Get Ready, India! We Are Coming!

Call us crazy!

 

I know people look at us with a bewildered expression when we share our desire to travel to India.  It is probably not the trip to India that prompts those strange looks, but more because of the reason behind the trip. We are going to India to see an elephant.

 

Lance and I have followed the story of Raju, a 50-year old elephant who had lived his entire life abused and neglected.  He was so malnourished that he ate plastic and paper.  His previous a-hole owners had him chained up 24 hours a day.  These chains had sharp spikes that cut deeply into Raju’s legs.  He developed sores and abscesses and was in constant pain.  Wildlife SOS, a rescue organization in India, rescued Raju on July 4, 2014 (appropriately American Independence Day).  When Wildlife SOS came to rescue him, his owner created a more chaotic environment by trying to intimidate even more fear in Raju.  His owners also tightened the chains so that the spikes drilled deeper into his flesh.  Each step was even more painful.  Raju realized he was being rescued and that Wildlife SOS was helping him, and to the rescue group's surprise, he began to cry.  Tears came from his eyes.  There are pictures where you can visibly see the tear stains. His story traveled across the globe.  Lance and I made an immediate donation to Wildlife.  We began following  Raju’s recovery and rehabilitation.  We decided then to become monthly donors to the organization. Wildlife has been so responsive.  They promptly answer every email I write.  It makes me feel encouraged and more willing to donate.

 

Meet Raju

My baby is smiling.  He looks happy and he deserves to be.  No spiked chains on his legs anymore!

Raju loves his pool.

Raju getting treated for his wounds

I asked Wildlife if it was possible to visit their sanctuary, and they responded that visitors are always welcomed as it is important to ensure trust through transparency.  I later learned that you can also serve as a volunteer at Wildlife.  It was very easy for Lance and I to agree that our next family vacation would be to India.  Wildlife SOS is located in Agra, India which is south of Delhi.  Agra is also home to the Taj Mahal, and India is rich in history so there will be plenty to do and see.

The volunteer program at Wildlife SOS is a 5-day program where you work on various tasks as building enclosures, feeding, cleaning, bathing etc.  You work from 0900 – 1700 hours with lunch served at 1300.  You stay overnight at the site and vegetarian meals are provided.  Children are also welcomed to participate.  Lance and I have decided to do a three-day volunteer assignment.  I don’t think I could do five days with the kids.  This is going to be an extraordinary, once in a lifetime learning experience.  We are all so excited!!!!!!!

Some of the other elephants in the conservation center including Laxmi
 

 

We are planning the trip in November 2015 (around the Thanksgiving holiday).  India is too hot to visit in the summer.  I’ve already begun the long process of saving.  In six months, I’ll look at flight options.  Here we come, India!

 
To learn more about Wildlife SOS and/or to make a donation, please click on the link below:

http://www.wildlifesos.org/

Lance and I have also decided that are logo for Tide the Knott will NOT be two rings intertwined, but two elephants with their trunks intertwined.

Some possible ideas for the photo/image that we will use on Tide the Knott.

2014 Awesome 80s Run- Pasadena, California

I live a very active life.  We are always doing something.   I tell myself to slow down, but I notice I never listen to my own direction.  I keep moving at this voracious speed so double booking myself would not come as a surprise to you.  I have been scheduling 5ks races to encourage the kids’ love of running, and I scheduled all of us to run the Awesome 80s Run at the Rose Bowl.  I ended up double booking myself and scheduling a trip to Idaho.  I was a little angry at myself, but as a mother of three, I have learned how to masterly juggle conflicting demands.  While I immersed myself in the beauty of Idaho, the kids ran the race with their dad. 

 

I love Superhero Events because all the event day photos were given to participants at no cost.  They all had a blast and got a cool Ms. Pacman medal that is the size of a tape cassette.  It was a costume run, but I had no time to find elaborate costumes for the kids so they dressed in their superhero dri fit shirts. 

 

They want to do more runs, but only if medals are being given out? Yep….like their mother, they are addicted to the bling!

 

We want more!!!

Brandon looks like he is struggling here. 

Crossing the finish line and looking exhausted!

Mia running with her daddy.

 

 

Awesome medals in front of the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena

A Weekend In Idaho

Family is everything.  I grew up with that value deeply instilled in me, and I live my life with my family as the focus.  Everything I do is with my family in mind.  I know it is difficult for Lance because his three children are spread out across the United States.  He has so many obligations with work, the boat, with the family we have here, his Texas friends, his local friends, and his children.  It becomes a challenge to try to fit it all in, but we do the best we can.

Our oldest daughter, Jessie, lives in Idaho.  She has an amazing blog that not only highlights her life but it also serves as a canvas for her photography talent.  The pictures on the blog showcased not only our adorable grandsons, but a picturesque Idaho.  It made me want to visit this state.  I saw her pictures on the blog, and I knew I had to see Idaho up close!  Don’t get me wrong.  We wouldn’t have gone to Idaho, no matter how beautiful, if Jessie did not live there.  We went ultimately to see her, Bron (our son in law), and Jed and Levi.

