Holy Colee!

This evening I went up to visit Monica while she was dog sitting. The house she is at has PS3 and a Wii... Yeah, I am a Karaoke superstar :) OK, so I was really good at the 80s stuff, but the current Pop... not so much.
As far as the Wii goes, it's only my 3rd time ever playing. The first time was at a party with way too many people all needing to take turns, I am not a very good sharer. The middle time was when Matt brought his over. That was much more fun. I learned how to drive knitted cows into scarecrows AND found out I like to box.
This time we were not really sure at all how to play the games they had, so we spent a little time realizing my video driving skills are not improving - yay mariokart- and then we played a game that taught you all kinds of poses with the controller. Since I am far from being considered a "Natural" it was probably super useful.

Ok, so the dog she is sitting is called a Doodle, yes, really. It's a retreiver/poodle mix. It's like the biggest poodle you'll ever see. Big black dog with floppy ears and curly hair. Slightly creepy, very good natured, but I think I will go for something a little smaller, should my future hold dog ownership.

Round 1

David Cook – U2 will always be king, but that was AMAZING

David Archuleta – Ok, so I never really noticed how he does close his eyes a lot…I hate that song, it’s not his fault.

Round 2

DC – It felt like an 80s rock song, that’s a good thing. I think Simon got irritated by being accused of being a Cook fan… He’s swung the other way very fast

DA – He reminds me a lot of Reuben. He is GREAT at his thing, in this case Ballads, but when he gets out of his chosen genre he becomes extremely ordinary. But hey, lots of people get by with one genre… I mean, check out Frank Sinatra

Ps – May 13th has been declared Frank Sinatra day :) Now is the time to buy your sport coat and hair gel.

Round 3

DC – Have I mentioned I am a fan?

DA – I could listen to him for a long time, but I can’t really watch him. Hey, that reminds me, did anyone else see Justin Guarini in the audience a while back? Is he still around??


I am pretty sure I am going to be kicked out of the state, but I am voting Cook.

I’m trying to decide on the judges… do you think they are just trying to throw those Vegas odd makers off? Or maybe trying to help Cook lose so that he makes more money?

So that's what we'll do...
He never said how big it had to be :) I planted a bucket garden last night. I planted 2 tomato plants, kholorobi, radishes, spinach, a jalepeno, and green onions :D Cross your fingers... I've never had my own garden before. If it grows you're invited over for salad and salsa :) If it doesn't you can still come over, I'll just have to go to the store first.

Last week was an awesome week. First of all, I got to go home. I spent Mother's day with my mother, funny how that works. We actually went up to my aunt and uncle's home for a fabulous dutch oven dinner. Monday was Cannon's birthday... I am still not sure how he is 9, but that's what he keeps telling me. Alice made him a cake shaped like a cowboy hat. It was uber tasty.
Wednesday I took the day off to make lunch for the quilting ladies. It reminded me of one of the reasons I love Dingle so much. Things go full circle. The ladies that quilt range in age from my mom's younger sister, all the way up to the ladies that are the age of my grandma. At least a 40 year span if not more. These same awesome women that were my mom's mom's friends are also my mom's friends and for that matter, they are my friends. Make that a 60 year span. There is a lot to be said for having social circles of people your own age, but I really have learned so much from watching these women, not just that day, but my whole life. They have gone through so many different things, heartaches,joys, births, deaths, love and loss. It is great just spending time with them to see the women they are today and learn about the things that have made them that way. Don't get me wrong, some of them are a little crazy ;) but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday I took the day off, to sleep. That got ruined by a work call, oh, and making sure Cannon got on the bus with his lunch for his field trip, but that was fun, so I'll blame the 7 am work call. I also got to mow the lawn. In the afternoon Mom and I went to the chiropractor, which I loved and Mom hated. We took the scenic route home from Soda through Nounan. It was really pretty. I don't think I have ever been all the way on that road before so it was neat.

Friday I really just took the day off... I took Mom's bike and Heather and I went for a bit of a bike ride around the village. I got some much needed sun. I am SUCH a pasty white girl. My legs never turn, but at least my arms and face can tan ;) I also went for a ride around the village with Kelly, but we drove. In the evening Mom and I did a little more yard work... very very productive day:)

Saturday was Scrapbook Day! at the library. They have scrapbook day twice a year. I had missed it in Novemeber because of the Turkey Shoot, so I was glad I got to go this time. It took all day (9-6 with a lunch) and I finished 3 layouts... I am the slowest scrapbooker ever, but they are super cute. Now I just need to, you know, put some pictures on them. I even won a prize :) yay:)

Sunday we got to go to church in our pretty new remodeled building. It's not perfect, but it's ours and it's beautiful. It will make a lovely place for a wedding and open house...

