Thursday, March 24

What You Don't Know About Me


Hello! After a week in sunny, breezy, 80 degree Kauai, it's a little hard to be back in blustery, snowy Utah. But this winter weather gave me an idea as to which little known fact about myself I will be sharing with you today.

I, Wendy Toliver, have been banned from snowmobiling.

Snowmobiling Story #1: The first time I ever even sat on one of these machines was the winter before my wedding. My fiance's family invited me on a trip to West Yellowstone. After reserving the biggest machine possible, I decided it was too hard to turn so I opted for a smaller version. Then I suited up, helmeted in, and revved the motor. But I soon discovered that following in a long line of snowmobilers on a long flat trail (like in the first picture) wasn't for me and I veered off from time to time, looking for something more exciting. I found a huge jump on the side of the trail and went for it. (I'm sure I looked exactly like the photo on the bottom.) I heard a terrible snapping sound and realized later that night that my nose was at a concerning 45% angle on my face. It never bled and it seems a little strange that someone could break a nose when wearing a helmet. But somehow, I did it. I got married with my nose at this weird angle and had to work a full year to get enough health insurance to have it fixed.

Snowmobiling Story #2: I used to work at an advertising agency. It was a really great place to work because every day, we sought out ways to nourish our creativity. And what better way than to take my department up to the mountain wilderness for a day of snowmobiling? In true Wendy fashion, I didn't stay on the trail and found myself some jumps. (In hindsight, I should've learned my lesson from the broken nose incident.) Unknowingly, I launched my machine into a snow-covered river. The machine sank into the slushy waters. My poor employees had to spend a couple of hours helping me get the darned thing out.

Needless to say, my husband has banned me from snowmobiling. But now that I'm older (and wiser?) maybe I can talk him into letting me give it a go again sometime. But between us, I'm just not sure I trust myself.

Now it's your turn! Is there something you always get yourself into trouble doing? If so, have you been banned from it or decided on your own not to do it anymore? Or did you learn your lesson? Do tell!


11 comments:

Angela Scott said...

I'm going to Kauai next week! Well, first a stop in Oahau for a few days then off to Kauai. I'm so excited--can't wait to get away from Utah weather either.

Sunny Hawaii, here I come :)

~Angela

Wendy Toliver said...

Have you ever been to Kauai, Angela? It was my first time. It was amazing. Beautiful and so much to do! (Kinda kicked my butt the first few days.)

Amanda Ashby said...

Wendy - that is so funny (even though I'm totally wincing at the idea of you breaking your nose. Ouch)

I ban myself from singing in front of anyone. It's for the good of the world!!!!!

Josh Berk said...

Man, you're bold! Impressive! As for me, I'm banned from using Super Glue. It's both self-imposed & enforced by my wife should I stray from my self-imposed ban.

Wendy Toliver said...

That's funny, Amanda. One of my good friends said my birthday gift was NOT singing "Happy birthday" to me.

Oh man, Josh. Super Glue is dangerous indeed.

And Angela, I forgot to mention: I hope the whales are still there. They're already starting to make their way to Alaska.

Laurena said...

Oddly enough, I was banned by my dad from going snowmobiling too. But...after all the trouble I had, I'd rather not go near one again anyway.

First, I went over a bump, and smacked my head with my helmet--which was just a little too big...--and ended up with a massive bruise.

Second, my dad decided he would show me how to do it right, and the snowmobile ended up toppling over. Luckily my dad was able to push it off, and got the most of it.

And then lastly, I drove myself over a fence, flinging myself into the air. I pushed off at the last second, and watched helplessly as the snowmobile continued to the bottom of the hill.

But, on the plus side, I didn't get seriously injured any time I was on one. I guess that counts for something.

Wendy Toliver said...

Oh my Laurena! Too bad I didn't know I had a banned-from-snowmobiling soul mate out there; we could've done this post together! You'll have to let me know if you ever give it a go again. ;)

Lauren Baratz-Logsted said...

Great stories, Wendy! I, too, have a snowmobiling-in-Utah horror story. I thought the instructor was being literal when he said that unless I wanted to destroy the engine, "these babies are only happy doing 50+ miles per hour."

Wendy Toliver said...

OMG, Lauren! Please tell me you didn't destroy the engine!

Quách Đại ka said...

leasingbilcharms for a charm braceletHave you ever been to Kauai, Angela? It was my first time. It was amazing. Beautiful and so much to do! (Kinda

Ceska said...

Riley is still very spontaneous and when she comes across a mean and ginormous black dog, she decides she's going to get him to cross over the bridge into the Here & Now. Riley and Bodhi, along with her dog, Buttercup, are thrown into a dangerous situation and its up to Riley and her new appreciation for positive thinking to get everyone out of trouble.