Adventure #34: Star in a Commercial

Okay, so star is too big of a word, but I had fun as Randy from Infomercials Inc. filmed us for an AirWolf commercial. I know, to them it was all in a days work, but it isn't every day the average shmoe like myself gets to stand in front of a big camera like that. 

Jumping with my Infomercials Inc. friends.

I went with Todd and the two youngest peanuts. We were acting like it was morning and I was giving them a little breakfast before the busy day started all in the comfort of the Air Wolf. While the product took center stage you can still tell it is us in the background. Doug said the infomercial airs beginning this Saturday. So if you are lazily watching TV on the weekend or late at night watch for our starring role (we are in it three times). I'll try to add a link when I find one.

 

 

Big thanks to Randy who sure knows his stuff and for Loren who makes it fun and is a pure delight. I would love it if you moved to our neighborhood -- you know we could kick it up.

Adventure #33: Cook Like a Peruvian

Can I just say, Yum!

Me and Patty getting ready to compete in the upcoming, "Whose the next Foodnetwork Star?"

So, while I hate the day to day, "what's for dinner" type cooking, I love the cooking experience when I get to make something new or make something taste bud popping. It doesn't get much better than a personal cooking lesson on an authentic dish from Peru from someone who grew up there! Thank you Patty for showing me how to put a little passion into a meal and for loving garlic as much as I do.

We first went to Rancho Market to get our food. I've never been there and loved it. Did you know you could get 10 pounds of oranges for a dollar (on special)? Who knew. And, the small bunches of cilantro I get at the local grocery store are anemic compared to the bunch I collected here for the same price. You can even get a crunchy churro rolled in cinnamon in the back to quiet little kids or loud gringos (me). Trust me, I'll be back again!

The food was great, but the company and conversation was even better. I loved watching Patty throw in a handful of this and a smack of that (all just a teaspoon or so).


She learned how to make this dish from her mother who still lives in Peru. She would cook it over open flames in earthenware they made. What a rich, full-sensory experience she must have had. I can only imagine how beautiful it was to feel the heat of the fire, to smell the aromas of heavy garlic and freshly ground cumin, to watch the stew simmer as the flames licked the side of the pan, and sit stirring with the sounds of the village swirling around.




Since most of the recipe was a little here and a lot there, I doubt I'll ever be able to duplicate it. But, I'll have fun trying and every time I taste it I'll smile as I think of Patty laughing.

Adventure #32: Ride a Mechanical Bull

Yeehaw, you got it cowgirl; it's on to the rodeo next. 

We headed up the canyon on the Fourth of July to Snowbird where people were enjoying the last day of skiing and snowboarding. How crazy is that? I've never heard of skiing on the Fourth of July before. We passed one group carrying their snowboards in one hand and super soaker water guns in the other. 

In addition to all the skiiers, we saw a moose drinking from a pond next to the parking lot.

While wrapped in blankets and jackets (another 4th of July first), we found a large patch of snow next to the river to jump on.

Finally, after several mini adventures on the way up, we reached the mechanical bull. I have to admit, as we approached I was a little disappointed. It looked so easy, like a kiddy ride at Lagoon. But then..... ummm, when you get on and it gets a moving, well let's just say it is harder than it looks.

I had fun trying to be a cowgirl for a minute. I'll appreciate those bull riders so much more the next time I go to a rodeo.

Adventure #31: Quicksilver Alpine Slide

Squirrel Crossing

The last time I rode an alpine slide, I was traumatized because a cute little squirrel jumped onto the track just as I rounded a corner going as fast as I could. I saw his bright little eyes just before... SMACK. I ran him over. Screaming, I looked back as he rolled over and over and then luckily scampered off. Whew, at least I didn't kill the poor thing. For all I know, he was either participating in a squirrel initiation tradition or he was an adrenaline junky catching a few thrills with the rest of us.

I'm happy to report, no squirrels on this trip down. I think it helps that the Quicksilver slide is made out of steel so it gets too hot to entice little creatures to join in the adventure.

The birthday girl was my co-pilot and we had a good time zooming along the scenic ride overlooking the valley. Thanks kiddo, for sharing your birthday adventure with me!

Adventure #30: xtreme zipline down Olympic ski jump

Wow, I was amazed to see just how steep the Olympic ski jump really is. I know I could never go down on a pair of skiis, but it would be something else to go down on a tube. Since that is not likely to happen (I would probably die!), I flew 50 miles per hour along side the K 120 ski jump on the world's steepest zipline. Yahooo!

Here is our ski jump landing. I think we scored a 10.

Adventure #29: Olympic Bobsled Run

When I was a kid I always liked to sit in front of the TV with a big cup of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows to watch the ice skating events of the Winter Olympics. But, the event I thought I would do if I were ever in the Olympics was the bobsled. Yes, I wanted to go FAST and feel the wind. I wanted to feel my stomach lurch as I flew up the side of the wall around every curve. I remember the Jamaican bobsled team and thought if they could do it with no snow, why couldn't I when I have the "Greatest Snow on Earth" in my backyard.

I obviously never made it to the Olympics, as a matter of fact I've never even sat in a bobsled. That was until now.....

Yea! That is me in the back with Clint and Jeni. The back is supposed to the craziest ride with the most bumps.

We completed the one mile course with 18 turns and 4Gs in one minute and six seconds. One of the fastest times for that week!



When you start out they tell you to shrug your shoulders to minimize the neck and head shake... I never knew that. I'll keep it in mind the next time I ride a roller coaster since they seem to totally attack my neck and shoulders in my old age. It worked too, because I was fine at the end. Too bad they don't have a trick for rattled brains as your head jiggles in your helmet -- a lot.

No one on the couch for today's bobsled run.

Inspirations from Mexico

At the end of blogging my Mexico adventure series I have to take a minute and reflect on the trip that inspired the 40 adventures in celebration of 40 years.

A few months ago I went on a trip to the Yukatan Peninsula with Todd and a few friends. The place was everything I crave in an adventure -- beautiful scenery, new experiences, thrills, good food, intense colors, great friends, belly laughs, and an excitment that perculates deep in the gut of my soul. It left me with a desire to engage in activities that once filled my days and encouraged an active, lively, and spirited existence.

As I pondered on my 40 years, I thought what a better way to celebrate a great life filled with many diverse experiences than to dive in and fill it up with 40 new adventures that either I've always wanted to do or that reflect cherished memories of my past. 

So, thank you Mexico for inspiring me, thank you Dawn and Jason for sharing the experience, thank you Clint and Jeni for providing the conduit to my inspiration, and thank you Todd for supporting, loving, and encouraging me.

We Heart Mexico!

Here is to the adventures I've completed and to the adventures yet to come and here is to the many great friends and family members willing to share them with me.

Watch the slideshow highlighting a few photos from this trip.