning
Sponge his head, tummy and area between the legs with cool water
Wet his tongue
Turn a fan on him
Offer small amounts of cool water to drink every few minutes if he is conscious
Care must be taken not to cool the dog too much. In some cases, the temperature can drop too quickly. Once the temperature has reached 104 F or 103 F, cooling efforts should be stopped.
Dogs who have overheated should be seen by a veterinarian to determine if they need further treatment.

Missing C

Last weekend C was on a business trip. This was the first weekend we spent apart since we met. I knew I would survive just fine on my own (okay...my Mom did come over to keep me company), but I still missed him. I guess I missed him so much I got a cold. Still trying to figure out how I can pin the cold on him.

Anyways...looking forward to a fun weekend with my guy.

What if Man

I think in every woman's life she comes across a "what if man". This man is in no way related to "mister right" or "the love of her life". The "what if man" is the person that her mind occasionally drifts to when she finds her day has become idle or something triggers a memory and she think to herself what if......

I have talked to several friends and relatives and asked them if they have a "what if man" and many do. It is that one person that might have developed into something "if only ....". Here are some examples of "if only's": he lived closer, Mr. Right hadn't come along, timing had been different, she hadn't been dating Mr. X, he hadn't been going through XYZ, etc...

In talking to friends it is also very clear that although they might occasionally think of their "what if man" they would not go back and give it another try.

You see when it comes down to it, when you truly weigh your options, trading "mister right" for "what if man" is a silly thought to entertain.

I personally believe life pushes us in certain directions for a reason. All of those "what if men" are put in our lives so we will be ready and open to our "mister rights". I am very happy with my "mister right" and looking back I wouldn't change a thing. My "what if man" helped me get where I am today and I couldn't be happier.

Let me know what you think, take my poll on the left side of the page.

33 and Counting

This weekend was beautiful in North Idaho. The weather was gorgeous, though a little on the hot side. C came up here from Spokane. I think this was the first weekend in months that I have been home. It felt so good.

On Friday we put our kayaks in at city beach and paddled Sand Creek. It was hot hot hot.

We woke up on Saturday and spent some time working on my yard. Oh the joys of trying to put my house up for sale. I think I might be crazy for trying to sell. The thought of actually packing and moving is terrifying. Ughh... Anyways, C was a huge help. When the shade was gone making yard work miserable we decided to go for a hike down to Maiden Rock.

The hike to Maiden Rock was lovely. It was shaded by the trees. The only bad thing....the mosquitoes. I have counted 33 bites so far and I am sure there are more I am missing. I had the bug spray in my pack and then took it out...stupid, stupid, stupid. I am itching as I type this right now. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Kona loved the beach, we couldn't get her out of the water. Finally she started shivering and we knew it was time to go. The trail to Maiden Rock is downhill in and uphill back. Let's just say I am so out of shape!! How did I let myself get like this (again!). Here is the scene: I am huffing and puffing up the trail, smacking and cursing mosquitoes, while C occasionally smacks me because he sees a blood sucker getting its fill. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Oh....I forgot the mention the lovely rash on my chest from sunscreen.

On Sunday morning we finished my yard work. In the afternoon we kayaked the Pack River. We were on the river about 3 hours which was perfect. (Note to self: research a more comfortable kayak seat.) We had a lovely picnic along the way.

All in all, a fabulous weekend!

Global Komen Race

This week I went to Washington DC for work. I extended my trip so I could spend an extra day being a tourist and then participate in the first ever global Komen race. This was the first time I have been to D.C., and I can't wait to go back. On my tourist day I visited the international spy museum, the halocaust museum, and did a monument walking tour. I had a great time, even though I had to walk a really long way from the Lincon Memorial to my hotel in the pouring rain.

The Komen race was amazing. My work is a series sponsor so we got the VIP treatment. I got to shake hands with vice president Joe Biden. I also saw other celebrities such as Sarah Chalke from scrubs, Candy Coburn (an upcoming country singer), Lalah Hathaway (singer), princess Katherine and prince Alexander of Serbia.

And the icing on the cake. When I was checking out of my hotel I saw Dr. Ruth!!!