Annie Hall

Is he hot?

2012-01-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Me: "Would I like him?"
T: "Well you know how you want a man who will teach your kids Book of Mormon stories? Well he could take his shirt off and act them out."
Me: "I'm going to need this man to call me."

Seriously?

2012-01-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

You have seen this picture before right?

It always makes me laugh because it is sooo true.

I like to think I am a fairly attractive person.

And I love to give someone that look across the room.

Then I see a photo of myself and realize,

I am might be more in the "Bean" category.

I decided to make one of my own

after seeing the pictures uploaded of me

from a party this weekend.

(A different party from "the incident"

that was previously blogged about.)

Ha I just noticed that Kyle and I dressed to match.

How precious.

I know this picture was posted because

the other two people that I cropped out looked fantastic.

But seriously. At least I wasn't tagged in it.

So I was at this party...

2012-01-22T00:34:00.001-07:00

This was seriously awkward.

I was sitting on the couch with my friend Scott. He got up to grab some food from the kitchen and while he was gone I started a conversation with the guy on my other side. When Scott came back I reached over without looking and put my hand on his leg.

Not inappropriate, but what any girl might do to her boyfriend to acknowledge his return without breaking the conversation. I just ran my hand down his leg then kind of rested it on his shin and gave him a little squeeze.

After I had my hand on his leg for a minute or so with no response I thought it was odd so I turned to make eye contact with him, when I realized someone else had taken Scott's spot. A super nerdy kid I didn't know who just got back from his mission.

How do you recover from that? You don't. So I just smiled at him and went back to my conversation. When I found Scott still in the kitchen, we had a good laugh about it.

Ugh. Why is it ALWAYS me?

Favorites

2012-01-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

This is more of a list for myself than anything else. Because we are ALWAYS sitting in my car saying where do you want to go to dinner and no one wants to pick, and no one has an idea, and there are SOO many good places to eat around here!

SLC:

The Blue Plate
I love the atmosphere. Everyone has crazy hair and tattoos and are the sweetest people you have EVER met. I love the corn cakes and the corn beef hash. Oh wait they did a DDD on it. The hollandaise is amazing, so order anything Benedict and you won't be sorry. It is a very casual and tasty place to hang out.

Settebello Pizzeria
I am actually friends with their head chef so a trip here also means a free hug! They specialize in authentic Italian pizza. It is delicious and my friends who served missions in Italy say it is legit.

Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill
This is favorite of Wade and myself. It is a little shady and maybe the parking garage is crumbling a little but we love it. It is an all you can eat Mongolian Grill. It is great because if you don't like what you concocted go concoct something different.

Chicken Express
For 5 dollars you can get more Greek food than you should eat. But trust me you will want to keep eating. The food is amazing, and even the Baklava is perfection.

Moochies
How long have I been in search of the perfect cheesesteak? Since I left Jersey... and I found it. If only SLC had a beach I would be content to never leave... and maybe less snow. This one was on DDD too.

East Coast Subs
The Italian hoagie hear is almost perfection. Again find me a beach and I'll be set.

The Pupsaria on North Temple
You WILL be the only one in the restaurant, and some of your food will come out with plastic silverware, and if you order a salad they will bring you the jumbo Costco size ranch to your table. But you won't find a better pupusa or tamale.

Canton Village
The rest of the food is average chines but the egg roll is as big as your face and I want to eat 3 of them. Seriously. It is an egg roll that is also battered and deep fried. So so good. Trust me.

The Mediterranean Cafe
Another one the guys at work introduced me to. They are only open for lunch but they make delicious Panini's and hot sandwiches. Also tried the stuffed banana pepper or cannoli's when they have them.

Cafe Anh Hong
My boss introduced us to this one. He lived in China and says it is the most authentic he's had in the states. Everything I have tried here was very good. Try the dim sum on the weekend. I love dim sum and their's was VERY good.

Sawadee
My FAVORITE Thai place ever. Kyle and I have a few dishes here that we love a lot but we like to try new things to and have yet to be disappointed.

Davis and Weber County:

Empire Chinese in Centerville
It is just delicious. I also love their Singapore noodles and they have VERY fast service and lots of variety.

Rooster's Brewery in Ogden and Layton
I enjoy the Ahi wrap quite a bit and used to always order it until I realized that I could easily fill myself up on the fries. So I started ordering just that. As a side they are called naughty fries and come with a side of Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Drew also introduced me to their bread pudding.

Tona's on 25th in Ogden
Just delicious sushi, and great atmosphere.

Sushi-Ya in Clearfield
All you can eat sushi for 20.00 and good sushi. We like to sit at the bar with the cute sushi chef and just order roll after roll. They are good rolls too and they are more than happy to make you something to order. Or maybe that is just for us because we wink at him.

Cache County:

Cafe Sabor
I know the owner from college and if he happens to be there, he is also good for a hug and a shared memory of linds. Then we both laugh and I enjoy a plate of Pollo Durango. One of my favorite things EVER! Their fish tacos are delicious especially when the fish of the day is Salmon. Oh how I miss college burrito night at Sabor.

The Bluebird
The bluebird chicken is basically sesame chicken with a twist and it is delicious. But what I always order is Chicken Louis. Who is surprised? You should be because it is a chicken breast piled with seafood, cheese, and hollandaise. Oh my goodness. Can I make one for myself right now?

Formosa
We all know how I love this place. My favorite Chinese ever. EVER! It is the best no matter what Zac or Snubs say. They must like it a little because they always went with me and they would meet me there again in a heart beat if I was in town.

Sweetly Divine
Is a pastry shop. I love the swans, blackberry tarts, and creme brulee. They also make a roast beef sandwich with jalapeno jelly.

Did I miss one that you know I love? Let me know and I will add it. Is there one you think I have missed and haven't tried? Tell me about it and I will meet you there for lunch!

My Carpool

2012-01-18T07:32:00.001-07:00

No I don't actually carpool to work. I work in south Salt Lake and commute from Davis county every weekday. I actually enjoy the commute, it has improved greatly since you had to do it for school Dad.

So everyday same time... I have started to realize I drive to work with the same crowd every morning. Some are easier to spot than others. Like the green Camry who's entire antennae is covered in smilie face antennae toppers, or the white Corolla that's license says "ICBONES," or the white Jaguar driven by a little old lady that says "UNDERCOVER." I wonder what she is doing under cover?

Some are more subtle like the guy in the silver Civic that is always on his phone, the super dirty white VW with Ute plates, and some times the black VW who's plate says "gravy." Do you think any of my carpool friends are familiar with the green Corolla with a big pink Phillies decal, that is driven by the girl who is always intently singing to the radio, (it's always Keith Urban) while wearing her super sexy J-Lo's?

Perspective

2012-01-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I struggle with perspective.

I think things in my life are bad or stressful and every single time the Lord reminds me how good I have it. So many of the people I love are going through MUCH harder things and really my life is great. Last night I was helping to set up a stage and I broke my nail. It shouldn't be a big deal but it ripped half way down and half way across and it hurt.

Jake and Joey were the only ones I could get any sympathy from until girls started to show up. While I was sitting there showing my "very serious wound" to a friend of mine she showed me the arm that her son, the orthopedic surgeon, was working on. Um... YIKES! It was hanging on by a little bit of skin and maybe a little tendon. I am going to be sick just thinking about it. I thought well I have my arm... both of them actually, and I just sat there and kind of stroked my own arm for a minute so grateful that it was there and intact.

How crazy is it that there are people out there who can put an arm back together that is only held on by a little bit of skin. Guys this arm was torn up and nasty and She said that the guy actually had feeling in his hand yesterday. Modern medicine is a miracle.

Oh and of course we know everything was better after Kyle sang to us some Johnny Cash.

Rough

2012-01-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Couldn't be more true! Thanks to my friends who listened so well to what Linds always calls "the friendship spirit." Amazing how when you need them the most your friends just appear out of nowhere to cheer you up again!

A Temple Marriage

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with my Papa and Step Mom a few weeks ago. On our way out to The Robot's cafe actually. I mentioned that finding a man who will marry me in the temple is just not going to cut it anymore. Let me explain. Do I want to be married in the temple? Absolutely, it won't happen anywhere else.

That, however, is now the minimum requirement. I don't want a man who is simply temple worthy, I want one who LOVES the temple, makes it a priority, returns with me regularly, and recognizes it's incredible power in the lives of our family. Which means I want more than a temple wedding. I require a temple marriage.

I feel sometimes as single women in the gospel we feel a need to pretend like we don't want to be married and we are perfectly happy being single. Which in some ways is true. I am single and I am happy. That doesn't mean that when I see a woman screaming at her little man in the Wal-Mart that my heart doesn't ask why she gets to have one and not me. Or that I am not sad that the amount of babies I want to have has been drastically reduced by the years I have spent not having them.

I was sad/worried enough about it a few years ago that I decided I was just going to ask The Lord why I was waiting. No need to be subtle with Him. He answered me as directly as I asked him and my heart was calmed. I am content, even excited to wait now. In college I heard this little quote and have tried to live by it.

"Stop thinking of

the man of your dreams,

and become the

woman of his."

Simple, but in my mind powerful. I have a friend who is upset with me for not working harder at finding a man. I feel that by working hard at perfecting myself, I am doing everything I need to be doing to find him. I don't think it needs to be hard or that I need to be "on the prowl." It just isn't me. I think that as with any true friendship when the right person comes along it won't be hard at all. I think it will just click. Have you worked hard to make friends with your very best ones? I haven't. One day they are just a part of your life and you realize that you want them to always be.

I found this on Pinterest this morning. Randomly, when for some reason I was not logged in.

I want this to be me. Not the woman who is throwing myself at a man because I don't like myself enough to be alone. Once I logged into Pinterest, I searched by Maya Angelou so I could find the above quote and pin it, and I also found this one.

