Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day. Moms are awesome. Who else worries about you all the time, tells everyone all your news, takes care of you when you're sick, gives you advice you will probably ignore, thinks you're perfect no matter what you do, always comes to the important stuff, makes your favorite dinner for your birthday, and never worries about her phone bill?

I think moms just get better when they become grandmas. Then when they get to see you it's a treat and they have to learn about everything you are doing so they can tell complete strangers how smart and successful their grandkids are. You are not allowed to leave the house empty handed, and of course you just get better looking everytime they see you.

Hello from Dingle

Today I am in Dingle. I won't lie. Home is my favorite place to be. Today I am camping out with Tylyn and Heather. We are playing in the sprinklers and watching movies while their mom is at work and their dad is busy with projects. Tonight I get to go visit with my nephew for his birthday. I can hardly believe he is 7! He got new boots so that he can dress like the other boys in his primary class :) Now if we could just keep him on a Sunday so he can have a chance to wear them ;) They are actually pretty stylin, Dav- you would be proud :)

Normal - I am not.....

Are You Normal?

My Normalcy Quotient is: 49 out of 100.

My quiz results make me a Wonderful Eccentric

"You've earned the title of wonderful eccentric, and while you're not a wild, gun slinging maverick, you certainly like to follow your own way. Of course, you probably don't think of yourself as eccentric. As Einstein might say, 'It's all relative.'"

Take this free personality test by going to www.chatterbean.com/runormal/

Barry

Last night we got to know a little more about my new friend Barry. You ask, "What did we learn?"

1 - He's patient enough to sit thru Gilmore Girls.
2 - He doesn't like to dance - AT ALL.
3 - He's a big reader.
4 - He likes to road trip.
5 - His degree is in Physics - ugh (yes he's really that smart).
6 - His "internship" sounds like it would be a cool for real job.
7 - He's a pretty savvy food person.
8 - He has a great laugh.
9 - He thinks highly of others.

Ok - there's more, but you should probably just talk to him yourself.

American Idol was a little disappointing last night. Chris' second song was boring. I am never bored by Chris, so this is a bad sign. Katherine decided to have a personality, but unfortunately distracted from her singing ability. Elliot sang well, but not superb; and Taylor, well, I missed his first song, but his second was also just a little, well, meh. I have a theory on how tonight will go, but I am not as firm in my belief as normal. We shall see - we shall see.

DDR and Karaoke

Saturday I played DDR for the first time. It was more fun than I expected. I also found out that there is a Karaoke game - yes game. It's probably a good thing that I don't have the game system - just for this reason. I totally turned into one of those girls I hate - you know the ones I mean - the kind that can't really sing, but won't give anyone else the mic.... Yeah, luckily I did realize I was doing this and was able to walk away.

Today we went to church and then there was a fireside. I am not sure how I let myself get talked into all this stuff, but it was actually pretty fun. After we kid of just hung out with my current favorite housefull of boys. They make me giggle. Probably more than I should, but oh well.

Overall a pretty pleasant weekend :)

Timing

Last night I got a lesson in timing. We went to a party to which we thought we were fashionably late. There were like 10 people there. We stuck around for about 45 minutes before we bailed. As we were driving away, in walked the 3 boys that we had been hoping would show up. So, we came home, but went back after about 5 minutes. When we got back the party had actually started. It ended up being quite an enjoyable evening.

Lesson learned - showing up at a party any earlier than an hour late is like showing up early to the dentist. Just don't do it.

Foosball, Ping Pong, and Pride

So last night we went to Jacob's for a friendly little game of foosball... Now what actually happened was very little foosball and a lot of the boys trying to show off their ping pong skills. It was great. Bethany held her own for a while, but in the end, Jacob smashed us all. I guess that's what home court advantage gives ya ;)
So, my roommates' sisters are in town. We took them to an Ugly Sweater Party. There are some SWEET sweaters floating around my ward. Saturday I spent the morning visiting my grandparents and meeting my cousins Sharon and Doug. My grandma is home from the hospital and is recouperating at home. Sharon and Doug are helping my grandpa take care of her. I've heard stories about them all my life, but had never met them. I had a great morning. I was way good with being related to this couple. Not only were they here giving selfless service, but they were so fun to talk to, and they invited me to come stay with them in Arizona :)
Saturday evening we went to a birthday party - it was fun, but the odds were terrible and my head was throbbing so we bailed pretty early.
Today I made cookies after church, but my oven sucks, officially. It's always been off, but it used to be consistently off and that is no longer the case. So, I think I am done baking until the landlord fixes it. He'd better hurry, for those of you that know me, you know it's an abnormally big deal.

Visit

So, I had a visit from one of my favorite people to do nothing with :) I like it when we do something, too, but doing nothing is all right. This time we actually did something. We went to visit his family in Park City and we went to dinner down town and we went to the new Joseph Smith movie playing at the Legacy Theatre. I don't know, I had fun.

We went to dinner at "Lamb's Cafe" which boasts being Utah's oldest and most famous restaurant. I would believe oldest, but most famous is stretchin' it. I'vve lived within a 150 miles of here my whole life and I've never heard of it before. The food was meh, but we lit stuff on fire while we listened to the piano dude, so we were pretty entertained. As an FYI, yes you can order lamb and Lamb's Cafe... we didn't. There are also random sheep in the decorations, which, I don't know about you, but for me at least, would make it harder to order lamb, even if that IS what I wanted to eat.

American Idol - again

Katherine - what a pretty girl she is. I appreciated that she changed it so I didn't feel the need to compare her to Whitney. Stellar performance. I am going to have to disagree wiith the judges this time.

Elliott - Not my favorite song, I probably would change the station if it came on the radio. He did a good job of delivering the song he loves, it's just a boring song.

Kellie - I need her to go home. Arrangement was bad. Hair was bad. Singing was not great. She is way to cute for all that makeup.

Paris - The jazz twang was not working for me tonight. I wish shw would sing teenage songs instead of Barbara.

Taylor - My least favorite from him to date, which is too bad because I really like him.

Chris - HMMMM....

Fireside

Tonight we went to a fireside. I wasn't all that enthused, but I should have been if I'd have thought about it more. It was given by the SLC temple president and his wife. Their talk was interesting and not really what I expected. She has her dad's lips... I am not sure why, I just love President Hinckley's lips. He is such a cute little man. Afterwards we sat and chatted with some folks in our ward.

Nothing exciting, but a pretty fun day.
So, institute activities are more fun with roommates... It's too bad I like them so much or I would have to be sad that all the boys are hitting on them, but hey- it makes me cuter by association, right? I'll take what I can get right now ;)

Besides, the boys they picked up last night have invited us for dinner next week, which is something I haven't been able to get my friends to do all year;)

Isn't it pretty

http://www.geocities.com/rgpassey/pages/jordanriver/pics.htm
Right now the groundskeepers have tulips everywhere and a beautiful purple groundcover in the flower beds... I love temples in the spring.

No More Bucky!

So, American Idol is much more pleasant to watch with out Bucky. Tonight the crew did very well. I am tired of people voting for Pickler because she is cute and Ace's hair was terrible, but other than that- a pleasant evening.

Today was pretty uneventful. Which is ok, because the events that did take place were not on the top of my enjoyable list. My grandpa called to tell me that my grandma's been in the hospital for a week with pneumonia and has taken a turn for the not so good. I am going down tomorrow... I can't really do anything, but she shouldn't have to be there alone, and I am really good at sitting in the hospital.

Monday

So, for a Monday, today was pretty decent. Work was busy, but good busy. We're working thru some actual valid issues instead of mini fire drills. I like making a difference, or at least feeling like I do.

Tonight I went to FHE with my newest roommate. Normally I would have ditched game night, but I got to play Settlers - which I love. Plus- there are way cute boys in my ward, who also like to play Settlers ;) Overall, I count today as a win :)

Oh yes, new roommate, her name is Bethany. I have a feeling she is going to be a lot of fun.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! I spent the weekend at home in the land of internet so slow it's not even worth logging onto. It was great!
Thursday night we saw Ice Age 2. Great flick. I giggled a lot.
Friday I chilled with my fam and stuff. Saturday we had our easter egg hunt/hotdog roast. 2 of my sisters came- so that was fun. The weather was a little iffy, but nice overall. Then I took the girls home and got to visit with my other family. My dad never did show up, but it was good to talk to Alice. That night I went bowling with my mom and my aunt and uncle and the kids. I sucked it up, but I am used to loosing to the kids with the bumper pads.
Today I got roped into being in the ward choir. It was ok. The music was pretty and I like watching people from the stand so that was amusing :)

Now I am home and avoiding putting stuff away. Woo Hoo weekend!

