Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to keep posting! I guess it's some sort of "exchange" system...If I'm going to read someones blog (make a withdrawal), then I'm obligated to write something new (make a deposit). Although not many of my family are blogging lately, I'll still make my contribution.
So, 2 months...where do I begin?
*I got a new, permanent job - still in the mortgage industry. Turns out that there really is more business when you aren't solely focused on a Builder.
* I had 2 kidney stone episodes, one which landed me in the hospital for 2.5 days. Gotta love the morphine. Whatever did they do in the olden days for pain? Fortunately, I passed the "stone", or should I say "fleck of whatever". I was very unimpressed with the amount of pain I endured for such a teeny bit of....well, whatever. I guess it's the closest I'll ever come to giving birth. Except that if I gave birth, I'm sure I'd be impressed with the result.
* I experienced extreme job stress. Try starting a new job and landing in the hospital on day 5, taking morphine for 2.5 days, then going back to work. Really does a number on the brain. I had to pretend like I really understood what was going on, when most of the time I was working on getting all my little brain connections to re-connect. Was it the drugs? Hmmmm.
* General Conf: We camped out again, and can I tell you? It was fa-reeeeezzzing! I don't care how cold it is in Canada. Fifty-seven degrees is stinkin' cold here in Arizona. I worried about the girls all night long. And I confess, the next night I slept inside. It was 47 that night. I enjoyed the weekend other than tha.
* Oxycotin: Can I say that I tried to take 2, but I didn't keep them down. I guess I just wasn't meant for anything stronger than Tylenol at home.
Now I'm having random thoughts...
* Chloe (who is 2 years old) knows just how to ask for what she wants. She uses the teeniest, tiniest little voice to say "A mimi?", which means she wants to watch a couple of songs from the movie Mamma Mia. Most of the time, I say yes. Or "A pock?", which means she wants to listen to "Popcorn Popping" on the computer. Most of the time, I say yes. Or "A sistuh?", which means she wants to watch the parody of the Lennon sisters from Lawrence Welk on Hulu...you know "with my by myself". Most of the time, I say yes. What I love most is when she stands in front of me, puts her arms up and says "A hoju", which means "please hold me". Most of the time, I say yes.
Mom just loaded the dishwasher, and now she's mopping the floor. It's 9:30 at night. She must be working towards that Mother's Day gift. Just kidding, MOM!!
So if I think of anything else that happened in the last 2 months, you'll have to wait a few weeks to hear about it. Anyone out there posting lately? Helloooooooooooo?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
By the way...
My new calling at church is 1st Counselor in the Stake Primary! It's been very fun the last few weeks...I jumped right into Pinewood Derby, then Little Philmont. Scouting...it's a whole other religion. So the interesting events that led to this new calling...
Ever since I became the Primary Chorister in our ward, I have had a little struggle. I felt like I just couldn't get the "hook" into the calling. I can lead music, and I can teach a song to the older kids, but I felt like I was really struggling with the younger kids. How do I teach a song to kids who cannot read? And I would worry/fret/plan/stress all week about what to do on Sunday? Several times I remembered that I hadn't been "set apart" yet, and thought maybe that was what I needed...but I never managed to get that done. Sundays were exhausting for me..ok, I exaggerate, but it's 2 hours of being "on", and when that last closing prayer was said, I was so relieved. Let me say, I was truly learning to love the children, knowing their personalities, and seeing that they were so happy when I would make eye contact with them. Sometimes I wink, and they would smile and wink back. One little Sunbeam girl would draw pictures for me in Sacrament Meeting and give them to me in Primary. So sweet.
A few weeks ago, I didn't sleep very well on Saturday night, and when it was time to get up on Sunday morning, the first thought in my head was: should I get a substitute and just not go? But then I started to think of all the arrangements that would need to be made, who would I call, and I thought it's just easier if I get up and go. So I did. When Primary was over, I was chatting with the pianist when I realized that the 1st Couns in the Stake Pres was sitting there on the first row looking at us. Did you want to talk to her, I said (pointing at the pianist)? No, he said. Did you need to speak with her, I said (pointing to someone else in the room)? No, he said. I need to speak with you. Ok, says I...gulp. (Good thing I decided to show up today!) Please, oh, please, oh, please don't let it be about camp! We found a little room and sat down. Says he: how's your job? Good, fine. How's your calling? Harder than I thought blah blah blah. How's your health? (Oh no, hear comes the part about camp!) Uh, my health is good? Well, says he, we'd like to call you to be...etc. Ohhhhhh?! Really? says I. Him: Do you think you can do that? Me: Of course. Now what does the 1st C do? Him: Well the 2nd C does all the Cub Scouting stuff.... Me: That's all I need to know.
So we shook hands and I walked out of there a little befuddled, as I recalled the last few months. I had attended my first ever Article of Faith reception, Great to be 8 meeting, and focused on the Primary program, knowing that I would be doing the music next year. And I remembered that I just couldn't get the "hook" into that calling. So, MY feeling is that my time as a chorister was to give me a little exposure to some of the things I would be working with on a Stake level. The Counselor told me they had been trying to get me since last Fall, had delays, then I lost my job, and they waited over a month to make sure I landed on my feet. When we had Ward Conference and I saw the Stake Prim Pres (who is also a friend) she asked me how my job was going, and I told her I was back at work. Two weeks later ...kaboom! I have a new calling. Anyway, it's just interesting how all the pieces fell into place. I feel so energized,learning new things. No meetings this week. First time in 3 weeks! Yup, loving the new stuff!
See another new post below...
Ever since I became the Primary Chorister in our ward, I have had a little struggle. I felt like I just couldn't get the "hook" into the calling. I can lead music, and I can teach a song to the older kids, but I felt like I was really struggling with the younger kids. How do I teach a song to kids who cannot read? And I would worry/fret/plan/stress all week about what to do on Sunday? Several times I remembered that I hadn't been "set apart" yet, and thought maybe that was what I needed...but I never managed to get that done. Sundays were exhausting for me..ok, I exaggerate, but it's 2 hours of being "on", and when that last closing prayer was said, I was so relieved. Let me say, I was truly learning to love the children, knowing their personalities, and seeing that they were so happy when I would make eye contact with them. Sometimes I wink, and they would smile and wink back. One little Sunbeam girl would draw pictures for me in Sacrament Meeting and give them to me in Primary. So sweet.
A few weeks ago, I didn't sleep very well on Saturday night, and when it was time to get up on Sunday morning, the first thought in my head was: should I get a substitute and just not go? But then I started to think of all the arrangements that would need to be made, who would I call, and I thought it's just easier if I get up and go. So I did. When Primary was over, I was chatting with the pianist when I realized that the 1st Couns in the Stake Pres was sitting there on the first row looking at us. Did you want to talk to her, I said (pointing at the pianist)? No, he said. Did you need to speak with her, I said (pointing to someone else in the room)? No, he said. I need to speak with you. Ok, says I...gulp. (Good thing I decided to show up today!) Please, oh, please, oh, please don't let it be about camp! We found a little room and sat down. Says he: how's your job? Good, fine. How's your calling? Harder than I thought blah blah blah. How's your health? (Oh no, hear comes the part about camp!) Uh, my health is good? Well, says he, we'd like to call you to be...etc. Ohhhhhh?! Really? says I. Him: Do you think you can do that? Me: Of course. Now what does the 1st C do? Him: Well the 2nd C does all the Cub Scouting stuff.... Me: That's all I need to know.
So we shook hands and I walked out of there a little befuddled, as I recalled the last few months. I had attended my first ever Article of Faith reception, Great to be 8 meeting, and focused on the Primary program, knowing that I would be doing the music next year. And I remembered that I just couldn't get the "hook" into that calling. So, MY feeling is that my time as a chorister was to give me a little exposure to some of the things I would be working with on a Stake level. The Counselor told me they had been trying to get me since last Fall, had delays, then I lost my job, and they waited over a month to make sure I landed on my feet. When we had Ward Conference and I saw the Stake Prim Pres (who is also a friend) she asked me how my job was going, and I told her I was back at work. Two weeks later ...kaboom! I have a new calling. Anyway, it's just interesting how all the pieces fell into place. I feel so energized,learning new things. No meetings this week. First time in 3 weeks! Yup, loving the new stuff!
See another new post below...
My First "Tag"!
First of all, I'd like to thank the Academy...oh, wait, this is not an award. It's just a tag..one word answers. Anyway, it's my first, and I'd really like to thank those who voted for me....
1. Where is your phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? lost
3. Your hair color? red
4. Your Mother? sitting
5. Your Father? waiting
6. Your favorite thing? sleeping
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? endure
9. The room you're in? offce
10. Your hobby? crocheting
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? secure
13. Where were you last night? bed
14. What you're not? cold
15. One of your wish-list items? two
16. Where you grew up? dallas
17. The last thing you ate? ice cream
18. What are you wearing? jamas
19. Your TV? dusty
20. Your pet? dead
21. Your computer? slow
22. Your mood? ok
23. Missing someone? caitben
24. Your car? cute
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? none
27. Your Summer? hot
28. Love someone? many
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? today
32. Something you crave? depends (not the diapers!)
33. Bad habit? procrastinate
34. Why you blog? ynot
I guess I'm supposed to tag someone...ok: Caitlin, Sarah, Lara. I won't list everyone I know so you'll have someone to tag. But then I guess you all have more friends than I do so it won't really matter.
1. Where is your phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? lost
3. Your hair color? red
4. Your Mother? sitting
5. Your Father? waiting
6. Your favorite thing? sleeping
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? endure
9. The room you're in? offce
10. Your hobby? crocheting
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? secure
13. Where were you last night? bed
14. What you're not? cold
15. One of your wish-list items? two
16. Where you grew up? dallas
17. The last thing you ate? ice cream
18. What are you wearing? jamas
19. Your TV? dusty
20. Your pet? dead
21. Your computer? slow
22. Your mood? ok
23. Missing someone? caitben
24. Your car? cute
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? none
27. Your Summer? hot
28. Love someone? many
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? today
32. Something you crave? depends (not the diapers!)
33. Bad habit? procrastinate
34. Why you blog? ynot
I guess I'm supposed to tag someone...ok: Caitlin, Sarah, Lara. I won't list everyone I know so you'll have someone to tag. But then I guess you all have more friends than I do so it won't really matter.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Barometer
I think it's interesting to note the following: you can measure a person's stress level/happiness level by how often they are posting. Sometimes. At least, I know it's true in my case. As shown in my previous post, there have been many weeks of worrying about other things, and creating a new blog post was not a priority - at all. Actually, it's never a priority - let me make that clear. But there are periods of time that allow my brain to ponder life, and then share it. I don't expect that I could explain something to all of you unless I can make some sense of it myself. Thus, I'm posting again. This must be a "good" time period in my life.