OK, so that's the deal, that's where I've been all week.... now you know

David C – it was unmemorable that by the end of the song, I had already forgotten what it was he sang… bad sign, especially because I like him.

Syesha –how can she not think it was a Tina Turner impression when she wore the same dress?? Tamyra did a better job when she was on Mad about You a couple of years ago. Also, is it just me or does she have the most versatile hair ever?

Jason – I still want him to cut his hair. He actually changed the song a little, imagine that.

David A – So far the only song that showed off any range tonight.

Davis C – weird song, well done.

Syesha – the tears were a bit much.

Jason – I know I am probably communist, but Bob Dylan is kind of hit or miss for me. And Jason forgetting the lyrics, was not so cool, but I still actually liked this one better.

David A – A classic, different enough to say it was, but true enough to know why it is a classic.

Desi and Berns


My girls :)


Butch - as the baby Jesus, an uncanny resemblance I think ;)


The Squid

The next 3 are the view out of my window at the hotel...

In no particular order


The view from my room at the Bellevue


The view from my room at the Pen


The soldier's cemetery


Monument - outside


Monument - inside


Alabang Town Center - at night


Alabang FL team :)


Pia - and my fabulous yellow vest


My girls


The FL team with Noreen and Pia

Ok, the next ones aren't from Alabang, but they are worth having on here :)


Kevin :)


Jason

I will be home tonight. I won't lie. I am fairly excited about it. I've had a fabulous couple of weeks, but I hate living out of a suitcase and eating at restaurants every meal.
When I got off the plane in Japan, it was just after noon, Sunday. When I got off the plane in Minneapolis, it was just after noon, Sunday. Um, yeah... talk about confusing. One thing I know is that tonight, I will sleep well.

The business lounge here is very lovely. I scored a great seat to wait my 5 hour layover... yeah, really... Ugh. Anyway.. that's where I am, and where I am headed.

Happy Sunday.

Well, maybe it’s not a fruit, but it IS a flavor. One of the popular flavors of treats here is ube. Ube translates, literally, to purple. Technically, ube is a tuber like sweet potatoes. That’s probably the easiest way to describe how it tastes as well.

Speaking of food… Tonight Desi took me to a BBQ place for dinner before work. Cebu is famous for its BBQ. Which makes sense when I think about the miles – no exaggeration - of BBQ stands between CVG and the Marco Polo where I am staying.
It was pretty cool; you basically walk past a meat counter and pick up everything you want them to grill for you. I must admit the bags of shells that were still moving caught me off guard, but Desi says it is so you know they are alive. It means they are fresh, not dead or diseased. We had pork, and sausage, and a kabob, and chicken, and scallops on the half shell, and a squid, and some kind of shell, and a coconut to drink… oi… It was all soooo good. Now if I can manage to stay awake through my shift, I’m going to call it a win.

She also brought me a little bag of treasures.. honestly, a bag. It's beautiful and hand woven and I may be a purse aholic. She snuck in some peanut kisses and dried mangoes and some guitar keychains. Cebu is also famous for guitar making... I had no idea. I am learning so much today :)

Sunday was lovely. Ompong took me on a tour of the city(ies). We even went to part of mass… that totally counts for church ;) The coolest part by far was the WW2 Memorial and cemetery. Words would not do justice to the feeling there.

Monday I kind of just hung out until my flight. The airport was interesting and frustrating. You’re supposed to present your ticket twice before you can get to the counter that actually prints the tickets out… yeah. So then, after all my repacking to get everything into the right place… I was over the luggage weight limit. They weigh by passenger instead of by suitcase. Grr, but it was only $10 so, whatever.

Landing in Cebu was the first time I have really felt like I might actually be on an island. It is completely different than Manila. There are not as many cars or people or building, heck I even saw cows and chickens :) Feels like I home. I checked into the hotel and tried to nap, but it didn’t work, so I tried to take a bath. They have bubble bath – I was very excited. Then I realized I couldn’t get the water hot enough to stay warm while the rest of the tub was filling. Total bummer.

The center here is also very different. It’s more than just the set up. I haven’t quite put my finger on it yet. But I am really enjoying the work week again. I am having a rough time trying to get my normal work done – stupid end of month reports – but it’ll work out. Everyone is telling me how nice the beaches are… do you think anyone would notice if I called in sick???