 

Idaho did not disappoint.  It left us with an insatiable appetite for more. 

 

We arrived on Lance’s birthday.  The trip was scheduled as a birthday present.  We landed in Salt Lake City, and before we took the three-hour commute to Idaho, I took Lance to the Lion Pantry for a celebratory lunch.  The food was SPECTACULAR.  It was served cafeteria style, and to me, cafeteria style is the next best thing to buffet.  I like options that I can personally cater to my individual taste. I am not a Mormon.  I don’t follow any organized religion.  However, I LOVE history.  If I had to choose between a tropical vacation or one that was filled with historic monuments and streets, I would always go for the history.  I chose the Lion Pantry for its historic significance....because it was Brigham Young’s house. We walked through the house and stood in front of the Beehive House.  It made us curious to learn more about Brigham Young and the state of Utah. 

Front of the Lion Pantry

Following the lunch, Lance and I drove to Idaho.  Jessie lives in the small town of Kimberly which is a few miles from the bigger town of Twin Falls.  Her house is beautiful and spacious. Her yard made us envious.  She lives in a neighborhood with neighbors nearby so it is not completely isolated, but yet, it is a drive to the nearest market and an even further drive into town where you can find the mainstream stores like Target, Costco, etc.  Upon arriving, we were welcomed with a juicy, tender steak dinner with peanut butter brownies for dessert.  Yum!!  We lit candles and sang Happy Birthday to Commander!  We all agreed that the grandkids would call Lance “commander” just as my kids currently do.  I guess I will be known as Grandma Liz even though Jed just captured my heart after I unbuckled his seatbelt when he said, “thank you, Pretty Lady.”  I just melted.  After dinner, Jessie took us to a Stricker Rock Creek Station, which was a trading post along the Oregon Trail.  I love the history. Anything historic, I’m eager to vist!

 

The following day, we visited Shoshane Falls, took the grandsons to a toy store, had lunch, and canoed and kayaked down the Snake River to Pillar Falls.  It was an incredible if not completely exhausting day.  Jessie and I took turns on the kayak.  What a workout and what a GORGEOUS view. I regretted not taking my kids on this trip because they would have loved it. Because of how active the day was, we spent the evening at home assembling Levi and Jed’s Lego toys. I have never seen a child (Jed) exude such excitment over  a toy.  He wouldn’t let go of the box, and when we went to lunch, he took the toy into the restaurant.  Jessie made us a delicious home cooked meal of fish tacos. 

 

Shoshane Falls

Snake River

Pillar Falls

what a cutie!

a selfie

Our last full day in Idaho was Sunday, and Bron and Jessie showed us Sawtooth National Forest or as the locals call it , the Southhills. We took a short hike to a waterfall before we drove even higher to have an even better view.  The day ended with dinner at Elevation 486, which is an upscale restaurant in Twin Falls with the most magnificent view of the canyon, Snake River, and the Perrine Bridge. After our scrumptious dinner, we took a stroll along the bridge. 

 

Our hike in the SouthHills

South Hills, Sawtooth National Park

the GORGEOUS View of the canyon from Elevation 486 restaurant

 

Snake River

Perrine Bridge

View from Perrine Bridge

Elevation 486 restaurant

I have seen so much beauty these last few weeks from Zion to Bryce Canyon to the Colorado River to Idaho.  I know I live in the middle of the chaos of city/suburban life so I tend to forget how incredibly serene and majestic America is….this country is gorgeous.  Jessie has to only drive 15 mins and she is in the middle of it all.  I envy the convenience of that.  

 

We loved every aspect of our trip, but more than anything, we loved spending time with Jessie, Bron, and the boys. 

 

Until next time, and hopefully, it is sooner than later. 

 

 

Blue Gryphons -Last Place Title, 2014 Summer League, Division C

I learned something about my son, Dylan, this summer.  He is an amazing coach, and he has potential to be an even more amazing coach.  He loves basketball, but is too old to participate in the recreation center league.  Brandon began playing in the rec center league a year ago. He is still in the youngest division ( 9 – 10 year olds). 

 

The Blue Gryphons (minus one player)

 

This summer, Lance and Dylan coached Brandon’s team, the Blue Gryphons.  Dylan was too young to coach so Lance served as head coach while Dylan was assistant.  This presented a great opportunity for Dylan to grow personally.  He had to step out of his comfort zone and exert maturity as he tried to teach, lead, and mentor these young boys.  They all loved and looked up to Dylan.  It was easy for Dylan to take on this role.  The difficult and more challenging responsibility of being a coach for Dylan was dealing with the parents.  He had to communicate to the parents.  He had to give end  game inspiring speeches.  He had to make decisions at game time. 

 

When we first got the roster for our team, Dylan wrote a script out that he followed when he called each parent to introduce himself as the coach.  He was so nervous.  By the end of the season, he gained confidence and became more articulate.  At our final pizza party, Dylan called each player up to stand next to him as he complimented them and noted their strengths and contributions to the team.  He thanked the parents for their support during the season.  I was truly proud of him.  It is not easy for a 15-year old to step into this role.