This afternoon on the drive home (it takes 45 mins to an hour) I decided to call my aunt/friend, Cathy. It seems to be a good use of the time driving, although while talking to her, I "ran" one of those little red lights at the "on ramp" of the 202. Oops. I did stop, even though I "go'd" before the green light flashed on. Anyway, the rest of the drive was very safe. I called Cathy to get the report on her girls and their kids. I always ask for the rundown, and try to remember any ongoing news that needs updating. I visualize it like a game board - I must know how all the pieces are moving along. Ok, maybe not a game board, but still, I like to know how everyone is doing. I always enjoy talking to Cathy.
So remember my last post about Changes? Well, I have another change coming up. I got a new calling at church. I can't talk about it freely yet, but let me say that I'm really excited. I have spent a lot of time thinking about the last few months since the change of our ward boundries and my calling as the Primary chorister. There have been several interesting encounters that have given me some exposure to people and events, and all these have led to my new calling. I've had many moments of understanding the "why" of many things. And it makes me smile, because when I realize those little "hints", I think of smiling up to heaven and saying "Ohhhh...now I get it", like Heavenly Father is smiling back at me, with a look of "See, I know what I'm doing." I guess this is a life lesson reminder for me. I do not see "the distant scene", but if I try to follow the "kindly light", step by step, I will eventually get to the right spot. For now.
So hopefully soon I will be able to talk about the next change.
This afternoon on the drive home (it takes 45 mins to an hour) I decided to call my aunt/friend, Cathy. It seems to be a good use of the time driving, although while talking to her, I "ran" one of those little red lights at the "on ramp" of the 202. Oops. I did stop, even though I "go'd" before the green light flashed on. Anyway, the rest of the drive was very safe. I called Cathy to get the report on her girls and their kids. I always ask for the rundown, and try to remember any ongoing news that needs updating. I visualize it like a game board - I must know how all the pieces are moving along. Ok, maybe not a game board, but still, I like to know how everyone is doing. I always enjoy talking to Cathy.
So remember my last post about Changes? Well, I have another change coming up. I got a new calling at church. I can't talk about it freely yet, but let me say that I'm really excited. I have spent a lot of time thinking about the last few months since the change of our ward boundries and my calling as the Primary chorister. There have been several interesting encounters that have given me some exposure to people and events, and all these have led to my new calling. I've had many moments of understanding the "why" of many things. And it makes me smile, because when I realize those little "hints", I think of smiling up to heaven and saying "Ohhhh...now I get it", like Heavenly Father is smiling back at me, with a look of "See, I know what I'm doing." I guess this is a life lesson reminder for me. I do not see "the distant scene", but if I try to follow the "kindly light", step by step, I will eventually get to the right spot. For now.
So hopefully soon I will be able to talk about the next change.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Most of you already know all this, but here goes:
My last post was Dec 1st. Four days later, I was told by my manager that due to the slooowwww new home market and lack of sales, and because I was "low man" on the totem pole, I was being "let go". That was December 5th. I went home, put together a resume and signed up with a temp agency that was hiring for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, with whom my previous company was affiliated. I had plans to leave the following week (Dec 9th) for Canada. So I changed my plans - and left earlier than planned (on the 7th). What else should one do when one is unemployed? Go on vacation! I got there a couple of days early and stayed a day longer than the original plan. I arrived in an unexpected snow storm, and enjoyed the snow all week...except for another freak storm that came in on Friday and put the brakes on our Banff trip. So sad. The girls went out to eat, and to see "Austrailia", then we went shopping the next day at the mall, and finished with lunch. Yes, everything revolves around sitting down and/or eating. The reality for me is this: I don't care what I do while I'm in Calgary, just as long as I'm there.
I returned home to reality on the 16th, followed up on the paperwork for the "new job", and tried to figure out how I was going to shop for Christmas on a suddenly non-existent budget. The other issue is that I could not bring myself to look forward to celebrating, knowing that my immediate future would be different than what I had anticipated. Knowing that a job was assured, but just not knowing the start date, I tried to enjoy what might be the only "down time" I would get for a few months. There were a few days in a row where I didn't get dressed or leave the house. It was nice. I didn't really sleep during the day, but then I wasn't really sleeping during the night, either. Christmas came and went. No family over this year. Jeff and all his family were up at the cabin.
New Years? We invited family over. Jeff and Jeanette had to miss about 5 hours because they had "Baby Jesus" duty at the Mesa Temple. Seems as though the baby Jesus kept being stolen from the nativity...while the grounds were crowded with the viewers of the lights! So they had to get "guards" to make sure he was safe. Jeff said his instructions were to be non-confrontational. I guess he was just supposed to be a "witness" to the stealing...if it had happened on his watch. While we were at home, we eagerly anticipated each Baby Jesus update, knowing that he was safe, and that Jeff (and I assume, Jeanette) were fulfilling their duty on New Years Eve. They came home about 10pm. We popped the poppers at about 9 for the little girls, managed to stay awake until midnight, then went to bed. At least, that's how I remember it. My new job was to start on the 5th, the following Monday.
Keep in mind that for the last 3 years, I would usually get out of bed at about 7:20, and leave the house at about 8:45. This new position, at least for the training, required that I arrive there at 7:30 am. What?! As I did the backward calculation to allow for driving time and preparation time, I realized that I would have to get up at 5:15. What?! Did you all know that it's dark at 5:15? Well, I just started my 4th week, and except for a couple of cases of the "mid-day drowsies", I think I'm doing ok. My hope is that I will be hired on a permanent basis.
The other change was even more difficult than waking up at 5:30 in the morning: Ben and Caitlin moved to Maryland. I could go on and on about this, and how difficult it was for me to accept. But now that it's done, I have decided to live in a world of "pretend". I'm pretending like Caitlin is on a mission. But actually, this situation is better than a mission because we can talk on the phone, or even visit them in Maryland. The only bad part is that we have become really attached to Ben and Caitlin. They have been coming over for dinner almost every Sunday, and we would see them several times a week in the evening. Yesterday was the most boring dinner we've had in quite awhile...white fish, white rice, white tarter sauce, yellow squash, and some green peas for a little color. No card games, no puzzles, no making fun of people on TV...you know, all those fun things we used to do. I saw the saddest thing the other day - I opened the pantry and saw an unopened bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing. A bottle that was purchased specifically for Ben, because it's not just Ranch Dressing that he loves. It's Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing that he loves. I hope it keeps for 2 years.
I have to remember what it was like when I was in my 20's. Every decision was an adventure, and every adventure was so exciting. How do parents let their children ever leave home? I cannot imagine how my parents ever dealt with all my "adventures". Maybe that's why I didn't tell them about my adventures until after they were over? Anyway, logic tells me that Ben and Caitlin will have fun, and be ok, and take care of each other. But my heart is sad, and I will miss them. I suppose I will have to adjust to yet another... ch-ch-ch-change.
My last post was Dec 1st. Four days later, I was told by my manager that due to the slooowwww new home market and lack of sales, and because I was "low man" on the totem pole, I was being "let go". That was December 5th. I went home, put together a resume and signed up with a temp agency that was hiring for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, with whom my previous company was affiliated. I had plans to leave the following week (Dec 9th) for Canada. So I changed my plans - and left earlier than planned (on the 7th). What else should one do when one is unemployed? Go on vacation! I got there a couple of days early and stayed a day longer than the original plan. I arrived in an unexpected snow storm, and enjoyed the snow all week...except for another freak storm that came in on Friday and put the brakes on our Banff trip. So sad. The girls went out to eat, and to see "Austrailia", then we went shopping the next day at the mall, and finished with lunch. Yes, everything revolves around sitting down and/or eating. The reality for me is this: I don't care what I do while I'm in Calgary, just as long as I'm there.
I returned home to reality on the 16th, followed up on the paperwork for the "new job", and tried to figure out how I was going to shop for Christmas on a suddenly non-existent budget. The other issue is that I could not bring myself to look forward to celebrating, knowing that my immediate future would be different than what I had anticipated. Knowing that a job was assured, but just not knowing the start date, I tried to enjoy what might be the only "down time" I would get for a few months. There were a few days in a row where I didn't get dressed or leave the house. It was nice. I didn't really sleep during the day, but then I wasn't really sleeping during the night, either. Christmas came and went. No family over this year. Jeff and all his family were up at the cabin.
New Years? We invited family over. Jeff and Jeanette had to miss about 5 hours because they had "Baby Jesus" duty at the Mesa Temple. Seems as though the baby Jesus kept being stolen from the nativity...while the grounds were crowded with the viewers of the lights! So they had to get "guards" to make sure he was safe. Jeff said his instructions were to be non-confrontational. I guess he was just supposed to be a "witness" to the stealing...if it had happened on his watch. While we were at home, we eagerly anticipated each Baby Jesus update, knowing that he was safe, and that Jeff (and I assume, Jeanette) were fulfilling their duty on New Years Eve. They came home about 10pm. We popped the poppers at about 9 for the little girls, managed to stay awake until midnight, then went to bed. At least, that's how I remember it. My new job was to start on the 5th, the following Monday.
Keep in mind that for the last 3 years, I would usually get out of bed at about 7:20, and leave the house at about 8:45. This new position, at least for the training, required that I arrive there at 7:30 am. What?! As I did the backward calculation to allow for driving time and preparation time, I realized that I would have to get up at 5:15. What?! Did you all know that it's dark at 5:15? Well, I just started my 4th week, and except for a couple of cases of the "mid-day drowsies", I think I'm doing ok. My hope is that I will be hired on a permanent basis.
The other change was even more difficult than waking up at 5:30 in the morning: Ben and Caitlin moved to Maryland. I could go on and on about this, and how difficult it was for me to accept. But now that it's done, I have decided to live in a world of "pretend". I'm pretending like Caitlin is on a mission. But actually, this situation is better than a mission because we can talk on the phone, or even visit them in Maryland. The only bad part is that we have become really attached to Ben and Caitlin. They have been coming over for dinner almost every Sunday, and we would see them several times a week in the evening. Yesterday was the most boring dinner we've had in quite awhile...white fish, white rice, white tarter sauce, yellow squash, and some green peas for a little color. No card games, no puzzles, no making fun of people on TV...you know, all those fun things we used to do. I saw the saddest thing the other day - I opened the pantry and saw an unopened bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing. A bottle that was purchased specifically for Ben, because it's not just Ranch Dressing that he loves. It's Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing that he loves. I hope it keeps for 2 years.