After work yesterday Ompong picked me up and brought me up to the new hotel. I am now staying at the Peninsula. It is a lovely hotel. The view is awesome. I can finally see Manila in the daylight :) I got checked in and settled and then Ompong and I headed back out. I was going to take a nap and wait for Noreen to come, but Ompong convinced me I needed to go early. We went to Greenhills. OH MY stuff. Stuff and people everywhere. I got my first round of shopping done in record time. Ompong hooked me up with the best vendors and prices on my knockoffs. And, yes, I spent too much money with Mimi, but the pearls are beautiful. Technically I didn’t spend too much, just more than I had planned on. We also went to Balakbayan for souvenirs and then he took me to Max’s for lunch. There is a reason he is our family driver. He showed me how to eat the things we ordered and ordered the tastiest little uve cream dish for dessert….

Then we came back to the hotel and picked up Noreen. We went back to Greenhills because I now needed an extra suitcase. I actually had that part planned… the part I didn’t have planned is that even with the new suitcase, I am struggling to find space to get it all in. This time we wandered. Wandering is dangerous for me. It proved to be so this time as well. After wandering, Ompong brought us back to the hotel and after dropping things off, Noreen and I walked down to the mall across the street. We wandered some more. Good times :) We stopped for dinner and then made our way back. Neither of us had slept in a really long time…. Really long time… I am pretty sure I passed out about 2 minutes after Noreen left.

Today I had a lovely breakfast at the hotel and this afternoon Ompong is going to take me on a tour :) Should be a lovely laidback Sunday.

Thanks Gail for sending these over. I have some of Jason and Kevin that I still need to pull off my camera, but I wanted to post these, so I did :)

Lisa, Debbie, Gail


Lisa, Debbie, Nicole

Today I went wandering. I know you’re not supposed to wander alone, but I did it smart ;-) I went to the mall. I have never seen so many security guards in a mall, ever. I had no problem feeling safe.

So, the mall… oh my goodness. If I were a shopper, I would have been in heaven. There is everything you can imagine in this place from flipflops to DIY supplies. I wandered around for a few hours. I am not much of a name brand girl, but they were everywhere. My biggest struggle is trying to convert the prices in my head. It’s about 40 pesos to the dollar. So 100 pesos is about $2.50… after 4 days, it’s almost starting to click. I am also a little leery of being suckered, so I am super excited that Noreen is going to go with me this weekend when I do my pearls and purses shopping.

For dinner I had sizzling sisig. What is that you ask? I still have no idea. I think she said it was pork… I know it had onions and garlic in it, but as for the rest of the flavors, no clue. It was super tasty though, but I wish I had ordered it with rice. It needed a side dish. I had a lovely dish of mango ice cream while I waited for my shuttle, I got home just in time to walk across the street to work.

So I suck at posting lately. You should be used to it by now. Last week I was in KC. It was great to finally put some faces with names – as well as see some of my favorite faces again. :)

This week I am in Alabang. The only thing I haven’t loved so far is the ride over. The ride itself was actually awesome too. I have never been treated so well or given so much food in my life on an airplane. Being fed every 2 hours was quite a shift from my last flights where I didn’t get so much as a pretzel. If they treated every customer the way they treat business class, no one would drive again ;) The only thing I didn’t love about it was the duration, really, I am not complaining at all.

I got in to the hotel and I was told that I HAD to sleep. Yeah, it didn’t happen. I got in, took a nap and then went across the road to work. It was Monday, there was simply too much to do. But after I got my Monday work done, my brain had no trouble at all falling asleep for 10 hours. When I woke up – at 7pm, I got a phone call asking me to go to dinner. Other than the meals are opposite of what I am used to, I think I have the time difference down :) kind of…. Oh, I had adobo for dinner. Ryan, yours is better.

Today was a work day like I wish all my work days were. I love meeting with the people who are actually impacted by the things I do and the decisions that we make. I especially love when I actually have the ability to fix some of the things they are frustrated with. LOL, it doesn’t happen often, so I enjoy it when it does.

My goal for today is to get out and explore the hotel. Tomorrow maybe more of the city. I am still not 100% sure how to get to places I can’t walk. So, I’ll have to ask tomorrow.

So, I have had about the coolest weekend ever. So cool infact that this is the first time I have had a chance to sit down and tell you about it.

Yeah, so Friday night, I am sleeping (that's what I do on Friday nights) and Monica comes into my room to ask me if there is anyone trying to climb into my window. Huh? is all I could muster. Anyway, so there is this guy trying to climb into her window. About the time he took the screen off, she called 911. The cops showed up and took the very drunk man away. I have no idea what the official charge is, I just know they arrested him. If you want the rest of the story, you'll have to talk to Monica. All I know is that the boards in the windows aren't going anywhere any time soon.

