Hello out there in SparkLand! I have been absent as of late. Lots of things going on I guess. Family issues and Summer Vacation, a little bad, a little good. I guess its what helps keep you balanced right? lol

Anyway, the hubby, the kiddo and I just got home from a 10 day road trip back to my place of birth. The beautiful State of Utah! We had a great time. I really enjoyed sharing some old memories with my family and creating some new ones. We drove up from Southern California, through a bit of Nevada and Arizona and then all the way through Utah up to Salt Lake City. If you have never been to Utah, I highly recommend going. Its some of the most beautiful country in the Western US. I don't remember it being that great when I grew up there, but living this past year in the flat, hot, barren Mojave Desert gave me a new appreciation for what I moved away from!

When we drove back home we took a slight detour and visited the Hoover Dam, and yes, it was a great Dam experience. I'd say that as an American, there are at least 3 landmarks that should be on your bucket list. The Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the Hoover Dam. I am glad we got to check one off our list. Although, holy hell it was Hot! It was 117 degrees! So hot that my feet were burning through my shoes! That part was not fun.

Its nice to be back home and settling into routine again. I gained about 3 pounds on my hiatus, so its time to get my ass back in gear. I need start hooping again! That has been what has helped me the most. Also, my daughter starts preschool in about 3 weeks, so I will have a big chunk of time opening up to focus on my healthier goals. Its a bittersweet realization. I am sad that my baby is old enough for school, but excited to see her grow in new ways. I am looking forward to having a little me time as well. I think it will be good for all of us.


On a side note, in my absence I have noticed that there seems to be a cloud of negativity settling in on some of my fellow Sparkers. I wish them well and hope that they can all work through their issues. But I've also noticed that the negativity seems to breed. I am guilty of it myself. I will do my best to keep the whining to a minimum, lol. But I have also decided to trim back my friends list a bit. While I respect everyone for putting their feelings out there and seeking help from the community I think there is a limit. I am struggling with the most PC way of saying this without hurting anyone's feelings. I guess it comes down to this- I like to support my friends in their journey, but the feeling needs to be mutual. If anyone feels that I have taken too much and not given enough, I am sorry. I am working on that part of my personality. I think I'll just leave it at that.

Sorry for being all over the place with this blog. Seemed like there was a lot to cover. I'll leave you with a few pics from our vacation. :)