Easter

I love Easter - now let me tell you why. Not only do I get to dye 12 dozen eggs and watch 40 kids roam around the field looking for them, and get to spend the weekend with my family, and enjoy spring that is finally here- but what a glorious time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. So much time is spent celebrating His birth and commemorating his death, but the truly marvelous fact that he rose again on the 3rd day, giving us all the promise of freedom from the bonds of physical death. WOW. What love and trust has he shown to and in us to give us this gift, to make it possible for everyone to return to the beautiful Heaven we all came from.

As we move into this amazing Easter season, please know that I know that my Savior love me. I know that He came to this earth in accordance to the Father's plan. That He took everyone one of my sorrows and sins, my cares and my tears so that He could provide the peace I need in everyone of my individual trials. He gave up His life so that we could go home and so that we can be with Them forever. He loves each of us individually and personally. He died for me. He lives for me. I know He did it for me and I know he did it for you. May we strive to live worthy of this gift and be ready when He returns.

random comment

SO..I am a geek, but I am pretty sure I am a member of just about every on line match service (non paying, of course). The funny thing is that almost every one of them has matched me up with a guy that used to live with my friends. I think it's amusing... maybe he should ask me out and see if any of them are right ;)

Pictures



Ok so, these are the poor little crawfish that died purely for my amusement. Tasty little guys that they are, there were just too many of them. So we had a little fun with them instead :)




These are 2 of my Baton Rouge friends, Lisa and Nita. Aren't they cute? I had such a good time :)I can't wait to go back.

better

Today is better. I've only been awake for an hour and a half, but it is already better. Work is work, boys are dumb, and my family loves me :) everything is back to normal:)

Happy Monday!

A weird day

So today is a weird day. It started out from a weird night. I did go to the movie party last night. It was fine. The movie was long and boring but the company was good. I was just having an off day. Those girls are cute.

Today we went for a stroll around the neighborhood. It is SUCH a beautiful day here. Spring is finally here. There are storms in the plans for the rest of the week, but at least it should be rain. Rain I can do.

I'm having a slight twig about getting stuff done this week. I am sure it will be fine, but it just feels a little overwhelming.

Wow- sorry friends. I told you, today is a weird day.

101

That's right. This is my one hundred and first post. Wow- you haven't quit reading yet!
So today is a fat cow day. You know what I mean if you have ever had one, and if you haven't I am slightly envious. I didn't really do much but recover from the last week. 8 planes in 6 days is too many. I am all unpacked and my laundry is done. The unfortunate part about it being a fat cow day is that I have to go be social tonight. I wish I didn't like these girls, it would make it easier to just hide out on the couch.

Wish me luck.
Today I got to work in the Baton Rouge center. It was fun. I forget sometimes, what it is like to actually have people around you when you work. I am not sure I did anything super productive, but it was a good day.
After work I went to a place called Ralph and Kacoos. It was the only place I could find with gator other than fried. I ordered the blackened gator. I have to be honest, it was not my favorite. I am sure the gator itself was fine, but there was so much seasoning you could have put bubble gum in the middle and I couldn't have told the difference. Anyway - so I have had alligator.
After dinner I went shopping. I was way good. I did buy new flip flops though- they're Tinkerbell and super cute ;) I also found my favorite treat in the world- Dippin Dots. Why do I love them? No one knows really. I just do. The chocolate mint are my favorite.
Now I am chillin at the hotel. I fly out at the butt-crack of dawn, so I think I will pass out soon. I am not looking forward to the trip home, or what I will find when I get there. If I am super lucky maybe the snow will be gone.

FINALLY :)

queso, here's my week so far in a pretty long nutshell.

We flew out of SLC on Sunday afternoon, I was pretty bummed because it meant I had to miss President Hinckley's address. But, the flight was good, layover in Houston was fine, got to Baton Rouge. The very nice lady at the rental car company hands me a sheet of directions on how to get to our hotel. I put them in my pocket. Somewhere between the desk and the car, I lost them. Instead of just going back in for new directions, Jeremy decides we can find it on our own. We couldn't.

We took the wrong direction on the freeway. We make a U-ie and get going the other direction, but we second guess ourselves this was the right direction, by the way and we were within 2 exits of our hotel.) So we call for directions. She tells us to take 253, well, we were at 260 - hiding out under an overpass in the ghetto, so we turn around. Exit 253 is the exit for Port Allan. We crossed the bridge and decided we were still wrong. We called her back. This time it is exit 263. Did I mention we were sooooo close the first time? So, we got turned around, took the right exit, missed the second half of the exit and end up on the wrong side of the median, but finally got to the hotel. Steph met us at the hotel and took us to The Cheesecake Bistro where I had my first Jambalya. OH MY YUMMY. It was, wow. Clark- you have got to hook me up with a recipe for that. Stephanie also showed us how to get to the center so we wouldn't get lost with our client. Good call, eh?

Monday we took the client to our center. The client visit was very positive. But, the fun part of the visit for me was FINALLY meeting the Baton Rouge team. I love these people. Many of whom I have worked with for years and never met or seen or done anything face to face. I am usually pretty good at putting faces with voices. Not so much here. I think I was wrong, completely on 100% of the people. Doesn't matter. Now I know them, and they are stuck in my head forever :) I really do enjoy this team. They care about the center and they care about what they can do to make it successful; plus, they are the nicest people ever ;)

Monday night we went to the Fox and the Hound to watch the NCAA mens finals. LSU was not in them, so it was not as much fun as it could have been. We played pool. I sucked it up, a lot. But still had a lot of fun. Then we ended up going to the casino where they tried to show me how to play blackjack. I think I get it. I am still not going to play for money. Dude, I'm poor. Dan was freaking hillarious. He was on one for sure and we all laughed so hard. I was sad I had had so much water. We got back to the hotel about 1 AM. We had to be up by 4:30 and out the door of the hotel by 5:40 to be on a flight at 7:00. I was butt tired, but at least not hung over. Not all of the party can make that claim.

Tuesday we all made our flight :) We flew till Noon when we got to FtWorth- at two different airports. We got to the center about 1:00 and I got to meet Joe Bob. Anyone with the name Joe Bob is worth meeting. We actually had another excellent site visit. I enjoy the information sharing. It actually feels like we are really working together on things. Tuesday night we went for mexican food- come on, we were in Texas. After dinner we ended up at a pool hall. I lost a lot- again. But about 11 there was a DJ and most of the party was pretty inebriated, and I was high on life (and 3 hours of sleep) so at least it was fairly amusing. We actually went dancing for a bit - I am pretty sure I was laughing too hard to keep any kind of rythm. We got back to the hotel about midnight thirty. I had some work to do, so I did that a bit and got to bed about 2. Now, y'all know I am a sleeper, so although these times don't seem to be an issue for some of you- please know that they make me struggle.

Wednesday, since the people we were out with were the same ones we were supposed to be meeting we got a little later start. I was still up at 7, but at least it wasn't 5. We went back to the FtWorth center and I spent the morning having flashbacks. If any of you know what a WOB or a WOX or an SIU are - or know which you pronounce as as words, not initials - please take a moment of silence. It was deja vu.

So we left around 1 for me to make my 3 o'clock flight. We took the wrong exit, because I can not read directions, apparently. But we were totally fine. I finshed my book, hung out and watched the news.... yeah, plane was delayed. Not too long though, so it was fine. I got to BTR and found my hotel- all by myself, with a little help from mapquest... Ironically, it is the hotel that connects to the casino we were at on Monday. The rooms are nice, so it's ok ;) There is not an empty room in the town, so it really isn't an option.

