NOVEMBER 2010

It's been a while...

2011-07-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today my family is having a reunion at my cousin Becky's place in Colfax, California. Why am I not there you ask? Good question. I would love to be there. Swimming, eating, visiting. But unfortunately our finances did now allow us such a trip this summer. We are embracing a "Staycation" if you will. I miss my family terribly and it breaks my heart that we didn't get to go. Maybe next year. God willing.
It's been a while since I've posted on my blog. I wish I had something exciting to share but I don't. I work. I sleep. I eat. My life is pretty boring. Sometimes we get out to a movie or the bookstore for some coffee and an hour of reading. The kids have been spending a lot of time with their friends this summer. I hope they are making fun memories. They are growing up so fast. Ariana started driving and it scares the hell out of me. She is actually doing really well but it doesn't help the fact I am terrified every time we go out. I need to trust her more. I guess since I'm not the best driver I worry I'm not the best teacher either.
My job offered me full time the other day. Not sure how I feel about that since I currently don't have enough work to keep me busy just working part time. I also applied for a job at New Dawn Technologies as their receptionist. It wont pay as well as I'm making at Spiricon, but at least I would get to interact with people. I think I am a people person. It would be a no-brainer job. It's a good company to work for and the people are great. Dave likes it. He's been there 9 years now.
Well that is all for now. I'll post again when I have something interesting to blog about. Happy Summer!

Another year older...

2010-09-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

...but none the wiser.
It's been a tough year.
I joke that poor people have nervous breakdowns,
rich people have a midlife crisis.
I would fall into the former category.
After all is said and done I have a lot to be thankful for.
I have a patient, kind and wonderful husband who doesn't resent
me for falling apart on him.
OR at least if he does, he hides it well.
I have two beautiful, smart, creative kids who mean the world to me.
I have lots of great friends and a supportive family.
So, we don't have a lot of money.
We are relatively happy.
And my house is at least a little bit cleaner
now that I'm working part time
and have energy to keep up with it.
Now if I can just get my butt to the gym everyday,
THAT would be an accomplishment!

Dawson's progress

2010-09-11T12:42:00.001-07:00

It's been a little over a year since Dawson
was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
It's been a rough year, but he's made great progress.
and I am thankful for that.
He does his daily airway clearance treatments and
takes a boat load of pills every time he eats.
He only has to go to Primary Children's every 8
weeks now for checkups.
They are awesome people.
Most of the time he doesn't mind the appointments,
but it really sucks when they have to draw blood.
Dawson is REALLY squeamish like his mom.
and he has little veins.
Recently he had his 1 year checkup.
The whole shebang.
Chest X-Rays, blood work, physical.
Dad got to take him this time around.
He's gained some significant weight and grew almost 3",
which puts him in the 15% opposed to where he was in the 5%.
He's so lucky to get to eat whatever he wants.
He's on a high fat, high calorie, high carb diet.
The rest of us need to lose a few pounds.
It's amazing to me that the doctors never caught this in the past.
They attributed his low weight to him having a high metabolism.
WRONG.
I've always felt something just wasn't kosher.
It really makes a difference to have a good doctor.
One that cares.
One that goes above and beyond the basics.
I would highly recommend Dr. Nordell Brown,
here in Cache Valley to anyone looking
for a good pediatrician.
Yes, that's a plug.
Cause in my eyes he saved my little boy's life.
We try to keep things positive and just take it
one day at a time.
He's happy.
He's healthy.
And that's all we can ask for.

Feels like Fall...

2010-08-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and didn't want to get out of bed.
Not because I was still tired.
But because it was cold!
It's still August people.
I shouldn't complain.
I mean,
It beats central Cali weather of 100+
But I'm not ready for cold.
I didn't get enough warm.
I didn't put in enough sun worshiping time.
Soon it will be another long, hard winter.
That's right.
Long AND hard.
I don't know if I will survive.
How have I've managed this long?
I don't know.
I truly don't!

I don't know about anyone else...

2010-08-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

but I can't WAIT for school to start!
My kids currently stay up way too late.
Then sleep in until noon.
or later.
They wake up about the time I get home from work.
because I MAKE THEM.
They are bored.
Summer entertainment is expensive.
We had a really cool FREE splash pad open right behind our house.
But they "are too old for that".
We are going to Lagoon next week.
One final Hoorah before the madness resumes.
Then it's back to school shopping.
and haircuts.
The struggle to get everyone up and going in the morning.
Am I ready?
no.
but I guess it will be here before I know it!

Has anyone seen my brain laying around?

2010-07-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

We decided to drive out to see my mom for the weekend.
A bunch of my other family was going to be there so
we thought it would be fun.
Just me and the kids.
It's a long drive.
About 14 hours.
I've done it before.
But it's brutal.
I got the car all trip checked, gassed up
and packed the night before.
Ariana had a dentist appointment so we were planning to
leave right after that.
We go out to the car and I have a flat.
Nail in the tire.
Reschedule dental appointment.
Dave comes home from work and and helps me take
the tire in to get it fixed.
So we finally set out on our road trip around noon.
Top down.
Radio blasted.
Wind in our hair.
Care free.
About 30 miles from Wendover I reach for my purse
to get some lip gloss and realize I didn't have it.
I pulled over and checked the trunk and searched the car.
Nothing.
No credit cards.
No license.
No money.
I was coming up to a turnoff anyway so I turn the car
around and head back home.
What else could I do?
I had exactly 1/2 a tank of gas left.
Just enough to get us back home.
On top of that we all got too much sun
and I have a tan/burn line from the seat belt.
Attractive.
I'm thinking Someone is telling me this trip wasn't
such a great idea after all!

Easy living

2010-07-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

According to my social security statement
I've been working since I was 15 years old.
I've had many jobs in my lifetime.
Hundreds.
Literally.
I've kind of always been a company man.
Figuratively speaking.
I didn't really have jobs like most people did
growing up like mowing lawns, babysitting, etc.
My problem is I get bored too easily.
Maybe I even have A.D.D.
If I'm not feeling challenged or entertained
I move on to something else.
It's a dilemma I've had my entire working life.
Why can't I just be content?
I don't know.
Right now I have the summer off with the kids
and I don't know what to do with myself.
I should be enjoying it.
Easy living.
But I'm bored. And feel disconnected.
I always say I wonder what I'm going to be when I grow up.
I'm there.
Now what?
Maybe I should go back to school.
And what kind of fun, cheap things are there
to do with the kids in this valley?

Orlando Trip

2010-06-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

This was our first official family vacation.
We usually use our vacation time to go visit
relatives in California.
It was also Dawson's first plane ride!
Orlando was about 90 degrees every day.
And 90% humidity.
Give Kids the World (where we stayed)
had a nice big pool we swam in every night,
which I think was Dawson's favorite part of the whole trip.
They had an ice cream parlor with all-you-can-eat ice cream
from 9am to 9pm.
There was a 7-hole miniature golf course, an arcade,
talking trashcans, a snoring tree,
and planned activities every night.
Dawson got to pie his dad in the face one night.
We were about 10 miles from the resorts.
Our Villa was perfect in every way.
Complete with full kitchen, washer & dryer,
and jacuzzi tub.
We ate breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurants
and lunches at whichever park we were visiting for the day.
We made it to every park but certainly didn't get to do everything.
The day we went to Animal Kingdom there was a huge rainstorm
so we only stayed 1/2 day because they closed down all the rides.
It's just RAIN people!
Some highlights:
We got to the front of the ride lines with Dawson's golden ticket.
Dave got to be a star in the "Disaster" ride,
and was hamming it up in another attraction too.
Ariana got chased by Darth Maul.
Dave got his panties in a bunch because they wouldn't let us
to the front of the line to take pictures with Chewbacca.
We got to eat at the Hard Rock cafe and get a souvenir cup.
We took the Ferryboat and ate at little Germany in Epcot.
It was a trip of a lifetime!
I want to give a special shout out to the Make-A-Wish foundation
and Give Kids the World for making it all possible.

What's new with me?

2010-06-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Florida was fabulous.
If I can figure out how I will post pictures.
I took a lot with my new camera I bought
especially for the trip.
Most importantly Dawson had fun.
We all did.
It was a trip of a lifetime!
That will be a whole other post.
I quit my job at Wescor.
I lasted 3 years.
It was a good job.
Not great. Just good.
I'm not sure what the breaking point was for me.
My nervous breakdown or the job itself.
I went back from my sabbatical part time and loved it.
For a week.
Then I realized I needed out of that environment.
So I got a new job at GBS benefits.
I'm official. I have a title.
"Account Coordinator"
So far it's amazing.
The gals I work with are fun, kind and generous.
We get along great and have a lot in common.
Shouldn't all work environments be like this??
I feel unworthy.
I hope I can live up to their expectations.
I'm an old dog and it's hard to learn new tricks.
Wish me luck!

My confessions

2010-05-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

I am feeling 110% better.
Drugs are good.
mmmm kay?

I'm back to work part time.
And I LOVE IT!
I didn't think I would.
I had anxiety about how awkward it would be.
Everyone has been very nice and understanding.
and have made it easy.

Today I took a nap.
The first nap I've had in 2 weeks.
I deserved it.
and I actually napped.
Not slept for 2 hours.
It was like 15 minutes.
Max.

I chopped off all my hair.
Not on purpose, but I colored it one too many times.
It's uber short.
and I LOVE IT!
It's so easy.
I feel like I'm in a constant battle with my hair.
I've had strange women with beautiful long hair
come up to me and tell me they love it
and that they wish they could wear their hair short.
They're probably lying.
Or they're just as crazy as I am.
I personally think I look awful, but hey.
whatever.
Make-up goes a long way!

I want to get a tattoo.
Nothing obnoxious.
Just a little dragonfly on my right shoulder.
Is that too white-trashy?
I've wanted one forever.
Dragonflies like me.
Seriously.
They are attracted to me.
Ask my family.
It's weird.

I want to get my nose pierced too.
With my teenage daughter.
My husband will kill me.
And my bff Jess will hate me
because she just got her's pierced.
Now I don't want to seem like a copycat.
But I had my nose pierced 20 years ago and
have been wanting to do it again forever.
My daughter has been bugging me for a while now about
getting hers done.

I guess I'm having a mid-life crisis.
But hell.
I'm alive!

and there are worse things right?

DEFINE NORMAL?

