I was doing okay with this unemployment thing until about the time I left for Utah, so that was a well timed trip. But now.... I've been back since Friday, and I am going stir crazy. I had a thought today. Of all the things they take money out of your paycheck for, one item is unemployment. Since I've been paying into that fund since I was about 12 years old, I think I have a right to that money. How much I want, and when I want it. That way I can do something instead of sit in my house and stare at the ceiling. Or tv. Or the view out my window. Or challenge the electrical inspector when he comes by and tells me we didn't pass. Never challenge an inspector. Even if you know what you're saying. I should know this. Anyway, I need to find my motivation, and start doing things.
While I was gone, I got a letter from the WA state unemployment people saying I am required to attend a 3 hour class to learn how to be unemployed. It's required by law apparently. When I called the office to tell them I was out of town on the day I was supposed to attend, and that I figured that was not a good thing, the lady I was talking to shrieked a little and frantically told me who to call. Immediately! Apparently this is similar to a felony. Regardless, I get to go do this class tomorrow. I'm so excited. At least it's something to do.
Anyway, so my plan was to leave for Utah on my birthday, the 2nd. I, of course, took my own sweet time getting myself together. I slept in, was lazy all morning, figuring I'd pack after lunch. A friend called at about 10:30 in the morning to see if I wanted to go to lunch. That totally threw me off. I had to be on the road by 3:30, so I went to lunch, then frantically threw things in a suitcase and into my car and took off. Needless to say, as the trip went along, I found at least one thing a day that I forgot. Thank goodness my parents live near Walmart.
It took 14 hours to get there, split over two days. That's a long time in a car by oneself. I contacted my inner truck driver, and made it through. It was fun to see everyone, and get to hang out for a few days. On Saturday, we went to a family reunion for my Mom's side of the family. It was good to see some extended family, and get to visit. My family then loaded into the cars and headed to Bear Lake. We had a couple of condos up there, and they turned out to be pretty nice. Here's a view from the deck of one:
It worked out well I think. There was enough room for the little ones to run around, but not too tight that everyone went crazy. Although, in this picture, Jefferson may argue that point:
Then he realized I was watching:
I apparently scare kids easily. Jefferson and Chase would laugh and carry on with me as long as I was at least five feet away. Any closer, and their defenses went up. I had better luck with my friend Emily's kids, and I haven't seen them in at least a year. Chase finally decided I was okay when I was leaving. She allowed me to give her a hug as I was getting in my car. Perhaps I should read into that...Anyway, we hung out Sunday, then Monday we drove up to Minnetonka cave. This sign doesn't make one too excited about going in:
It was actually pretty fun, I played with Chase most of the time. I must say though, Kentucky caves are better. Kara peacin' out on the way in:
It was actually pretty fun, I played with Chase most of the time. I must say though, Kentucky caves are better. Kara peacin' out on the way in:
On the way out. It was a good time...
A rainbow on one of the nights:
On Tuesday, we went over to the lake to play. We decided to rent a boat and some wave runners for a little while. It was definitely worth it, even if it was a touch on the chilly side when we started. It was sunny, and the water was beautiful. Here's Emerson, Beth, and Ada on a wave runner:
Jason was the first brave one to get on the tube, which required touching the water. The water temp was 58 degrees. Even with a full-body wet suit, he shrieked a little when he got in.
Jason managed to stay on the tube. So Beth and Jessie decided to try it. I couldn't resist posting this picture. Not sure what they're doing...
Anyway, they did good for a little while. I was driving the boat, so I was speeding up and turning a lot to try and get them a little movement. After a few minutes, I managed to get them to hit a wave, and off they went. You could hear Beth shrieking above the sound of the boat motor. Emerson was on his wave runner behind them, and came up to pull them from the freezing water.