Nita and I were going to go to New Orleans tonight so I could see it- and eat gator. It didn't happen. We did end up going to a place called Drusilla Seafood. I had my first crawfish and oyster and soft shelled crab and hush puppy and lots of other stuff. It was kind of a pass the plate around the table deal. MMMMMmmmmmmm... She was disappointed they had no gator, so she's gonna do some digging for me for tomorrow. I spent the evening with Nita and some of her family. It was really pleasant.

Well, there it is. Tomorrow I get to go to work with Lisa and hopefully I can be useful.

ooo ooo ooo

You have no idea how much i want to tell you about the trip i am on... i promise, if i ever get back to the hotel before 1 am, i will write the story :)
So I woke up this morning at 6. Yes, on a Saturday. My friend called last night and said she had an extra ticket for General Conference. Sweet, says I. I get to be in the same room as the Prophet- always cool. Got ready, even did my hair- yes, on a saturday ;) Well, friend called back. Turns out her brother decided to invite the girl he broke up with anyway so- no ticket for Colee. Anyway, it's 6:50 in the morning and I am way too awake.

Last night Matt came over. I attempted to make steak and potatoes for dinner... I have never really mastered the art of a good steak- and I submit to you, it IS an art. They tasted ok, flavor wise, but they were a little over done. Oh, and the potatoes were way too big. Anyway, not one of more shining moments. We also watched Chicken Little. It's one of my new favorites. Partly because you get to root for the underdog, partly because it's Zach Braff, and partly because Abbie Mallard (Ugly Duckling) gets to hook it up with the hero :) Anyway, watch it. If you want to come over, I'll watch it with you. I'll even make treats.
I've been looking for stories to tell- and I finally have some :)

So first of all- I am SOOOO excited about a business trip I have coming up. I am going to Baton Rouge. I have so many people that I love working with there and to finally get to meet them makes me so happy I can't sleep at night. Yes, really- that excited.

Second - I've said it before, I'll say it again. I love Brother Anderson. The thing he said tonight that seemed to hit deepest was a comment about those of us who are struggling to see ourselves as the Lord sees us. He asked us to stop looking at ourselves as a sum of our mistakes. We are more than that. We are children of a King. We truly are divine. This is the challenge I am taking away - and sharing with you.

Simple Green

I spent my Saturday morning changing the color of my kitchen floor. No, not replacing it, but it is definitely a color I've not seen there since I moved in. Simple Green, my friends, simple green. It eats thru everything. Now, some of you are thinking, "weren't you supposed to be at a stake activity Saturday morning?" I submit to you Nay. This was the first Saturday I've had in a while when I had time to actually get something done. Could I have done it Saturday afternoon? I say again, No. As much as I hate waking up early, I am pretty sure I am a morning person. I am more productive in one morning than I am a whole week of nights. If I put something off til the afternoon, just assume it's not getting done.

Saturday evening I ended up going to an ice skating activity with my roommate and my soon to be roommate. I did a lot of watching, as I do not skate. I only saw 1 fall all night. Of course, it was a fall that ended up requiring the paramedics, so 1 was more than enough.

Fridays are great too

And why? You ask.... cuz it means there are 2 more days before I have to wake up early again! I love sleeping in. Last weekend my early bird family had alternative wakeup plans, the weekend before that, I was actually in "early to bed early to rise" land... The next 3 weekends I will be traveling for work...

This weekend, I am shutting the phone off until noon :) If you need to reach me before that- you'll have to come over.

Thursday

Thursdays are pretty good days. They start on a high note from Wednesday night and then they end and it's Friday... this Thursday was full of interesting things to learn and things to do and people to see. And it started so early it really had no choice but be good.

Wednesday was actually pretty good, too. Work was really just a day of conference calls, but I made went to institute and I really enjoy it. Brother Anderson loves the Savior so much and he is so excited to share that with us. Even if I am only half way paying attention, I walk out just feeling uplifted. It's the perfect midweek pick me up.... of course there are other reasons I go, too... ;)

11

First of all - I LOVE Barry Manilow.... ok, that out of the way

Mandisa - Amazing as always. She deserves to go a long way

Bucky - Continues to creep me out. The rock/country thing is NOT working for me

Paris - This is her genre and she did it proud

Chris - OH MY. I didn't know I could like that song any other way than by the original man in black, but wow.... that's all... wow

Katherine - I might have the mcpheever

Taylor - Less seizure this time, very fun to watch and listen to

Lisa - not my favorite tonight or from her

Kevin - Send him home. Put me out of my misery

Elliott - Kind of a struggle tonight vocally. It got better, but not stellar

Kelie - I love Patsy so much... Kellie just didn't do it for me this week.

Ace - Enjoyable performance... his smile makes it hard for me to concentrate.

what a weekend

Ok, so we didn't really do all that much, but it was pretty random and out of plan for me. Friday I picked my mom and nephew up in Brigham and we drove to Pleasant Grove to visit my grandparents. On the way home we stopped at the Natural History Museum of Ancient Life. The 6 year old was in heaven.... dinosaurs everywhere and a giant sand box and water trap to play in. The 3-D African Safari movie was also fun. I liked the tigers the best.

Saturday we went to Finding Nemo, Disney on Ice. What people won't charge when they have a captive audience. The show was a little too long for the 6 year old's attention span, so it pretty much killed his desire to go elsewhere. So, no planetarium for us.

Sunday we got snowed in when we tried to drive north. Church was good. I liked coming home to a meal I didn't cook.

Today I finally got my mom home. The small child missed a day of school, but it's first grade, how rough can it be ;)

Happy First Day of Spring!!

Smiles



Happy Thursday

Nothing too exciting to report. It's been a good couple of days. My biggest drama is not being able to find lady fingers (they are a cookie) in this town to make my dessert with. So tonight's dinner treat could be a little interesting.

Other than that, it looks like I could be doing a little traveling for work in the next little while. I am actually looking forward to it. Maybe they'll send me somewhere WARM!

My family is coming to visit tomorrow!!!!!! This will be the first time since I moved almost a year ago that my nephew has come to visit. My mom has been once before. We're going to Disney on Ice - Finding Nemo. Come on, you know you're jealous :)

Have you ever noticed....

Have you ever notied that you can never find something you need until you buy a new one? I now have an extra screwdriver.

So I went on a sound scavenger hunt tonight. I think we need to add a rule- NO INTERNET. It just takes all the fun out of running all over town to get the sounds.

My Weekend

I got to go home this weekend :) As much as I hate the drive, I love being home. Not a lot of down time, but still spending time with the people who are important to me, not much better way to go. Friday night we had a wedding reception, Saturday we went to the matinee of "8 Below." Quality family entertainment. You'll cry, you'll jump, you'll be on the edge of your seat and laugh your way through. It really was a worthy watch. After the bridal shower we had to go back into town and I ran into my little brother and my dad's wife so I went home with them, had dinner and played games with my little sisters. It was great. Riley has decided that I am not a stranger any more and she didn't want me to let her go for anything. I love a good snuggle- so I was totally up for it :) We played Disney Scene it... I watch too many disney shows....

Today I tried out a new cheesecake berry muffin recipe- so next time you are in town, give me a holler, they are tasty :)

Heaven Can Wait

Last night Matt and I went to a play called "Heaven Can Wait". The entire experience - truly enjoyable:) and I am NOT just saying that because he reads this thing ;) One of the most pleasant evenings I have had in a long time.

I must admit, I enjoy community theatre. I think my favorite part is that the people are involved because they want to be. They may or may not be the most talented people in the world, but they are dedicated and doing what they love- and that makes it enjoyable for me.

The play is actually pretty amusing. There have been a couple of movies made on the same premise. One with the same title, the other probably a little better known is "Down to Earth" staring Chris Rock, Eugene Levy and Wanda Sykes....

ok, there is your random information for the day.

The boys

Gedeon – he’s how old?

Chris – Drooling… Oh yeah, and he can sing.

Kevin – he was ok, I still need him to leave

Bucky – His face just turns me off, which is too bad, cuz he’s actually a decent voice

Will – He’s pinchy cheeks cute, but the singing is ordinary

Taylor – I love him, his dancing is a little seizure ish, but I still enjoy it

Elliott – Again with the face, but alright

Ace – My friend Ellie would refer to him as “sex on a stick,” and wow tonight… just wow

American Idol again :)

First, So I went to FHE last night. We played Human Clue- oh yeah, I won... ok, well, my team won. I also met new people... which is good, and the roommate- who has been in the ward for a day got a date... I am sure it's not a record time, but it's the fastest I've seen it happen in a long time.

