My Celebrity Look-a-like

I got told the other day that I reminded someone of Bonnie Hunt.

She didn't know if it was my looks or my personality/mannerisms.

Either way -- I was flattered!

I loved Bonnie Hunt in Beethoven. (Oh, but that SURE seals the deal on me never wanting a dog!)

I loved her in Return to Me. (Which reminds me - I think I'm in the mood to watch that again!)

I loved her in Cheaper by the Dozen. (I could really take some "Mom" lessons from her. She did not have my problem, and she had twice [at least] as many reasons to YELL! Instead, she'd calmly say things like, "I'd really appreciate it if you kids left this house & each other in one piece while I'm gone." For some reason, that just doesn't work at my home.)

And she also has a pretty good Talk Show on T.V. right now! (Too bad I don't catch it enough.)

Anyway, I'd never been told that before. I wondered if the resemblance was really there.
I wanted to see just how true it was. I remembered a website that will scan your face and then bring up some different celebrities that you look like. I wondered if I did it, would Bonnie Hunt come up as a match?

So I did it.

No match.

Instead....

#1 Look-a-Like: Britney Spears (78%) One word: YUCK!

#2: Charlotte Church (72%) She's a Welsh singer/songwriter/actress/television presenter. It must've been the chubby cheeks that got me the "high score" with her. :)

#3: Gareth Gates (71%) A guy? I look like a guy? Whom I don't even know. (He's an English Singer, appearing in Les Miserables right now on the International 25th Anniversary World Tour)

#4: Sania Mirza (66%) She's an Indian tennis player. Interestingly enough, we always say my daughters turn into "Indians" in the summer (they get SO tan) - I've been asked by others what nationality their father is, but it turns out, those tendencies come from me!

#5: Alizee (66%) A French Singer. With just a one-word name. The "Madonna" of France?

#6: Emma Watson (64%) You'll die when I say I didn't know who she was...so I looked her up. Turns out she's a British actress who just happens to play one of the starring roles, Hermione, in the Harry Potter movies - and has earned more than 10 million pound sterling doing it!

#7: Geena Davis (64%) I'll try not to let the fact that she's 14 years older than I am bother me! The fact that she's an American actress (1 of the 2 celebs from this list I even knew), a former fashion model AND a women's Olympics archery team semi-finalist should cancel out the age issue, right?!? ;)

#8: Dannii Minogue (63%) She's an Australian singer/actress.

And guess who #9 was? (But not pictured in the above 8-photo maximum collage)

Charles Barkley. At a 63% resemblance factor. What? I'm a 47 year old Black man? Did it have more to do with his agressive and outspoken demeanor, who was frequently involved in on- and off- the court fights and sometimes stirred national controversy? Or is it all about his nickname, "The Round Mound of Rebound" for his "unusual build?"

Anyway...I'm not so sure this was a confidence boost - although 7 of the top 8 are younger than I am, all born between 1971 - 1990! Yea! (Or is it my full face that hides any wrinkles - and age?)

But, what about me and Bonnie?

To My Neighbors, Laura and Heidi

Hello, my name is Suzanne, and I am a yeller.

(Is that even a real word?)

There. I said it.

It's out in the open now.

I know you've heard me.

And I am sorry.

My husband asks if this doesn't embarrass me (as if that will motivate me to stop.)

Yes, it does.

You no longer have to pretend like you don't know.

Or walk by sheepishly when you've "caught" me.

Or skittishly dance around the subject when you're talking to me.

We're getting rid of the "elephant in the room" right this moment!

I know I have a yelling problem.

My husband and kids have repeatedly told me as much.

But, I already knew even without their "observations."

Do you know how many times I have read Proverbs 15:1? "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (a ton)

I've marked that scripture, and re-marked that scripture, and re-marked it again and again. I've done it with every color of scripture highlighter pencils I own.

My kids have asked me why I always yell.

The truth is, I don't always yell. (shocker for you?)

