I'm back!

Sorry I have been MIA recently. We just got back from a long weekend in St. George (just in time to attend Cam and Paige's baby shower, and miss seeing Sofia on her birthday, Happy Birthday!).

We left Christmas afternoon after two gift opening extravaganzas. And with little to eat most of the day we decided we should stop some where for food before we got on the road. Guess what? NOTHING is open on Christmas day. Well, except Denny's, as I was informed today. But I didn't know that on Friday. Anyway, after a fruitless search from Magna to Taylorsville, we opted to stop at 7-11 and load up on goodies. Which was ok for the trip down. Love me some Lornadoon cookies. And the Dill Pickle flavored sunflower seeds helped keep me awake. Thought of you, Jake, the whole time.

It was a great, non-plan filled trip. We saw Sherlock Holmes (highly recommend), went to the mall, had a wonderful dinner with my Aunt and her family (and her family's families...everyone has kids now!), learned to play two great new games, spent a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa, got me TWO glaciers (they have changed them, and they are even better now!), and spent all of the trip trying to breathe.

I was sick the whole time. In fact, I am still sick. The first three days were sleepless and mostly miserable. Now I can't stop blowing my nose. Oh yeah, I took a bunch of tissues from Grandma's house. Thanks Grandma! I would not have made it through the trip home without them though. And Grandma has good tissues. Not the crap I have here at work. I think my nose may just fall off if I don't regularly apply lotion.

Oh yeah, I got a good-hearted reaming from my Grandma Dumas about not giving her any pictures since my wedding. I know! I have been horrible about getting my pictures printed out. But mom told me that you can upload the pictures to a site like Walmart and have them shipped directly to Grandma. I think I will have to do it that way. I will never remember to bring them down with me (cause who knows when I will get to go down again). So that is my New Years Resolution: Get Grandma(s) new pictures of me and Nik.

Well, I hope everyone had a happy, healthy and safe Christmas.

Frank Cross: "It's Christmas Eve. It's-it's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we-we-we smile a little easier, we-w-w-we-we-we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people that we always hoped we would be."

How excited is TOO excited?

For fingernail polish?

Tis the Season

With the bombardment of Christmas music around me all day, I have come to some serious conclusions about my taste in said music.

I hear some pretty crap-tacular stuff on my work radio and some slightly better stuff in my car. Here is a small breakdown of what I like and what makes me want to shoot myself.


The Good:

Hymns:
* Angels We Have Heard On High
* I Heard the Bells
* Hark the Herald Angles Sing

Traditional (ones I grew-up listening to):
* Santa Clause is Coming to Town
* 2000 Miles (The Pretenders)

Non-Traditional (been around for a while, but not "old")
* Last Christmas (Jimmy Eat World version)
* Jingle Bell Rock (not really picky here)
* Winter Wonderland (Jason Mraz version)


The Bad:

* Any version of The Christmas Song (you know, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...)
* Any artist that sings a gender-based Christmas song, and is the wrong gender. Example: Santa Baby being sung by a man. Trust me. It's been done.
* Anything over played. Even my favorite songs can be ruined by over exposure. Example: Owl City

The Ugly:

* Taylor Swift. Sorry Mason, that's just the way it is.
* Unknown Boy Bands that sing unknown Christmas songs "with feeling"
* Anything by a Crooner that is techno-mixed with a current artist. No. Just....no.




So there it is.




I would like to know what your favorite songs are. Or even more, which ones induce seizures.

Crafty

All of the crafts I have been doing lately are for Christmas gifts, so I am not going to post details, but just know, that I am not as good as I thought I was. I had grand aspirations for these things and I was so excited to do something with my hands. Besides type. And don't get me wrong, they turned out....ok. Well, ok enough for me to still give them out. So just keep that in mind when and if you get a hand-made gift from me. Chances are it was the first time I had attempted that craft, and it just may be the last. I promise I will post at least one picture of everything after the holidays.



What have you been crafting? (Except Vivian, she has been way more crafty than me, and I just don't want to hear about it!! :) )

So far behind

I have done so much this last month or so and I have not posted about any of it. Instead I post random what-not cause I am at work with no pictures. Now that we don't have our web gallery anymore, I am with out my work link to my home photos. Oh well. Here is a small sampling of what I have done, and you might get pictures of it later.

* Halloween Party to celebrate being done with chemo
* Several hangouts with friends from out of town
* Making suckers for the first time
* New Moon with Kieran and Lou (and spouses)
* Thanksgiving!
* "Little" Spencer's birthday party
* Putting up the tree
* Lots more crafting than I thought I could do, and lots more to do still. (by the way, Amy, sewing your gift yesterday just about had me pulling my hair out!)
* Christmas shopping...

Ok, so now you know what I have been up too. Combine this list with Holiday crowds at work, and I am lucky to be doing anything at all. Merry Christmas everyone!

Dear Magazine Publishers:

Please print more images Quarter-sized.





Sincerely,

Lena

An only slightly sarcastic guide to banking.

When dealing with a Teller face-to-face:

1. Please give your account number. I know that not all institutions use deposit slips, but we all need to know where we are going.

2. If you are asked how you want your cash back and you say "I don't care." You had better be serious. None of this, "Oh wait, can I have two ten's?" crap.

3. Don't assume we screwed up. If we ask you a question that doesn't seem to make sense try asking us to explain. Either we misunderstood or we have some other steps we have to do to get there. Bare with us.

4. **Very Important** Don't get mad. It only makes us hate you. If we messed up, we feel bad enough, and know we need to fix it quickly. Having you yell at us or continuously point out the mistake only makes us hate you more. And we WILL call you names when you leave. Just so you know.

5. Please count your cash before leaving the building. If there was a mistake, it is your word against mine whose fault it was. If you count it before leaving, it can all be rectified within seconds.


When with a Teller through the Drive-Up:

1. Please, PLEASE give us all the information you can. If you can, fill out a slip. If not, write the account number on something. It is always hard to hear you through the tube mic's, and I hate yelling at you. Also, I will never turn down an ID. At the very least, I know your name.