I have to remember what it was like when I was in my 20's. Every decision was an adventure, and every adventure was so exciting. How do parents let their children ever leave home? I cannot imagine how my parents ever dealt with all my "adventures". Maybe that's why I didn't tell them about my adventures until after they were over? Anyway, logic tells me that Ben and Caitlin will have fun, and be ok, and take care of each other. But my heart is sad, and I will miss them. I suppose I will have to adjust to yet another... ch-ch-ch-change.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Giving Thanks
I am back to work after enjoying the last 4.5 days "off". Our Thanksgiving dinner included most of the family this year, except for Ben and Caitlin who were up with Ben's family in Camp Verde, and the Tramundanas kids. Kathy and Victor stayed in Utah and made dinner up there, and Andy hosted Thanksgiving for his side of the family. It's always fun to have a house full of people. I love the moment when you get that first whiff of cooking turkey. Yummmmm. Jeanette made rolls with help from Emma and Sadee. Sarah made a beautiful raspberry jello salad, Stan brought corn, Alisha made some cheesecake pies and Jennifer made a lemon meringue pie. Other offerings: Mom made cranberry sauce, Zack made his traditional hot pickles (which I hear are very nummy, but I cannot eat them), Jeff used his muscle to mash the potatoes, then carve the turkey, and Becky and I continued our sweet potato war. I never really liked sweet potatoes until I saw Aunt Sadie cook them with brown sugar and butter, kinda chunky and really nummy. Becky liked that recipe, too, until she discovered cinnamon! Now she makes them like baby food - bake the sweet potatoes, peel, mash, and add all the other flavors. I am not a fan, but that's ok. She loves them, and so does everyone else. A couple of years ago, she was making the sweet potatoes. I assumed she would make them the "normal" way. I love the combination of a little bit of stuffing with sweet potatoes. I was horrified when I realized that instead she made the baby food style, almost completely pureed and flavored with cinnamon! I just about left the table, I was so disappointed. Since then, we have served 2 different bowls, cooked 2 different ways, and after a week, we usually have 2 different piles of yuck to throw away. We just can't seem to get the proportion right. Leftovers always sound sooo good BEFORE Thanksgiving.
Later that evening we enjoyed a wonderful rain storm and we even got some hail. It was like 45 minutes of winter, so we quickly got out the hot chocolate and marshmallows. I think it was an enjoyable day for everyone.
Friday and Saturday were days of doing nothing - for me. I crocheted and watched TV. I'm trying to get a new blankie finished for Sarah Ritchie. She loved her old one to death. Soon, very soon! Sunday - prepare myself for the marathon that is Primary. We found out that in 2 weeks our meeting time is changing to 8:30am! That's the best news I've heard in a long time! It is a really early time for families to get ready, but it's seems to be so much easier on the children. Afternoons from 3-5 pm is not a good time for Primary. We'll be home by 11:35, with the rest of the day to be productive. Or something like that.
We will be decorating our Christmas tree this evening, I hope. Should have done it this weekend when there was "nothing" to do. I love to have the house decorated for Christmas!
I'm off to Canada a week from tomorrow night for our annual BS trip, and just so you don't go "there", BS stands for Banff Springs. I get a little taste of Winter right before Christmas and I get to visit with some of my favorite people in the world! Have I mentioned before that I also look forward to breakfast at Eau Claire, and somewhere in there, lunch/dinner at Peking Garden? I know for a fact that there are some Canadians who look forward to Cafe Rio in Utah (we have one in Arizona, too), and In-n-Out Burger here in Arizona. So I guess it goes both ways. But we have something Calgary doesn't have....Baskin Robbins ice cream! I think I can be brave for a few days and live without the BR.
I'd also like to give thanks to Lara for updating my blog background. Sometimes a change is nice! Signing off....
Later that evening we enjoyed a wonderful rain storm and we even got some hail. It was like 45 minutes of winter, so we quickly got out the hot chocolate and marshmallows. I think it was an enjoyable day for everyone.
Friday and Saturday were days of doing nothing - for me. I crocheted and watched TV. I'm trying to get a new blankie finished for Sarah Ritchie. She loved her old one to death. Soon, very soon! Sunday - prepare myself for the marathon that is Primary. We found out that in 2 weeks our meeting time is changing to 8:30am! That's the best news I've heard in a long time! It is a really early time for families to get ready, but it's seems to be so much easier on the children. Afternoons from 3-5 pm is not a good time for Primary. We'll be home by 11:35, with the rest of the day to be productive. Or something like that.
We will be decorating our Christmas tree this evening, I hope. Should have done it this weekend when there was "nothing" to do. I love to have the house decorated for Christmas!
I'm off to Canada a week from tomorrow night for our annual BS trip, and just so you don't go "there", BS stands for Banff Springs. I get a little taste of Winter right before Christmas and I get to visit with some of my favorite people in the world! Have I mentioned before that I also look forward to breakfast at Eau Claire, and somewhere in there, lunch/dinner at Peking Garden? I know for a fact that there are some Canadians who look forward to Cafe Rio in Utah (we have one in Arizona, too), and In-n-Out Burger here in Arizona. So I guess it goes both ways. But we have something Calgary doesn't have....Baskin Robbins ice cream! I think I can be brave for a few days and live without the BR.
I'd also like to give thanks to Lara for updating my blog background. Sometimes a change is nice! Signing off....
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Cyst Assistance
I have to say that time flys by soooo quickly when you try to record things. I've always been terrible at keeping a journal. There will be no way to ever write my biography because there are no records. All my stories will go with me...when I go. Maybe that's a good thing?
Yesterday I had 2 Dr's appointments: One with a urologist, a follow-up on the little kidney issue I had last year (the kidney isn't little, the issue was little). A year ago I got a pain early on a Sunday morning that wouldn't go away. Finally I agreed to go to the ER since I had started to vomit (lovely). I knew that was not a good sign. At the ER, the first order of business was to start an IV - not so fun. After a few attempts, they finally found a vein and started to give me the pain medicine. They gave me 3 different kinds before I felt like I could finally lie down on the bed and relax a little. I had some tests - CT scan and whatever - and initially they said I had a "growth" on my kidney which kinda freaked me out a little. All I could think was "kidney tumor". Zack and my home teacher gave me a blessing. I was in the hospital for 3 days, for no good reason. The urologist determined that I have a cyst on my kidney that had blocked the drainage, or something, which caused the pain. He said there was no reason to remove it as long as it wasn't causing any trouble. Honestly? The pain went away on Sunday night and never came back. It was a mystery to me - I wasn't sure what happened to make it go away. But then one of my friends looked at me like I was stupid (I was), and said, "Hmmmm, didn't you have a blessing?". Oh, duh. So, that's how it works! My arm looked terrible from all the iv's, and I was able to go home after they determined that my kidney's did indeed function. So the appointment yesterday was to give me the results of the follow-up CT scan I had a week ago. No change in the size of the cyst, and absolutely no problems for a year. Everyone was happy, but mostly me.
After that appointment, I had the pleasure of my annual mammygram. Yes, it's a pleasure. I was also blessed with an ultrasound of my left chestal region. Guess what I have? Yup, cysts. I have cysts throughout my body, I guess. There are also a couple of little areas that they are watching, but again, no change in them, so good news all around. After being adjusted, squished, mushed and inspected, I went home with all the dignity I could muster. I don't think anyone could tell by looking at me what I had just experienced, even though I felt like announcing to everyone in the waiting room, "I'M CLEAN!".
Yesterday I had 2 Dr's appointments: One with a urologist, a follow-up on the little kidney issue I had last year (the kidney isn't little, the issue was little). A year ago I got a pain early on a Sunday morning that wouldn't go away. Finally I agreed to go to the ER since I had started to vomit (lovely). I knew that was not a good sign. At the ER, the first order of business was to start an IV - not so fun. After a few attempts, they finally found a vein and started to give me the pain medicine. They gave me 3 different kinds before I felt like I could finally lie down on the bed and relax a little. I had some tests - CT scan and whatever - and initially they said I had a "growth" on my kidney which kinda freaked me out a little. All I could think was "kidney tumor". Zack and my home teacher gave me a blessing. I was in the hospital for 3 days, for no good reason. The urologist determined that I have a cyst on my kidney that had blocked the drainage, or something, which caused the pain. He said there was no reason to remove it as long as it wasn't causing any trouble. Honestly? The pain went away on Sunday night and never came back. It was a mystery to me - I wasn't sure what happened to make it go away. But then one of my friends looked at me like I was stupid (I was), and said, "Hmmmm, didn't you have a blessing?". Oh, duh. So, that's how it works! My arm looked terrible from all the iv's, and I was able to go home after they determined that my kidney's did indeed function. So the appointment yesterday was to give me the results of the follow-up CT scan I had a week ago. No change in the size of the cyst, and absolutely no problems for a year. Everyone was happy, but mostly me.
After that appointment, I had the pleasure of my annual mammygram. Yes, it's a pleasure. I was also blessed with an ultrasound of my left chestal region. Guess what I have? Yup, cysts. I have cysts throughout my body, I guess. There are also a couple of little areas that they are watching, but again, no change in them, so good news all around. After being adjusted, squished, mushed and inspected, I went home with all the dignity I could muster. I don't think anyone could tell by looking at me what I had just experienced, even though I felt like announcing to everyone in the waiting room, "I'M CLEAN!".
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I Should Be Working...
Thirty days in 1000 words or less...quite the challenge. There is life after chocolate cake. Our ward was split the end of July, and I spent the better part of August trying to accept that fact. It was a terrible jolt to me. Most of my family was aware of that, but then, I think it was a jolt to all of us. We really, really loved our ward and our bishopric, and we felt so comfortable with so many friends. Going to church was an exciting event, even at 8:00 in the morning. The first few weeks in our new ward seemed like everyone was in shock - parts of 2 different wards suddenly thrust together to be one big happy family. It's getting better, I guess. I didn't have a new calling until last week. I was starting to wonder if I would get one at all. Unless I have a calling, it's very hard for me to spend 3 hours at church just sitting, waiting for it to be over. So, I'm the Primary Chorister. I have experience with that, but it's been about 20 years, if you can believe that. Back in the olden days, we didn't have the internet. So I've been given several resources for teaching songs and keeping the kids attention. I hope I don't turn into the "reverence troll". I just can't help the "shhhhh" sound that comes out of my mouth. I am determined to teach them reverence, with or without props. Wish me luck.
I love reading others blogs. I don't stalk very often, but when I do, I find myself lost in the chain...how did I get here? Can I ever find my way back? It's a little frightening, actually, like I have to get back to where I belong before somebody finds me where I don't belong. I feel like a blog voyeur. Peeky peek at your life? I don't make very many comments, but I read a lot and smile. I know some of you are on Facebook, but I'm not savvy to that. Any teachers out there? It just seems so young and hip for someone like me. Makes me feel like I'm trying to rap, or dance hip-hop, or even text! Texting exhausts me! I got one of those phones with a mini-keyboard. Better, but I still have the urge to spell everything out, spell everything correctly, and use punctuation. I might just as well call you since texting doesn't save me anytime. Anyway...I can text, I just don't like it much.
