Long time no blog

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I've blogged. I'm trying to get things together for the cruise I'm going on next week(I'm so stoked!!!). I just went to the wedding of my godmother's son. It was really beautiful. They had the throw-away cameras on every table and little glass coasters for everyone. I saw so many people I haven't seen from my old church. It was great. I partied like it was 1999. Lately the mornings have been cool and wonderful. I get the most awesome feeling when I walk to my car in the morning. I love a cool and brisk morning. It's excellent for riding or walking. When I have to turn on the heat in my car it's a good thing. It's getting to be jean and sweatshirt weather. I'm going to be going to a lot of football games and possibly(if the funds say so)to a crew game-or visit the Perkins observatory.

check ya later kids

des

i'm kicking my own butt

Well Guys ,

It's been a full two weeks at planet fitness and I have to say I've become a bit of a gym rat. I've been there everyday this week. Last night I got my first personal training session. So of course I do my cardio and do the lower leg exercises that I learned from the trainer. I'm tell you I felt like I'd been drugged after I got done. It was one of those heavy limbed feelings. I went home and slept like a log.
I'm still resting up but-I'm going back today-yippee.

des

Camping Part Deux

Here are some pictures from the camping trip. I thought Moonville was one of best parts of the trip. The legend of moonville says that on the night of a full moon you'll see the conductor looking for his head. Here's what the newspaper said about it.A brakesman on the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad fell from the cars near Cincinnati Furnace, on last Tuesday March 29, 1859 and was fatally injured, when the wheels passing over and grinding to a shapeless mass the greater part of one of his legs. He was taken on the train to Hamden and Doctors Wolf and Rannells sent for to perform amputation, but the prostration of the vital energies was too great to attempt it. The man is probably dead ere this. The accident resulted from a too free use of liquor." We did all the normal camping things-we hiked-we played games and made smore's. The first night we were there was so beautiful. I've never seen so many stars.
And now you know the rest of the story.(Paul Harvey...Good Day)

des

I'm Bad

Hey guys,

I've been doing so much that I forgot to blog. I finally joined Planet fitness and had my first exercise there. I did a total of 60 minutes of working out. 40 cardio 20 weight training. While it served to remind me of how far I have to go-It also showed me how far I've come. I not a wimp anymore. I felt like an amazon(well as much of an amazon a person could be who is 5'0 tall). I guess it's true if you really want something you'll work hard for it. I'm going back again tonight. This time I'm fortified with a new work out mix tape that I made. While it doesn't have any hall and Oates or journey-it does have good music that make me naturally want to groove.

des

Michael Phelps?

Hey guys,

I've been doing a lot of family oriented activities lately. I've decided to enjoy spending a little time with my folks-mainly my dad lately. That means I do things that he likes to do. So I've been watching football,baseball,and the Olympics. When you're not knowledgeable about a sport-it helps to have a patient guy who'll explain things to you. I learned yesterday what a red zone is(it's when the ball is within 20 yards of the goal(football). This means your within scoring distance and if it's 4th down your definitely going for a field goal attempt(3 points). We also watched volley ball,track,basketball and swimming in the Olympics. Now I'm not an avid watcher of the Olympics but-like I said when in Rome...-I did however want Michael Phelps to succeed. It was a great race and I totally got into it. He is awesome in the water. You can't watch him and not admire his strength and tenacity. People may say a lot of bad things about America and Americans but I'm still proud to be an American(segue to Lee Greenwood). Not the snooty I'm better than you kiss my grits America-but I'm more of the I'm great and It's okay if you're great too America. The weird thing is most of the people who are competing against Americans train in America. All of the track and field stars-America-cycling-America. So I refuse to be down on our country because of some weird anti Americana vibe. We're not all truck driving-gun rack having-American and/or confederate flag flying-patriots. Some of us are just proud of the level of excellence our athletes compete at. So I encourage you to spend sometime with the family. It's been fun to talk with my dad and learn from him. It's kind of like peeking into the mind of a guy and trying to figure out how they see things. I'm starting to like sports more now that I understand them better. I may never get into golf(boring as watching paint dry) but I'll know what an RBI is (runs batted in). I'll cherish these memories for years to come.