2. Always remember that the drive-up is first and foremost a fast way to complete transactions. If you need a photocopy of your check, a print-out of anything, cashiers checks, money orders, or any extensive research on your account, please come inside. The people behind you will thank you. **Exception** Mothers with multiple/sleeping kids in the car. I know that hauling everyone in the bank is not always an option. But try to still be courteous.

3. If I ask you to repeat yourself because I can't hear you, saying it again exactly how you just said it is not going to get us anywhere. Be louder, or write it down.

4. It is not worth changing lanes. If you are in one lane and the other finishes faster, 9 out of 10 times it is not faster to move. Chances are there is really only one teller working both lanes, so you still have to wait.


When waiting in the lobby:

1. If accompanied by children, please try and keep them under control. If you bring them with you to get a loan, know that there will be some waiting time, and some time in the office where they will probably get bored Please be prepared for this. It does no one any favors to have wrangle your kids for half an hour. Oh, and don't let them mess with stuff like the blinds, the bulletin board, or the line dividers. That makes us hate you too.

2. Understand that if there is only one loan officer you may have to wait a long time. Know that we are not doing this on purpose and that we will get to you as soon as possible.

3. **General Rule** DON'T TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE!!! It is so frustrating to try to do business with someone who is not paying attention to me. Our time together will be minimal, there is no reason not to tell your friend that you will call them back. That is all.

Can you tell that I have had a hard day at work?

In the beginning...

I'm just going to come right out and say it. Nik and I joined a gym. Mostly for me. Well, I say that cause its because of me that we actually went and signed up. Not that Nik was not into it too. His complaining about gaining weight was really getting to me. So, I am there to get back to being able to get out of bed, or get something out of the bottom drawer with out hurting myself. You laugh, and well, you should. I laugh too. It's pretty ridiculous when I can't get out of my car without twisting something. I used to be able to do stuff like that. You know, MOVE.

Anyway, I picked this particular gym because it has convenient yoga classes. And I finally made it there last night for the first time. I don't even know how to describe how this class went for me. It was only an hour long, and I think I spent at least 20 minutes in Child's Pose. And that is not counting the 10 minute cool down that I spent on my back. I can handle the easy stuff like Warrior One and Pigeon Pose (though, keep in mind here that I have to hold myself off the ground a little, cause my hips don't bend like that). But when we started doing Eagle Pose, I started sitting down. There was no way I was getting my body into that position and staying upright! And when I opted to not do the Headstand, I found that the alternative was worse. She said, "If you don't want your feet to leave the ground, just spread your feet and bend over, place the top of your head on the ground and try to put some weight on it." Oh, yeah, just bend over and put your head on the ground. I got my head to about waist level. Let's just leave it at that.

I love yoga, and I really don't want my lack of abilities to stop me from continuing to go. I know I need this. And I know that it just takes time. Maybe I just need a friend to come with me. Any takers?

R.I.P.

Sushi, we only knew you for a few days, but you will be missed.

Hopefully we will have another fish to help heal our pain by tonight.

**edited to add** I picked up a new fish after work, and he is really pretty. A little nontraditional for a male Beta. Kind of pink and iridescent. But don't worry, he's all man.

What they MUST be thinking....

"Wow, look at that line for Drive-up! It goes all the way around the building! And hey! There is no one in the parking lot! I guess I will go inside."






"Why are the doors locked?"

Wait, what day is it again?

I am once again stealing from other people's blogs. I promise I will give credit...does that make it better? Anyway...

Today my sister-in-law Laurie posted this line about gratitude: "it turns what we have into enough, and more." How true is that? When we count our blessings, we start to realize just how much we have. It is so easy to fall into a routine of comparing ourselves, or our lives to others. They have more money, a better car, a house, a great TV, even a great marriage, or perfect kids. And we always lose when we do that. There is always going to be someone who has more than we do. If we can't see what we have for its value, we will never be happy. Never. There are always things to be thankful for. Here are a few of mine:

* Our jobs.

* Two cars.

* My own computer.

* Pets.

* Food in my house, even if I don't cook very often.

* Blankets. One of which I have wrapped around me now...

* My sleeping husband.

* Our apartment, as much as I complain about it, its keeping the cold out.

That is just a small list compared to what I could say about what happened this summer. Too many blessings to count.

And that brings me to my next act of plagiarism. My good friend Dan (I call him Danny, cause I have since 3rd grade, sorry Dan.) said this about blessings: "In everything around me, I can see the blessing of Heaven, when I look closely." His post was about seeing the Savior in everything, even eyeglasses. And if you have ever taken seminary, you know that you can do it. You can relate everything to the Savior. And should. When you notice how many things we take for granted reflect Christ, and what he has done for us, you can really start to see the blessings in the little things.

I loved these two posts, and I love the people who wrote them. I am so grateful for my family and friends. I could never make it without them. I am so imperfect, and I know it. If I didn't have all these wonderful people around me, helping me be better all the time, I would never complete my journey here. I would be here forever trying to learn my lessons. Thanks to everyone who has stood by my side. I love you.

Um...

I just wanted to tell you all that you need to update your blogs more. I am bored at work.




Thank you.

Laughing at other peoples expense

I love it when, forgetting they have not rolled down their car windows, people turn to say 'hi' to me, and run themselves in to the glass.

A post about bare-chested goodness

So, I hate to be one of those girls that posts about New Moon just minutes after seeing it....and I guess its been about 22 hours now, so I waited long enough right?

And I am not actually reviewing it. I am stealing a review from one of the ladies I saw it with. (Hi Kieran!!) I think she sums up what I thought of the show, even if she is maybe a little more into it than I am. I was not even going to see it in, like, the first month, but she wouldn't have any of that, and got us tickets for opening day. I braved the squealing, cheering tween crowds to see it with my husband, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and good-ol' Kieran and her husband. So with out further ado, Kieran's New Moon Review.

Words of a friend

In the recent past I have read a lot of blogs about Feminism. And I agree and disagree with each of them in different parts. But I think the last sentence of my friend Danny's blog says it best:

"The women who do the most for womanhood are the women who are not afraid to be women."

Well said.

Happy Birthday Baby!!

I was not going to post while at work, cause I don't have any pictures of Nik, but since it is looking like there will be no extra time tonight, here it is. You will all be lucky if I remember to get a picture up here later.