We have planned a little family campout/sleepover for Conference weekend. The plan is to put up a couple of tents in the back yard. Some of us will be sleeping there, and those who will not, can find a spot in the house. Wake up in the morning, have breakfast and watch Conference, etc. We will move the firepit on to the grass, with the tents pitched around it, and sit around the fire at night and sing camp songs. Ok, I admit, I have a vision in my head that probably won't happen, but I think it will still be fun, as long as the weather cools down a bit. What can be better than camping so close to indoor plumbing? I got the idea from "Jon and Kate", but I added the Conference part. Everyone looks at me like I'm crazy - that's a given. But I know 2 little girls that are excited about it!
Do any of you feel challenged when thinking of a title for your post? It gets me every time. Huge obstacle for me. I always wanted to write a children's book, but I can't think of a good title. Shouldn't you have that before you begin?
I love reading others blogs. I don't stalk very often, but when I do, I find myself lost in the chain...how did I get here? Can I ever find my way back? It's a little frightening, actually, like I have to get back to where I belong before somebody finds me where I don't belong. I feel like a blog voyeur. Peeky peek at your life? I don't make very many comments, but I read a lot and smile. I know some of you are on Facebook, but I'm not savvy to that. Any teachers out there? It just seems so young and hip for someone like me. Makes me feel like I'm trying to rap, or dance hip-hop, or even text! Texting exhausts me! I got one of those phones with a mini-keyboard. Better, but I still have the urge to spell everything out, spell everything correctly, and use punctuation. I might just as well call you since texting doesn't save me anytime. Anyway...I can text, I just don't like it much.
We have planned a little family campout/sleepover for Conference weekend. The plan is to put up a couple of tents in the back yard. Some of us will be sleeping there, and those who will not, can find a spot in the house. Wake up in the morning, have breakfast and watch Conference, etc. We will move the firepit on to the grass, with the tents pitched around it, and sit around the fire at night and sing camp songs. Ok, I admit, I have a vision in my head that probably won't happen, but I think it will still be fun, as long as the weather cools down a bit. What can be better than camping so close to indoor plumbing? I got the idea from "Jon and Kate", but I added the Conference part. Everyone looks at me like I'm crazy - that's a given. But I know 2 little girls that are excited about it!
Do any of you feel challenged when thinking of a title for your post? It gets me every time. Huge obstacle for me. I always wanted to write a children's book, but I can't think of a good title. Shouldn't you have that before you begin?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Chocolate Heaven
Another one. We made another cake. I spent all week baking the layers and wrapping them for the freezer. Friday night I made 5 double batches of chocolate butter cream icing (we still have leftovers). Saturday morning we began the great assembly. Becky was the designated "icer", I made sure she had enough product. She managed to squirt out all the little "kisses" without biting her tongue off. One thing we don't have is a shot of the finished product. Once we got to Wade and Kathie's house we added chocolate curls to the top, and the little horizontal edges of each layer. The chocolate curls and shaving were added free-form, they spilled over and we also artistically decorated the board around the bottom layer of the cake. It really was a sight to behold. But even better than looking at it, you should have smelled it! If you like chocolate at all, it was the best air freshener around.
The last shot shows how we delivered the cake - in the back of the van on a day when the temperature was about 108. We put the van in the garage, and turned it on (the garage door was open) about a half hour before leaving to let the AC cool it off as much as possible. We put the chocolate shavings in a container, in an ice chest. We loaded the little girls, and Mom. The middle seat of the van was put forward, with the cake sitting very heavily on the back of the seat with a folded towel and Becky's knees as shock absorbers. It tooks us about 45 minutes to get to the Melchin's house. We were very happy and relieved to deliver it safely. I hope it was delicious. At least I thought it looked yummy!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Later Gator!
I'm just counting the minutes until I can leave the office. It's 4:37 and I'm leaving at 5:00 for the airport. Mom and I are flying to Calgary tonight. The most exciting part is that we are flying stand-by, and hoping that we both get "on". I think we will. We are gone for a week. It's my third trip up there this year, but the other 2 have been weekend deals. I'm looking forward to a whole week! I won't bore you with the repitition of my favorite things to do, but I'm still looking forward to doing them! Zack always gives me the charge to take lots of pictures. I usually take a few, I'm just lazy about posting them. Make sure you check his blog for a rundown of our "Daycation" to the Grand Canyon. It was fun.
Well, so far I've eaten up 3 minutes. I have my files pretty much in order, so there is nothing for me to get started on. I'm seriously killing time. No doubt that right before I walk out the door, I'll get a phone call. Always happens.
When I get back I'll blog my recollections of the trip, and I will try to get some photos. It's 4:42. Only 18 minutes left.
Well, so far I've eaten up 3 minutes. I have my files pretty much in order, so there is nothing for me to get started on. I'm seriously killing time. No doubt that right before I walk out the door, I'll get a phone call. Always happens.
When I get back I'll blog my recollections of the trip, and I will try to get some photos. It's 4:42. Only 18 minutes left.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No, I didn't forget...
Just over a week ago was Father's Day. I was out of town, so I was not able to enjoy the songs and talks that would have been presented at Church. And I don't really need to send out a card to my own dad. I think he knows my thoughts on that. So I sort of ignored the holiday, at least on the outside. But over the last few days, I have thought a lot about my father and what he did for me and my family during his lifetime, and how his life continues to bless us all. Is it necessary for me to share this? No, but I'm going to share it anyway.
Thank you, Dad, for:
1. Marrying Mom. I'm not sure what stars had to align for you to cross paths with her, but I'm glad you did. And you wooed her with a milkshake...how appropriate. Not that she necessarily loved milkshakes, but appropriate that you thought a milkshake would make an impression. I guess it did, and she does.
2. Working. During medical school he had 3 jobs, which he juggled while he had a wife and 2 children, then 3, and a calling at church. I never felt neglected and my mother never complained about the time he spent away from the family. She knew that he was doing it for their future, and she kept the "homefires burning" while Dad was at school or work. When he was home, he always made a little time for us (or we just took it), then it was back to studying late into the night, I'm sure.
3. Laughing. My dad had a great sense of humor, and I think he passed that on to his children. We sometimes laugh at each other, and sometimes it goes too far. But mostly, we enjoy laughing. I remember a conversation I had with my dad within the last couple of years of his life. He commented that he thought we should plant some seedless grapes in the back yard. I just looked at him and said, " Now, how are we supposed to do that?" He immediately got it, and sat there laughing, silently, with his shoulders moving up and down, and a big grin on his face. He also loved the line from the movie "The Great Race" - "Leslie, ran off with a chicken?". (I'll explain it later for those who are not familiar with that movie.)
4. Loving chocolate. My dad handed this down to me. I love chocolate in most forms. One Christmas, instead of making a gingerbread house, my dad made a chocolate house. I think he was a frustrated architect, too. Anyway, he used every type of chocolate candy he could find to put that house together. I remember him carefully heating up a scalpel to cut the chocolate into the right shape, and then melt the sides a little so that they would stick together. It was a beautiful creation. Lovely to look at, lovely to smell. I don't remember if we ate it, but I'm sure there was some sneaking of little bits here and there.
5. Serving in church callings. My dad always had a calling in church. And sometimes he recruited us to help him. When he was Sunday School Superintendant (back in the olden days), he printed up nice programs and decided to attach little scripture cards in each one - a reminder to memorize or read the verse during the week. We had a system of glueing with Rubber Cement glue - another wonderful smell! We put a blob of glue on a paper and used a tongue depressor or the eraser on the end of a pencil to dab into the glue and put it on the program, then the next person would stick the card on the dab of glue. Once they were dry, we folded them, again, very efficiently. You fold about 10 papers at a time, then pull them apart and make the final crease. I learned this from dad. What does it have to do with church callings? I guess it taught me to go the extra mile.
6. Teaching me how to type. During the summer between 5th and 6th grade, my dad signed me up for a typing class at my school. Every morning, I went to school with all the other typing nerds and learned to type on a manual typewriter. I think that's worse than walking to school uphill both ways! I could never really use my little finger to type on that monster, but boy was I a happy camper when electric typewriters were invented! Anyway, without saying anything to me about how this little skill would bless my life, my dad made it possible for me to learn how to type. i wll be fOrefer geatfil.
7. Letting me go on a mission. My dad planted the seed when I was 11 years old by giving me a gift at Christmas. The gift was pocket size scriptures, and he said I would be able to use them on my mission. That seed was planted VERY deeply. Ten years later when a mission was actually becoming a reality, I called my parents very early one morning (I was living in Hawaii, they were in Dallas) to tell them I had decided to go on a mission. My dad's response? "I've know that for years, but I'm glad you finally found out." He never once hesitated to support me in that decision. I think I'd put my parents through enough anxiety, so they were relieved that I had finally decided to do something worthwile.
8. Taking me fishing. Corny, I know. I used to love to go fishing, mostly because I didn't want to be left out. I was even able to thread a worm on a hook, or stick a hook through the back of a minnow. I was a little more distressed about actually catching a fish and taking out the hook. But I did it. I even cleaned fish with my brother, Jeff. Dad told us he couldn't clean fish because he needed to protect his hands from any cuts or germs. Once I realized that the reason dad didn't clean the fish because it was really gross, I didn't clean them anymore either. In fact, I lost interest in the whole process. A worm, no matter how simple a life, I'm sure has feelings. But at least my dad indulged me in the learning process, a little. He also took me duck hunting once. I never asked again.
9. Loving the simple things in life. My dad showed me how to enjoy simple joys. We used to go camping at a little lake near Dallas. If I told my friends we were going to the lake, they would assume Lake Dallas or that other big lake east of Dallas - Lake Ray Hubbard? But no, we were at a little private, scruffy lake. At this little lake, there was an old abandoned house on the hill. I loved to walk through it and imagine the family that used to live there. I always wanted to find some artifact that would give some clue, but I never did. We also used to vacation in Mexico. Cabo, you ask? Puerto Vallarta? No. The interior. Deep, deep interior. No beaches, no stores, no nothin'. But you know what? We still had fun and I have great memories of those vacations. As a side note, my dad taught me to appreciate a good cemetary - the older the better.
10. Taking care of us all. My dad used to say "We have everything we need, and most of the things we want." I think my dad would have done anything to give us those things. When I was little, I would beg nicely for some spending money. I remember a time period right after my mission, within the first week home, when every morning, my dad would come into my room and wake me up and ask what I was going to do that day. I never had a plan, but he would always ask if I needed any money. I always said no. But he would always leave $20 on the dresser. I felt so guilty - I would never touch it until I had cleaned up the family room, or the kitchen or something, so I would feel like I deserved the money. Dad has always taken care of us ALL. Even now, we are blessed financially because of the decisions that dad made at some point in his life.
