Holy Hanna

Dude the salt flats are 10 days away (11 if you count today)! I thought they would never come! I guess I should start planning what I need to do and take care of before the 14th. I'm SO excited!!!!!!!!! I found out that the per diem isn't going to change, so that is good, really good. . .


In other news I found out that there is an Archeology study abroad to Greece and Turkey in 2010. I WANT TO GO!!!!! I have been wanting to travel to Turkey forever. Greece will be AWESOME too. I just have to come up with the money. . . some how. OH I just have to plan, scrimp and save but it WILL be worth it. ooooo. . .I wonder if I get a tuition waver if I do it? It is a class. . .I know it wouldn't cover it all, but ooh. . .I hope!!!!

What so you say? (especially if you don't feel that bad)

So, I ran away today. . .and didn't get my laundry started until 10:30 pm tonight. I need undies for tomorrow and today when I left my neighbor was doing laundry. When I got home I discovered that there was still laundry in the washer. Sigh. So I was making a bunch of noise and took ALL of their baby's lovely diapers out of the washing machine. . .and hung them on the rack in the basement. Now, I don't know about what they did all day but I was gone. . .After I had the washer filled and most of my clothes in it she came down and was like: "Oh, those need to be washed again." I said to her, I'm sorry, I do need underwear to wear tomorrow. (Honestly I didn't feel that bad about it but I acted like I did. . .she had ALL DAY to wash those twice. . .oh well.) She said, its alright, I'll just wash them again tomorrow. So now the predicament I'm in. Do I stay up all night and do all of my laundry tonight? OR DO I just wait to do the rest of my laundry tomorrow evening or Monday. I think I'm going to stay up and get it all done. I think I only have one load left anyway if I do a large one with all my darks and lights together.

Oh and today I paid off my car!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It feels kind of liberating :D

P.S. I was thinking that the diapers really stunk when I hung them up. . .cause obviously they did! Just another reason for me NOT to use cloth diapers.

GRE prep time

Yeah, it is finally time for me to get studying for the GRE. Should have been doing it in the summer, but I moved and had SO much fun with my friends. SO in lieu of taking tons of classes for fun I am going to study and only take guitar.

Wish me luck. . .and luck that I can find my GRE test prep book. :)

I'm going to bed. . .FINALLY

I had to clean up my living room today since I found mold in it on Saturday night/Sunday morning and now my landlord's fix-it guy and my landlord are coming over tomorrow to check for hidden/further damage. I think they are going to have to replace the baseboard, good thing it is in parts so they don't have to replace it ALL on the one wall.

I cleaned up the mold on Sunday cause it was nasty and smelly.

I used my new vacuum since I only had a canister vacuum and it didn't pick up stuff very well. The collection compartment of the new one is completely full. . .Like I had never vacuumed. . .and the people before me never vacuumed. . .it is pretty gross but my floor looks pretty. :) Never underestimate the power of a good vacuum!

WHY!?!?!

I go camping. . .in an area with black BEARS. . .and flushing toilets. . .It rains. . .not too bad, but why after 3 months did I start TODAY???!!!!!!!! Supposedly when ladies are at that time of the month bears can smell them better. EW and scary. SCARY. Since I have had this continuing nightmare that I will go camping with my ward and we have to RUN from bears and get in vehicles for protection. . .yeah. . .it is very graphic and SCARY. Right before I left to go camping someone I work with told me that scary little fact about women.

SO, I am now home, waiting for my ibuprofen to kick in so I can sleep in my lovely soft bed, out of the rain (which was headed toward the camp site) and not have to worry about bears slashing through the thing fabric of a tent to get me. Oh and I really hope that the ibuprofen WORKS. . .on the first day sometimes it doesn't. :(

TMI

3 months and counting that I haven't had a period. . .I can't get in to see a NP until September 25 I would have had to wait until November to see an OBGYN (a woman) I don't want to go to a man for problems in woman land.

Almost

Ok, so this may not be exciting to any of you but, I am about 6 pound away from my pre mission weight. YEAH! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Struggling for health's sake

I hate fibro-whats-it. I hate that I don't sleep and my mind wakes up and goes okay. . .its 3 am or 4 am or 5:30 am wake up. WAKE UP! I'm gonna go a million miles an hour and there is nothing you can do about it! The worst thing about it is that I work at 8 freakin' am in the morning. . .when you are tired and hurt and don't desire to leave your bed since you haven't slept well in the past few days.

When I get this way I go back and read helpful websites on fibromyalgia to review what I *should* have done different and change my habits.

I hate today, and yet I have to keep going. :(

some days it is GREAT to be alive

I don't know what is going on but I feel great. WOW. I feel great. I haven't been able to say that in a very long time. Mostly I'm just tired, but a power nap is going to help that. A long while back when I was seeing a therapist weekly I didn't like myself, especially my body. I have come to realize that my living situation wasn't ideal, but I had to deal with it, and learn from it. Tami, my therapist told me bluntly that in order to help myself get to where I need to be in all aspects of my life I needed to learn how to love myself. It was something that I knew and yet had buried it along with everything else I had gone through in a relationship.

Lets go back to 2003 and talk about loving myself. I was dating Tad. Not a happy situation. I don't like looking back on my mistakes but I have learned so much from it. One of the greatest things I learned was that love goes a long way (it is probable one of the few positive things I can say about him. . . not much else). Having someone love me helped me learn to love myself. No longer did I think that no one could love me because of how I looked or felt.

Seven years later I have dug up the love. Heaven knows that it was buried deep. Locked in a box at the bottom of a cavern.

I have come further than I thought I would. It has been through many great people, some of which probably don't even know how much they have helped me. No longer am I the person that I was. It feels good to say. I can see parts of the path I am suppose to take more clearly than before even if I don't completely understand why. I will know someday looking back.

Part of loving myself is loving what I can accomplish, and what I have accomplished. It is not focusing on what I haven't accomplished. Case in point: Yesterday I stuck to my eating goals. YAY ME! You know what? I was rewarded by dropping 1 pound. Now, what didn't I do yesterday? Dishes or pick up my living room. You know what? WHO CARES. There is always today. Today I'm going to stick to my eating goals AND do my dishes. SEE? I can do one thing and then add onto it.

Today I feel good.

Scary Dream

I had this horribly scary tense dream last night. It involved people who no longer work where I work. It was twisted and I know it would never involve all the people that were in it. But it did involve "security." The weird thing was the whole thing took place in Target. I know weird weird weird. Two things I do remember was an office FULL of people at the back of the store and the yelling and shouting could be heard at the front of the store, even with the door SHUT. Anyway. weird.

oh my

Tonight I realized that many of my younger friends and I don't have tons in common. But I did have some DANG GOOD Aloo Gobi for dinner.

I haven't gotten my lesson done.

My entrails feel like they are going to become my extrails. . .I am trying to decide if it was the food or it is my period. It HURTS.

thats all. I'm going to bed now.

"Quotespiration"

My Friend Kim sent this to me:

"When fretted by this single life which seems to be my lot, I think of all the many men whose wife I’m glad I’m not!"

all I have to say is True that!!!!

Its about time. . .

I think it is about time to get a new computer. It is too bad I don't have any money right now. I'm just praying that my mac won't up and die on me. I think I have too much stuff on it and need to clear it off. If I want it to actually run a little faster than slow I have to restart it. I can't even have multiple tabs open in firefox any more. :( I love this little guy, I've had him since 2005.

catch up

There isn't much to write about my date on Monday. We had quiznos (he asked if I wanted to go dutch. . . not too happy about that. . .if you are going to offer to pay you should offer to pay for it all, not just yours) at a park and talked. It was nice. I made the mistake of asking if I could come to his show (today at 8 pm) he got uncomfortable. . .I could tell. . .like he didn't want me to attend. He then said, "You can, but I'm dating a lot of girls and they will be there. I don't want it to be awkward."

That did it. . .I didn't go tonight.

hmm. . .if there is even going to be a next move he will have to make it. I doubt there will be a next date. :( Too bad cause I kind of really like(d) him.

He is a nice guy so please don't rag on him in your comments.

Better

I have a date with a fun guy on the 6th. . .

Not the guy I asked out by text but a different one. . . :D


EXCITED.

I feel fat. . .I had a friend post a picture of me on facebook. . . U-G-L-Y

I gotta do more and better.

Study study study

For a long while I have been thinking about what I am going to do next in my life. I have several options. . .several that will not be mentioned right now. . .nor have they all been mentioned to many people.