I am not just trusting life. I am trusting The Lord who knows ALL things. I am living my life the best way I know how, working hard at becoming a better woman, and one third of a future eternal temple marriage. When life changes I am prepared for it. Until then I am happy to be just me, Annie Hall.

Robot's Cafe

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Beins family is basically part of my family. They have two sons Flower (Joe), and Robot (Jon). We nickname everyone, really no lie. We now call the whole family the Robots. Bill is Robot Senior and Anne is Sister Robot. Well they recently sold their home in Kearny, NE and bought a restaurant in Arapaho, NE, about an hour away. While we were home Dad and Melane were sweet enough to take us out there to sample the cooking and visit with the Robots.

We started at the counter for breakfast. The restaurant is buffet style. We had bacon, and Robot Senior's special recipe breakfast sausage, while he continuously brought us ham steaks. Which we fought over until they were gone. Delicious.

Not to be ones to miss out on delicious food, we then took a break and headed over to the local grocery store.

I loved these shopping baskets that have to be antique.

My little monkey is modeling one for us here. I spend a GOOD amount of time looking at each and every tractor, car, truck etc that he wanted for Christmas from now until he is retired. Good thing boys never get tired of such things. In true small town Nebraska style, this was a general store carrying clothing, food, toys, crafts supplies, etc. I found a tackle bag I felt I almost needed but I walked away. Dad however could not walk away from the smoked turkey he purchased and made for Christmas Dinner. Thanks Papa it was very delicious!

Then back to the Robot's Cafe. I think they should name it that, just sayin'.

This is Dolly. She came in, curlers and all, to see if they had any lasagna left over from the day before. To her great disappointment they did not. She was full of pep and sass, but sadly not lasagna as today was seafood day. Did you know that I LOVE seafood, Shrimp and scallops especially. But after sampling The fried Chicken that Robot Senior made I didn't touch another piece of seafood the rest of the time we were there. I don't like "on the bone chicken" and typically, in my opinion, the flavor is all in the skin and the meat isn't so delicious. THIS chicken was one of the best things I have ever tasted. The skin was perfectly crisp and delicious, and the amazingly moist meat had all the PERFECT flavor of the skin. Oh my goodness!

Robot Senior in the Kitchen.

I seriously have dreamed about this chicken twice since we went there. Why oh why do I have to wait for another trip home to sample it? Life is certainly not fair from time to time. Perhaps, though it is a blessing in disguise to keep me skinny.

Random

2012-01-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

Why do I spend ALL my spare time
on Food Gawker when I am dieting?

You would think I would be kinder to myself.

* * * * *

I have been studying the concept of cellular memory
and it is fascinating.

Do you know scientists are discovering that
our heart is like a mini brain?
That it stores memory and influences
our thoughts and actions?

It is way more involved, interesting,
and cool than I am going to make it sound here.
I'll send you a link to an article or two if you are interested.

* * * * *

I cried three times yesterday.

Once in front of my boss,
once at the Maverick,
and once in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn in SLC.

Needless to say I was an emotional mess.
Not even Keith Urban was helping.

Then I spent the evening with one of my BFFs Lolly.
Who made it all better by just being there,
and making time for me.

By the time I drove home I was all smiles.

* * * * *

For those of you who saw last night's Facebook status.
The one stating that I was almost certain,
I was Telestial Kingdom material.
Don't worry it had everything to do with
what happened at the Maverick.

And my guilt had everything to do with why I cried
at the Comfort Inn, and why I went back,
braving 5pm traffic to make it right again.

I haven't decided yet if I am going to share the story.
It is funny, in a way.
At the time it was simply stressful, crazy, and a little terrifying.

* * * * *

I am really so so grateful to Lolly.
I really needed a friend last night,
and she and Katy were miraculously there
to laugh with me about it,
and made sure I didn't feel too bad.
Then we went hot tubbing.
You guys are the best.

* * * * *

Missing the sibs

2012-01-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Do you know what this adorable kiddo
is doing in this photograph,
to be preserved for years to come?
Picking the popcorn texture off his ceiling.

All day I have been missing this kiddo.

Yes I took this picture in church, don't judge me, but he was letting me cuddle him and it happens so rarely.Well that is a lie, it just has to happen on his terms. Like sitting on the arm of the couch and slowly leaning over until he is laying across me. He thinks I don't know what he is up to, but I do.

In fact I miss all my siblings when they are far away.
Which makes the time I get with them so precious.

In the above picture I have captured two of my favorite things:

My dad's cooking, and naughtiness in my siblings.

I think you can tell from this picture that this kiddo could use a real good squeeze. And you can see Madi in the background getting ready to blow us all away with her Christmas story. Seriously, we were all remembering Santa gifts from years past and that little princess brought us all back to the true meaning of the evening. I was impressed

Oh look another picture from church and another adorable sibling who has also recently decided she wants to be a cuddler.

My Logan boy is reaching that age where he can enjoy hanging with the adults which is fun for me. But also is still a big kid which the little ones sure enjoy. Truth be told kids of all ages enjoy playing Mario Kart and watching me fall off cliffs every minute of so.

We were able to talk with Jarom for awhile on Christmas.

We each had ten minutes which wasn't even close to enough,

and Jake and his wife spent Christmas in California with her family.

I just miss all of them. Except Kate. Because well, I see her every day.

The One Where Kyle is Older

2012-01-04T17:31:00.001-07:00

I had a temple shift on Kyle's birthday, (new Kyle for those who know both), then left the first thing the next morning for home. I almost forgot his birthday post.

My favorite Kyle quotes:

"I can't tell what that is. Must be a turkey or a deer or something."

"Of course I'm a good shot, do you know how many Louis L'Amour books I've read?"

"Your house isn't messy, you just have a LOT of shoes."

"Did you bring your adventure pants? All MY pants are adventure pants!"

P.S. I think he liked it when I told him how sexy he is in front of his parents. I couldn't help it, the man read Louis L'Amour to us by the campfire while camping in the Uintas, and sang "Tougher Than the Rest" while playing guitar. He is single and I think someone should fall in love with him. He also has a VERY sexy voice, and is handy with a saw.

Life is Good

2011-12-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

I found a new favorite ethinic
dive in Salt Lake.
Next time you are in town,
join me for a culinary adventure.
I have a list of places to choose from,
If you don't mind sitting on a duct taped booth.

* * * * * *

This morning I was driving to work,
favorite sunglasses on,
skinny jeans fitting a little loose,
Keith Urban was singing to me,
the weather was beautiful,
I was driving to a job I enjoy,
reviewing plans for the evening
that include all you can eat Sushi and a hot tub,
and I couldn't help but feel that life is good.

* * * * * *

I think I am becoming a genuine Utahan.
It was 45 degrees last night
and I went out in capris, short sleeves, and flip flops.

* * * * * *

I heard that 50% of the
work force has the week between
Christmas and New Years off.
Which means I used my cruise control on my commute
and made it home in 12 minutes.
Fine by me if every else is taking
Time off now.
I'll take mine the rest of the year.

* * * * * *
My short brown hair is back,
Who is excited?

I Need Help

2011-12-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I could have had a new Greek boyfriend. Why am I not all smiles this morning because I have a new Greek Boyfriend? Well let us go back a few years...

There was this one time my roommates and myself threw a party in college. At the party I met this super cute guy and somehow we ended up sneaking out of our own party, with my roommate and her man, and ended up at the movies. Anyway we were sharing a jumbo popcorn and his hand kept touching mine in the popcorn. I kept thinking "why does he always go for popcorn at the same time as me?" And then I was thinking "why is he stroking my fingers? Weird." Maybe I should leave the popcorn alone... and I did. Fortunately for us he John Wayned it up later and kissed me. Let's be honest if it was up to me I would have never figured out what was going on. CLASSIC hand holding move and I had no idea! Ugh!

If you will recall this kind of thing has happened to me before. And in other instances it didn't included greasy butter fingers. Ha! I don't have any problem flirting. I can reel them in, but I can't pull them off the line. I might be an idiot.

Cut to last night....

I am at dinner with a bunch of girl friends and this BEAUTIFUL Greek man walks in. He was dressed very nicely and even had a little salt and pepper in his hair. Just enough to be sexy. I am chatting, and laughing, and goofing off, when I realize he is staring at me over Katy's head. So I gave him a flirty little look and he gave me one back. So then what? While I was trying to decide if I should get up from my table and pursue this beautiful single man (ring check), or pay attention to the friends I came with... he made his way out the door. VERY, VERY slowly, while looking over his shoulder every once in awhile and winking at me. Once he shut the door I yelled right out loud so the entire restaurant could here me "WHY DID I LET MY BEAUTIFUL GREEK BOYFRIEND LEAVE WITHOUT ME?! And he was probably the one driving that Audi!"

"Uh that's actually my Audi. I think he's in the minivan."

Road Trip

2011-12-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

HA HA This made me laugh because this is Katy and I.
There have been times when she has literally texted someone
and asked them to call and tell me to pull over.

We also pack a lunch for the road so we don't have
to eat fast food or stop for anything other than fuel.

Katy and I are getting ready to head home to Nebraska in the morning.
Our road trips are ALWAYS a good time.
Will we find another man with no eyes walking down I-80?
Will we make a new boyfriend at the Lincoln Head memorial?
Who will win when we play the Kenny Rodgers game?
Will we record it for Kenny this time?

The bad news is that we are going to be traveling like pioneers.
And by this I mean that neither of our cars are capable of playing ipods.
I know I shouldn't complain, the pioneers had to make their own music.
Time to grab that box of CDs out of the basement.

Dear Papa,

2011-12-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

Please bless we can have breakfast fried rice at least
every other morning that I'm home.
Oh and chicken wings at least once, but not for breakfast.
And Katy has requested that she be allowed to eat nothing but your homemade
apple and pumpkin pies all week.
If you need help cooking, we'll be home Thursday night to help stir... and sample.

Love U 18,
Reese

P.S. If Melane could be persuaded to make biscuits and gravy on one of the non fried rice mornings... I would once again be willing to offer my stirring/sampling talents.