As for the moving, it's back to an IF and it's not happening any time soon- so, ON WITH LIFE!

Ok- American Idol rambling.......


Paris – She can sing, but I was not super impresses tonight

Lisa – I enjoyed her tonight.

Melissa – A little off tonight, but still good. I am not attached to her yet.

Kinnik – Like her song, did not like her singing it.

Katherine – I don’t think I have the McPheever, but I did enjoy her tonight.

Ayla – Meh

Mandisa – I still love her. Let’s face it- she’s freaking awesome.

Kellie – It was time for her to pull this one out, could have been stronger.

New roommate

So I have a new roommate. I spent the morning with her and her sister. I am actually looking forward to not living alone again.
I ended up not going home this weekend. It's been 6 weeks since I have been. I am pretty sure that's a record. Not one I am happy to be breaking. I am very much looking forward to having my mom and nephew come stay for the weekend. We're going to see Disney on Ice "Finding Nemo", come on- you know you're jealous.

Other than that, life is pretty quiet for now. Of course, I haven't been back to work yet.... wish me luck!

PS - I am looking for pros and cons to moving half way across the country- anyone? anyone?

Happy Anniversary

Well, today I did 2 things I had never really planned on doing. 1st- I have now worked at the Verge for 8 years. Today is my anniversary. So much for a job to get me through school.
2nd- I got off the ground. We spent the day at Camp Joy in Clarksville, Ohio (insert Monkees song here) and after lunch they broke out the climbing wall. I am not going to try and tell you that I got anywhere near the top, but I did get off the ground. For those of you who know me, you know how out of character that is for me. But I knew if I walked away from today having not tried, I would have been angry with myself for never knowing. It was also an awesome day to see other people who I have come to know and trust and respect all work together to really succeed TOGETHER. (I also found out I am the best anchor in the world ;)
I am sad to see tomorrow come. This week has been probably the best week of my experience with the Verge. I am excited to continue to work with this team for the next year and keep finding out new things and sharing even more successes.

How's Cincinnati?

I wouldn't really know. I've been here for 48 hours and haven't been outside the hotel. We spent the afternoon preparing for the team presentations we are giving tomorrow. They expected it to last long into th night, but my team kicks butt so we were done by 9. I was hoping to watch American Idol, but it's not on until 10 PM because of some lame basketball game. Blah. It's taping at home- so at least when I fall asleep in the middle I can watch the rest later. Anyway, tomorrow night is the tour of Cincinnati and dinner on the river- So I guess you don't have to be bothered with my opinions this week. Be not afraid, I am sure next week will be back to normal ;)

Airplane movies

What exactly is the criteria for picking airplane movies? I just sat on a flight watching a movie about a flight attendant (in flight specialist) telling a passenger that he needed a roadtrip.... decent movie, but oddly placed.

PS- Delta snacks suck. Southwest's are way better ;)

My weekend

So, this weekend I got talked into attending a church education confrence for single adults... it was awesome. Not only was I not sitting at home, but I walked away remembering how much my Father in Heaven loves me and knows me. I've known it for a long time, but remembering seems to be where my trials lay.

This morning I woke up from a dream where I was laughing so hard that I started laughing in real life, too.. I can not think of too many ways that waking up can be better, of course, a little later in the morning would have been ok.

I will be in Cincinatti for a week for work. If I have internet time, I'll keep you posted :)

People

Contrary to popular belief, I like people. I had the most enjoyable evening I have had in a long time last night. What we did bears little relevance really, but it was a much needed night. I haven't been 13 for a long time ;) Matt- your roommates are awesome :)

I am an 8

This is a little long- but kind of interesting.

Birth Test
Let me know your number. Have fun!

Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good
at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points
to what we have to learn and the challenges we are
facing. To figure out your Birth Number, add all the
numbers in the Birth Date together, like in the
example, until there is only one digit.
A Birth Number does not prevent you
from being anything you want to be,
it will just color your choice differently
and give you a little insight.

Example March 20, 1950
3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973
1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20
2 + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with a single digit
number. 2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth
date in the example.

1 THE ORIGINATOR
2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER

===============================================
# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR 1 's are originals. Coming up
with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having
things their own way is another trait that gets them
as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely
honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills.
They like to take the initiative and are often leaders
or bosses, as they like to be the best.
Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them.
Lesson to learn. Others' ideas might be just as good
or better and to stay open minded. Famous 1's Tom
Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett,
Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch.

#2 - THE PEACEMAKER
2's are the born diplomats. They
are aware of others' needs and moods and often think
of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and
very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship
and companionship is very important and can lead them
to be successful in life, but on the other hand
they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable
relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to
boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely
and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous
2's President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoope
Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus, Mozart.

# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY 3's are idealists.
They romantic, and
easygoing. They start many things, but don't always
see them through. They like others to be happy and go
to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular
and idealistic. They should learn to see the world
from a more realistic point of view. Famous 3's Alan
Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith,
Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster

# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE 4's are sensible and
traditional. They like order and routine. They only
act when they fully understand what they are expected
to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working
hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an
affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be
stubborn and persistent. They should learn to
be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.
Famous 4's Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey

# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST 5's are the explorers. Their
natural curiosity, ! risk ! taking, and enthusiasm often
land them in hot water. They need diversity, and
don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is
their school and they see a learning possibility in
well advised to look before they take action and make
sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.
Famous 5's Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte
Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh,
Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC 6's are idealistic and need to feel
useful to be happy. A strong family connection is
important to them. Their actions influence their
decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of
others and to help. They are very loyal and make great
teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal
friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should
learn to differentiate between what they can change
and what they cannot. Famous 6's Albert Einstein,
Jane Seymour, John Denver, Merly Steep,
Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn

#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL 7's are the searchers. Always
probing for hidden information, they find it difficult
to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway
their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they
don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never
off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and
steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers
and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners.
They are technically inclined and make great
researchers uncovering information. They like secrets.
They live in their own world and should learn what is
acceptable and what is not in the world at large.
Joan Baez, Princess Diana

# 8 - THE BIG SHOT 8's are the problem solvers. They
are professional, blunt and to the point, have good
judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and
like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view
people objectively.
They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss.
They should learn to exude their decisions on their
own needs rather than on what others want.
Famous 8's Edgar Cayce, Barbra Streisand, GeorgeHarrison,
Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and Nostrodamus

#9 - THE PERFORMER 9's are natural entertainers. They
are very caring and generous, giving away their last
dollar to help. With their charm, they have no
problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to
them. They have so many different personalities that
people around them have a hard time understanding
them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and
blending in. They have tremendous luck,
but also can suffer from extremes in mood
To Be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.
Famous 9's Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine,
Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley

boys

Patrick - Meh
David - So cute – enjoyable
Bucky - I can’t watch him or listen to him talk, but he sings alright
Will - Fred Savage cute and on key
Sway - Pitch problems, the song felt out of his range
Chris - OH MY GOODNESS- drool factor of 10, voice 8.
Kevin – How in the world did he make it this far?
Gedeon – I am not quite sure how I feel about him. Talented, but kind of…..old?
Elliott – creeps me out.
Bobby – What was with the minister outfit singing Copa Cobana? Great Song, not a great performance, did I mention he creeps me out?
Ace – drool factor of 9, voice 8.5
Taylor – he still rocks, not my favorite of tonight, but still good

First a question

Why when I think I finally have a handle on my life plan does a wrench have to be thrown in?

Now me on my American Idol opinion. You are welcome to your own, but here are mine. I also reserve my right to change my mind every week ;)

Mandisa- I love her. Bring it girl- bring it!
Kellie- cute girl, big song, big nerves
Kelly- too much screaming, not enough singing
Ayla- meh
Paris- love her too- has there ever been any doubt that she would go far?
Stevie- Josh Groban??? hardly
Brenna- annoys the crap out of me, with or without the claws.
Heather- meh
Melissa- another vote to take Faith Hill and Martina McBride off the song list. She was ok.
Lisa- I like her song, her voice, and her. She was a little off key, but still enjoyable.
Kinnik- I like her voice when she sings the right notes
Katharine- Good way to end the show; not the best, but good

Ok... now you know.

