Skeeter's Trails

2009 AIDS ride

2009-06-08T22:03:00.002-05:00

Won't you support me in raising $1500 for AIDS? I'll be riding 300 miles on my bike with Team Milkshake in mid-July. I had a blast last year and it seemed effortless after it all. Sore butt and all, it was worth it!
Please support me!
http://tinyurl.com/lvwp5a

Digital is the future

2009-05-31T23:23:00.005-05:00

Best Buy partners with Fuse to grow in the digital space.
http://tinyurl.com/onfh32

AIG - A letter

2009-03-30T09:19:00.001-05:00

Unbelievable letter in the NYT.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/opinion/25desantis.html

To ski or not to ski?

2009-03-29T11:59:00.002-05:00

Alexi and I headed up to Duluth for a Spirit Mountain ski weekend. We had 40 degree weather (dreamy on the face, but not so dreamy on the skis) and spent out time laughing and joking. It was a "yes" weekend all the way - "Can we go into the chocolate shop and get chocolate espresso beans?" Yes! "Can I have another coke?" Yes! "Can we go to the jacuzzi with 400 kids playing around?" Yes!

Julie, Allison and Ben joined us for a Sunday morning ski. Jules (aka ski patrol in action) let us assist on a snowboarder bail out. We helped load and transport a fallen snowboarder who crashed and burned! Fun fun! The funniest part was Julie waiting minutes to respond to the ski patrol call hoping she didn't have to deal with it on her last run! Jules - you crack me up!

All in all, 2.5 hours yielded a blast of a weekend.

I pass you an olive branch in the New Year

2008-12-31T18:02:00.003-06:00

In Ancient Greece, the olive branch symbolized peace and good will. It is said that olive trees take so long to cultivate and bear fruit that it is also a sign of a long life. I think this gesture couldn't be more timely given the state of our world and times. These photos were taken on the island of Paros, Greece and are my reminder of our need for focus on good will and long life. Won't you take it and pass it on?

Wishing all of you peace, happiness, energy, and a renewed spirit towards "making good" in the environment around you.

Peace.

Chicago's greek town

2008-11-24T20:20:00.001-06:00

My sister's favorite word is "peripetia" and this weekend in Chicago was that no less. I headed off to Chi-Town for a SAE conference focused on keeping the Greek culture and language alive and encouraging youth to participate and live their Greek heritage. I headed down with Angelos and before we knew it we were among hundreds of Greeks exhibiting their Greek ways, energy, and humor. I was immersed among a group of fun Greek friends of Angelos and Georgos and we had a blast. Greek food, Greek dancing, Greek humor, Greek language, and more.... what more could I ask for. Bring it on Chicago!

Obama takes the White House (how ironic)!

2008-11-05T08:53:00.003-06:00

We have transcend race, bias, odds, and have elected Obama as president. The streets are energized, families are dancing, youth are outpouring their energy, political parties (both sides) are in amazement and we are now on a renewed and energized journey for change.

The true meaning of a leader is one that inspires people, motivates others to follow their path, one who provides a vision for the opportunity and challenges ahead. That is Obama at his best. After so many years of lost pride for the country I was born and live in, somehow, someway, I feel better walking out of the house today. Even if it only hope - it's working!

Onward!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDa6CwzSA74

Carve this!

2008-10-26T21:58:00.003-05:00

Creative energy was abound and the pumpkins came to life tonight. The carnivore stole the show and left the others in the dust when the votes came out! Nice job Stacey and Jason (of course the professional designer won!). Cider, wine, and the typical Labhard mediterranean fare was part of the party. New friends and old friends joined in on the fun. Glad to have Aline, Mike and Fernando join the crew!

Changing seasons

2008-10-22T22:45:00.004-05:00

Change is in our midst. The leaves are shedding, they turn from yellow to red and green to brown, the sun is going to sleep earlier and the layers are coming on. I'm appreciating these simple pleasures. Don't you? These are a few moments captured at the MN landscape arboretum with my 10 year old nephew William.