2010-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

About a month ago out of sheer desperation
I went to a psychiatrist here in town.
He asked all the right questions.
I told him my life story.
He listened.
I cried.
He prescribed some meds and sent me on my merry way.
Unfortunately, I had severe side effects.
So he gave me some different meds to try.
They worked ok.
But just ok.
When I was awake I could function.
That was some improvement.
But I was still depressed and sleeping all the time.
So, he told me to stop my meds altogether.
Great idea!
Let's go back to the beginning and start over!
Why didn't I think of that?
So I found a new psychiatrist.
I went all the way to Ogden.
In the snowy, slushy, rainy mess.
It was a scary drive.
But not as scary as the clinic.
I was sitting in the waiting room and
a young man sitting across from me proceeded to tell me
all about every bone he's ever broken and how he did it.
IN DETAIL.
Like I was his best friend or something.
Now, anyone who knows me, knows how squeamish I am.
I was trying to be polite.
Mostly because it's my nature.
Also because I was afraid what ignoring him might invoke.
Whilst trying not to puke at the visuals he was producing
with each bone-breaking gory story,
Pat walked in.
You know.
From the 1994 "It's Pat" SNL skit?
But with piercings protruding from any and all visible orifices.
And probably the one's not visible.
An uneasy feeling washed over me.
I was alone in the waiting room with these two.
The little voice in my head asked me
"What are you doing here?"
You can imagine my relief when my doctor called my name.
Except when I looked up for a second
I wasn't sure if he was my doctor or another patient.
He looked like Lex Luthor from Smallville.
So we went into his office and sat.
He asked all the right questions.
I told him my life story.
He listened.
I didn't cry.
I told him I just wanted to function and feel normal again.
He asked me to define normal.
I thought about the adrenalin junky and Emo Pat in the waiting room.
I laughed.
He was nice.
He empathized.
He seemed truly concerned.
He looked at me like he was wondering what I was doing there.
We discussed some medication options.
I agreed to anything that would help.
Help me get out of bed and do something.
Something other than cry or sleep or just barely exist.
He unlocked the door to his office.
Yes, we had been locked in.
Not sure if I should be worried or feel protected at this point.
He unlocked another door and disappeared into a room.
A few seconds later he appeared with some samples of the
medication we agreed upon.
He told me to call him if it wasn't right for me.
And we would try something else.
He said that patients either love it or hate it.
4 days later and I'm feeling great.
Hell, I'll go as far to say that I'm feeling giddy.
My kids can't believe this is their mom.
I'm fun.
I'm smiling.
I'm laughing.
I'm playing.
I'm me.
Finally.
The me I haven't seen in so long I don't recognize myself.
I hope I stay me.
I didn't like that other person so much.
She was crazy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!

2010-04-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe you are SO OLD!
That means I'M OLD TOO!
GAHHH!!!
You will forever be the young man I fell
head over heals for 21 years ago.
Happy birthday thug.
I LOVE YOU!!!

A GOOD DAY!

2010-04-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

So other than sleeping 12 hours last night, today has been a good day.
Not sure if it's because of my new medicine.
Or because it's Friday.
Or because I had the day to myself.
Or because my hubby is coming home from his 4 day trip.
I went shopping and bought 3 springy outfits and a pair of sandals.
all for under $30.
Went tanning~which I think I'm becoming addicted to.
Colored my hair.
and I actually like it.
Took Milo for a long walk.
Which made us both happy.
And I'm going to dinner with my husband after picking him up
from the airport.
It's been a good day.
and I am thankful for it!

AND THE BATTLE GOES ON...

2010-04-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing this pattern now.
For every good day there is at least two bad days.
I guess that is improvement since before
it was mostly bad days.
I'm taking some steps to get myself better.
With no help from my shrink.
He's fairly useless other than writing an Rx.
I need some counseling and can't seem to get
anyone to see me for at least a week out.
I guess I'm not alone in this battle.
That should be comforting I guess.
I'm taking "mindful walks".
I'm getting to the tanning booth on the non-sunny days.
I'm making small lists and accomplishing most of them.
On the good days.
The bad days I mostly sleep.
At least when I sleep I'm not depressed.

A NURSERY RHYME

2010-04-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

Fancy Nancy always adapted,
Fancie Nancy finally snap-ted.
All the fine doctors and all the good meds,
Couldn't make Nancie's head right again.

WHAT'S THIS?

2010-04-03T23:57:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one month? Are you hallucinating?
Dave suggested one day that I Blog about
"The Ramblings of a Depressed MILF"
or something like that...
PBLLLT!
People have their own problems.
Why would they want to listen to mine?
No one wants to hear me whine.
Plus I'm pretty sure I'm only a MILF in HIS mind.
Then I remembered something very important.
Blogging isn't about you.
It's about me.
Blogging helps ME express myself through writing.
Lately I've been a mess.
See, I went to this shrink a few weeks ago because I
thought I was losing my mind.
Come to find out I was right.
You know that sign you see driving North on Main Street
that says; "You wouldn't tell a cancer patient to just
shake it off...Depression is real"?
They are talking about me.
Seems I'm not handling Dawson's newly diagnosed disease
as well as I thought I was. All I seem to have the energy to
do is sleep. Because when I sleep I'm NOT depressed.
See my dilemma?
It's not that I WANT to be depressed.
It's not that I WANT to sleep 12 hours a day.
I want to live.
I want to be a good mother.
I want to be a wonderful wife.
I want to savor every moment I have with my family.
I want to be a loyal employee.
I want to be a devoted friend.
I want purpose.
Hell, these days I'll settle for just functioning long
enough to take a shower and eat breakfast.
Is that asking too much?
Today was a good day.
I can't believe it's 1:30am and I've actually been awake
for over 15 hours straight now! Woot!
no. Double Woot!
Let's hope tomorrow brings more todays.

EPIC FAIL

2010-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have failed at my resolution to blog more often.
Blogging is hard!
It's not that I don't have anything to blog about.
It's just finding quiet time to gather my thoughts
and put them into sensible writings.
I have failed at a lot lately, so I'm warning my followers now that
my future posts will probably be me whining about said failures.
Consider yourselves warned!

WOW

2010-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy year. I'm really looking forward to making some
improvements this upcoming year starting with myself.
Some resolutions....
1) Take better care of myself
~ I tend to let my needs fall behind everyone else's
2) Blog more.
~ I'm dedicating this years blogging to my kids.
3) Let my hair grow out
~ this is going to be a tough one.
I've done it before though, so I know it can be done!!
4) Manage my time better
~ this may mean less time on Facebook,
but hopefully you will see more of me in person!!!
5) Spend more quality time with my family
~ always a challenge. So many distractions!!!
6) Cook more.
~ ugh. I'm not a great cook and I hate the after clean up process.
BUT this will also force me to eat better which helps
with resolution #1.
7) Eat less, move more.
~ back to #1
Happy New Year!!! I hope it turns out a great one for us all!!!

My wish for you...

2009-12-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Health.
Love.
Happiness.
Friends.
Food in your stomach.
And a warm bed to sleep in.
ALL year round!

THE POLAR EXPRESS!

2009-11-30T14:20:00.001-08:00

Dawson received an invitation to ride the Polar Express on December 9th up to Heber City from Salt Lake City.

Here are the details:
http://www.kber.com/Article.asp?id=1594159

We are so thankful to everyone who has made this
a good year for him!

Nancie lately...

2009-11-15T18:40:00.001-08:00

No disrespect to Chelsea for stealing her show's title name.
I think she is absolutely hilarious!
And it was the first thing that came to mind when
I was trying to think of a clever title for this posting.

Lately, I've been doing a lot of soul searching.
Trying to figure out some things.
My purpose in life.
Why I am the way I am.
Where I want to be.
I've realized that I'm just drifting along without a purpose.

Lately, I haven't been taking care of myself like I should.
It's tiring taking care of everyone else all the time.
I'm tired.

Lately, I've stopped caring about things.
Like my cluttered house.
And appliances that don't work.

Lately, I feel restless.
Like I need a change.

So if you haven't heard from me lately,
I apologize.

Cause lately, I don't feel like doing
much of anything.
That I don't HAVE to anyway...

IN THE MAIL

2009-11-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

On our way home every day we stop at the mailbox and grab the mail.
About a week ago a small box came addressed to Dawson.
The return address showed the package was from the Make-A-Wish foundation.
He immediately opened it.
In the car.
Inside the box was a small cardboard castle.
Inside the castle was a key.
Alongside the key was a fancy smancy invitation.
It reads:
"It is our deepest honor to invite you and your family
to come visit A WISHING PLACE for the special occasion
of making your wish.
Please bring this key with you when you come,
for it alone will open the WISHING ROOM
at the top of the WISHING TOWER.
We eagerly await your presence."
He took it straight to his room and put it on his special shelf.
I had to beg for it just to write this post accurately.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2009-10-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

...for me anyway.

Color me morbid, but I've always been fascinated with death,
the afterlife, ghosts, and such.
I love cemeteries.
I love reading tombstones.
I want my own to say something witty.
Still working on that.

I get a total rush out of being scared.
No. That is NOT an invitation.
But if you insist, please just make sure you know CPR.

Not so long ago, I worked with this kid named Jeff
who would jump out from behind something and scare me
almost daily at work. I miss that guy!

I get some sort of perverse enjoyment out of scaring people.
These days however, most of the people I know are of the age
where scaring them could be dangerous to their health.
So I refrain. I don't know CPR that well.

My kids however are not off limits.

I enjoy most scary movies.
Every year for the month of October,
we watch scary movies with the kids.
What's sad is the ones like Nightmare on Elm Street that
scared the bejesus out of us when we were young
don't seem to phase them much.
And I've gotten wimpy with age.
"The Ring" and "The Grudge" type movies scare me a bit too much.

I especially love dressing up.
I think at times that I missed my calling in life.
I should have been a stylist to the horror film stars.
There is good reason I'm not.
I didn't say I was good at dressing up.
I just said I enjoyed doing it.

For as long as I can remember, I've always made my own costumes.
My mom was a self-employed seamstress which meant I had
fairly unlimited access to fabric.
Unfortunately I didn't learn to sew. She did that part.
Usually last minute. THANKS MOM!
But I'm freakin' Martha Stewart with a hot glue gun.

I'm one of those stupid people who like to do
couples costumes. Or family/group outfits.
Unfortunately, my kids have outgrown my desire for this,
and I'm pretty sure my husband just went along so he
stayed out of the doghouse.

This year my son is going as a girl.
Sad thing is, he looks really good.
No one will know the difference.
My daughter is dressing in 80's garb.
Which is not too different from how she dresses normally.
My husband just groans when I even mention us dressing up.
So this year I'm struggling to come up with something
original and creative.
Last minute as usual.

As I write this thinking scary thoughts,
my dog just went into a barking fit as the
Fedex guy rang the doorbell.

I need to go change my pants now.

Happy Halloween to all..and to all a ghoul night!

Dawson makes a wish

2009-10-18T22:26:00.001-07:00

So I was contacted recently by the Make-A-Wish foundation.
They have chosen Dawson to receive a wish.
We don't know the details yet.
Now you may all think like I did that the M.A.W.F. grants
only to kids as a "last dying wish" sort of thing.
Not so.
The M.A.W. representative explained it to me like this:
"It's a chance for the child and their families to enjoy something
together and make a lasting memory.
To not have to worry about money or the disease.
Even if it's just for a day."
How cool is that?
Dawson doesn't really know what he wants to wish for,
but they said they would have some experts meet with him
and help him figure it out.
When I asked him what he would wish for, he said to me;
"Can't we just donate the money to help them find a cure?"
He doesn't want to do this anymore.
He doesn't want anyone to have to do this anymore.
I know that whatever wish is granted to him that he deserves it.
More details to come...