I think that for any of my aspirations to be met I must begin studying very hard so that I can take the GRE and pass it with flying colors. More and more I am leaning towards Historic Preservation. Yes, someday I want to be a professor of history, but along the way there will be more job opportunities for me if that dream never comes true (I'm not being pessimistic, I just know that there are way more History PhD graduates out there than teaching positions avaliable. . .call me a realist. . .at least in that aspect). But then again, if it is suppose to be then it will happen.

I shouldn't stress over it since life is a journey.

I just need to start my studies so I will pass or oportunity will stop knocking and pass me by.

Check it!!!!! Top Gear on the flats!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The start guy in the blue denim long sleeved shirt is MY DADDY!!!!!

I'll really up date later, but for now. . .

I had a great weekend. I need to go to bed. And get over the fact that I have a MAJOR bad headache and feel like throwing up. Work tomorrow. Yay. . .I hope I feel better in the morning.

Skinny Mission Me in response to [inspire]ation

5 years ago (while on my mission) I looked like this. . .that was 55 pounds lighter than I am now. . .That was cause I was on bikes every other week. . .well in this area it was basically EVERY week (and I was active all day long). One day we even rode 25 miles. One day, after my mission, my mom and I sat down and figured out that I probably rode about 1,000 miles in all.

Super Cooper & I in Greensboro

Now I can't even pedal up a hill without getting winded (NC has hills. . .not mountains but hills that at first were hellish but I enjoyed riding them eventually. . . my companions hated hills). . .I love riding bikes. . .even in the rain. . .but I'm so out of shape that it is difficult since I kind of live on a hill. . .and to get to work I have to go up hill. . .dang mountains!

All I can say is LETS DO IT Steph!

I just keep thinking about it. . .

I love my car, she has taken me many places. But I keep thinking that it is time to get a different car. . .I don't know if I should. She is almost paid off and it is a good feeling. I probably wouldn't trade her in, but sell her so that I can get more money for her.

The question is what would I get to replace her? I really want some sort of SUV so that I can haul things. . .but don't want to pay tons of money for gasoline. . .Or maybe a truck? I don't know. It has just been on my mind a lot lately. I need to think about it some more before I really decide that I want to sell and buy a new vehicle.

What to do, what to do?

On the eve of the analog signal ending I sit here at my computer, having just discovered that my beloved local PBS stations do not have any of the interesting programs available online. Whats new, its not like my internet connection is fast enough to watch hulu or nbc online. . .nope I'm the lucky ducky who lives in a basement, has slow internet and wants to have my daily dose of PBS. What can you do? Not tons right? I have a few ideas of things to try but I'm not sure they will work.

It has come down to three choices:
1. No TV at all. . . :o(
2. Pay for cable or satelite. . . :o(
3. Figure out HOW to get a digital signal in a basement. . .

I think I'm going to try to stick with 3. Don't know how but it will work. . .some how. . .

I would also like to try to stay caught up with the news. . .other than on the internet.

However. . .I am thankful that I don't have roommates.

I have something to tell you. . .

I have been going to ward prayer and game night and fhe because there is this guy I kind of like. . .and I think it kinda-might-maybe be reciprocal. . .

That's all.

No details. . .I don't want to curse myself. . .OR get my hopes up. . .

I want to go swimming. . .

That's all.

What the heck is wrong with me?

I just feel so drained. Today has been the worst. I had a very nasty headache/migraine. . .I don't know if it truly was a migraine, but it was bad.

I did some more research on Fibromyalgia and environmental chemicals that can affect it. For the past few days I have had a feeling that I need to cut down on the harmful chemicals that I use on my body, like shampoo and conditioner. . .no I'm not becoming sunbelt granola girl! I just feel like the chemicals are affecting me negatively. Tonight (after I woke up at 6:30) I went to Good Earth to see if I could find some shampoo and conditioner. The nice thing was that I found some on sale! YAY! So I am very glad that I went. I also found some soap. . .We'll see how I feel in the morning after my shower. I am also looking at getting a shower filter since chlorine and other chemicals in water can affect how you feel too and I usually feel like crap after I shower. Hopefully that will help.

Because I had to. . .he is a local writer!

see more Fail Blog


I have met him and it makes me laugh and yet I'm a little sad all at the same time. . . Beware! Who knows what could end up on fail blog!

New beginnings

Here is a little update on my life. . .

I love my little apartment. It is so cute. I have finished unpacking the kitchen and will move on to my bedroom today. Some days I feel like pinching myself to know if it is really real. . .that I am on my own and enjoying it.

I have started my summer reading. . .I finished S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and since I never read Caddie Woodlawn I am reading it now. Up next Island of the Blue Dolphins and then Harriet the Spy and Matilda

During the move I managed to lose 4 pounds and have kept it off. . .so far!! YEAH! I do need to go grocery shopping though. . .fruits and veggies and yummy healthy things to eat would be good.

I was inspired by one of my friends on Monday at FHE. He has lost 36 pounds and looks great. He even started a group on Facebook to help others. I sent him a message yesterday and he messaged me back saying that he wants me to keep him posted (yay. . .someone I have to be accountable to!) I started it yesterday and plan to continue. Here is the deal:

NONE of the following:
No candy
No sugary drinks, I still drink juice but only simply juice. no concentrate.
No fast food
No ice cream
No white rice
No white bread
No bleached flour products, this include pastas and certain cereals.

This is what else he had to say: "What I have been eating is a lot of salads and sandwiches with whole wheat bread, lean meats and good cheeses like provolone. If I get mayo it's light mayo and it's the same thing with butter. If you snack do it smart, like veggies and stuff."

So I'm off like a hurd of turtles! JK!!!!

check it out

My new etsy shop. I don't have too much up, but it is a start!

dumb dumb dumb. . .

Things are going pretty well. . .
EXCEPT a whole list of things, two of the major ones being I don't have internet at home and my antenna on my TV won't pick anything up because I live in the basement and I bought a CHEAP antenna that worked.

I'm going home to knit and watch a movie and cry.

moving and new neighbors

Thank goodness for Elders quorums!!!! I had my last jewelry class yesterday and thought we wouldn't be able to move much because I am sort of a slacker and hadn't packed much. . . I got done with my class at 1:30 and ran home and began grabbing things out of my bedroom that could be taken over to the new place since I don't like boys in my bedroom. . .and it is still messy (that's what I am most ashamed about). The Elders came about 3. YAY!!!! I will be forever grateful for their help, big strong guys who carried my piano around back and got it through the house and even put it where I asked them. . .and Sky was kind enough to insist on "centering" it under the shelf on the wall (that was what I wanted but hadn't said). Apparently the legs of my piano also come off. . .who knew. . .obviously my mom and dad. . .super duper knowledgeable about moving pianos. I owe these boys (and probably my family) brownies. It would have taken my family HOURS to move what was moved yesterday.

I forgot to mention that I am so very thankful that the rain downpour was in the morning and it didn't really rain at all while we were moving.

I still have lots to do and move. . .I think my first priority will be getting boxes and furniture in the rooms where they belong. I wish I had asked for the 4 wheel cart to stay so that I wouldn't have to pick up and carry everything. I will probably ask my parents for it tonight when I go home for dinner.

I didn't do as much as my dad did and yet I hurt pretty bad and so I KNOW my dad probably hurts worse than I do.

This dream is coming true. . .it still seems unreal that I am moving and won't have roommates. It is becoming more and more concrete every time I go over to my new place. I get so excited!

Lost in the shuffle

I have neglected to write anywhere. . .journal. . .blog. . .anywhere. . .except my homework from my therapist. She is awesome.

Anyway I am just going to say that I am somewhat stressed that I have so much crap. . .and that I have to pack that crap up to move. I also feel very relieved that I am throwing things away. It feels good to de-junk.

My list is getting shorter. . .
My list of things that are packed:
Books (5-6 boxes)
VHS Tapes. . .yes I am old school kinda (see next item) (1 box)
DVDs (1 box)
CDs (1 box)
Unneeded but still used bathroom products (3 boxes. . .who has that much crap? Seriously?!?!)


I still have a large list to do, and yet it is getting smaller. YAY!

So there is my excuse of why I haven't posted here. . .wow.

Odd Bed Fellow

Last night I ripped apart my room so that I could find some missing things. . .I dumped some things on my bed and when it was time for bed I took it all off. . .or at least I thought I had. This morning I woke up and found this stuffed part way under a pillow. . .




I was half asleep when I said "what the heck?" and proceeded to leave it there intending to take a picture before I left. I found it tonight and thought I had to take a picture and post it cause I thought it was HILARIOUS!