Saturday afternoon, Monica comes out in to the living room (again, super exciting life I lead) and asks why the carpet is wet. Yes, again. This time, I was able to locate the source of the water very quickly. It was coming out of the bottom of my ancient water heater. So, I call my mom - cuz that's what I do when I don't know what else to do... and lo and behold Justin is at my mom's house. He tells me it's alright and that he'll be down the next day to help me get a new one and install it. We decided it wasn't actually the end of the world though, so we also decided it was better done on Monday than on Sunday. I thought I had figured out how to make the leak run into the drain instead of my hall way, but I woke up Sunday morning to a half inch of water in the back hall though, so instead, I just shut ALL the water off. At least until we could make sure the water heater was the only thing leaking. It was. Today I spent the day being broke, but the water heater is in. The shower is warm. And, I am ready to fly to Kansas tomorrow. YAY ;)

The weird part is, I can't even figure out how to complain about it. Life is good. My family is awesome. My home is safe, and I get to meet people I've been working with for years, tomorrow. How cool is that? Anyway. I should probably sleep. I still have to go to work before I fly out...
See you soon, Rod! I know you're so excited you can hardly contain yourself ;)

So, I am not going to start on Dancing with the stars, but does watching Priscilla Presley scare anyone else but me??? They commented on her face never giving her away - HOW COULD IT? There is more BOTOX than blood in those veins.

Sooo I had a fabulous weekend. Mom came down and we had a little retail therapy. What I was shopping for was a bargain... I don't really need anything. So, Friday night we went to Sears Grand - off a tip from the ladies at work. I did NOT have a good experience. I found a basketfull of stuff I liked, and it was all marked BOGO, but when I got to the register, it was BOGO if you get the same thing, in different colors... Who really needs multiple shirts of the same in different colors? I was less than pleased.

Saturday we went downtown and tried to catch the second half of conference. We didn't get in, but we did watch from the theater in the North Visitor's Center... so it was all good. Then I took Mom to my favorite Sushi place and taught her how to order only things that were cooked :D Then we found the REAL bargain shopping :D I got 2 new dresses and 2 tops that will be fun to wear. The only thing I didn't find was a new jacket - so that is still on the list.

Sunday we watched conference and then Mom went home. It was fun to have her here though. I hate living 3 hours away from my family. One of the best weekends I have had in a long time. Thanks Mom!

A few photos... finally


Everything was SO green

Diamond Head

It was kind of an iffy surf the week we were there.

The temple is beautiful, inside and out :) It was not flower season, but still so pretty.

My Hawaii

Mom in her pretty new dress and a gorgeous sunset

Did I mention I was fascinated with the sunsets? I have about 30 more photos that look a whole lot like this one

Oh I am going to a Hukilau.... it's a long story.

Another sunset, I couldn't resist

On Saturday I decided it was time I finally get in the ocean. I never did actually put my new swimsuit on, but I DID get in the water - this far. Now you know why I NEED to go back!

Ok, so, I missed American Idol again last night. But, believe it or not, once in a while - I DO actually have stuff going on.

Last Thursday I was listening to the radio. They were running a contest - be caller x- for people to come to The End Zone with A Fine Frenzy on Tuesday, April 1. Well, I was near a phone, and I figured, why not... So, I was caller x. COOL, I say. They told me I could bring a friend - So I talked to my friend Trista. She is BY FAR my favorite concert buddy. No one mocks as well as she does. Period. Even cooler, she's able to rearrange her Tuesday stuff so she can come play :)

So Tuesday - we go to the radio station to see The End Zone. It was great. The song I knew from this girl is called "Almost Lover." It is quite possibly the saddest song ever written. If you are looking for a good cry/break up song - I highly recommend it. If you're even slightly emotional, you'll be wiping tears half way through. She sang it as well as a couple of others, including a cover of "I'll Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie. Trista tells me this song will be played at my reception. She's the DJ, by the way. Then when we were waiting in line to get our autographs on our free singles and our awesome pictures ;), they had 10 extra pairs of tickets for the actual concert that evening.


HECK YEAH, I say! So we got 2 pairs, and called our friend Matt and my roommate Monica and we went to the concert :)
The opening bands really stunk, but again, A Fine Frenzy was really cool! I know she's not huge yet - as evidenced by the venue she was playing in, but it was fun, and she's really young, but she's having a good time, and her voice is amazing. I like her better with out the synths, but still, really cool. If you want you can check her out on the radio's web page... there's a link to the actual endzone. http://www.1019theend.com/PhotoWall.asp?id=38375

Ramiele – the backup singers were better, maybe just louder, than she was…. She did look good though. The judges’ comments leave me wondering – is everyone getting to claim a sick day this year?