I would like to say that these words are not meant to exclude my mother in any way. Dad would be the first to admit that most of the time it was Mom who had the good idea, and I would have to agree. She quietly supported my dad in everything, never asking for recognition, or credit.
Also, this is not an complete list of reasons that I appreciate and love my dad. But you get the idea.
Thank you, Dad, for:
1. Marrying Mom. I'm not sure what stars had to align for you to cross paths with her, but I'm glad you did. And you wooed her with a milkshake...how appropriate. Not that she necessarily loved milkshakes, but appropriate that you thought a milkshake would make an impression. I guess it did, and she does.
2. Working. During medical school he had 3 jobs, which he juggled while he had a wife and 2 children, then 3, and a calling at church. I never felt neglected and my mother never complained about the time he spent away from the family. She knew that he was doing it for their future, and she kept the "homefires burning" while Dad was at school or work. When he was home, he always made a little time for us (or we just took it), then it was back to studying late into the night, I'm sure.
3. Laughing. My dad had a great sense of humor, and I think he passed that on to his children. We sometimes laugh at each other, and sometimes it goes too far. But mostly, we enjoy laughing. I remember a conversation I had with my dad within the last couple of years of his life. He commented that he thought we should plant some seedless grapes in the back yard. I just looked at him and said, " Now, how are we supposed to do that?" He immediately got it, and sat there laughing, silently, with his shoulders moving up and down, and a big grin on his face. He also loved the line from the movie "The Great Race" - "Leslie, ran off with a chicken?". (I'll explain it later for those who are not familiar with that movie.)
4. Loving chocolate. My dad handed this down to me. I love chocolate in most forms. One Christmas, instead of making a gingerbread house, my dad made a chocolate house. I think he was a frustrated architect, too. Anyway, he used every type of chocolate candy he could find to put that house together. I remember him carefully heating up a scalpel to cut the chocolate into the right shape, and then melt the sides a little so that they would stick together. It was a beautiful creation. Lovely to look at, lovely to smell. I don't remember if we ate it, but I'm sure there was some sneaking of little bits here and there.
5. Serving in church callings. My dad always had a calling in church. And sometimes he recruited us to help him. When he was Sunday School Superintendant (back in the olden days), he printed up nice programs and decided to attach little scripture cards in each one - a reminder to memorize or read the verse during the week. We had a system of glueing with Rubber Cement glue - another wonderful smell! We put a blob of glue on a paper and used a tongue depressor or the eraser on the end of a pencil to dab into the glue and put it on the program, then the next person would stick the card on the dab of glue. Once they were dry, we folded them, again, very efficiently. You fold about 10 papers at a time, then pull them apart and make the final crease. I learned this from dad. What does it have to do with church callings? I guess it taught me to go the extra mile.
6. Teaching me how to type. During the summer between 5th and 6th grade, my dad signed me up for a typing class at my school. Every morning, I went to school with all the other typing nerds and learned to type on a manual typewriter. I think that's worse than walking to school uphill both ways! I could never really use my little finger to type on that monster, but boy was I a happy camper when electric typewriters were invented! Anyway, without saying anything to me about how this little skill would bless my life, my dad made it possible for me to learn how to type. i wll be fOrefer geatfil.
7. Letting me go on a mission. My dad planted the seed when I was 11 years old by giving me a gift at Christmas. The gift was pocket size scriptures, and he said I would be able to use them on my mission. That seed was planted VERY deeply. Ten years later when a mission was actually becoming a reality, I called my parents very early one morning (I was living in Hawaii, they were in Dallas) to tell them I had decided to go on a mission. My dad's response? "I've know that for years, but I'm glad you finally found out." He never once hesitated to support me in that decision. I think I'd put my parents through enough anxiety, so they were relieved that I had finally decided to do something worthwile.
8. Taking me fishing. Corny, I know. I used to love to go fishing, mostly because I didn't want to be left out. I was even able to thread a worm on a hook, or stick a hook through the back of a minnow. I was a little more distressed about actually catching a fish and taking out the hook. But I did it. I even cleaned fish with my brother, Jeff. Dad told us he couldn't clean fish because he needed to protect his hands from any cuts or germs. Once I realized that the reason dad didn't clean the fish because it was really gross, I didn't clean them anymore either. In fact, I lost interest in the whole process. A worm, no matter how simple a life, I'm sure has feelings. But at least my dad indulged me in the learning process, a little. He also took me duck hunting once. I never asked again.
9. Loving the simple things in life. My dad showed me how to enjoy simple joys. We used to go camping at a little lake near Dallas. If I told my friends we were going to the lake, they would assume Lake Dallas or that other big lake east of Dallas - Lake Ray Hubbard? But no, we were at a little private, scruffy lake. At this little lake, there was an old abandoned house on the hill. I loved to walk through it and imagine the family that used to live there. I always wanted to find some artifact that would give some clue, but I never did. We also used to vacation in Mexico. Cabo, you ask? Puerto Vallarta? No. The interior. Deep, deep interior. No beaches, no stores, no nothin'. But you know what? We still had fun and I have great memories of those vacations. As a side note, my dad taught me to appreciate a good cemetary - the older the better.
10. Taking care of us all. My dad used to say "We have everything we need, and most of the things we want." I think my dad would have done anything to give us those things. When I was little, I would beg nicely for some spending money. I remember a time period right after my mission, within the first week home, when every morning, my dad would come into my room and wake me up and ask what I was going to do that day. I never had a plan, but he would always ask if I needed any money. I always said no. But he would always leave $20 on the dresser. I felt so guilty - I would never touch it until I had cleaned up the family room, or the kitchen or something, so I would feel like I deserved the money. Dad has always taken care of us ALL. Even now, we are blessed financially because of the decisions that dad made at some point in his life.
I would like to say that these words are not meant to exclude my mother in any way. Dad would be the first to admit that most of the time it was Mom who had the good idea, and I would have to agree. She quietly supported my dad in everything, never asking for recognition, or credit.
Also, this is not an complete list of reasons that I appreciate and love my dad. But you get the idea.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Ketchup!
Let's see if I can remember what's been happening over the last few weeks that I have not posted!
Since April 11th, hmmm.... Ok so I don't remember anything in April yet. The first weekend of May, though, was really fun! I came up with a plan to surprise Cathy for her birthday. I enlisted Lara to help me, and of course, she enlisted Erin and Melinda. There was a wise decision to NOT tell Rick. As wonderful as he is, there was a huge risk that he might blurt it out. I flew in on Friday afternoon, Cathy's actual birthday. Lara picked me up, and the coordinating began so that Erin would get to the house at the same time. When we got to the front door, Melinda answered and said that Cathy was on the phone...wait, wait, wait. Then we decided to all go in, kids included, and wait inside. Erin had made a beautiful cake and the kids were going to sing Happy Birthday. I waited on the stairs, just below the wall to the TV/bedroom level. When they got to the ending, I jumped up and sang with them. I think I am safe to say the Cathy was indeed surprised! Speaking from experience, it is very disorienting to be surprised. We visited for a few minutes, then Lara and Erin left to take the kids home so all the girls could go out for dinner. Part of the perfect plan is that Rick was out of town, so he didn't have to deal with all the chaos.
That weekend was all about the "food". We went to Earll's on Friday night which is always delicious, then back to the house for a visit. We are not a "party" bunch. The next morning Cathy and I went to Eau Claire downtown to our favorite little breakfast place. I've probably posted about it before cause I'm having a little deja vu right now. Anyway, after that we did some errands - always fun when you run errands in another country and have someone to laugh with! We tried really hard to work off the breakfast because we planned to somehow get in a dinner at Peking Garden. We succeeded! Yes, it was all about the food. Sunday was Church and a little visit before going back to the airport. It was another quick trip, but it was so much fun! I had to keep reminding myself that it was Cathy's weekend. The fact that I was enjoying it was a bonus.
At work, the month of May started out just fine. As we progressed to the end of the month, it got more stressful and the last week was a killer. I'm just so glad it's over and that everything has basically worked out. It's very frustrating to have to depend on others to complete the job that I started, and to have others do it poorly.
I have a new great-niece! Her name is Camille, and her parents are Jeff and Alisha. We got to see her on Memorial Day, and she is just gorgeous! She has a full head of dark hair and she looks like her mama. Jillian looks just like her daddy. It looks like Camille will have huge eyes like her big sister.
I have a weird feeling that my time in YW may be over soon. Maybe not. But I think they will be making a change in the YW president after camp in a couple of weeks, and you never know what that will bring. I would be really sad to go.
The weather has been pretty nice lately. A few weeks ago it got really hot, then it cooled way down to the 50's! Weird. It has slowly warmed back up, but it's been very comfortable.
I just remembered something else from May...Kerri and Cade were down for her work. I went up to their hotel one evening to watch Luke while they went to a formal dinner. I decided to take Emma with me because Luke doesn't know me that well, and I know that babies always relate better to little people. Well, I was right. It was so funny to see him laugh at Emma, and when it was time to put him to bed and he cried, he grabbed onto Emma and wouldn't let her go. He is not that much smaller than she, but he still felt more comforted holding onto her. I even asked her to climb into the little crib with him, which she did willingly (for $5), to help him settle down. Did it work? Not really. He did settle down, but Emma fell asleep before he did. Luke was awake when Kerri and Cade came back, but the good news was that he was alive and well. I always think that's a good goal to have when you are in charge of a child!
I promise to post some pictures so my posts aren't so boring! Ta! Ta!
Since April 11th, hmmm.... Ok so I don't remember anything in April yet. The first weekend of May, though, was really fun! I came up with a plan to surprise Cathy for her birthday. I enlisted Lara to help me, and of course, she enlisted Erin and Melinda. There was a wise decision to NOT tell Rick. As wonderful as he is, there was a huge risk that he might blurt it out. I flew in on Friday afternoon, Cathy's actual birthday. Lara picked me up, and the coordinating began so that Erin would get to the house at the same time. When we got to the front door, Melinda answered and said that Cathy was on the phone...wait, wait, wait. Then we decided to all go in, kids included, and wait inside. Erin had made a beautiful cake and the kids were going to sing Happy Birthday. I waited on the stairs, just below the wall to the TV/bedroom level. When they got to the ending, I jumped up and sang with them. I think I am safe to say the Cathy was indeed surprised! Speaking from experience, it is very disorienting to be surprised. We visited for a few minutes, then Lara and Erin left to take the kids home so all the girls could go out for dinner. Part of the perfect plan is that Rick was out of town, so he didn't have to deal with all the chaos.