Monthly update

2009-09-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

I turned 41 this year. Getting old officially sucks.
I feel like I'm at some sort of turning point in my life.
I'm just floating by, and it's not fun anymore.
There has to be more to it than this, right?
Sleep. Work. Dinner. Homework. Bed.
That's pretty much it.
Oh sure, I have a lot of other stuff I squeeze into my day, but this is pretty much it.
I need to get back to the gym.
I need to take better care of myself.
I need a housekeeper.
I think that is the true meaning of life.
A housekeeper.
That should make things a lot easier.

RANDOM STUFF

2009-08-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

As you can see, my daughter took the liberty to "bling" my blog.
That's great and all, but somehow she lost my pictures.
*sigh*
As many of you know, Dawson was diagnosed in June with Cystic Fibrosis.
He is doing well with the treatments so far.
We go Monday to Primary Childrens for his monthly check up.
It's always nerve-racking, as I don't do well in medical type situations.
Let alone hospitals.
I try so hard to be strong for him, and pray I don't faint in the process.
He on the other hand is such a trooper.
The company I work for makes machines that test for this disease.
Ironic I know.
They have asked to use him as a positive guinea pig for a new product they are perfecting.
He's not too hip on the idea, so I have informed them he will need to be compensated/bribed.
Luckily for them it doesn't take much.
School started.
That in itself has been a challenge.
Just getting them out of bed.
Trying to figure out bus schedules.
Taxiing kids everywhere.
I'm sure many of you can relate.
Dawson started middle school and loves it.
Except gym.
He says his gym teacher is a "DB".
From what I've heard so far about the guy, I kinda agree.
Is that a prerequisite for gym teachers?
'Cause I don't remember ever meeting one that wasn't.
Oh wait. There was my ex brother in-law...
nope. GIANT DB.
On the positive, he isn't the smallest kid in his class.
And he has made a lot of friends so far.
One of his smaller friends got shoved into a locker by a 7th grader.
I didn't really believe this sort of thing actually happened until he told me this.
Ariana started high school.
Ah freshman year.
I'm having anxiety attacks (for her) all over again.
Can you believe they charge $5 a tardy after the initial complimentary 3???
They scheduled her gym class (at the rec center) right before her last class
which is the furthest possible room on the 3rd floor with only 5 minutes to get to it.
It's extortion I tell you!
She has also discovered that "football players are hot".
and "Soccer players are even hotter".
I can't wait until she sees the baseball players and wrestlers.
It's going to be a long year.
I'm sure we will manage through it like all parents before us have.
I'm off to get my Valium prescription filled now.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2009-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to blog more often, I thought I would take this
opportunity to wish my few blog followers a happy Independence Day.
Now, I'm no history buff. (Stop laughing DAVE!)
In my defense, all my history classes fell right after lunch.
So, I blame the faculty for even scheduling it this time of day.
I mean, they are just setting us social butterflies up to fail!
ANYWHOO...
Since I'm a clairvoyant, (see my ever-so-accurate test results on FB),
I must have known back then I wouldn't even need to
learn my history facts because I could just look them up on the interwebz
as needed.
Here is something I DIDN'T know that I thought I would share:
Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States
and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence
to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826,
which was the United States' 50th anniversary.
President James Monroe died exactly five years later, on July 4, 1831,
but he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.
Now go do something patriotic.
I'm gonna go play Yankee Doodle on the flute.
and maybe watch some fireworks.
and be thankful for our independence.

P.S. Why does Utah insist on celebrating on the 3rd anyway???

Dawson's progress

2009-06-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

After he was diagnosed with CF,
our specialist at Primary Childrens in SLC put him on
enzymes which help his body absorb his nutrients.
He's already gained 5 pounds.
This is the most he has ever weighed.
I cannot express my excitement!
He takes 3 of the enzyme horse pills with every meal
and 2 with every snack.
Also a multivitamin (another 2 horse pills) and
antibiotics (only 1 horse pill) for a staff infection.
Good news is his lungs are clear.
But for preventative measures, he has an asthma type inhaler
he does twice a day and the Nebulizer inhaler treatment once a day.
We call it his bong.
We also do airway clearance treatments twice a day.
Bad news is he is extremely allergic to cat dander.
As many of you know we have 2 & 1/2 cats.
Two Persians we've had for 4-5 years and one stray we took in
from a friend. He mostly lives outside (the cat not the friend)
but stops by every once in a while for a hot meal and some petting.
Please don't tell us "just get rid of the cats".
Any cat/pet lover knows it's not that easy.
We will have to find them new homes.
Good homes with good people where we could visit them.
Dawson is heartbroken over it and feels responsible.
He doesn't understand that his health depends on it.
Getting rid of the cats is not an option in his eyes.
I still can't shake the guilt.
I really do try not to beat myself up but I should have
listened to my "mother's intuition" when others told
me I was just worrying too much.
I'm thankful he is not as bad off as he could have been.
It still hasn't sunk in that this is FOREVER.
Or at least they find a cure.

JUNE 2009: SIXTY FIVE ROSES...

2009-06-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.cuteptchic.com/65roses.htm

SIXTY FIVE ROSES...

2009-06-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Monday June 15th Dawson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
AKA "Sixty Five Roses".
It's genetic. Dave and I are carriers.
You never expect it to be you. It's always someone else.
Dawson is absolutely fine.
We are very lucky that he has a mild case and it is manageable from home.
We spent a couple of days this week at Primary Children's Medical Center.
What an amazing place. With amazing people.
I'm still not sure how to feel about everything.
It's kinda overwhelming.
It's expensive.
It's life changing.
A lot of breathing apparatuses. A lot of pills.
A lot of time.
But he's worth it.
I want to thank everyone for all their love and support.
And next time you see Dawson he will be a new man.
Every time. Give him a hug.
I am amazed and thankful every day of my life for modern medicine.
I have a new perspective on life.
And how very precious it really is.

Happy 14th birthday Ariana Corrin !

2009-05-26T21:40:00.001-07:00

June 5th, 1995. Ogden, Ut.
It was a cold and blizzardy day. No, really. It was.
After 9 months of waddling around wearing Dave's clothes, it was time.
About 1pm I started having serious contractions.
Not like the Braxton-Hicks I had been having for days.
Luckily my mommy and daddy got there just in time.
Or they would have missed all the fun.
We called Dave at work to tell him to get his butt home.
We all go to the hospital. I'm trying to breath.
My personal delivery room was wonderful. It was like a bedroom.
Decorated all homey and comforting. Even a place for Dave to sleep.
I was planning on having her natural.
I took no prenatal classes nor did I watch and instructional videos on what to do.
I didn't need to. Women do this naturally every day.
Have been since the beginning of time. I can too, right?
WRONG. What the hell was I thinking?
I took the jacuzzi bath. I walked as advised hoping to ease the pain.
3 major contractions later and I'm BEGGING for an epidural.
What a wuss.
The lady in the room right next to me was dying. A slow, excruciating, tortured death.
I was pretty sure of it. Apparently she got there too late for the epidural.
Lucky me. I got there just in time.
I remember the look on Dave's face when the Anesthesiologist pulled out the needle
to shove into my spine. He said to me "Oh boy. Be glad you can't see this needle".
Contraction. Needle. Screaming. And then everything in the world was right again.
They had to break my water.
The nurse reached for the overhead mirror and asked if I wanted to watch.
I declined. I'm pretty sure I said something smart-ass about it too.
I remember making jokes to the nurses in between them telling me when I was having contractions and when to push.
I thought I was so funny. I usually do.
I couldn't feel a thing. BEST TRIP EVER.
My mom and dad waited right outside my room. They could hear everything.
I could hear them talking. My dad said something to my mom like
"I don't remember labor being anything like this". I laughed and laughed.
I was thankful for the advancements in medicine.
Dave was great. Feeding me ice chips. Stroking my hair.
Pretty soon the doctor told me she was crowning.
Dave looked down and said "SHE'S GOT HAIR!"
I'm still not sure why that was important at the time. Or why he was suprised.
Then she got stuck. I couldn't push any more. I was exhausted.
It had been something like 10 hours from the time we got to the hospital until delivery.
I hadn't eaten. I was starving and dehydrated.
They had to suction her out.
If that didn't work they would have had to do an emergency C-section.
WHAT? CUT ME OPEN? That wasn't happening.
The doctor suctioned while I pushed my innerds out with every last ounce of my being.
Then I heard a cry. And I cried. Dave cried. We all freaking cried.
Even with her cone shaped, suctioned out head they tried to conceal under the knit cap..
She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in this world.
She still is. And always will be.
The day we brought her home it snowed. My father was in shock. Snow in June.
I love you Nana. Thanks for being so wonderful.
And happy birthday. Now stop growing up. Seriously. Stop.

SCREW IT ALL!

2009-05-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

That's all for now.

OUT!

I MISS MY MOMMY!!!

2009-05-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is my mom's 75th birthday. It also falls on Mother's day as it does many years. Lucky for me I get to combine shopping and shipping. She lives in Northern California and I certainly do not see her enough. Every year is a challenge to figure out what to get her. She has pretty much everything she needs. I can't do gift cards. Not for her. It just doesn't feel right.
This year I opted for a gift basket from Cox Honeyland. It was a nice variety of some Cache Valley goodies. I know what you are thinking. "WTH? IT'S HER 75TH BIRTHDAY AND THAT'S THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH??" I confess, I'm a TERRIBLE daughter. I didn't even realize it was her 75th birthday until yesterday. When she told me. My mom will probably never read this. Although we gave her a laptop last year, I'm positive it's sitting somewhere in her house collecting dust. She's afraid of the internet. It's the devil. I still feel the need to post my deepest gratitude for her. I was a terrible teenager and I'm surprised she even survived me. Since I came late in her life (an oops there's a hole in the condom late) she got the pleasure to have a rebellious teenage girl from hell whilst moving, quitting smoking, going through menopause and a mid-life crisis. She is definitely the strongest woman I know.
Before she met my dad she was married to an abusive alcoholic. She courageously left him to become a single mom of 3. She was self employed seamstress so she did not have a kush sit down job. She literally worked her fingers to the bone. She stood for long hours every day. She bought her first house on her own with cash. She did whatever possible to make sure her kids were taken care of. She went without so her kids didn't. She suffered. She earned every bit of everything she's ever had. She is one tough broad. I (like many) never truly appreciated my mother until I had my own kids. I wish I lived closer to her. Things you don't think about when taking off on a whim and moving 2 states away. I wish my kids knew her better. I wish I could sit and have coffee with her. Go to lunch and listen to her stories. Bowl once a week with her. Go for a walk together. ANYTHING to spend more precious time with her.
I hope all you moms out there a very happy Mother's Day and hopefully your children will appreciate you for everything you do for them. And if your mom is still alive make sure to treasure her while you can. We will never have another! They do so very much for us.

