tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32145835064674804592024-03-13T08:03:32.237-06:00Annie HallAnnie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.comBlogger722125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-25493682372691486682015-05-01T16:55:00.000-06:002015-05-01T16:55:02.887-06:00The Trouble With PainOne of the great things about physical pain is that when it gets bad enough... you can just pass out.<br />
<br />
It isn't the same for emotional pain though.<br />
<br />
So you start looking for the equivalent of emotionally passing out.<br />
<br />
Maybe that means stuffing your face with Oreos dipped in cheesecake batter. (It's amazing) Basically eating until your body feels as miserable as your heart.<br />
<br />
Maybe it means running away, applying for that job in Seattle or Nashville.<br />
<br />
Maybe it means calling an old ex and "watching a movie together."<br />
<br />
Maybe it means curling up on the couch and sobbing while your roommate strokes your forehead and says "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxkEvqaXZNI">Get yourself some ribs and some ice cream, because you have been dumped</a>."<br />
<br />
Maybe it means extreme dieting because you want to show him what he could've had.<br />
<br />
<br />
Another great thing about physical pain is drugs. It is totally legal to take meds that take the pain away , or at least bring it to a manageable level until you are healed.<br />
<br />
But it isn't the same with emotional pain. You don't get to numb it your better. In fact, for me anyway, you can't get better until you've felt the full breadth of the pain.<br />
<br />
Unlike physical pain though, remember, you don't get to pass out when it reaches a point you can't handle anymore.<br />
<br />
That's when you finally end up on your knees begging your Father in Heaven for emotional pain meds. "Can you just numb me for awhile? Can you please feel this for me?"<br />
<br />
And he says be patient.<br />
<br />
And THEN the 9:30 Cowboy calls you and says he's lonely and he misses you and you think "Well thanks Heavenly Father, I suppose having him back is one way to ease the pain. I'll take it."<br />
<br />
But maybe that isn't what Heavenly Father meant at all when he told you to be patient. And maybe your wasting time with the stupid cowboy and just delaying the real thing.<br />
<br />
And when you realize it you break up again, only this time you break up with him. That should be easier right? I mean you have confirmation and you know you deserve better. Nope still just as hard.<br />
<br />
So get yourself some Oreos and some cheesecake batter, but eat just a couple of them. Then take your little broken heart in for a check up with your Father in Heaven and let him heal it. And really listen to his advice. Follow his prescription to the letter. <br />
<br />
You don't want that horrible man... I mean infection to come back....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-11857164300512362642015-04-03T15:16:00.001-06:002015-04-03T15:53:10.646-06:00Friday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;">On Monday I cried at
the car dealership. My car </span><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.6000003814697px;">wouldn't</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;"> pass inspection unless they cut a little
piece of my window tint out around my break light. Guys I cried, not just a
little bit, I really cried. That is the worst thing in my life right now. I
mean my life is really hard… Call the pioneers I want to tell them how hard my
life is! To be fair though, I might not have cried if I </span><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.6000003814697px;">hadn't</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;"> also been
worried that the Lumberjack was dead. Turns out he is alive, he called me on his
way back from the wild to reassure me he was in fact alive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On this Good Friday I
like to remember the reason that my window tint is the hardest thing in my
life. Because we all know there have been much worse days. I have had more than
one time in my life when my conversation with the Lord went something like this
“umm… Heavenly Father, Maybe you forgot about me, Remember when you gave me
this burden to hold for a minute? Well umm it’s getting kind of heavy and maybe
you could take over?” Don’t we wish it went like that? To be honest it went
more like “AHHHHHHHHH!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When Life is hard,
Remember- We are not the first to ask, ‘is there no other way?” Oh Elder
Holland you get me. But more importantly The Lord gets me. He gets me, He loves
me, He’s got this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes that is the
only thing that gets me through. I just keep reminding myself “He’s got this,
He’s got this, let go and let God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes it helps to
know others have felt similarly. It helps to have someone say, “it’s totally
fine to not be fine. It’s super ok to not be ok.” I take a lot of strength from
the Sermon from Elder Wirthlin titled <i>Sunday
Will Come</i>. I quote from it here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">“I think of how dark
that Friday was when Christ was lifted up on the cross. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">I think that of all
the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday was the
darkest. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">But the doom of that
day did not endure. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">The despair did not
linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He
ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all
mankind.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">And in an instant the
eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had
whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous
praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as
the firstfruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning
of a new and wondrous existence.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">Each of us will have
our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the
shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience
those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will
all have our Fridays.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.95pt;">But I testify to you
in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of
our sorrow, Sunday will come.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;">I count myself as one who has had their tears dried, who wants to shout wondrous
praise for the Son of God. It’s true, he died so I can live forever. He
suffered so I can LIVE, so my heart can be free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of my favorite
parts about this talk though isn’t just his testimony of our Savior and the
power of the Atonement, but his testimony that heart wrenching times come to
all of us. Even the Lord’s apostles have broken hearts, even they have days
when they cry out for relief from the pain. Even our savior asked “Is there no
other way?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;">How I wish from time
to time that this life was just a little bit easier, or that I was more
prepared to meet it’s challenges. But it </span><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.6000003814697px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;"> meant to be easy it was meant to challenge us. I am sure I signed up for this life with nothing but pure excitement.