More Snow

So Friday I went house shopping, wow. There is a lot of trash out there. We saw a couple of houses/townhomes that I liked a bit, but mostly, wow. It was a pretty eye opening experience. I have pretty much decided that I am going to have to humble myself and find a roommate. I am doing a little sweet talking right now- so it might just be good.

The most frustrating part about the house shopping is that in the past 2 weeks I have heard the words "relocate" twice at work. Unfortunately, if it really comes down to that, I am pretty sure I might have to find a new job. I am far enough away from where I want to be already.

The best part about the house shopping is my realtor. I can not think of anyone I trust more to help me make a decision this big. Plus, he looks hot, even with fake facial hair and a TERRIBLE wig.....

Which brings me to Saturday. Saturday Matt and I went to Logan to see "Crazy for You." Such an enjoyable time. We got a little bit of a late start which made me nervous- I won't lie; but we got there in time and I giggled a lot. The cast was fantastic and musically pleasant, which is sometimes questionable with community theatre. The littlest cowboy, I couldn't help it, just made me smile. After the play we had dinner at The Blue Bird; a Logan classic.

The drive home was a little less than pleasant. I've mentioned that I hate snow on the roads, right? Anyway, we made it home and it only took 2 1/2 hours, accident free. I figure, if the road is gonna be stinky, you may as well have pleasant company; which I did.

Anyway now I get to spend the night talking to my cute Shahnee. Sounds like a pretty perfect Saturday to me

snow

Snow belongs in the mountains not on the roads.

My day started with my friend sliding off the road- never good. Luckily he is ok,and it sounds like his vehicle only suffered minor- but still irritating- damage. I feel terrible since the only reason he was on the road was for me.
Tonight it left another friend stranded in a parking lot AND it ruined my dinner plans.
If I didn't like having water to drink I would be really upset.

I was able to make good use of the time at home though- working from home is a good place to hide out and get those really time consuming things done. I accomplished 6 of the 7 employee appraisals I am responsible for. So team- it's officially too late to kiss up ;)

Tonight the final 24 were named in American Idol... a couple of people there were no questions about- but I am super happy the Ray Charles kid made it through. I was also super impressed with Mandeisa. Her speech to Simon was definitely taking the high road. Plus- she rocks. I hope she makes it at least a couple of weeks.

Busy night

So tonight we studied in 3rd Nephi, which chronologically speaking is the time of Christ's birth til his death. We talked alot about the signs of His first coming and the shadow they are of His second coming. It was a lot to take on, but pretty interesting stuff.

Woohoo- tomorrow I get to start doing walk throughs and forcing my stupendous realtor to spend time with me! I am probably more excited than I should be- but I can't help it :)

OH- I also watched "Shall we dance?" today... meh. But I DO need to find a good place to go dancing in this town...

Tonight's American Idol just goes to prove that some people do NOT play well with others. Do they get sportsmanship points?

Every boy likes Jackie Chan

So, after posting for all to see, my infatuation with Mr Darcy, I went to a comedy show Friday night that included a song called "Every Girl Loves Jane Austen." All I could think was... "Sad, but true"

Hey- I need pictures of "Leadership in Action" anyone? anyone?

Mr Darcy

I think I'm in love with Colin Firth. Last night I watched "On the Importance of Being Earnest" today it is "Hope Springs" last week it was "Love Actually" I bought "What a girl wants" and I think I watched "Bridget Jones' Diary" on TBS about 7 times in 1 week. My favorite is Pride and Prejudice- Oh Mr Darcy.... I am looking for a friend to see "Nanny McPhee." Any takers?
I really think there are some things that are terrible enough gotten from the old fashioned sources.........

I am starting a list... Please contribute

1 - Dating advice
2 - Pick up lines

Ok-- so it has started out as a pretty short list, but I just saw this commercial and I couldn't help but comment.

And

And I have the hottest real estate agent EVER :)

It's official

It's official. I am house hunting... SCARED, but good scared.

Soooo

So I lead such an exciting life...I spent Friday night cleaning soap scum off my glass shower doors... I am not sure which is sadder, that I did it, or that I noticed this morning that I didn't get it all. Saturday I met my mailman and spent the day surfing for houses online. Wow that sucks- and I am pretty sure not very effective. Today I woke up and read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" before church. FYI- if anybody else missed it as child, just read it. It took about 2 1/2 hours, well worth it. Then came home after church made bread and cookies, went to the fireside, came home and finished the cookies... the sad part was that the cookies are so pretty, but they kept breaking when I dipped them into the chocolate coating. Sad for me.

K well... now, at least you know why I've been less that interesting lately. I promise to be better.

This week

Sorry about the lack of posting lately... it's been a week. Have you ever noticed that when it rains, it pours? The real stress has not really been mine, but the people I care about are going through some pretty tough times. So, if you are reading this- just know that I love you and I promise to be here for you; and I wish I could be there, instead.

A couple of thoughts

First- I love institute. I am giving you all permission to yell at me when I complain about going.

Second - I am addicted to popcorn. It has become my dinner of choice, since I am officially too lazy to cook for 1 person.

Third (I guess that makes it a few thoughts instead of a couple) - American Idol rocks! I am ready to get things moving along, however. I think my favorite audition tonight was the gray haired kid at the end. He rocked the Ray Charles song.

Fourth - I'm Super excited about the class I am taking the end of next month. There is a laptop included in the price of tuition- WOO HOO for tuition reimbursement.

OK... that's all for today.

The Ranch Hand

So I went to lunch today at The Ranch Hand Truck Stop, just north of Montpelier Idaho. Even though they have completely remodeled in the last few years, it was impossible to be there with out a flood of memories. So many first periods sluffed for a breakfast of a scone the size of a dinner plate. So many nights after highschool basketball games spent around a plate of fries and gravy. It is about the only place in town you can fit more than four people at the table so everyone was always there. That is probably the thing that has changed the most with the remodel. Everyone was forced to find a new hang out while the place was torn apart. Now, it is a lot more empty than I remember.... Anyway, if you are ever in Bear Lake and need a tasty breakfast- I fully recommend the scones, but take a friend. You'll never finish it alone :)

Miracles happen

Never stop believing that miracles happen. Last night I set up my mom's computer. Yes, that's right. My mom has a computer. For those of you who don't understand why this is a miracle, let me explain. My mom has lived forever in the most backward- and still awesome- little place called Dingle, Idaho. She has never in all her years done anything more with a computer than play Solitaire or Pinball. When she takes on line courses for work, she brings them down so I can do all of the actual computer part. My mom is great, she's just not really the computer type. Anyway my extended family has all gotten into this pay to surf deal to make some random money- and if you want more on that, leave a comment with some contact info- but my aunt decided my mom couldn't afford not to try. So, she bought my mom a computer.

Well, now you know. Life is good. I am in Dingle and it has been snowing since I got here. I have to come to Dingle for snow- cuz, SLC sure isn't getting any. My Shahnee is coming home tomorrow. I get to spend Sunday convincing her to move to SLC when she finishes school in May ;) Then I could for sure buy a house...wow, that'd be awesome....

Ok- I am officially rambling. TGIF!

It's been a while

For the first time in a long time I was where I was supposed to be when I was supposed to be there. I believe that we are blessed when we do what is right- especially if it is hard. Well, for me it is hard to go somewhere by myself. I am kind of co-dependent. So here is what I got already just from going to class tonight. I got a start on a work assignment about leadership. I avoided a car accident. My VCR worked and I still got to watch American Idol without of commercials.

Speaking of American Idol.... more than a whole bag of gummy bears?? I am pretty sure Randy summed up my feelings with these words, "This is a weird show, man." Go Greensboro!
For the first time since I moved to SL, there are no storage crates in my bedroom. I realize that I am moving again in 5 months, but 5 months is a long time to leave the blasted crates in my room. I am pretty sure my next home will be roommate free. I think I am getting to stubborn to live with other people... this doesn't really bode well on my chances of finding the forever kind of roommate, but well... it's reality.