Jason Castro – I have no idea what that song was, but I could listen to it for a long time. It was cool to see him little, with out the dreads

Syesha – the baby cry isn’t winning me over, but her vocals might be.

What the devil is Paula wearing?

Chikezie – I am not sure how I feel about this one yet… there are a couple of notes that seem a little off, but I still kind of liked it

Brooke White – I have to dislike her on principle… she can play by ear

Michael Johns – He has my same birth year :) Which just means he's old. I am really enjoying his performances.

Carly Smithson– One of my very favorite songs.. I know I am not normal…She did it a lot like the original (except for the lyrics that were wrong), which works for me. The end was strange.

David Archuleta – he sounded older than 17 tonight, I have never heard that song before, the lyrics were timely.

Kristy Lee Cook – Quite possibly the most overplayed song in America. I am as patriotic as the next guy, but really? But if you are going to sing it, at least sing the right notes

David Cook – oh my… I actually MUCH prefer this version to the original… If Creed is looking for a new lead singer, they don’t have to look far.

Happy Easter!
I had a lovely weekend, at home, with the fam. It's been a long time since I went home for only a weekend, and I remember why now - TOO much to do in not enough time.
For Easter this year, the Easter Bunny had my truck detailed. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Since I had a teriyaki explosion in there the other day ;) I am worse than any amount of kids....

So, all joking aside, I love Easter. All of Christendom unites to honor the most sacred event in history. I want to join in this occasion and declare to you - that He lives. The tomb was empty. He lived for us, providing the perfect example of charity and love. He gave his life on the cross and just as assuredly, He took it up again and He lives again. By doing this, He made it possible for us to also live again and to return to our heavenly home. May we live worthy of this reward, is my prayer... and so, I repeat - HAPPY EASTER!

Rules:
1 - Identify 7 random or weird things about you.
2 - Tag 7 people.
3 - Let them know they've been tagged.

Thanks Brooke :P

1 - I was 28 years old before I got my first kiss.
2 - I have a sister who is 24 years younger than me - to the day.
3 - I own a home entertainment system. Which is still in the box 6 months after I purchased it.
4 - My current roommate was my next door neighbor (define next door, in Dingle) when I was growin up.
5 - My top ten sites includes USCSIS.gov... I am anxiously awaiting a status update on my I-129F, petition for alien fiance...right now they are 7 months out and I am pouting :(...
6 - I am only 29 years old, but I have been with the same company for over 10 years.
7 - I just got back from my first trip to Hawaii - and I REALLY want to go back!


I have yet to determine who I will tag

So, I spent the last week in Baton Rouge Louisianna. WHAT A WEEK! I think I was still asleep when I got to the airport on Tuesday morning, well, I know I was, but we'll get to that later... Lisa and I spent 16 hours a day for 4 days in the center meeting with EVERYONE who we could. It was such a pain in the ... bum. But it will all be worth it if we can make it do what we want it to. Cross your fingers.
When I got back to SLC, I realized that I really WAS asleep when I got to the airport. How can I prove it? I completely forgot to write down where I parked. I had the general area - because I always park in the same area, but I had no idea inside that area.... The parking attendant saved me after about 10 minutes of wandering - and she drove me up and down the lanes until we found Bailene.
The good part was that, at least I wasn't wandering up and down the aisles with my luggage, cuz, well, it was still in Denver. See how I put a positive spin on the fact that my luggage was lost? ;) Honestly, I travel enough - not a lot - but enough - that I should expect to have lost my luggage before now. And, at least I was home where my real toothbrush was already waiting for me :)

Today was a good day. I feel like I am actually making progress on the things that have been piling up on my to do list. Of course, I am only here for a week, but then it is just an easter weekend at home. I gotsta go home and show off the pictures.... which, by the way, there are about 150.... which means, I am NOT putting them all on the blog. Sorry... I haven't quite figured out how to pick which ones, so... until then, I guess you'll just have to come visit :-P