That weekend was all about the "food". We went to Earll's on Friday night which is always delicious, then back to the house for a visit. We are not a "party" bunch. The next morning Cathy and I went to Eau Claire downtown to our favorite little breakfast place. I've probably posted about it before cause I'm having a little deja vu right now. Anyway, after that we did some errands - always fun when you run errands in another country and have someone to laugh with! We tried really hard to work off the breakfast because we planned to somehow get in a dinner at Peking Garden. We succeeded! Yes, it was all about the food. Sunday was Church and a little visit before going back to the airport. It was another quick trip, but it was so much fun! I had to keep reminding myself that it was Cathy's weekend. The fact that I was enjoying it was a bonus.
At work, the month of May started out just fine. As we progressed to the end of the month, it got more stressful and the last week was a killer. I'm just so glad it's over and that everything has basically worked out. It's very frustrating to have to depend on others to complete the job that I started, and to have others do it poorly.
I have a new great-niece! Her name is Camille, and her parents are Jeff and Alisha. We got to see her on Memorial Day, and she is just gorgeous! She has a full head of dark hair and she looks like her mama. Jillian looks just like her daddy. It looks like Camille will have huge eyes like her big sister.
I have a weird feeling that my time in YW may be over soon. Maybe not. But I think they will be making a change in the YW president after camp in a couple of weeks, and you never know what that will bring. I would be really sad to go.
The weather has been pretty nice lately. A few weeks ago it got really hot, then it cooled way down to the 50's! Weird. It has slowly warmed back up, but it's been very comfortable.
I just remembered something else from May...Kerri and Cade were down for her work. I went up to their hotel one evening to watch Luke while they went to a formal dinner. I decided to take Emma with me because Luke doesn't know me that well, and I know that babies always relate better to little people. Well, I was right. It was so funny to see him laugh at Emma, and when it was time to put him to bed and he cried, he grabbed onto Emma and wouldn't let her go. He is not that much smaller than she, but he still felt more comforted holding onto her. I even asked her to climb into the little crib with him, which she did willingly (for $5), to help him settle down. Did it work? Not really. He did settle down, but Emma fell asleep before he did. Luke was awake when Kerri and Cade came back, but the good news was that he was alive and well. I always think that's a good goal to have when you are in charge of a child!
I promise to post some pictures so my posts aren't so boring! Ta! Ta!
Friday, April 11, 2008
IMO
I spent several precious minutes yesterday working on a new entry. I thought I saved it. I didn't. So for those of you who have had this happen to you in the past, you will understand that I am less than enthused about trying to remember what I had typed. I'm sure it was enjoyable.
I have been out of town the last two weekends: Calgary 2 weeks ago, and Utah last weekend. The fact that I was also a little bit pressured at work made travelling less thrilling. But I did enjoy the break during the moments when I wasn't thinking about work. I usually went to sleep and woke up trying to figure out how to get things done when I wasn't in the office. I can now say that two-thirds of my stress is now resolved. And the other third is a little out of my hands. So I'm feeling better...On to the new stress!
The trip to Utah was nice. We stayed at Little America which turns out to be very convenient in many ways: coffee shop, little store, location, Richelieu furniture...yeah, don't know what that is either, but we had it. I really missed my Sleep Number bed and ceiling fan. I sleep hot and I don't like to touch my own skin at night, so I really depend on a little circulation to cool down.
I ordered room service every morning except for the last day. On Friday, Mom and I ate together. Saturday and Sunday I was by myself. I did the usual "throw them off" order: I was by myself, but I wanted eggs, bacon and pancakes, too, so I ordered 2 drinks so the delivery guy would never suspect that I was going to eat both breakfasts myself! I'm so clever. Like they really care. Some of you know that I am compelled to justify, clarify, and defend my every action. I just can't look at someone and say "nunya". Anyway, the french toast was very good. Better than the pancakes which I only tasted! Just in case you are wondering.
Rather than give a complete rundown of each day, let me share some random thoughts:
Conference Visitors - You see all types of people at the Conference Center. Some of the obvious foreign visitors were from Ecuador, I think. A gentleman wearing a dark blue wool poncho, ankle length linen type pants, canvas and rope type sandals with the rope tied around his ankles, a hat and a long single braid down his back. Ecuador? I think so. If the hat had been a little different, I would have said Bolivia. There were also some African outfits that were interesting. Being me, I also have to comment on those people that were wearing outfits that screamed "what were you thinking". Then I had to remind myself that maybe this WAS their Sunday best, and I pulled the "beam" out of my own eye. I, however, looked spectacular!
Distribution Center - It's been a long while since I have "needed" anything from there, but I still feel the need to browse. It's difficult to resist grabbing up a bunch of the "No Charge" items, but then, what would I do with 50 Personal Progress books? Sell them? So just to keep them in business, because I know they are struggling, I buy the token miniature Book of Mormon. It's so cute. Don't know what I'll do with it yet, but I love the feel of the pages. Good smooth paper. I now have a complete family of the BoM- large print Daddy size, regular Mommy size, and little bitty baby size. Now if Three Bears ever come calling, I'll be able to convert them!
Downtown SLC - It's either wonderful church sites, or scum of the earthville. What is up with that? I know there is a lot of renovation going on, and I can't wait. The parking is horrible, and there are no decent restaurants. You can eat at The Garden, or The Lion House. And you know what? I think it's the same darn food! All they do is use different dishes, and let you decide whether you want to do it cafeteria style or have a waiter bring it to you. One thing for sure - the rolls are the same! So how about a little variety? Why can't someone open a Texas Roadhouse or In and Out Burger in the vicinity? How about a new ice cream store since they killed Snelgroves? Who's with me on this?
Ok. I think I'm done. I still don't remember what I originally typed, but I guess it doesn't matter. I'll try to get some pics posted. That's my next goal.
I have been out of town the last two weekends: Calgary 2 weeks ago, and Utah last weekend. The fact that I was also a little bit pressured at work made travelling less thrilling. But I did enjoy the break during the moments when I wasn't thinking about work. I usually went to sleep and woke up trying to figure out how to get things done when I wasn't in the office. I can now say that two-thirds of my stress is now resolved. And the other third is a little out of my hands. So I'm feeling better...On to the new stress!
The trip to Utah was nice. We stayed at Little America which turns out to be very convenient in many ways: coffee shop, little store, location, Richelieu furniture...yeah, don't know what that is either, but we had it. I really missed my Sleep Number bed and ceiling fan. I sleep hot and I don't like to touch my own skin at night, so I really depend on a little circulation to cool down.
I ordered room service every morning except for the last day. On Friday, Mom and I ate together. Saturday and Sunday I was by myself. I did the usual "throw them off" order: I was by myself, but I wanted eggs, bacon and pancakes, too, so I ordered 2 drinks so the delivery guy would never suspect that I was going to eat both breakfasts myself! I'm so clever. Like they really care. Some of you know that I am compelled to justify, clarify, and defend my every action. I just can't look at someone and say "nunya". Anyway, the french toast was very good. Better than the pancakes which I only tasted! Just in case you are wondering.
Rather than give a complete rundown of each day, let me share some random thoughts:
Conference Visitors - You see all types of people at the Conference Center. Some of the obvious foreign visitors were from Ecuador, I think. A gentleman wearing a dark blue wool poncho, ankle length linen type pants, canvas and rope type sandals with the rope tied around his ankles, a hat and a long single braid down his back. Ecuador? I think so. If the hat had been a little different, I would have said Bolivia. There were also some African outfits that were interesting. Being me, I also have to comment on those people that were wearing outfits that screamed "what were you thinking". Then I had to remind myself that maybe this WAS their Sunday best, and I pulled the "beam" out of my own eye. I, however, looked spectacular!
Distribution Center - It's been a long while since I have "needed" anything from there, but I still feel the need to browse. It's difficult to resist grabbing up a bunch of the "No Charge" items, but then, what would I do with 50 Personal Progress books? Sell them? So just to keep them in business, because I know they are struggling, I buy the token miniature Book of Mormon. It's so cute. Don't know what I'll do with it yet, but I love the feel of the pages. Good smooth paper. I now have a complete family of the BoM- large print Daddy size, regular Mommy size, and little bitty baby size. Now if Three Bears ever come calling, I'll be able to convert them!
Downtown SLC - It's either wonderful church sites, or scum of the earthville. What is up with that? I know there is a lot of renovation going on, and I can't wait. The parking is horrible, and there are no decent restaurants. You can eat at The Garden, or The Lion House. And you know what? I think it's the same darn food! All they do is use different dishes, and let you decide whether you want to do it cafeteria style or have a waiter bring it to you. One thing for sure - the rolls are the same! So how about a little variety? Why can't someone open a Texas Roadhouse or In and Out Burger in the vicinity? How about a new ice cream store since they killed Snelgroves? Who's with me on this?
Ok. I think I'm done. I still don't remember what I originally typed, but I guess it doesn't matter. I'll try to get some pics posted. That's my next goal.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Here and There
Yes, I knew that trying to post at least once a week would be difficult. Nevertheless, I will keep trying. I have noticed that my desire to post is directly correlated to my stress level - the higher the stress, the less likely that I will post. Hence....I'm feeling a little less stressed right now.
I just got back last evening from a short visit to Calgary to attend the blessing of Melinda and Michael's new baby, Claire. When I left AZ, the temp was around 85. When I got to Calgary, it was 1 degree. Keep in mind that there is a change from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Still, quite the swing in temp. And it snowed Saturday night, but it was beautiful - big, fluffy flakes that stacked up on the smallest branch. Life does not stop for a little snow in Calgary. I always enjoy visiting with the family, and an added bonus was that Kerri and Luke were there, too. By the time they left, Luke would actually look me in the face. I also feel that I made progress with Erik, Lara and Sean's little boy. He does not really speak to anyone, choosing instead to communicate by growling like a lion, a sweet, gentle little lion. If you growl back, he seems pleased that you are actually acknowledging him. He did approach me a few times and I picked him up and chatted about whatever, anything to keep his attention and let him know that I'm someone he can trust. When Sean and Lara were leaving on Saturday evening, I became aware that Erik was kind of sing-talking in the background, not really to anyone in particular, just out loud. As I listened, I realized that he was singing "good-bye, Judy - good-bye, Judy"! What? He said my name. I am a real person as far as Erik is concerned.
I hope this doesn't sound like some kind of social experiment, because it wasn't. But anyone who has been around Erik knows that it is a gift for him to acknowledge and actually enjoy your presence. Right?
So the actual reason for the trip was the Baby Blessing. I will post more on that when I attempt to also post some pictures! I know, don't faint!