We had a good laugh at their expense. Here's Ada hiding, she got a little cold: 
After an hour on the boat, we returned it and took out two more wave runners. It was an awesome time chasing each other around and enjoying the day. That night we had a Glee viewing party. We watched the first 4 episodes of the show, plus the season finale, which was awesome. I think we got my Dad addicted to that show.
A rainbow on one of the nights:
On Tuesday, we went over to the lake to play. We decided to rent a boat and some wave runners for a little while. It was definitely worth it, even if it was a touch on the chilly side when we started. It was sunny, and the water was beautiful. Here's Emerson, Beth, and Ada on a wave runner:
Jason was the first brave one to get on the tube, which required touching the water. The water temp was 58 degrees. Even with a full-body wet suit, he shrieked a little when he got in.
Jason managed to stay on the tube. So Beth and Jessie decided to try it. I couldn't resist posting this picture. Not sure what they're doing...
Anyway, they did good for a little while. I was driving the boat, so I was speeding up and turning a lot to try and get them a little movement. After a few minutes, I managed to get them to hit a wave, and off they went. You could hear Beth shrieking above the sound of the boat motor. Emerson was on his wave runner behind them, and came up to pull them from the freezing water.
We had a good laugh at their expense. Here's Ada hiding, she got a little cold: 
After an hour on the boat, we returned it and took out two more wave runners. It was an awesome time chasing each other around and enjoying the day. That night we had a Glee viewing party. We watched the first 4 episodes of the show, plus the season finale, which was awesome. I think we got my Dad addicted to that show. We headed out back to Sandy on Wednesday, I got to hang out and catch up with a great friend that night, and I headed home on Thursday. Another 14 hours in a car.
I had a roomate once that couldn't understand why a person would want to drive across the country, or spend long amounts of time in a car. She didn't understand my stories of the "World's largest ______" (fill in the blank) stands that you find throughout the midwest. Or the fun you have with people in the car. Or the things you see along the way. Like this sunset, this picture doesn't do it justice:
Or this farm and view somewhere in eastern Washington:
The earth is truly a beautiful place. There are so many buildings and structures along the way in Oregon that I would love to stop and take pictures of, objects that have withstood the test of time. They are truly awesome and awe inspiring. So, while some people can't fathom sitting in a car for hours on end, I find it educational, wonderful and relaxing. Also, it's really fun to stick your camera out the sunroof to take pictures while there are cars all around. They tend to fall back and let you drive by yourself. The smart legislators of Washington state thought to ban cell phone use while driving, but no mention of camera use....
I had a roomate once that couldn't understand why a person would want to drive across the country, or spend long amounts of time in a car. She didn't understand my stories of the "World's largest ______" (fill in the blank) stands that you find throughout the midwest. Or the fun you have with people in the car. Or the things you see along the way. Like this sunset, this picture doesn't do it justice:
Or this farm and view somewhere in eastern Washington:
The earth is truly a beautiful place. There are so many buildings and structures along the way in Oregon that I would love to stop and take pictures of, objects that have withstood the test of time. They are truly awesome and awe inspiring. So, while some people can't fathom sitting in a car for hours on end, I find it educational, wonderful and relaxing. Also, it's really fun to stick your camera out the sunroof to take pictures while there are cars all around. They tend to fall back and let you drive by yourself. The smart legislators of Washington state thought to ban cell phone use while driving, but no mention of camera use....And the title of this post. My sister Jessie is an official high school english teacher now. I told her to write that on the board on her first day to see how many kids find that totally incorrect. I'm guessing most students would miss most of the problems. I'm curious to hear how it went.
2 comments:
That picture is saweet...I have a giraffe tongue. And I got shanked nine times but I'm fine! Just kidding...or am I?
Kelli! I am so jealous of you guys. I wish I could have gone. So much fun. You need to come back out here and hang with us for a while since you don't have a job. In fact, just move out here, take our room until you find one. You are more than welcome. You can pay rent by occasionally babysitting the kids. :) Looks like it was super fun. Love ya sis!
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