Psshh! Easy, I probably thought. I am sure I passed the </span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;">Dead Moms</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;"> class with flying colors in the preexistense,
I’ve totally got this. I probably sat in the back of the </span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;">Over 30 and Single class</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;"> and goofed off because seriously it can’t
be that hard. And maybe I took the </span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;">When Loved Ones No Longer Believe</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 22.95pt;"> class as a second thought, because that wasn't really going to be a challenge. How hard can it be?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then we get here and
it is hard, so hard. And you have to lock yourself in the bathroom at work and cry it
out. Wherever your Friday happens; the bathroom floor at work, the hammock in
the backyard, kneeling at the foot of a grave (I'm guilty of all three)… We have been promised that as the Savior did in Gethsemane, angels are waiting to bear you up and comfort
your through your darkest times.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVqhsr4tjFs/VR7-VZ7C-II/AAAAAAAA6Uo/E_hjSlGL8-s/s1600/gethsemane_angel-comforts_zps7e7e8c8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVqhsr4tjFs/VR7-VZ7C-II/AAAAAAAA6Uo/E_hjSlGL8-s/s1600/gethsemane_angel-comforts_zps7e7e8c8e.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it’s totally ok if
it happened in the bathroom. My mom is an angel and she’d have no problem snuggling you in the bathroom. Seriously. This is the woman who put a cow in the bathtub. Ask for help. The glory of the Atonement is that we don't have to suffer, it's already been done for us. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-37120219875884408292015-03-26T17:07:00.001-06:002015-03-26T17:07:38.371-06:00For Charlie<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent some time today shopping for a baby gift for a
client. I was in and out of high end baby boutiques where everything is so
soft, and small, and adorable. I was so completely caught up in how lovely
everything was. For a moment or two it was fun and I was blissfully happy in
that world. Then I got back to my office and packed it all up, so fresh and
bright, and sent it off to our client who recently added one more baby girl to their
family. Then I sat alone in my quiet office for awhile and I remembered that
babies are not my world. Not even a little bit. I live a life that revolves
around me and really no one else. I go to work and the gym, and I “do lunch.” I
listen to podcasts about scientific discoveries, and social psychology to drown
out the quiet at work. I send inappropriate texts to Zacula, mixed with ones
that tell him my heart is breaking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I kind of like being single. It is nice to have so much time
for me and also I really like naps…. and nachos. But what I realized today is that maybe I have
been poisoning my own mind. You see I recognize that from the day I was
organized I have been destined to be a mother. And every part of my soul longs
for that. But as each year passes and I spend more of my days alone in an
office, my self talk changes. You see it has to change in order to keep my
heart from falling apart. Where my self talk used to be “I can’t wait for…” and
“when…” it has changed flavors and become “Having babies feels hard and like I’ll
be tired for the rest of my life“ or things like “maybe that’s not something I
really want…” because if I believe that the longing hurts less. But worst of
all were the echos in my head today of “maybe I can do more good elsewhere…” and
don’t forget “But I really like napping.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It feels important that I remind myself this afternoon, that
I do have great potential for good. More I think than I am ready to admit. But
there is no place I can have a greater influence than in my own home with my
own babies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to ask myself what have you done for Charlie this
week? Have you gained knowledge? Grown closer to your savior? Been a little
more patient? Met his Dad? Ha. But today the most important thing I do for
Charlie might just be that I don’t give up on us. </div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-24140370934747445552015-03-06T08:14:00.001-07:002015-03-06T08:14:33.662-07:00The Boss Knows BestSo he's back?!<br />
<br />
Yeah<br />
<br />
Did he call?<br />
<br />
No, I called him.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Greg told me to.<br />
<br />
You know he is only the boss at work right? You don't have to do what he says in your personal life.<br />
<br />
But he's a very wise man. And I thought he'd know better than me.<br />
<br />
*My boss men, Phil and Greg, make my life better in all the ways.<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-7257166080040791952015-03-04T16:18:00.003-07:002015-03-04T16:18:35.353-07:00It's a Constant Battle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5Hm6lzEdUk/VPd9C23YF2I/AAAAAAAA55o/lhxdiwZf-IU/s1600/old%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5Hm6lzEdUk/VPd9C23YF2I/AAAAAAAA55o/lhxdiwZf-IU/s1600/old%2Bme.jpg" /></a></div>
This is me in 1st grade. There are so many things I would like to say to her. But lets make a quick list and move on to the heart of this post:<br />
<br />
*Your parents are the greatest, seriously.<br />
*Be nicer to your siblings. They are your whole world these days.<br />
*Future Annie wishes you spent more time riding your horse.<br />
*Stop worrying about fitting in. Someday you will love that you stand out.<br />
*Never combine two ramen flavors in the same pot.<br />
*You will get better at math, Seriously, you test out of it in college!<br />
*There are worse things that having Volcano Cookies for the FHE treat every week.<br />
<br />
Current me for reference<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H2IVeZSsE0/VPd9C7gb8dI/AAAAAAAA550/QD24ORu3DMQ/s1600/1233611_819122011989_1531471756196395643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H2IVeZSsE0/VPd9C7gb8dI/AAAAAAAA550/QD24ORu3DMQ/s1600/1233611_819122011989_1531471756196395643_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You didn't turn out so bad...<br />
<br />
Ok and future me. Just so we can picture it in our heads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4-F2KO_Mpo/VPd9C4G5LxI/AAAAAAAA55s/gra1pJZJ8ow/s1600/CrazyCatLady_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4-F2KO_Mpo/VPd9C4G5LxI/AAAAAAAA55s/gra1pJZJ8ow/s1600/CrazyCatLady_250.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Future me will have knitted that sweater the cat is wearing... and the one she is wearing. Ha! You will want to be friends with future Annie, she will knit you all the things. You will just have to clean the cat hair off it. (I'm kidding, I better have a sexy cowboy husband and so many adorably fat babies that I am overwhelmed everyday in the VERY near future.) Please Bless.<br />