What's up chicken butt?

2009-04-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I realized today I haven't blogged in a while. I have no great excuse other than distractions.
Bowling league is coming to an end and I'm ready for a break. All and all I improved over the season. I started out with a 115 average and am now more of a 160ish average. It took me all season to realize I need a heavier ball. I guess I'm stronger than I look.
U12 boys soccer season is now in session. Weather permitting of course. I'm assisting (aka secretaryship) with Dave which is a challenge in itself. 10 games and the 1st one was already canceled due to inclement weather.
I was informed recently that I may be also playing co-ed softball soon. I love softball. More so when I am in shape and can actually run instead of hobble around the bases. Guess I better get to doing some sprints around the LHS track.
That's all. This is Nancie Gerard signing off for now. Or at least the weekend.

MY NEW BFF

2009-03-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

As a lot of you know I don't cook much.
It's not just because I'm lazy.
I don't even particularly like fast food.
Other than it's convenience.
It's not that I don't enjoy cooking either. Because I do.
I have become especially creative inventing my own concoctions
using random ingredients I have on hand.
I prefer to have a recipe, but often stray from it. Make it my own.
I'm rebellious that way. There is ALWAYS room for improvement.
It's not like I'm expecting to be a contestant on
"The Real Chefs of Cache County" or anything.
*side note: I no longer watch reality shows.
I tried watching "Hell's Kitchen" once and almost had a full blown anxiety attack.
If I was home during the day I would watch the Food Network.
Or Rachel Ray. She's HAWT.*
What it boils down to (no pun intended) is that I DO NOT enjoy
cleaning up after cooking.
Until recently.
I can't remember the last time I've owned new cookware.
Maybe when I got married. That was 18 years ago.
About 10 years ago a friend gave me her hand-me-down set
that was still in great shape. Glass lids and all.
Since then I've bought random replacement pots and pans here and there
as the Teflon started wearing off the old ones.
Not great cookware. Just "get me by" cookware.
*side note: I'm pretty sure my family has SOME amount of Teflon poisoning by now.
I'm dreading that will come back and bite us in the ass.*
Anyhoo. I recently made an impulse purchase. I bought REAL cookware.
We were shopping at Sam's Club perusing for bargains in their markdown section
and there was a fresh pallet of mark downed items.
This is where I met my new BFF. You may have heard fo her. Her name is Paula Dean.
She understands me. My needs. She has really touched my life.
Maybe even saved our lives.
The set I bought is 12 pieces. It came with a square griddle-type skillet
and glass lids for all the pots and other skillets.
All for under $100. It's heavy. It's durable. It's NICE.
The nicest I've ever had.
I actually look forward to cooking now. Now that I have someone to enjoy it with.
And nothing sticks to her. Like water off a ducks back.
Thank GOD for Paula Dean. Or at least her line of cookware.

"a little early for top down weather..."

2009-03-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

The following events are real.
Names have not been changed or withheld to protect anyone.
Some wording has been altered to protect innocent reader's mind.
THURSDAY, March 5TH, APPROXIMATELY 6:00PM:
I pick Dave up from work and we decide to go TV shopping.
ME: "Where should we go first?"
DAVE: "Sam's Club has the best prices on TV's."
ME: "But remember how Freddy Smith's had TV's on sale at
Christmastime? We should check there too."
DAVE: "That was Christmastime. They wont have them on sale now."
ME: *heavy sigh* "fine. I have other shopping to do at Sam's anyway."
After hours of deliberation, I'm tired and hungry.
We settle for the 47" JVC for under $1000. Reasonable deal.
We put the top down in the convertible and the TV in the back seat.
We drive home all the way across town in 15 degree weather.
Heater cranked. Looking like complete idiots.
We unload the TV. My fingers get smashed in the process.
ME: "Frickin' Frackin' Fruckin'..."
Dave chuckles. I give him stinkeye.
No time to set up the TV this night. New cables were needed.
I still had to feed and get the kids to bed.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH, APPROXIMATELY 12:30PM:
We go to Freddy Smith's on our lunch hour to pick up the necessary
cables so we can set up the new TV later that night.
Low and behold. TV's were on sale.
I give Dave a much deserved "I told you so" look.
Dave sheepishly grins: "We should have shopped around".
I roll my eyes.
We purchase the 52" Samsung for $1199.00 and the needed cables.
Bigger TV. Better deal. This same TV was over $1800 at Sam's club.
We would return the JVC to Sam's after work.
At least we hadn't unpacked it yet.
We take the Samsung home.
Top down. TV in the back seat. Heater cranked.
Driving across town. Looking like complete idiots.
We unload the TV. Fingers get smashed. Cussing ensues.
Dave chuckles. He gets the stinkeye. Again.
We now have 3 big screen TV's in our living room.
The soon-to-be-replaced 10 year old Akai 54"
The soon-to-be-returned new JVC 47"
The keeper Samsung 52"
LATER THAT EVENING:
We return the JVC back to Sam's Club.
Top down. TV in the back seat. Heater cranked.
Across town. Like complete idiots.
Back at home we set up the Samsung and it starts making this
GOD AWFUL noise.
TV: "Snap, crackle, CrAcKlE, CRACKLE".
Dave and I consult the manual. Nothing. He muted the TV.
The sound continued. Dave calls Panasonic technical support.
No help whatsoever. Unacceptable. Too late to do anything tonight.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, APPROXIMATELY NOON:
We pack up the Samsung and head back to Freddy Smith's to exchange it.
Top down. TV in back seat. Heater cranked. Across town. Complete idiots.
We exchange the TV with minimal problems from Smith's employees.
Some wise ass says to us in the parking lot:
"A little early for top down weather." DUH.
We head back home with the new Samsung.
Top down. TV in back seat. Heater cranked. IDIOTS.
TV unloaded. Fingers smashed. More cussing. Chuckles. Stinkeye.
ME: "This TV better work because I'm NOT taking this trip again!"
Dave: "Yes, dear".
SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH, APPROXIMATELY 11AM:
The Behemoth 54" TV is donated to worthy friends.
I am relieved to have it out of my living room.
I got my bay window back. The flat screen is beautiful.
My fingers survived. The kids didn't have to hear me cuss.
I'm sure at least one Cache Valley resident saw us every single trip and thought:
"Do these people have nothing better to do than haul their TV around town?"
To those people I say: "Yes indeed. I do have better things to do.
And I will go now and enjoy my 52" of clear beautiful TV goodness."
Thanks as always for reading!

One word

2009-02-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

Putting down the first thing that comes to mind.

Where is your cell phone………………..purse
Your hair…………………………………feisty
Your father………………………………dead?
Your favorite thing………………………Kids
Your dream last night……………………Erotic
Your favorite drink……………………….Coke
Your dream/goal…………………………business
The room you are in……………………..computer
Your fear…………………………………snakes
Where do you want to be in 6 years…….Maui
Muffins…………………………………..yummy
One of your wish list items………………TV
Where you grew up……………………..California
The last thing you did……………………Quizzo
What are you wearing…………………..clothing
Your TV…………………………………..Monsterous
Your pets…………………………………Love
Your computer……………………………Information
Your life…………………………………..complete
Your mood………………………………..sleepy
Missing someone………………………….Mommy
Your car…………………………………..convertible
Favorite store…………………………….beauty supply
Your summer……………………………..short
Your favorite color……………………….purple
When is the last time you laughed……….hour
Last time you cried……………………….weeks
Three of my favorite foods………………chocolate, encheladas, french fries
Three places I would rather be right now.. Maui, My moms, in bed

Happy V.D.

2009-02-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

Remember as kids how funny we thought that was?
This post is NOT about Valentines day. Especially since I'm 3 days late for that post.
This post is about laughing.
When is the last time YOU laughed? Really laughed. Out loud.
Gut wrenching, boob jiggling, nose snorting, eyes watering, gasping for air laughing.
I saw a very interesting show that talked about the healing power of laughter.
How on the average kids laugh over 300 times a day and grownups less than 20.
Statistics say that when we laugh we...

* boost our immune system

* have a 40% less chance of having a heart attack

* sleep better

* think more clearly

* promote relaxation and reduce stress
* increase the oxygen level in our blood giving us more energy
* increase the endorphin activity in our body resulting in a sense of well being
* lower our blood pressure
* banish boredom
* are more socially attractive. People enjoy being with those who laugh easily and often.
* increase our enjoyment of life
* help you live longer
* make you look younger for it tones up the muscles of your face and leads to an increase of blood supply which nourishes the facial skin and makes it glow
* Laughing heartily 100 times a day gives the same cardio results as working out for 20 minutes
* Laughter can heal you physically. Fibromyalgia. Depression. Even cancer.
* Laughter triggers the right side of the brain, which helps release creativity and helps us to make better decisions.
Laughter truly is the best medicine. AM I the only one who didn't know this??? Here I have been paying all this money for drugs and beauty supplies when the secret all along was so very simple.
I vow to start every day from now on with something hilarious. Won't you join me?
Let's start a Laughalution!
Oh. and thank you Dave for being my Roger Rabbit. If anyone EVER wonders what I see in that guy...he makes me laugh. Thank you for making me laugh. And Happy V.D.

FINALLY!

2009-01-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

...something worth posting about. Actually I have had a lot of depressing things to post about, but who the hell wants to read that crap?
Many of you who know me know that I lived a very sheltered life growing up. Tonight I had the fortunate event of going to my first ever hockey game. BOOOYA! I had a freaking blast! I am totally hooked. Also a little hoarse. And I'm glad I got to share it with my family and our good friend Trent...thanks for joining us Trent!
I may even have to indulge in a season pass next year! GOOOOOOO AGGIES!

Slow blogging month

2009-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry. I haven't been inspired by anything to blog about. I'm totally stealing this from my friends over at http://www.seehearspeaknoevil.com/

1. Have you ever been on TV?
Unfortunately, yes. I was in a commercial for Lewiston State bank that ran last year. I don't even bank there! My one and only line was "Convenient Locations!" I was standing in front of a bus stop in Providence. Convenient.

2. Have you ever sung in public?
Yes. From Junior High to High School I was in choir. I used to sing in church. When I went to church.

3. Have you ever dyed your hair blond?
duh. Yes. And the terms are "lightened, highlighted or bleached". "Dyed" is when you go darker.

4. Have you ever eaten frogs’ legs?
Yes. This was a staple at my grandmother's house. I was not aware for a long time that they were frogs' legs. They told me it was chicken.