I love Nik. He is perfect for me. He has such an imagination...I just can't fathom how he comes up with some of the stuff we talk about. He is a romantic at heart. I sometimes think it is wasted on me, cause I am usually not. But I always appreciate that he was thinking enough of me to do whatever he did. Make sense? I thought so.

Nik has been especially wonderful during the last 7 months. He can practically read my mind now. When I was home on the couch, and I said "Nik?" He always knew what I wanted before I said it. He is amazing.

He is an amazing Uncle. I have never seen anyone interact with kids the way he does. We like to joke that it is because he is right on their level, but in truth, that is not a bad thing. He always knows what kind of playing the kids need: wrestling, cuddling, reading, make-believe...and he does it all. I would be more upset that he is preferred over me, but I just like to watch them all play. It's hard to be mad :)

He tells me he loves me all the time. And I love it. He always tells me that I am beautiful, and likes to point out when I am wearing his favorite shirt. Even when I don't feel like I am pretty, he assures me that I am. Its good for the ego.

He smells amazing. Don't laugh! It's a big deal! And he actually smells better at the end of the day, than at the beginning. I often find myself nudging closer to him on the couch, just so I can smell him. Or sleeping on his pillow when he is gone. I'm not the only one who thinks so either! Little Abigail will agree with me. Huh, Abigail!

This is just a small list of the reasons I love Nik so much. I am so happy that he chose me to spend the rest of eternity with. It will be an adventure.



Always.

Just a little reminder

By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with http://www.snopes.com/ and/or
http://www.truthorfiction.com/ for determining whether information received via email is just that: true/false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites.


Advice from snopes.com. Very important!


1) Any time you see an email that says forward this on to '10' (or however many) of your friends, sign this petition, or you'll get bad luck, good luck, you'll see something funny on your screen after you send it, or whatever, it almost always has an email tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and E-Mails of those folks you forward to..

The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active ' email addresses to use in SPAM emails, or sell to other spammers. Even when you get emails that demand you send the email on if you're not ashamed of God/Jesus .....that's email tracking and they're playing on our conscience. These people don ' t care how they get your email addresses - just as long as they get them. Also, emails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease - "how would you feel if that was your child"....E-mail Tracking!!! Ignore them and don't participate!

2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and 'cookie' tracking information for telemarketers and spammers - - to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes.

You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them; you will be providing a service to your Friends, and will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam emails in the future!

If you have been sending out (FORWARDING) the above kinds of email, now you know why you get so much SPAM! Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to those types of
listings regardless of how inviting they might sound...or make you feel guilty if you Don't!...it's all about getting email addresses - nothing more!

You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT! Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus attached! Plus, we are helping the spammers get rich! Let's don't make it easy for them! Also: email petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress or any other organization - i.e. Social Security, etc.

To be acceptable, petitions must have a signed signature and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you're just helping the email trackers.

This is possibly the best thing I have ever seen on the subject of love, marriage, and parenting. Its directed by Andrew Zuckerman. I love it so much.

Wisdom

I'm sorry that the system was down last time you came.

I'm sorry that the system is down again today.

No, I don't know what that means to you.

Yes, I understand that you are handicapped, and that coming out here is a bid deal.






I still can't give you $4000.


Deal with it.

Welp...

Yeah, so nothing got done on Saturday. Nik went to scout camp over Friday night and that meant that Lena went shopping. And shortly after Nik got home we were off to the Utes game courtesy of Annie and Steve. And it was a blast! We had such a good time at the game, and hanging out afterwards. We don't get to see them enough.


But it means that my house is still a mess.





Darn.

Help?

I am looking for some brave souls to help me tackle the ever-growing pile in my second bedroom. If you are free and want to donate your time (any amount of it) to my cause. Please let me know. I am looking to do this on Saturday afternoon. I'll buy lunch....

Happy King Tut Day!

Cause I know how much y'all like celebrating!

King Tut Day

Halloween party

I am way behind, so my pictures from my awesome Halloween party are on up on Facebook (which, frankly, is better than I usually am at stuff like this) so check them out if we are friends, if not, have a sneak peek on my moms blog for the ones from her camera.

Thanks again to everyone who came! It was so much fun to see everyone!

Some Holliday Humor

Q. What do goblins and ghosts drink when they're hot and thirsty on Halloween?
A. Ghoul-aid!!!

Q. What is a Mummie's favorite type of music?

A. Wrap!!!!!

Q. Why do demons and ghouls hang out together?

A. Because demons are a ghouls best friend!

Q. What's a monster's favorite bean?

A. A human bean.

Q. Why can't the boy ghost have babies?

A. Because he has a Hallo-weenie.

Q. What do you call a witch who lives at the beach?

A. A sand-witch.

Q. Where does a ghost go on Saturday night?

A. Anywhere where he can boo-gie.

Q. What did the skeleton say to the vampire?

A. You suck.

Q. What do ghosts say when something is really neat?

A.Ghoul

Q. Why did the ghost go into the bar?

A. For the Boos.

Do zombies eat popcorn with their fingers?No, they eat the fingers separately...

Why don't skeletons ever go out on the town?Because they don't have any body to go out with...

What do ghosts add to their morning cereal?Booberries...

What is a vampire's favorite sport?Casketball...


What is a vampire's favorite holiday?Fangsgiving...


What would a monster's psychiatrist be called?Shrinkenstein...


What did one ghost say to the other ghost?
"Do you believe in people?"


What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's corn flakes?A cereal killer...

Finally

So, if you have been following the side of my blog, I have been preparing to start a new craft project. I say preparing because I have been wanting to do this for a long time, but I am so useless with crafts lately that I have just been stock-piling the objects needed in hopes that I will start the actual craft soon. Did that make sense. I don't feel well today, so excuse my confusing blogging.

Anyway, I am actually ready to start this awesome project now! I have everything I need, I just need to put them all together. I hope it happens before Christmas.

Come on, Really?

If you insist on announcing to the whole world how many kids you have on the back of your mini-van, for heaven's sake, please do not include their names too.

There are no blue foods

While eating some strangely delicious Wild Berry Skittles I started to ponder the fate of the raspberry. How did it end up blue? I know, there are lots of red fruits, but who decided it was the raspberry that would be shucked of its identifying color and reallocated to blue?