Saturday was awesome. (I am running out of words.) We rented a car and drove up the east side of the island to the temple. I did not realize how small it is inside. The outside is all done on such a grand scale, but the inside it is beautiful and simple. And COLD- for real, it was the first time this week I wished I'd had a jacket. ;-) After the temple Mom and I continued our journey up to the north shore. It was all things we've seen before this week, but this time we got to do it all on our own time. The surfers were out in full force, too, so we watched them for a while before deciding to complete our loop. We stopped at DOLE again, this time just for lunch.
Upon returning to Waikiki we dropped off the car and stopped to fill our pineapples. OH yes - the pineapples- so there is a place just a block down from our hotel that if you buy the souvenir pineapple cup, they will refill it for you - for free - forever. Needless to say, we've been carrying these silly pineapple cups around all week ;) The good part is that once they get home, they are also banks. I am always looking for something to put change in ;) We got the last of our shopping done, including a new bag. The real pineapples we picked up at dole are just too big - so we needed something to put them in that we could put other things in, too. I think we're finally good to go on getting everything to the plane... maybe.
Today we are taking the day completely chilled. We have to be out of the hotel at 11, but we don't leave until 7, so we're going to hang out on the beach and see if I can't find a little bit of sun. Last night was the first night I had actually put my feet in the ocean. Maybe today I'll find an excuse for the new swimsuit I bought.

Thursday was freaking awesome. We woke up with an easy breezy morning. We went down to the beach for a little bit, and then met up with our group as we all headed up to the Polynesian Cultural Center. For those of you not familiar with the concept of the PCC, you can totally check it out online. But the basic idea is that 6 of the main islands in Polynesia are represented by individual villages. You can walk from village to village and learn about the culture and traditions of the island. We leaned about how to make coconut milk in Samao, we learned about drums and dancing and hula and maori greetings and way too much else to keep going. Apparently though, Samoan's pride themselves on their humor - because that guy just kept milking it.
After visiting the villages we went to a luau, which was - wow. We got to see them take the pig out of the imu (the underground fire pit that they cook in). The show with the luau was great. The host was a student from BYU-Hawaii. We were told that 70% of the employees of the center are students. You'd never guess by the level of professionalism that they show. Mom and I decided our experience wouldn't be complete with out a drink in a pineapple, so we indulged. It was totally worth it.
The night show - now THAT was a sight. I giggled a little, because it has a definite twinge of pageant. We mormons, we love our pageants. BUT, it was only pageanty for a little while and then it was just phenomenal. The fire dancers stole the show, but the whole thing was just great.

Today Mom and I took a tour up to the Dole Plantation and around the North Shore. The tour was great. We got to learn all about how pineapples grow - which is still a completely manual process - they are planted and harvested by hand. UGH. Did you know pineapples grow in plants - NOT trees, and that each plant only has 2 seasons before it has to be replanted?
Cousin Aaron (everyone is family here)was our tour guide. He taught us how to pronounce Hawaiian words and about where everything is on the island and he gave us a history lesson about why the Hawaiian flag contains the Union Jack.
He took us to eat at shrimp truck on the side of the road. Seriously. Apparently there is a huge amount of freshwater shrimp and prawns that are grown and exported from the area. It was rather tasty, even for a girl who doesn't really like shrimp.
When we got back to the hotel, we went and made arrangements for our rental car tomorrow.
Tonight was our Award dinner. We went to a place called Tiki's grill and bar. The food was tasty and the bar was open ;) Ok, most of you know that last part doesn't really mean anything to me, except that I have discovered the Lava Flow. Basically it is a pina colada with strawberries. So, take out the alcohol and you now have my second favorite drink. Mmmmmm
Ok, I still have 2 days of this paradise left, but I am already at a loss of how I am going to get everything home..... wish me luck!

OH MY GOODNESS! I have never been to a more beautiful place in all my days. I am sorry there are no pictures yet, but as soon as I find the cord, I'll move them over.