Happy 200th entry!

Plants

I love them. . .a lot. . .they are my pets. . .and a heck of a lot easier to take care of too. . .I just bought 3 lovely new ones. . .a Passion Flower vine, an Angel Wing Begonia and a Cleopatra Begonia. I have yet to name them . . .I am SO excited for my own place and my plants! :D

Excuses Excuses. . .

Here are 12 of the most outrageous excuses employees have heard for being late to work:

1. My heat was shut off so I had to stay home to keep my snake warm.
2. My husband thinks it's funny to hide my car keys before he goes to work.
3. I walked into a spider web on the way out the door and couldn't find the spider, so I had to go inside and shower again.
4. I got locked in my trunk by my son.
5. My left turn signal was out so I had to make all right turns to get to work.
6. A gurney fell out of an ambulance and delayed traffic.
7. I was attacked by a raccoon and had to stop by the hospital to make sure it wasn't rabid.
8. I feel like I'm in everyone's way if I show up on time.
9. My father didn't wake me up.
10. A groundhog bit my bike tire and made it flat.
11. My driveway washed away in the rain last night.
12. I had to go to bingo.

ha ha ha. . .

see more Funny Graphs

This is for you Melissa.

There you happy? I posted.




























Ok, so I do actually have something to write, but I had to tease Melissa for harassing me about writing.

As some of you know Steph is moving south. I am moving north. . .not very far, but north none the less. I am excited and also VERY VERY nervous to be living on my own with out anyone else. . . It is going to be nice, but Satan is working very hard to try and foil the plan. . .That is one reason that I know it is RIGHT, he wouldn't be working so hard if it wasn't. I know I can do it and I don't want to deal with other girls since I seem to have run out of luck with roommates. I don't know. We'll see how I do. I'm sure that Julie could always move in with me if she wanted to share a room ;) We'll see what happens. I don't know why all of a sudden I'm insecure about it since I have wanted it for a long while.

Pay it forward winners.

Ok, so since I don't know how to contact all of you. . .MamaBear, Ehu, & Stewie. . .the winners of my pay it forward. I need you to leave me a comment including gold or silver preference, color preference and a type of jewelry that you like best (i.e. bracelet, necklace, or earrings) If you choose bracelet I need to know your wrist measurement and if you choose earrings I need to know pierced or clip.

There is your assignment. . .if you don't reply you leave me in the dark and I will produce something random that you may not like. . .or who knows, you might like it!

Um, no.

My room, is struggling since I haven't gotten it completely arranged since I moved into it. My things and Steph's things are still sharing the same space (I am patiently waiting for a roommate to MOVE out of the basement. . .so we can begin the whole roommate room shift.) Every time I plan on taking care of things on my day off I get sidetracked (insert depression here). I have discovered that I cannot just plan to do it because I usually end up giving up. Frustration ensues, and I get kinda depressed that I can't do it all at once. I do know that little by little is best for me and when I FEEL like doing something I better get going and make my room a little better.

So there you have it.

Food for thought

Tonight I was thinking about the things that have been happening on my dad's side of the family. Namely trying to use Gramps as a pawn. . .lame.

The point is that if we go out of this life angry at someone, we will carry that same anger into the next life. Pretty sobering isn't it? We will not just leave everything behind and start fresh, we will have all of the same feelings, emotions, wants, cravings etc as we do now.

Years in the making and almost done.

I have always wanted to learn how to play the harp. Buying a pedal harp has not been an option considering they can cost as much as a new small car. The year I graduated from high school I found a company that put together kits. I debated about getting one. I researched like crazy and even wrote a paper on lever harps that worked for 2 classes. I looked at renting one but that didn't pan-out. I got brave and went to my credit union and asked for a loan to buy a harp kit. That was almost 9 years ago. I received it and then began putting it together. I would spend as much time as I could on it. Life started happening and I put it on the back burner. Then I would pull it out once in a while. I hit some snags along the way, like a part on the sound board wasn't straight and I was heart broken. My lovely mommy bought me a new one because it wasn't salvageable and had the piece that was the problem glued on at the shop and drilled before it was sent to me. (I was heart broken and cried when I found out that the support piece was crooked and I didn't have the money to buy a new soundboard.) I went on a mission and it got wrapped in bubble wrap and got put in the basement. When I got home I pulled it out and began working on it again. I hit some snags and wasn't comfortable attaching one of the pieces so my mom eventually took it to one of our friends who does wood working and had him do it. Last night my mom called me and told me that he had gotten it together! YAY!!!. Now all I need to do is sand it down, apply the decoration and string it up. It is finally coming together and I am very pleased. I am kind of a musical instrument freak. . .I have 2 violins, 1 piano, 2 guitars (1 classical & 1 acoustic), 3-4 random percussion instruments that I couldn't help buying, and an ALMOST DONE HARP!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I give you a sneak peak of the style:

It is cherry wood like what is pictured above minus the carving on the side. I have a wonderful design that I drew that I will be putting on the sound board. When I finish it I will put some pictures up. School will most likely slow that process (and a cold garage will too). I was thinking about taking some summer classes, but I don't think I will. I want to finish it so bad. The only problem will be that if I were to take lessons I have no way of transporting it to and from, my car is not large enough to put it in. I need a station wagon or suv or something. . .I refuse to drive a mini van! :) I will just let the car problem float for a while until I finish it and have to take it somewhere for lessons.

One word

USING ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you.
1. Where is your cell phone? charging
2. Your significant other? what?
3. Your hair? ponytails
4. Your mother? home
5. Your father? home
6. Your favorite thing? torch
7. Your dream last night? no
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? live
10. What room you are in? bed
11. Your hobby? silver
12. Your fear? deer (no kidding)
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? successful
14. Where were you last night? home
16. Muffins? no
17. Wish list item? sleep
18. Where you grew up? b-town
19. Last thing you did? pics
20. What are you wearing? greenish
21. Your TV? PBS
22. Your pets? want
23. Friends? wonderful
24. Your life? adventure
25. Your mood? wishful
26. Missing someone? who
27. Car? great
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Your favorite store? freshmans
30. Your favorite color? many
33. When is the last time you laughed? class
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will resend this? what?
36. One place that I go to over and over? bathroom
37. One person who emails me regularly? steph
38. Favorite place to eat? Kitchen?
39. Why you participated in this survey? random

Pay it forward.

The RULES

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

2. Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your 3 Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!

p.s. i might ask the winners for some of their favorites in various areas, but yeah, i'm on board with this giveaway.

Assumptions

They are bad things. We all do it and in each of our own minds we are right, we are blinded. Our views are skewed from what we know and see and how we have grown up. Perception is everything to the individual. Perception is supposedly a personal reality. It does not mean that one or the other is right or has the right to be right all the time.

Assumptions. Think about it. It is usually six of one and half a dozen of the other but miss communication, inability to communicate clearly, or refusing to communicate is the main problem. I have had it ruin good relationships in my life (what I perceived as good). Pretty sad.

"If all of our problems were hung on a line you'd take yours and I'd take mine."

Just a little food for thought.

Chacos

Not much is happening right now in my life. I am getting antsy for spring and summer. Bring out the Sandals. . .more importantly the chacos for those of you who don't know what chacos are they are my favorite kind of sandals so comfy and supportive and kinda expensive but I only buy them on sale or clearance. . .I refuse to pay full price for them.

The first time I ever heard about them was on my mission from my greenie in Asheville, NC. She raved about them and I just had to find out what they were all about. A year after I got home I got a pair online. I didn't know what I was doing and didn't order them in wide. It was hard to get use to them and they were the style that had the toe loop. Not my favorite. They were hard to get use to, because they were not wide and also because of the toe loop, but I wore them for as long as I could. Basically until I noticed that the sole cracked and it was cracked to a point where they couldn't be repaired (up into the footbed). That was after I owned them for almost 2 years and wore them every where I could. (Did I mention that I LOVE SANDALS?) After they cracked they got demoted to water activities and did not get worn very much. I began looking for another pair to replace that one (which I still have. . .) I found them! A great pair of red and brown ones. I wore them EVERY DAY. . .just ask my family and my boss and co-workers. . .every day. Then I realized that if I did this they would wearout very fast. . .I realized that at the end of summer in 2007.

In 2008 I found 2 more pair (without toe loops) that were on sale and couldn't resist picking them up so that I wouldn't have to wear red and brown ones every day. I even picked up some black ones so I can wear them to church when my feet hurt too bad to put on sunday shoes. I now own 4 pair. . .and I want to wear them NOW!!!!

