The first of my Ford posts is up over here. Check it out!

Fitness Friday

It is decreed that today begins "Fitness Friday" here at the Headless Casa. Would you like to join me? First, for my story...

I have been far too lax in my exercise and eating and thus have added 5 too many pounds to my frame. Last November, you might remember, that I posted my weight for all the internet to see. Since that time I seriously let a few things go. Namely my belly and my diet. Ahem.

Our youngest started football conditioning this week-two hours each day of running, stretching, agility, and running. He also has to watch his weight. I've mentioned here before that he is a big kid and always has been but to make weight for his age we have to keep an eye on what and how much he eats. He's always been an eater, that one, and we don't want it to get away from him. Thus, we are watching what and how much we all eat this week.

And, I figured that since I had to be at the track anyway....

Which leads me to Fitness Friday. Each Friday I'll be posting here about our successes. It might be what I have or have not eaten this week. (Because we all know that walking away from cake is a success in itself, right?) Or it might be a new exercise that I tried, or how many miles I walked. It might be how many pounds that I lost (please!!!). Anything fitness related is game.

So, this week during practice I started walking again. On Wednesday, I walked about 3 miles on the track, and ran 1/4 mile of that. (Baby steps, right?) On Thursday I did the same. Also this week I have gotten back to only 2 cups of coffee, instead of the three or more I'd been up to.

Meals: more protein, eating sensible breakfasts, low fat, more fruits. No crazy snacking. Only one piece of birthday cake on Wednesday.

Leave me a comment and tell me the successes you've had this week! Don't just sit there-exercise your fingers! (Oh, and feel free to write your own post, link here, and leave us all the link in your comment. If needed I'll eventually get a Mr. Linky.)

Chicago Shots

To prove I was actually outside of the hotel at some point....

Thanks BlogHer 09!

A mere 24 hours home and I still can't find the words I want to say. Maybe that's because I have been reading so many other recaps that I want my head to explode?

Let me just say, first, that IT WASN'T ME!

OK, I feel better now.

Thank you to Ford for a kick a@@ day on Thursday, that you will soon be able to read all about on my other space, Headless Family Reviews. It was an amazing day, seriously, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. (Post #1, Post #2)

I want to thank my lovely roommate Greis. Thank you for keeping me from my nap on Thursday afternoon. I wouldn't have had it any other way! It was great to see your smile every morning and every night.

A special shout out to Carmen, JavaJenn, Busy Mom, Liz, and PhatMommy. What a fun time we had; my conference wouldn't have been the same with out you to hang with.

A million, billion, gagillion thanks to all of the conference sponsors that made it all possible. We couldn't have been there without you.

Thanks to Jory, Lisa, Elisa, and Lori. I enjoyed meeting all of you this year, and without all of your hard work, all year, none of it would have been possible. You all rock. I'd love to have your gig. Seriously.

Thanks to all of you that I met. Talking straight for 4 days is not usually what we as bloggers do, (we usually let our fingers do the talking!,) but I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of you. As per my earlier post, I will be sifting through my cards and visiting you, commenting, following you on Twitter. That is (some of,) the fun of BlogHer-getting to know so many talented new women (and men!) and get you in my reader to follow.

I also would be quite remiss if I didn't thank my plane ticket sponsor. They are the rockin'est people ever. Not only did they get me to BlogHer, they got me into this world. I'm the luckiest daughter ever to have parents like them!

Now, on to the dishes and laundry....Aah! the fun of returning home. You know the drill....

BlogHer 09-Day 1

OK, so it's not the greatest picture....but you get the idea.

The Road To Rushmore

About ten days ago we set out for Mt. Rushmore. We'd heard that the south road through Custer State Park was great so we said, "Why not?" Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions that we made all weekend!

This is the first wildlife sighting. Pretty cool, huh?

Many animals will cut an aging bull out of the herd. Our guess is that that is what had happened to this old guy. He was wandering by the road all by himself. Literally, he was no more than about 20 feet from our car! We also got to see a large herd of buffalo, including babies, on a small side road.

This is some of the gorgeous scenery. This particular spot had a creek running through it. I loved the red rock cliffs.

Custer State Park also has it's very own herd of mules. These guys were funny! But also sad because they were being fed by the tourists. Not hard to do when they stick their entire heads in your car, but I really don't think that bananas and donuts are in their regular diet. The stripes down their back and sides were really unique!

The next part of our journey was on the "Iron Highway." It is an old and winding road that had tunnels that were built to frame Mt. Rushmore when coming from the south. It was really cool to see it each of the three times, each time getting closer and closer. Each tunnel was only wide enough for one car so it was slow going, but really worth it when you got to see it! (I know that it is hard to see here, but I wanted you to have the perspective of another car.)

At the end of the Iron Highway, you get to the real prize-Mt. Rushmore. It is really awe-inspiring! I would recommend this trip to anyone that finds themselves in the area. Being that it is only a 6 1/2 hour drive from Denver, we're sure to go again, and next time take Headless Dad along!