But that's the way it is now. When you see a blue candy, you think two things: Its either cotton candy, or blue raspberry. And for some reason Blue Raspberry is always a slightly different flavor than Regular Raspberry would be. Has anyone ever had a blue raspberry candy that tasted like a real raspberry? Yes, I know, the strawberry and cherry ones don't usually taste right either, but you get my point.

Does anyone know why/when this happened? Could we just have easily have been eating Blue Strawberry candy?

Can you catch the Flu from money?

With all the talk of what a horrible flu season we will have this year, we (at work) have done some research on ways you can get the flu and some ways to prevent it. And (surprise) the prevention methods are very simple. It will help keep the spread of the flu down, and hopefully stop it from being a pandemic if we can all do these things everyday.

First, an interesting article about catching the flu from money, something I come in contact with everyday.

To reduce the risk of catching the flu, wash your hands frequently and use tissues when you sneeze -- those are the recommendations from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But there's another way to protect yourself, even if it's not so good for the economy: Stop handling money.

It doesn't get talked about much, but paper currency -- the dollars, fives, 10s and 20s most people routinely touch every day -- can spread viruses from one person to another. So if you have contact with money that an infected individual has also handled, there's a possibility of catching the flu.

How likely is that? Despite the pervasiveness of cash in society, its role in transmitting illness has been the subject of surprisingly little study. But some recent research suggests that flu bugs can show some staying power when they land on one of the countless bank notes that change hands every day.

Generally speaking, scientists interviewed by SmartMoney estimate the lifetime of a plain flu virus deposited on money at an hour or so. But mix in some human nasal mucus, and the potential for the virus to hang on long enough to find a victim increases, according to one of the few scientific studies done on flu transmission through cash.

In a study conducted at Switzerland's Central Laboratory of Virology at the University Hospitals of Geneva, researchers tested to see what would happen when flu virus was placed on Swiss franc notes. In some of these tests, researchers placed flu virus mixed in with nasal secretions from children on bank notes and saw some unexpected results.

When protected by human mucus, the flu cells were much hardier, lasting up to 17 days on the franc notes. The virus that persisted for 17 days was a form of influenza A called H3N2. In an e-mail interview, Dr. Yves Thomas said samples of an influenza A strain called H1N1 also endured for quite a bit -- in some cases, up to 10 days. That bug was similar but not identical to the virus at the center of the current swine flu outbreak, which is considered a new strain of H1N1.

The research suggested that in the real world, where runny noses get wiped by hands that then handle money, flu viruses may have more persistence than previously thought. (Read the study "Survival of Influenza Virus on Banknotes" in the May 2008 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.)

To be sure, many kinds of frequently touched surfaces could temporarily harbor the flu virus. Broadly speaking, scientists consider the risk of transmission in this way to be low, particularly if hand washing and other hygiene measures are practiced, says Dr. Philip Tierno, the director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University's Langone Medical Center and author of "The Secret Life of Germs."

How you'd catch it

Three things likely must happen for a flu virus to be transmitted from one person to another via paper money:
* First, a person who is infected with the flu must sneeze or cough onto the bill or blow his/her nose and leave remnants of mucus on the currency.
* Next, an uninfected person needs to touch the money while the virus is still present.Finally, that person needs to put his (or her) contaminated hand in his mouth or pick his nose, says Dr. Murray Grossan, an otolaryngologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.


Next are the preventions:


Swine Flu Prevention....
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat.. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to sto ck N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one.
Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.* Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensiveS.under $15.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction.
They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist)

hint hint

(I want this)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32876680

Come on down!!

I love The Price Is Right. It is a great show. And even though Nik would disagree, I think it is just as good with Drew Carey. Maybe even better. Bob was getting bitter.



Anyway.


I got to watch some of it this morning before work (not something I normally get to do) and I realized something...........I like it when people lose. It gives me great pleasure when someone (usually wearing a shirt that says something like "Pick me I'm Spayed!") is so confident that that is exactly where those numbers go, and they are totally going to win that set of luggage and the leaf blower, only to have their dreams smashed against the stage when hear that buzzer. No numbers right. MWAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!


I don't know why that is so fun, but it is. And don't get me wrong, I like to see them win too. Usually the ones close to my age, or the little old ladies that remind me of my Grandma Great. Who was a total pro at all the games, and would have won the whole kit and caboodle, had she ever had the chance to play. In fact, I may now be able to trace this whole thing back to Grandma. She used to tend me when I was very little, and we watched The Price Is Right every morning. Did she like to see them lose? Probably not. She was a nice lady. She wanted them to win I am sure.

Maybe I am just jealous. I would love to have that Toyota Corolla, or the his and hers mountain bikes, or the thousands of dollars up for grabs on Plinko.



I can pass on the oriental rug though. Thanks.





Thanks for playing, and remember, have your pets spayed or neutered!!

Thanks Annie!

Ok, I know they weren't from you specifically, but you must have said something to get your sister to part with so many awesome clothes! I loved them all! Especially the white dress. I think that was Nik's favorite. Please, please, please! Tell her thank you for me! I am so grateful!

New Moon Wishes, A year later

This has nothing to do with Twilight.




If you aren't familiar, the moon is considered "new" when it is not visible in the sky. It happens about 2 weeks after the full moon.

This is important in many aspects of astrology and brings with it a lot of exceptions for a new start. It would make sense that if you are waiting to make a big change in your life (or even a small change) that you would coordinate it with the new moon. And because of that, every month my mother-in-law brings us some information about what makes each particular month different. It depends on which astrological sign it happens in and such. You use this information to plan out your 10 New Moon Wishes. These are aspirations that are carefully worded to insure good and positive things happen during this moon cycle. Here are some examples:

* I want to easily find myself filled with love and compassion for....
* I want to find any misplaced or unnecessary feelings towards ___ taken from me....
* I want to easily attract and befriend those who can...


Get it?