5. Have you ever received a present that you really hated?
No. Or if I have I don't remember.

6. Have you ever walked into a lamp post?
Yes I have. It was VERY embarrassing. Nancy means Grace. However, I have never been very graceful.

7. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people?
Since making fresh salsa isn't really cooking I have to say no. I think the most I have cooked for is 12 now(BUNKO). Anything over that warrants getting pizza.

8. Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others?
Yes. One time I fell just walking into the ball park. I was in a dress and heels (I was on my lunch hour going to watch my husband play a softball game) and TOTALLY tore up my knee, my hands and my dress. I had to go back to work like that!

9. Have you ever done volunteer work?
No. I wish to though.

Kids and Christmas

2009-01-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was very low key this year. The kids knew ahead of time that times are tough and the presents would not be as elaborate as they have in the past. But all and all it was great. We got to spend time with friends and having time off from work is always nice. We have A LOT to be thankful for. In the hustle and bustle I forgot to take a picture Christmas day, so we took one right before taking the tree down. At least I remembered!

MILOOOOOOO JENKINS...

2009-01-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

Milo went to the Vet Friday. He got a haircut. He got his balls removed. He had one testicle that didn't drop so they had to go in through his stomach to remove it. I know. EW. Anyway. He's a whole new dog. I can't wait for his hair to grow out a bit. Poor guy is freezing and shaking all the time. Pets are EXPENSIVE. The bill came to $418.20 Needless to say I will NOT be going to Vegas now. /HEAVY SIGH

Dawson & Ariana-isms

2009-01-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

I stole the title of this post from a good friend. I hope she doesn't mind, cause I liked it a lot.
Her story of some things her kids said reminded me of a funny story about my kids and how often they make me laugh.
We don't live close to our family and only see them about once a year, so when the kids were little it was hard for them to understand which grandma we were referring to when we talked about them.
So we would refer to Dave's mom as Crazy Grandma and my mom as Grumpy Grandma. Now before you blow a gasket, please understand. Before my mom and dad divorced in 1998 my mom was REALLY unhappy. And Dave's mom, well. She IS crazy. Not lunatic crazy. Just naive crazy.
Anyhoo. We were visiting my mom one summer and Ariana was about 5. We were sitting around visiting with my mom, some of my aunts and cousins who had come to visit while we were in town. I can't remember what the conversation was exactly but I'm thinking we were talking about my dad. Ariana comes up to me and says for everyone to hear..."THIS is grumpy grandma!" I about died. Everyone started laughing. Hard. My mom was pissed. I tried to explain to everyone but it didn't help. I'm sure my mom has NEVER forgiven me for that.
Needless to say we changed their nicknames. Since that day we refer to Dave's mom as City Grandma and my mom is Country Grandma. Much more PC.

Today is THE DAY.

2009-01-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

First I want to wish all my readers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Second, I'm getting my dreaded "before" pictures taken today. Thanks to the professional services of my very good friend Brigitte.
I'm debating on posting them. You all will get to see the real me. The ugly me. And I don't want to lose what few friends I have.
So, can you give me reasons I should or shouldn't post my before pic for the world to see? Will it truly motivate me to make the much needed changes? To put myself out there and embarrass the hell out of myself like that? To submit myself to ridicule? Hmmm.
I promise they will be modest, but also revealing enough to show why I am doing this challenge. Sorry guys. There will be no booby shots.

Coming clean

2008-12-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hello. My name is Nancie and I am yo-yo dieter.
This is the part where you say "hello Nancie."
A while back you might remember that I posted about going on (yet another) diet. As usual, it lasted about 3 days and I was back to my bad habits again.
I haven't always been fat and out of shape. Of course I wasn't the skinny bitch either. Underneath all this blubber is a strong, athletic, sexy woman. My ideal body is a curvy size 10. Currently I am between a size 18 and 20. The only curves I have are rolls. I am plus size. Obese.
Growing up I had a pool and lived in it in the summertime. I never had to watch what I ate cause somehow I burned it off. Skateboarding. Biking. Roller skating. Softball. I was even on the track team.
Right now I couldn't walk a brisk mile without getting light headed and borderline passing out. I have a sedentary job and have neglected myself for too dang long. I feed my body too much processed crap and I'm the heaviest I have EVER been (even pregnant). It's not funny anymore. It's disgusting. My back hurts almost all the time. I can't go up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. I have no energy. I have become this person I SWORE I never would. I have disappointed myself. For the last time.
January 1st will be the beginning of my journey. My journey to the real me. My journey to health and mental well being. I don't care how long it takes. This fat suit is coming off. I know it wont happen over night. I'm in it for the long haul.
If you want to support me, I would greatly appreciate it. This is what I'm doing: http://www.transformation.com I've done it before and I know I can do it again.
I'm not doing it for the money. I'm doing it for me. For my kids. For my (someday) grand kids.
I'm doing it so that I can be a better mom. A better friend. A better wife. A better me.

Merry Christmas to all...

2008-12-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

May your holidays be peaceful, and my wish for you and your families; a safe, healthy and prosperous new year!

Movie review time

2008-12-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

I resisted the urge to go see The Day the Earth Stood Still without my husband today. See, I'm considerate that way.
So the kids and I went to see Bolt instead. My teenage daughter had already seen it once with her friends, and since she was so willing to go see it again, I figured it must be pretty good.
It was cute, but I'm thinking it could have waited for video. However it was a nice way to spend time with each other and stay out of the cold. My other option was to stay home to clean and bark at the kids to help out. Who wants to do THAT on a Sunday??
I guess we could have went to church... BWAHAHAHA! Ok. I'm going to hell.
Seriously now. Even though it's closer, I'm still protesting Stadium 8. I know, I know. All Westates are owned by the same person. But I have my reasons for protesting this particular theater. It's dirty. It's unkept. The staff is incompetent. I could go on.
We went to the new theater behind the mall again. There were a total of 6 people in the theater. Including us. The popcorn was cold. This "Free drink and popcorn" if you donate a can of food crap was a joke. It's for a kid sized popcorn OR drink. What the hell did I expect? I donated our canned food anyway and bought the large combo. At least the movie was uninterupted.

A few of my favorite things...

2008-12-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

Why is this song only played at Christmastime?
Here are a few of my favorite things. At least this time of year. Which IS most wonderful. If we chose it to be...
White snow and Christmas lights. Making snowmen. Having snowball fights. Sledding. Crashing and laughing our asses off. Nice people in the holiday spirit. Christmas parties. Bonuses. Sub for Santa. Food drives for the less fortunate. Giving.
Now, when people get trampled and killed on black Friday to save a buck or two, when my husband is being a Scrooge, when the snow is plowed making everything dirty, when my nose hair freezes as well as the roads, when people are laid off from their jobs...
I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feeeeeeel (dramatic pause) so bad.
It is now10am on Saturday the 13th and it hasn't stopped snowing. The roads have not been plowed yet so I'm stuck at home. I'm going to miss my nail appointment. We don't have any hot cocoa. This is VERY inconvenient. I have too much to do today to be stuck at home. My daughter has a birthday party to attend across town at 2pm. We have a Christmas party tonight which I am not ready for AT ALL. I'm going back to bed. That is DEFINITELY my VERY favorite thing these days.

Spreading the love...

2008-12-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

help us help hungry peeps

WHAT: Cache Valley Illuminati food drive
WHERE: Macey’s in Providence, Utah (near the front door)
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 5 from 4-6 pm
WHY: Because you love me, or you care about other human beings, or you are on Santa’s naughty list and need to redeem yourself. You really don’t need a reason. Just come!

Ever want to meet a member of the Cache Valley Illuminati? TODAY IS THE DAY! Just come down to Macey’s in Providence between 4 and 6 pm today for your chance. I'm not officially a member of the Illuminati (yet) but I'm going anyway to help out and show support.

Jess and Brigitte from SHSNE will be there to sign autographs. We even might get Tyler Riggs to sign a few. I'll sign an autograph if you want. I'll even do body parts.

SPECIAL TREAT! Tyler Riggs from KVNU For the People, and also an Illuminati member, will be broadcasting his show live from Macey’s. I may even get on to say a few words. I may have to. Maybe I should have a drink or two. I get awful stage fright.

Come on down. Say hello. Eat at Macey's deli. It rocks. It's for a good cause. All we are asking for is a can of food to help the less fortunate this Christmas. It's not much. We’ll be wearing santa hats and reindeer horns (and hopefully other clothes).

see you there!

MOVIE REVIEW TIME

2008-12-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

We went and saw Twilight on Thanksgiving day. It was my daughters 2nd time seeing it, 1st time for the rest of us.
We did our traditional Thanksgiving dinner early (11:30) at Angies (which was wonderful BTW and THANK YOU ANGIES!!!) then to the movie. Because this movie has been sold out since it came out in theaters, I thought it wise we buy our tickets early-before we went to lunch/dinner. Low and behold, we were seated and served Thanksgiving dinner in record time and were able catch the earlier showing which was DEAD.
The movie itself was great. Fairly true to the book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Only because I thought the love scenes were a little long and sappy.
If you go, bring a can of food and get free drink or popcorn!

...an episode of thanks

2008-11-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

This will be my last post for November, so I apologize for it's length.
I was watching Little House on the Prairie last night. NO SNICKERING.
I love this show. To quote Hyde from That 70's show, "It reminds me of simpler times". It conjures up emotions in me that I thought were long dead and buried. I usually always have a good cry. Damn you Michael Landon! Why did you have to be such a great actor!?!?!?
This particular episode Mary has some sort of accident with the horses and becomes ill with an internal infection of sorts and they have to go to the "big city" for her to get treatment beyond Dr. Baker's knowledge. This makes me thankful for local hospitals and medical professionals.
Pa goes to the bank to get a loan for the long trip but the bank is closed. This makes me grateful for checks, debit cards and ATM machines.
He then hears singing coming from the one and only local church house up the street. It's not Sunday. He goes to check it out and they are passing around the collection plate. It comes to him and he starts to put in a donation and the preacher tells him "I'm sorry Charles, but we can't accept your donation today." Laura comes up to him and says "It's for Mary, Pa." Of course tears well up in his eyes. I lose it. This makes me thankful for loving, caring, generous people in the world and churches for them to congregate to.
They take their horse driven wagon on a bumpy dirt road to the train station. Mary is lying in the back of the wagon all bundled up. It takes them over a day to get where they need to. This made me thankful for paved roads, enclosed cars with heat and a/c and airplanes.
They get to the specialty hospital and the doctor examines Mary and determines she needs an operation. The doctor sends Pa to talk to the financier before they can operate. They barely have enough cash to pay the guy (who is a total jerk). This makes me thankful for the right to medical treatment, credit and bedside mannerisms.
The operation is successful so Ma and Pa go out to dinner and celebrate. Only to come back to find out Mary has a fever and her condition has worsened. Mary needs another operation to remove the infected tissue. This makes me thankful for modern medicine.
They have no money left and the finance guy is still being a total ass. I'm guessing in the continued part of this episode he will learn a lesson in compassion. This makes me thankful for KARMA.
Pa then treks back home to sell the farm and everything they own to pay for Mary's medical bill now racking up. He barely makes the next train and sees a posting for jobs with the railroad at the train station. He takes the flier. This makes me thankful for advertisement.
Pa gets home and goes to the bank only to discover that the banker has closed up shop for good due to the economy. This makes me thankful for our mostly reliable financial institutions.
Desperate, Pa goes to the local mill and asks the owner to buy his farm. The owner can not afford to buy the farm but he does loan Pa enough money to get back on the train to go get a job with the railroad. Pa's friend decides to go with him and says "two incomes are better than one". Pa graciously accepts and they wave good-bye to their families and head off on foot. This makes me thankful for friends.
This episode is to be continued for another day. I actually had the pleasure of seeing Melissa Gilbert at a restaurant in SLC once. She is SO much prettier in person. This makes me thankful that there is hope for my kids to grow out of their goofy stage.
Happy Thanksgiving to my readers and I hope you have a lot of things to be thankful for. Even if it's the small things.