Today is a good news day. I have one friend who has a new job, one who found a way to make more money with his current one and another who is taking real steps towards owning his own home. I am completely jealous of all 3.

Ok... so nothing else big or exciting today. I am going back to my book. I am reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I missed them as a child, so I decided I would jump on the bandwagon. However, I want to read all 6 books before I watch the movie... my attention span is suffering today, though. Wish me luck!

Cheesy song lines

Now I know that country songs have a lot of cheesy lines, but recently I actually heard the words to a song I've been singing along to for 25 years. I'm sure most of you have heard either the ABBA or Erasure or whatever other version of the song "Take a Chance," but have you ever heard the line "If you're all alone when the pretty birds have flown..." Ok really- what in the devil does that mean? No really, I am asking.... what does it mean?

HEY

Does anyone wanna come over for carrot cake? I got some....

My Soapbox

First, I do not care one way or the other if you are a boy or girl who chooses to dress, talk, act, look, and sing like the opposite gender. Really, that is your deal. BUT do not be suprised when other people mistake you for the gender you are not.

Second, honestly, what are people thinking when they lead police officers on a "high-speed" chase? Dude, they out number you even if you are faster, they are normally smarter. If you are dumb enough to do something that requires running away, accept the fact that you are going to get caught and don't make it worse for yourself.

Third, If you are petty enough to tell your landlord that your neighbors' friends are parking in your spot (which is THE ROAD) and you would like them to not park there anymore, don't park in your neighbors spot (which is THE DRIVEWAY). It goes both ways.


Sorry- I just needed to get it all out there. I'm better now.

American Idol

Love it or hate it. Season 5 started tonight.YEAH!!!!!! As a veteran AI watcher, here are my suggestions for enjoying the season fully.

If you like following the stories, start with the auditions. They are painful, but this is where you get to know the contestants. If you don't need the stories, skip the auditions. The ones that are really terrible they will play in a special episode later in the season.

Nickname the contestants. This will help you feel connected with your favorites and least favorites. Some suggestions might be - pink feather boy, larger stage girl, sleepy head, retry boy, twin 1 and twin 2... you get the picture

Check out the webpage (www.idolonfox.com). It's just fun. Plus it keeps you up to date if you miss a night.

If you must miss a night- try to miss the results shows. They are way too long for 2 minutes of actual need to know information.

When the time comes- VOTE. Really, it's free and it's fun. Voting for your American Idol is the same as voting for the legislature- If you don't vote, you can't complain about the winner. So reserve your right to whine- VOTE!

Ok, that's all for now. Enjoy your American Idol experience.

Homesick

So, last night... blind date. It was, pretty meh. Don't get me wrong. I had a lovely evening, but I spent more time talking to my cousin's 2 year old than my date. I'm sure he's a nice enough fellow, but I think the situation my just have been a little too odd.

Today I decided to stop in Logan and go to church with my old ward. It was just what I needed. I think it may actually be my 2nd favorite place in the world. It was really great just to be with people I know and who know me and for them to actually pull off a disappointed look when I said I was only there to visit, not moving back. My only regret is not having more time to be there. For I missed out on seeing some of my very favorite Loganites.

My freinds are definitely the part of Logan I miss the most. If I could keep my job and move back- I would do it in a heart beat.

3-D Sidewalk Art

K dudes, check these out... Julian Beever is an English artist who's famous for his art on the pavement of England, France, Germany, US, Australia, and Belgium. It's particularity Beever gives to his drawing ,an anamorphous, his images are drawn, completely deform, which gives a 3-D image when viewing from the right angle.
I thought they were cool.....












Shout out

Today I am giving a shout out to my friend Spencer- Congrats on the promotion, friend!!! You more than deserve it and I know you'll find a way to make working days tolerable. My advice is to find a way to keep the night shift spirit alive inside you. That's the only way I've made it ;)

You are AWESOME!

It made me giggle

If you are in to taking quizzes

Try this one

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=9935030990046738815

I am - you guesses it

Pure Dork
26 % Nerd, 21% Geek, 60% Dork

K'nex




So, for Christmas I decided Cannon needed to graduate from blocks to something a little more interesting. Well... he didn't think so. So I spent the next couple of days convincing him that K'nex are cool. I built the plane the night he was gone, but when he came home we built the running man and also a bicycle (not pictured). What did I learn from this experience? Some toys are more fun if you someone else will play them with you. Anyway... I still think the K'nex are cool....

Happy Friday

So I know this week was technically shorter than other work weeks, but it sure hasn't felt like it. It was however over all a pretty good week.
Ok- So I am choosing to use today's blog to tell everyone my new year's resolutions so you can help hold me to them.

1- Make better eating choices. (Dieting is setting me up to fail- so maybe if I word it differently the result will be better)

2- Drink more water. Let's face it, literally- my complexion is the first thing to go when I don't drink water like I should. Plus, really, your body just needs water to function properly.

3- Use better words. I am not a big curser, but it's still something I would like to work on.

4- Use my time better. Less TV, less internet. More books, more hobbies, more time with other people. I didn't say NO TV- I realize my addiction to shows such as American Idol (New Season 1/17/06) and Beauty and the Geeks (New Season 1/12/06) and Lost.

5- Get out of debt and save some money. This should be completely possible where I am in life right now. It is all about just making better decisions.

6 - Be a better friend. I need to put more trust in other people. I need to show more interest in others and I need to follow through on my commitments better.

not forgotten

I have not forgotten to blog. I tried Tuesday and the pictures wouldn't load. I tried yesterday but my PC caught a virus so I spent the night feeding it soup. I am logged on at work just long enough to explain my lack of blogging. Sorry.

Frappr

So- I like maps and Dav has found another one. There is a link to Frappr on the bottom of the right hand column on this page. PLEASE add yourself. Help me put names with dots :)Pictures would also be awesome.

Also- My new favorite big map is google earth- try it- you'll like it.

Games

So, I LOVE going home. I love being with the people who love me for the holidays and the traditions and the chaos. But I think I am glad to be back. I decided to drive back today because the weather was so nice.

New Year's eve was kind of a bust this year. The kids kept calling for whatever reason so the party emptied out pretty early. My nephew actually fell off the pillow and cut his head open on the coffee table. My aunt nurse said it would only get one stitch so she just cleaned him up and tried her best to put a bandaid in his hair. Today he was back to his normal rambunctious self.

My uncle has a game called "reaction." 2-4 players hold on to these metal handles and try to be the first person to push the button on their handle when the light turns green. The last person to push the button gets an electric shock. Not a little tounge on the battery tickle- and valid shock. Ouch it hurts so bad I can't let go shock.
When did torture devices start passing as party games?

Update

So I am still in the land of spotty phone service and limited internet. I thought I would use this post to update those of you who have been involved with my nonblog drama of possibly moving to Phoenix.
The update is, I am not going. I have turned the job down and chosen to stay with Convergys.

As a side note, I have been selected to participate in a the Future Leaders program. I am not really sure what it means yet, but my VP tells me it is an excellent opportunity, and he is feeling pretty good that his project was chosen to fill 2 of the 4 slots for our unit this year, which includes 20+ projects. So I guess that means I will be going to Cincinatti for the last week of February. It is a year long program, so I am sure you will be hearing more about it.

:(

Today I was reminded why I don’t have pets. My mom has a cat. Her name is Stripes. She got her about 4 months ago. Technically she is annoying, but attached I am, and I have only been with her about 4 times. I like her because it means my mom isn’t sitting home alone all the time. She is an indoor cat and we just had her spayed and de-clawed. We let her out when we got home from Logan this afternoon. I went to let her in a couple of hours later to find her lifeless on the front lawn. The damn neighbor’s dog killed my kitty. She didn't even have a chance to wear the new name tag she got in her Christmas stocking. My mom is heart broken :(

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I think Christmas on Sunday has pros and cons.

Pro
It is fitting that we honor Christ’s birth on the day He set aside for us to honor Him every week.
Christmas is a day that we spend with our families, so is Sunday.
It means that Monday is the bank/corporate holiday and any time the week is shorter and the weekend longer is a good thing.