The biggest reason why I am addicted to them is that ALL of the straps adjust (disclaimer: all but the heel straps adjust, but those really don't need to be adjusted). AMAZING!! Don't believe me? Go to a sporting goods store that stocks them and try the many different styles on!!!! Or Google Chacos and go to the maker's site!

The last thing I have to say about them is yes they are plastic with nylon webbing, but you can throw them in the washer and then litterally pull them out and put them back on when the cycle is done. If you don't have time wait take some baking soda, water and an old toothbrush to the foot bed and gently scrub it out, towel dry and then put them back on!!! If they are really bad, both.

I really want to try some of the chaco shoes too, but, that might have to wait for a little bit.

I look forward to the chaco tan lines this summer!!! I went to the salt flats last year and got a FABULOUS tan from them!

My herbal tea recommendation

I like warm drinks in the winter, and in a very cold office. Also When I want to drink something other than water. The thing is, I love hot chocolate but can't afford to drink it money or health wise. I was at the store Monday when I thought about getting more cocoa, then I saw the herbal tea. I picked up two boxes. One had an overwhelming mint flavor. . .ick. . .it was called something like tension release or something. The other one was Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile. Usually I don't like tea because the fruity flavors are too weak, or the minty flavors are overwhelming.

I love vanilla and the honey is a great natural sweetener. I do add a little under teaspoon of sugar, I am trying to figure out how much I actually need. I think I will only add a tiny bit next time.

Interesting article on KSL

LDS leaders share their inaugural experience

January 21st, 2009 @ 10:03pm

By Richard Piatt

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, attended the President Barack Obama's national prayer service today at the National Cathedral.

The two leaders say they're hopeful and enthused about the change the new president has been talking about. From the campaign to the president's Inaugural address, President Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard say there are a lot of things that struck a chord with them. One of those things was the theme "Yes We Can."

President Obama invited a bigger-than-usual group of religious leaders to take part in today's prayer service, a tradition that dates back to George Washington, and the LDS leaders were among those asked to attend.

President Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard spoke with us outside the National Cathedral today. Both said they're enthused about President Obama's vision and goals. "We pray for his success to bring back prosperity, peace and strength to this country," President Uchtdorf said.

They also agree with the president that an opportunity to serve others is an opportunity to serve God. "It's building on the principals that Jesus Christ himself taught: to focus on the one, to help the one, to reach out to the one. The Church has done this to not only our members, but all the people around the world who are in need," President Uchtdorf said.

The two leaders also agree with the president's call for personal responsibility. "We all have a responsibility to help this great country recover," Elder Ballard said.

President Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard are both noticing common ground with the President Obama and finding themes the Church as an institution can support. "There are basic fundamentals of values -- family, honesty, integrity -- those things we all need to work to be the hallmarks of this great country of America," Elder Ballard said.

The prayer service included a mixture of prayers from different faiths, including excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address. All who were there shared in this historic week with a historic vision.

At the same time the church leaders say they're encouraged by the president's vision, they're careful about keeping their comments politically neutral when it comes to specific issues.

Read it here on KSL.

Meal Plans

I took this idea from Stewie. I want to try to get going on meal plans for the week so I can stop wasting money when I don't use foods and have to throw it away.

My goal is to pull it together and use left overs for lunch and maybe save some money while I'm at it.

I'm going to start with dinners and then later I will begin to do lunch and breakfast. . . this is just the beginning.

Monday:
Dinner with whats on hand. Spinach and cheese ravioli with turkey burger and tomato sauce. Green Salad. Canned peaches in its own light syrup.

Tuesday:
Tacos
Taco Shells, re-fried beans, turkey burger, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Cottage cheese with canned fruit in light syrup.

Wednesday:
BBQ Chicken, oven roasted veggies, whole wheat bread, applesauce.

Thursday:
Pork cooked in vinaigrette, quinoa, green salad, canned pears

Friday:
home made pizza, green salad, fresh fruit

Saturday:
crock pot chicken, steamed veggies, strawberries and evaporated milk

Sunday:
Dinner at mom and dad's

Check it out

I have posted some of my jewelry on a blog. There are no prices and they are just earrings for right now, but they are there none the less. Check it out! Knotty Jewels

And just for fun, the other site.

Ode to the 4x4

Ok, not really.

Oh, that I was the owner of that most wonderful machine of Gramps's. I borrowed his truck for the weekend so that my dad could have my malibu's tires rotated and balanced. If I had the money I would buy one. I love being up high and and not having other vehicles' lights in my eyes. It was loverly. The power behind it was great also. I put $10 worth of gas in it since it was at half a tank and I didn't know how much it would take to cover for the weekend. $10 filled it the rest of the way up! The truck has maybe taken 1/4 of a tank and that includes going from mom and dad's house back home and then going to classes at the university and some small trips on the side. Not bad. I was expecting worse mileage.

I am going to be pretty sad when I have to turn it back over when I go to b-town after church tomorrow. Sad day, I mean, I love my malibu but I have really enjoyed driving a truck. I am kind of a truck girl. Not a country girl, but a truck girl.

Cyrano de Bergerac

I wish I had started watching this show at the very beginning. It is very entertaining. I'm not really a fan of 17th Century settings, but it is very very very good. Freakin' hilarious is more like it, and somewhat sad also.

Resolutions

This year I am really into resolutions. The fact that I will actually be writing down my goals actually means something. Means I plan to keep them! The other thing is that I will only be making 4 instead of the long unmanageable lists that I have made in years past.

1. Follow a plan for eating healthy.
I have been attending therapy and my therapist suggested a book for me to read. It really was a great answer to prayers on a way to eat healthy using the word of wisdom as my food guide. The book is called Lean & Free 2000 by Dana Thornock. To start out I am going to use her five fingers method of eating right since some of the other things she writes about doing seem overwhelming right now. Five things at each meal water, protein, veggies, grain, & fruit (the veggies aren't required at breakfast).

2. Exercise for 30 minutes 6 days a week.
I will probably have to work up to this but it will be worth it in the long run. I plan to start by taking a class. . .thank goodness for free classes from the university. I use to be big into weight lifting in high school and want get back into it so I am taking a 2 day a week class. I plan to either swim, walk, or participate in any other aerobic activity. I am going to join a gym so I can swim since it will be easier on my body.

3. Stick to a financial plan.
I had a cash only system going really well and then I began to use my debit card. . .no good. I liked the cash system and have had thoughts of getting rid of my debit card completely. I am going to begin the cash system again since it is so much easier to control spending when there is nothing left in an envelope. It feels GREAT to know where your money is going.

4. Morning Prayer & Scripture study
I am going to get up at 6 am and study the scriptures for a half hour each morning. My day goes so much better after study and praying.

I know that some of these goals are going to be difficult, but I KNOW that my life will improve through the effort made to meet these goals.

51.5

What Have You Done? To participate, just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. It's kind of fun!!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars (I have this really COOL tent that if you take the rain fly off it is just mesh on top.)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (I had a tomato plant. . .I got 2 yummy tomatoes off of it)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (I have been to Venice but it was too expensive to ride a gondola)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

I'll tell you what I want. . .what I really really want. . .

Christmas was great. Time with the family. New TV!!!! YAY!!!

We also got snow. Which gets me to what I want. . .I want a 4x4. Dang, there was tons of snow and the roads were snow packed from yesterday. The problem is that I don't have much extra money to throw at another vehicle and I love my chevy malibu. I have really been afraid to drive in the snow because of other people and the fact that sometimes the snow hits the bottom of my car. I have found a few 4 wheel drive vehicles that are under $1000 but I am still iffy about things. I don't know, I just know that the utah snow is horrible and I hate driving it and go figure I love it all at the same time. I also like vehicles that are higher up than a car so that the lights aren't in my eyes.

Its snowing, I hurt, I'm tired, and everyone is waiting. . .

I came home from work early since I don't feel well. Lets blame the weather, not eating extremely well, and I'm tired.

So. . .I sit cuddled in blankets typing what my audience wants to read.

My semi-blind date
. . .and no I don't mean that he was blind either! ;)

Lets start at the very beginning. . .before the date. My co-worker kind of set us up. . .by kind of set up I mean she told us about each other and gave him my phone number and told him to call me. She showed me pictures of him on facebook and said that she gave him my phone number. I was kind of scared, so I thought well, we could get to know each other on facebook. That was about a month ago, and nothing had happened. I was thinking, you know wait until after finals and such. Finals week ended on December 12th and I waited. . . and waited and waited. . .I am somewhat impatient. . .and it got to me. So I sent him a e-mail on facebook on Monday. He replied on tuesday.