<br />
Now to the point of the post. <br />
<br />
Current Annie is constantly in a fight with Past Annie, because Current Annie frequently takes no thought for Future Annie. I don't mean things like savings and retirement plans. I've got that covered. I mean things like the following:<br />
<br />
"Annie did you get that modified report sent off to the lender in Texas?"<br />
"Nope they wired us the money so I figured I wouldn't worry about it unless they asked again."<br />
<br />
Interpret that as Future Annie can deal with it, I don't wanna.<br />
<br />
Sometimes current Annie has the notion that she might like to leave a message for Future Annie "Um don't get the large combo at Chick-Fil-A! A small is more than enough and leaves you wanting more. A large makes you hate your life... and your pants. Please remember this." Future Annie never remembers. She just thinks "CHICK-FIL-A!" She thinks similar things at Moochies, and Feldmen's Deli, and anywhere they are serving food from a cart.<br />
<br />
I am working on this concept. Taking thought for future Annie. I am sure Future Annie has somethings she would like to discuss with us. Until then I have to work on the idea that all three Annie's mentioned are the same person. The same being making her way through time.<br />
<br />
Current Annie needs to work on being kinder to Future Annie, I will concede this. But Current Annie also needs to work on being kinder to Past Annie. She really tried so hard to be good, and make wise decisions with the knowledge she had. Current Annie looks back and is embarrassed by the things Past Annie thought, and did, and fell in love with. But she is part of what you are today. Embrace her. She only ever wanted to be loved.<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-90069717777116883712015-02-23T11:52:00.000-07:002015-02-23T11:52:00.390-07:00A Smile For The Day.You know how I love bear bums so much I could die?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4e4YUvtZUg/VOeB4_az6MI/AAAAAAAA52A/XOkNpJAjk7Q/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4e4YUvtZUg/VOeB4_az6MI/AAAAAAAA52A/XOkNpJAjk7Q/s1600/bear.jpg" /></a></div>
You. Are. Welcome.<br />
<br />
Well Kayla loves manatees just as much as I love the squishy bottoms of bears.<br />
I found this the other day and I watch it daily, multiple times a day. It NEVER gets old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CT0_vbEGEoY/VOeCNesUR4I/AAAAAAAA52I/rYkSRM3WMI0/s1600/Manatee2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CT0_vbEGEoY/VOeCNesUR4I/AAAAAAAA52I/rYkSRM3WMI0/s1600/Manatee2.gif" /></a></div>
As Kayla would say... "Oh my heart."Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-76471781669071410952015-02-20T10:18:00.001-07:002015-02-20T11:08:26.576-07:00No ThanksA few weeks ago at church a well meaning friend approached me:<br />
<br />
"I just learned about this class for singles over 31. I thought you might be interested in checking it out."<br />
<br />
"Thanks, But I am not that desperate yet."<br />
<br />
"Well I just meant that maybe you would enjoy the class."<br />
<br />
"That's kind of you, but I find those settings so depressing. The room is always filled with crazy people, people who argue with the teacher, and men who wear sweatpants into the chapel. You leave with one of two thoughts either 'I was the most attractive person in that room and I still didn't leave with a date.' or you leave thinking 'are those really my peers? This is what is left and I am one of them?' Either way it is very depressing."<br />
<br />
"Well my husband and I sneak in from time to time because the lessons are so good. Give it a try if you have a Thursday evening free."<br />
<br />
Cut to yesterday when my Thursday night plans for naughty fries at Rooster's were canceled because my hot date needed to attended all the Chinese New Year Events ever. Ha (Em and I rescheduled for Tuesday because... well.... naughty fries) Anyway, I thought geez, I guess I better go, I mean I can't pray to find my lover and then ignore opportunities to meet single men.<br />
<br />
I roped Amanda into coming with me, because terror and awkward should be shared between besties. On the way we cranked up some inappropriate Jason Aldean. Not too inappropriate, it wasn't 'Burnin' It Down', which by the way we also love. Just a little 'Just Gettin' Started.' We changed the lyrics a little "Baby I don't know if we're even going to make it to *institute.*"<br />
<br />
Amanda turned down the radio as we pulled into the chapel parking lot. She is a better person than me and didn't want people to know we listen to the radio too loud, you know we might be judged by all those girls walking in wearing denim skirts. "Amanda, I want to find the man who will listen to this with us, not be ashamed of it. Turn it back up." It stayed off. "Amanda, pull in next to that big truck, probably that's my future husbands ride."<br />
<br />
The class was AWFUL. Worst institute class of my LIFE. So, so horrible. But my friend was right, there were some seriously attractive men there. We walked in and sat in the back row, I made eye contact with the hot dish sitting right in front of us and he smiled. The class was so horrible that we couldn't stay. It was really so bad. But I was torn, if we didn't sit through the misery how was I going to meet the love of my life sitting right in front of me? I mean my entire eternal future was sitting within arms reach. Amanda is a genius! "Pass him a note" So I wrote him a note with my number on the bottom. I wrote a few drafts because it had to be perfect, funny, and endearing. I almost passed him the paper with all the drafts on it. OOPS! We got up to leave and I passed him the note. He smiled the biggest smile of my life and I went weak in the knees. I met Amanda in the hallway where we giggled like teenage girls. " He was so cute right?" "So cute!"<br />
<br />
"Amanda, that probably is his truck right there."<br />
"Umm that's probably his Subaru."<br />
"As long as that isn't his Prius we are in business. What do you think the name of my love is?"<br />
"I think he looks like a Dan."<br />
"Yeah, certainly not a Kevin."<br />
"His name is probably Kyle."<br />
"Ugh I can't handle ANOTHER Kyle. He probably IS Kyle, Kyle 3 that is what we'll call him."<br />
"Third time is the charm."<br />
"I bet his name is Blake."<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-56612831833126979472015-02-12T17:00:00.002-07:002015-02-12T17:00:31.406-07:00Just In CaseI was listening to an interview today with the guy who was trapped in his body for years. He was completely there mentally but had not way to communicate.<br />
<br />
