Happy March, all! Finally, Spring is coming! Yee-haw! Yippee! Yes! March is going to be AWESOME! I have lots of fun things planned this month and all fun plannings to be done for my time-off in April. . . What to do, what to do. . . Any ideas, shoot them my way!

March 1: Pig Day, Witch Hysteria Day, Plan a Solo Vacation Day, Peanut Butter Lovers' Day

I got a phone call from my Dad a few weeks ago, letting me know that my Papa (ie. grandpa, Dad's dad) was having a surprise 75th birthday party thrown for him. He said "Now, I know you probably can't make it, but I just wanted to let you know" and I said "Let me see what I can do" I had a plane ticket purchased within thirty minutes! The plan was to surprise my Papa TWICE at his surprise party! Well, the initial surprise (the party itself) fell through, but he had NO idea that I was in town. I had flown in the night before (February 23rd - Justin's Mom's birthday!) and called him the morning of his party, asking what he had planned for his birthday, how the weather was in Michigan, etc. etc. Little did he know, I called him when I was on the way to his house! My Dad walked in the back door while I waited (hid) a few minutes in the car, then I went to the front door. When my Papa opened the door, I was expecting major tears, but I could definitely see the love in his dry eyes. I said "Papa, just one tear?" And he said "You know I can't" with a slight quiver in his voice. Oh, I love him! So, this was my Solo Vacation! Not as relaxing or beautiful as a beach vacation, but unforgettable none-the-less.
March 2: Dress in Blue Day, Dr. Seuss' Birthday, Employee Appreciation Day, Old Stuff Day

Here's a sneak peek into Justin's Birthday Party 2012! Gold and elegant, royal blue is the color scheme! Yay!

For some reason I am addicted to gold and blue lately. Check out these other wearable blues for March 2nd!
March 3: I Want You to Be Happy Day, National Anthem Day, Peach Blossom Day

It's been a pretty rough week. Justin started his new job and his schedule totally does NOT mesh with our "old" schedule. I am SO excited for him and his new position, but I have been afraid of its effects on our relationship. After seeing today's holiday, I Want You to be Happy Day, I realized that some things just have to work themselves out. On top of that awesome holiday, it's Peach Blossom Day and you know what peach blossoms mean? Long life, generosity and bridal hope. Not that I'm a bride (yet), but it gives me hope that everything will be as awesome as it has been the last thirty months! We will prevail. This job is not the end, it's a new beginning put before us to test and strengthen our relationship.
March 4: Courageous Follower Day, Daughters and Sons Day, National Grammar Day
March 5: Fun Facts About Names Day, Multiple Personality Day


I thought it would be fun to compile a list of people in my life and the meanings of their names. Please don't be offended if you're not on the list. Short-Term and Long-Term memory have never been my strong suits.

Want to find the meaning of your name? Check out this site!
Joseph: (Hebrew) He will enlarge.
Abby: (Hebrew) Father rejoiced, father's joy, gives joy.
Suzanne: (French, Hebrew, German) Lily
Justin: (English, Latin, Irish) Just, upright, fair, righteous, judicious.
Gary: (English, German, Welsch, Irish) Hard or bold spear, gentle.
Thaddeus: (Hebrew, Greek) Valiant, wise, one who has courage.
Joan: (English, Hebrew) God is gracious.
Rozeta: (Latin, German, English, Italian) Rose, noted protector, fame.
Anna: (Hebrew, English, Native American) Grace, favor, mother, prayer.
Kelly: (Gaelic, Irish, Scottish) Warrior, lively, aggressive, wood, strife, bright-headed.
Philip: (English, French, Greek) One who loves horses,
Michalene: (Hebrew) Close to God.
Apryll: (Latin) Open
Kate: (English, French, Irish, Greek) Pure
Denise: (Greek, English, French) God of Wine, mountain of Zeus
Nichole: (French, Greek) People's Victory
Stephanie: (Greek) Crown
Lisa: (English, Latin, Hebrew) Oath of God, my god is bountiful, devoted to god.
Becky: (Hebrew, English) Captivating, to tie.
Carolynn: (German) Strong.
Bradley: (English) Broad clearing in the wood.
Sara(h): (Hebrew) Princess.
Julie: (French, Latin) Downy, youthful.
Alexis: (English, French, Greek) Helper, defender.
Teasa: (English, Greek) Harvester.
Jessica: (Hebrew) Rich, God beholds, God is gracious.
March 6: US Snowshoe Day, Dentists' Day, National Frozen Food Day

The Denver Post's article "Best Places to Snowshoe in Colorado" includes several trails around Colorado to try out as well as tips to make your next snowshoeing trip the best ever!