We went to Bistro 258 because I had a gift certificate (yummy food!) and went to see Australia. Both of which were great. The WW2 sceenes in Australia were fictionalized, but it was good anyway. . .action and romance are usually a good combination for me. Besides, if you want a little eye candy Hugh Jackman is your man. . .Mmm Mmm good! I had to remember I was on a date and not say anything about his hotness. Hey Melissa this one is for you . . . ;) He is a tall glass of cold water! hee hee.

We talked about everything at lunch/dinner (we went at 2:45). Family, school & grad school, food, cooking. . .life in general. He is such a sweet positive person. I want to get to know him better. He is kind of shy though, which is okay. He told me about his accident (he is paralyzed) and how thankful he is that he doesn't have brain damage. WOW, very positive! He always smiled and has great blue eyes. I know that to many girls it matters that a guy who they go on a date with is in a wheelchair. I had no problem with it, I really didn't see it, I just saw him.

When it was over he made sure my car was still there (I parked in 2 hour parking not realizing that the show in 2 hours and 45 minutes) and we hugged and went our separate ways. The rest is history.

I would like to get to know him better and I hope that he thinks about asking me out.

Now I'm to the point of over thinking things. . .but I don't need to. Friendship is a great place to start.

. . .

My eyes are not focusing and my vision is fuzzy. . .lack of sleep.
I have a date at 2:45 for lunch/dinner and a movie. . .Australia. . .this should be interesting since it is a semi blind date.

More to come. . .later. . .and I don't know what that means.

Duck, Duck, Goose!

I've been tagged:
I was tagged by: Steph
I am: excited
I think: I should get on the ball and make more jewelry
I know: I am loved! (dito. . .the fact that I am actually typing this is proof.)
I want: to be debt free
I have: a great job
I dislike: grapes
I miss: hugs from boys
I fear: darkness
I feel: comfortable
I hear: the CPU hum
I smell: old books. . .Love that smell!
I crave: chocolate covered cinnamon bears.
I cry: when I am lonely
I search: for meaning
I wonder: what I am going to do for the rest of my life
I regret: lots of things but I don't focus on them
I wish: my student loans were paid off
I love: to make people happy through service
I care: for my family and friends
I always: worry
I am not: a feminazi
I remember: a lot about my mission these days. . .everything seems to remind me of it.
I believe: that my prince will come?
I sing: alto. . .we are the best!
I don't: want to be coerced into doing things
I argue: too much
I write: to release emotions
I win: your heart
I lose: desire if it takes to long to accomplish something
I listen: well
I don't understand: why I have fibromyalgia
I can usually be found: at work or in my room
I forget: often
I am happy: to be your friend

I tag: Ashley, Melissa, Carianne, Sarah, and random readers everywhere!

My daddy is cute

So, I just have to say that my dad sent me a link for and article on etsy from KSL. He called me to ask if I had checked my e-mail and got the link. I have been working on jewelry to sell for extra income. He was so excited and it is cute that he is trying to help me. . . :oD (I knew about etsy but I have been hesitant about getting an account there because I don't have the confidence that my jewelry will sell there. I also don't have a credit card I want to be charged for listings and such.) I am going to start a blog with all of my jewelry and have in home shows. I already have people who want to come.

as of late

I have noticed that with guys. . .they are like parking spots. . .all the good ones are taken and the rest are just handicap.

Not really, but I am super excited for church tomorrow and so I should go to bed. Thank goodness I don't have to teach a lesson! For some reason I feel like I am more myself and am not down on myself. YAY for that!!!

I need company name ideas

It has come down to this. I am now, officially getting into the jewelry business. Beads at first and then eventually handmade silver jewelry. I have one, only one idea for a name. (My first name)'s Jewels which in my opinion sound lame and not very fun. Any one have suggestions? PLEASE!

For Ashley!

7 things I can do:
1- Play the Guitar
2- Play the Violin
3- Sew. . .yes sew, you would be surprised how many people my age can't!
4- Rock climb
5- Be a Cheeky Monkey :oP
6- Ice Skate/Roller Blade/Roller Skate
7- Make silver jewelry someone wants to buy!

7 things I can't do:
1- Ski (reason #1 why I snowboard and LOVE it!)
2- Tell a lie with a straight face
3- Play the piano in public. . .I have one and I actually play it sometimes but NEVER in public.
4- Play cords on the guitar (yet)
5- Have caffeine. . .in huge amounts. . .like in a coke. I really shouldn't even have chocolate
6- Sit still. I'm always wiggling or fidgeting
7- Chin ups

7 things that attract me to my hubby:
1- I
2- am
3- not
4- married
5-
6-
7-

7 things I always say:
1- "I'm not surprised."
2- "I'm sorry."
3- "I'm going upstairs PBS."
4- "I want a puppy!"
5- "I wish I had a hedgehog."
6- "I usually watch PBS"
7- "Do you want to know what I bought?"

7 things I love to eat:
1- fresh bread
2- Chocolate Oreo mint shakes
3- Cold cereal with frozen strawberries (ICE COLD MILK!!! YUM)
4- Take 5 Candy bars (ditto!)
5- Corn on the Cob with butter, salt, and pepper
6- Spaghetti Squash. . .mmm mmm good!
7- Fruit. . .except grapes, pears and apricots oh, and sometimes apples. . .ew.

Fab 5 Survey Friday?

Five things...

5 things I was doing 10 years ago ...
1- In my Junior Year of High School
2- Playing the Violin in a Youth Symphony
3- Not believing in myself
4- Sleeping in a TINY Bedroom
5- Watching my mommy receive cancer treatment and not being able to do anything to help.

5 things on today's "to do" list...
1- Make it to work [check]
2- Clean up the Reading Room [check]
3- Sleep
4- Pack up and go to b-town
5- Make a necklace I dreamed about.

5 snacks I enjoy...
1- Oranges
2- Carrots & Ranch dip
3- Sugar snap peas
4- Hot Chocolate
5- Peanut Butter

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire...
1- Get out of debt
2- Buy a house with a garage and separate workshop on an acre of land
3- Set up a jewelry shop and pottery studio
4- Save/Invest
5- Donate money for a New Special Collections and Archives building at work

5 places I have lived...
1- Sacramento California
2- Warrensburg Missouri
3- Titusville Florida
4- Asheville North Carolina
5- Brigham City Utah

5 jobs that I have had...
1- Pizza Maker at Papa Murphy's
2- Test Proctor
3- Receptionist
4- Project Researcher
5- Manuscript Processor

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

Melissa, Ashley, and 3 other random people who read my blog!

New "Toys"

I am addicted to jewelry making. . .especially silver smithing. I was lazing in bed this morning thinking of how I could get a torch for annealing and soldering and such. . . I managed to find one for under $100 (including shipping)!!!! How exciting is that? Of course I purchased it. Now all I have to do is get an oxygen tank and a propane tank and a soldering board and regulators!

I present you with my NEW TOY which will arrive in 2-5 business days.

Oh deer

I don't know if I have written about this before, but I am terrified of deer when I am in the car and especially while I am driving.

A long time ago when I was a senior in high school (1999-2000) I got hit by a deer on opening day of deer season. . . yes I GOT HIT, no not I hit a deer, but I got hit. . . I was on a dark country road lined with corn fields at about 8 pm after a photography club event. Technically I didn't get hit, but Buttercup our wonderful old, now passed on, dodge caravan got hit in the driver's side door. I was was the only one in the car listening to 89.1 fm. . .yes classical 89. . . they were playing Spanish dance music. . .probably classical guitar music. Needless to say, I was traumatized!

Fast-forward. . .October 30, 2008 Almost to the day I was hit last. . .I was driving to wal-mart at 6 pm on Thursday on a well traveled road, not even thinking about deer. I was the last car in a group of random travelers, the others were probably 50 to 100 feet ahead. No one to the the left. Out of nowhere a doe ( I think deer of the feminine persuasion have it out for me!) comes running from the right. I freaked and didn't know what to do. . .I was going 65 (the speed limit) and hyperventilating and adrenaline rushing all at once. The reason I don't drive on that road at night is because of the deer that like to cross it in front of cars! It wasn't dark so I thought it was safer. . .but it was almost dusk. (Duh cupcake, hey I was having a hard day as it was so I probably wasn't thinking clearly.) I swear that I did not even think to turn the wheel, but I drifted left as the doe slowed down and veered right a little. I didn't get hit but it freaked me out. I do realize that I was protected and am so thankful for it!!!