We got to Hawaii yesterday. Our flights were mostly boring, which if you ask me, is the way flights SHOULD be. We only got lost once in LAX. There really should be more signs in a place that big. We landed in Honolulu and, of course we couldn't find our shuttle representative. Luckily, I am getting better at asking for help - AND I remembered to bring the super handy travel info that was provided by the agency.
Our driver was actually really cool. He filled us in on where stuff was on our way to the hotel and apparently he is freakishly athletic, as he can do the Diamond Head trail from the park and back in just over an hour. The hotel is lovely. The lobbies are very open. The weather has been perfect. It is humid (compared to SLC, everything is humid), but it's only been about 83-85 degrees. Our rooms were not quite ready, as we got here right around noon, so we wandered over to the first ABC store we found and got a bite for lunch. It's true what they say, "Milk is like,$5 a gallon." Fortunately, we were not there for milk.
After we were able to check in, we left everything in the room and went across the street to the beach. Holy people, Batman. I can only imagine what it looks like during the busy season. It was great people-watching, though. Between then and the ocean, I could be content for a very long time. The beach near the hotel is lovely white sand, which of course, they bring in from somewhere else. There is no real sand in Waikiki. The waves are ever present, but not very big. That night we wandered with some of the Truro group and went to Chili's for dinner and then came back to our first "mandatory meeting," the cocktail party. It was fun to put a few more names and voices with a face.
This morning was our second meeting. It really was a business meeting, and, thanks to Leah, it lasted exactly one hour. She actually got Jeremy to stop talking ;) After that, we had arranged to go to the swap meet, but we decided it was just a lot of sunny hot shopping, and the deals were just as good, if not better at The International Market, which is just a few blocks from the hotel. Soooo, instead we went to Punchbowl Memorial Park. It is a military cemetary, very much like Arlington - except with out all the white crosses. It is the burial site of military service men and women from 3 wars (WW2, Korea, and Veitnam). It was very humbling.
From there we continued on a drive up to Pali Point, from which you can see some of the most amazing scenery I have ever witnessed. Then we (not we so much as Leah - we just kind of rode along) up to the east side of the island. We followed the highway up to Lai'e. We stopped at the LDS temple for a few minutes and then continued up to the north shore. We stopped at Turtle Bay and Sunset Beach. The surfers at Sunset Beach were fun to watch. Crazy people, but fun to watch. There are big signs all over the beach warning of unsafe swimming conditions - completely ignored. Also, I know I am a bit of a geek, but it was cool to see the different sand on each beach. They are probably not more than a mile apart, but the sand on each spot is completely different - different texture, different color, different whatever else sand can be. I saved a bit from each, so come over, I'll show you what I mean.
After Sunset Beach we continued the circle and came back down the western side of the island. Again, completely different. This is where the agricultural part of the island is. Friday, Mom and I will go back up. We've booked a tour that will include the DOLE plantation as well as some more sightseeing along the north shore.
Tonight, after dinner, we went shopping at The International Market.... I am not sure what international means, except it felt like we were in Cancun again, with every vendor trying to get you into their shop and give you "good price" on what they are selling - which is exactly what the store next door is selling, too. It was fun though. We got all kinds of goodies :)
We got home a couple of hours ago, and I broke down and finally checked my work email. I made it 2 days. I am feeling pretty good about it ;-)

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.

So, I am posting this before the results show so I can't change my mind. I really think Mel B should win dancing with the stars. Now you know. I might be a reality show junkie... I like Dancing With the Stars almost as much as American Idol, I just don't know enough about dancing technicalities to pretend to critique it. I just like what I like.

Thanksgiving was great. We had 36 people at our dinner. Even better, we had it at Kelly's. Dinner was tasty; the company was great. After the dishes we played games and snacked ourselves stupid. The scale is not my friend this week.

Friday we chose to do our "psycho shopping" in Montpelier. We sat in our car until they waved us in at 6:00. We got our phones/radios/jump drive and then went for hot cocoa and breakfast while we waited for the other stores to open. The funny part is that when we got into the second store, I walked over to the electronics department to pick up the 3 DVD/VCR combos that the ladies I was with were shopping for. Turns out they were the only 3 in the store. The women who were shopping behind me were LESS than impressed. I just kind of shrugged and walked away. I won. Seriously, in Bear Lake???
Anyway we went to a 3rd store and then went home. We were home by 8:30. Friday afternoon we went to the Montpelier craft fair. They hold it at the Oregon Trail Center Museum. It is WAY to crowded and it makes it not very fun to shop at. Friday night I spent being sick.

Saturday - feeling MUCH better - we went to the craft fair in Paris. Much better layout, I still didn't buy anything, but at least I wasn't being smashed into. After this we went back to the Montpelier craft fair - it's a 2 day event ;) As we were leaving I got reminded that Santa was there, so we took Cannon and Heather in to get their requests in. I asked him for a visa... I figured it couldn't hurt to put my request in, too. He might have connections with the US government, who knows really - he IS Santa....When we got home, we put the tree up. There are a few more ornaments within Cannon's reach than at the top, but that's why it's fun.

I ended up not going home on Sunday. Bear Lake High is putting on "My Fair Lady" this week, and Angelia is in the cast. I figure if I am going to be a good sister, being there is more important than whatever was waiting in Salt Lake.

