Thursday, December 17, 2009

Third Annual Holiday Blog

Wow, another year is past us. Where does the time go? As I start my third annual holiday blog, I try to think back to January and the beginning of this amazing year of my life. What are the highlights you are wondering? Let’s see if I can do a top five:

5. I got a new job within Polaris with the BIG division. Very cool so far!
4. Year of the theatre- I went to Chicago to see Mary Poppins, saw it again in Minneapolis and went to New York to see Wicked
3. I was blessed with a third nephew, Myles Robert

2. I went ATV’ing in the Sahara Desert in Tunisia
1. And let’s see, what could this one be…… OH YEAH, I lived in France for 4 months!!!

That’s right, I started off the year by taking an assignment through work to live in France for 4 months. I don’t even know how to explain this experience in my life. I learned so much about myself. I stepped outside of my comfort zone living on my own in a foreign country where I did not speak the language and had some amazing trips while I was there. I travelled to Italy (many areas), Tunisia, Sweden, Paris, and did some skiing in the Alps. As the snow starts to fly here I begin to miss my time in France. I don’t miss the wild boars or the hike from the farm everyday…. Those of you who have followed my blog know what I mean. I truly enjoyed my time in France, especially when my friends and family came over to visit. Check back in the blog to get caught up on my total experience in France.

After I returned I took a new job within Polaris. My three years in international were amazing and I was sad to leave, but very excited about my new role and team. I have gotten to do some cool trips already including a video shoot and a ride in the desert with one of our partners. I love the job and its challenges and am very excited about what I am learning and contributing to the team.


What else happened this year? Does seem as you get older that the years just kind of blur together? I swear I was just celebrating New Years with friends last year, and now we are preparing for another one.

As most of you know I have been coaching the Wayzata Girl's Swim team for five years now. This year was an amazing season. We finished tenth in state last year, and this year were hoping for top ten again, maybe even as high as sixth or seventh. After an amazing night of swimming, we finished fourth! It ties my best finish with this team at the state meet and this year was very special for our team as we accomplished this with a wide array of talent. We don't have one Super-star, we have a lot of great swimmers, and when they work together, amazing things happen.

So what is on the forefront for 2010? I have a list of home projects, trips, work stuff, play stuff... As most of you know, my plate is never very empty. I will also proudly finish my MBA in February. It has taken 3 years, but am very excited to be done soon.

As the 2009 year comes to a close, I think about what an amazing year it was. I was Gold Elite for the first time with Northwest and got upgraded a few times to First Class (love it!). I learned how to drive, shop, order food, get gas and more while living in Europe. All were quite challenging at first, but a fun process to learn. I was challenged and worked longer hours than I ever have before, and actually like it.

All in all, it was a good year in my life. I hope each of you had challenges, rewards and experiences that enriched your life in 2009. And most of all, I wish you the best for 2010. May it be a year of growth, love and health for you and your families.

Happy Holidays to all.

Love,

Beth

Riding in the Desert

Last weekend I got a bonus trip to Arizona. Found out on Tuesday that I would fly out on Thursday for the event. We had done an incentive trip to some of our dealers and sales team to do a ride with our marketing partner- NASCAR and Off-Road Racer Robby Gordon.

View from my hotel room

We landed on Thursday and drove from Vegas to Parker AZ. We drove over the Hoover Dam at night, which was really neat to see. Would lvoe to see it during the day. Friday we rode 70 miles in the desert scouting the route. Then Saturday went another 85 miles with the dealers on the ride. It was a great couple days and got me some great riding experience. Check out some shots of what we did.....

Our lunch stop in the middle of the desert...

Our line-up for the ride

Robby's Ride. 550 hp! Talk about a sweet ride. Check out the video of it in action below.

I am off for Arizona again this Sunday for 3 days. I will be working on another video and get home just in tiem to head home for Christmas Eve. Hope everyoine has a safe holiday. The thrid annual holiday blog is in progress...... check back soon.

Monday, December 14, 2009

New Yoooouuurrrrkkkk

So I said to myself, you need a vacation, why not grab a girlfriend and have a ladies weekend in NYC? So I did. After getting back from California I worked for 3 days then took off for a four day weekend in New York. We did a ton of stuff. Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Ellis Island, Radio City Music Hall, Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, New York City Library, China Town..... and more! Pictures are below to show you how much.

Times Square

The Rockefeller Tree and Rink

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Carnegie Deli and the World's Largest Club Sandwich- we shared this one!


Central Park

The Waiting Room at Ellis Island

My ancestors could have sat in these very seats.

An Amazing Site to Visit.

Almost as Big as Mine :)

I had an awesome trip. We saw the musical Wicked again and I remember how much I loved it. Could not have asked for a better weekend. The only downer was the rain on Saturday, which meant umbrellas, and thousands of people...... I did not enjoy umbrellas to the face so we called it an early night. But I will be back again for sure.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

California Kid

I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Napa, CA. I now remember why I don't have children... they tire me out!!!! I swear I never had that much energy. But it was great to spend time with Sara, Dom and my little guys. We watched cartoons, went to the park, walks, read a ton of books and just played. Here are some pics from the trip.

He knows when the flash is coming.....

And here is a video of Henry going down the slide by himself! And of course I had to get down some way....

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Worlds worst blogger....

To my loyal fans- I apologize for my lack of blogs lately. I have so much to share. I went to California for Thanksgiving, then a weekend trip to New York, and now found out today that I am heading to Arizona for this weekend for work. I have a lot to get caught up on. Hope it can happen soon as I have so many pictures to share. Check back next week for some updates.

Let it snow.....