...Quizzo

2008-11-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

Quizzo is a trivia game hosted by Harry every Wednesday night at the White Owl bar here in town. This week we played last night instead of Wednesday because of Thanksgiving. We play in teams and the prizes are dinner/food at the Owl. Most of the time we win. Last night was no exception. We have a pretty good team and everyone contributes SOMETHING. Some more than others. I love it because it's an opportunity to be social. I am thankful to get to spend time with our friends this one night a week. THANKS GUYS!!! And girls...I missed you last night!!!

...bloggers

2008-11-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

I stole this from my BFF over at seehearspeaknoevil.com who in turn stole it from

theartofoverthinking.blogspot.com Play along if you wish. I would love to hear your names!!!

1. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names)
Charlotte Dean (now you know how to find me in case I turn you in)

2. NASCAR NAME: (first name of your mother’s dad, father’s dad)
Ralph Paul

3. STAR WARS NAME: (the first 2 letters of your last name, first 4 letters of your first name)
Genanc (how the heck do you pronounce that?)

4. DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Violet Canine (Purple puppy didn't sound professional enough)

5. SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you live)
Rochelle Providence (yes. my middle name is Rochelle. Laugh and I'll sick Ahmed the dead terrorist on your ass)

6. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite alcoholic drink, optionally add “THE” to the beginning)
The Red MaiTai (If I used my other favorite alcoholic drink I would have to be The TOPLESS RED JAGERMEISTER-not so super)

7. FLY NAME: (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Not sure what a "Fly name" is exactly..but whatever. Mine is Nard. Funny Shiz.

8. GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie):
Cherry Chocolate Chip Oreo. But I prefer 3CO please.

9. ROCK STAR NAME: (current pet’s name, current street name)
Milo North

10. PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
This one is hilarious. Who thinks up this crap anyway???

Sassy Oak Park

get it? Park your Oak here baby. I'm SASSY! LMAO

...FRIDAYS!!!

2008-11-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

TGIF Y'all!

...Mark

2008-11-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

...the photo expert at my work. See photo at right. Don't I look thrilled? Apparently this is my "serious" look. I remember vaguely Mark saying "OK, look serious" cause I could not manage to stop smiling. And those are rubber snakes in my wig/hair by the way.

...Milo

2008-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Dave and I aren't having any more kids together. Mostly because he's been neutered (Dave not Milo) and I can't find anyone to naturally donate to my cause.
So the next best thing came along. I think he has my cuteness factor but extremely hairy like Dave. And he came house trained! How can you resist unconditional love like this??? He's the little brother Dawson always wanted.

...My mother-in-law

2008-11-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

I know this comes as a shock. Granted my mother-in-law can make me crazy. She makes all who know her crazy. But all and all I could have it a lot worse. She means well. She loves her boys. She loves her grandkids and great grandkids. She would give you the shirt off her back. She has ALWAYS been there for us when we needed her, and I love her for that. She has had a pretty damn rough life. It's amazing she has survived unscathed. Somewhat anyway.

...MACEYS FOOD AND DRUG

2008-11-18T12:22:00.001-08:00

It's clean. It's convenient. And their deli food is AWESOME! and don't forget their kick ass mini shopping carts. Makes Dave feel like Mario Andrade to zoom around the MAC's. (Mormon Assault Carts). You know. The ones that look like cars.

...Alcohol

2008-11-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

More specifically, the drinking kind. I need some. and I'm not talking mere beer either. I'm talking the hard stuff. Today has been one of THOSE days...

...Laughter

2008-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

It makes the day go by faster at work! http://roflrazzi.com

...The interwebz

2008-11-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

I get to keep in touch with family without having to actually talk to them or run up a phone bill.
It makes me smarter. I learn something new every day.
I get to surf when I'm bored.
I get to shop when I'm bored.
I get to blog when I'm bored.
I get to read other blogs when...well you get the picture.

...TEACHERS

2008-11-13T08:32:00.001-08:00

These poor underpaid and under-appreciated souls. I got this voice mail message the other day. Here it is word for word. Names have been withheld to protect the innocent. Notice I didn't withhold my son's name. (These are my personal comments)
"Hello. This is Mrs. ___ from __ elementary and I'm calling regarding Dawson..."
(My first thought was: Oh boy. he's sick and I have to go get him from school )
"...He was involved in a big pine cone fight this morning with a whole bunch of other 5th graders."
(I couldn't help but roll my eyes and chuckle a bit. BOYS. He's 10 by the way. )
"...And It started out as this kind of a fun thing, but it turned dangerous and students were getting hit in the head and in the eyes and it's definitely against our school rules to behave and be responsible."
(I assume she meant the opposite ?!)
"...So he and the other students all came down to the refocus room and I talked to them about being safe and following the rules and they will be spending their lunch recess in the refocus."
(For those of you who don't know WTF refocus is, it's the PC version of detention.)
"...It's our policy to notify the parents any time the kids are sent to refocus, and I hope Dawson doesn't have to come to refocus again. He's a good kid. If you have any questions feel free to call me at ___."
So Dawson's version of this story went something like this:
"I got off the bus and ___ pegged me right in the face with a pine cone. So I just started throwing them back and then a bunch of kids started a pine cone war."
It will forever be referenced as "The great pine cone war of 2008" now.

...Thrift Stores

2008-11-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

I was never much of a thrift store shopper prior to living in Utah and discovering D.I. (aka Deseret Industries, aka the mormon thrift store). Of course I have also discovered other thrift stores to shop and find treasures at. I also love the fact I can donate/recycle stuff. The reason I am so thankful is they save me money. I'll bet most of my closet is supplied by second hand clothing. I get more compliments on these pieces than my new stuff. Of course there are things I would never buy second hand...but I have found numerous items with the store tags still attached. I even found $10/plate Dillard's china for 75 cents a plate. BARGAIN!

...for seehearspeaknoevil.com

2008-11-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

They inspired me to create my own blog. Of course I don't have nearly as many readers as they do, but it's still a great creative outlet for me. Today's post was this cool, scarily accurate quiz. Here's my results and at the bottom is the website if you want to take it too.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Katharine! (I'd like to think I'm as beautiful as her too)

You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"

Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.

How to Get Along with Me

* Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.

* Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.

* Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.

* Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.

* Don't tell me what to do.

What I Like About Being a Katharine

* being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down

* being spontaneous and free-spirited

* being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.

* being generous and trying to make the world a better place

* having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures

* having such varied interests and abilities

What's Hard About Being a Katharine

* not having enough time to do all the things I want

* not completing things I start

* not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career

* having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies

* feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship

Katharines as Children Often

* are action oriented and adventuresome

* drum up excitement

* prefer being with other children to being alone

* finesse their way around adults

* dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up

Katharines as Parents

* are often enthusiastic and generous

* want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life

* may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

...for the weekends

2008-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am thankful to have a break every once in a while. I think we take advantage of this small luxury. A lot of cultures work 7 days a week. All work and no play makes Nan a dull bitch.

..for paydays

2008-11-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

my mantra is "happiness is just a paycheck away". I may put it on a sign and sell it someday. Please don't take my idea. I need the money.

...my husband

2008-11-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

He drives me crazy. Good and bad crazy. He lets me tease him endlessly. Ok. Maybe not endlessly. He puts up with me. He does laundry. Most importantly, he makes me laugh. And I think he loves me almost as much as I love him. Most days that is.

...My job

2008-11-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

I work for a company that is very profitable, is growing and has great opportunity. I am grateful for a decent income that allows us to live comfortably. I am thankful for the fun people I get to work with everyday that do not make it dreadful to go to work every day. I am very fortunate to have a rockin' boss who is kind, understanding, flexible, patient and grateful. I pity the fool that has to work outside in the severe cold or heat. I am thankful that it is low stress. I am pretty spoiled.

I AM THANKFUL TO BE AN AMERICAN

2008-11-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

I am thankful there are people willing to to fight and give their lives for our continued freedom.
I am thankful that we have freedom of speech.
I am thankful that we have rights.
I am thankful that we have laws and order and justice.
I am mostly thankful that I have the option to vote.
I HAVE NEVER VOTED.
Why? you wonder. Because ignorant people should not be allowed to vote. I think to vote you should have to take a pretest of sorts that questions your knowledge of the items you are voting on. If you do not score 100% then you don't get to vote. A lot of people vote because it's their right but have NO idea what they are voting for. How many of you go to vote and just pick whatever because you did not know about the issue at hand? Just because you can doesn't mean you should. And if your going to do it, educate yourself!
I have never been very political. And if I don't understand it, I do not feel I can make an educated decision. I'm all about fairness. It wouldn't be fair to this great country we live in if I went in to vote all willy nilly and screwed up the whole damn thing.
Surely I could do more research and educate myself on the issues. However. A lot of things just piss me off. Like the fact that neither presidential candidate is appealing to me to be able to run this country. Like the fact that we have to even consider whether or not to leave undeveloped land. Like the fact that people feel they have the right to dictate whether homosexuals have the right to get married or not. These issues piss me off. Therefore, I chose to exercise my right NOT to vote.
It's my right. If you don't like it. Too bad. Next election proposition for mandatory voting. While your at it put a microchip in me and a barcode on the back of my right hand.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

2008-11-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

This month I am going to try and post every day about something I am thankful for. Today I am thankful that Daylight Saving time changed over the weekend so I don't have to get up in the dark to go to work. YAY!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dave is Perseus and I am Medusa. Ariana is going as a Gothic fairy and Dawson is the creature from the black lagoon. I'll try to post pictures at some point. I hope all my faithful readers have a good one!