Ok, so here's the reason for the post. The new moon is coming up soon and I have been neglecting writing my wishes for quite some time. The first time I was given the information, I wrote my list and didn't know what to do with it, so I folded it up and put it in my wallet. And forgot about it. I think I thought it was something else, cause I have cleaned out my wallet quite a few times since then...anyway, today I found the list and it is dated 9-28-08. A whole year ago! So, I know what you are all asking, "Well, did you fulfill your wishes?" And I am here to tell you that I did! Well, at least some of them. I wrote down 8 wishes and about 6 of them are at least mostly fulfilled. One was health related, two were about me and Nik, one was about money, and the rest were just about me and my life.

I like this idea cause it goes right along with my new goal to only put positive vibes out into the universe. I guess its like Karma, you get what you give. If I put positive thoughts out, I will get goodness back to me. Now, I know I can't be Little Miss Sunshine all the live long day, but I will do my best to speak well of people, especially myself, my situation, and everything I have power over.

If you feel so inclined, please join me this month and write your own New Moon Wishes!

It's come to this.

(ps- I don't have this many clothes, but that would be nice.)

Ok guys. I've reached the end.



I can't stand my wardrobe anymore. Except my Maleficent shirt, I love that one. Almost everything else I am bored with. I need some new clothes. But I obviously can't afford to get rid of it all and start completely over. So here it is, my one and only plea, if you have a reason to get me a gift, let it be clothes. Or a gift card to a place that sells clothes. I need help.

Also, if you know someone that is my size, let me know, I would love to pass my clothes on to someone who needs them.

Also #2, if you hear of a place that is having a good sale on clothes, I want to hear about it. Saving money makes me happy.

:(

No pumpkin carving happened last night. I know, I'm bummed too. Hopefully soon.

PUMPKINS!!!

Oh. My. Gosh. Those pumpkins were amazing! I would have bought them all! If it weren't for the lack of money and space. But Nik told me that when we have a house I can grow them. So that was good.

Last night Nik and I picked out some pumpkins to carve and I could have slept in the display. They were all so beautiful! I think Nik was a little scared for his wife's sanity by the time we left, but I just couldn't help it. And yes, I came home and took pictures of them. Not amazing ones, but documentation none the less. Also, they will be carved tonight so I will have more pictures then. I am so excited!

Happy Birthday!!

To ME!!

I have a stomach ache....

So, whats wrong with you?

Birthday Wishes Continue!

Happy birthday to my sister-in-law Amy! She is a year older then me, so that makes her a whole 26 this year. She's so old! :) She is also lucky enough to get to go to the zoo today and see the cute baby animals that are there right now. She has been talking about it for like a week, so I hope she went. I am very jealous, cause I LOVE the zoo. In fact, if some of you remember, that is what I did for my birthday last year. Its a great birthday outing. I want to hear about the trip Amy!!

Just a few things about Amy:

* She is totally selfless. She will do anything in her power to help you.

* She is hilarious! I love talking with Amy cause she will always make me laugh.

* She has an amazing talent with hair. We are all so proud of her for finding this power and using it for good. Imagine what she could do if she focused on evil!

* She is a great mom. Little Ally is so lucky to have such a fun and attentive mom.

* She is creative. All the time. Like, it comes out her pores. And you can smell it.

Happy Birthday!!

Happy "Talk Like a Pirate Day"!!

Oh, The Temptation from Steve V on Vimeo.

For All those who wonder where the commenters are

Some of you read Mormon Mommy Blogs already, but I had not actually visited the site till earlier today. I found this gem from a few days back, and felt I had to share it with my blog friends. I think it will help us all better understand each other.

Homemade Ice Cream

(doesn't this look amazing? I should not have picked such an appetizing photo...)

I really wish I had pictures, cause it was a rockin' good time.

Last night was Enrichment Night and we made ice cream. I LOVE homemade ice cream. This was right up my alley. I invited my mom to come with me and she did! Have to say I was a little surprised she came. Sometimes dad doesn't let her out of the house after dark :) Kidding!!

Anyway, we played some ice cream related games, and found out some very cool ice cream trivia, then, finally, we made the ice cream. I am sure some of you have done this (or something similar) before, but I never tire of it. We mixed our ingredients in a small ziploc bag and taped the top to prevent serious leaks, then put that bag in a gallon sized one with some ice and rock salt and started mixing. Talina and I shared a big bag and found out that it is harder to freeze two at once. But it worked out eventually and I was impressed with our ice creaming skills. I ate most of it, I hope that was ok Talina. I still have the other bag in my freezer at home, if you want to come have some more tonight.

I really love my ward, and the ladies are especially great. I am so happy when I get to go to enrichment and talk to all my friends. Thanks mom, for coming and meeting everyone! I hope you had fun!

More Birthday Wishes!

A very happy birthday to my good friend Donny! He doesn't read my blog either, but here I am again, wishing birthday goodness to someone who won't even know it. But I know there are some people who read this blog, who know Donny, so I am hoping this will spur some extra birthday-ness toward him. I have know Donny most of my life now, at least as long as I have know Talina, so I feel like he deserves some good birthday wishes.

Happy Birthday Sarah!!!

Even though I know she does not read this blog, she is a good friend of mine, and I feel like you should all know it is her birthday. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH W*!!!! Hopefully we can hang out soon and celebrate all our birthdays.

What we are all thinking....

Oh Crap. My Parents Joined Facebook.
(its a link)

Just cause I am so excited and wanted to share...







UHEAA forgave the rest of my student loans!

Thank you President Obama

"Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future."

Baby!!!

A big congratulations and a **hug** to my good friend Auschel and her husband Bryce on the arrival of their new baby boy! Out of consideration for them I am not posting pictures, but just know he is super cute, and very adorable. Just like a newborn baby should be. I miss you, can I come see you soon?

Its the hat

It's no secret that I don't like country music. See Taylor Swift post. But I will admit to tolerating a couple artists every now and then. Among the ones I can stand are Keith Urban and Dierks Bently. I believe that they are less twangy than some of their brothers.

Anyway, after failing at singing a Dierks Bently song on Rock Band I developed a theory as to why this is. Its the hat. Example:

Dierks Bently (never photographed in a hat)

Keith Urban: (hair to great to be contained by a hat)

Both have music that is still decidedly country, but lacks the twang of the 80's and 90's country that gives the music style a bad name.