And then it hit me. Is that what life is like for mom? No body and no way to communicate? Is she sitting right there screaming at me to listen, to hear her, to know she is still there? How frustrating it must be to not have a body and to be able to observe those you love and not be able to communicate with them.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll talk to her more.<br />
<br />
Out loud.<br />
<br />
Like a crazy person.<br />
<br />
Just in case.<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-56592387731972857952015-01-09T10:19:00.000-07:002015-02-20T10:23:25.396-07:00My PleasureDoes it irritate anyone else that at Chick-Fil-A they say "my pleasure" after everything you say?<br />
<br />
"Can I get 5 a lot of Chick-Fil-A sauce?"<br />
<br />
My pleasure<br />
<br />
"Can you make my diet lemonade the most jumbo size you have?"<br />
<br />
My pleasure<br />
<br />
"Ok but don't judge me. Can I have TWO 12 piece nuggets?"<br />
<br />
My pleasure.<br />
<br />
"With enough Chick-Fil-A sauce to drown myself in?"<br />
<br />
My Pleasure<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuZsHmsn6J8/VOdtSiITVCI/AAAAAAAA508/kOThYPsvLsU/s1600/thatssotrue_3749_1331166173.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuZsHmsn6J8/VOdtSiITVCI/AAAAAAAA508/kOThYPsvLsU/s1600/thatssotrue_3749_1331166173.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now is when you should probably tell me that YOU don't go to Chick-Fil-A that often.<br />
<br />
Hmmm....<br />
<br />
Your loss I say.<br />
<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-29875354251325553712014-09-30T10:25:00.000-06:002015-02-20T10:27:00.348-07:00Taking Care<div dir="ltr">
Have you ever been in trouble with a friend for not doing enough for them? I'll give you an extreme example. I had a roommate in college that was insanely needy. I happened to live her when my mom died. A few weeks later she freaked out and started yelling and crying about how I'd changed, and I wasn't there for her anymore. About how selfish I was being. Crazy right? I feel like it was fair to be taking care of me at that point. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
While less extreme I feel as though I've been in similar situations since then. The friend that is mad that I'm not checking in on them everyday. But maybe they forgot it's the ten year anniversary of losing mom, maybe they don't know I reinjured my bad arm and am in constant pain, maybe they don't know I'm closing on a multi-million dollar project at work this week. And maybe through all of that I've had the worst/weirdest stomach pains of my life. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And maybe other people around me have babies dying, and mom's dying, and husband's deployed, and friends threatening suicide, and cancer diagnosis, just to name a few. Life is hard from time to time. We all have our somethings. I wish we didn't, but we do. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
It's ok to take time for yourself. I know we are supposed to forget ourselves and go to work. But sometimes we need to think of ourselves, take time to heal our hearts, be selfish for a moment. If you don't take care of yourself then there might not be much left to share with others. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
If someone isn't "there for you" exactly how you expect them to be and exactly on your time table, it doesn't mean they don't wish they could be. It doesn't mean they don't love you and aren't giving you everything they are capable of.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We can't expect even our best friends to know how and when to help if we don't tell them. If I don't know you need help how can I give it? Even if what you are going through appears on the surface to be something I might be an expert in, like losing a mom, it doesn't mean I have any idea how to help you. I have to tell even my best friend "my heart is hurting because of this and I need you to talk it through with me." Or "can you just put your arms around me for a minute?" </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We all have our days, and weeks, and months of rough patches. Let's be gentle with each other. Tell people when we need help and what flavor of help we need. </div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-2070022848962211702014-09-15T22:09:00.001-06:002014-09-15T22:09:16.997-06:00Goodnight<p dir="ltr">As I lay in bed tonight I've been reflecting on this night ten years ago.  It was the last time I spoke with my mom.  It was so normal,  so warm and happy, so comfortable. </p>
<p dir="ltr">"I love you,  goodnight." </p>
<p dir="ltr">I was so secure in that love, so confident in myself because of it. How grateful I am to have been born of goodly parents, who gave me so much love.  Through that love came confidence, testimony, trust, independence, security, and the ability to become Annie. Just Annie, and know that it is enough.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">"I love you too, mom. We'll talk in the morning." </p>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-69645175171354595322014-09-15T21:57:00.001-06:002014-09-15T21:57:37.229-06:00Weak Stomach<p dir="ltr">I have the weakest stomach when it comes to smells. SO bad. Tonight I was getting into the car and saw dog droppings in the yard. I gagged for like two minutes. (I'm going to be bad at growing babies). </p>
<p dir="ltr">"Of all the things I love about you, your gag reflex might be my favorite." ~Kayla</p>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-65835768879205028392014-08-15T11:19:00.000-06:002014-08-15T11:19:00.766-06:00Bank Boyfriend 2.0I quit Wells Fargo bank years ago. I am almost certain Satan is the proprietor of that banking institution. However, my new fabulous company banks there and I have to take large checks in for deposit. WE build VERY nice homes and so I deposit VERY large checks semi frequently.<br />
<br />
I was starting to be recognized when I went into the bank. Then one day I arrived at the counter and one of the managers was at the counter. He wanted to be all professional and call to verify every check I had over 25,000. I stood there forever thinking, "doesn't he know who I am?" I know, I'm that girl now. He wasn't very nice and I could tell you the entire story here, but my fingers are still taped together and typing is hard #firstworldproblems, I know.<br />
<br />
Anyway, When I made it back to the office I told the boss men I didn't like how I was treated. A call was made and now every time I walk in they greet me by name and I get the royal treatment. There is one teller in particular who makes extra strides with me and we like to chat and laugh together. I may have developed a small crush on him.<br />
<br />