I just got back last evening from a short visit to Calgary to attend the blessing of Melinda and Michael's new baby, Claire. When I left AZ, the temp was around 85. When I got to Calgary, it was 1 degree. Keep in mind that there is a change from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Still, quite the swing in temp. And it snowed Saturday night, but it was beautiful - big, fluffy flakes that stacked up on the smallest branch. Life does not stop for a little snow in Calgary. I always enjoy visiting with the family, and an added bonus was that Kerri and Luke were there, too. By the time they left, Luke would actually look me in the face. I also feel that I made progress with Erik, Lara and Sean's little boy. He does not really speak to anyone, choosing instead to communicate by growling like a lion, a sweet, gentle little lion. If you growl back, he seems pleased that you are actually acknowledging him. He did approach me a few times and I picked him up and chatted about whatever, anything to keep his attention and let him know that I'm someone he can trust. When Sean and Lara were leaving on Saturday evening, I became aware that Erik was kind of sing-talking in the background, not really to anyone in particular, just out loud. As I listened, I realized that he was singing "good-bye, Judy - good-bye, Judy"! What? He said my name. I am a real person as far as Erik is concerned.
I hope this doesn't sound like some kind of social experiment, because it wasn't. But anyone who has been around Erik knows that it is a gift for him to acknowledge and actually enjoy your presence. Right?
So the actual reason for the trip was the Baby Blessing. I will post more on that when I attempt to also post some pictures! I know, don't faint!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Same Ol' Stuff
What's new? Not really anything. I was talking to Cathy Melchin the other day and she used the phrase "every day is Groundhog's Day". That's what I feel like sometimes - same routine, different day, with very few exceptions. Even down to reporting the activities of others, it's still the same thing, different week. Mom and Zack went on a road trip last week, got home this week. Becky and I were alone in the house and sometimes we even saw each other - she goes to bed around 7, or earlier. So on my late nights, I didn't see her. I wandered around the house all by myself, nobody to talk to, so sad....not. I enjoyed the quiet.
One thing that is new and different, I am now a red-head, with blond highlights. It's really not so shocking and now that I have red hair, I realize how non-descript my actual hair color is. As the roots start to show, I have the feeling that I will keep this red hair!
I also want everyone north of the border to know that I'm wearing sandals today, and it's almost 80 outside, a crisp coolish 80 degrees. I have to make the most of it right now because all too soon it will be a crisp hotish 100 outside. And nobody will be jealous.
I'm still crocheting like a mad woman, trying to get a white blankie done for Melinda's baby who came early without asking permission! I'm actually almost done with it, then I have to figure out how to get it in her hands before March 30th, the blessing day. I'm thinking the best way is to deliver it personally.
Mom and I are also planning a trip to SLC for Conference. I'm looking forward to that - I always enjoy the break. The only real vacation I'm anticipating is going to Calgary in May. The last few trips there have been in the Winter, so I've seen lot's of snow. Better not be snowing in May - although I seem to remember snow 4 years ago when Melinda and Michael got married. Hmmm....June?
Went to the grocery store last weekend (oooo! big news!) and saw the cutest thing! Those who know me well are aware of my attraction to almost anything miniature: tiny ketchup bottles, tiny little books, tiny flashlights, etc. Well, can you imagine my delight when I saw itty bitty little cartons of Haagen Dazs ice cream? They were 10 for $10! So I bought 5. They are/were so cute! I sat down that night with a spoon, opened the teeny tiny lid, and pulled off the teeny tiny paper. I waited a teeny tiny minute to give the ice cream a chance to soften a little. I took my first teeny tiny bite. Yummo. Haven't had HD for awhile. Second bite. Just as yummy. Third bite as well. Fourth bite hit the spot. As I scraped the bottom of the teeny tiny carton, I decided that I needed a teeny tiny bit more! Next time, I'll splurge a teeny tiny bit!
One thing that is new and different, I am now a red-head, with blond highlights. It's really not so shocking and now that I have red hair, I realize how non-descript my actual hair color is. As the roots start to show, I have the feeling that I will keep this red hair!
I also want everyone north of the border to know that I'm wearing sandals today, and it's almost 80 outside, a crisp coolish 80 degrees. I have to make the most of it right now because all too soon it will be a crisp hotish 100 outside. And nobody will be jealous.
I'm still crocheting like a mad woman, trying to get a white blankie done for Melinda's baby who came early without asking permission! I'm actually almost done with it, then I have to figure out how to get it in her hands before March 30th, the blessing day. I'm thinking the best way is to deliver it personally.
Mom and I are also planning a trip to SLC for Conference. I'm looking forward to that - I always enjoy the break. The only real vacation I'm anticipating is going to Calgary in May. The last few trips there have been in the Winter, so I've seen lot's of snow. Better not be snowing in May - although I seem to remember snow 4 years ago when Melinda and Michael got married. Hmmm....June?
Went to the grocery store last weekend (oooo! big news!) and saw the cutest thing! Those who know me well are aware of my attraction to almost anything miniature: tiny ketchup bottles, tiny little books, tiny flashlights, etc. Well, can you imagine my delight when I saw itty bitty little cartons of Haagen Dazs ice cream? They were 10 for $10! So I bought 5. They are/were so cute! I sat down that night with a spoon, opened the teeny tiny lid, and pulled off the teeny tiny paper. I waited a teeny tiny minute to give the ice cream a chance to soften a little. I took my first teeny tiny bite. Yummo. Haven't had HD for awhile. Second bite. Just as yummy. Third bite as well. Fourth bite hit the spot. As I scraped the bottom of the teeny tiny carton, I decided that I needed a teeny tiny bit more! Next time, I'll splurge a teeny tiny bit!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Happiness and Joy
I decided to list some things that bring Happiness and Joy to my life. I thought I would start out with 20, then decided that I needed to reduce that to 10. Then I decided that if I have more than 10, I'll keep going, so who knows where this will end up? These are not really in any particular order, but those of the psychology persuasion might say otherwise...
1. Being able to relax and crochet: When I am sitting down to crochet, it usually means my mind is clear, so that's always a good thing. Making a blankie is another experience altogether, expecially if I'm crocheting with a purpose. For instance, right now I'm working on a blankie for Melinda's new baby girl (a white one for her blessing day). So as I stare at the yarn while crocheting, I get to think of Melinda and the baby, even though I don't know her yet. A few weeks ago, I was working on a pretty deep pink blankie which was also for Melinda's baby. Sadee was watching me and quietly said "I want a blankie like that." So in mid-crochet, I changed the owner to Sadee, and everytime she saw me working on it, she would smile and say "that's my blankie". I still have enough yarn to do one for Melinda's baby, though.
So that was way too long for one entry, and I don't know if I should count it as 1 or 2...
2. A clean room: order, peace, quiet. I love my room, but I especially love it when it's basically clean.
3. Sunday after church: Our meetings start at 8:00 this year, but before you groan, remember that starting at 8 means we get out at 11! Love that!
4. A clean car: Haven't had that in a while, but it does bring me happiness.
5. Driving home from work: Does this really need explanation?
6. Fresh nails: Yes, this is shallow, but I love having freshly painted nails.
7. An empty dishwasher: I absolutely detest unloading the dishwasher! But, if the dishwasher is empty, I love loading it. Don't know why this is, but it just is. Becky and I have worked out a nice symbiotic relationship - she empties, I load. I'd rather load it 100 times, than empty it once.
8. A good batch of cookie dough: Chocolate chip, of course. Normally, my mouth starts to water when I'm stirring in the flour and chips. What I love is a big spoonful of freshly made cookie dough. I don't even have to bake any cookies. Lately, though, I've not been too happy with our vanilla extract. I need to buy some good vanilla.
9. Mornings that I don't have to wash my hair: This particular chore adds a good 30-40 minutes to my morning routine, and those of you who know me well, know that I would rather sleep than wash my hair. I love clean hair, mind you, but drying it takes way too long. So I love knowing that I don't need to get up "early". This morning was a "no wash" day. Love it.
10. Three little girls: When the front door opens and I see those little girls, my day immediately gets brighter. I love to watch them - they absolutely know the routine at our house. One time, several months ago, I let Emma and Sadee have some hot chocolate. They pulled chairs up to the counter. I gave them cups, spoons and the can of hot chocolate mix. I let them spoon in however much chocolate they wanted, and I gave them marshmallows. They would put a handful in the cup, eat the globby marshmallows, and then ask for more. Sure, I said. Eat all you want. Did they make a mess? A little bit, but nothing that didn't wipe up. Did they drink all the hot chocolate in their cup? No. But watching them brought me happiness and joy.
11. Looking at pictures from the family reunion: I can't believe that it's almost a year since our reunion. I'm still amazed at how wonderful it was to see everyone! I love to look at all the faces, and even though we don't see each other so often, it gives me happiness and joy to remember that week we spent together.
12. Looking forward to a trip/vacation: I love having something to anticipate. I plan every detail in my head. I'm notorious for packing early. This is a good thing.
13. Knowing that my DVR actually worked: Ok, another shallow thing. But it's true. I think I'm more proud of my accomplishment in setting it to record than actually watching whatever was recorded.
Ok. That's it for now. Maybe you should make a list, too. For a few moments, just thinking about these few pleasures will bring a smile to your face. Have a wonderful week!
1. Being able to relax and crochet: When I am sitting down to crochet, it usually means my mind is clear, so that's always a good thing. Making a blankie is another experience altogether, expecially if I'm crocheting with a purpose. For instance, right now I'm working on a blankie for Melinda's new baby girl (a white one for her blessing day). So as I stare at the yarn while crocheting, I get to think of Melinda and the baby, even though I don't know her yet. A few weeks ago, I was working on a pretty deep pink blankie which was also for Melinda's baby. Sadee was watching me and quietly said "I want a blankie like that." So in mid-crochet, I changed the owner to Sadee, and everytime she saw me working on it, she would smile and say "that's my blankie". I still have enough yarn to do one for Melinda's baby, though.
So that was way too long for one entry, and I don't know if I should count it as 1 or 2...
2. A clean room: order, peace, quiet. I love my room, but I especially love it when it's basically clean.
3. Sunday after church: Our meetings start at 8:00 this year, but before you groan, remember that starting at 8 means we get out at 11! Love that!
4. A clean car: Haven't had that in a while, but it does bring me happiness.
5. Driving home from work: Does this really need explanation?
6. Fresh nails: Yes, this is shallow, but I love having freshly painted nails.
7. An empty dishwasher: I absolutely detest unloading the dishwasher! But, if the dishwasher is empty, I love loading it. Don't know why this is, but it just is. Becky and I have worked out a nice symbiotic relationship - she empties, I load. I'd rather load it 100 times, than empty it once.
8. A good batch of cookie dough: Chocolate chip, of course. Normally, my mouth starts to water when I'm stirring in the flour and chips. What I love is a big spoonful of freshly made cookie dough. I don't even have to bake any cookies. Lately, though, I've not been too happy with our vanilla extract. I need to buy some good vanilla.