Con
The kids (and parents) were up all night the night before so everyone sleeps through church.
It means that New Years is also on a Sunday. If you have a family that is very letter of the law on Sabbath Day activities, it means that you can not be at a party at midnight on Saturday night. (aka, my family is having their "New Year's Eve party on the 30th... What the dill?"

Family

So, Dav's back in town. It's funny. I see him more than I see most friends that live in the same state, and some that live in the same city, for that matter. I picked him up from the airport and we made our way to his parent's home in Liberty. Liberty is normally about an hour north of SLC up Ogden Canyon. Well, we hit the snow storm on our way up. It seemed to hit all of the sudden and we were sliding pretty good on a very frozen I-15. We were able to make it to his home with out incident, and it only took about 2 hours.
Not only was it their Christmas party, it was also Grandma Bessie's 90th birthday. Dav's family is great. I had not actually met most of the kids that were there. They are all super cute. The new baby Tom is soooo happy and adorable and the older kids are great. I am completely unbiased, by the way- this is not my family. His niece Bria is just stunning. If I can get him to send me a picture (hint hint), I'll post it here. Until then you'll just have to believe me. Beautiful girl.
All in all a great way to spend a Sunday night. I woke up this morning to find myself not going anywhere until the sun came up and the snowplows came through. There are worse places to be stuck than eating breakfast with the fam :)

Pleasant Surprise

I think my very favorite thing in the world is having people come visit. Friday night I got a call from one of my very favorite visitors :) I had pretty much written Friday off as meh, but a visit was all it took to turn it into the best day of the week. I had a visitor on Thursday, too. Come to think of it- It's been a pretty darn good week!

Tomorrow I am going to Dav's family Christmas party :) I am excited because it is actually the same time as my family Christmas party that I was not going to be able to attend.

Christmas is a good time for families. This Christmas I get to spend over a week at home. I still have to work, but I get to do it in Dingle instead of SLC. I'm pretty psyched about it; though I am still trying to plot out my day after Christmas shopping ;)

Wrapping Gifts

I believe I may be one of the world's worst gift wrappers. For the life of me I can not cut a straight line or get the "perfect" amount of paper. I spent most of the night cutting extra paper off the packages, then on the last one, I undercut and had to cover the end... No, I am not one of those people who actually cares enough to start over with another piece of paper.

My philosophy is that they are just gonna tear it open and throw it away anyway- what is the point?

I really need to invest in more gift bags ;)

Anyone need a place to live?

So... I just found out that my roommates are leaving. Their goal is to be out by the end of the month. Now, this doesn't actually affect my life all that much. Luckily we signed seperate contracts. In my perfect world, the landlord wouldn't be able to fill the other rooms and I could just live by myself for the next 5 months. I'm pretty sure that won't happen. Anyway, if you want to live with the coolest roommate ever (and most humble)- the rent is great, the location is great, the house is ok, the neighbors suck - let me know :)

Other than that, not much going on. I've had to take my first sick day since February, this week. Actually I took a day and a half. I've decided "sick" day actually translates to "work from home" day in the CVG dictionary. The only thing I've accomplished is getting further behind on my Christmas preparations, and a little extra sleep.


BAKING!!!! Holidays give me an excuse to bake. Today I made 7 different kinds of treats. Meringue Cookies, Cream Cheese Brownies, Double Decker Fudge, Chocolate Biscotti, Raspberry Ribbons, Thumbprints, and Lemon Tea Cookies. Of course, there has to be one thing that doesn't work out like you want it to.... today that was the brownies. I baked them longer than I was told and the tops were brown, but the brownie part forgot to cook. They taste great, but most brownie batter does.

So that is how I spent my Saturday. Monday I will take them to work and put my coworkers in sugar comas.

Tomorrow Matt has agreed to let me use my pretty plates for a random Sunday dinner. He humors me. I appreciate it.

Traditions

Tonight we held fast to an about 10 years now Christmas Tradition. We attended The Forgotten Carols. This is a musical, for lack of a better word, about some of the less remembered Christmas stories and of course, songs about such. My favorite Carol to sing is "I Cry the Day that I Take the Tree Down" because in my heart I always wanted to be a jazz singer... which kind of ties in to what my actual favorite Carol is. It is Handel's Carol. It is the story of a dream that Handel had about trying out for the choir that was to herald our Savior's birth. He sang and sang and sang, but he couldn't really sing and didn't make the choir. As he is leaving he asks the choir master to hear the song in his heart. The music from "The Messiah" then plays. Angel Handel is told that although he still can not sing in the choir, his song will be heard. More music from "The Messiah."

Now, the reason this is my favorite... All my life I have been surrounded by people who are so obviously talented. Many are beautiful singers, some are artists, others have such passion for things you can't help but enjoy them too, some are excellent listeners, some tell jokes, some just have a way of making people feel loved. I have often felt just like the little angel Handel. His carol gives me hope. Some day, I will figure out what it is that I am meant to do here. I will figure out what my gift is, who I am to share it with, and what good I am meant to do. My prayer is that I am not filling my life with so much "busy work" that I will miss it, and when I figure out what it is that I will brave enough to do it.

This trip's theme is DRIVING

Yeah, so driving...around and around KC, MO. We finally got to actually start our day at around 6 PM. We went to the Plaza. The lights are beautiful, but OOOOOOOH so cold. We did a little shopping, but eventually we gave up. The restaurant lines were so very long that we decided to head over to "The Blue Room" which is a little Jazz club. We got there before it opened so we went to dinner at "The Peach Tree Restaurant" I got a little soul food (cat fish and fried chicken). It's a good thing our waiter was hot, cuz wow, he was slow. When we made it back to the club we realized it was geeky old white guy night. We stuck around for a bit and made fun of some of the biggest geeks, then we decided we needed a little more hoppin'.

Our next location was "The Beaumont Club." It was mostly a country, but it also played a little hip hop and we had a fantastic time making fools of ourselves. Really just an enjoyable time.

As we were leaving, Shar's friend Lamarr called. He needed a ride back to where he had left his car earlier that day. So we went to pick him up and apparently we got roped into running his errands while we were there. When I say errands, I mean, he took us with him to pick up his 3:30 AM booty call. How tacky is that???

Today was dedicated to football. We spent the day at this really cute couple's house in KC,KS. Really nice folks. It was Shar's tax school teacher and her husband. I have now watched 2 football games this season. That is double my quota for the year. I guess I am good ;)

Faces

Yesterday was a day of faces. It is still weird to me that we can work with people everyday, but never know what they look like. Well, a slew of the people that I work with everyday are located about a half hour from Shar's house. She humored me and took me out to meet them. Oddly enough, my imagination was not tooooo far off of reality. It was fun to have a conversation with them face to face instead of over the phone.

We then went to Shar's new work place so I would have faces to put with the stories she tells. She does, indeed, work with characters. I am a little jealous. The atmosphere in her building was so relaxed and familiar. I remember work feeling like family. It made it much more tolerable. If anything was to work as a tool for recruiting me, that would be it.

Well, then we went for a little of what KC is famous for. BBQ! There is a reason they are famous for it, and I enjoyed it a little too much. We found BBQ sauce in some odd places afterwords. (Yes Dav, kind of like you and grits)

Against everyone's protests we then went shopping on Prospect St. We took a dumb boy with us though, so I think we will go back today after Shar's tax test with out him.

Clarkus P. - I don't have your email address. Can you hook a girl up???

KC, MO

Question for the cosmos... Why is Kansas City in Missouri? While I do not know the answer, here I am, eating nachos from the KC version of Betos "Panchos." I got here about 5, waited for Shar to get out of traffic til 6, then we went to church with Shar's friend Cassandra. I must admit, I've never been the minority at church before. There were 9 white folk. 9. I've also never been to church on a Thursday night, or been to a service where it was ok to respond aloud to the questions coming from the pulpit. I liked it. I felt so welcome. Everyone came up to meet us before and talked to us after to see if we enjoyed it and encouraged us to come back. I am pretty sure every child I saw tonight is the cutest child I have ever seen. If kidnapping weren't illegal I would have brought at least 2 of them home with me.
What a great start to my weekend with Shar in KC!
Thursday, my mom and I were in Rexburg for Thanksgiving. My Shahna couldn't get out of school to come to the family for the holiday, so we took the family to her. It was a beautiful day. We walked down to the park and let the kids run off their turkey. The weather was cool, but not freezing. It was really really just good.
Friday morning we went and did a little psycho shopping. Wal-Mart at 5:00 AM on the day after Thanksgiving. Yeah.... well, we weren't shopping for one of the 18 laptops (that's total, not models) so, it was pretty effective really. Besides, I got some really pretty dishes for when you come over for dinner.
Friday night my nephew came home with me and we made another gingerbread house. Apparently we did it last year, and that makes it a tradition.