So obviously I was trying to facebook stalk him. I tried finding him by looking up his branch. I was hoping that maybe someone with his first named would have liked the branch and then I'd be able to figure out who he was and stalk him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMb_TDYamh0/U-udMD01NvI/AAAAAAAAiW0/3VUVqkZGj_E/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-08-08%2B15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMb_TDYamh0/U-udMD01NvI/AAAAAAAAiW0/3VUVqkZGj_E/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-08-08%2B15.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I laughed out loud when I saw this. No one likes Wells Fargo, that seems about right.<br />
<br />
I finally found him yesterday and Sam and I stalked him. He is perfect: LDS, likes the Institute at the U, Profile picture with his adorable mom, picture of him sailing. Guys he is probably the love of my life. UNTIL. I saw that he returned from his mission in 2012. He is a baby. So there go all my hopes and dreams.<br />
<br />
Time to find a new bank boyfriend. I wonder if Chase has anyone for me?Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-37753133285776401332014-08-13T10:53:00.003-06:002014-08-13T10:53:31.571-06:00Life is Good, and That Can Be Boring<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is good. Does
anyone really want to read about that? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day I was so happy I caught myself singing along to a Rascal Flatts song. That is never ok. I was even drumming out the beat on my steering wheel. Sometimes life is so good you forget to hate things. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kayla and I have two new roommates. The mean ones are gone
and have been replaced by nice girls. Raquel is so sweet and kind, and service
oriented that you wonder if she is real life. Seriously. Sam is funny, and
horribly inappropriate in all the right ways. She makes me laugh at things I
shouldn't. It is amazing to come home to a non hostile environment. It has been
over a year since I had that pleasure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We come home and watch tv that will rot our brains while we
quilt. Our craft room (we have a big one with two tvs) has made its way to the
living room. It is a hot mess and I love
it. There are currently two sewing machines in there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking of quilting, the other day I was sitting in my office
and my finger hurt. So I looked down and realized it was bleeding. Upon further
inspection there was a mysterious deep cut. I can’t imagine where it came from
other than possibly my rotary cutter, but why the delayed bleed? There was
really no way to bandaid in between there, so we taped my fingers together so I
would stop opening the wound. Turns out missing a finger is a minor annoyance.
But my yoga instructor felt bad for me (she thought my finger was why I didn't
attempt the crow pose) and massaged my back while I lay in child’s pose and
everyone else attempted crow (crow is real hard, but I can do camel and no one
else can)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kyle A and I, along with Sam went to Craft Lake City this
weekend where I bought the necklace AND earrings of my dreams. I wanted to buy
a print of a cute little pirate in a ship but Kyle said it was for a nursery so
I can’t have it if I don’t have babies. I kind of regret not buying it, but I
found her etsy shop online and can buy it later (for twice as much). Why do I
ever listen to Kyle?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am addicted to breakfast nachos. Seriously. You put
scrambled eggs, a little crumpled bacon, and a delicious cheese sauce over
chips. A little salsa and you have yourself the most delicious heart attack of
your life. I want some right now, but I
can’t. Too many breakfast nachos means Annie is on a diet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told you it would be boring. I can’t believe you read all
the way through that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One more thing. There is this boy who sits at a desk outside
my office door. He does reception or something for the doctor of some kind of
brain medicine in the office two down from mine. He is the opposite of pleasant
and has the dorkiest haircut. Did I just type that out loud? I’ll repent
tonight. Anyway I heard someone mention to him that it was his last day. I of
course was doing a secret dance of joy in my office. Then I overheard that it
is his last day because he is getting married this weekend. Do you ever hear
that kind of news and think to yourself “who is marrying Mr. Grumps A Lot?” He doesn’t even compensate for his horrid
personality with nice hair! </div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-62172294431096755892014-06-30T10:54:00.000-06:002014-08-13T10:55:20.627-06:00Let Them Eat Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RtrNYfj5Ns/U3vYAc43FnI/AAAAAAAAbe8/k3U5V41u8qs/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-20-16-12-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RtrNYfj5Ns/U3vYAc43FnI/AAAAAAAAbe8/k3U5V41u8qs/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-20-16-12-24.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I googled it. Turns out you can get one at a Smith’s in Fort
Union. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only place in Utah, and I was
hanging out with a friend just a short jog away. We ran over and bought one as a surprise for Kayla. But I felt like we needed a reason
to have such a rich and wonderful cake, so I texted many of you asking for an
idea to write on the cake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your responses
follow:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Let’s Celebrate that I am home now.</li>
<li>40 days without killing a co-worker.</li>
<li>4 days until the weekend.</li>
<li>You only gained 2
pounds this week.</li>
<li>Happy three day weekend.</li>
<li>Because you aren't on peopleofwalmart.com.</li>
<li>You can still walk up the stairs w/o being short of breath.</li>
<li>It’s not ding-dongs.</li>
<li>Survived Monday.</li>
<li>Spring has sprung.</li>
<li>I’m a lovely person.</li>
<li>Happy cake day.</li>
<li>Let them eat cake</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My ideas were:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Diet starts Monday.</li>
<li>Lay off me I’m Starving.</li>
<li>#eatsomething</li>
</ul>
<div>
P.S. If you didn't get a text don't be sad. I just texted the last few people who had texted me. I have a brand new phone so that is a short list. So Moral of the story, text me.... and eat cake. </div>
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-10238099539935069782014-05-14T09:52:00.001-06:002014-05-14T09:52:26.801-06:00New PhoneI showed my smashed phone to my boss.<br />
"We'll get you a new one."<br />
<br />
Ummm.... I'm thinking like a flip phone.<br />
<br />
"Go down to Verizon on your lunch and pick out a phone, I don't care what it is. Keep it under $1,000."<br />
<br />
*At the Verizon Store*<br />
<br />
Me: Tell me why I would want an iphone?<br />
<br />
Verizon Guy: Well if you want to be cool like your friends.<br />
<br />
*******<br />
<br />
Me: What is the difference between the Samsung S5 and S4?<br />
<br />
