Holy Colee!

I know you are going to be disappointed, but I won't be sharing my insight;) about American Idol this week. I am NOT disappointed, because instead of watching the snow fall outside my window, this week I will be listening to the waves crash on Waikiki beach. I promise to take lots of pictures.... maybe if I say it out loud it might actually happen. We leave very early Tuesday morning and will be back on Monday.

After this last week at work, I am hoping this will be a much needed respite... I have my doubts, since work is coming with me, but hey - Here's hoping ;)

I figured tonight I'd actually include all of the contestants. No idea why I missed David last night, but I completely forgot to watch him and I am not interested enough to go through the tape to find him again.

Carly Smithson – hmm, I didn’t notice the accent last week. The song felt a little disconnected. It was alright, but I don’t love her like Simon does.

Syesha – I officially like this girl. I have never heard that song before, but I think she did it well. I think the judges are lame.

Brooke White – I don’t know if I like her on the guitar or not, but I did enjoy the song. The ending was weird.

Ramiele Malubay – The vocal was ok. The performance was boring

Kristy Lee Cook – She was alright. Nothing to complain about really, but nothing to shout about either.

Angela Overmeyer – She’s 23? I can almost see it when her hair is down… It sounded like she was about ready to cough the whole time. I am not actually sure she hit any of the notes.

Alaina Whitaker – ouch. I kept thinking it would get better. It never did.

Oooh – the movie preview for 10,000 BC. I saw the trailer at another movie – I wanna see it. If anyone needs a movie buddy- holler

Alexandrea Lushington – Wearing shorts in February? It’s like salt in the wound. The song was boring when Chicago sang it, it was even more boring tonight.

Kady Malloy – The song lacked a melody. When there were words she sang them well, but there weren’t many.

Asia’h Epperson – It started off poor, got worse, ended. Celine and Whitney – should both be avoided at all costs.

Is it just me or did a lot of people choose songs that are not actually songs?

Tonight I am choosing to watch with out the judge’s commentary….I might be too much of a cheapskate for tivo – but I know how to work my vcr

Michael Johns – Tennis makes you a jock? I liked him better last week than this week.

Jason Castro – He’s pretty. He’d be prettier with out the dreads. Interesting song, couple of weird notes.

Luke Menard – Queen, really???

Robert Carrico – I still want him to shave. Tonight was better than last week.

Danny Noriega – oooh, also much better this week than last week. Now, I love Karen Carpenter far to much to say he did a great job, but I didn’t have to tune him out.

David Hernandez – huh…well this is a good place to comment on how cool the band is. I am not a musician, but seriously, the band has to play all of these songs every week – flawlessly, so that they don’t distract from the singers. That’s freaking amazing

Jason Yeager – I might have been watching this show too much. I actually heard the words “cruise singer” in my head as he was singing.

Chikeze – I actually think I may like him… His vocal is really good – but his songs are just strange. Clothing was slightly less odd this week. Are the two color shirts back in or was he trying to flashback? No really, I’m asking….

David Cook – of the 2 rockers, he’s the better singer. His hair reminds me of my little brother’s when he needs a hair cut.


Ok, so I found something else that makes watching America Idol even better – They are called Munchies. They are like what would result if a rolo and a kit-kat had children, except it’s made by Nestle. Mmmm is all I can really say.

Well - it's done! The petition for John's visa has been filed. Hooray!!!! Now instead of waiting to wait, we are just waiting :) Hey, it's a step in the right direction :)

Ok, so I had Enrichment tonight and instead of watching AI, I spent the evening learning 20 new recipes for a basic white sauce, and painting pots to put in my kitchen window. But, I caught the last 2, so, um…. yeah

Syesha Mercado – That girl can wail. She’s very pretty. It’s the first time I’ve seen her, but I like her already.

Carly Smithson – She made the song almost bearable. I’ve not heard a version of it that I actually enjoy. If she makes it through, and I kind of think she will, I’ll decide.

From the synopsis I learned that Joanne was painful; Amanda is scary; Amy was flat and boring; Brooke and Alexandrea were both pleasant; Kady had some pitch issues; Asia’h and Ramiele…. seriously what’s with the names this year


Oh - and - it's here! it's here! it's finally here. John's letter came and now we can FINALLY GET THIS APPLICATION SUBMITTED!!!