 

He received a nice card signed by all the team.  One player wrote, “You are my favorite coach…..”  I learned that Dylan has an incredible rapport with kids.  He would do extraordinarly well as a teacher.  He is a natural.
 

It was a big commitment to coach.  Lance attended the weekly practices and made most of the games.  However, he had to go to San Diego some weekends, and Dylan was left to his own devices, and I am proud to say that he did not disappoint.  He even benched Brandon at one of the games, because he believed Brandon was not being a team player and making foolish shots (a ball hog). I didn't agree with Dylan's assessment, but the other players did.  Brandon is the best player on the team, and it took alot of maturity to bench the best player in a close game.  Dylan made the right decision. 

 

Dylan also got to participate in the coaches vs staff end of season game.  I enjoyed watching him play and laughed as I heard several people in the stands shockingly comment, “that guy is a coach?!!!!”  Dylan is only a year older than the kids in the oldest division in the league. 

Lance and Dylan received appreciation and recognition for volunteering to coach

 

Brandon? What can I say?  He is an incredible ball player.  He is one of the youngest in the league and already one of the best point guards.  He is aggressive and fast.  He has that competitive drive.  He HUSTLES.  I know this is also due to Dylan mentoring him over the years.  Brandon wouldn't be as good as he is without Dylan as a big brother.

 

 

The Blue Gryphons took the last place title in the league winning 1 game and losing 9.  Nonetheless, we believe we were the best team out there because we never lost by much.  It was always 2 – 4 points only.  The games were so close!!!

 

Lance, Dylan, and Brandon enjoyed the seasons so much that we have already agreed to coach again. Lance made a keen observation about this team.  He said the boys all got along so well.  There were no big egos....no star players.  Everyone genuinely liked and cared for each other.  Unfortunately, most of the players on the team will advance to the next division so we will have mostly new players. I’m excited for the Winter Season, and I think  this time, we will go for the first place title.

Go Blue Gryphons!!

Touring Majestic America: Part IV - Las Vegas, Nevada and Southern California

I visit Nevada at least once a year, but I seldom go to the strip.  I am not a gambler.  I don’t drink.  I don’t like crowds.  The lure of the lights and play of “sin city” have never been a draw for me.  There are only two things I like about Vegas: the buffet and the shows.  Our grand finale of our vacation was the David Copperfield show and a scrumptious seafood buffet at the MGM grand. 

I have an orgasmic reaction when I get to go to buffet especially when it is a good buffet.  I love the endless array of options.  I eat my money’s worth to the point of making myself sick.  We had crab legs, salmon, clams, prime rib.  My mouth is salivating just thinking about it.  Brandon loves shellfish as much as I do, and we had plates with king crab legs piled so high! I was in heaven.

Following our gluttony at the buffet, we saw the legendary David Copperfield.  My kids never even heard of him, which only makes me feel old.  When the show ended, we theorized how he did all those amazing things.  Our seats were the BEST!  We were in the second row.  Unfortunately, David often pulled volunteers from the back row.  He was very interactive in his show.  He made people disappear.  He made predictions.  I love magic.  It was the perfect family show.  I also learned that Mr. Copperfield is incredibly funny.  We laughed while we were amazed. When the show ended, he walked along the stage and gave the front row high-fives.  I stood up and reached over because we were so close, and he gave me a high-five as well. 

I’ve only been to two Las Vegas shows, and both shows were with Lance.  Vegas was the destination of our first getaway together as a couple.  In fact, it is one of the few memories we have as boyfriend/girlfriend since we only dated for 10 weeks before we got married.  When we were in Vegas years ago, Lance and I joked that if we won the million dollar slot machine, we would get married right then and there.  Yep, this was us at only 3 weeks of dating.

 

We wanted to do one more day trip along the Colorado River before returning home, but weather conditions did not allow for this.  We woke up on Sunday to dark clouds and thunder.  We decided to return back home.

Our eight day vacation took us through California, Nevada, Arizona (yes, we were in Arizona along the Colorado River), and Utah.  We spent over 32 hours in the car.  There were moments when we irritated one another, but generally, we all got along well. 

Though we our road trip ended, our vacation did not.  I did not have to go back to work until Friday and Lance had the entire next week off.  We took two days to visit Legoland.  Lance accompanied us on one day.

 

I love Legoland.  There is a new waterpark at Legoland, and we spent part of our second day at this park. It sucked.  It was small so we hopped back over to Legoland.  Legoland is one of my absolute favorite parks because I am mesmerized at the ingenuity of the creations.  My favorite part of Legoland is the miniature cities (San Francisco, Washington DC, Las Vegas, New York).  About five years ago, we had annual memberships to Legoland.  There are pictures of the kids when they were so young in front of some of the same attractions.  The kids got so into Legos that they now want to build their own city.  We went home those two nights, and we watched the Lego Movie over and over and over and over and over.

 

 

 

 

isn't this amazing? and all built out of Legos