Happy would be 52nd

2011-12-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

To my mommy...

It's still cool if I make fun of her right?

Oh how I miss her singing the wrong words to all the songs on the radio,

snapping her fingers,

(which I think is a real weird thing to do to music),

and tapping the brake pedal to the beat,

while singing all the ooh-ooh parts.

Suspish

2011-12-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

I don't like putting gas in my car. I just don't like it, and it has nothing to do with how much it costs. I am just a spoiled Jersey girl and we are going to have to accept that I suppose. Today I was super late for work, my gas light was on, and gas is at least 30 cents cheaper by my office. So I put literally 3 dollars of gas in my car. It was just over a gallon and my gas gauge said I had half a tank when I pulled away. Something isn't right.

Awkward

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

When I texted the wrong number to ask if they had a cage we could use for FHE.

Tonight

2011-12-14T22:15:00.001-07:00

I was helping lolly in her classroom and I was introduced as "Miss Reese." Which one of the children thought was "Miss Grease", which quickly became my name. Then one little boy tapped me on the shoulder and said " Mith Weath, I AM gweasy!" And he was proud, and he was adorably chubby, and I just wanted to squeeze him.
Cut to lolly and I leaving Roosters later that evening in downtown Ogden when a man approached "You girls want me to buy you some tequila?!?!" Fortunately our Drew Drop was near by, saw our dilemma, and came to our rescue. As we drove past the man, lolly crouched down in the passengers seat while I gave him a little honk and a wave from the safety of my car.
Who loves my new nickname?
What a great evening.

Harry Potter

2011-12-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school my mom started reading Harry Potter books to my brothers. I was obviously too cool to be involved in this practice. I mean they were books for small boys. Then one night I overheard a chapter or two, while I was being cool in the other room. I came home from work later that night and secretly began the first book. I was hooked. Since then I have not missed even one midnight release of the book.

I have always LOVED Snape.

And Dumbledore (until the very end).

A few years ago when I first moved to Utah and was looking for a job I often got very bored. It resulted in me once again caving and reading the latest book craze. I enjoyed the first book, the second was okay, and after that it was a struggle to get through them.

Remember how I love those stupid pictures with captions so so so much?
I swear I'll post a normal post again real soon,
but I can not get enough of these!

They make me laugh out loud, in fact the girl using the fax machine right now is laughing because of how much I am laughing.

Thanks for humoring me. Normal posts coming again soon. I promise!

DATING

2011-12-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Ha Ha Ha.

The Deal Breaker.

I have so many. Maybe that's why I'm still single.

This about how good I am at reading signals.

He is in love with me, wait...

he's engaged?

He wants to be friends, wait...

he thinks we are dating?

Ugh.

There are way too many boys out there like this.

Like the one who told Katy he wouldn't date her

because she couldn't play an instrument.

Wait a second...

Didn't I just say I have too many deal breakers?

Maybe it goes both ways.

But I am NOT looking for a ballerina.

I can't act my age

2011-11-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

This one is my new favorite.

I have it saved on my phone

and I laugh out loud EVERY SINGLE time I see it.

This one is for Katy.

It is another of our new favorites.

Also for Katy

Family in town

2011-11-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

This little monkey has managed to capture my heart.

I need to be kissing those cheeks!

And he actually lets you cuddle with him.

Yes Please!

Thanks to Dad and Melane for letting us have so much time to play together.

I have no pictures, but the rest of the siblings were cherished and cuddled as well.

We were only missing Jarom, and he was certainly missed.

My Logan boy always complains that Utah is boring and all we do is visit old relatives.

I used to feel much the same way.

Then you grow up and realize Dad's sister are HILARIOUS!

Until that kicks in we thought we'd show him a good Utah time.

So we went tubing at Gorgoza Park in Park City.

Not going to lie the first trip down was one of the scariest things I have ever done.

I know the mountain doesn't look too intimidating.

I myself thought it looked kinda lame from the bottom.

Then half way down I thought I was going to die for sure.

Which made it one of my new favorite things to do.

We made 4 runs before it started to snow.

and get really cold.

We will for sure be making more trips in the future.

We also spent the rest of the weekend:

* Having dinner with Melane's Family in Daybreak.

* DELICIOUS Puerto Rican food at her sister's house.

* Walking around Downtown Salt Lake.

*Going out for thanksgiving, just our immediate family.

*Getting to know my brother's wife better, through a game of boxers and brief my dad swore he'd stop playing if it got inappropriate, but played to the end anyway!

* Going to the lighting of temple square and running into David Archuleta.

* Taking care of the kiddos while their parents run to the temple.

*Lots and lots of coloring.

*Lots of cuddling.

* Dinner at Madoox with Dad's family, including his hilarious sisters.

Can't wait for December and spending more time with my family!

Recommendation or... Another Confession.

2011-11-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Remember way back here when I confessed that I can't buy boxed food?
Things like Ramen or Hamburger Helper?

Well I also have a hard time admitting that there is a TV show I enjoy watching.
I know there is nothing wrong with TV in moderation.
But I worry that if I confess to enjoying one show,
Someone will think I go home and veg all night...
Eating Cheetos and cardboard pizzas with one sock half way off,
and not even caring.
Irrational I know.

Cut to the best part of today...
Discussing Modern Family over lunch with my boss,
both of us laughing right out loud.
It has been a long time since I found a show funny,
AND generally clean.

P.S. We also love Once Upon a Time,
but as soon as I recommend it they'll start adding sex scenes.
Such seems to be the nature of Hollywood.
Or they won't add any sex and the show will get canceled mid season
and I'll buy the DVD.

and who is already watching it and freaked out by Rumpelstiltskin?
and who is upset there wasn't a new episode this weekend?

Katy and I don't have a TV.
Thank goodness for Hulu so I can watch my two shows.

Lies,
three shows...
Because who doesn't love Psych
and have a secret crush on Gus?
Or not so secret?

A confession of sorts

2011-11-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

So here's the confession. I am a 29 year old woman (that's not the confession) a 29 year old woman who loves those stupid pictures of animals with captions. I look at them and I can NOT STOP laughing. My friend Leah (yeah this is the second time you got a blog mention) goes out of her way to look for them and send them to me now.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Funny

Why is this funny? I don't even know. But I am starting to LOL now.

Memories of High school in Jersey anyone?

Katy's favorite. She laughs uncontrollably EVERY time she sees it.

My favorite. I don't care how old I get. When I am in a nursing home, someone put this picture on my door so I can always find my way back to my room at sunshine terrace. Because even then I will still break into uncontrollable giggling.

Lately

2011-11-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

Why did my phone languagechange to French?

It is driving me crazy and Idon't know how to fix it.

*****

Rocky Mountain Chocolateapple? Yes Please! I'll take two!

****

"If I tell you I'mstalking you it's less creepy, right?" ~Leah.

*****

It's true it's not.

*****

Who needs a recipe for salsa?Really?

I see them on Pinterest ALL the time.

*****

Working in the temple givesme REALLY strange dreams.

STRANGE!!!

*****

Dinner with the best kind offriends.

*****

I have a new favorite articleof clothing.

I wish I had time to run backto Park City to buy one in another color.

*****

Forget Pinterest! I could spend the rest of my life on Food Gawker. Let's be honest that is really all I use Pinterest for anyway.

*****

This post is giving me much grief. For some reason it isn't saving as the default font so It isn't showing up on my black background. Thus the lovely shade of Blue. Sorry

Bananas

2011-11-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

This probably really isn't that funny but I couldn't stop laughing about it!

Me:"You can't Rhyme banana with banana!"
Jonathan: "Well they had two different meanings!"
Katy:"There is only one meaning for banana."
Me: "I can think of three."
Jonathan: "Right, like that girl is bananas."
Me: "I don't like it you can't rhyme bananas and bananas."
Jonathan: "Well what else rhymes with Montana?"
Katy: "Chose a different state."
Jonathan: "But he's from Montanta!"
Me: "Banana does not rhyme with Montana!"

Ward Choir

2011-11-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a trend in this religion of which I am a part,
to have choir directors who are.... how do I say it?

Very enthusiastic.

I get that you want to magnify your calling.
I get that you love music.
I get that you want a good turn out.
I like having a good turn out to things I am in charge of too.
That is all fine and great and good.

But when I tell you I can't sing, it would be really great if you believed me.
I am not fishing for a compliment.
I am not making excuses.
I am not too lazy to stay another hour after church.
I don't care if you made brownies.

I CAN NOT SING.

Believe me!

And it is okay because, I have a lot of other talents.
So it is okay if that is one I don't have.
We can't all be amazing at everything.

NO WAY!

2011-11-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Katy has a little boy in her class who we quote all the time.

If she asks him to do something his response is without fail either:

"No way!"

"No you do it!"

But don't worry he would totally be her favorite,

if teachers were allowed to have favorites.

The other day we were suppose to be introducing ourselves in Sunday school and everyone was talking about their careers and schooling etc. So when it was my turn I said "The Lord and I are in a fight about my future right now." I don't really mean that we are in a fight. Because well that isn't generally a good practice.

I think what is happening though is that I am essentially just like the kid in Katy's class. When The Lord asks me to do something I want to respond "NO WAY!" And just like Katy's kiddo I certainly know better, but I don't want to. Or some times I just like being sassy and stubborn.

I also seem to find myself saying to The Lord "No you do it!" Because well life can be hard, and decision making is hard. I just want him to do it for me.

And just like Katy's kiddo someday I will grow up and see that the things The Lord has asked of me really aren't that hard. That he really wants the best for me. And that somewhere along the way I became what he always knew I could be.

For now I need to work on being more obedient so I don't get put in the "naughty space."

Debatable

2011-11-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

When a homosexual man says he has a crush on a girl for the very first time and it is on me.... is that a compliment or like saying I am basically a man? I can't decide.