I realized after typing this up that I seem to have a lot of opionions on hair... kind of ironic coming from a girl who puts her hair in the same twist every day because she has no idea what to do with it but doesn't want to cut it off.....

I am thinking I should send Randy a thesaurus…. Do you think he would be able to find words that mean the same thing as dawg, dude, and yo yo yo?

Dave Hernandez – What the crap was he wearing? His song was ok, but nothing special or unique

Chikezie – ouch, the beginning of his song was just painful. I am not sure it actually got better. His suit was atrocious

David Cook – Was he singing? I honestly couldn’t tell until he hit the chorus. His hair bugs. It’s like the updated version of a comb over.

Jason Yeager – Mark McGrath hair went out with Sugar Ray. For a crooner, I found it enjoyable. He kind of has Osmond teeth… don't laugh, you know exactly what I mean.

Robbie Carrico – Beau Byce wannabe? The vocal was ok, but there was nothing original about the vocal or arrangement. I really need him to shave.

David Archuleta – I kind of think I went to class with his brother, maybe it was a cousin. It was better than the original, but I didn’t love the original. There were a couple of pitch issues, but he’s likeable, it will get him far.

Is Paula being extra cheesy tonight or is it just me?

Danny Noriega – this year’s look is better than last year, he still needs a haircut. When singing Elvis, make sure it is different enough not to be compared to the original. He was the King for a reason.

Luke Menard – I like his speaking voice better than his singing voice. He also made it official, the stylists this year need to be replaced.

Colton Berry – He’s right, her looks like Ellen. Fortunately, he doesn’t sound like her. Well, that’s not fair, I’ve never heard Ellen try to sing, and I do rather enjoy her show… sorry back to Colton…Again with the Elvis songs. I will revert to, he was the King for a reason.

Garret Haley – His hair is far too big for his head. He is the first person I actually had to stop listening to.

Jason Castro – He was definitely enjoying himself – or faking it well. Quite possibly my favorite performance of the night.

Michael Johns – There were a couple of pitch issues, but I still really enjoyed it. The scarf was a bit odd, but I tuned it out; I am getting good at tuning things out.

So, apparently it has been written in the stars that I am only to visit the city of Cincinnati in the winter. I realized that this is my 3rd time to the city, and it is always the Feb/early March time frame. This year I am here for a team meetings. We are 2 days in, and it has been going very well. I have learned a lot of new things and it is exciting to see the directions for the new year. Our exec VP even came in and went through his goals for this year. I must admit the "after hours" activities are almost as informative as the actual meetings. I miss having the people I work with in the same area. It is not only informational, but enjoyable to spend time with people who understand what you do all day ;) at least once in a while ;) Other times it is nice to just walk away and leave it in the office. Tomorrow I get to give my presentation... hopefully I can stay awake through it... It's almost 1:30 and I am having a rough time actually sleeping (hence the blog entry)
Tonight we went to Dave and Buster's and I learned how to play shuffle board. Well, let's say that I played... "learned how to play," might be pushing it. If we were picking teams, I'd probably still be the last one you would want to call on :P I also discovered that I still like to play arcade games. I'm not willing to waste my own money on them - but if someone else is payin', I say WHY NOT?

Ok, I should probably try that sleep thing again. Wish me luck!