Example for the opposition: Twangy artists and their accompanying hats:

Trace Adkins:

Alan Jackson:

Brooks and Dunn: (I maintain it is the guy in the hat that does most of the singing)

Toby Keith: (Dad, I am embarrassed to know that in your old age you have reverted to listening to him. I don't care that it is because he has funny music on Bob and Tom.)

George Strait: (possibly the worst offender of them all)

That is just a few examples. And yes, this only includes the male singers. Don't get me started on Reba McEntire or Shania Twain. Hats or not.

Ok, start yelling at me.

ps- it should be noted that I had some co-workers help me with the names of most of these men. I relied on my experience selling CD's to fill in the rest.

Life Changing?

I am really bored.

Right now, and with my life in general.

I don't know what to do about it.

My general health is great most of the time. Usually by Thursday of a treatment week I am feeling pretty back to normal, so I feel like I have a lot of "good days" now. But I still feel like all I do is sit on the couch and watch TV. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE watching TV. All the time. But now, all the time is starting to be mind numbing.

I would love to start like a craft night, or a recipe exchange, or a book club, or something to help me focus on something besides bad fashion or messy houses. Especially since no one is doing anything about my bad fashion or messy house.

So? Anyone interested? Can we start a girls night? Who's with me!?!?!

You know who I really hate?

Taylor Swift.








This is not up for discussion. I get to hate her (not necessarily as a person, but she should really stop making music), and you Swift-lovers get to seethe silently on the other side of the Internet.

We might have sold the 'Stang!!

**edited to add** It didn't happen. Hopefully soon.

What do you know about changing a watch battery?

Help a brother out

Nik would like your help picking a picture to paint. Please mosey on over to his blog and give your two cents.

Creepy Crawlies

Hilary, I see your large-bodied spider, and raise you one with long leggs:

He was in my bath tub this morning. If he had been coming at me, he would be dead by now, but since he was harmless in the bath tub, I left him for Nik. Love you!

Looking for Neighbors

Just wanted to put the word out there that my appartment complex is renting several units right now for anywhere between $595 and $650 for two bedrooms, one bath and the possibility of a patio. Also there are ducks. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, give me a call.

My phone is not working right now, so if you need me call Nik. Please no text messages. Thanks for your cooperation during this difficult time.

**edited to add** Phone is up and running now!! Yay! Thanks to all my facebook friends who helped me out!

65 questions you never thought you'd get asked

1. First thing you wash in the shower? Used to be hair...now its whatever I come in contact with first.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I don't have a ton of hoodies, but I guess my favorite one is a light-weight grey one I bought to take to concerts in high school. It still has cool memories.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yes, in a heartbeat.

4. Do you plan outfits? More like I coordinate the 5 shirts and 3 pairs of pants I can wear to work, depending on what is clean.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Full, and my jaw hurts.

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? The plastic cup that had my water in it yesterday.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I honestly can't remember having any dreams in the last week or so. I am sure they were there, but I have not been sleeping very well.

8. Did you meet anybody new today? Nope, I pretty much see the same people every day.

9. What are you craving right now? Sleep.

10. Do you floss? not as much as I should

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? corned beef.

12. Are you emotional? Depends on the day. Not usually, but I have my moments.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Have you?

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Soft serve is usually licking, scooped or Popsicles, biting.

15. Do you like your hair? Tricky question...

16. Do you like yourself? Overall, yes.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Why not?

18. What are you listening to right now? The hum of the computer and my co-workers up front.

19. Were your parents strict? Not as bad as some. Although I did get in trouble for stuff I didn't do...Talina!

20. Would you go sky diving? Sure.

21. Do you like cottage cheese? Heavens yes. In fact, I crave it on treatment weeks.

22. Have you met a celebrity? Not anyone of merit. I did pass Eddie Griffith on the streets of Sundance though.

23. Do you rent movies often? Not often.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in right now? My wedding ring!!

25. How many countries have you visited? Just USA and Mexico.

26. Have you made a prank phone call? Just once.

27. Ever been on a train? Does the Heber Creeper count?

28. Brown or white eggs? White, but I don't usually eat them, so I don't know the difference.

29.Do you have a cell-phone? Of course.

30. Do you use chap stick? constantly.

31. Do you own a gun? not now, and can't see one in the near future, but I am open to the idea.

32. Can you use chop sticks? If I am really careful and take small bites.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Possibly friends? Whats the deal Lisa?

34. Are you too forgiving? Not really.

35. Ever been in love? Yes!

36. What are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Going to the Farmers Market with me!

37. Ever have cream puffs? Not the real kind, just the frozen ones from Costco.

38. Last time you cried? Just a couple days ago. I have been more prone to that lately.

39. What was the last question you asked? "Is that everything?" To which I the response "no" but with no other instructions. I think they thought I asked "is there anything else?" It happens a lot.

40. Favorite time of the year? Spring.

41. Do you have any tattoos? If I told you, I would have to kill you.

42. Are you sarcastic? Sarcastic?

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? No.

44. Ever walked into a wall? Who doesn't?

45. Favorite color(s)? Green, metallic turquoise.

46. Have you ever slapped someone? only when they deserved it.

47. Is your hair curly? It didn't used to be! We will see...

48. What was the last CD you bought? I bought Nik Thriving Ivory for Christmas, and he bought me Fall Out Boy, The Killers, and Sarah Berillis.

49. Do looks matter? Yes. I don't care what anyone says, this is true.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Yes.

51. Is your phone bill sky high? Higher then I want it to be.

52 Do you like your life right now? I'm content.

53. Do you sleep with the T.V. on? All the time. Last night, in fact.

54. Can you handle the truth? Unless it is delivered by Jack Nickolson (sp).

55. Do you have good vision? I have horrible vision.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I tend not to really HATE people, but more be very annoyed by them, but I think I am annoyed with more than three people...

57. How often do you talk on the phone? oh, everyday. Between work and personal, I can't avoid it!

58. The last person you held hands with? Nik

59. What are you wearing? Black used-to-be gauchos that my Mother in law hemmed for me, and my new black and white shirt from Kohl's. Oh, and work-approved flip-flops.

60.What is your favorite animal? Cats, or frogs. Depends on which I have as a pet at the time.