Restaurant Review time

2008-10-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Dave and I are excited that some new eateries will be coming in along with the new Walmart on the south side of town. Today we decided to try out the Bajio Mexican Grill at lunch. It is much like Cafe Rio and Costa Vida. I ordered the enchilada and basically my tin was full of rice, overly salty beans and one itty bitty torilla filled with about 2 oz of sweet pork and toppings of my choice. I got fresh salsa, cilantro, sour cream, cheese and a side of lime. I did not get the guacamole as it was 80 cents extra. 80 cents for a spoon full of guacamole! You see where I'm going here.
Dave had a chicken burrito supreme of sorts, rice and the salty beans as well. I had a bite of his and the chicken was dry. With drinks and tax our bill came to $19.85 Needless to say, we scratched Bajio off our list of eatery choices in the valley. The positive-it was fast. It's also conveniently located in the old Macey's new strip mall. Although I don't foresee us going back again, they were fairly busy. Dave and I wondered what will come in once they go out of business. Maybe the Walmart traffic can keep them afloat. Time will tell.

DAD: M.I.A.

2008-10-29T08:27:00.001-07:00

We only have one car. The upside of this is we don't have a lot of auto expenses. The downside is it can be a pain in the ass sometimes. It requires a lot of planning and I drive everyone around more than I would like.
So yesterday 6pm rolls around and I'm taking a siesta when I hear the phone ring. I knew it was Dave calling for his taxi home from work. Sometimes he walks. Weather permitting and if he has proper footwear. We only live a mile from his work.
Dawson comes running up the stairs and says "Dad told me to give you a message to come get him at work". I was already getting dressed. I went potty and washed up and took a quick glance in the mirror to make sure I was presentable and headed out the door. The kids were planted on the couch watching the boob tube and I told them "I'll be right back, just going to get dad from work".
So I get to NDT and wait. I forgot my cell phone. Surely Dave would come out to check to see if I was there. I thought he must have decided to walk home and I was sitting like a fool in the parking lot waiting for him. I couldn't go in and look for him because the doors lock after 6pm. I got impatient after 20 minutes and went back home. Here is the conversation that occurred when I got home.
Dawson: "Where did you go mom?"
Me: "Is your dad here?"
Dawson: "No. He called like 100 times".
Me: "I looked right at BOTH of you and said 'I'm going to go get dad from work I'll be right back. did you tell him I was on my way??'
Dawson: "I thought maybe you decided to go shopping instead."
Me: "Yea. I was on my way to pick up your dad from work and thought to myself. I think I'll go shopping instead".
Dawson: "Well I didn't know!"
WTF?? Something is seriously wrong with our children. I called Dave and after bantering about whose fault it was that he was now walking home (apparently mine since I forgot my cell phone to call him when I got there) I started making dinner. Note to self. ALWAYS take cell phone. Maybe next time I WILL go shopping instead.

WHERE'S MY STUFF???

2008-10-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

At the first of October I ordered some books from Amazon dot com. One of the books I ordered was "used" and received within days of my payment clearing. However, I find it odd that this was a library book. Should I call the library listed inside the book and see if it's hot? I mean, it does have a big red "checked out" stamp on the front cover. I just find it a bit odd since it's a fairly new book. The other half of my shipment left Colorado on the 15th and went all the way to Florida and back to Colorado. There it sits. I emailed Amazon's customer service but have not received a response yet. SO. WHERE'S MY STUFF!?!?!

Holidays

2008-10-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

So once again the holidays are sneaking up on us. This time of year is especially depressing for me because we have no family close by to spend it with. Ok. Let me rephrase that. We have no family WE LIKE close by to spend it with. I'm not sure exactly why it depresses me. When we DID live closer to family all they did was fight over us and make us feel rotten because we spent more time with the in-laws. Unfortunately we cannot afford to fly out to California to see them. We have done our part to invite them to come see us. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend a white Christmas in Utah?? Maybe because I've whined too much about the cold. That could be what scared them off.

Four distinct seasons my...!

2008-10-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

So when we were deciding 14 years ago between Utah and Seattle to relocate to, the appealing thing about Utah was "four distinct seasons" as opposed to 37 inches of rain per year in Seattle. Oh yea. Cost of living was a big factor as well. All I have to say to that is Pblllllt! What happened to Spring and Fall??? Seems to me like it's 80% winter, 10% Summer and 10% anything and everything else!

Dear Winter,

2008-10-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Please go away for another month or so. I did not get my share of Fall weather to enjoy. I don't want to get sick and/or deal with sick kids yet. I don't want to bundle up everyday. I don't want to have to run my heater 24/7 yet. I'm not ready to switch back from iced coffee to hot. So, I beg you please. Go away. At least until November. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

APPARENTLY...

2008-10-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

The internet knows me better than I do because this description is DEAD ON!

LIBRA - The Harmonizer ~ my official Roller Derby handle
(Sept 23 - Oct 22) ~ mark your calendars dammit! It's September 27th
Nice to everyone they meet ~ especially if there is Jager involved
Can't make up their mind ~ I can so. ok, no I can't. sometimes I can.
Have own unique appeal ~ too bad this doesn't apply to RICH men
Creative, energetic, and very social ~ it's all a facade
Hates to be alone ~ especially if I'm getting a massage-wink wink
Peaceful, generous ~ as opposed to noisy and selfish
Very loving and beautiful ~ AW! Thank you!
Flirtatious ~ don't forget attention hog
Gives in too easily ~ only if there is chocolate involved. Who am I kidding? ANY food...
Procrastinators ~ If it gets done AT ALL it's a miracle
Very gullible ~ I prefer naive, thank you very much

So tell me what YOU think? Is the internet DEAD ON or what???

My favorite day of the year...

2008-10-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE Halloween. As long as I can remember I have dressed up and usually made my own costume. It helped that my mom was a seamstress. I think I missed my calling in life. I should have been on Broadway or something that I could dress up every day of the year. Of course that might get old quick. If I had the room and the money I would totally create a Trick-or-Treat haunted house. I enjoy the adrenaline rush of being scared and scaring others. Oh, I've had my share of lame costumes. Last year I dressed as a Voodoo Doll and no one got it. Note to self: Never again dress up as anything you have to explain. This year I'm kinda stumped. My kids are getting older now and want to do their own thing, so all my family costume ideas are out the window. I guess I'm on my own.

Save 2nd Base

2008-09-25T08:56:00.001-07:00

I'm golfing in a scramble for my birthday Saturday. It's for charity. Breast cancer. The title of this post = the name of our team. I'm glad the OTHER players on our team are better than me. I'm planning on just drinking a lot of alcohol and enjoying the ride. :)

RENO TRIP

2008-09-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

Trip to Reno was short but sweet. OK. Maybe not so sweet. I got to spend quality time with my mom, uncle and cousins which was the main reason for the trip. So I guess THAT was sweet.
I didn't win any money. I got about 4 hours of sleep the entire trip. (And not for fun reasons like drinking, gambling or partying). The hotel we stayed at was smack dab in the middle of downtown and had paper thin walls. On top of loud traffic and the hard-as-rock bed, a group of foreign tourists ended up our neighbors and room hopping ALL night slamming doors. When they finally did quiet down at 3am, the person next door got sick and I got to hear them puking their guts out for about 15 minutes. All and all it could have been worse. Could have definitely been better. I came home with an illness. I'm guessing from lack of sleep and inhaling too much 2nd hand smoke. I'm definitely getting too old for this shit!!!

RENO HERE I COME!

2008-09-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Reno by myself for the weekend to visit my mom. and my uncles. and some cousins. I can't express my excitement. It's a short trip-I leave today and return Sunday. I can't wait to visit and see everyone. and gamble a bit. and drink a bit. and go shopping with my mom tomorrow. I haven't seen her in 2 years! I'm a bit nervous as I can't remember the last time I flew. Nothing a pre-flight drink at the airport bar can't eliminate. I'm sure I will post about the adventure when I get back. TTFN!

Confession.

2008-09-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

I bought a kids meal at McDonald's today for lunch just for the toy. Lego Batman rules.

thirty six things

2008-09-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from my friend Jess over at www.seehearspeaknoevil.com. She is one of the funniest women I know. Although I thanked her for not tagging me to do this..I decided to anyway because I thought it was kinda cool. Here are 36 things you probably did not know about me:
1) I have seven 1/2 brothers and sisters.
2) One of my brothers died of leukemia when I was 8 years old.
3) I was raised Catholic. I still remember my "Hail Mary" and "Our Father" prayers and sometimes when I'm feeling sad, I recite them in my head. They are comforting and make me feel better.
4) I have been to about 15 different churches in my life. I do not claim or practice any particular religion. This is not an invite to convert me, but thanks anyway.
5) I skateboarded as a child. I had a yellow banana board.
6) I got chicken pox when I was 21. It sucked.
7) The 1st boy I kissed was in 1st grade. His name was Billy Goforth.
8) The first girl I kissed was my best friend Cheryl in junior high. We were just curious.
9) I have faithfully been with the same man for half of my life now. 17 years of it married.
10) I have traveled to AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, WA, WY
11) I have never traveled out of the country. Unless you count Tijuana, Mexico.
12) When I was younger I wanted to grow up, get married and have exactly 10 kids.
13) I hate licorice.
14) I was on the swim team in high school. My stroke was the butterfly.
15) I was also on the track team. I was a hurdler.
16) I was also in band. I played the clarinet.
17) I was also in honor choir. I sang 2nd soprano.
18) I received my California Cosmetology license in 1988 and have kept it current ever since.
19) I got my nose pierced in Venice Beach, California when I was about 20. I took it out 2 weeks later.
20) I started working when I was 16 years old. My first job was selling tickets out of the box office at the local cinema in my hometown of Visalia, Ca. It was haunted.
21) I have had over 100 jobs in my life. Maybe over 200. I stopped counting. No kidding.
22) I would love to own my own business. Like a salon just for kids named "Knuckleheads". Or a restaurant that caters to specialized diets like BFL, Atkins or South Beach.
23) I ride my bike or take the bus to work.
24) I may seem ditsy, but my actual tested IQ is 148.
25) I am hemaphobic. Not homophobic. That's my husband.
26) I am also ophiophobic. Google it. I had to to find the medical name for my phobia.
27) I have never broken a bone.
28) I have never had an operation.
29) I have never been to a theater version of Rocky Horror Picture show. Apparently
I missed out.
30) My parents divorced when I was 29. Just shy of their 30 year anniversary.
31) I have not seen my father in over 10 years. He has never met my son.
32) I would love to have another child.
33) I would love to be a journalist.
34) I love my kids more than anything in this world.
35) I have Native American heritage. On both sides.
36) I secretly like Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I don't even think my husband knows this about me. "It's just a flesh wound!"

Hurricane Season...