On a different note..
Why is Deseret Book the worst email spammer of all time? Really? I have unsubscribed like 20 times!

Granola Vogue

2011-11-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

I don't qualify as a granola because I am not all over being green. It is a nice idea but I try not to be extremist in anything. I use reusable shopping bags because they are cute. And sometimes I throw my junk mail in the trash and not the recycling. I know I am single handedly destroying the world. Which is sad because I love the Earth.

I do love to be outdoors though, and through my recent commitment to learn to LIVE in the Rocky Mountains, not simply reside here, I am discovering more and more things I <3 to do in the great out of doors.

I also am ALL about eating healthy. You just feel better when you eat things that are good for you. And it is easier to get to the top of a mountain when you have properly fueled your body. I know shocking.

The problem I posed to a friend of mine recently though was how the heck do people afford it? I want snowshoes. Not cheap. I want my own climbing gear, also not cheap. I need a tent, and barefoot running shoes, and this really cute green coat at REI. Oh and I need a new fishing pole, and a new bike, and a long board. Okay I know the last one doesn't exactly fit the profile, but I LOVE long boarding too. Oh and the adorable pair of Tevas at REI. Who knew they started making cute ones?

And don't even get me started on how much more food costs at Whole Foods. Oh my goodness, but oh how I love it!

Zac says you afford it by working at REI and Whole Foods part time for the discount, and you live in the woods the rest of the time. Too bad I like my job and have student loans to pay off. While researching what it really meant to be granola I found that it didn't mean at all what I thought it did. It is more of a liberal political thing, NOT a play in the woods all the days, and drive an old school 4 Runner kind of thing. But I did run across this term which I think I would like to be.

Granola Vogue: Phrase used to describe someone who sits comfortably between the worlds of the 'crunchy' and the fashionable, sacrificing neither to the other. See because I like to get all dressed up, and sometimes I love to look girlie and go out to dinner somewhere nice.

Now I know there is a term for a girl like me.

Granola Vogue.

Happy Birthday Katy Jean

2011-11-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

When Katy was born, all red haired and adorable, she, in my 2 year old mind, was stealing my parents away from me. I had been dethroned and there was a new princess capturing the hearts of everyone she saw. I remember thinking that if I could get rid of that red hair everyone thought was so great, I would be back on top. So I yanked a good portion of it right out of the top of her head. And I don't recall feeling bad about it at all. I wanted her gone.

Somewhere along the line I decided it would be okay if we kept her. Eventually I decided she wasn't too bad. Then one day we were friends. I feel bad for girls who don't have sisters. My life without Katy would be lonely, much more boring, and even a little scary.

When you have known someone for so long, you learn to read them really well. We are constantly telling each other "I have known you since the day you were organized. You aren't hiding that from me."

I give you the many faces of Katy:

You might not be her sister but I bet you can guess what she is thinking/saying in at least a few of them.

And finally for your viewing pleasure a tribute to sisters.

Happy Birthday Kate!

Mom, is that you?

2011-11-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

People have always told me that one of the things they remember most about mom is that she was best friends with her kids. Most people love their parents but I actually like mine too.

I have asked myself before if my dad and I had gone to high school together, would we have been friends? If mom and I had met in a class in college would we have been friends?

Well at least one of those questions has been answered because I have met my mom. Seriously. Everytime we leave our new friend Jess' house we say to ourselves "she reminds me sooo much of mom."

How you ask?

Well...

She hates wearing dresses and will run home and change before we do anything else.
Addicted to Diet Coke.
Has an amazingly strong, solid testimony, but swears in Relief Society*.
Loves the people she loves fiercely and will do ANYTHING for them.
People she doesn't like better watch out.
She enjoys country music.
Her love language is quality time.
Is horribly inappropriate
Calls dinner, supper.
She CRACKS me up.
Loves to be a little bit mischevious.
Likes Katy and I.
Loves learning

*I don't actually recall mom swearing in church, but it still reminds me of her.

More Sad News

2011-11-04T07:32:00.000-06:00

Aol Radio has merged with Slacker radio.

Why is this sad?

Aol radio was the one who had the all Keith Urban station.
I know I can put Keith into Pandora,
but then he is only like every 5th to 8th song
and that is JUST NOT ENOUGH!

and the Keith Pandora station plays Rascall Flatts
and that is just not acceptable.

Favorite from the latest Album

Favorite EVER!

Changes

2011-11-03T07:05:00.000-06:00

While making big decisions* lately, a big factor has been the job I currently have.

I have a strong loyalty to them and have been staying, even though the pay sucks, pretty much solely for that reason.

Ironic that once I start pondering another something that my current work environment changes such that my decision is getting much easier to make.

In the past when a decision has had to be made, the answer has been clear as day. While I am feeling a little stressed about all these decisions, I am grateful for the stronger relationship I have gained with my Savior while, for the first time in my life, I have had to really plead with The Lord for answers.

My Dad warned me that this day would come.

*there has been another option thrown into the decision making mix at the last minute.

More Confessions

2011-11-02T07:51:00.000-06:00

I dislike having my bed made. It isn't that I don't like making it. I just don't like having it made. I like to get in bed and just throw a loose sheet and a comforter over myself. I am sure someday I will adapt to the preference of someone else but right now I have no need to.

I like Vienna sausages. I know you just threw up in your mouth. The other night I was up with a couple friends really late and we started talking about Vienna sausages and someone said they had never tried them. Kyle just happened to have a can on hand and everyone made fun of him but then we passed around the can so everyone could try one. Almost everyone spit their's out. My heart hurt a little when Kyle threw the half full tin out, because I love them. But was way too embarrassed to speak up and say that to anyone.

I was late to work the other day because I could not open the container of Hollandaise sauce. I wanted eggs Benedict and I worked on that stupid Tupperware for 15 minutes. Eventually I gave up and just had eggs on an English muffin. Not even close to the same thing.

The other day Kyle and I were in the temple for stake temple day... And don't worry about how my bright purple slip just fell off while we were walking down the hallway. Well... not all the way off but a good foot or so of it was showing. Kyle being the incredibly laid back person he is just said "time to buy clothes that fit" and we kept on walking. I just laughed, these things always happen to me.

When Katy's car windows get's fogged up "Annie + someone" shows up on the windshield framed with a heart. The person who wrote it on the windshield with his toes is almost engaged and the name that appears with mine on the windshield is also on the brink of engagement. It's been like 9 months and neither of us has erased it.

Best part of today

2011-11-01T13:16:00.002-06:00

Riding to lunch with my boss while he blasted "Single Ladies" on the radio.

I am still giggling.

Another Dilbert

2011-10-31T11:46:00.000-06:00

This is my life. But without a puppy.

"All I want is a man to give me a baby and a puppy is that too much to ask? It's time to start giving my babies bodies so I can put them in this sweater." ~Me, while shopping in Park city

This is not the actual sweater I was in love
with but it is cute too.

Lately

2011-10-30T11:02:00.000-06:00

Lunch with Wade.

We thought it odd that the cashier spelled his name thus...

I found my old notebook from Culinary school.

I wish I remembered how this happened.

I am sure it was a great story because our su chef was hilarious...
and accident prone.

I was proud of myself for changing my own brake pads.

However, I needed Joan's testosterone to reset my calipers.

Thanks Joan!

We spend the good bit of time stalking this guy,

before we had lunch at Sawadee.

Why we thought it was so funny

that he was biking his piano down the road,
I will never know. But it was.

In fact I am laughing now thinking about it.

I have to say I am in love with my new trifle bowl.

The girls want to use it to make giant margaritas..

To celebrate being called as ordinance workers!

and finally...

this is what I was making when it was finally determined

that I am allergic to avocados.

My avocado egg rolls.

How I will miss thee....

Sad News

2011-10-28T13:20:00.001-06:00

I heart avocados.

Like a lot.

Mom always said she wasn't going to heaven if they didn't have chocolate.

I feel the same way about guacamole...

and Hollandaise sauce but we've covered that previously.

I am almost certain the only reason I gained weight in college,

is because I dipped every sandwich I ate at Quiznos

in a huge cup of guacamole.

And my Papa's guacamole is one of my favorite things,

well really anything Dad cooks,

So here is the bad news:

I AM ALLERGIC TO THEM!

My heart is broken.

and well my throat is closing up...

You know who you are.

2011-10-27T16:13:00.004-06:00

And I would totally buy this for you,

if I thought you would actually wear it.

Let me just say that I can hardly wait until our self imposed

Chik-Fil-A restriction is lifted.

I haven't cheated even once, 4 days left!

2011-10-26T07:32:00.000-06:00

This weekend at Stake Conference a member of our stake presidency said "There are too many of our young men high fiving themselves over Cs, while our women are beating themselves up over an A- while pursuing advanced degrees."

I then look down my row and note that all of us girls on my row are applying for advanced degrees. Are we pricing ourselves out of the market?

Favorite Quotes from the Weekend

2011-10-25T16:28:00.001-06:00

"Dating does not lead to relationships."~ Brandon

"Someone needs a girlfriend. Maybe you should get out of this car and go get one." ~Katy

"There are too many 5s out there looking for 10s." ~ Stake President

"I am wearing my Toms so I feel comfortable going into Whole Foods." ~Katy
"And I wore no make up so I'll fit right in too... But I didn't plan it that way." ~Me

I have the best friends.

2011-10-24T11:43:00.002-06:00

Thanks friends.

I am starting to feel a lot better.

Still scared to death, but taking things a day at a time.

Really thanks.

The last thing I need when making a scary decision

is for someone to point out how scary it is

and all the ways I could fail.

The most feared creature

2011-10-18T12:21:00.001-06:00

Am I the maiden in the final panel or the blond in the preceding panel?

Ha Ha.

To my great shame I am afraid I have been the blond a few times this year.

I must repent.

I believe a more feared creature is "The bitter single woman."

Which I swear I will never be.

And which I encountered last night,

but fought off with a 6 foot sub!

