Who doesn't love a Wednesday?

I am not the first person to be grateful for a Wednesday. Many call it "hump day" and that's fine. I find that Wednesdays are usually very productive (it could be that I have fewer meetings on Wednesday) and the day goes by at a good and steady pace. I am not exactly sure what prompted this deep and abiding love for the middle of the work week, but in the spirit of gratitude, I will share all this good feeling via blog. Can you think of a better way?

Tennis Love

Confession - I don't know how to play tennis.

I believe there is a fabulous tennis player in me waiting to be coached out. Anyone want a "project"?

I bought a racket, balls and did a few practice swings in the store before we went to Jenny's courts to play. I don't surpass expectations yet, but I know it's just a matter of time (and practice).

Swim with the fishes...

Remember when you were a kid and you'd go swim in the lake or in the ocean and this little dark thought would creep up..."What if a fish bites me?" If you're old enough, the movie "Jaws" may have ruined open waters for life. Anyway, I am here to tell you that it's all going to be ok. Some fish will bite and you'll be so glad they did.

In China we went to this really nifty hot springs in ZhuHai (I may have mentioned it) and there were two pools of fishes who would happily nibble off any annoying dead skin off your body. There was a pool of little bitty fish would politely nibble and tickle away dead skin and the other pool had the Andre the Giant sized fish who would still do the job, but more aggressively. Both pools were full of folks both young and old. Some were skittish and some were in a deep state of nirvana knowing they would have baby-fresh skin once those fish had their way.

I should say the potential creep-out factor is high. We, as humans, don't generally feel comfortable with other living creatures using our bodies as a buffet of good eats. Occasionally, you may look down into the water and see an entire school of fish where you remembered your leg being. Once good twitch and the fish will scatter like dust in the wind. Don't worry, they will come back...they always do.

Now, I have heard from a number of sources that this craze is sweeping the nation. We have our lists of experiences we've had in life that are cool, odd, and for bragging rights...this one covers all three. I say give it a try then ask yourself "What if a fish bites me?" The answer might surprise you.

What's camping without a giant gumball?

So Utah is beautiful. Summer is fun (in the mountains). My trusty pals Mike and Lori joined me for an overnight getaway to the hills. We roasted hot dogs, marshmallows and told stories around the fire into the wee hours of the night.

As we searched for wood for and camp-worthy treats, we felt the need for a giant gumball. This sucker was big enough to share and have a nasty contest of who could chew the solid sugar mass the longest. This was Fear Factor worthy. Ick.

The camping was great, by the way.

Where are you planted?

This year (to this point) has been a blur. Work, travel and stuff - that makes time fly by. Last week, I decided to enjoy it all a bit more. I have had breakfast in my backyard (twice), went camping, played at Deer Creek, spent time with really great people and went up the canyon just to read. Ahhh...that's more like it. Don't get me wrong, I like the spa and room service thing too, but a little bit of variety never hurt anyone. Anyway, work, travel and stuff still exists, but the point is to let some other things take space in my everyday.

I cannot tell you exactly why I am suddenly waxing philosophical, but Utah is a really pretty place to live. The moon is so great coming up over the mountains. The starts are so sparkly. The canyon is a magical place. The people are nice. The traffic isn't horrible (comparatively). There is always something to do - from shopping to spelunking (I do more shopping than spelunking really). Pretty much, I feel blessed to live in a pretty and safe place. There's always junk in any place, but the wonderful is there too. Which would you rather see? I think it's a choice, really. My mom always says "Bloom where you're planted." She didn't make it up, but she likes to say it whenever I get antsy for a new adventure. Solid words, mom.

The next adventure is...

Korea! I just found out I am going to Korea in September! I must say that I am pretty darn excited about it - that's all I have to say about that simply because I don't know much yet. I have eaten Kim Chi, have had two Korean roommates, and a valid passport, so I am ready to go.