What to Wear:
Snowshoes, of course! They come in three types: trail, backcountry, and racing ranging from $100 to $350. Warm, waterproof boots that are comfortable to hike it. Wool or synthetic hat, gloves and windproof jacket which retains heat even when wet. Dress in layers! Poles, while not crucial, help maintain balance especially when breaking trail or going downhill.

What to Pack:
Daypack include water (1 liter for every hour on the trail), high-energy snacks and the rest of the "10 essentials" — a first-aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, map and compass, waterproof matches or other fire starter, pocket knife, emergency whistle, sunscreen and sunglasses. Don't bother with goggles - they tend to fog up under such heavy exercise! Also duct tape, piece of wire/cord and a pair of Leatherman-style pliers for on-the-trail repairs.

Safety:
The major risks in snowshoeing involve hypothermia or frostbite (because of the cold), dehydration (the exercise and altitude) and avalanches (the terrain). To stave off hypothermia, a dangerous and potentially deadly drop in the body's core temperature, take pains to stay warm and dry.  Use chemical hand warmers and foot warmers if necessary to protect your extremities. Take along an extra pair of gloves for your return trip, when the circulation in your fingers may be shortchanged by the blood flow to your legs. To prevent dehydration, which can impair your judgment and sap your energy, take plenty of water — and drink it, every time you stop for a breather. If you carry a Camelbak, make sure it's insulated, and keep the drinking tube from freezing by blowing the water back into the reservoir after each use. Carry water bottles inside your pack rather than in mesh pockets on the outside. To keep from getting buried in an avalanche, pay close attention to the forecasts, watch for evidence of slides and, in general, avoid slopes with angles of 30 degrees or more.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Suggested for beginners, Rocky Mountain National Park also hosts free, ranger-led snowshoe ecology tours at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through March. Reservations required, at 970-586-1223.


Wild Basin Area
Well-marked routes, most popular 2.8-mile trail to Calypso Cascades, with more challenging options available!

West of Boulder
The Brainard Lake area near Ward offers excellent snowshoeing when the weather isn't too windy, including snowshoe-only trails created by the Colorado Mountain Club. If the snow has been blown free in open areas, the Jenny Creek trail at the Eldora Mountain Resort or Lost Lake trail west of Nederland can be good alternatives.

St. Mary's Glacier
The trail to St. Mary's Glacier, northwest of Idaho Springs, usually has good snow and you get off I-70 before you hit the ski traffic.

Berthoud Pass
The old Squaw Pass road east of Echo Lake, off the Mount Evans road south of Idaho Springs. Or try Butler Gulch, reachable via a good gravel road that heads west from the first switchback on U.S. 40 at the eastern foot of Berthoud Pass.

Silver Dollar Lake trail
The Silver Dollar Lake trail off the Guanella Pass road south of Georgetown is highly recommended, although once you've reached the lake, don't go beyond or around it or you'll be in avalanche territory.

Grizzly Gulch
Grizzly Gulch, west of Georgetown off the Bakerville exit is another option, although it can be risky if you go too far up the valley.

Kenosha Pass
Southwest of Denver, Kenosha Pass offers easy access to sections of the Colorado Trail via U.S. 285.

Abyss Lake trail
For something different, try the Abyss Lake trail on the south side of Guanella Pass (also reachable off U.S. 285). It's a little less used, and you don't have to get on I-70!

March 7: Cereal Day, National Be Heard Day

What's YOUR favorite cereal?

Happy munching!
XO