Sick

2011-10-13T07:29:00.000-06:00

I have been horribly sick for a while now. I should count my blessing, but instead, am listing what sucks about being sick so that I can appreciate not being sick when/if that ever happens.

1. I have no mom. Which is glaringly evident when I need to be babied.
2. I need my favorite soup, which only I know how to make, but I am too sick to get up and make it.
3. I can't really yell at the guys in the warehouse as well.
4. Is it just me or is almost impossible to find a decongestant that works on your nose AND sinus.Which one would you like to have decongested, because you can only pick one.
5. Because I have ADD, uppers are downers for me. So the caffeine they put in daytime cold medicine makes me very sleepy.
6. Implementing new accounting practices while on said cold medicine.
7. Sounding like you are 80 years old when you blow your nose.
8. Not having nearly enough Jane Austen movies on hand.
9. Having to stay inside on these beautiful nights when I want to be painting in the park.
10. Not being able to think clearly at all.
11. Not being able to hear.
12. Not being able to talk without coughing.
13. Feeling like your head is going to explode
14. Formosa's hot and sour soup is in Logan, and no one else makes it as good.
15. The house being a general mess and there may or may not be tissues EVERYWHERE.
16. A chapped nose.
17. Not being able to taste anything.
18. No puppy to cuddle with.

Okay I thought of a few good things.
1. Vick's Vapor Rub tissues
2. The sauna at the gym.
3. Friends with soup and great movies
4. People staying out of my office.
5. NYQUIL

P.S. I need this!

2011-10-11T07:19:00.000-06:00

I officially have health insurance.
I should probably feel more secure now right?
Incorrect.
I am now super nervous.
I felt like before, the powers that be knew,
if I had to pay medical expenses out of pocket
I would be the poorest little monkey ever, for the rest of my life.
Now that I have insurance,
I can have bad things happen and it's covered.
So some parts of me feels like they will.

Better Life

2011-10-07T07:36:00.000-06:00

I want to share with you my new favorite song.

You see... I have made a decision that is life changing,
and very scary.

If you are a friend that I have the privilege of associating
with frequently, you probably already know.

However,
I am not quite ready to publicly announce just what it is.

I thought I was, but as I started to tell people

I have found some incredibly supportive,
and others INCREDIBLY not so much...

and bless their hearts,
they are comfortable enough to offer VERY honest opinions.

Heavenly Father and I are still in the negotiation period

so until I have the confidence of His full support

I am not confident sharing the news just yet.

Once I do I will have more confidence telling all those
"non-supporters" to take a walk.

Until then I am too worried that I will let others effect my decision.

I feel very much that I am taking my step into the darkness,

but feel certain I'll find the light switch at any moment.

The chance to improve myself and my situation is
what excites me the most about this prospect.

Thus the anthem. Don't be surprised by who sings it.

Have I mentioned before that I love Keith?

Because there is nothing like a sexy man with a banjo to make anything seem possible!

Snow

2011-10-06T07:44:00.000-06:00

Katy: So I heard it is suppose to snow tomorrow.
Me: Oh really that's great.
K: Are you even listening to me? SNOW... TOMORROW!
M: Yeah I think it is great I love Fall weather.
K: Me too, but snow is WINTER.

I seem to have acclimated to this state and am no longer surprised by snow in October. Sometimes I miss my no winter coat Jeresy. Don't get me wrong everyone else in Jeresy had a winter coat. I could just get away without having one, and steal Dad's when needed. Here I am forced to own one and wear it. And maybe I own like 15. Because I have acclimated, and for now, snowy Utah is my home sweet home.

That's Just Annie

2011-10-05T07:12:00.000-06:00

"I was just sitting in my truck on the phone when I looked up and saw Annie through the window, waving her arms around, I thought I don't want to miss this story! So I rushed right in!" ~ My Customer

Don't Judge Me.

2011-10-04T07:40:00.000-06:00

1. I hate thanksgiving food. Don't gasp. If I was going to plan a feast I would NEVER pick turkey for my protein and I have always hated yams, until last year.... enter Zac's family's sweet potatoes. Oh my, can I have an entire pan of them right now? Okay but back to the point. Thanksgiving... YUCK!

2. I know gas isn't cheap and due to my inability to make the big bucks I have a budget. But I LOVE to drive with the windows down. The problem is that sometimes that doesn't cool my car quite enough. (I like being cold) So I crank the air conditioning. Windows down, air blasting, at 3.50 a gallon. Oh well.

3. This morning I didn't read my scriptures. I finished reading Anne of the Island. I couldn't leave that last chapter where she finally ends up with Gilbert unfinished. Maybe I'll go to the temple tonight to make up for it.

4. Another in the car confession... I can't remember if I have mentioned this before or not. I LOVE to sing in the car. Of course Keith Urban is my most frequent duet partner followed closely by Jason Aldean but sometimes Billy Joel, John Fogerty, or Steven Page of BNL fame come along for the ride. I get so into it that once I was stopped at a light next to a friend and she tried so hard to get my attention that she was throwing french fries at my window and I never broke for a second. This has happened more than once, but only once did it involve projectile french fries.

5. The other day I remembered that my mom pronounces the w in sword. I laughed out loud and then I felt a little bad for making fun of her. Do you think she still says it wrong? I hope so.... I wouldn't have it any other way.

My Rhett

2011-10-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

I have been a little obsessed with the Civil War lately. Okay a lot obsessed. Anyway due to my recent obsession I have been thinking a little about one of my favorite movies Gone With the Wind. I know the story isn't what you would call the perfect romance. And yet I love it so much. Why? Because Rhett loves Scarlet. He knows her even better than she does and he absolutely loves her. Isn't that what we all want? Someone who knows us, our faults and our shortcomings and loves us when we burn the waffles, or want to wear yoga pants all day?

I think as women we worry too much about being something someone will love rather than just being the best version of us and waiting patiently until someone sees that version when they look at us. Scarlett makes the same mistake. If you will remember, almost the entire movie she believes she is in love with Ashley. She spends so much energy trying to get him to fall for her that she doesn't even recognize how much Rhett loves her.

I know I have been guilty of this before. Not in the same degree, but for example there was this guy in college that I thought was the most perfect man I had ever met. To be honest I think all the girls in the ward thought the same thing, because when he mentioned a certain perfume he liked I was gagging on it the next week at church. Ha! Okay but I was obsessed. So obsessed in fact that I didn't realize that he was interested in my best friend and his roommate very much liked me. I realize now that I had so much energy focused on this guy that I couldn't see anyone else in my life clearly. Sadly enough this was not the last time I let "the perfect man" cloud my perception of others, and even myself.

In the end why would we want to settle for Ashley? Someone who likes you but doesn't love you as completely as you deserve. We have to let go of our Ashelys and look for our Rhetts. Who I feel will be found in unexpected places and faces.

One other thought. When I say I want someone who loves me just as I am I don't exactly mean that either. Because to expect just that is to say I am perfect the way I am. I don't want someone who doesn't anticipate that there is a better me to come. I want someone who will love Annie, and yet sees the Annie I will become as well, someone who is going to help me get there.While I do the same for him.

New Show

2011-09-20T15:50:00.003-06:00

One of my sales reps sent me an email today, and this was the subject line:

New show airing this fall on ABC @ 8pm "Very nice Mormon girl from Jersey that will have your back in a brawl at the fair"

He thinks he is going to make a show about me and make a lot of money.

I like that man a lot.

Boys Confuse Me

2011-09-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

B: You know that I always had a crush on you right?
Me: Uhh....
B: Seriously I always really liked you.
Me: Then why the heck did you NEVER ask me out?
B: I don't know... I thought you were always in love with *____
Me: Um no, and that blew up in my face anyway.
B: So you had no idea that I liked you?
Me: None
B: But what about that night that I came over with my guitar and sang to you all night?
Me: I thought that was because we were good friends.
B: Honey a boy doesn't do something like that unless he is interested in being much more than friends.
Me: So just a few nights ago when I was at a friends house and he sang and played to me until I fell asleep on his couch... He wants to be more than friends?
B:Absolutely.

*The problem is that I would bet my first born that the second fellow is just my friend. So almost the EXACT same incidence in one case means he wants to date me and in one means he is a good friend. How is a girl suppose to tell the difference?

7

2011-09-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

You knew this post was coming right?

I'll make it quick.

Today I have been thinking a lot about how my parents

were married for time and eternity in a Holy Temple.

Because they were not just married, but sealed, I was born under

the covenant they made with each other and with our Heavenly Father.

As a result of that marriage I enjoyed time...

21 years of it, with basically perfect parents....

and 28 and counting with a nearly perfect father.

As a result of that covenant I look forward to eternity.

Because of the covenants made that day

I am blessed to have perfect parents,

my perfect parents, for eternity.

I can't think of one truth that means more to me

than the knowledge that families are forever.

Death has not released mom from her calling to be my mom.

She exists and will continue to exist as she always has.

As my mother and friend.

My Ring

2011-09-15T07:31:00.000-06:00

My Papa bought me this ring.

It is actually two rings, one Mom's birthstone, and one mine.

It is one of my most prized worldly possessions.

Probably one of the only ones I would be truly sad to loose.

Other than my camera, car, and home.

Well the other day I was putting lotion on.

The man that cleans my ring tells me time and time again

that I can never wear it when putting lotion on.

He doesn't even want me to wear it when washing my hands

or putting on hand sanitizer. It is all very bad for jewelry.

and I try to comply occasionally with him.

The other day I had no where to put my ring while

lotioning so I put it in my sweater pocket.

I thought to myself. Don't do this.

You will forget to put the ring back on and it will get lost.

A sweater pocket is NOT safe place.

But I thought it would only be a second, how could I forget?

Guess what?

I forgot and the next day when I noticed my naked hand

and checked the sweater it was gone.

Why do I not listen to myself?

I told Heavenly Father I was sorry I didn't listen,

and I told him how much the ring meant to me.