I finally did something worth writing about!!!
So tonight, Monica and I decided we wanted to go to the sold out Mika concert. Well, depending on where you looked for tickets, about half the places said it was sold out. We got home around 4 and decided we would run to the SmithTix that was closest to the Venue and see if we could still get tickets there. The line was SOOO long, and the cashier was SOOOO slow. When we get there we realize they do have tickets, but it's cash only. So we went through the check out, bought our gum and tried to get cash back. There is a huge sign that says to limit cash back to $20, but we need 4 tickets, and they are $30 a piece, so we conveniently ignored the sign. The self help cashier lady was NOT pleased with us. We won the battle, she gave us our cash, and we finally got our tickets from the other super slow cashier.
So, we drive back to the Venue (yes, this is the name of a place, not just the venue as in the location of the concert). Monica drops me off to go find a place in line. The concert is general admission and we were determined to get fabulous seats (I use the term "seats" loosely). When I finally figure out which end of the line is the end I am supposed to be in, it turned out there were only about 50 people in front of us. Not bad when you know they sold 1500 tickets. So, we waited. The concert was supposed to start at 7, with doors opening at 6. We figured we were good. We had coats and gloves, and it was a rather mild day for Salt Lake City in February. 6 o'clock came and went. We were still standing, now in the dark, and getting colder. 7 o'clock came and went. We were still standing, now very much frozen. Sometime, ask me to tell you about the amusement we got from the people we were standing near in line.
7:30- they finally start letting us in the door. Yes, you did the math correctly. We waited outside in the cold for 3 hours. Apparently, Mika's production was stuck in Wyoming, along with the opening band. Instead of cancelling the concert, they decided to rent some equipment and do an accoustic show. They offered everyone a chance to get their money back - I don't think anyone took it, or if you still wanted to come to the show, you just got $10 back instead. ANYWAY... 9:00, they finally start the show. Our place in line had scored us the seats we desired, the venue is general admission - STANDING ROOM ONLY. 1500 people crammed so tightly into a room that when a person moved, the whole room swayed. We managed to go through the 21 and older area and score a spot on the catwalk that overlooks the room and stage. We were probably 30-40 feet away. It was totally worth all the drama.
Mika was AWESOME. The songs all sounded a little different than we're used to, but truth be told, I think they were even better live and accoustic, which is not something most musicians can pull off these days. The crowd was so loud (speaking of the crowd, remind me sometime to tell you about the guy I ended up standing next too... very very very drunk, completely amusing). I honestly don't think it would have been any better if the production equipment had showed up. He mentioned a couple of times that he had thought it was going to be a disaster. He also promised to come back to SLC again. If the crowd was that excited, and most of them had been standing outside in the cold for over 2 hours, they deserve a show where they can get in without the dramatics ;) The band was great; the drummer was awesome; the guitarist was amusing; the bongo dude was random; and the bassist,well, he played the bass. I haven't been to a concert in far too long. I am going to have to figure out a remedy to that ;)
If I can figure out how to get pictures from my new blackberry to my computer, I'll post them...Oh yes, I have a new phone. It's pretty, but that's a story for another day.

Tonight, I miss my superbowl friends. I have never really been much of a football follower. I know enough about the game to enjoy it, but I don't pick a team or follow certain players. I do however, enjoy a good superbowl party. The superbowl is not about football for me. Superbowl means going over to Janice's house where random work friends get together and bring their favorite treats. Kids run chaotically in the bedrooms and the guys sit in the living room watching the game. The ladies congregate behind and chat and eat. Superbowl is an excuse to make that dip you've been wanting to try but never have a reason to make. Superbowl is about talking through the game and being quiet during the commercials. Superbowl is about hanging out with people and having a good time.

Tonight, I miss my superbowl friends.

This week the world lost an amazing man. While I did not ever meet him personally, he has been my prophet and leader for over a decade. He was a remarkable man. His testimony was ever born. His smile was infectious and his love could not be missed. A poem was shared with me earlier this week that I think I will post here. (Thanks Brooke)

Prophetic Passing

I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.

I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."

I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward, there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008

I went with my mom and Cannon to the Jazz/Spurs game on Monday night. We had a great time! And we won, which was, I must admit, kind of unexpected. (Notice how I say we, like I am part of the team ;) ) It was Cannon's first ball game as well as his first trip on Trax. We decided we have GOT to get him out of town more.

When we got home from the game we were pleasantly surprised with a barrage of hearts and confetti and treats on our doorstep. We were the "victims" of a heart attack. It was fun. I should probably take them down, but I like coming home to it, so I've left the hardier ones on the door ;)

Mom and Cannon have gone home now. It's pretty quiet around my home. They could have stayed a few more days and I wouldn't have felt too bad. Stupid school and work ;) Of course, I had to work both days they were here, so I probably wasn't much fun anyway.

Life is good.