Greek Island life

2008-09-20T11:26:00.003-05:00

Born from a Greek mother, it goes without saying, my heart craves Greek waters, island life, taverna food and the laid back atmosphere. Everything is go with the flow, there are not appointment times, the path might take you down a different direction, but that's part of the plan you know. White washed houses, old windmills, tavernas by the sea, crystal clear waters are all a part of this recipe. It's perfect. One need not change a thing.

Tinos, Mykonos and Paros were part of my mix this year.

Back to our roots....history prevails!

2008-09-20T10:54:00.004-05:00

Mom, Linda and I spent two days in Athens on the front and back half of our island hopping. It's easy to roam the streets of Plaka in old town Athens where it all began. The Acropolis looks down on us and reminds us of the times the great philosophers of the 5th Century gathered to discuss the times and future. We walk the cobble stone streets and are amazed with their condition. Our first activity when arriving in Athens is to eat souvlakia and patates at Thanasis restaurant! Oh what a diametrically opposed life from Switzerland.

Bobikon - farm country

2008-09-20T10:41:00.003-05:00

I spent a week and a half in Switzerland this September and stayed with close friend in Bobikon - just outside of Baden (20 mins from Zurich). I woke up to the sound of cow bells and an expanse of farms and apple orchards all around. Life is pristine, calm, peaceful and balanced.

The house we stayed at is a rennovated farmhouse. It is an architectural dream maintaining an old world style with modern ammenities.

The Bahnhoff (in Zurich) is delicious!

2008-09-20T10:24:00.002-05:00

Linda and I have a special place in our hearts with "the Bahnhoff strasse" - the central street that runs through Zurich. Not only are there amazing shops, people and architecture, but wonderful food to please the soul! Checkout these images that capture the moment!

Swiss Mountain Bliss!

2008-09-20T10:04:00.005-05:00

You arrive in Switzerland and immediately notice the cleanliness, order, quality of life, "green" environmental living, and one need not forget to acknowledge the "cow smell" all around!

I took three days in the Swiss Mountains - the Engadin - to find my peace. It was instant. I was at the top of the world. It's hard not to fall in love with Switzerland with your first step.

What happens in Vegas.....

2008-08-12T20:47:00.005-05:00

....stays in Vegas!

8/8/08 was Negar's wedding day and Dani, Priscilla and I went to celebrate the big day. We spent the first day decompressing at the spa with Negar - we hit the sauna, whirlpool and treated ourselves to divine spa treatments! Days were spent melting in the 110 heat while lying poolside at the Wet Republic at the MGM. Dinners were spent at fabulous restaurants. Nights included major dancing and clubbing until the early hours! If it were up to Priscilla, we'd be dancing until 7 am! The energy was huge and the crowd fun! The wedding came with good energy, the dinner fabulous and the late night dancing too crazy!

Best wishes and happiness to you Negar!

20th reunion part 2

2008-08-03T13:29:00.002-05:00

more great pics!

20th Year high school reunion oh my!

2008-08-03T10:24:00.003-05:00

Despite the years flying by, the memories of high school past are vivid!

I attended my 20th year reunion at Calhoun Beach Club (thanks to Troy Knutson's pact with me after the 10 year!) and had a blast. I entered the party room and had a smile on my face for the 7 hour duration. My eyes wandered all night - one conversation led to the next and the next. It was impossible to go without interruption as everyone who walked by was someone I wanted to reach out to. I hadn't seen most people for 10 - 20 years!

Lives have evolved - marriages, children, new business ventures, divorces, moves, deaths, sex changes, and yet so much remains the same - visages, personalities, humor, energy, bodies, and the memories of silly stories past!

Being in a bubble and recounting stories of debocherous nights, parties, motorcycle rides, old flings, classroom events, and then reading my entry in Mikal Knotek's year book cracked my #$#!!@ up! These are priceless memories that will never fade.

What a blast of a night!

red ribbon ride - closing ceremony (we're home!)

2008-07-23T22:40:00.002-05:00

Well, surprisingly our spinning is over and while the quads need a break, we didn't collapse when we hit home. We were still so lively, energetic and ready to partay! Mom, Linda, Bill, Will and Lex came to closing ceremonies and cheered us on for our final mile in. William and Lexi are destined to do it next year with me even though they're not 16. Will said "what are they going to do if I just 'happen' to be biking the same route you are on?" He's my negotiator!