The first THREE (or 10) TIMES I said it to them, I was speaking in a normal voice. (which my husband thinks is still louder than "normal.")

But, with NO response. NONE. NADA. Nothing happens.

And, then I fall back into my ol' standby method -- I yell. (cringe)

And, boy, do they hear me then! They [finally] kick it into action...and then ask my why I always yell.

I'm just like the dogs in Pavlov's law - but I am a dog, as far as the Chinese new year goes - or maybe it's the rat I am - or some other equally undesirable animal.
Back to Pavlov's: I've learned, talking = no response, yelling = response.

At times, I have consciously made the choice to SAY NOTHING.
And I don't.
And I watch my family NOT doing what they should be doing. (This irritates me so much.)
I refrain from saying anything. I hold back. I remain silent.
Family still not doing what I expect.
I bite my tongue. I fight the "yelling monster" that wants so desperately to come out.
Still not getting the results from them.
I stew, and I stew, and I stew....but what happens to the pot of chili (blah!) when it stews for so long, with the heat getting increasingly higher?...It boils over!!
As is the same with me...I Yell - even though I wasn't going to. I'd chosen NOT to.
And the family's like, "WHOA! Where'd that come from? What's gotten into her? What's her problem?" (I'm telling you my problem right now!)
I resort back to my weakness. Just like the dog to his vomit.

I want to stop. I need to stop.
Saying, "Please forgive me" doesn't seem sincere or believable enough, since part of repentance means I will never do it again. And, so far, I keep doing it.
I have listened to our Church Leaders speak about this and have studied their General Conference talks. I have prayed about this. I have fasted about this. I have continually beat myself up about this.
Why can't I change into a "Non-yeller?" (Is that even a real word, also?)
Is this just a part of me? Is this who I am, unable to be altered? The ol' "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" case in point?

Here's the root of the problem:
There's a very short supply of patience in my entire being.
There are some things that I have little or NO tolerance for.
Things like:

disobedience
not listening
disrespect
irresponsibility
laziness
undependability
dishonesty
unwillingness to serve/help
"free-loaders"
thoughtlessness
being oblivious to the needs of others

And that's my problem I have to work out.

So, I say to my neighbors, I apologize to you for ever having to hear me yell. I don't want to run you out of town. But, is it any coincidence that in the 8 years, 10 months that we have lived in our current home, we have had SIX different next door neighbors? Yes, it's true - THREE different families have lived in each of the houses both on the left & on the right side of me.

And to my family...well, I've got ongoing repenting to do with you, in private.

I didn't realize it before, but it turns out, with all these references, I really am a dog!!
(Although, "bear" is the word my husband used.) :)

Kids Say the Darndest Things - February '10 Edition

Taken from the sidebar...

Haylee: "I can read minds."
Matt: "What am I thinking?"
Haylee: "That after all the kids are in bed, you want to go into your room with mom and kiss her all night." 2/10

The Most Expensive Birthday Present I ever Bought

Look what Ryan got for his 14th Birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN! ;)

I hope you like your gift!
I've been paying for it for over a year now, with just a few more months to go! :)
We're such kind & merciful parents, aren't we?

Of course, he got them decorated in the colors of THE UTES! He even tried to make the shape of a "U" but he came to the conclusion he'd need 3 layers of teeth to make it look good.

Hopefully, these next two days of SOLID basketball (Deacon's tournament, Teacher's tournament, & Jr. Jazz) he has planned, doesn't result in a chewed up and/or bloodied inside of his mouth.


But, before the braces came on, we made sure to go to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory last night (his actual b-day) and eat one of these for the last time ...in a while...

YUMMM!

(The "Apple Pie" ones (2nd from left in photo) are my personal favorite!)

How's The Dating Scene?