Return to sender

So, I didn't get accepted to the masters program that I thought I wanted to be in. . .

I was at work when I got the e-mail. I had been thinking about the program and wasn't sure I really wanted to go through with it. SO, now I am going to work on taking the GRE and apply to multiple universities for a masters in history. All I really want to do is teach college.

Amazing

I made it up a 100 ft climb today.
The Lord knows and loves me.
I FINALLY have a calling!!!!







More info to come later. I'm tired.

Revelation on post-it notes

I have been some-what preoccupied with how I am going to be able to afford to pay on my student loans which come due in November (an even start grad school in January [I'm still waiting to hear]). Scary! The reason why I am so worried is I will not have a raise this next year and I am not making tons of money.

This morning I woke up and there was a post-it note at the head of my bed with a quote from President Heber J. Grant quoted by Sheldon F. Child of the Seventy that I had written down. It is AMAZING how the Lord works. The quote is from the May 2008 Ensign article called "The Best Investment."

Here it is:

"President Heber J. Grant stated, 'I want to say to you, if you will be honest with the Lord, paying your tithing and keeping His commandments, He will not only bless you with the light and inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you will be blessed in dollars and cents; you will be enabled to pay your debts, and the Lord will pour out temporal blessings upon you in great abundance. ' "

The two parts in red are what I had written down. I had completely forgotten that quote.

Jewelry Class

I started a jewelry class last night. I LOVE it. My teacher asked if I had ever done anything with metal like it before because I did it so well. YAY me!!! We were each given a scrap of metal to square up. I did it faster than the rest of the ladies in the class and almost had to start on another one. Yeah, our teacher is male and all of the class member are female. It is kind of funny but fun all at the same time.

We started a using copper to learn and practice making rings. I managed to smash my thumb. . .I would have had 2 blood blisters but one of them popped, so I bleed profusely and the other one stayed in tact. I washed the cut like 10 times last night because I was paranoid that there might be metal inside.

An now I give you pictures.








and the thumb

Life is an Adventure

Kip's comment on my last entry made me really think about how everyone is different and AWESOME in their own way.

Thinking of people who read my blog. . .or at least I think read my blog ;) my list is thus:

Kip: Awesome because she has the ability to love and CARE FOR animals. (and she loves books)

Laurie: Awesome because she is a stay at home mommy and webmaster for websites she created. She also is a wonderful cook.

Stewie: Care for family and work at home. . .that in and of itself would kill me. She is also great for letting us stop by when we are in the area.


Nasty Butler: Letting me bum around with them when she and Steph hangout randomly (and picking me up when she didn't have to). Also she is a really cool artist.


Steph: I'm tempted to say she is my sister. . .enough said. . .but I can't. She puts up with me when I'm stupid and end up putting my foot in my mouth. She is THE BEST designer I know. . .No, she is not the only one I know, but she is the BEST! The list is long long long. . .so "One and two should be good enough."

Missliza: She also puts up with my crap, and is the RS president in her branch (scary calling!). She is obsessed with Jane Austin (good for her. . .I tease her for it). When she wants to learn about something she is so "diligent" that she becomes obsessed.

Bossy McFlossy: Need I say more? She is my boss and puts up with my cheeky monkey-ness. She has never gotten mad at me when I really think that she could have. Patience. . .that sums it up.

Did I miss anyone?

Statement of Purpose, Rock Climbing, Beads

In that order. . .

After a LONG plague of writer's block I finally finished my Statement of Purpose and sent it to UW Milwaukee. . .overnighted it to be exact. Who knew that 2 pieces of paper would cause me so much stress and grief. . .and 16.50? I think historians are procrastinators at heart. . .I am trying to break that habit.


Rock Climbing. . .the class. . . To be truthful I have been hesitant about the class and that is why I waited to take it until it doesn't count for anything. I have gained weight since I went last and my biggest fear has been that there wouldn't be a harness to fit me. . .and my fat legs. . . I found one online for about $30 Sweet deal! It isn't fancy schmancy, but it fits me. I got to class yesterday and there were all of these sticks with boobs freshmen girls and some guys. . .I was the largest person in the class. . .until Dr. W walked in and I knew that I could rock climb if he could. . . he is not a small man and so it made me feel better. We spent time going over the syllabus and learning technical terms. . .and tying knots. . . sweet! At the end of class he said that despite physical/genetic make up ANYONE can climb. . .YAY!!!! I am pumped. . .I really wish that we had class next week though because I want to get started!

I am going crazy. I just want and need to sit down and bead some stuff to sell. The problem is that some of the things I want to do require sterling silver wire. . .that I don't have. So I went to Joanne's and Michael's to see if they had any in the gage that I want. . .no. . .Looks like I am going to have to just get it online. SAD!!! I did buy a wire jig though. . .I think I did at least. I also bought some more beads because several ideas came to mind when I looked at them. I should get an esty site or sell them on e-bay or something.

Stress, oye ve

Wow, I have a fabulous writers block, making it so that I cannot mail my Statement of purpose. . .pooh bottoms. . .it is due on Monday (I know that Monday is a holiday but still that is when its due). I am waiting for advice on how to proceed.

Last night I had to go to a guitar practice session with my trio that lasted for almost an hour and a half. . .not good. That combined with neglecting my sleep and stress has worn me down and I fell asleep at 10:00 hoping that the writer's block would be gone in the morning. . .nope. 6 am came and I still couldn't produce. It is DUE MONDAY!!!! What am I going to do?

On top of that I was a little disturbed last night by the fact that 1. I have now been playing the classical guitar for one year. 2. My friend from the class told me that she is bi. . .(honestly I had to make sure I knew what bi means because I was tired and stressed so when I got home I looked it up) I am not anti, she is what she is but I didn't know and it came up out of the blue. 3. The guy that is playing with us in the trio thought we both had husbands and children. 4. The biggest shocker is that she thought I am like 22. (What a surprise, people usually think I am OLD.)

So yeah. . .oh, and today ROCK CLIMBING! But I'm tired. . .good thing they don't do anything on the first day of class.

Death, Pimples & Change.

Before I left my parent's house I said bye to Gramps. He told me something like don't go too far. I kind of rattled me because sometimes people know when the time is short. I wanted to cry on the way home, but I couldn't because I know that everything will be okay, somehow.

Other news:

I have a pimple in my ear that hurts like the dickens. . .I'm going to blame that one on the hike I took last Monday since I fell and skinned my knee. . .and ripped a whole in my pants. . .good thing I was wearing pants and not shorts.

I'm moving. . .downstairs. I figure that I can save money and maybe the distance will help me and my sister. . .sometimes we get very impatient with each other. My current room just might be rented to the friend of a girl who is renting the other upstairs room.

hmm

I am very confused, and such. . . and I have no idea.

More later. . .possibly.

I was logged in and found this. . .It made me happy!

Class Standing:

Post Baccalaureate

Mis-directed rage and remorse that follows

The whole roommate thing has been a struggle and I wish earlier that we had talked to the culprit and not been angry at the person in the middle. Now I know things that I wish I knew then, like how much I really will miss Natasha if she leaves, and how much the things I did and said really hurt her, even the things that I never said to her but to others about her. I was wrong. I want to cry so bad it hurts. Why do I always let myself get this far only to realize that I have hurt some one that I love and still want to be my friend, but I'm not sure that will happen. We had some wonderful times, and some hard ones, but the good always outweighs the bad, and I wish with all of my heart that I had realized that before.

the case of the missing tampons

yes, missing. . . i had basically a whole box and it is now less than half full and I didn't use them all. . . If I ask about it I will most likely be lied to. Just fess up to it and don't do it again that's all I ask!

Why am I so stressed

I have been trying to figure out the reason that I am so stressed. . .I don't FEEL stressed, but my body is telling me otherwise.

I have come to a couple of conclusions. The first being that the past few weeks have been stressful because of the roommate situation. It has been nice this week because the 2 of them are gone. . .well the one roommate and the one guest are gone. I don't know how to take this but I don't want to be stressed while living here. What to do? I'm thinking about having the roommate make good on the promise that her guest will only be at the apartment sporadically until Jill moves out and we have another room available. I know she will probably go into a rage but I really can't handle the fact that it has been this long and I was walked in on in the bathroom on Sunday morning. . .the door was shut!!!!!!! (the lock on the door doesn't latch.) Communication is key and since there hasn't been any. But DUH!!!