Thanks to Angie and Debbie for encouraging (I mean 'making me') do the ride. I had a blast thanks to you and your open arms!
See you next year!

red ribbon ride - on the road

2008-07-23T22:22:00.002-05:00

What can I say, each day brought a new surprise... whether it be weather challenges, knee pains, stinky cow smell, winds, blown out tires, halloween in July, or more.....we encountered it. It was all good! I'd do it again.

Day 1 = minneapolis to lake city - 35 miles in the rain! (75 miles)
Day 2 = lake city to rochester - the hills are alive! (79 miles)
Day 3 = rochester to northfield - the farms are alive and so is the wind! (80 miles)
Day 4 = northfield to st. paul - slow start, chillax spinning, brunch at 10am at B's mom's house (45 miles)

The energy, verve, positive attitude and companionship of the team was unlike any I've experienced. I didn't know what to expect, but this is a shining example of the power of "we" over "me".

Check out some of the wacky stuff we did or created along the way!

red ribbon ride - (early!!!) morning departure

2008-07-23T22:07:00.003-05:00

I awoke at 5 am on Thursday morning to energize my body with coffee and fruit before mom drove me to my drop off point. Our 300 mile AIDS bike ride taking place over four days started with a bright and early 6:30 am departure from the mall of america. Who knew I didn't need coffee to perk me up? Team Milkshake (12) had enough spark to send 10 astronauts to the moon and back! No joke.

Approximately 300 of us were sent off with good wishes, thanks from our supporters, hopes for good weather and great spirit. And now...the games and fun begin!

Tri survival

2008-07-12T15:35:00.007-05:00

Yo yo. Just completed my fourth Lifetime triathlon after a two year hiatus. A week ago I wanted to back out of the Olympic long distance fearing I couldn't do it well, but I'm glad I stuck it out. The swim looked more daunting this year than in the past despite my love for swimming. The bike rocked and all those spinning classes paid off!! You know me and the run - we have a like - hate relationship! In the end, I shaved off 13 minutes from my last time to get my personal best time. That's all that matters. You know me...smiles all the way!

Thanks to all of you for your support. Thanks Linda for the new tri suit. It gave me power!

My Tri Boys!

2008-07-06T22:14:00.002-05:00

When do I get to do a triathlon Gita? This is what I heard for years at the finish line of my Lifetime Fitness triathlons. Well, the boys have grown and I signed them up for it this year. No training, just complete confidence in themselves and their ability to do it.

I packed their bags and the car, prepared them mentally for the race and what to expect and they did the rest. Alexi (13) was to swim 100 meters in a pool, bike 5 miles and run a mile. William (10) did half that distance. They both came with smiles, great energy, and a positive can do attitude (hmmm......wonder where they got that from?).

At the finish line they had smiles, but realized it was harder than they thought...when you put all that together, it's different than running a 7 minute mile in gym class. Nonetheless, they're charged up and in the game. Onward and forward. Pretty soon, they'll be passing me at the finish line!

Go guys!

Linda turns one year younger!

2008-07-06T22:07:00.002-05:00

The girls headed out to celebrate Lindy's birthday. 29 forever baby!

Memorial Day at Rainy Lake

2008-06-03T22:16:00.005-05:00

We spent a peaceful and relaxing four days at Rainy Lake at the Sweatt clan cabin hideaway. After a 4.5 hour drive to the MN / Canadian border, we spent the weekend watching soaring eagles, hiking island trails, listening to chirping birds, reading, photographing, incessantly picking ticks off our body, star gazing and simply sleeping. Oh what a joy these simple pleasures are! Thanks Linda and Bill.

Oh what a night!

2008-05-01T08:13:00.005-05:00

The end of March greeted us with Daniela's birthday. When asked what she wanted to do, she said "partay!". So, in great style, we rented a limo, gathered a great spirited crew, and headed out on the town. Nothing but good times ensued....a cocktail or four, edgy dancing, and a hangover the day after by a select few. Oh what a night! Happy Birthday Dani. Can't wait for 40 in Mexico!

