GNO ROCKS

GNO ROCKS! Literally. A group of friends and I went rock-climbing for our Girl's Night Out. Typically, we hit a local restaurant to enjoy great company and delicious food, but last night it was all about the adventure. Eight of us, ranging in age from 32-39, loaded up in one huge SUV and traveled to Upper Limits in Bloomington. It's a rock-climbing facility in a grain silo. We didn't know what to expect and didn't know what we were doing so we opted for a "Group Adventure," where a guide (Bryan) helped us every step of the way. What fun! We started on a smaller climb and all of us who tried (Gretchen is afraid of heights so she opted out and climbed the low boulders instead) made it to the top. YEAH! Next, we walked into the "real" silo and looked up ... way up. I think it was 65 feet high. YIKES! Patty was first. She did it. Anne (John Riley's wife) was next. Ditto. I went third and was about half way up when I looked down. Big Mistake. I started to get a little squirmish about the height. But I kept going. All I could think about was "If I don't make it to the top, I'll never hear the end of it from Patty." You see, Patty thinks I'm ultra-competitive. I agree. Anyway, I did it. Meg, Michele, Jen & Belinda followed and we all had huge smiles on our faces when our feet were back on the ground. Our legs were a little shaky but our self-confidence was stronger because of the experience. We stepped out of our comfort zone and took on the challenge. Next time ladies, we tackle the 110 foot climb.

"Whether you think you can or can't, you're right." - Henry Ford

"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan.

Suit Up And Celebrate The First Day of Summer

It was a big day for the Flagg family yesterday. We visited the "Dump Bucket." That's the name my children have given to East Peoria's Splashdown Water Park, simply because there's a huge bucket that dumps itself over the water-playground. They've been asking me to go all year and finally I could say "yes." It was fun for the whole family, even my parents,who were visiting from the Chicago area. The two of them are in their mid-60's and pleasantly surprised me by, not only, going down the big water slide but doing it repeatedly. They also enjoyed floating the lazy river and, of course, watching their three grandchildren swim in the big pool. As an adult, I can't remember either one of them ever getting into water-play when I was young. Mom always sat by the edge of the pool reading her book while my brother, sister and I splashed away. It seemed dad was working. So it was fun to see them tap into their playful side. After all, isn't that what summer is all about? So the next time you're thinking about how the laundry is piling up or how the lawn needs to be cut .. suit-up, hit a local pool and, why not ... splash the kids with that powerful cannonball.

Deal of the Day
(Check the back of your phone book. Splashdown has a coupon. Buy one admission and get one free.) Enjoy.

Camping In The Heat ..... UGH!

Camping in the heat ... hmmmmm. I better rethink that idea. That's exactly what my family did over the weekend in 90-plus-degree heat. Yeah, I know. What was I thinking? It was actually not bad until Sunday morning when we packed to leave. That's when the sun was beating down on us. Boy, were we (hubby and I)crabby.
This was actually a quick tent-camping trip. On Saturday, we headed east to the town of Leroy and stayed at the Moraine View State Park. We were able to swim at the lake for a couple of hours and the kids enjoyed playing in the sand. We cooked out some hot dogs and hamburgers and just hung around the fire. My seven-year old loves to poke the fire with sticks. He also had great fun catching lightening bugs (or fireflies).Lucas proudly told me he caught 15. We also toasted marshmallows for smores and told stories around the fire. Bernard: The Pork & Bean Eating Dog story, told to us by my husband, was my favorite. All in all it was a great opportunity for my family to re-connect and enjoy each other. Even in the summer it seems everyone is busy, busy, busy. I did learn one thing this weekend .... from now on we are Spring & Fall campers .. not summer campers. The heat is just too much. Have a great day.

Visit the BEST Beach this Summer

Are you planning any summer vacations? Imagine, for a moment, that you're sitting in your lounge chair at one of the best beaches in America. Docter Beach (Must be a tough job) has ranked the nation's best beaches and is out with his 2007 list. Believe it or not, this year's best beach isn't in Florida or Hawaii. It's North Carolina's Ocracoke Island, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Stephen Leatherman, AKA Doctor Beach, is a profesor at Florida International University. He sys there are 14 miles of unspoiled beach at that site. But it might be tough to get there. The only access to the island is by boat or private plane. Other beaches on this year's list are in Clearwater, Florida, Southampton, New York, and Kauai, Hawaii.


Source for story: Associated Press

Stomach Flu .. Go Away!

Ugh! It's not been the best way to start our summer vacation. The stomach flu has invaded our house, hopefully for the last time this year. First it was my five year old (over the weekend), and then my three year old (Monday). So, I wasn't surprised when I came down with the bug, as well. No work for me. In the past, I've gone in to work and just dealt with it, but not today. John went solo. I'm sure he didn't mind. He doesn't want me coming in there spreading germs and getting everyone else sick. So while I did get to sleep in today (1:00 pm).. there wasn't any pleasure in it at all. Listen for me tomorrow.

Summer Reading List - #1

The kids are officially out of school beginning today so even though it's not officially summer on the calendar, the summer days have begun at our house in Peoria. As we gear up for the warmer weather, I look forward to picking up a good book, sitting out on the patio with a glass of wine and gettin' in some good reading. With three children, I know that's not always a reality .. but .. a girl can always hope. Here is a list of favorites from my friends and family. Installment #2 will be out later this month. Please feel free to respond with your favorite books, authors and comments on why you enjoyed them so much.



Housewives Eating Bon Bons
Author: Lorna Landvik
"A real women's story about friendship." -- Gretchen Michelet

The Same Sweet Girls
Author: Cassandra King
"One of my favorite books ever. Great female bonding. If you liked Steel Magnolias, you'll love it" -- Shari Robider

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See
"Beautiful, heart-warming. About female friendship." -- Sarah Biehl

The Kite Runner (this was recommended by several people)
Author: Khaled Hosseini
"A must read about growing up in Afghanistan during all the political upheaval. Fantastic characters,incredibly engaging and somewhat disturbing." -- Jackie Codevilla

To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
"A Perfect Lesson in Life." -- Marika Sharpe

Heat
Author: Bill Buford
"This book is big fun. A writer becomes a kitchen "slave" in Mario Batali's restaurant -- and falls in love with Italian cooking." -- Becky Doubleday

The Stephanie Plum Series ("One For The Money" is the first installment)
Author: Janet Evanovich
"Stephanie is your everyday girl. One can almost imagine themself as Stephanie. A fun read." -- Shelli Dankoff McClellan

Elvis, Jesus, and Coca Cola
Author: Kinky Friedman
"Doesn't The Name Say Enough." -- Mary Brown

The Girls
Author: Lori Lansens
"A story about the lives of conjoined twins, from their own perspective. I heard this was a page turner." -- Tammy White