Matt & I were out together at a restaurant on Saturday evening. At first, there were no "neighbors" at the table next to us and things were going along quite normally. Then, a little bit later, another couple (maybe our same age or a little bit older, but I'm a bad judge of guessing age) was seated at the table next to us. It was the kind of seating arrangement where a long, padded bench went along the length of the entire wall, where the front windows were. And then multiple tables were dotted along the wall with a certain amount of spacing between them. So, someone from each table was sitting on this same bench and their dining partner was sitting across the table on a chair. I would guess that there was only about 2 feet between our table and our new "neighbors."

Because of this close(ish) proximity, the fact that this was the type of restaurant that played QUIET music, and that the woman was not "soft-spoken," we heard their first sentence to each other loud and clear, "So, do you work out?"

At the same time, Matt & I turned and gawked! Yep, we totally stopped our conversation and stared checked them out.
Then we looked back to each other, Matt smirked and mouthed the words to me, "FIRST DATE!"

My concentration was officially broken. Now, I wanted to know if the guy worked out! I listened. (He does. Five times a week, in fact. He either goes skiing or running.)

His very first question to her was even more conversation-stopping interesting, "So, tell me about your dating history/experience."

Matt & I were looking at each other with the same look, "Oh boy, that's a dangerous question!"

She proceeded to answer.

I had to force myself to stay looking straight forward as to not appear to be aware of them and their awkward getting-to-know-you chat.

She started out, "Well, the guys I've gone with, I've dated for a while...blah, blah, blah, blah...But, there's a couple of things...blah, blah, blah...Well, I'm a workaholic...blah, blah, blah...and the other thing is, I'm in a higher income, and some men are intimidated by that...blah, blah, blah" -- AWKWARD!

(At her last confession, Matt wanted to ask, "So, are you paying tonight?"

OK, Suzanne...focus. Focus. Don't look, don't laugh, and for heaven's sake, don't pipe in!

I blocked out the next few paragraphs, but I didn't miss her say, "I'd rather be single than unhappily married!" -- YIKES! Don't you wanna at least give off the attitude that you believe in marriage?

OK, back to our date. Talk, talk, ignore, try not to stare, ignore, and then another sentence is too easily overheard.

Who knows what led up to this, but she says, "My weight really fluctuates. My father is Italian, and his side of the family gets huge real easily." -- CRINGE! Maybe I'm wrong, maybe it's misleading, but THAT is a "Family Secret" I'd try to hide as long as possible !
Now, I was curious as to where she was on her "fluctuating" scale currently. The high end or the low end? Was her Italian heritage taking control? I snuck a look. She was at the low end, quite skinny - just a little belly hanging over her pants. (I'm not one to talk!)


So, going on with their date - and our date - I guess she didn't want to stop now with the riveting questions, "Are you Mormon?" she asks.

I think I turned and actually looked this time.

He proceeds, "When I was 10 years old...blah, blah, blah...My parents were....blah, blah, blah...My "Ex" was...blah, blah, blah....And she didn't... blah, blah, blah..."
To which she replies, "I go up to the 'U' for church....blah, blah, blah...it helps me...blah, blah, blah"
(All the "blah, blah's" are things I'm not catching)
To which he replies, "Well...blah, blah, blah....I'm of the opinion of....blah, blah, blah..." I didn't catch all the good details this time, I think when their conversation turned to religion, it naturally go more hushed. But, from what I could gather with their tone & the general "atmosphere" between them, I'm pretty sure there was a difference in religion. -- UNCOMFORTABLE!During all of this, the waiter kept coming back to take their order, but they'd been talking so much, their menus had been neglected and were still on their table, closed. The waiter asked if they'd be ordering an appetizer.
They went back and forth, "Do you want an appetizer?" "I don't care, do you?" "Whatever" And then she announces, "It's up to him!" as she points to him -- ILL AT EASE! For, if he bags the appetizer idea, does this "higher income" woman think he's a cheapskate? Or, if he decides to order one, and orders something she doesn't like, he's struck out again. She may not want him to think that she can eat that much - an appetizer AND a meal, with her "Italian tendencies" and all. Nor does she want to add anything additional to the bill if he's paying.