Des

P.S. Go USA!!!!!

Over the River and Through the woods

Hey Guys,

This will be a quick post. Mainly because I'm tired and secondly because I don't have the pics I need yet to flesh out my story. I went camping for the first time in my life this past week. The wonderful Ms. L went with me and lent me her camping advice along with all the camping tools. I learned to build a fire-put up a tent and how to use a cook stove. We also visited many OHS(Ohio historical society)sites. I really liked camping and will probably do it again. But now I'm just looking forward to sleeping in my big bed again. I'll tell you all about it later.

Until then kids have a little watch and a laugh with snoopy and Woodstock

good night

des

Just a very short post.

Can I just say, Josh Groban's voice has got to be the most mesmerizing voice i've heard lately. I listen to him sing and all my visions of romance spring into my head. Not the naughty bits but the warm and forever kind of thoughts. The finish each others thoughts thoughts. His voice is just so rich and deep and melodic-Just makes you want to hit the bike trail some more just so you can have an excuse to listen to him for another 30 minutes. If his voice wasn't enough the lyrics would melt you. One of my favorite songs of his is "When you say you love me"

"When you say you love me"
Like the sound of silence calling,
I hear your voice and suddenly
I'm falling, lost in a dream.
Like the echoes of our souls are meeting,
You say those words and my heart stops beating.
I wonder what it means.
What could it be that comes over me?
At times I can't move.
At times I can hardly breathe.

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
For a moment, there's no one else alive

If these words don't get you-check your pulse

des

Push Back or Hand Brake?

Hey guys,

I have just finished my week of riding everyday with a twist. Instead of riding my normal mountain bike-This morning I rode an old bike with the push back brakes. So which one do I like the best? Well I like the speed and seating of the push back bike. The tires are thinner so I get more out of my pedaling. I also don't have to lean forward to reach the handles. I can sit up straight and focus on pedaling. What don't I like? Coasting pretty much sucks-you can't push back and coast-you almost automatically slow down. If you stop pedaling you slow down faster which means the pick up is harder. My mountain bike while it doesn't have the style of a old bike-makes up for it with hand breaks and more maneuverability. Coasting? not a problem at all. I think the push bike is more of a work out in some ways because it's one speed and you get no help because there are no gears. All and All I like my mountain bike but the push back is fun to ride once in a while.

It's a family reunion

Hey guys

I'm back. I had a good time with my family this weekend. We had good food,good conversation,wisdom shared,hugs given and lots and lots of games. My nephew had his own double play during kickball. He caught the ball-getting one person out and turned around and tagged the guy who had been standing on his base. I learned about bikes from my uncle maxie who's a marathon runner and a tandem bike racer. One of my cousin's had a tattoo that I thought was pretty cool



The only thing that was remotely weird was the drunk guy who showed up at the park who was trying to talk to all the girls. it was soooooo sad. well I gotta go-I'll write more later

des

The Boxer and The Spy a review...

Hey guys,

I've decided to do a review of "The Boxer and The Spy" By Robert Parker. I read it in basically one night but someone finished before me. My niece is becoming a speed reader so we're going to do the review together.

Q:What did you like the most about the book?(Desi)

Kaylin: I think the best part of the book was part when Mr. Bullard and George the boxing teacher fight. George really beat Mr. Bullard's butt-taught him who's right.

Desi: I just loved the fact that the main character was a guy who was not afraid to stand up for his girl and his classmates. I also liked the fact that his girl was his best friend and they understood each other so well. One more thing-I like the fact that he was a smart boxer and used his skills wisely. I also liked that he listened to George and used what he learned.

Q:Do you think Abby and Terry belonged together?(Kaylin)

Desi: Yes-I mean how great is it to find someone you can hang with and talk things over with. I mean they were not afraid to admit that they like each other. They were also honest about how their changing relationship could affect their friend ship. That's real love.

Kaylin: Easy question-of course they belong together. They listen to each other-the talked about their feelings. They were best friends for a long time and they were crime buddies. What else can you ask for?