61. Where was your profile picture taken? at the park last summer...wow, like a year ago, cause it was at Kara's birthday party...

62. Can you hula hoop? darn straight! I even won the ward hula hoop contest last month!

63. Do you have a job? um. yes.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought? breakfast.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Not that I can recall. Now I want to crawl through a window...

If I had the money, I totally would

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gm_volt_mileage

Can you imagine this?

Time for a new blog, but I have bloggers-block.

It's fair time!!

Because my work is a sponsor of the Salt Lake County Fair, we have a booth there every year. I have the opportunity to work the booth this year! I wanted to do it last year, but it didn't work out. But here I am this year!!

So, on Friday August 7th from 3-7pm you can find me at our booth, if you were interested in finding me. Remember, entry to this fair is FREE!!! so feel free to come down every day! But I will just be there on Friday.




edited to add**A big THANKS and a **hug** to my FIL Charlie and Nona for coming to see me!! It was great to see some familiar faces, and they did great on our games and got some 'quality' prizes!

When the smell of your car comes through the tube, its time to consider Fabreze

I think I'm Jewish

A man walked into the ladies department of Macy and shyly walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, 'I'd like to buy a bra for my wife.'

'What type of bra?' asked the clerk.

'Type?' inquires the man, 'There's more than one type?'

'Look around,' said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, color and material imaginable.

'Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from.' Relieved, the man asked about the 4 types...

The saleslady replied: 'There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Jewish types.. Which one would you prefer?'

Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them. The Saleslady responded, 'It is really quite simple. .....

The Catholic type supports the masses;
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen;
The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright;
The Jewish type makes mountains out of molehills.'

Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used to define bra sizes?

If you have, but couldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!
(A} Almost Boobs...
{B} Barely there...
{C} Can't Complain!...
{D} Dang!...
{DD} Double dang!...
{E} Enormous!...
{F} Fake...
{G} Get a Reduction...
{H} Help me, I've fallen and can't get up!

Dear Tinkerbell Lady

The extent of our relationship involves you handing me the withdrawal slip and me handing you the cash. Occasionally I have to listen to you scream at your kids to sit down and eat their suckers, but normally it is pretty routine. It is none of your business if I am feeling good today. And if I am not feeling good, I would appreciate you keeping your sympathy to yourself. I DON'T KNOW YOU!! Stop talking to me like we have been friends for years and it rocked your world to find out I was sick. Tell me you are sorry and move on. Everyone else has.

Personal Mission

There is a term used around my family to describe the meat my Dad buys on sale at Albertsons: Used Meat. If anyone is not familiar with the Used Meat section of your local grocer it is where they put the meat that is very close to the "sell by" date, and must either be used that day, or frozen. My dad stocks up on this cause he had a big freezer in the garage. I usually only get one or two things due to my miniature storage space. But this is not my point.



Because the Used Meat section is where the almost expired meat goes, its stands to reason that the Used Plant section is where they would put the plants past their prime. All grocery stores with a floral department have this section. It is usually a shopping cart full of cut flowers with brown petals and potted plants with only a few leaves left. A last ditch effort to get some money for something that is not pretty anymore.







Pretty?









Do I look like I care if it is pretty?







I have made it a personal goal to rescue as many plants from the Used Plant section as possible. Why, just last night on my stop at Albertsons to get dinner I stumbled on some Freesia plants that not only still had quite a few beautiful yellow-orange flowers, but were marked down from $9.99 to $2.99. SCORE!!!



I have not figured out where I am going to put my new acquisition, but I don't think that is really the point. I have rescued yet another plant wasting away in the shopping cart of doom.











Nik is just lucky I don't frequent the animal shelters.

How to Annoy Me (idea taken from Dooce)

Send me your whole wallet through the drive through when all I need is you drivers license.

I got an email from the Relay For Life about another fund raiser they are doing, that Nik and I are participating in. I thought I would open it up to those in the blogosphere:

We have a fun opportunity from the Salt Lake office of the American Cancer Society, and I wanted all of you to have first dibs on it. Next Tuesday night, the American Cancer Society will be hosting a pre-screening of Harry Potter at 9:00 PM at the Gateway Megaplex in Salt Lake. You can be the first to see the new Harry Potter movie! For$25 you will get a treat bag, door prize, a chance to win a Wii entertainment system and the best part is a huge portion of your ticket sales goes right back to your Relay!!! That's right - this is a fundraiser! If you are interested give Erin Barker a call at 801.493.4709. Tickets are going fast!

We already have our tickets but more can be purchased anytime (cause they are GA we can sit together too!) so if you are interested, let me know! Or just call Erin....

UAF (continued)

No real pictures from this trip, but it was a blast none the less.

Mom, dad, me and Nik took the journey down town for the Utah Arts Festival on Saturday. It was so much fun!! I love going to this every year, and I could totally go every day and just keep looking at all the fun stuff. I would probably talk myself out of a lot of money if I did though, so I limit it to one visit a year. I always want to buy something. And I feel a little jipped if I don't come away with a souvenir, so, thank you to the kids Art Garden where we made free 'birds on a steeek' so I could feel like I got something. Nik even made me a pipe cleaner butterfly that I love. It is in my purse.

Dad bought this great air brushed picture set of the famous jazz musician Miles Davis. He loves Miles. The artist was amazing. If you are familiar with masking (using a barrier like a stencil to make clean edges), he made 3 or 4 color pictures of celebrities using spray paint. We spent the longest time looking at those. I would have loved to have at least 3 of them. Nik found Frank Sinatra with the Rat Pack, Dave Matthews, and Bruce Lee. They were really amazing.

I saw lots of stained glass too. I always look at that stuff and think "I could totally do that if I had the space!!" And I could! But right now, space is not the only problem. I have been offered the use of several spaces if I wanted too, but with working full time, and feeling like crap half the time, it just isn't working out. I need to come up with a project I am passionate about, something that will seem worth it to get off the couch and do, even if I am not feeling my best. That would be great.

Has anyone else been to the Festival?

Utah Arts Festival

I have a few pictures from the Relay for Life last night, but I have not downloaded them, so it will be a little while still before I get to that post. But I will say a big THANK YOU to Vivian and family, and Mya and Abigail for coming out to support me. It was really great to have friends there.