Then I went looking everywhere for it.

Actually no.

I thought there was no point.

It could be anywhere that I had been.

So I searched my room, and my laundry basket real well.

Gone, and I gave up.

Until the next morning when it was sitting on top of my laundry basket.

Right on top.

Not sure how that is even possible.

Well I do know how it is possible

and I am grateful HF cared about how much I cared

about that ring, and found it for me.

UP

2011-09-14T12:11:00.000-06:00

Have you heard about the "Up" house in Herriman?

We decided to go see it last weekend.

The company I work for provided some of the hardware.

The house is an exact replica of the one from "UP."

It is a model home for Bangeter homes so it's open for viewing.

The nursery is the same, the living room, the entry way.

Anything that is shown in the movie was replicated here.

This was my favorite part though

I am in LOVE with this retro kitchen.

I told the boys that I would make dinner in heels every night

for any boy who purchased for me this kitchen.

I also love the claw foot bathtub upstairs that was jetted.

Perfect combination of modern and classic.

Don't get me wrong, some of the model homes

in Daybreak, that we also looked at

had closets bigger than my bedroom and were nice.

But they weren't homie like the "Up" house is.

Memories

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Who can drive by this shady little place without thinking of me?

Oh Formosa, I think I have an obsession.

I have received a few random, and greatly appreciated,

text lately from friends saying something had sparked a memory of me.

One of them being the above restaurant in Logan.

Others, probably not surprisingly, were things like

hearing a Keith Urban song on the radio.

What things remind you of me?

Leave me a comment and let me know,

and I will tell you what ALWAYS reminds me of you.

Camping

2011-09-07T07:44:00.000-06:00

As Cam and I made it to our campsite this weekend. It was late and almost dark. But only a few minutes after arrival we had the car unpacked, the tent up, and dinner cooking. Just us two girls. One of us from Southern California, and one from South Jersey. I was proud of us.

Our campsite was in the Uintas,

right in the middle of this little grove of aspen trees.

Which you can see in this picture of me

posing by the tree I assisted in becoming firewood.

You love that I have one earring in from work still. Ha!

Camping makes one very sexy.

I slept in my hammock and fell asleep staring at the stars

and listening to the wind in the aspens.

That sound while it does make me miss mom,

also makes me feel like she is right there with me.

I can close my eyes and in a second

be camping with her again.

LOVED IT, NEEDED IT.

Of course camping means gourmet cooking!

We made campfire burritos one night

and I thought they were fantastic.

More hot sauce next time!

The tortillas were perfectly crispy and so much melted cheese!

You can see how excited Cameran was to eat hers,

she had to use two tortillas to contain the beast!

Cameran and I made best friends with one of the Park Service men

and he told us about this great hike.

Unfortunately 10 ft after the trail head we found this.

He said it would be swampy but this was almost 4 feet deep

and there was NO trail on the other side.

So we walked up this river for a while then headed back to camp.

Katy, Katy and Kyle joined us Friday night.

We enjoyed sitting around the campfire

watching our token man work hard.

*heart* Kyle.

Favorite quote of the weekend...

"Of course I'm a great shot!

Do you know how many Louis L'Amour books I've read?!"

~Kyle

Lastly...

What the heck was this we followed home on the way into Kamas?

It was a brand new truck with some kinda crazy custom bed.

Can you see that it has the tail lights of a Trans Am? CRAZY!

Reminders

2011-09-06T07:12:00.000-06:00

I love reminders.

I love it when I get in my car and I have to adjust my mirrors because a sexy man was the last one to drive my car.

Or when I have to pretend to be mad because he left cupcake wrappers in the arm rest.

Or when I get to work and my baskets of ninjas has been moved because wade came to visit me.

I love that this morning my car smelt like a campfire still.

I love the little snake toy on the floor that Simon left.

I readjusted the mirrors, tossed the snake toy and cupcake wrappers, the ninjas are back where they should be, and I'll ride with the windows down to get rid of the smoke smell...

But I still love all the little reminders of good times and good friends that some might call a mess.

I LOVE them.

Conflict

2011-09-01T06:30:00.000-06:00

I know by the title of this post you are waiting anxiously to hear another story about me having a rumble with the temple cafeteria workers, or the girl who grabbed Kyle's posterior at the dance.

Sorry to disappoint, this is a different kind of conflict all together.

You see I have a second blog. At one point I used it for a photo challenge for my friends and myself. Then only one person participated. Then I had an idea to make it a recipe blog where friends and family could share the recipes you always need another copy of because someone spilled soy sauce on the last one, or Dad put it in his journal. That also didn't really work. Only one person was posting recipes and then they deleted them all. Then I thought I would use it as a photo journal of sorts, try to improve my photography by taking a picture everyday. Then I lost my spare Canon battery and charger so that is indefinitely on hold. Unless I am going to do it with the 2 year old phone camera. Finally I decided to honor my love of international cuisine and do an "around the world cooking blog" and make a dish from a new country every month. Then I found that a lot of countries have food that is very similar and not all that great. I need to just stick to countries I already love like... anywhere in Latin America or Asia.

Then today I stumbled upon this blog.

I fell in love. Because there is nothing overly FABULOUS about these pictures. They just document the life of this artist... and I LOVE them. Can I please be like this? Time to get that new battery so I can start taking photos again. But will it last this time? Let's be honest... probably not. I don't need a blog with a million followers who think I am fabulous. I am just documenting me. Which really makes this blog simply for me, the people who like me, and my 13 followers.... and sometimes my Aunt Lois, when it doesn't make her want to stab her own eyes out.

So we'll have to see how it goes. I crave change and adventure and I think it shows in my second blog. Who's address you may not have until I figure my life out. Or at least until I figure out this part of it.

My Happy Place

2011-08-30T13:28:00.001-06:00

But could also go with this one

Yes please!

The memories...

ALSO this one, and this one.

The Voice

2011-08-29T07:02:00.000-06:00

She just started a new job at Amazon, bought a new house, oh and got married.

But yesterday she called me just to see how I was.

And I told her great.. and she knew better.

Eventually I hung up the phone feeling so much better.

Thanks Linds!

Goodbye Well Fargo

2011-08-27T07:41:00.000-06:00

I hate Wells Fargo with a horrible burning passion.

Earlier this week I switched banks. I have been in there twice

and they all know me by name and I am loving my choice.

I looked into many banks and their banking policies before making my decision.

For me there seemed to be a clear choice.

One problem.

I went to write a check today and guess what?

Um seriously?

How am I suppose to write my tithing check out,

and honestly hand it to a member of the bishopric,

knowing they are going to see my pooh bear checks?

Evil Reese of Doom

2011-08-26T07:58:00.000-06:00

My adorable brother Logan drew this picture of me a few years ago.

Tender isn't it?

You can tell that he really looks up to me,

and has a tender spot for me in his heart.

An Ice Cold Fanta

2011-08-25T11:26:00.000-06:00

There have been a lot of crazy, and by crazy I mean really sad and heartbreaking, things happening in the life of my friends. Sometimes it weighs just a little heavy on the heart because I want nothing more than to be able to make everyone's troubles go away. And a lessening of my own heartbreak wouldn't be refused. I have had more than one friend remark to me that what we all need is a beer.

The other night Kyle, Katy, and I were heading home after a night of adventure and Kyle says "I can't wait to get home and crack open an ice cold Fanta." But he didn't have one on hand so we headed to Smith's where he got his Fanta and I got a Neuro Bliss. If it does what the label claims (eliminates stress and promotes happiness) then we are in business.

Umm. I am not sure it worked because I drank it the next day at Education Week classes. So I think that being with a very dear old friend, and studying the gospel all day, I wasn't going to feel stress anyway. It is great that there is a drink that will reduce our stress and increase happiness. But guess what?

What we really need is to be able to more fully apply the atonement in our lives. Because the miracle of the atonement is that suffering is not required. That is what Christ did for us. What He needs from us is a change of heart. Sometimes a change of heart can only happen by suffering. So we have to learn how to offer up a broken heart without suffering, or with minimal suffering. Ummm... That sounds real hard and like maybe I won't ever figure it out in this life. Well surprise, that is what this life is for. Until then I am finding that forgetting myself and going to work is a great step in the right direction. Forgetting myself and serving is my ice cold beer, I mean Orange Fanta.

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-08-24T12:01:00.000-06:00

My very first post ever on this blog involved the making of my mother's cinnamon rolls.

My mom's cinnamon rolls were perfect and looked something like this

Perfection.

But for some reason whenever Katy and I make them they always kind of look like the cub scouts made them.

Last night I got the recipe of a friend who's cinnamon rolls are also always perfect. Okay this time we have to get this right. Right? Well I decided to half the recipe but then the last ingredient I put in, the warm water, I forgot to half. So we just do the whole recipe right? Well I didn't have anymore yeast. So I have to run to the store for yeast. We get home and fix it and then realize we need 14 cups of flour and we have a grand total of about 2 in our house. So back to the store I run. Mind you we had somewhere we had to be at 7:30 and the last trip to the store was at 7:18.

We get the dough done and it is rising beautifully and we take off, letting the dough rise while we are gone. We come home to perfectly raised dough. We roll it out, cut it up and place in the pan to rise again. And it is doing it! I didn't kill the yeast this time and I am so so happy. Once they go in the oven we realize we don't have the ingredients for the frosting. This time Katy heads off to the grocery store while I monitor the baking. But after double the baking time they are still doughy in the middle. I am heart broken and saying a little prayer, because I know God cares about my cinnamon rolls. But in the end I gave up and went to bed.

I lay in bed wondering why for the life of me I can't make a decent cinnamon roll. I mean I think I am a pretty good cook but cinnamon rolls are always a failure. I concluded that maybe mom doesn't want me to be able to make them without her. I will just have to accept the perfect cinnamon rolls died with her.