From the left, Headless Boy#1, Niece #1, Sam the Butcher, Headless Grandma, Alice, Headless Boy#2, Headless Grandpa, and my Aunt G.

The round trip was about 5 hours total and really worth it. Even the kids enjoyed it...Headless Boy#2 was caught saying that he really needed a nap (around hour 3!) but was afraid to go to sleep because "I might miss something really cool!"

Now that is the sign of a good day, don't you think?

What Women Want

I need your help!

Visit me at Reviews and Giveaways for a unique opportunity to get your voice heard by a major American automaker....

I'm counting on you! And You! And yoU! Now GO!

Wanted: Mojo. Send immediately!

I need to get off of this machine and actually DO something. Maybe having a list will help? Because the heat here certainly isn't helping AT.ALL.

To Do and Pack before Wednesday:

• figure out outfits for each day, including jewelery and shoes
• make sure all outfits are washed and ironed
  
• pack said outfits
• (remember to wear only what I won't be taking to avoid the last-minute-washload. heh.)
• download all pictures currently in the camera so it will be ready to go on Wed.
• pay bills and figure out how much cash I'll have for the week (and how much Headless Dad will have for him and the boys on their camping trip!)
• gather some food/snacks so I'll have more money for getting inked and wine
• organize my purse-New! by Janine King for BlogHer! (mine is a different pattern. perfect for traveling, I heart it already!!!)
• further research the L, the tattoo shop, and the closest place to buy wine
• gather and pack all of the makeup and hair stuff that I need
• make sure I've added all cell phone numbers to my phone that I'll need
• change my hotel reservation to reflect my roommate change (Greis, please check on Mon. eve. that I haven't forgotten!)
• figure out the suitcase situation. I need to make sure that I have an extra to check if I need to on the way home-thus I may need to pack and repack to get to the right combo.
  
• give myself a mani-pedi
• pack for the boys for their trip (What's the weather in Bishop, CA this week?)
• gather all power cords to pack
• check to see if I have any thing else to add to my ipod (There's no way I'm getting to this one!)
  
• prewrite a post for Wed. while I'm traveling
  

What have I forgotten?

Special Delivery For Keetha

Keetha! I found the bears in South Dakota!
Not the greatest of hiding places....
And their friends, the raccoons!
Uh, oh. Someone's being naughty!
Where is your mother?!

(All of these carvings were found at Bear Country USA. I'll share more later!)

Are You Going To BlogHer '09?

Denise from BlogHer suggested that we all do an intro post before next week when we get to Chicago. I posted my intro at BlogHer. Head on over to see what I have to say about meeting me next week. Have you joined and posted yet? Leave me the link to your post here if you want, but definitely let me know if you're going so I don't miss you!

Oh, and if you're getting in on Wednesday let me know. It should be a perfect time to get to talk before the masses arrive on Thursday!

SkyWatch Friday

We made it home very late last night thanks to at least 3 people that had checked in for the flight but didn't show. I hope it wasn't anything more tragic than a flat tire or the like. I'm just glad to be home.

This was taken on July 3rd from my parent's deck after their 45th anniversary get-together. It was a lovely night and the show in the sky was quite the icing on the cake. The picture doesn't do it justice, really.

If anyone has the SkyWatch link handy please leave it in the comments. I'm too tired to search for it right now but would love to give the credit. Thanks for doing my legwork for me!

Wednesday Already?

Well, we're cutting the vaca one day short and going home tomorrow night. Hopefully this will be my last crap post from the mountains. Not that my pictures are crap, but you know what I mean. And I'm itching to talk more about BlogHer...One week, Baby!

The kids are ready to be home and see their dad, and sleep in their own beds.

And I'm ready do snuggle my sweetie. Oy, the empty bed gets lonely.

See you peeps soon-from Southern California!

The Whippletree

If you have ever been to Evergreen, Colorado, you have probably been to the Whippletree restaurant. Each and every time I come to visit I have to go-at least once!


I had my first margarita ever here, and they are still as good as they were back then. (Of course I think I was 16 the first time they served me one, but that is beside the point now, right?) (Hey, I was with my mom if my memory serves me correctly!)

Unfortunately I didn't get pics of my food. (Bad blogger that I am!) After one of these I was so hungry I don't even think I took a breath until it was all gone. I order the same thing that I did all those years ago-the Chicken Flauta-and it is still as good as it always was. HB#2 couldn't believe that I ate the whole thing (they're HUGE!), and I told him that since I only get it once every 3 years I was entitled to make a pig of myself.

Pretty sound reasoning if I do say so myself.

Anyway, if you are ever in the neighborhood, it's worth the trip!

Hey, Y'all!

Just a quick note to let you know what's up for the next few days....

As you know, we've been on vacation in Colorado. Well, we're taking a vacation within a vacation... Today, (Friday,) we're headed to Mt. Rushmore, and we'll return on Monday. It's really unclear if I will return here on Monday or not. Maybe Tuesday? Word on the street is that there is free WiFi at our hotel but I may just choose to read a book instead. Who knows? Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what's up.