This is really just a short post to tell everyone how excited I am to be going to the Utah Arts Festival today. Next to the State Fair, it is my favorite part about summer. I never have enough money to buy any of the stuff I really want, but it is so much fun to go and look. You know, being an artist and all ;) Tonight is also the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade and fireworks. The parade is going on as we speak, about 2 blocks away from where I am at work, and it is killing me!! But the best part is by far the fireworks, and I will for sure be there tonight at 10pm. Anyone in the area is more than welcome to join me and my family there. In fact, I encourage it! We will have glow sticks too.


**edited to add: Mom bought me a pretty princess crown at the parade!! It's like I was there!!

Farewell Farrah

Farrah Fawcett died today at the age of 62 after battling cancer. I will admit that she was before my time, but I feel bad for the next generation that will not know about her famous hair-do.

New Car Woes

We have been in the market for a new car for little while now. Not really searching, but keeping an eye out for a good deal. Several weeks ago I found a 2006 Suzuki Forenza on KSL for $6250. That was a really good price compared to the almost $8000 others were asking for the same year. Nik loved the color, and I love my current Suzuki, so I was down too. After looking at it for weeks we finally decided to take it for a test drive yesterday.

It was great. It looked spectacular, drove perfectly, and all the electronic stuff worked. We were sold! We had the papers drawn up and decided that Nik could meet me at work the next day (today) and we could do the loan and get the car on Monday. When we did the loan we found out that the price it was asking would put us at 100% loan-to-value (meaning that if we got in a car accident we could possibly owe more than the car is worth, so we would still have to pay for it). That didn't sit well with me. We talked it over and Nik is going to try and get him to go lower. We don't have high hopes since it is a dealership (a small one, but one nonetheless).

If he can even go down like, $500, it would be worth it. We want to add the remainder of the Mustang loan to this one as well, and we don't qualify for that with the price as is.

Cross your fingers!!

One of the amazing craft blogs I read, Homemade By Jill, is doing one of the coolest giveaways in history! Well, its pretty cool anyway. This company, the Original Scrapbox, has some of the coolest scrap book supplies I have seen anywhere. They specialize in making the most of your space and keeping everything organized. The give away is for the EZ View Desktop (pictured above) and I can think of so many more ways to use it than just scrap booking, I have to have it! If you are interested in entering the give away as well, head on over to Homemade By Jill and check out how to do it.

You weren't forgotten

If you did not receive an invitation, don't despair! You are still invited to my lia sophia party on Thursday June 18th (this Thursday) at 7:00pm at my moms house! If you can't make the party, but still want to see all the cool stuff, please go to the web site, here, and look around. I think it is beautiful stuff. I would love to see everyone there, and bring a friend if you want. Even if you don't plan to get anything, I love friends!

Here we are again!

It is officially Burn Notice season again! Technically it started last Thursday, but I was not on the ball, so here it is now.

I just can't get over this show! So great! I love Jeffrey Donavan so much. I had a dream last week after watching the season premier that Nik was a mix of Michael Westen and James Bond (the good Daniel Craig one). It was an interesting dream. Nik is my hero.

We have a sorta-tradition of watching this show with Lou and Ten and family. I hope we can work it out to do it every week. (Oh, and just so you know, it is on Hulu, so you don't have to come over to watch it if you don't want to. I won't hold it against you.)

Yard Sales!!!

Ok, I am going yard saleing tomorrow, and I am looking for a companion. There are some HUGE ones that I want to hit, and then just what ever is in between them. I won't be leaving super early, maybe like 9:30am. Let me know if you want to come with!

Shoot me

I currently have this song stuck in my head.

Finally!!!

Years ago Jergens lotion had a Shave Minimizing lotion that I used on my legs to make the hair softer in between shaving. It was awesome. Shortly after I started using it stores stopped carrying it, but I could find it at Big Lots for about another year...then they stopped carrying it. Oh well. I was bummed, but what do you do.

As soon as I figured out that the lotion did what it said it was going to do, I thought, they should put this in deodorant, that would be way more useful than in a lotion. And it never happened.

Then, this morning I saw a commercial for this:

FINALLY!!! I am so excited for this! I use Dove deodorant anyway, so this is great!

Why didn't they listen to me earlier?

If you loved Twlight

You may want to stay away from this post. This is from the always entertaining Apples at the Chapel. He had some thought provoking views on the underlying purpose of the first Stephanie Meyer book.

Susan G. Komen: Race for the Cure

Saturday May 9th was the Race for the Cure (breast cancer) down at the Gateway. My sister-in-law Audrey has been preparing for this race for months, and I told her right at the beginning that I would be there with her. I am so glad I did! It was such a good time.

Keep in mind that I signed up and everything before my diagnosis, so it seemed all the more important that I complete this race. It ended up being me, Audrey, Emilee, and Audrey's friend Kristin (is that right Aub?). We had a grand old time and completed the race in a modest 2 hours, if I remember right. My little pedometer on my phone informed me that I took approx. 8500 steps during the race. In a normal, busy day at work I take about 4000, usually less. So that was good. We already made plans to do the race next year, but Audrey says we are running it. That may take more training than I put in for this one. But I am down. Count me in for next year. Here are some pictures:

All the people in front of us. I even zoomed in a little, so you can get a good idea of how many were there. It think it was more than 18,000.
Here are my walking buddies. Kristin on the far end, Audrey in the middle and Emilee at the end.
I felt left out, so I took a picture with Em. Check out our sweet glasses!

Amy and Nik made this cool sign and, along with them, my parents (which was a surprise) and my mother-in-law, Jeanne were waiting for us at the finish line. It was an emotional moment.

Here are the champions! We all had such a great time and I am so glad I decided to do this with Audrey. Thanks for letting me tag along!

Anniversary pics

No, not those ones!!

Aren't we cute!
This is Adam Pavkovich, he is my favorite player, but he sucked it up every time at bat. Nik pointed out that at least we don't have to worry that he will be called up! These are our Rally Caps, cause we were loosing big time. It didn't work.

(can you see the Port line in my neck on the right side. I think its pretty noticeable)