So, I am a little slow, but if you haven't yet seen Enchanted - I recommend it with out reservation. It is cute. That's really all there is to it. You'll sing along with the songs you've never heard before, and then they will be stuck in your head. If it weren't such a cute movie on it's on, the cast is great. I love Susan Sarandon and McDreamy, well, enough said. It's well worth the night out. If you don't believe me, well, come on over when it comes out on video, it will shortly there after be a part of my collection :) Thanks Matt for the movie suggestion:)

This weekend my mom and Cannon are spending time with me in "the big city." We went to see the grandparents today and on Monday night we're going to the Jazz/Spurs game. Go Jazz!

Work is going well. I finally got my vacant positions filled and we're ready to get organized. I am excited!

Mmmmm, I think that's all. It's pretty quiet here :)

I am sitting here tonight, remembering vividly why I wasn't going to keep watching the auditions. It's seriously painful. However, I did appreciate it when Paula started to sign the Brother's Forever song.
On a MUCH happier note, I booked my flight to Hawaii yesterday- yes, really- I am going to Hawaii! I have been invited to go on the sales trip with work. I was hoping that someone from my team would be able to qualify, but it didn't really happen. I'm kind of disappointed, but it has definitely given me a new challenge for finding something that they will think is rewarding.

I'm open to ideas.

Incase you were wonderin' - American Idol starts TONIGHT!!!!

Ok, so I have decided it's not worth watching the auditions anymore, but regardless, I am excited for the new season.

Happy Watching!!!

So, I sent John's Christmas present on the 15th of December. It finally got to him on January 9th. Christmas overseas gift sending helps us understand the true meaning of "snail mail"
The happy part is that he got it :) It was just a cheesy box of random prizes, but it made him happy, and that was the point :)

Oh wait, they forgot to ask. For some reason I just got paper. I am curious as to the reason. The only good one I can think of is the store being out of plastic bags. Paper bags are hard to carry. So instead of taking one trip from my truck to the house, I have to take 2. Also, plastic is more likely to be reused in my house. Plastic bags make good garbage liners in bedrooms. Paperbags, not so much. Also, is there something that says because it's a paper bag you can put bread and milk in the same one?


Ok, other than the rant about paper bags - life is good. I got enough groceries today to last a couple of weeks, and everything was on sale, so I only spent $30. Not bad I say. I am back in my home for a while. I have only one trip on the business agenda and it is not until later in the month. And they are sick of me at home home, so they told me to stay away for a while. :) Anyway, so lucky ol' SLC will have to deal with me at least until I can change their minds ;)

I have decided that I probably should not be allowed to read. I get a little too wrapped up in a good story, I forget to sleep, and my mood is completely overtaken by what I am reading. I just finished reading a trilogy of books recommended by a friend. Each book took just less than a day, but I almost couldn't stand to put it down long enough to work or sleep. The books were a little intense, and my mom kept telling me I was moody - but honestly, I blame the books. People were dying or almost dying and they were always in some kind of danger and.... yeah, anyway. Now, I have been done with the books for 3 days and still I can't get the people out of my head. What happened after the books ended, did they get married, did anyone else get hurt, what happened with the Vulturi??? ugh
Anyway, if you want a good story, the books are called Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. They are written by Stephanie Meyer. They won't take you long to read, but if you pick up one, you may as well pick up all 3. The 2nd book was by far my least favorite, but only because it made me so sad I could physically feel the pain she was in.... I really am a geek. I freely admit it.

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I have no resolutions to make - I am open to suggestions :)

For lack of originality, I am posting the letter that I sent with my Christmas cards this year.... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