Saturday morning I woke up, and looked out side. Just like that, it wasn't Thanksgiving anymore, it was Christmas. Over night we got about 2 inches of snow. It continued to snow all day and night and right thru the Bear Lake Christmas Parade :) Fitting, very fitting.

I love Christmas. Beware, it will be an ongoing topic.
General vent today, WHY? why can't people plan ahead? You can not implement new procedures the day before the majority of your staff goes on a 4 day weekend.

Ok, now that that is out of the way... I love holidays. I love not being at work (even though it seems to find me). I love hangin out with my family and just, well, being home. Except, now I am not at home, afterall. We have driven to Rexburg to have Thanksgiving with Shahna, since she had to work today and Friday. My family is a little silly. I really need to work on getting them out more. Dingle is a good place, but the world is very different when you get outside of it. We tend to get a little set in our ways and forget that there are other options.

So, I mentioned this was just going to randomness, right? Do I deliver or what?!

That's what I love about Sundays

Sundays are good days. I'm feeling a little off today, and have actually spent all but about 4 hours of it in bed. One of the hours I made it out of the house, I was able to attend a fireside where I was able to hear testimonies about Joseph Smith, Jr born in word and song. Joseph Smith is the man who saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and is the man through whom the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth and returned Christ's church to this dispensation of time. It was an excellent reason to leave the house.

Now, the reason I was invited to this fireside is because my friend Dav is in town from Baltimore. I spent the morning yesterday at his folks' house. Have I mentioned that I love his family as much as I love him? I never feel anything but welcome and at home there. Doing nothing more than taking a nap on their couch makes a perfect day. I am pretty sure I am back at my quota of hugs (if there is such a thing), or at least have enough to get me home Tuesday. Anyway, check out his page (www.davsblog.com) over the next few weeks. His welcome video will introduce you to some of my favorite people.

Look at what I did


Tonight we built gingerbread houses. Matt tried to tell me that you can't put chocolate on them. To prove him wrong, my doors and shutters are built out of Hershey's blocks. It was a fun night to spend with James and Heather :) Of course, we watched LOST, too.

I really think old friends are the best kind. I am not saying meeting new people isn't fun, I just really love spending time with people I can just be myself with. Last night I had dinner with two of my favorite people in the world. It was dinner and we chatted and we watched Oprah. To most this might seem an odd night, but to me it was perfect. I am very much looking forward to doing it again in the near future :)

3 cardinal rules

I have 3 cardinal rules.

Rule #1 - Never buy anything at full price at Shop-Ko or Old Navy. Let's face it, everything in these stores goes on sale about every 30 days. Just keep your eye open, you'll find it for 50% off next week.

Rule #2 - I don't cook for girls. Roommates, Large dinner parties, and family provide a way around this rule.

Rule #3 - Don't ask boys out. Over for dinner, does not count.
Breaking this rule has only proven to get me in trouble.
This rule has also been the root of one of my very favorite conversations... it happened quite a while a go, but it's stuck with me, so I am going to repeat it... maybe it's too much insight into me, but isn't that what the WWW is for?

Girl: So, you managed to impress my mom the other day.
Boy: Oh?
Girl: Yeah, and I quote, "He seems like a nice enough boy. Why don't you date him?" But don't worry, I told her.
Boy: What did you tell her?
Girl: Because he doesn't ask.
Boy: Oh sure, make me look like the ass.
Girl: Well, is there another reason?

3 days later, we went out.

Ok... I believe those may be enough random things for one entry...

The Wall

I have come to the conclusion that if you live in an area that has more than one radio station, you can listen to "The Wall" by Pink Floyd anytime you want. I have heard this song everyday for the last 3 weeks. I DON'T own it. I am a radio station scanner. It's not about what's on, it's about what else is on. The thing is, I don't really listen to the radio all that much - I drive to work, at lunch, and back from work. That's really about all the radio time I have. Then again, maybe SLC just has a thing for Floyd - can anyone validate my theory?

farewell to friends

Ok, so tonight was the last night of my cooking class. I think there is a reason he does the meals in the order that he does them... this one was, mmm.... boring. It was basically rice, with some extra seasonings (cloves, anise seed, cardamon, cinnamon) and then some shrimp thrown in on top. It left me wanting a sauce to put on it. Perhaps it would be better if we made it with chicken stock and chicken instead of the shrimp... I'll play with it a little before I completely discard it from my memory.

Anyway, the class was fun. I am glad we took it. We learned not only the dishes we made, but also just a lot of really basic things that turn into everything else. I swear if I heard him explain how to make beef burgandy one more time, I might have had to tape his mouth shut ;) JUST KIDDING! (mostly) I am excited to put it to use and really just have a go at it. Right now the only thing I am missing are the guinea pigs.

One more after today

Tonight we had a makeup cooking class for the night Hiro was in the hospital. We made Indonesian Stir Fry... I have to be honest with you, it was pretty much like every stir fry I've ever had, but with shrimp. 2nd confession, I don't really like shimp unless it is covered in batter and deep fried. This second revelation is even more concerning because on Wednesday's class we are making another shrimp meal.

Anyway, I'd say it is good to be home, but I'd be lying. I was stellar until I got off the plane this morning and turned my phone on. I'm seriously considering changing the number.
Phoenix was great. Saturday we had a BBQ- yes BBQ in Novemeber - for Ian and Ty's birthdays. Then we saw Chicken Little in 3-D. LOVED IT. Cute show. Sunday we lounged around and had breakfast on the back patio, did some window shopping at the outdoor mall, and went swimming in the pool.... It's too bad Phoenix couldn't be 80 degrees in the summer too- I'd move for sure. It was hard to leave this morning. I wore capris all day in rebellion to being back in the land of the frigid. A girl has to have her little victories :)

SWA

I love flying SouthWest. I had the priviledge of enjoying a classic SouthWest safety announcement today. The in flight specialist was in a fantasticly entertaining mood. There were a couple of families in the front and he was playing up the adults as much as the kids. Not only did we get entertaining announcements, but we got booger jokes and when we landed we got trivia facts such as - did you know that lettuce is the only vegetable that is sold in no other form than fresh?

Ok, well, I am in Phoenix for the weekend and I think the kids are going to mutiny if we don't go for dinner soon :)
TTFN

Down with Love

Cheesy lines, predictable plot, bad acting

It's Wednesday :)

Well friends, it's Wednesday night, and you know what that means..... that's right! Cooking Class!
Tonight we made the traditional Italian dish, Chicken Cacciatore. Friends, we have another dish I fully plan to make for anyone who wishes. The dish itself is very simple. Onions, green peppers, mushrooms, celery, tomato sauce, baked over chicken that has been sauteed and flambe'd (personally, I just think Hiro likes to watch the alcohol burst into flames) and topped with montery jack cheese; and serve the whole mess over your favorite pasta. Of course, you have to make the garlic cheese bread to go with it. Kids- it is super easy and super tasty.

Next week we are going to have 2 classes and then we will have completed the series. I am kind of sad to see it be over. I do believe this might be the most enjoyable class I've ever taken. There is a super cute girl, her name is Angela, that I have really enjoyed getting to know better. And the security guard that stops by when he can smell we are almost done is actually a pretty funny guy. I'm convinced he comes to class half for the food and half to hit on Angela... I have bets on whether or not he will get enough umph to ask her for her number before the class ends.... he's got a week ;) Come on! You can do it!!! Go Security Dude!

As a side note, I heard a rumor that the only person left in my office that is in client services (the dept I work in) is probably leaving the project... Is it just me, or does it seem like people are jumping off a sinking ship. I really look forward to the adjustments that are going on right now being over. I have to believe that the end result will be better for all of us that are left.

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