AmandaOT

I think we're alone now...

I'll have to say this is the emptiest parking garage I have ever seen. At least I didn't have a problem finding my vehicle. It's all very sad.

posted by amanda @ 8:45 PM 0 comments

Today was beautiful day for exploring the trails around the Moro Rock area of Sequoia. I haven't a clue how many trails I followed, or how far I hiked. I would estimate at least 10 miles. I think for the first time ever, I am posting pics on the same day they were taken rather than months later. Go figure. It was a relaxing day, and I got to see a lot of cool nature-related and non-nature-related sites that I really want to take anyone that is willing to sometime. It's not a difficult hike when you don't go the long way to get there. A perfect hike for you Colleen!

posted by amanda @ 10:56 PM 4 comments

New links

I added a couple new links to the right margin. Sorry Mike that your blog was late getting up. For those that don't know what a Moblog is (because I didn't), it's a blog designed for pics (as told to me by Runyon). So check out Mike and Runyon's sites!

posted by amanda @ 8:26 PM 0 comments

Weekend Update!

First of all...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

This weekend was a bit of a whirlwind...
Friday night I came home from work, ate dinner, and checked email. Sometime during the preparation of dinner, I decided to burn my hand pretty significantly on a hot spoon plate. For the next 2 hours I had to carry a cold bottle of water where ever I went to avoid excruciating pain. That was a blast! After the burning fiasco, I went to Wendy's to babysit Lukas. Fun times as usual. Lukas played in the yard as I played the role of the Nazi babysitter that would not allow him near rusty objects and the holes surrounding the sprinkler system for fear of a damaged face/head. After babysitting, I headed over to Matt's for some In&Out burgers and we turned in early (for a Friday anyway).

4 AM Saturday, the alarm goes off. That sucked. I managed, after the alarm went off a second time, to drag myself off the couch and get in the shower. On the road by 4:40 AM and on our way to Yosemite. We were at the trailhead at 7, and needless to say, I couldn't use my hiking poles due to the burn on my hand. We managed to get to the Half Dome cables at 12. The cables weren't as gridlocked as last year, because frankly, comparatively there weren't that many people. Both of us were up the cables within 30 minutes. The cables were a lot tougher this year than I remember. I blame it on not being as terrified of Half Dome and neglecting my upper body weights this past year. Unforntunately, the top of Half Dome was cloud covered and cold. Matt took a nap and I froze and shivered most of the time. That really sucked. We headed back down at 2 and decided to take the John Muir Trail back and walk the extra 1/2 mile or so. We were back at the trail head about 5:30. It was a long, but good day. We both were exhausted and disappointed that we didn't see Me&Ed's in Oakhurst on the ride home. I was home about 9 and in bed by 9:30.

Today, I'm a bit fatigued, but not significantly sore. However, my arms are a bit stiff from the cables. I went shopping this morning for some gear. I decided to give The Sports Authority a try first then work my way down Blackstone to Big 5 and Copelands. I'm proud of my bewildered look in the store. The manager at The Sports Authority asked me if i needed help while I was scanning my Campmor catalog. The backpack I wanted to was $25 cheaper in Campmor, so he matched the price for me after I told him I was going to get it through Campmor. Then he assisted me with finding a raincoat and Camelbak bladder. The raincoat was $20 cheaper than list price. By the end of the trip I saved myself $20 plus shipping costs. That was pretty sweet. The rest of my day will be just hanging out and doing some things around the house.

posted by amanda @ 2:30 PM 0 comments

Lukas eats with a fork!

posted by amanda @ 9:32 PM 0 comments

We're hiking! WHEEEEE!

Team Nayked ventured outdoors this past weekend. Pat, Carrie, Will, Sarah, Bryan, Matt, and I went camping at Wawona in Yosemite. Terry and Elena stayed with us Friday night. Friday night was Spam and hot dogs on the fire and, of course, beer. Saturday we headed out early to tackle the Upper Yosemite falls. Lots of mosquitos on the trail this weekend. I think I got my first mosquito bites since living here. Matt and I continued to Eagle's Peak through snow pack and walking across streams on logs. We only lost the trail once because of snow pack, but some nice hikers pointed us in the right direction. We saw 2 deer standing on the trail. It was great to see some wildlife. No bear sightings, but there were some mountain lion tracks in the snow pack. I'm not really sore today. My calfs are uncomfortable and tight, but nothing that a little stretching won't cure in a couple days. Kudos to everyone for hiking this weekend and for making it to the top of the falls! Pics can be seen here and at Will's site You can probably expect pics from Bryan and Sarah and Matt soon.

posted by amanda @ 7:57 PM 2 comments

Things that piss me off....

I'm sorry, but I think this ruling is just sickening to me. I will have no sympathy if one of the judges that made this decision ever needs medicinal marijuana for relief. It's not like doctors are just prescribing it to everyone. It's a last ditch effort. I had a patient once that was allergic to all forms of pain medication. And when I say ALL I am not exaggerating. She couldn't take morphine, acetaminophin, ibruprofin, aspirin, or codeine without an allergic reaction. Therefore, she can't take any over the counter meds such as tylenol, aspirin, aleve, motrin, etc. Nor could she take Vicodin, Oxycotin, Oxycodone, Tylenol 3, Darvocet, Percocet, etc. What the hell was she supposed to do when they amputated her leg? Just deal with it? I would like to cut off one of those judges legs and just tell them to walk it off or let them sit without pain meds when they have cancer causing gut wrenching pain rip through their body. These people aren't drug addicts anymore than any other patient on pain medications. I'm sorry, but morphine has more negative side effects than a little pot. Ok...I'm off my soap box now.

posted by amanda @ 11:23 PM 3 comments

Gay Pride parade 2005

posted by amanda @ 12:16 PM 0 comments

Just lazy I guess

So I've noticed how lazy I've gotten and I only seem to post pics now. Sorry about that everyone.

Went to Vegas this past weekend and lost of course. I spent way to much money on stuff I don't need but really wanted. Hmmm...Bought the patriarch of my family a pretty sweet Father's day gift in Vegas (he will have to wait a month because it is heavy and is coming in my suitcase).

I got a new haircut. I suck and haven't posted a pic yet. The best I've got is on Will's site under May 27th. It's fun to style.

For all those living in Ohio and the vicinity, I will be home the morning of July 5th and will be flying out the afternoon of July 11th. Hoping to have a bday party with any friends still in the area on July 8th. Anyone that is interested should email or call me.

I'm still training for my Mount Whitney hike with Matt. We hike Sept. 17th. I'm trying to be as rough on my body as possible by doing some stair climbers and incline running.

In case I get lazy again, here is some upcoming events in my life....
Sunday I go rafting on the Merced river
The following weekend is camping and hiking up the Yosemite Falls then onto Eagle's peak
The weekend following that I plan on hiking Half Dome again
Somewhere in there James is planning a visit to Fresno

Until next time....

posted by amanda @ 9:52 PM 0 comments

Raphael getting a lesson from the Ranger

posted by amanda @ 9:42 PM 0 comments

Raphael reads about General Sherman

posted by amanda @ 9:42 PM 0 comments

Matt, Carrie and I meet Raphael at General Sherman!

posted by amanda @ 9:42 PM 0 comments