I finally put up a pretend wall between our tables, by resting my chin on my hand and shielding my face with it, trying to spread it as big as possible, so I can separate more from them and their sticky moments. But, inevitably, something else in their conversation penetrates my "wall."

He asks her to tell him about her traveling interest. (It almost seemed like he had some background info on her - from an online dating site, perhaps?) She answers, "Well, I'd like to...blah, blah, blah...But, I've been trying to decide for the last few years if I should get my Doctorate or buy a house - because I can't do BOTH." -- STUMBLING! To which I wanted to say, "What do you mean? Don't you have a 'higher income?' Surely, you could afford to do whatever you want!"

The conversation turns to houses - namely her search for one. She says, "I didn't like this...blah, blah, blah...and they all have blah, blah, blah...and the houses don't have...blah, blah, blah...There just isn't a house that I like." He suggests a few things and areas, to which she had a rebuttal for. Then, he jokingly gives the "throw-in-the-towel" motion and says, "Oh, FINE, I'm not seeing you again! HaHaHa." -- EMBARRASSING!

But, I wondered just how TRUE his "sarcastic joke" really was. If I were the guy on that date, and I wasn't, I wouldn't have been impressed with her at all! Nor would I be asking her out again! Maybe even cut Saturday night's date SHORT!

It all just made me so glad that I was not them!

I'm glad I can be comfortable when I go out on a date with Matt!

I don't have to worry about whether or not to order an appetizer -- Because I KNOW he always wants one. He like them all. And if I only eat a few bites - no problem - he'll devour the rest.

We're the same religion.

I don't have to analyze WHAT I should order - and what he'll think of me for ordering it - because no matter what, I'm not gonna look like a PIG. He'll always eat MORE than I do, and will do it twice as fast!

And, he'll trade me meals if I have "Buyer's Remorse." He's very good like that!

He already knows my "Family Secrets."

I don't have to worry about whether or not he's gonna hold my hand or kiss me -- He WILL! ;)

He [acts like he] doesn't care about my dating past :) and he knows I believe in marriage!

And, I don't have to worry about filling up every moment with talking, talking, talking just for filling-up-the-silences sake. In fact, we can just sit there and look at each other and let the couple next to us do the talking, while we give each other the, "Oh my word, could this get any more risky/unpleasant/graceless/delicate?" look. :D

If I Wasn't a Blogger, What Would I Do?

A few weeks ago, around the dinner table, we were having a discussion of some sort. The exact details of the entire conversation are kind of fuzzy, but there's one part that I haven't been able to forget. Which is really quite amazing since I'm really having a "forgetting" problem as of late. Maybe that is a testament to how impressionable it was on me!

So, we're talking about something (here's the fuzzy part).....but it had to do with doing something...like rebuilding a car engine
or reading the complete Twilight series
or getting a Master's Degree
or raising your own pigs
or watching all the Reality T.V. shows
or becoming an astronaut
or being the President
...or something equally as difficult, time-consuming, and unreasonable at this "season" in my life.

OK, so on to the non-fuzzy part.
So, right after we were talking about whatever [it may or may not have been one of the above listed items],
my oldest son, Ryan, who-in-my-opinion-should-know-better-than-to say-this, said, "Mom, you should do that!"
That sort of comment always takes me a little aback, because, are they saying it because they think I'm not valuable enough the way I am, with what I am already doing? Or do they think I do nothing, and they're trying to find me a "hobby?"
Whatever...
I retorted, "Yeah, right, with what time?"
in a tone of voice that was suppose to give off the message of, "You are talking complete nonsense, get a grip on reality, Buddy!" and it would force him to comprehend the error of his comment.
Nope. Apparently, the "tone" failed.
Because he came back (rather quickly, I must add) with, "With all your blogging time!"

And THEN, and then, Matt, after thinking silently for a minute, said, "Yeah."