VG: Well the S5 has some really cool fitness features.<br />
<br />
Me: Do I LOOK like I am into fitness?<br />
<br />
VG: Well.... Maybe you want to start.... this would make it easy.<br />
<br />
Me: Does it show me how to find the best egg roll in town?<br />
<br />
********<br />
<br />
Me: I don't like any of these cases you brought out. They are all icky, got any cute ones?<br />
<br />
VG: Define cute?<br />
<br />
Me: Like maybe they have a fireman on the back... or a picture of Luke Bryan!<br />
<br />
VG: Well what I could do is get out my paint set and we could see what we could whip up for you.<br />
<br />
*******<br />
<br />
But seriously guys. I got a brand new S5 yesterday because I work for the best guys in the world. That was no waste of money. He just bought himself one darn loyal employee. Everyone wants to work here.<br />
<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-31715940611655616802014-05-13T11:33:00.002-06:002014-05-13T11:34:12.276-06:00Wade is HomeWade has been working on a cruise ship since November. Thus he has been mostly unreachable. This from the guy who would call me from the beach in Hawaii on vacation just to talk. But he's back now and has been trying to call me. But with no working phone I had no idea.<br />
<br />
Today I got this message from a mutual friend via Google chat:<br />
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Wade wanted me to tell you the following:</span><br />
<div class="Mu SP" id=":ai.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div id=":ai.co">
<ul>
<li>He thinks you're really pretty</li>
<li>his dog faked a pregnancy again (he hates it when she does that)</li>
<li>he thought of you on mothers day</li>
<li>that he was so busy helping his dad with his mothers day gifts that he forgot to get his mom anything</li>
<li>he bought a new cologne, it smells good and he can't wait to wear it all the days.</li>
<li>He has something for you from Japan</li>
<li>and thank you god bless!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":9z.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":9z.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":a0.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":a0.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":a1.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":a1.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":a2.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":a2.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":a3.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":a3.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":a4.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":a4.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="Mu SP" id=":a5.ma" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.218s ease; color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 0.218s ease; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="xH" id=":a5.at" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div id=":a5.co">
<br /></div>
<div id=":a5.co">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I can't wait until my phone is working again so I can get all the scoop and the gossip on his travels. I just love that kid! </span></div>
</div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-43376360561893641052014-05-11T21:38:00.002-06:002014-05-11T21:38:48.450-06:00I Do What I Want Remember the two fancy events I went to <a href="http://suspish.blogspot.com/2013/11/you-can-take-me-anywhere.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Well two nights ago Kyle A and myself found ourselves at another event.<br />
<br />
Kyle: "Uh I think those are your favorite cookies on that table."<br />
<br />
Me: "Huh?"<br />
<br />
Kyle: "Those cookies you love I think they have them on that table."<br />
<br />
ME: "<a href="http://www.rubysnap.com/">Ruby Snaps</a>?! Where?!" as I shove my dinner leftovers in to his hands<br />
<br />
Kyle: "You can only have one!" he calls out to me as I run across the room like a crazy girl<br />
<br />
Me: "I'll do what I want! AND THEY ARE THE GOOD ONES!!!!"<br />
<br />
Kyle: "Seriously you only get one."<br />
<br />
Me: "and the one you aren't eating, wait.... These aren't Ruby Snaps!"<br />
<br />
*10 minutes later*<br />
<br />
Me: "Is it ok to throw half a cookie away in front of a homeless man? Part of me feels that it's wrong, but would it be insulting to offer him a half eaten cookie?"<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-92040220092307572062014-05-10T19:52:00.002-06:002014-05-10T19:52:55.159-06:00No Phone EitherWell I now also have no phone.<br />
<br />
You see I was cleaning the basement,<br />
<br />
and listening to the beach boys on my phone.<br />
<br />
I had it in the pocket of my hoodie,<br />
<br />
and I was MAYBE dancing.<br />
<br />
My phone fell out and landed on the tile floor.<br />
<br />
I picked it up and went back to dancing.<br />
<br />
Then it fell out again.<br />
<br />
I mean maybe I was dancing....<br />
<br />
The second time I picked it up I noticed that the screen was shattered.<br />
<br />
Not cracked, SHATTERED!!!<br />
<br />
But still playing Good Vibrations!<br />
<br />
My phone has it's priorities.Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-3364876676330987862014-05-08T07:57:00.000-06:002014-05-11T21:24:57.818-06:00AddictionGrowing up my dad always subscribed to U.S. News. The inside cover always had some kind of demographic map of the U.S. Showing the results of some study or another. I LOVED looking at those maps. I loved looking at how different parts of the country would have certain clusters. I also loved that Utah was typically an outlier.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I still have a weird addiction to these kinds of maps. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is one showing the prevalence of obesity worldwide. No Surprises here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ggJ9frWJx0/U2qcOzKQ1KI/AAAAAAAAaF8/U6FPc9lLc3c/s1600/Obesity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ggJ9frWJx0/U2qcOzKQ1KI/AAAAAAAAaF8/U6FPc9lLc3c/s1600/Obesity.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Or how we still refuse to be like everyone else in the entire world and use the metric system. Oh wait there is one African and one Asian country hanging in there with us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40NIUSpibmc/U2qcZ5KBKGI/AAAAAAAAaGE/FL1kPzW4Jo0/s1600/MEtric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40NIUSpibmc/U2qcZ5KBKGI/AAAAAAAAaGE/FL1kPzW4Jo0/s1600/MEtric.jpg" height="140" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one shows the most common auto complete per state. So If I typed into Google "Utah is so..." then Utah is so weird would be the one most commonly searched for. Or New Jersey is a dump. Who are these people using the internet anyway? I wonder sometimes if we should really just let anyone on here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlclR8nSteQ/U2qcuL9p6WI/AAAAAAAAaGM/2kXazF-F5lw/s1600/IS..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlclR8nSteQ/U2qcuL9p6WI/AAAAAAAAaGM/2kXazF-F5lw/s1600/IS..jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