The second stress conclusion is that I haven't been able to work as much overtime as I need to.

I'm not sure what to do about the first problem other than move which isn't an option. I have started to be better on the overtime though. Just thinking about the roommates coming back gives me a headache. . .What do you do?

Incredibly Amazing

I had THE BEST day at church today. I forgot to fast. . . :( but I learned so much and I know that the lessons were inspired, they were what I needed to hear. I know the people who gave them don't read my blog, but here is a shout out of a great big thanks to them!!!

Also I love the people in the ward, and I know that is where I am suppose to be. I had someone talk me into going to our super summer activity on Thursday through Saturday. . .YAY! I'm going, but going to come home early on Saturday so that I can make it to our family reunion at 11. I guess when it rains it pours in regards to things to do on the weekends.

I also told a guy that he has incredibly amazing blue eyes. Then he winked at me. . .(I was only telling him the truth)

Thats all.

Why I want to move

I have been talking and talking about moving but haven't made any effort to move. Well it has come to this. . .a list of reasons WHY I want to live on my own and now I'm actively looking.

1. This reminds me of Dashboard Confessional's song "Your hair is everywhere" Literally some of my roomies have VERY long hair. . .I have found it in my sheets, my underwear, wrapped around my little toes, clumps on the floor, I throw away huge clumps from the shower. . .SO GROSS!

2. I want to be able to use the shower anytime day or night and get out without having to put clothes on to walk to my room.

3. I want to use all of the kitchen and not feel guilty when I am.

4. I want to deep clean the house and not have people come home and take it for granted and dirty it and not clean up after themselves.

5. I think if I were to live alone I would be able to regulate my bedtime schedule and my food habits by not feeling like I was taking over the kitchen, and not running all over Timbuktu to do things.

6. When you live by yourself the only person that will lie to you is yourself.

7. QUIET. . .need I say more?

8. People don't use your stuff without asking. . .namely shower products.

9. I can have more plants

10. I don't leave dirty dishes laying around for ants to get at.

11. I want a place for all of my things. . .a proper place.

12. Somewhere closer to campus so that I can walk or ride my bike to work easily and not have to go 2 miles one way up and down hills.

There are more but I need to go shower and get to grandmas house so I can do my laundry and be cool today. . .and work.

GRR. . .

13. I can shower whenever I want to and not have to worry about someone being in the shower when I plan to shower.

14. I don't have to worry about an over crowded fridge because of the stuff I buy when I go shopping.

15. My personal bath towel can stay in the bathroom and not have to live in my bedroom so that it doesn't get used by the other roomies who I share the bathroom with. EEW!!!

16. I don't have to shove most of my life into a roughly 11x12 room.

can I get 93?

Our air conditioner is still broke-d. One of our roomies turned it on and who knows how LONG it had been blowing HOT AIR and it was 90-freakin'-2. Special. . .Now I am wishing that it was 85.

hotter than hades

Oye, for the 3rd day now our apartment has been HOT HOT HOT and the air conditioner is BROKEN. The landlady's fix-it guy is working to get it going again but it is slow going because he needs a part and who knows when it will arrive. He has been really kind and I guess he can fix it somehow so that it will turn on and blow cold air in the evening. I don't know how people live without air conditioning. . . inside their houses. I feel lethargic and don't want to do anything and yeah. Not even cook. . .and I love to cook. Hopefully this will get fixed tonight.


I go to work to relax.

Cupcake's Cupcakes

I have been trying to figure out how to earn more money so that I can pay off my bills. . .other than selling my plasma and such.  

I have taken a cake decorating class and really enjoyed it.  I have been thinking about finishing out the wilton courses and possibly starting a small cupcake/cake business. . . It occured to me yesterday that I could do this, but I am lost at how to start after I finish the classes.  The other problem is a place to do all of this as I share a kitchen with 4 other girls. . .I don't want to use the kitchen I have. . .I even have some really fun ideas that I haven't seen done before and I wouldn't mind specializing in low-sugar, and no sugar added options for people like me.  

Any Ideas?

He makes me laugh sometimes

Ok, so you know how little kids look at you with these totally adorable faces with quizical looks. Gramps did this before I left Mom and Dad's house tonight. I was so cute, I love it when that happens. I was in the bathroom, when Steph left and Gramps thought I was leaving then too, so he got up and rushed over to his walker so he could stop me and give me a hug and kiss before I left. He gave me one of those looks when I came back into the kitchen and asked where he was going, so I got 2 hugs and kisses, one before I thought I was leaving and one when I left.

In other news church was great and I'm an official member of the ward now that they have my membership records. I am discovering how many friends I really have in the ward and that it is very different from when I was there before. There are more outgoing people and it is GREAT.

Tonight I emailed U of W Milwaulkee to find out some details on their SOIS program for a masters in library science because I knew that a phone call is never going to happen. Hopefully I hear back from them tomorrow.

Tomorrow I officially start my back on track weight watchers. I prepared many things yesterday and look forward to the yummy food!

Quetzalcoatl Priestess. . .ain't she beautiful?  hee hee.

New Ward FHE

I just have to say I LOVE MY WARD!!!  Yesterday I was completely overwhelmed by many things at work, including that I have get to do overtime equaling 75 hours a month.  (At least I don't have to do everything my boss does plus overtime.)  I went home and one of my roommate claimed I had an attitude problem, because I looked at her with a why-the-heck-did-you-say-that faces when she said something about not watching channel 7 or 11.  That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.  It put me in a funk that I almost didn't get out of.  I was feeling lower than dirt and wasn't going to go to FHE but the thought of getting a priesthood blessing became very appealing so I met at the church to go. 

I drove myself so that I could leave when I wanted to instead of having to wait to leave with someone.   I was just kind of wandering waiting for the chance to ask someone for help and looking for a group of people to hang with since I am sort of a floater.  I introduced myself to the bishop since I hadn't yet actually talked to him, but I didn't have the courage at first to ask for a blessing.  It was later in the evening that he asked if I had gotten something to eat that I asked for a blessing.  Then the usual question of is everything ok? was asked and tears started to well up and I told him that I have been stressed lately because of work and I have been feeling overwhelmed with the amount of things that I have to do that are also not work related. 

He found a place to  give me a blessing but before he gave me one he asked how my health was, and we talked about fibromyalgia and depression.  We also talked about old roomie that is still in the ward and how I feel and how she probably feels.  I wasn't intending on telling the bishop about it but I did.  I didn't tell him however about not knowing if I should get my MLIS and that has been weighing heavily on my mind as the application date is september.  

After the blessing I told him about the MLIS because I was told to carry through with my plans and studies and I knew he was probably wondering why that was since I told him that I am finished with school.  He told me that he wanted to continue to meet with me to make sure that I am ok health wise and such. 

I am glad I went cause after all of these people started to talk to me and I really enjoyed myself.

I am doing so much better and I now have a plan of how I am going to do overtime and make up hours.  

the end

Today at the lake was wonderful. The ward is wonderful. I have wonderful friends who tried to teach me how to waterski. The drive was lovely and now I am going to bed. I will write more about it later.

New stuff

So far today I have had 2 adventures.

The first one I have been contemplating for awhile, but since I had surgery I haven't felt up to ACTUALLY doing it. I walked to Harrison and caught the bus. I was worried that I wouldn't get to the stop before the bus so I left like 20 minutes early to walk. I waited at the stop for about 10 minutes. There is a bench at the stop, and so I comfortably waited and listened to my ipod. As I was leaving one of the neighbor ladies was also leaving and she is so nice that she offered me a ride. I thanked her but turned her down because I want to walk to force myself to exercise, besides, I like to be outside. (Steph says I'm a closet granola girl and some of the roomies agree) I kinda agree, I blame it on my mission and bikes.

The second adventure was that I tried blueberry yogurt and liked it. I haven't been adventurous with blueberries because everything I have ever had them in hasn't been my favorite.

Happiness

Today I went to a different ward for church. The ward I am suppose to be in, the one in which my apartment is in (not the roomies, but the apartment). On Saturday I started to mentally freak-out because of the anxiety of seeing an old roommate who still attends the ward even though she no longer lives in the ward.

I have agonized over the decision to leave the b-town ward and find a ward where I can have friends and enjoy going to activities without spending so much on gasoline. I had decided on going to the 13th ward, that is in a different stake, but after praying about it many times the answer came as no. When I explained myself, and my thinking to the Lord that I need friends and a social life where I live the response was, "You have friends in the 11th ward, and you live in those boundaries." Enough said. . . only I have been putting going there off, until today.