While it seems like a billion things have changed this year, I must admit I am struggling to think about what to put in this letter. I am still working with Convergys and I am still in Salt Lake. I have been a home owner for a year now. That has been a little bit crazy. Last January when it was SOOOO cold, my kitchen pipes burst. I learned a couple of very valuable lessons, like where the water shut off valve is, AND that family and friends are awesome. I made a couple of tear filled phone calls and in a few hours, Jeff and his boys were here to rescue my carpets. Another couple of calls and I found out how to use my home warranty to get a plumber here – on a Sunday afternoon emergency. The end result was a new kitchen remodel with the majority of the cost being paid by the insurance. Talk about a blessing in disguise. I also had my bathroom remodeled – that one I had planned ;) If you are ever hanging around in Salt Lake, come on over. It’s been almost a year, but I still like showing it off :)
Cannon turned 8 this year. Can you believe it? He was baptized in May. He asked yours truly to give a talk on baptism, and Aunt Janet to speak on the Holy Ghost. It was a very special day and now a very special memory. In July Mom had surgery and came down to my house to recover (or at least hang out with me until she could go back to work.) It turned out to be the most perfect thing that could have happened. A couple of days into her recuperation, she ended up taking me to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with kidney stones, which resulted in me having surgery 2 days later. If mom had not been around, I would have been alone. And you know me, I am stubborn. I would have never actually gone to the emergency room on my own.
Work let me travel again this year. I got to visit our sites in Cincinnati, Houston, Laredo, and Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge trip was great because it coincided with Mardi Gras, and we managed to take a night trip down to New Orleans. Eric, our friend/ tour guide, tried to tell us what it was like before Katrina. It was interesting to see the after effects and to see the city trying to come back to life. I also got to spend 10 days in Jacksonville, FL. I was there over a weekend so I got to visit St Augustine (the countries oldest continuously inhabited settlement) and The Kennedy Space Center. The best part of Jacksonville was actually getting to spend time with my coworker/friend Curtis and his super cute wife Amy and getting to meet my friend Brian and his wife Liz and adorable daughter, who I had heard so much about for 3 years now :)
I had 2 favorite parts of the year. One was 3 weeks right in the middle when the guy I’ve been talking to online came to Salt Lake. His name is John. He is from Manchester England. We had a fabulous time. I made sure he saw all the typical Salt Lake attractions, and then we spent a week in Dingle as well. It must have gone well; he thinks he wants to come back and stay on a little more permanent basis. We’re working on that.
The other favorite part was my trip to Cancun. It was freaking fabulous! Mom and I got to leave the country, spend some time in the sun and just enjoy an all expenses paid trip paid for NOT by us :) Thanks Convergys! It was really great; and spending a week away from a cell phone or internet connection and spending it WITH the person I would have wanted to call and tell all about everything anyway – what could be better?
The year has been far from smooth, but it has been filled with blessings and even more with learning to recognize them. I think the greatest thing I have learned this year is just how much my Heavenly Father loves me. While this year has seen more than its share of difficulties, it has also seen more than its share of joys. The trials and sorrows that have been experienced this year have been life altering, but I have never even had time to doubt that He is aware of me, before I turn and He has blessed me again.

Merry Christmas, Loved ones!

So, last night I met the lady I want to be when I am middleold. Her name is Kathryn. She is a coworker of my roommate. She doesn't know me from Eve, but we went to a Christmas party at her house last night and it was just... comfortable. She was so happy to see us, even though she'd never even met me before. She was happy, laid back, excited about what was going on all at the same time. Plus she made some pretty stellar fudge. Even though we were only there for a short time, I have no reason to think she didn't mean it when she said she would love for us to come back... Anyway, there is your random thought for today.

Ok, so I have been so bogged down in work the last week, I haven't even had time to think, let alone type something that didn't have to do with staffing, so when I came across this email, I had an epiphany. I will post it for you to read - then I don't have to type or think, and I can still blog:D

Summary of My Year on the Computer!


I must send my thanks to whoever sent me the email about rat poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet towel with every envelope that needs sealing.

Also, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000.00 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special email program.

I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.

I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an email to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer can buy gasoline without taking a man along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.

I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put, 'Under God' on their cans.

I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

And thanks for letting me know I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face... disfiguring me for life.

I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.

I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.

I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore and Uzbekistan

I no longer have any sneakers - but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.

I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.

Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

Thank you too for all the endless advice Andy Rooney has given us. I can live a better life now because he's told us how to fix everything.

And thanks to your great advice, I can't ever pick up $5.00 in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

Oh, and don't forget this one either!

I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!

If you don't send this email to at least 47,000 people in the next 47 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:47 p.m. this afternoon and the fleas from 47 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's Cousin's beautician.

Have a wonderful day... AND a scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain and sexual activity read their email with their hand on the mouse.

Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.