A Map showing the most popular brand that originated in each state. Of course Cabela's in Nebraska. I wish Jersey was big enough for me to recognize. Does is say Coca Cola? Could it be?<br />
*Willie Says Jersey is Campbell's Soup! Of Course it is! And Coke is obviously down there in AL.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rya1ToEVNLw/U2qcwua5a_I/AAAAAAAAaGY/QMrVib86ysU/s1600/Company.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rya1ToEVNLw/U2qcwua5a_I/AAAAAAAAaGY/QMrVib86ysU/s1600/Company.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one shows the presence of the 7 deadly sins. Curious.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZvlDaDouBw/U2qcwpe45bI/AAAAAAAAaGc/rzivxxuD_E0/s1600/%2526+deadly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZvlDaDouBw/U2qcwpe45bI/AAAAAAAAaGc/rzivxxuD_E0/s1600/%2526+deadly.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-57189547659377575782014-05-06T23:01:00.001-06:002014-05-11T21:25:48.580-06:00Primary<div dir="ltr">
I SERIOUSLY love my primary kids. People tell me I'm great with them. Really I'm just one of them. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Ok, what did the Easter bunny bring you? Seriously cough it up, you're going to need to share with me." ~Me</div>
<div dir="ltr">
*Andrew bites off half his Laffy Taffy and passes the half in his mouth to me, to pass to Kayla. Which I did, and she ate without hesitation.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"You know what my favorite primary moment was this week? When you and the 7 year old boy started laughing uncontrollably at the same thing." ~Kayla. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Hey Andrew! Andrew! Psst... You got any candy in your pockets?" ~Me</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"No... But should I start bringing some?"~Andrew<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6YzXUhyp3E/U2qKe2J5gqI/AAAAAAAAaFs/N-XVMv_u854/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6YzXUhyp3E/U2qKe2J5gqI/AAAAAAAAaFs/N-XVMv_u854/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="131" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-40968255792485481032014-05-06T22:49:00.001-06:002014-05-07T12:44:09.595-06:00My Glasses<div dir="ltr">
If you haven't noticed, I'm a blonde again. Kyle A convinced me to do it. "God made you a blonde, and God doesn't make mistakes." This time around Drew Drop made me a blonde. It took me a few days to get used to being a blonde again. It's like I didn't recognize myself when I'd look in a mirror.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
But we are here to talk about a different change you might have noticed. The glasses. They look pretty good right? </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Let me clear something up... The secret is out. I have 20/20 vision. It's that strong Viking heritage. Clean genetics. I bought those at a store for ten year old girls. I felt totally awkward standing in line with all the little girls to buy my treasure. I just tried not to make eye contact and browsed the One Direction items. It felt right. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VnQaV4TWjfo/U2m7Wc6eBVI/AAAAAAAAaFQ/2vP3aNTo7Pk/s1600/IMG_20140506_111353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VnQaV4TWjfo/U2m7Wc6eBVI/AAAAAAAAaFQ/2vP3aNTo7Pk/s640/IMG_20140506_111353.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a> </div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-64466371577675678382014-05-06T11:05:00.000-06:002014-05-06T11:19:39.644-06:00UnpluggingI Deactivated my Facebook. I know, crazy, I always think the when other people do such. I already got a few text asking why I defriended someone. I didn't unfriend you. It's not gone forever. But I will be off for some time. I also canceled my Netflix, Hulu etc. It's all part of a new commitment I am making to take care of me and spend more time in real life. So far my commitment has included more of the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Temple attendance</li>
<li>Walking around the neighborhood </li>
<li>Meeting new people</li>
<li>Taking classes</li>
<li>Exploring my city</li>
<li>Going on culinary adventures</li>
<li>Planning camping/fishing trips</li>
<li>Writing a cookbook</li>
<li>Painting</li>
<li>Being more productive at work</li>
<li>Writing genuine hand written letters</li>
<li>Talking face to face with real people</li>
<li>Really preparing my primary lessons</li>
<li>Eating better and making it all from scratch.</li>
<li>Concerts in the park</li>
<li>Calling home</li>
<li>Gallery Strolls</li>
<li>Reading in the hammock</li>
<li>Keeping my room clean</li>
<li>Intensive scripture study</li>
<li>etc.</li>
<li>etc.</li>
<li>etc.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I bought this book while Kayla and I were exploring a boutique at 9th and 9th called Hip and Humble.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEfQwzzCzLc/U2kUG3vvipI/AAAAAAAAaBw/A-XxzFg6nbA/s1600/IMG_20140505_205809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEfQwzzCzLc/U2kUG3vvipI/AAAAAAAAaBw/A-XxzFg6nbA/s1600/IMG_20140505_205809.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It has a lot of great ideas and we are doing them!<br />
<br />
I am still blogging (obviously). I will still instagram. Follow both and hopefully you will notice the changes in myself that I already have. Text me your address and I'll write you a letter. Seriously.<br />
<br />
I have already noticed a difference in my energy levels, my relationship with my savior, my general happiness, my gratitude, and my creativity.<br />
<br />
P.S. The other night Kyle D and I went for a walk through the neighborhood. He would change our route as he saw trees that he thought might smell good. I noticed last night that my entire neighborhood just smells like spring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo83xzZema0/U2kUpq88KAI/AAAAAAAAaB4/2KT506uoTlE/s1600/5778340785_8125cc169d_b-570x269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo83xzZema0/U2kUpq88KAI/AAAAAAAAaB4/2KT506uoTlE/s1600/5778340785_8125cc169d_b-570x269.jpg" height="151" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IxoHJgu2pA/U2kUrUP5kXI/AAAAAAAAaCA/cIa2Kp5C32Y/s1600/YC-Herbert1-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IxoHJgu2pA/U2kUrUP5kXI/AAAAAAAAaCA/cIa2Kp5C32Y/s1600/YC-Herbert1-full.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't defriend anyone. I am simply trying to be a better friend to myself, and in the end a better friend to all of you.<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-12030377700010754692014-04-22T08:50:00.002-06:002014-04-22T08:50:43.434-06:00He's Got ThisI thought it was probably time I recorded, at least for myself, the story of how I ended up in my new job.<br />