I'm 29.....again!

2008-01-24T21:07:00.001-06:00

Great friends, bubbly, laughs galore and chocolate cake....what more could a girl ask for? Negar, Pri, Anita, Frederik, Jaz, Darci....I wish you could have been here to share this day with me...just like old times. You were there in spirit! Here are a few pics to tell the story!

Happy Holiday Party

2007-12-21T18:23:00.001-06:00

We gathered at my pad on 12/15 for some cheer, laughs and holiday drinks. We mixed it up with a dynamic group and we had a blast. New connections, old friends, great stories, and a stoked fire.....what more can one ask for? Happy new year...I know 2008 will be filled with joy, merriment and special suprises for all. Close your eyes and just let it happen.

First snow

2007-12-01T16:46:00.000-06:00

The first flakes landed in Minneapolis on the first of December. Kalo Mina (Happy first of the month to those of you who forgot this sweet Greek wish)! The sky and streets are filled with virgin whiteness and kids are playing in their glory. Adults are shoveling and sitting by the chimney side. It's one of those days that brings a smile - you know - the simple pleasures!

Attachments Exhibit

2007-11-24T11:15:00.000-06:00

Mom had her first photography exhibit the 9-11th of November. It was a huge entry into the artists worlds and a great hit. Her theme was "attachments" - everything related to trees and what is attached to them - bark, moss, mushrooms, etc. We had 150 people come through over the course of 3 days and many pictures were sold. Here are a few pictures from the event. Check out all the images on her site http://www.labhardphoto.com/.

Swiss bliss

2007-10-31T21:43:00.001-05:00

In the end of October, my father's mother passed away at the age of 100. I headed out to Zurich and stayed with friends in a very small village outside of Baden. They own a restored farm house and it's idyllic. What peace, tranquility and beautiful surroundings! I awoke each morning with the chill of fresh air from my bedroom window and the sound of cow bells. How Swiss! This was a first for me to see life in the late fall. The colors were yellowish brown and no red leaves in site. This is truely a beautiful country.

Minneapolis Fall Day

2007-10-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

What a perfect day to enjoy the simple pleasures in life! The day was crisp, the sky blue, the leaves multi-color, and attitude happy. We walked Lake Harriet and skipped, ran, told stories, climbed trees and smiled. Here are a few images that capture the moment.

Graduation

2007-09-23T21:00:00.001-05:00

I graduated from my MBA program in May and walked in August. It was quite nice seeing old colleagues and so many familar faces. The family came to cheer me on. William was quite disappointed they wouldn't let me take him on stage. He looked at me with those "Come on Gita, can't you make them let you take me on stage?" eyes. Bummer - no can do!

Rainy Lake, MN

2007-09-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

We always head up to Rainy Lake near International Falls, MN over labor day weekend. It's traditional. It's the one place on earth I fall asleep within seconds as I hear the water making sweet sounds all throughout the night. The birds are chirping in the morning and the sun is shining. Alexi and I were stopped by the Canadian Border Patrol while Alexi was driving the boat. " Quick, Gita....switch spots with me!", Alexi said. Within a heart beat we exchanged positions and the power switch control band remained on Alexi's wrist. As I was frantically trying to re-engage the engine cord, the Patrol questioned the way we both entered Canada. Alexi was with family with a visa and I entered through the Canadian Border. Done, they left us with no concerns. My heart was beating as I thought they were going to bust us as Alexi was driving the boat without a license. Few!

Seattle

2007-09-23T12:26:00.000-05:00

Here are a few fun pics with Darci.

San Juan Dream

2007-09-23T11:20:00.000-05:00

I headed off to Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands just off Washington State, in mid-September. My goal was to seek peace and relaxation. It was easy! The bed and breakfast I stayed at was quaint and comfortable and the caretakers were super cool and laid back (of course). Kayaking Doe Bay was the highlight. Seeing porpoioses' fins upon exit of the ocean and harbor seals playful gazes when checking out the scene was so sureal. The view from a kayak is one you can't beat! Hung out with Darci and family for a couple days and had a blast reconnecting. Funny how old memories bring us together, but new ones seal our continued friendship.