This morning I woke up and thought about putting them back in the oven while I got ready and I decided to taste just one little piece before hand. They were perfect! All the doughiness went away in the night! So thanks for coming and finishing my cinnamon rolls after I went to bed last night mom. Just like you did my project on Norway, and my pinata, and my science fair project on biscuits.

Sorry

2011-08-23T12:16:00.001-06:00

When mom would made me hug my sister and tell her I was sorry for pulling her hair or hiding "Big Pa" I never meant it.

NEVER

I wouldn't have hid Big Pa or pulled her hair if I wasn't mad at her.

Recently I hurt a dear friend. I didn't pull this person's hair. I did something much worse. I pulled on the heart. I found the thing that would hurt the most and I said it. And then when the hurt appeared in their eyes all I could think of was how bad I wanted to hug and say I was sorry. And I did, and this time I meant it. I really really meant it.

I realized instantly that I didn't believe any of the things I had said. I realized there wasn't a hint of truth in them. But it doesn't change things. Sorry doesn't work as well as an adult. Words that are said remain said, and sorry doesn't wipe them out. These scars remain.

Recently I was reading a book on forgiveness and I jotted down a line that struck me. "You don't regain another trust by assuring them there is nothing to worry about but by assuring them that you are doing the worrying for them."

And I am doing the worrying. I worry that I am not the friend I want to be. I worry about who else I have hurt. I worry that things won't ever be what they were again. But worry doesn't fix anything.

I came across this Mormon Message Sunday morning that explains the friend I want to be.

I want to be the friend who "Assumes the good and doubts the bad." I am not going to be perfect in this life, but I plan on trying my best. And when I screw up, believe me I am going to be doing the worrying for you.

Kyle

2011-08-15T14:25:00.000-06:00

Me: Good friends are just so hard to come by.
Kyle: Whatever! You have known me for like 6 weeks and you love me!
Me: You are certainly assuming a lot.
Kyle: Please! You love me.

Agreed

2011-08-12T11:56:00.000-06:00

2011-08-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

"You know that

if I was even slightly straight

I would be married to you by now."

I think I want to frame this

and put it up somewhere where

I will see it everyday.

Because I am FANTASTIC and it is good to be reminded of it sometimes.

Someday a straight one will get it.

Happy

2011-08-10T11:57:00.000-06:00

Life is just good when the simple things make us happy.

Sure there is bad, there are friends that disapoint, and rough days at work...

But it is so easy to just be happy if we choose to be.

Count your many blessings....

Name them one by one.

*Don't you just want to pick Calvin up and squeeze him?

Things That make me miss mom

2011-08-09T09:37:00.000-06:00

*Being in the mountains.

*The sound of wind through the aspen trees.

*Kyle's Louis L'amour book on the coffee table. So well read that it is in two pieces.

*Home Depot

*Burger King

*Fishing

*Chain saws

*Animal Control Officers.

*Giggling about boys

*My Logan boy

He Better Be

2011-08-08T08:12:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to remember stories about my mom.

If you have one, even one I have shared with you, please pass it along.

Here is one of my favorites:

One night my friend dropped me off late at the house. As I was walking up to bed I heard my dad say "What were you doing out so late? He better not have been kissing you!" Not in an angry way, in a teasing way. Mom then chimed in "If he had you out that late he BETTER have been kissing you!"

Thanks for the advice mom!

Simon McMonkey McBean

2011-08-07T02:28:00.000-06:00

Now I love dearly all my siblings,

but something about this little man has me captivated!

I believe this has been well established in past posts.

I got home late the other night and noticed my Dad's Facebook status:

"Simon got squished by the tail gate/ ramp on our trailer and fractured his pelvis."

I was FREAKING out but I didn't want to wake anyone who might have a fractured pelvis, or someone who had been in the hospital with the broken boy all day. So I just sat there awake picturing all kinds of horrible things happening to the love of my life and really having no idea how broken he was. I did all I could do. I prayed like crazy.

I called in the morning and found out that my little monkey was playing in the yard and pulled the pin out of the flatbed trailer resulting in the ramp crashing down on his little body. The final prognosis: Three fractures in this pelvis. Hospital stay, followed by 3 weeks bed rest, and then up to two months with a walker. Ask me how you keep a three year old off his feet for the rest of the summer. I don't know. I suppose his parents are figuring it out a day at a time. If he doesn't he risks internal bleeding and or major Surgery.

When I called him in the hospital he told me all about the dinosaurs on the tray they brought his Jello in on. All about the "Metal" balloon Dad brought him that just wasn't worth it. Also that he was done being brave and was ready to go home.

HEART BREAKING!!!

All I could think about all day was how badly I wanted to be there to just hold him until it was all better, and I am not even his parent so I can't imagine how they were feeling. But they DID get to hold him.

I am very grateful to friends and family who dropped by and brought him little packages and to my friend Emily who made ME peanut butter bars because even when it is just your heart that is fractured in three places you'd be surprised how peanut butter bars can speed up the healing.

I also found myself grateful for friends like Matt, Trevor, Lolly, and Drew who go out of their way to get to know my family.

This picture warms my heart. Two of my favorite men.

At The Red Iguana

2011-08-06T07:46:00.001-06:00

Me: So anyway I have really been studying the Word of Wisdom Latley... I actually found a very interesting talk the other day that references...

Kayla: Can we not talk about this right now?

Me: Right...

I look over at Kyle as he slices into his steak

Kyle: Do you guys not watch the news? The Dow dropped like another 300 points yesterday. I think this counts as times of famine!

Kayla: I like the way you think.So we still going to Leatherby's after this?

Memories

2011-08-04T13:28:00.000-06:00

I love this picture.

For one, this was the Logan I remember

when I could cuddle him everyday...

and I did.

Second it is the perfect picture of the relationship my mom has with her kiddos.

This is the mom I miss the most.

My Logan boy has been struggling lately.

The poor kiddo was so young when we lost her

and he simply doesn't remember her.

So I decided to put together a book for him.

with pictures and lots of memories.

But when I went to get started

I realized my own memories are fading.

2011-08-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

I needed this!

Thanks Terriyaki Time in Murray, UT

My Trendy G-Pa

2011-08-02T14:45:00.000-06:00

I saw this in the store the other day

Is it just me or does it bare a striking resemblance to this ensemble?

Little did I know when I inherited my G-Pa's coat and made it my fishing coat

just how trendy I was.

Random

2011-07-29T08:46:00.000-06:00

* I can't stop listening to "Please Come to Boston." Random huh? While I LOVE the Dave Loggins version, I have recently branched out listening to versions by many different artists. True to form my favorite is a country one. There is a Garth, as well as a Reba version... both no bueno. It is this version by Confederate Railroad that is my favorite!

* I went on a hike this weekend. Pine Hollow trail in American Fork canyon. It was beautiful. If I can get pictures from Cam I will post some. The beauty of God's creation, the conversation, and the company I was keeping made my heart happy. But more than anything I loved the sound of the wind in the aspen trees. That sound reminds me so much of my mom that I felt like she was right there with us.

*When I make a to do list and then get distracted, I always put the things I did while I was distracted on the list and then cross them off. That way I feel productive. Weirdo!

*You know how sometimes you get a random pop up screen on your computer? Well mine is never porn it is always something like garlic chicken enchiladas, or Frozen Samoa Pie. Does that mean that I am just extra righteous or that Satan has found my form of porn? Because I like it when boys keep their clothes on, and I can barely resist something with garlic!

*I HATE being called ma'am! It makes me feel old and it seems impersonal.

Don't Go

2011-07-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

You know that moment when someone says they have to go?

And you know that they do, because it is late, and we have to be adults in the morning.

Or they have to write a paper on the history of Ballet.

But you really really want them to stay.
And as soon as they say they have to go you start missing them?

Those are the best kind of friends.

And I am so grateful for mine.

My Phone Message

2011-07-22T16:48:00.000-06:00

Today I was trying to change my message on the office voicemail.

I needed it to say we would be closed for Pioneer Day etc. etc.

But my boss walked in right when it started recording and I got nervous.

So for a bit this afternoon, until I kicked him out so I could rerecord...

The voicemail said simply "UUUUUHHHHGGG. Oh dang I think I recorded that!"

So professional...

You can see why they keep me around.

What is the big whoop?

2011-07-21T14:23:00.000-06:00

How many of us Aggie's recognize this scene?

You have to drive through it on any venture in or out of Cache Valley.

Mantua, UT pronounced "man-a way"

I have driven through Sardine canyon and

thus Mantua more times than I can count.

The very first thing my grandpa ever said to

me when he found out I was going to school in Logan was

"watch out for the cops in Mantua. They'll nab you every time."

And I have had more friends than I can count who

have received tickets in this metropolis.

However, as I was driving through last night on my

way to visit friends in Logan, I realized that

in all the days I have lived, worked,

studied, and played in the valley of Cache, I've

NEVER seen a police officer in Mantua.

Am I lucky?

or is it really not the world famous speed trap

it has been made out to be?

The Recycle Man

2011-07-15T17:23:00.000-06:00

When I had an on campus job at Utah State,

there was a man who came by to pick up all my schredded documents,

and general recycling.

He was VERY attractive.

I mean real attractive.

Now I have never been too into recycling...

I know David just died a little inside when I said that,

but it's true.

But I would go around all the neighboring offices and pick up their recycling.

Until mine was overflowing.

Then I would call over to physical facilities and ask them if they could send someone over.

Just so I could talk to the recycling man.

Well earlier when I just emptied my own recycling bin....

In my very own adult office.

And there were scraps of paper EVERY WHERE.

I wished that I had a recycle man to call.

Oh to be young again,

at my minimum wage

10 hour a week job...

With a recycle man.

Smiling Continued

2011-07-15T11:52:00.001-06:00

*When I accused the OMC (open mouth chewer) of having a secret lover.

* Listening to Aol Radio, all Keith Urban all day.

*Just thinking about my fishing trip on Saturday.

*When a client made the OMC listen to Justin Beiber.

* When Snubs said my feistiness made me sexy.