<br />
I had felt for awhile, 6 months or so, Dave might remember better, that something in my life needed to change. I felt stagnant and I felt that I wasn't truly appreciated in my job. I felt that no matter how hard I tried they were always going to see me as a glorified secretary, because that was my original position. I very much loved the people I worked with and I miss some of them desperately.<br />
<br />
The day before Thanksgiving I was at work late trying to update inventory for one of my online retails before cyber Monday. My boss called with a request, I felt stressed out and was already staying late. I asked if it could wait until Monday and it became a fight. Again I love my boss, but communication had of recently come to a stand still and I left for the break in tears. I determined that if on Monday he apologized I would stay, If he brought up the incident at all I was looking for a new job.<br />
<br />
What they didn't know was the week before I had interviewed with the engineering firm Kyle worked for. The pay was twice as much as what I was making and they had interviewed a lot of people and I had been on top until they hired their last interviewee, a former CEO. Weird, but I will conceded that I didn't have THOSE skills. But what I did come away with was that it shouldn't be hard to find another job. There was an engineering firm that had wanted me, I had impressed all 4 of the principles of the company and I was confident.<br />
<br />
Monday came and I was given an official warning for my attitude. Kyle helped me put together a resume that night and I went over and we applied for every job opening on KSL we could find.<br />
<br />
Me: This one is in Park City<br />
Kyle: Apply for it.<br />
Me: This one is the same pay I'm making now<br />
Kyle: Apply for it<br />
Me: Could I manage an animal hospital?<br />
Kyle: Apply for it<br />
<br />
The thought was the more things I applied for the greater opportunity Heavenly Father had to give me the best fit. I struggled. What if I don't deserve the blessings that I am asking for? How can I say Heavenly Father please help me find a job I will love, for a stable company, when I didn't read my scriptures last night? Silly maybe, I had my doubts but also felt oddly full of faith. I had done what I could.<br />
<br />
I was called the next day for an interview with Northstar Builders. I went in and the interview went horribly. I mean really horribly. At the engineering firm I left thinking that they loved me and I had that job. Which they did, and I almost had. When I left the builders I knew I didn't have a chance.<br />
<br />
They called me on my back to work. "We forgot to ask you a question. What is your benefit package like right now?" I knew they were putting an offer together for me. They offered me the job the next morning. I didn't stop to pray about it, I didn't think twice. I went in and quit. I was touched when the owner hugged me and said "I have never had an employee that will be as hard to loose as you are." He offered to work out of the office more to keep an eye on how I was treated. He offered to talk to me about more money, that he really didn't want to pay and he had already given me a 15% raise just months earlier. In that moment, all of a sudden it was a hard decision. I realized what I was giving up. I had made friendships, and built trust and I was going to miss that place.<br />
<br />
The last piece to fall into place was where to live. You see my roommate was getting married and I kind of hated our apartment and didn't want to live there. Also the new office was super far east in Salt Lake and not close to any freeways so commuting was not going to be my favorite all the way into Davis County everyday. I turned again to KSL and nothing felt right. I finally found one I thought I really liked. The landlord called to set things up with me "And your roommate is John, is that going to be a problem for you?" Back to square one. That's when my good friend Kayla texted me. We have a spot for you in our house.<br />
<br />
The house is less than a mile from my office. The rent is so cheap, like basically free. The neighborhood is lovely. It is a home, so I can have my grill and hammock and garden. I love my ward and my neighbor Pete who keeps an eye on us.<br />
<br />
Oh and the new job is more that I could hope for. We build high end custom homes and I am the manager. I am treated with respect and as an equal. "Let's go to lunch and discuss this." I don't get left out anymore. And I still get advice about my personal life. In my last job it was more the advice of a tender father. In this job it is "Annie you need to get your *stuff* together." Which is also truth.<br />
<br />
Heavenly Father's got this. When I stop resisting change and let Him take over He always amazes me with what he can do with my life.<br />
<br />Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3214583506467480459.post-15200958300769009202014-04-15T16:32:00.002-06:002014-04-15T16:38:19.589-06:00Round of Confessions<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t stand the smell of Subway. It smells so bad. If I
want Subway I have to get it from somewhere where the store is part of a bigger
store, so the smell isn't as strong. I can walk past a stranger and tell
instantly if they have been to subway that day. That smells sticks like glue.
Ugh!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love drinking songs. Amanda and I have a list that we
enjoy. Her ringtone on my phone is a clip of our favorite one. I don’t even
care. Add it to my list of favorite sins. You can judge us if you want, totally
cool. I’d judge me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have given up speeding, for the most part, so there is
room on the favorite sin list. That is how it works right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I put people on friendship timeout. Don’t smother
me. I will smother you when it is convenient for me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a favorite in my primary class. I wish I could take
him home and keep him forever. He is far from the best behaved child in my
class. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
People ask me what diet I am on when they notice my weight
loss. How do I tell them that I really just eat a lot of air popped popcorn? Oh
and I cut out Diet Coke. That never lasts as long as I wish it did though. I am
an addict in true form, but am trying to change that.<br />
<br />
Apparently when you delete pictures from google+ it also deletes them everywhere else they appear in google.... Like on your blog. So my blog looks a little disheveled right now. I'll fix it. I promise. I also need to add some people to the Cast of Characters tab... So you know who Amanda is.<br />
<br />
For now just know she is a new bestie, and I am corrupting her in all the best ways. </div>
Annie Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459678484128415698noreply@blogger.com0