I was surprisingly early, and I saw 2 of my friends, which was a relief, and they were excited to see me. One of them asked me to sing with the choir, as they needed altos for one of the hymns on the program, I said yes, but at the time I didn't realize that they were singing TODAY. . .it was okay though. That was fine though since I knew I couldn't sit on a tin chair for 2 hours because it was the 5th Sunday combined thing. . . which I dislike anyway. . .bleh (I usually come away from it very disappointed since I usually forget it is that Sunday and don't get spiritually fed as well as I would like [my own problem I know]).

So that was my return to church. . .my ward. The happiest thing was I saw big-in-japan, he makes me happy since he is so nice, he too, was excited to see me. I was surprised to see him though because he had talked about leaving the ward, but I guess since he is executive secretary he doesn't have to leave the ward since he is part of the bishopric technically. He makes me happy, he needs to find a great girl, he deserves a great girl.

I this morning when I got up again I prayed for love and acceptance and peace and more stuff concerning the old roommate. I was so blessed, because I have prayed for awhile that I may not be angry about things that were said, and such. I do not feel anger or hatred towards her, I know it will be hard, because I know that I am still fragile in that area but there is no need for me to hate. I really feel more of a compassion and charity towards her, sorry for things that have happened and how they happened. It is a wonderful feeling.

Getting back on track. At church I was so happy and felt that I am were I should be. I am still happy, I haven't had a great Sunday in a long time. In choir practice I made a new friend who is my age. . .that doesn't happen very often, usually they are older or younger, but she is my same age. . . When it was time for sacrament meeting I was relieved that the ward has shrunken some and they didn't have to open the overflow. (BIG wards intimidate me) There are some new faces and old, which is a good mix. I also saw one of my friend's ex-husband, it saddened me that they got divorced. . .especially since I know that part of it was over money. I also saw the old roommate. . .no eye contact was made. As I sang with the choir I glanced over the audience I noticed her, and that she would not look up while I was up there, I also noticed that she left right after church, unusual since she is usually a mingler. This is going to be hard since she probably hates my guts, but I don't know, what I do know is that things will work out, somehow.

My new friend saw me sitting alone in the chapel before Sacrament meeting started, and she sat by me. :D It really helped me and once again made me happy. She also brought a friend with her, someone I knew from the b-town ward long ago. . .very long ago. YAY!!! New friend and old friend want me to sit with them when I don't have anyone to sit by. New friend told me that she is 27 and has moved 21 times in her life, and so she really knows what it is like to be new in a ward and how having a friend really helps. It was great, yay for bench friends!!!!

I really don't think there are enough exclamation marks in this entry do you?

I love being happy.

New Header

Thanks to Steph!
I love it.

Re-healing, Gramps and, Work

On Tuesday night I turned over in bed and pushed myself up with my right arm. That was a mistake cause I did something to one of my incisions. It the incision didn't open or anything but I think I tore or pulled something inside cause I am so sore. OUCHIE. I feel like it is the first week after surgery again (good thing that it is only 1 incision and not 5). I used a package of frozen peas and carrots to cut the swelling and have had to take half pain pills to help myself get through today. . .No bras at all, those hurt. So I haven't been back to work since Tuesday when I worked a whole day. My boss texted me this evening and said have a good birthday tomorrow.

Gramps. . .he is going down hill, it isn't a good thing either. Daddy has been out of town and mom has been having to deal with it all. It is stressful, I feel bad about mom having to do things. I see my mom and what she has been going through and don't know what to do since gramps is dad's dad. I am glad to see that my parents are realizing that they are not going to be able to take care of gramps at their house.

Work is good, I am scanning and actually got in 6 hours today. . .miracles never cease! 2 movies later. Now I should go to bed.

What a girl wants

All I really want is a mini schnauzer and and apartment to call my own. . . a man would be nice, but at this point I feel like he is optional since I just want to be happy and on my own with someone/thing to take care of, and the dog I want would cover that.

I dream of the day that I have an apartment, one bedroom, or even studio at this point, but an apartment that I can call my own and don't have to worry about living with others who don't clean up after themselves. I also want to use my own dishes and such, but don't dare put them out in the shared apartment because they WILL get ruined. There is no might, it is just inevitable. I want that day to come so bad.

I thought I was being smart and found a very inexpensive "2 bedroom" apartment. . .2 bedroom my buttocks. The place was a DIVE, can you spell ghetto? I looked at it and the bathroom was in the shared laundry room that the upstairs people have traipse through the basement to use the laundry room. Don't even get me started on the non-existent, fake kitchen with the garage/utility sink. They claim that it is close to campus but it really isn't.

I am still at my parents place for healing after surgery, but will be back in Ogden possibly tomorrow, but Sunday night at the latest. Right now I really don't want to go back to the apartment because I "temporarily" have to share a bathroom with 2 other people, and it kind of burns me because it is MESSY, and the apartment is messy because of the roomie and her friend that is staying. They are great girls, but I really am having a hard time handling what is going on because it is almost like they don't care about the environment. When I moved in it was suppose to be just 1 person sharing the bathroom, and that is how it has been, but right now this is too much, one too many.

I am kind of at a loss of what to do.

Anyone want to buy me a puppy for my birthday?

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=3506488&cat=105

I really SHOULD be in bed.

It is past the time that I can eat or drink anything, and I am winding down from a very busy day. All of my food is prepared, my room is cleaner, and my bed has new sheets. . .but apparently my mom has short memory and claims that I never told her that this surgery is out patient. They both assumed that I was going to stay in the night in the hospital. . .

After surgery they refuse to let me stay at the apartment. I am NOT happy to be going to Brigham tomorrow after surgery. I want to be in my own comfortable home!!!!!!!! I feel like all the effort I made today is going to go to waste since I will basically be in Brigham until they decide that I can come back to the townhouse, and then my car will still be in Brigham since the turn signals need to be fixed. . . something that is a recall (when it affects the vehicle, I know it doesn't make sense, but goldie is going to visit the shop to be fixed. For Free.

Ten and the Super long ammended post.

Kip didn't tag anyone, and I really want to do this, so "tag, I'm it!"

Ten things that make me happy.

1.Chacos. . . What other sandal can you: Adjust all of the straps so your feet are super comfy? Easily replace the sole? Wear spring/summer/fall and know that next year you will have the same happy pair of sandals to wear minus some rubber wear? Throw in the washer and have clean sandals? Chacos=investment (longterm) Worth every penny!!!!

2.BBQ Hamburgers and Roomies (together). Jill grills the best burgers ever. I finally feel like those of us who hangout together actually have things in common, its great.

3. 48oz of water in my nalgene bottle. . .to make it the best, freeze the bottom 1/3 for cold water all day long. So worth it and yes drinking water makes me happy.

4. Confidence from my boss that I can do things I have never done. For example I will be recording an oral interview today. I'm super excited! My job in general, it makes me happy.

5. No homework over the weekends. . .FREEDOM. Need I say more?

6. Sunshine (and sometimes sunburns [if I have enjoyed myself]). . .and soaking it in.

7. My family. . .no matter how annoyed I get with them. Gramp's 83 birthday was Sunday and it was so cute to watch him. My parents bought him one of those clocks that don't need setting. . .he sat there forever just staring at it. Mom and dad were hillarious in their antics of setting the clock. Family dinner on Sundays also=happiness.

8. Random acts of kindness from people when I am down.

9. My car. I have had beetle envy, and convertible envy and everything in between. My car makes me happy, why? It is almost paid for, and it has been good to me, and I will probably drive it into the ground.

10. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. . .and everything it includes!


(the last part of the title reminds me of Sanitary pads. . .you know. . .super longs?)

Anyway. I was also going to post about what has been going on in my life. After graduation. . .Still working the same job as before. . .but my gallbladder seems to think that it is time to quit. . .Hopefully after Thursday I can sing "Yes, I have no gallbladder, no gallbladder in my body today!!" Those horrible stomach pains? Gallbladder. . .oh, so fun. . .The pains have continued, but they are not as bad as the very first time. Lovely. It has taken a month to finally sort things out with what has been going on with my body. I had an ultra sound, an Hida scan, and saw a surgeon. I am scheduled to have surgery this Thursday, but I am worried that the insurance will turn me down because it has to be approved, and I am still in the probationary stage until september. . .Pray that the insurance accepts the reasons.

The good thing about it is I can work from home during the recovery time. . .