Have a great weekend and hopefully I'll have some rockin' pictures to share!

The Boys Want A Baby Sister

One of my oldest friends had a baby 18 months ago and this Monday was the first time we had seen her. (You can actually see all 3 kids in this picture.)
HB#1 took to holding her hand and guiding her around.
Looks like he'd do a pretty good job of being a big brother again, doesn't it?

More Columbine

These were all taken in downtown Evergreen. It's my blog, and my birthday (yesterday, anyway). I can post what I want, right?

The Day After Turning 41

How is that possible that I am 41? I feel more like 28. Why 28? Mostly because it's past college, but well before real aging sets in. You know, before gray hair and wrinkles, and clicking joints. But all of those things make me feel it in my body, if not my mind.

Thanks to all of you that sent birthday wishes here and on Facebook. It has been really nice to be remembered.

Yesterday we enjoyed a restful day visiting downtown Evergreen. (I promise I'll post some pictures later!) This town that I love so much has grown, but not so much that it's not mine anymore. The same old lake, the same old buildings, the same towering mountain skyline, all draw me in. I actually got tears yesterday at the flood of memories that were surrounding me. The familiarity of it all.

By 4 pm. I was at a bar meeting sorority sisters for a get-together. So fun to see them; catch up. Where has the time gone? So interesting, too, where life has taken us, separate paths that cross now and then. Some people never change. I suppose it's true of me, too. Love that we can do this- the meet-and-greet of old friends.

Speaking of, today is the day of a high school girls get together. Short notice, whoever can come, afternoon-evening thing. I'm really looking forward to it. Not even really wondering what to wear! (Not to mention that it's going to be close to 100 in Denver today. Sheesh, I thought I was leaving that behind!)

So last night we had an awesome dinner. Post of it's own. With pictures! Coming soon!

Headless Dad is (hopefully) on his way home today. We're riding on passes, therefore hoping for an open seat on the next flight, (he's already missed one). Really glad he could stay for my birthday, but miss him already.

Vacation is treating me well, even if the birthdays still keep coming. Inevitable, no?

Columbine, The Colorado State Flower

And my absolute favorite flower on earth.

A Sad Attempt At Days 4-6

How has it possibly been 3 days since my last post? Vacation must be getting the best of me.

Friday we, (well, mostly Sam the Butcher,) hosted an anniversary party for my parents. Back in May they had been married for 45 years and since I was going to be here we had a few of their friends over for cocktails and apps. It was a really lovely party and fun to see both of my parents with their tribe. This group goes to dinner (most) every Friday, often plays golf together, and just generally hangs together. I love knowing that they have such good friends right here where they live. Some of them have kids that I went to high school with so it was fun to catch up with them and my old friends too. Someday I'm going to write more about my parents and their story. It's really awesome but also really messed me up when I was younger--I thought everyone married their high school sweetheart!

Saturday was my mother's birthday. Since the party was on Fri. night we lounged around for most of the day then headed down to Sam the Butcher and Alice's house. They live about a mile for one of the best firework's viewing areas in the Denver area. We could see the shows from about a dozen cities as well as the Denver Tech Center, Invesco Field, and Bandemere Speedway. Fireworks are always for my mom...that's usually all she wants for her birthday-to see the fireworks!

Sunday, the 4 of us went to a church where an old high school friend is the pastor. It was really cool being in a very small church again. I was bummed that my friend wasn't there, but the pastor that was speaking was great. If we lived here we might just go to that church, but that is a whole other post...

After church we went to see Kelly from Something Funny... (If you've been reading around here for any length of time you would know that we've been friends for *gulp* 30 years.) I really miss her so much *waves* Hi Kel! Our time together is never enough. We are so lucky that our husbands get along so well, and our kids do, too. One of these days maybe we'll vacation together or something, and get to spend more than 3 hours!

Headless Dad cooked the greatest dinner last night! Steaks on the grill, my mom made fried corn (mmmm, maybe I'll post the recipe some time,) my aunt made asparagus, there was also green beans and broccoli and garlic bread, and a homemade pineapple upsidedown cake. Heavens, we eat good around here!

Later today I get to see another friend that I've known since high school, and meet her 1 1/2 year old for the first time. Now there is one that has some stories! She's been all around the world and seen some amazing, historical things first-hand.

Anyhoo, so that's what we've been doing. I'm tired. And I still have 10 days of this! (I know, I know. Don't throw anything, OK?)

Vacation: Day Two and Three

On Wednesday we met some friends in downtown Denver for an early dinner and Headless Dad spied this picture.

Thursday we spent in Longmont visiting friends, and the kids got to do this:
(these friends deserve a whole post of their own, unfortunately we are expecting a houseful of guests in about 45 min. so I can't right now. Love you guys!!)

It's really too bad that we're not having any fun, ya know?