The Big Ditch

Brian and I spent a week working our way down to the Grand Canyon and playing along the way. I could start by telling you all the things that didn't go according to plan, like weather.com really giving us bad info. We were horribly unprepared for snow. Or the double ear infections. Instead, I can tell you what a great trip it was. We got to do some hikes we hadn't originally planned on, explored canyons that looked interesting, and still got to do all the slot canyons we wanted on our way back when the weather was much better. In addition, the Chaco line showed itself for the first time this season and the National Parks pass paid for itself on this trip.

The actual point of the trip, however, was to meet Aaron and his friends and family at the Grand Canyon. And it was perfect. We ended up hiking with 12 people down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, and it was so much fun. I'd like to say that it was such an easy hike because I'm so awesome, but it would be a lie. It wasn't so bad until the last...long...brutal...3 miles. And then for some reason I thought we were near the end, just to turn the corner and see 4 more ginormous switchbacks. That was the worst part, mentally, I was already done. And yet, I was so not done. Brian was true to his multiple promises of not ditching me on the trail (which considering he's done rim-rim-rim before in 19 hours, sticking with me was slow going). I'd also like to say that I wasn't sore at all the next day. But that would also be a lie. I was sore the next day, and the next, and the next. Thankfully, I'm no longer moving around like I'm pregnant anymore. And I can actually use the stairs without cursing. But it was so worth it. I would definitely do it again.

I can write my name in the snow, too

Now, I'm only admitting all of this to you because we're all friends, right? In fact, I was and still might be a little embarassed by it.

I love being a girl. But whenever I go camping I'm a little jealous of guys. It's really the only time I am. But they don't seem to care if they haven't showered, their hair never looks bad, and the whole peeing thing is so much easier for them. Until now. Enter, the Sani-fem. Basically it's a funnel that allows one to, well, pee like a guy. Weird, right? Wrong. It's amazing. I took it on our camping trip and it was revolutionary.

However, I made a few mistakes the first few times. Don't worry, nothing too graphic here. Maybe too much information, but not too graphic. I tried it at home first and didn't even think about putting the seat up. Yeah, a little messy. The next time I remembered, but then forgot to put the seat down. I hate when guys do that, and yet, I was the culprit this time. But my first time outside, I totally pee'd into the wind. I've heard the jokes about it, but never thought twice about it. Don't worry, it's only a mistake you make once.

All in all though, laugh all you want about it, but I love it.

I wanna "work" for the government too! *

Comic Courtesy of Brennan.
* I don't really, I'm very against socialized medicine. That's a topic for another day.

Eating Crow

Dear President Obama,

I'm writing with sincerest apologies. When I heard part of your plan to create jobs and stimulate the economy was to start building roads, I scoffed. I ridiculed even. However, today I was driving down the road and saw 10 people standing around filling in one tiny pot hole. So I must admit, your plan might just work.

Remorsefully,
Kristen

Cheap Labor

I love it when my family comes into town. Especially when they come to do manual labor at my house. Last weekend my brother and dad were kind enough to come to Utah and brave the cold weather to help me with my back yard. Fortunately, they caught the only window of warm weather we've had in 2 weeks. Unforunately, all they brought to wear were warm weather clothes. We got most of the sprinklers done, and would have had them done if my dad's sprinkler expertise was not with an emphasis in California sprinklers where they don't have to worry about freezing pipes. I'm so glad they came, because I realized I'd have more of a chance doing open heart surgery than being able to do sprinkler systems. I'm still not sure how it works. I'm waiting to post pictures on the project when it's done, because right now, it's just piles of depressing dirt.