9. Mornings that I don't have to wash my hair: This particular chore adds a good 30-40 minutes to my morning routine, and those of you who know me well, know that I would rather sleep than wash my hair. I love clean hair, mind you, but drying it takes way too long. So I love knowing that I don't need to get up "early". This morning was a "no wash" day. Love it.
10. Three little girls: When the front door opens and I see those little girls, my day immediately gets brighter. I love to watch them - they absolutely know the routine at our house. One time, several months ago, I let Emma and Sadee have some hot chocolate. They pulled chairs up to the counter. I gave them cups, spoons and the can of hot chocolate mix. I let them spoon in however much chocolate they wanted, and I gave them marshmallows. They would put a handful in the cup, eat the globby marshmallows, and then ask for more. Sure, I said. Eat all you want. Did they make a mess? A little bit, but nothing that didn't wipe up. Did they drink all the hot chocolate in their cup? No. But watching them brought me happiness and joy.
11. Looking at pictures from the family reunion: I can't believe that it's almost a year since our reunion. I'm still amazed at how wonderful it was to see everyone! I love to look at all the faces, and even though we don't see each other so often, it gives me happiness and joy to remember that week we spent together.
12. Looking forward to a trip/vacation: I love having something to anticipate. I plan every detail in my head. I'm notorious for packing early. This is a good thing.
13. Knowing that my DVR actually worked: Ok, another shallow thing. But it's true. I think I'm more proud of my accomplishment in setting it to record than actually watching whatever was recorded.
Ok. That's it for now. Maybe you should make a list, too. For a few moments, just thinking about these few pleasures will bring a smile to your face. Have a wonderful week!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Just Desserts
Ok, so I missed a week. Sorry about that. I feel like I owe myself an apology because I had a goal to post at least once a week.
Since my last post I have visited the Happiest Place on Earth. There was a trip planned, but because of Becky's surgery, we weren't sure if we could go. We went. It was fun. Our 2nd day there, Becky rented an electric cart. All that walking on the day before took it's toll. So she zoomed off in her cart down Main Street, quite literally leaving us in the dust, seemingly unaware that we were not jogging to keep up with her. When we finally got her to stop, she lowered the speed on the cart and that seemed to work better. The advantage of the cart was that she didn't have to walk so much...so we thought! The REAL advantage was something that we hadn't even considered...when one of the party is in a cart or wheelchair, the entire party gets to avoid the lines and go right to the "jumping off point". Kinda fun, for the first few rides. Then we even became impatient with that...Why are we waiting so long? Can't they see we have a person in a cart? Is this discrimination towards cart people? There is also some pressure to not look too happy that you have a cart person in your party. It would just not be right to be so happy about someone with a disability, would it? That night Sarah, Sadee and I wanted to go on the Matterhorn, but how to do it without a cart person? A-ha...switch places with the cart person. So I did, and I found that the crowd seemed to part in front of me. We did have to go through part of the line, but not the last snaking part. The whole time I was in line, I started to panic that they were going to ask me why I was in the cart...what if my reason for being in the cart was severe enough to keep me off the ride? The whole "blue", must-explain-everything part of my personality was bubbling to the surface! Panic. Uhh, I have a bad knee? I have a bad back? I have a sore throat? I just had surgery? I'm lazy and didn't want to wait in line? Sarah finally convinced me that I didn't have to give any explanation, so I did my best to keep my mouth shut and not smile because I didn't have to wait in line. I dutifully hobbled over to the little Matterhorn car and stepped in, buckled up and held on. Within the first couple of jerks of the ride, I realized 2 things: 1) I didn't really like this ride at night, and 2) I think the jerking has wrenched my back. Good thing I have an electric cart!
Since my last post I have visited the Happiest Place on Earth. There was a trip planned, but because of Becky's surgery, we weren't sure if we could go. We went. It was fun. Our 2nd day there, Becky rented an electric cart. All that walking on the day before took it's toll. So she zoomed off in her cart down Main Street, quite literally leaving us in the dust, seemingly unaware that we were not jogging to keep up with her. When we finally got her to stop, she lowered the speed on the cart and that seemed to work better. The advantage of the cart was that she didn't have to walk so much...so we thought! The REAL advantage was something that we hadn't even considered...when one of the party is in a cart or wheelchair, the entire party gets to avoid the lines and go right to the "jumping off point". Kinda fun, for the first few rides. Then we even became impatient with that...Why are we waiting so long? Can't they see we have a person in a cart? Is this discrimination towards cart people? There is also some pressure to not look too happy that you have a cart person in your party. It would just not be right to be so happy about someone with a disability, would it? That night Sarah, Sadee and I wanted to go on the Matterhorn, but how to do it without a cart person? A-ha...switch places with the cart person. So I did, and I found that the crowd seemed to part in front of me. We did have to go through part of the line, but not the last snaking part. The whole time I was in line, I started to panic that they were going to ask me why I was in the cart...what if my reason for being in the cart was severe enough to keep me off the ride? The whole "blue", must-explain-everything part of my personality was bubbling to the surface! Panic. Uhh, I have a bad knee? I have a bad back? I have a sore throat? I just had surgery? I'm lazy and didn't want to wait in line? Sarah finally convinced me that I didn't have to give any explanation, so I did my best to keep my mouth shut and not smile because I didn't have to wait in line. I dutifully hobbled over to the little Matterhorn car and stepped in, buckled up and held on. Within the first couple of jerks of the ride, I realized 2 things: 1) I didn't really like this ride at night, and 2) I think the jerking has wrenched my back. Good thing I have an electric cart!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Medical Check-up
We are mostly healthy now. A couple of weeks ago Becky developed a gut pain that would not go away. She stayed home from work, thinking she might need to go to the emergency room. I had a commitment in north Phoenix, so I took her to the ER, but I could not stay. It was weird to just drop her off "bye" and then then leave. Mom was able to get over there by mid-morning. After a few tests and scans, it was determined that she had an obstruction and she was transferred to the hospital in Phoenix to see her surgeon. How many people do you know that have a surgeon? Well, Becky does. He said she had...well, I don't really understand what the issue was, but they went in laproscopically (sp?) and repaired it. By 8:00 that night she was out of recovery and sleeping like a drugged up baby. The sore throat that she felt coming on a few days prior was a distant memory. This all happened on a Wednesday. She came home on Friday and recovered the following week. Yesterday the doctor released her to return to work, but she has a restriction - she cannot lift anything over 20lbs for a month. I guess she'll have to postpone her clean & jerk training until late March. And we'll only buy 10lbs of potatoes at a time. My mom is concerned because all of her kids have been in the ER and/or hospital within the last 8 months. She, however, has been healthly. We decided that it might be our Taylor genes. Becky and I were wondering if we are all hypochondriacs, but each time there has been a legitimate malady. Becky wins the prize, though. She's been in twice. Becky had a surgery in June. Zack went in October - kidney stone. I went the end of October - kidney cyst. Jeff was in for MRSA - look it up. Jennifer - dislocated hip. Mom is getting a reputation at the Family History Center for the least healthy children: "I need to leave. My daughter is in the hospital." "I need to leave. My other daughter is in the hospital." "I won't be in. My son is in the hospital." " I need to leave. My other daughter is in the hospital. No, the other one." Fact of the matter is that we don't really get "sick", we have just had some weird issues. But for the moment, everything is good...knock on wood!
Monday, January 28, 2008
It Finally Happened
Well, I was going to post last night so that I could keep up with my "once a week" posting goal. However, our evening was filled with trying to find out information about Pres. Hinckley. It was very interesting how quickly the news spread. We do live in an amazing age of technology. While knowing that he could go at any time, once it happened it was a jolt to the system. Poor man, every time he got up to speak, we all evaluated how much he had aged in the last few months. I read in one of the articles about him that he prayed that he wouldn't "linger" in his old age. How wonderful that he was productive up to the very end. There are so many thoughts that I have about him, and about the organization of the church. I am looking forward to his funeral. I remember when Pres. Kimball died and the first thought I had was that he would be reunited with his mother who had passed away when he was a boy of 10 or 11. He missed her so much. When I was born, David O. McKay was president of the church. He is the prophet who issued the call to Pres Hinckley as an Asst to the Twelve in 1958. I will give one piece of advice: If you have not already read Pres Hinckley's biography by Sheri Dew, read it. If you have read it, read it again. He is an amazing man.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Once a week
Life is back to...normal? Mom came home yesterday, a couple of days earlier than expected. That was a nice surprise for us. We went out to Native New Yorker for chicken wings with Jennifer after picking up Mom at the airport. I know she (Mom) was tired from the exhausting visit she had in Dallas. She said she got to visit with most of the cousins while there and because she was there for almost 2 weeks, there was plenty of time to have some nice relaxed visits with Mary and Jesse and Uncle Ed (Julie was in Japan).
Today in church our speaker was a young man who is leaving in 10 days for his mission in Bolivia. This is a boy that had always stood out in a quiet, yet strong way among the other young men in our ward. He is confident, happy, and has no problem expressing his testimony of the gospel. In my opinion, he is a young man who not only meets the raised bar, I think he helped to raise it even more. I will be interested to see his progression, not only on his mission, but after. One thing that I enjoyed the most about his talk today is that he wasn't silly at all. He has a great sense of humor, but that doesn't mean you have to be silly. He isn't one of those young men that seems like a "boy" before his mission and then comes home a "man". I predict that he will come home a little older and with some wonderful experiences to share. But he is already a very strong leader and an excellent example of being 100% ready to go on a mission.
As you may or may not be aware, the housing market in our area is very slow. People are still buying homes, but at a much slower pace. Much, much slower. I'm am still confident, that I can make it through this slump as long as it picks up by the end of the year. It's scary times. I feel like I'm too old to start a new career, so I'm praying that I can make it through. Anyone need a nanny?
Today in church our speaker was a young man who is leaving in 10 days for his mission in Bolivia. This is a boy that had always stood out in a quiet, yet strong way among the other young men in our ward. He is confident, happy, and has no problem expressing his testimony of the gospel. In my opinion, he is a young man who not only meets the raised bar, I think he helped to raise it even more. I will be interested to see his progression, not only on his mission, but after. One thing that I enjoyed the most about his talk today is that he wasn't silly at all. He has a great sense of humor, but that doesn't mean you have to be silly. He isn't one of those young men that seems like a "boy" before his mission and then comes home a "man". I predict that he will come home a little older and with some wonderful experiences to share. But he is already a very strong leader and an excellent example of being 100% ready to go on a mission.
As you may or may not be aware, the housing market in our area is very slow. People are still buying homes, but at a much slower pace. Much, much slower. I'm am still confident, that I can make it through this slump as long as it picks up by the end of the year. It's scary times. I feel like I'm too old to start a new career, so I'm praying that I can make it through. Anyone need a nanny?
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