Ok, so... I am really working on finding something more interesting to tell you folks about than my living log, but so far I am struggling... I am open to suggestions

I am pretty sure that tomorrow is my 3rd favorite holiday of the year. The 4th of July is my fav, and Christmas is second, so 3rd either has to be Thanksgiving or Easter. It might actually be a tie. The food is better on Thanksgiving (we've never really been Easter Ham makers) but the premise of Easter makes it pretty darn important.... ANYWAY....
Today I am home with the kids. I have a few more days of PTO to burn before the end of the year, so I figured I could stay home today and bake the rolls for tomorrow. Notice the "b"ake not "m"ake. I actually do make an ok roll, but we're lazy, and I am not really in the mood to make enough rolls to feed the 40ish people we're expecting tomorrow - so Mrs Rhodes is our friend. We did the same thing last year, so I figure they must know what they are in for if they keep assigning us the same part of the meal.
I just dropped Tylyn and Cannon at Kyla's birthday party. Heather decided to get sick this morning, so she is sitting at home with me watching PBS. Anywho, it's pretty quiet around here now. I was going to hang the rest of mom's Christmas lights on the garage, but it's bitter nasty cold out side, so I am putting it off. It's these bitter nasty days that remind me why I don't mind so much living a few hours south of here. We still get the cold, but not nearly as much, and not nearly as long.

OK, well I should probably take advantage of the down time and get something accomplished. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! (And if it's not Thanksgiving where you are - give thanks anyway. I don't think there is a day where we can possibly do too much of that)

Last night was quite traumatic. I actually had a pretty decent couple of games, but about half way through my second game my ball got stuck. This is not all that uncommon, when we bowl on lane 3 we have a lot of balls that forget to come back. However, when you see all the other balls come back and yours is not one of them - you should get nervous. So, the back room guy brought my ball up... it was scratched ALL over, and not just external scratches, and not just a couple... The bowling alley kept my ball. They are going to "make it right." Should I be nervous? My poor sweet ball was less than a year old and now it is in for repairs. I can't help but feel a little nervous...

Is it just me, or does all the good stuff in a salad always end up on the bottom? Last night as I was putting away leftovers from dinner, I realized, all the effort I went to to add my favorite vegetables to my bagged green salad had gone to waste. The tasty little treats had managed to settle to the bottom of the bowl in the tossing process. And they had been left behind, neglected... What is the point of tossing a salad if the good stuff is just going to settle anyway?

Ok, so I could probably go on for a while drawing similes to life that would continue until the explanation that I ended up having them for breakfast, but I think I will spare you the drama.

Life is good. It is Friday eve. Which is the next best thing to Weekend eve. This weekend I am starting my Christmas shopping. I do NOT love Christmas shopping, but I DO love having it done. Unfortunately they tend to go hand in hand. So, start I must.

After a fun day of wandering around store after store trying to think what trinket or gadget my loved ones don't already have and MIGHT be able to find a use for I get to go to Dingle :) If I can finagle it, I will only have to work 2 days next week... fingers crossed. Then it's a week of random Thanksgiving traditions, but really - aren't random traditions what make life worth living?

This week we rediscovered skype. Thanks Dav. Free international phone calls - well, skype calls. It's great to be able to hear a voice and NOT have to worry about how much it is costing. YAY! That's all I have to say about that.

It's been a busy busy week, and actually I have another one lined up. The end of the week is what keeps me going - I am starting my Christmas shopping on Saturday :D Unless that is Mom's friend changes her mind.

I officially love November. The turkey dinners started this weekend. My ward cooked and served dinner for the older singles in our stake. We also got to eat it, and take leftovers home AND we had it for dinner after church today. Seriously, I LOVE turkey and cranberry sauce. My weigh in this week is NOT going to love it.

So, last night my aunt Kelly hosted a murder mystery dinner. It was super fun. For those of you who, like me until last night, do not know how this works, here's the run down.

You choose 8-10 guests and assign them characters. They will come dressed to be in the "play."
As the host you prepare the scene. Prepare the table with assigned seats and props. Prepare the meal (or assign guests to bring part of the meal.)
The night of the dinner guests arrive and are given scripts. Part of the skit is on CD, just the part that sets the scenario and helps move from act to act.
We chose to do dinner in courses with the scene changes. Dinner was great, playing the part was great, watching everyone else was great. Honestly a good good night. I am putting some pictures up - if you're wondering, yes my family is completely crazy - but it is the VERY best kind.

My fam :)


Billy the Kid and Poker Alice


Jack Daniels - the Bartender


Cattle Kate - Wyatt Earp's wife


Blaize West - the Saloon singer


Jack again :)


Calamity Jane - Kate's daughter


Billy the Kid - Belle's son


Belle Star- Jesse James' girlfriend (Jesse is the one who was murdered)


Doc Holliday - the mayor


Poker Alice - she owns the Crystal Palace Saloon