What? My own husband?

To which I lamely replied, "Blogging replaced my scrapbooking time."

At that point, the conversation was over, but not the thoughts - at least for me!

And what do you do when you can't quit thinking about something? You blog about it, of course.

The reason I know they didn't give it another thought is, because, in order to assist with the details of this post, I asked those male members of my family, the same ones who were involved in this very conversation and offering me alternative life solutions, just what it was we were talking about in the beginning....and they both could only vaguely remember us having any such conversation, let alone the details of what big, fabulous thing I should be doing with my life [in place of my blogging time.]

Why can't boys ever remember what you talk about? I do not get this. Never will! But, that's another post....

I need to say that the comment back at the dinner table rather confused me, because those two guys, especially, really like my our blog. And they really like our family scrapbooks, too. Basically, they've always thought it was cool that I did these things.

Anyway - here's what I've been thinking about, very simply:

Does blogging take too much time?

Not necessarily me making posts, but me reading all your wonderful posts. Just make them a little more uninteresting & despicable and I wouldn't have a hard time giving them up! ;)

But, I like it so much! And that is my reading, I don't read other books & magazines.

I don't think I could give it up for Lent, that's for sure - at least I wouldn't want to! (If I was even Catholic in the first place, which I'm not.)

But, my family's comments linger in my brain.

So, the first thing I decided to do was "clean house." I had a ton of [approx. 20] blogs on my blogroll that I "stalked." I didn't even know these people at all. I'd never met them. They didn't know me. I didn't comment on their blogs. I just made the decision to delete them. That just cut out some "blogging time." - check.

And secondly, lately, in conjunction with a new system cutover at work, I've found myself working A LOT more hours that I'm not used to. And the majority of those hours are in the wee hours of the morning, when not too many customers are dialing up causing our phones to ring off the hook. So, a new idea began to form....What if I decided to NOT read blogs during the day anymore, but what if I could wait to read them during this time, at insane hours, when I'm awake (barely), sitting in front of a computer and not really doing much? It would mean I might be reading things a couple of days late and not be "in the know" all the time, but oh well....

You may have noticed my comments on your blogs lately have some really odd time stamps on them, like between the hours of 1:00 to 4:00 in the morning. NO, that's not a typo, it's when I'm reading them....
...and as a result, using my old "blogging time" to do other things - but, NOT to become an astronaut - yet! :)

A Couple of Things still Left Hangin' around Haunting me after the Trip....

Do you ever have a hard time deciding what to do about something.....
So, as a result, you do NOTHING?
For a long time.
Just leave it alone.
Just don't do anything about what you should be doing something about?

OK - so maybe it's just ME with problems?
But, that's been ME the last 10 days since I got home from vacation.
Here's the FIRST THING:

I made an order with one of my favorite places to shop Clearance online, Lands' End, for stuff to go on our cruise. It was great because their summer clothing and swim suits that are technically "off-season" were on clearance and was just perfect for what I could take to Mexico with me! Well, according to their shipping schedule, my package should've been delivered either the Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday before I departed for my cruise on Saturday.

Well......You guessed it! Me and Murphy. It didn't make it! I even saw the UPS guy driving around my neighborhood on that Friday morning and I pleaded out loud, to no one in particular, to let him come to my home! No such luck!

Instead, I packed my plain, old stuff to take and I came home to this package sitting on my rocking chair in my bedroom. And that's where it's remained ever since.

As in remained. Untouched. Unopened. It's contents un-looked at, un-tried on, completely ignored!

Who doesn't open a package when it's delivered? ME!

What was I suppose to do with it now?

I mean, a lot of good it does me now!

Should I just write, "Return to Sender" on the package without ever opening it? Can I even do that?

Should I keep it all anyway for my next cruise in 2 1/2 years? It won't be very neat, then.

Should I just use it this summer! Maybe it won't even fit me this summer.

Why couldn't didn't I even open it?

What does this mean?