*Every single time someone said I love you to me. Those words are just not said enough.

Things that made me smile today...

2011-07-14T20:53:00.003-06:00

*The offer of a mother on loan.
* Talking to my Simon monkey about his "bish," interpreted to mean fish.
* Madison asking Simon if he loves me today. Because she "couldn't be sure."
* Giving my boss VIP tickets to the Utah championship PGA tour.
* Chatting with Kyle about Jersey girls. Even if she is a NY Jeresey girl and not a Philly Jersey girl.
* Agreeing that more Kyles should fall in love with Jersey girls.
* Reading entries such as Dawby, "mushy" soup, and pork "chocks" on Dad's dinner list.
* Intense Scripture study of a particular topic I wanted insight on, and gaining insight on a completely different one.
* YouTube video my sales Rep sent me to make me smile.
* My sales Rep calling just to make me smile.

Degrees of Interest Broken Down

2011-07-06T07:51:00.005-06:00

I was trying to explain this to a friend on mine yesterday while shopping for new cologne, and leather flip flops.

So here they are....

Potential potential: Someone you have taken note of, and realize there could be some potential; but you don't really know them well enough yet to be sure. Further investigation is necessary.

Squish: Someone you have seen in multiple social situations. Conversation is easy and you find them attractive. You get excited when you know you will be seeing them; but you don't touch up your makeup before hand. If they asked you out you would be excited; but you would also be fine making them your new best friend.

Crush: If you know you will be seeing them you take extra care to pick out your outfit. You go out of your way to catch his eye across the room. You have weighed your chances with all your friends and they have given you the green light. You make sure you wear the perfume he casually mentioned liking. His name has appeared in your journal.

Crushing Crush: He is the ONLY thing you think about. When you talk to him you laugh too loud. You buy new clothes you think it will impress him. There are hearts around his name in your journal. You panic when he doesn't text you back right away. You know all of his "stats" and the name of the puppy he had growing up. You drive by his place on the way home. When he asks your friend out you are barely functional the next day.

I try to make sure I never pass the "Squish zone." Anything else gets real messy and hearts get broken and friendships destroyed. No one wins once the crush develops.

Teancum and a Tent

2011-07-05T12:20:00.001-06:00

Or how we spent the 4th of July...

*Apology: ALL of these photos were taken on my phone,
and most of them by children under the age of 6.

It started early on Friday when I took a late lunch

and met the family at Chuck E Cheese.

Later I spent time with friends eating

cookie dough on the porch, watching fireworks,

and falling asleep in Karl's backyard!

Saturday morning Katy, Dad, Logan, and I

Hiked Ensign peak.

We actually went farther than Ensign.

This is your new favorite picture of me

We needed a short hike because we were meeting

some of Dad's siblings at Maddox.

The kiddos all wanted to sit with Reese.

I had all three of the little ones in my lap at one point.

Chaos to be sure. But loving every minute of it.

Who loves the way Teeny Brother holds his French Fries?

You want to make sure you ride home with me because

I get you ice cream when we gas up!

Sunday was spent quietly at home playing my guitar

Note that I have signed my own guitar! Ha!

and playing Capture

Which is where Teancum and a tent comes into the picture.

For some reason it made us laugh and we couldn't stop.

It was really funny I promise.

I just can't remember why.

The actual 4th I woke up feeling miserable.

So what do we do when we feel awful?

Katy drugs you up, and you turn on some Keith Urban!

Then you meet your dad at a shady Mexican restaurant.

Later that night Katy, Logan, and I took our siblings

for a walk around Oquirrh Lake.

Logan was pushing our little bro in the stroller.

We caught up with them here because Logan

had stopped to point out the temple to his little brother.

They were having this whole little conversation about it.

I love those kids!

We watched 12 different and good firework shows while on our walk.

The view of the valley fireworks from the lake was amazing!

P.S.

I taught my baby sister to say "yes please" any time

someone mentions Keith Urban.

Oh and P.P.S.

This is my Stepmom's Parent's Neighbors.

Scary!

We talked to the guy responsible the next day.

We didn't know it was him and my dad

asked him if he had an exciting weekend.

He laughed and said YES!

When you get bored.

2011-07-03T07:12:00.000-06:00

Take this test.

It is kind of cool.

I scored a 14

Can you beat me?

Oh... wait...

Also take this one.

I did REAL good on this one.

Snapped a couple of pics this weekend...

2011-07-02T08:37:00.000-06:00

If you like them please tell me.

I am craving positive feedback.

It's 2011

2011-07-01T08:00:00.002-06:00

So today I got a memo at work that said:

"Please adjust your production schedule

to assure completion the work day

before the expected delivery date."

This was the delivery date listed on the memo:

Ummm....

We will probably be late for this production date.

I also got a letter today addressed to "Dear Sirs,"

I don't know why that bugged me,

But it did.

I secretly want this car...

2011-06-30T14:00:00.000-06:00

But a more ghetto version...

Maybe a little rusty.

You think I am kidding.

I am not.

What a sexy man looks like

2011-06-29T12:07:00.001-06:00

He carried my camera bag, the bouquet,

and a good attitude through all kinds of wilderness terrain,

without complaining...

all weekend.

Umm... and without being asked.

and this is what one very sweet sister

looks like after a day of wedding photos.

again with no complaints.

While I was shooting photos,

these two were forced to be buddies for the day.

They both survived each others company, and maybe,

just maybe they became friends.

Maybe... but we shouldn't push the issue.

This looks like a man who needs to spend a weekend

doing something he wants to do doesn't it?

But look I actually took a few decent pictures.

(more to follow)

So thanks for helping out guys.

You are the best friends a girl could have!

P.S. Will he kill me for posting these pictures?

Probably yes!

No Lie

2011-06-22T09:27:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I was talking to a client

when he sat down on the floor in front of my desk,

I wasn't quite sure what he was doing as there is

a chair right there for his sitting enjoyment.

So I just kept the conversation going like nothing had happened.

Then he started stretching.

Not just a few casual stretches.

This was like he was in the middle of yoga class.

So I just kept talking like everything was normal.

And eventually he got up off the floor and left.

Like everything was normal.

Then...

last night in the lobby of the stake offices,

I looked down and on the floor

where two huge toenail clippings!

Who does that when waiting for an interview?

I almost threw up right there in the lobby.

24 hour Tally

2011-06-21T12:18:00.001-06:00

Conversations with my daddy.........................1
Books finished...............................................1
Boys I avoided so they wouldn't ask me out...1
Long chats with my Wade O. .......................2
Cheated on my diet.......................................2
Regrets.........................................................2

Told Joan to "do it!"......................................3
Checked my email... just in case....................3
Pictures of Miss Penny from Katy's Cellie......5
Times I've looked at the clock.......................6
Changed shoes ............................................6

Listened to Keith Urban's "You're Gonna Fly."............29

Happy Pappy's Day 2011

2011-06-19T06:17:00.001-06:00

Let us not forget our Heavenly Father on this Father's day!

Let's also discuss how awesome my Earthly Papa is!

Oh wait I already have here, here, here, here, and here.

(in case you have forgotten.)

One of my favorite photos for your viewing pleasure!

Don't you just love him?

Papa in High school

and finally...

Dad being a daddy currently...

Dad and my teeny brother! heart, heart, heart!

Dad and my little brother. I love that the book is titled "I Feel Happy."

Because this picture makes me happy!

And my little sister.

Isn't this picture great?

I captures just how fun it is to have your daddy push on the swings!

These last three pictures were all taken by my Stepmom Melane,

and I think they are treasures!

Legs

2011-06-18T13:31:00.000-06:00

Well you know how moving day goes.

These were the only shoes that weren't packed.

So ballet flats and athletic shorts is was.

Sometimes I am so sexy I amaze myself.

My new shoes I bought with the crew at Nordstroms,

after dining at Moochies the other night.

I love them so so much.

I am shocked that they go with so many things.

We went to get toms and I got them instead.

I know you wish you had a tan line like this.

Here is how to achieve such beauty.

You go fishing in capris on a horribly overcast day.

You assume you are getting no sun, as you can't even see it.

Then you come home and go to a REAL game.

And you are so exhausted from the sun that you fall asleep

AT the game and fall out of your chair just a little bit.

Okay that last part doesn't contribute to the awesome tan line,

but it is what was happening while this picture was taken.

And finally none of these are my legs, I was in a dress, no pictures thank you.

This is Katy and Joan (Pronounced JOE-ON, not joan or jo anne) changing her oil.

What an adventure that turned out to be.

Friday Nights

2011-06-17T06:08:00.002-06:00

Every other Friday I work in the Bountiful Temple.

My shift ends at 8 and without fail,

I walk out of the temple and,

right through someones bridal shoot.

And without fail every single bride is wearing some form of this dress.

Now don't get offended I am sure you are reading this,

and you wore a dress just like this, and you loved it,

and you were beautiful and you felt like a Disney princess.

And I admittedly am probably years from needing my own,

but ladies...

How about something beautiful and vintage?

Oh my goodness both of these dresses make my heart stop.

and both can be made modest,

and both come in at the same price range as latter day bridal dresses.

Different top here but I LOVE the casual feel of this one!

The perfect dress to elope in, yes please!

again, modesty modification needed.

But I love the idea of a dress that flows

not a huge tent that I am hidden under!

Pair it with a pair of vintage cowboy boots!

Or silver flats, or anything turquoise!

Maybe I am just the girl who needs to be different,

but oh my goodness...

Let's try branching out a little.

Dear Shania,

2011-06-16T12:07:00.000-06:00

I know you have been though a lot recently.

I get it.

I have been waiting for a new release from you for years.

And to be honest this new single of yours sucks.

Big time!

There I said it. Harsh? maybe, but it really does.

I think I wrote better songs in elementary school.

Pain is the best place to draw inspiration and creativity.

Here's hoping the next one is something more like this.

Maybe one of my favorite songs of all time.