Making Headlines

I never really knew just how important it was to hit the first 100-degree day here in Phoenix, but man I sure was fighting back the phone calls! We were forecasting to hit 99 on Thursday May 20th and 100 on Friday May 21st. So of course we had everyone and their brother calling on Thursday asking, "Where are we now?", "Do you think we'll hit it today?", and even "I know you are going to hit 100, so just say you are". Well, we didn't make it! However, on Friday we did make it. Actually went to 101. I talked to so many news reporters that day and they were taking my name down. I had hopes I would make it into the news paper somehow...and I did! Made it in Arizona Central.

Next up, going for 110! We are looking to reach near record temperatures this weekend, which means 110-113 by Monday. With the humidity so low, I'm talking 8-17%, the heat hasn't been too bad. And of course I haven't seen anything yet I know, but I'm just getting prepared for the much hotter weather. Good thing we have a pool in our condo complex!

NWS Phoenix, AZ

The Heat Is On...

As we approach the end of May here in Phoenix it is just the beginning of the Heat Season. The season where the temperature will go above 100 for consecutive days in a row. The first 100 degree day of the year was recorded on May 21st topping out at a high of 101 for that day. Since then, we have not hit 100...yet. There was an article that was sent out talking about if this season would be cooler overall since we hadn't hit 100 yet. There is no real connection with the overall seasonal temperatures and the date of the first 100 degree day (as statistics were collected and analyzed). It will definitely be a shock to me as I've never seen temperatures above 100. I'm a bit excited to see temperatures go beyond 100 just for the pure joy of seeing it. The heat here in Arizona is dry, not much humidity at all, so it's a nice heat, for me anyway! I've never seen humidity values as low as they have been here, in the teens even. As I'm well aware and have been informed the Monsoon will bring humidity back up and should be quite the show for severe weather here in Arizona. I'm also excited to see that and a dust storm or two.

This is the forecast for next Sunday here in Phoenix as of now, 111 for the high! Dew points in the mid 20's, I just can't believe it. People have told me that when the wind blows here that it feels like a blow dryer, and they are correct. It does.

As I'm writing this the current temperature is 98 degrees here in Phoenix. Some people love warm weather, some people love cold weather, some like the beach and some like the snow. I wouldn't consider myself a true meteorologist unless I've been able to experience as many different weather types and phenomenons as I can. I am really looking forward to the 100+ degree weather just to experience it. I can't say that I don't miss the snow in Colorado because I do. I can also say it is no fun to get in your car and use oven mitts on the steering wheel to drive, because I have done that too.

Images courtesy NWS Phoenix

May 29

It's almost too unreal to believe that 6 years ago today I graduated High School. I really can't understand how time went by so fast. I know it's only 6 years but it's still 6 YEARS! I am pretty proud of myself having done all that I've done and gotten as far as I have today. I know that 6 years ago I sure didn't think I'd be where I am today! Here's to the next x number of years until I accomplish more.

I can't seem to find any pictures (digital) to upload here or a logo, so I'll look around and see what I can find!

Our class song was "Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty. Great song, I do love Tom Petty. Our mascot was the Eagles and our colors Black & Gold. Half of my wardrobe is Black & Gold thanks to all the sports and school events I was part of.

Food Frenzy & Great Thursday

Was feeling pretty inspired today after a great workout and some dancing around the house to Rolling Stones & Def Leppard brought on this post! Some new finds for meals & tasty ideas I've come across this week. First off, a very yummy, cool, refreshing drink we were turned on to. Combining Arizona Pomegranate Green Tea with Lemonade. A new and tasty twist to an Arnold Palmer. Delicious!

For lunch today I was in the mood for something kind of light and quick, but didn't want to make a sandwich. So I decided to make some pasta and use some pesto sauce I have in the fridge. I did find a recipe to make home-made pesto sauce, so that will be my next task. I'm also going to be making homemade pasta, can't wait!

Then for dinner I was still in a pasta mood, haha! So I made Italian sausage with grilled peppers and onions with penne pasta in a tomato sauce. Yummy!!

Next up: I'll make sure to include pictures of the yummy homemade pasta, hoping to make ravioli and some more sausage dishes. I'm planning to make whole wheat pasta. I also want to try some homemade sauces and I got a recipe from my aunt for some brownie-cookie bites, sounds yummy! I'm still on the veggie-rice kick, but trying out other things :)

Happy Day of Birth

Happy Birthday to Josh! Today is his birthday. He usually always tried to get the day off work and leave town, but sadly it hasn't worked out the last couple of years. Here are some photos from previous years and events. Sort of a photo-blog recap for him. Happy Birthday Joshy!

April 2006

May 2006

May 2006

August 2006

December 2006

 

August 2007

February 2008

Sunday Evening

 

An end to a weekend and a start to a new week. Thought I would post a quick note before heading off to bed. Saturday was a 2 year anniversary for the Windsor, CO tornado that struck very close to home for me. It was a very large part of my life for the last 2 years as I was part of the Colorado Spirit and University of Northern Colorado Student Chapter of the AMS team to help educate people around Northern Colorado about tornadoes, severe weather and safety of such events. I really enjoyed doing all of this. I like helping others and teaching people about these events. Maybe it will be a path I take later on in life. With this anniversary I have been watching as closely as I can (given I'm in Arizona!) to the skies for severe weather over the last week. What a rush it must be to be out there chasing. I'm living vicariously through my storm chaser friends and loving all of the pictures and videos pouring in. Great job to all! I hope someday I can be fortunate enough to chase more often than I have so far. I'll include a picture of a tornado I was able to chase last year in Wyoming. This was the La Grange, WY tornado on June 5, 2009. My very first tornado! Needless to say I was pretty ecstatic about this! I didn't get as close as I probably could have, but given I was chasing by myself (not the intended plan) and didn't have a good network of internet or radar or map of the roads (thanks to a few friends via phone for the needed info) I got as close as I could and felt safe.

 

Weather is such a passion of mine and I am so lucky to share this passion with a great group of close friends. Have a great week!

Inspiration

Inspired by Hey Gorgeous's blog I decided to do a post on inspiration. A little bit wise this morning :)

I'm not perfect.

I'm just me. 

I love the rain.

I could sit and stare at the clouds or stars for hours.

I love to learn  new things.

Science makes me happy.

I love watching, playing and talking sports.

Grew up playing outside with the boys, so I'm tough.

I love a good love-story, chick-flick, tear-jerker movie.

I look forward to tomorrow and what the future holds.

I'm a pretty positive person.

I love my family & friends more than they know.

The little things in life make me happy.

I dance for no reason at any time.

I think people who look for the good & fun in things have more fun.

People who believe in themselves first are happier.

I laugh at myself.

I'm afraid of the dark. Seriously.

I'll leave with this lyric from KC & The Sunshine Band:
"I'm walking on sunshine, Whoa-oh, and don't it feel good!"

images found here and here