1) That I'm in the "denial" stage of the grieving process at the loss of a cute, new wardrobe for my cruise?

2) That I'm thinking it will just mysteriously take care of itself - maybe self-destruct, and it'll be like this never happened? Although, I have some children who could help with the destruct part if I don't move it out a reach, SOON!

3) Am I afraid that maybe the items won't fit me - and that would be depressing!

4) I'm just too tired to take care of it this week?

5) Do I believe that my lack of sleep since returning home will seriously impair my ability to make a wise decision on the matter?

6) Am I trying to figure out if I can use the "return reason" of "Didn't arrive in time" and get all my money back, including shipping. (Always thinking about saving money!)

Well, whatever it was....TODAY, 10 days later, I finally decided to open it!

And I think it swayed my decision to keep most of it....so much for saving money!!

But I'm not sure about the shoes...What d'ya think? It seems like I could only wear them with pants that are a lighter color than them -- or else they will really stand out all dorky-like? And right now, I'm wearing dark pants...

Here's the OTHER THING:

It's my favorite buy from Mexico. I found many stores with all kinds of fun dishes - and for some reason, I'm attracted to dishes. I played the bartering game from shop to shop and got this $25 bowl for $10!

It was wrapped in newspaper, taped, and put in a bag. I packed it in the middle of my suitcase, surrounded by all my [plain, old] clothes, thinking that would offer sufficient "padding." How wrong I was! I mean, come on, I work for an airline! I should KNOW that fragile things should be carried on! (But, I checked all my bags, because I CAN, for free - only carried on my purse.)

So, my broken bowl sits on my kitchen counter. Super glue doesn't work, I already tried it.

I really just ought to throw it away. What good is it now?

But the spoiled-child voice in me is screaming out, "BUT, I WAAANT IT!"

Do I think it's gonna just magically come all back together again one night? After a visit from some elves? Am I deranged enough to think I could "turn back time" (like Cher) and make these two things not happen the way they did?!

No, I don't really think that - I just wish....Which is kind of STUPID since:

a) NOT having my new "cruise clothes" DID NOT end up ruining my cruise - I still had a wonderful time!

b) AND, I'm sure all my blogging buddies out there could probably recommend some place locally that I could buy another great bowl. In the meantime, Matt put it on top of our cupboards as "decoration" so we can retain the "sentimental value" of it.

But, I have a request: if any of you go to Mexico, yourselves, could you bring me one back?! Pretty please?! In your carry-on luggage, of course! :)

Cruise 2010 Top 10

2 1/2 years in the planning....

Months of anticipation.....

7 days of a TRUE vacation!!!

It finally came.

Before our Alaska Cruise was even through 2 1/2 years ago, we made plans to go on our next cruise -- somewhere WARM this time. And that's how our Mexican Riviera Cruise idea was born.
Warning: I think this may take the record of the most photos in a single post.....
But here's my own version of the "Top Ten." (In no particular order)

10. Time with Matt

9. Our ABBA impersonation

One night there was an activity called, "Love Boat Legends." We didn't really know what it was, but decided to attend anyway. Turns out, Princess Cruise line (the ship we were on) is the ship in the good ol' TV show "Love Boat" (thus the "Love Boat" part). Apparently, they have had many musical "guests" make appearances on their ship (thus the "Legends" part).
The Catch is....the members of the audience become the stars of this show!
Our group of 4 was approached by one of the Cruise Director staff asking us to be in a foursome. They didn't really give us a choice of whether or not we'd do it, just a choice of which foursome to do: The Beatles, The Monkeys, or ABBA.
They took us downstairs and dressed us in costumes, complete with wigs, sequins, & head bands. When they put the wig on Brett - we lost it LAUGHING!!
As in, I-was-at-risk-for-peeing-my-pants-LAUGHING!! (Crossing my legs and all!)
Matt's laugh went up at least 3 octaves, my stomach was hurting, and Steph was crying....all the while Brett kept a perfectly straight face, which made it even more FUNNY! And then they announced the performance by ABBA...and we had to run up the stairs, on stage, and sing, "Dancing Queen!"

