Rocky Mountain Hiiiigghhhh, Colorado

Last Tuesday I packed up what I could into one fifty pound bag (thank you, airline industry) and headed off for my first vacation longer than four days in over three years. Even with the 11 hour layover in Salt Lake City, I knew the trip was going to be fantastic. Speaking of Salt Lake City, that airport is the absolute shit if you have kids. Playground areas in every terminal? Yes, please. We sat at one for three hours on our way back and I barely had to move a muscle the entire time, since all the little Mormon kids were so nice and sweet to Lu. Yea, Mormons!

The trip was definitely a family excursion, as it was a reunion to celebrate Trent’s grandmother’s 80th birthday. The trip organizers (thanks Aunts and Uncles and In-Laws!) rented out a huge house mansion outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We arrived after a good 18 hours traveling in the dead of night, and this is what I awoke to the next morning.

View From the Bella Vista

Um. Yeah. I know. Insanity.

Although I resolved to spend most of the vacation sitting on my fat ass eating greasy food and drinking beer (which I did a lot of), I did manage to get out and about some. I definitely didn’t take as many photos as I wanted to, mostly because of the two-year-old clinging to my leg the entire week. But the few photos I did get definitely show the overall mood of the trip. My wonderful, talented sister-in-law (technically not, because she and Trent’s brother aren’t married, but I don’t care, it counts anyway) took a gazillion photos and hopefully she’ll let me share some of hers as well, since they are much better than the shots I got while fending off the aforementioned two-year-old. By the way, to all you parents out there, how do you get a two-year-old to sleep on vacation? It kind of takes the “vaca” out of vacation when you spend every night with two tiny feet kicking you in the head and one little voice saying “Mama, read book!” at two in the morning.

So, enough babbling, right? Here are a few pictures I’ve actually had time to upload since my return. Hopefully I’ll get some more on here in the upcoming days weeks, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. These days we’re lucky if I remember to put on deodorant in the morning…

Scooter and E.

This is my lovely sister-in-law (sort of) and Trent’s brother. Let’s call them E. and Scooter. Why? Someday I’ll let E. explain that to you. They are going to kill me for posting this picture, but it truly captures the essence of them as a couple. They have so much fun together and are so effing goofy, it’s hard to believe they work at big NYC jobs and kick major ass on a daily basis. But they do, because they’re awesome like that.

Scrabble Love

One thing I DO NOT have in common with Trent’s entire family is their insane love of board games. I have a confession. I hate board games. Please don’t stone me or throw me to the lions. Board games are so long and boring and awful, but I try to suck it up and play because everyone loves them so much. Most times, I do end up having fun, despite my grumpy demeanor. But this particular game night, I spent most of the time spelling three letter words (sod, for four points, yes!) and getting pissy. The next morning I woke up and saw the board like this. In case you can’t read it, let me translate:

Dear Megan,

You’re like spelling the word quizzical (which, according to Trent means, “You are worth a lot of points”), but every day is awesome.

Also, you have nice boobs.

Man, did I marry a romantic, or what?

Grandkids

These are all of the grandkids of Trent’s generation. E. and I, being exceptional photographers, asked them to take a silly picture. They didn’t disappoint. And I’m sure all the ones in high school will be posting this as their MySpace profile picture in exactly two minutes. I mean, Facebook. Or will they send it via text message? Or picture message? Or via laser rays? Ah, kids today….

And my butt is very sore

What I’ve been up to this past week:

– Swimming in 40 degree weather
– Soaking in a hot-tub that has a built in lounge chair
– Taking photos in an old time photo booth
– Losing at Scrabble
– Cosmic bowling
– Watching Olympic sports I didn’t know existed in HD
– Riding horses through the mountains
– Eating everything under the sun
– Visiting the waterfall that is on the Coors Beer commercials
– Attempting to keep up with Trent’s “outdoorsy” family
– Failing miserably at keeping up with Trent’s outdoorsy family
– Drinking beer, lots and lots of beer
– Consequently, gaining 10 pounds
– Taking lots of photos, though many less then my sister-in-law who is a photo taking machine
– Attempting to dunk a basketball
– Avoiding the Internet

The Photographers in Matching Outfits

I’ll be back in full force by the end of the week. Hopefully by then the stabbing pain in my poor, city gal body will have subsided and I’ll be able to form coherent sentences. Small hint, when family members who canoe through the Artic circle on a regular basis ask you to join them in any outdoor activity, abstain or bring lots of Advil.

Searching

As semi-promised, here is a new playlist for everyone. This one is a bit brighter, less dark and sad and depressing. Most of the songs have been in constant rotation on my summer playlist, and a few even make me get up and dance around my very crowded office. And we all know how much engineers love it when the dumb blond in marketing is bopping around the office. This playlist has a much lower level of antidepressants, and a higher dose of acceptance and joy. I know most of you don’t even listen to these playlists, but I hope you do hit play on this one. Because I want you all to know what good music can do for the soul.

I’m headed out for a few weeks vacation. Hit play while I’m gone. You won’t regret it.

(Yes, the Jonas Brothers and Rhianna make appearances…because sometimes a little cheesy pop music can make all the difference.)


Update: It looks like Playlist.com is having some issues. Check back later and hopefully everything will be up and running again.

The Original Obsession Returns

You knew it wouldn’t be long, right?

I have a feeling I will be spending quite a bit of time at the movies this holiday season….

The Mara + The Sorcerers Stone

Though it is a Monday, and shouting should be kept to a minimum, I can’t help it. I must shout from the rooftops, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THE MARA!” In case you haven’t been reading this site since the beginning of time, The Mara used to be a frequent commenter, but now that she seems to have more of a life than some of us (and she spends more time on Facebook than anyone I know) it is rare to have a very special Crazybananas comment from The Mara. Along with her commenting skills, she is also one hell of a friend. In short, The Mara is one of the best friends a gal could have, and she always seems to know what type of alcohol will make me feel better when I’m grumpy. Also, she drinks champagne on ordinary days, not just on holidays, which, let’s face it, is totally awesome.

Here are some other facts about The Mara:

– She’d like to marry Ronald Weasley

– She passed a law class by only watching Law and Order, no studying

– She has a mighty rack that mesmerized me this weekend

– She inspired me to do a lovely drunk rendition of N*Sync’s classic, “Bye Bye Bye” at her birthday celebration

– She is going to NYC next weekend and I am extremely jealous

– She is a touch obsessed with her dog

– She used to be a cynical leggings-hater like me, but now she wears them ala Lindsey Lohan

– She always has the cutest haircuts

– She is vegan

– She has an obscenely long tongue

– She and I have the same awful taste in literature

– She is fiercely loyal to her friends

– She is one of the best friends I could deserve, let alone ask for

M + M Old School

Good luck being twenty-five, The Mara! May it have less drama, but more cheeseless pizza, than twenty-four!

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