Q: What did you think of George's character?(Desi)

Kaylin: I think he played a big part in the story. He was a great role model and he taught Terry right from wrong and strategy and to believe he was a good boxer.

Desi: I thought George's character was part father-part teacher. He not only taught Terry different boxing combinations which built his determination and endurance-He also taught him life lessons that would show him when to use his strength and when to use his brain. I absolutely loved the scene when he fights Mr. Bullard. There's something so awesome about his unassuming demeanor and the way he cleaned Mr. Bullard's clock.

Q:Did you ever think in part of the book that the author was African-American?(Kaylin)

Desi: Because I work at the library and have shelved many books by Mr. Parker-I knew that he was not african american. The speech patterns of George could lead someone to maybe think that Mr. Parker was.

Kaylin: Yes at some point-I think that because in the book Terry reminded me of guy that I knew. And George reminded me of a Pro african-american boxer. Abby reminded me of somewhat of one of my best friends. Mr. Bullard reminded me of my principal.

Q: Which Character was your favorite in the book and why?(Desi)

Kaylin: I would say of course Abby. Because she was outgoing-she was smart and from terry's point of view she was beautiful. And She was funny-she reminds me of me. I'm smart-I'm beautiful-no I'm gorgeous-and I'm outgoing and fun.


Desi: (that's my niece for you-ever so modest) My favorite character was Terry. He loved simple things about abby(like the way she listened to him as if everything he said was important). I also loved his dedication to anything he put his mind to. Tank had it right when he said that Terry never let go of anything. He fought through his fear and won.

Q:What did you think of Ms. Trent?(Kaylin)

Desi: I thought she was skunky potatoes to use a term from one of my co-workers. Underhanded-rotten no redeeming qualities.

Kaylin: I think Ms. Trent is a liar and is obviously not happy with the marriage she had and wanted to hook up with a low paid principal. You can do better than that girl. She lied to the kids and she cheated on her husband. Now would you want her to be your Governor? No. Of course not. The people speak for itself and by the people I mean me.

Q: Who was your least favorite character and why?

Kaylin: Me I would have to choose Ms. Trent and Mr. Bullard. Because both of them are having an affair-both of them are married-Mr. Bullard killed someone-and Ms. Trent is running for Governor and she's a stinky no skunky potatoe. One last thing-both of them had schemes of doing something horrible with the technical art center.

Desi: For me it would be a toss up between Kip Carter and Mr. Bullard. While eventually you feel a little sorry for Kip he was so much a jerk in the first part of the book that you don't want to like give him a second chance. However-Mr. Bullard was a jerk from day one and he never grew out of it.

Q: Why won't desi stop singing?(Kaylin)

Desi: Because I love all the high notes in "Got to be Real" and I'm a grown woman so you can't stop me.

Kaylin: You're a grown woman who needs to stop singing. And high notes are my thang not yours.

Desi: Whatever!

Q: Would you recommend this book to other people?

Kaylin: Yes. Because this book is such and inspiration for people of all ages. It also teaches you things like never take steroids unless you're in the hospital or recommended by a doctor.

Desi: Yes if you like a good read that's fast paced and works for adults as well as teens.

Well folks we've to go now.

Desi: Thanks kaylin for visiting my blog and reading with me.

Kaylin: and correcting your mistakes. and you're very welcome I enjoyed myself and peace out to my bloggers.


check ya later

des

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Hey guys,

As promised here's a longer list of things that make me happy.

1. Dancing

2. Rocking out in my Car

3. Going to plays or musicals

4. Finishing a knit project

5. Figuring out a way to fix a mechanical problem

6. A Nap on a warm(not hot) Day

7. Good Tea(especially hot cinnamon sunset)

8. A massage

9. A hug from a friend

10. Good music

11. Good food

12. Making fudge

13. Laughing with friends and family

14. Clothes fresh from the dryer when I'm cold

15.Good Television(is there any?)

16. A Good Conversation.

17. Arts projects

18. And like zz top says-I'm crazy about a sharp dressed man.

Do something today that brings you joy.

des