Tricia's Take

I can't believe it's been 13 summers since Dad surprised Kelly with a little ball of vanilla fluff named Dakota. I'll never forget taking him with us to watch Tim run the 4th of July 10k a week or so after we got him. Kelly, Lindsay & I laughed so hard watching him chase after all the runners as they warmed up. He would be chasing in one direction but as soon as runners went by going the opposite way, he would flip around and chase them.

After Tim crossed the finish line, we headed back to the car which was parked several blocks away (the finish line was also the end of the 4th of July parade - LOTS of people). After about 10 steps though, that dang puppy decided he was done walkin', sat his little butt down and would not budge. Kel, Linds & I ended up lugging that worn out, not-so-lite ball of fluff all the way back to the car. I remember being pretty hot & tired by the time we got there, but I didn't regret it one bit. It was so fun watching him.

My family said goodbye to that sweet guy yesterday. From the first day we got him he brought us all so much joy. Thanks mom & dad for giving us one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids - the friendship & unconditional love of a dog! We've had some of the best over the years and although its hard to lose them, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

There will never be a sweeter, more loving dog than Dakota. I'm gonna miss you big guy!

It's been six looonnnngg weeks of temps 10-12 degrees above the "normal" 93 degrees and not a drop of rain here in H-town. Mix in a little heat index (bumping temps up another 5-10 degrees) and it's enough to make a coldaphobe like me actually consider heading North for awhile.

It was so sweet waking up to pounding rain & temps below 80 this morning. Good ol' flood-the-rain-gutter-in-two minutes-flat Texas rain too! Not gonna last even another day, but so very sweet.

As most of you know, I love being a Texan. Probably the only thing I would change - well besides mixing in a rainstorm or two to break up the current 103+ temps!! - is I'd move Utah (AKA our family and friends) a bit closer. Unfortunately I don't see that happening anytime soon - the rainstorm either...uuuggghhh!!! - so I'll just be grateful we all have cell phones, blogs, facebook, email, instant chat, etc. to stay in touch while I sweat.

But even with all that technology, getting a card or package through the good ol' pony express is still the greatest for me. I opened my mailbox earlier this week and literally ripped open a card from my awesome mom...front of card below.



It MADE MY WEEK to see that cute little pig she said reminded her of me (my papa called me Porky Pig as a kid - good thing I loved him so much huh?!!?). She always sends some photos and a couple other silly things that make me feel I'm not so far away. This time along with some photos, she included a piece of gum for Picabo (NOT that she'll ever see it the gum-lovin' rat!) and an image of the "devil dog" herself. My nephew Andrew made it for me - notice the red horns and all - HA!. You rock, Andrew! I love it and I love you buddy!!



THANKS, MOM, for doing the impossible...bringing 'Utah' a few miles closer this week. I LOVE & MISS YOU LOTS!

Like most Gen Xers, Michael Jackson was a huge part of my teen years. And growing up a dancer, well, let's just say that takes the whole "idol" thing to another level! I about drove my parents crazy pausing & rewinding the "Thriller" video hundreds of times so my sisters, my friends and I could learn every step of it. During my three years of cheer, there wasn't one dance we ever performed that didn't have several moves from a Michael, Janet, or Paula Abdul video. Not to mention all the fun we had singing his songs in the car or dancing to at school dances.

But until Tim told me that Michael Jackson had died Thursday afternoon, I hadn't really thought about him the past few years. Part of me is amazed he actually made it to 50, but another part of me is shocked he's gone. Funny how the death of someone I never really knew can make me feel sad to be "grown up"...something I rarely feel.

When I look back at the celebrities & athletes I admired as a teen, I more often than not see them much differently as an adult. Some in part because of what they've done and become, but mostly because some of the things I thought were important at say, 17, aren't so much at 37. Looking back at Michael Jackson with my adult eyes, I see that his incredible music and dancing just added to my wonderful childhood when, from all accounts, his childhood sucked. How could anyone who grew up like he did, have a dad treat them so horribly, and then explode into iconic success around the world really turn out "normal"?

I know lots of people will only remember him for all the crazy stuff he went through in his personal life over the last 10-15 years. But not me. No, Michael Jackson will forever represent only great memories for me. Whenever I hear his songs or I see his videos, I can't help but break out in a huge smile and a few of those dance moves. I think it will always be that way for me because the thing I loved most about him at 17 is still what I love about him at 37...watching him dance. I can watch him for hours and still feel as if I'm seeing him moonwalk for the first time. THE GUY WAS JUST BORN TO DANCE...

Tim and I want to wish two of the GREATEST DADS EVER a Happy Father's Day. We love and miss you both very, very much!

Stars and Stripes forever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANDACE AMBER! I'm so lucky to have you as my little sister and, most importantly, my friend. You're an incredible woman! Hope all your birthday wishes come true...I love and miss you very, very much!