8. Friends
Brett & Stephanie
Jeremy & Gina
Our Motto: What happens on the Cruise, stays on the Cruise!
(And now, I'm posting a gazillion snippets of evidence! hahaha!)

7. Food
Also, on the menu: escargot, frog legs (only Brett was brave [READ: insane] enough to try 'em), caviar, & sushi, to name a few!
An all-you-care-to-eat Ice Cream shop poolside.
On the very night we took a photo of our Lobster dinner, we went to a Comedian for our nightly entertainment, who did a whole number on those "Wackos" who take pictures of their food!! Too Funny!
And, miraculously, I only gained 1 pound -- and Matt gained 4! Finally, some justice! :)

6. Musical "Men"
You've heard of the game "Musical Chairs." This is the same concept, except all the ladies are walking to the music in a circle around the men. When the music stops, you grab a man!
I was in the game for a while...I was lucky enough to be able to grab Matt most of the rounds. The announcer would tell the ladies to give the man a 'peck on the check' before starting the music again. When I had Matt, we took the liberty of giving more than a 'peck,' and the people around us, who didn't know who we were....well, they were surprised! :)
But, see that turf looking flooring on the deck? It was wet...and the combination of walking around in a circle fast, high heels, and a rocking ship...well, I went DOWN - Big Time! (And consequently got out!)
But, Matt was one of the last ones standing - just look at those ladies fighting for him when the music stopped! :) So sad for them -- he's MINE! :)
That lady on the ground WOULD NOT LET GO of Matt's leg!
Ironically, the prize for "the winners" (Steph & Matt) was a bottle of champagne. Why couldn't it have been something good & useful like chocolate or shipboard credit?
Steph & Brett won some more champagne later on in the cruise when they played "The Marriage Game."
They just found people to offer it to - who all gladly received it! ;)


5. "Wildlife"
How many Iguanas can you find?
Flamingos & Swans (Mazatlan)
Pelicans at "Pelican Rock" (Cabo)

Sea Lions (Cabo)

Not Pictured: whales, monkeys, tarantulas, & pythons.

4. Life of Leisure

If you look hard, you can see me. I'm on the lower deck, on the left side, wearing an orange shirt.

Line Dancing

This picture is kind of deceiving -- Matt really only got through 20 pages of his book the whole week, but we tried to read! :)

3. This Car

You can't tell we're tourists, now, can you?!? :) One car filming the other car as we drive. Sticking your camera out the window for pictures!

This "taxi" we took was a cross between a Golf Cart & a Jeep.

There is some fierce competition between the taxi drivers! Apparently, another taxi driver thought that our group's taxi driver "stole his customers" and he came after the other car in our group! He pulled up beside them on the road, was yelling, and attempted to run them off the road!

What a blast!

2. Sun & Beach

1. Zip Lining in the Rain Forest (Puerto Vallarta)

We zipped from tree to tree on a total of 14 cables.

The longest cable was 400 meters long.

The zip lines, affectionately called, "Banana Split," "Speedy Gonzalez," and "The Big Enchilada" are designed to gradually take us higher and faster.

You travel at speeds of up to 30 mph, and find yourself gliding over a dramatic river gorge.

Until the final cable shoots you over the river rapids.

And what way to make it more authentic but to be raining that day - the only day it rained all week. As in POURING DOWN rain! (during their "dry" season, nonetheless!) My clothes were completely soaked!

Which made for slippery-er, faster cables!

And for a lot of MUD!

One of the guides rode "tandem" with me once, so I could go backwards and upside-down...

(watch for my red jacket coming in)

I think I'm suffering from Post-Vacation-Return-to-Reality-Traumatic-SHOCK-Syndrome!!! :(

Y'all missed out! When I invite you next time....you REALLY ought to come!!!