2008-09-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

UPDATES

2008-09-11T08:27:00.001-07:00

Kids: having a teenage daughter is driving me to drink. LITERALLY. and I'm talking the hard stuff.
Bowling: I bowled my butt off last Wednesday :) 176 / 159 / 163 Not too shabby for 2nd week!
Work: We are supposed to move to our new digs on the 29th. C'mon Quest! Get your shiz together already!
Diet: I'm still on the proverbial physical and emotional roller coaster
Birthday plans: I got my new bike as an early birthday gift, and a trip to see my mom coming up. I want to get inked while I'm in Reno. Is that weird? Maybe turning 40 won't be too bad after all...

Poll for ya...

2008-09-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

SCENARIO: Bunko night once a month with 12 gals for 2 hours.
SITUATION: Gals texting constantly while playing. Not just once in a while (which wouldn't matter anyway) but CONSTANTLY
QUESTION: RUDE or NOT RUDE?
MY VOTE: RUDE.
WHY: Because: 1) What? You can't put your personal life aside for 2 hours a month and spend time with your friends?? b) It's inconsiderate to others and c) JUST PLAIN RUDE!

This is not a multiple choice question. I really want your input. But be careful. This is a no judge zone.

Bowling

2008-09-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

So when I was young I used to bowl on a league. I was decent. I remember my average being in the 170's. I haven't bowled in quite a while, but kept my ball and bag "just in case" I ever got that wild hair again. Well. That day came. I'm officially on a Women's Wednesday night league.
Last week was the first week and all I can say is I broke 100 every game. Barely. BOY. Do I need practice! Need new shoes though. My feet somehow managed to get a lot fatter over 25 years!

WTFT?! PINK??

2008-08-26T18:43:00.001-07:00

No. That isn't a typo. WTFT=What the French Toast. The rated G version of WTF.
My patience finally paid off! I bought a bike. Courtesy of Al's Sporting Goods Labor day sale.
It's a Trek. 21 speed. 16 more speeds than I need. Comfort/cruiser. Big butt seat. Upright riding. Pink. Pearly pink. No, I wasn't planning on buying a pink bike. But it was irresistibly cute!!! Very girly. I got a very girly helmet to go with it. With flowers. I'm sure I look like a TOTAL dork on it. But guess what? I don't care! It's so much fun. And effortless. And it was a good deal. I think. Retailed at $480 on sale for $295 plus tax. So if you see me riding around Cache Valley, please try not to run me over. And if you honk, I'll wave. If I'm not beefing it...

Farewell cleavage-the following may not be suitable reading for minors

2008-08-20T22:03:00.001-07:00

Some of you have come to appreciate my tatas as much as I have. I'm not bragging. Getting old sucks and I have very few assets left to hang onto. I know they aren't Pamela Anderson great, but I can proudly say they are fairly perky and Au Natural.
See, growing up I was very athletic and some what of a late bloomer. Even when I finally did develop a chest, in like 11th grade, I was a B-cup until I got married and had kids. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere-BOOM! BLAM! There they were in all their D-cup glory. Some of you (other than my husband) have seen them first hand. Up close and personal. (Thanks to too many shots of Yager at a party with a hot tub. If I haven't apologized enough for that, I'M VERY SORRY). Unfortunately, I'm afraid it may be time to tell them good-bye. No. I'm not having breast reduction surgery or a double mastectomy. No offense to anyone who has. We women do what is necessary. They are being gradually reduced because I'm losing weight. Which by the way has been long overdue. And unfortunately, I lose from the top down. I'm doing my damnedest to make sure they don't go saggy. I will miss them. But I have to look at the big picture. Because I am sick and tired of looking at my big ass, big thighs and big waist any longer. FAREWELL CLEAVAGE! It's been a good run. Maybe if I save up enough money I'll get an "enhancement" later down the road. 'Til then... au revoir and adieu!

Get ready!

2008-08-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

So I made this agreement with my daughter. Since I don't blog very often, she is going to "guest blog" for me once in a while. I think it will be a great way for her to express herself though her poetry and art. She actually created her own blog back in March or so, posted 3 times, and forgot about it. I was going to create her a side blog of sorts, but well, let's face it. That's just too much damn work and thinking for little ol' me.
Anyway, I don't know how long it will last since school is starting soon, but I'm trying my best to stay in touch with my teenager (I was so kindly reprimanded that she is no longer a tweeny bopper as previously posted), and this will be one of my many efforts to bond.
side note: I know sometimes I make it sound horrible having a teen-age girl, but I really do love her. I'm sure some of you can relate. Maybe not. Most of you probably just thank your lucky stars or that all powerful Being, or whoever that you were blessed with only boys. I flip my middle finger in your general direction.
But seriously. We get along most of the time. At least better than I did with my mom I think. She's pretty comfortable with me. We talk. We are there for each other. She's quirky, smart, beautiful, talented, unique and somewhat of a geek. A complete intertwining product of her parents. So get ready. And thanks for your loving support in this experiment.

Back to School

2008-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

THANK GOD. I am SO sick of whining kids "bored with nothing to do". How lucky they are!
Year round school is starting to sound good to me. I think I'm old enough and I've earned the right to say this. Back in my day, our parents didn't entertain us. We didn't expect them to! We knew better than to whine about being bored, because if we did, we would be put to work. We didn't have video games, computers or The Internet, yet we found things to do. We had bikes, skateboards, balls, bats, swimming pools and neighborhood friends. We were gone from the time we woke up and had breakfast until it got dark and our parents were yelling or whistling for us to come home. Ironically, we weren't obese either. Coincidence? I think not. Our kids are spoiled. I'm guilty. I have half a mind to cancel cable TV, DSL and sell our gaming units. The other half of my mind remembers that there is not a lot to do in the winter here. I'm sure somehow we would survive. And probably be better off. So I'll get my cane now and get off my soapbox.

Summer Music

2008-08-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Jess, my BFF over at http://www.seehearspeaknoevil.com/ to do this. Most of my 2008 summer music came from TV instead of the radio, as I faithfully watch one of my all time favorite shows "So You Think You Can Dance" herein referred to as SYTYCD. The songs they pick for Hip Hop ROCK! So, if it was used on SYTYCD, I listed the Youtube video address...sorry I haven't figured out how to embed yet...here is my top 7

- "The Garden" by Mirah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnotKKgYUwE
I first heard this song on SYTYCD and it's currently my favorite. Maybe because the dancers made it SO frickin' hot.
- "I kissed a girl and I liked it" by Katey Perry
Because I have and I can relate. I was somewhat offended by this song when I first saw/heard it on late night with Jay Leno, but after listening to it a few times realized what a hypocrite I was being.
-"No Air" by Jordan Sparks/Chris Brown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01xxK7MnFgM
Or is it Ayer? I thought this song was lame until used on SYTYCD. Twitch is awesome, but Joshua won. Rightfully so. America got it right.
- "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0QbD_l1TlM
Again, didn't love the song until SYTYCD made an awesome visual for me. My 10 year old son would sing along in the car and always replace "Love" with "Blood". At least it rhymed. And to a ten year old boy, makes much more sense.
!WARNING! The following songs are catchy and WILL stick in your head for days. These are some of my faves just because they are fun to sing along with and gyrate to while driving. So if you see me cruising in my convertible looking like I'm having an epileptic fit, don't call 911 just yet. Listen for the loud music first. It's how I roll...
- "Shake it" by Metro Station
- "Damaged" by Danita Kane
- "American Boy" by Estelle featuring Kanye West
Honorable mentions:
- "In the Ayer" by Florida featuring will.i.am
Because damn rhymes with jam, and I never knew there were so many words that rhymed with Ayer
- "Corona & Lime" by Shwayze
I predict this song will be in the top 10 soon, and my new drink at The Owl on Wednesday nights

Songs I change the channel when they come on the radio:
-"Lollipop" by Lil' Wayne
-"Love in this Club" by Usher/Ersher
-"Take a Bow" by Rihanna

And I'm not tagging anyone because I don't know anyone else to tag.

Cache County Fair

2008-08-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Three words for you. Hot. Boring. Expensive.

DOH!

2008-08-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Many of you may already know about the Twilight series books by Stephanie Meyers. If you don't, well pull your head out of the friggin' sand already. Or wait. I'm sorry. Maybe you aren't as fortunate as I am to have a tweeny bopper, therefore making me "in the loop" of such literature out there. These books are pretty much Buffy the Vampire Slayer revisited in book form. Complete with vampires and werewolves. Except that Buffy/Bella is not a slayer, but a normal teenage girl trying to find her place in this world. She is somewhat of a damsel in distress who stumbles un-willingly across this whole other species doing their best to live amongst the normal folk. Even though the books are obviously geared towards tweeny bopper girls, I've read them. My husband has too. I'm planning to buy them and re-read them again. Only because I have to do something while I am impatiently waiting for my very own 13 year old tweeny bopper to finish the 4th book. If we ever get it. See, it was released last Friday at midnight, however, since we pre-ordered it from Amazon.com, we get to wait for it to be delivered whilst every one else has pretty much finished it. I'll never do that again. Sheez.

I survived

2008-08-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday was brutal. See previous post. Sunday's venture to Lagoon was fun and relaxing, but wore me out. The weather turned out fairly nice and we spent most of the time at Lagoona beach coasting around on tubes in the water. We did a few rides with the kids, stopped off for dinner on the way home, and finally got home about 11:30pm. I hobbled to work yesterday and hung in there the best I could. I came home and crashed. Thanks to my loving and thoughtful husband who didn't bother me about making dinner, ordered pizza instead. I can barely walk today, my throat is killing me, and I'm dizzier than hell. I am worse off today than I was yesterday! WTF? Maybe it just took a couple days to catch up with me. Just wanted you all to know I'm alive. Barely.

Oh the pain!

2008-08-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today we played in a co-ed softball tournament sponsored by my husband's work (NDT) for some charity. I had been dreading this event all week, as a) I haven't played softball since last fall, b) I'm fat and out of shape, and c) it was predicted to be over 100 degrees today. We were required to play a minimum of 2 games. I had resigned to this. I could suffer through 2 games. We would be done by 11am. Unfortunately, we won the first game which set us up to play two MORE games. Yay. We ended up losing the next two and playing in the hot sweltering sun until well after noon. I overheated. We went to lunch as a team. We then came home, turned on the AC and died. I woke up from my carb induced, exhausted body coma with a migraine. Tomorrow we are planned to go to Lagoon for the day. I'm excited cause I really want/need to see our friends whom we are meeting there. I'm not excited because we are spending a second hot weekend day in the sun. In the words of Danny Glover, "I'm getting too old for this shit Riggs".

Good friends are hard to find

2008-07-30T22:22:00.001-07:00

Maybe this is proof that I have officially reached middle aged loserville, but Wednesday nights have literally changed my life. It's been a long time since I had something to look forward to on a regular basis, and I have to say Quizzo at the Owl is the best thing that has happened to me since dating. See, we all get into ruts. Marriage, work, kids, life. It consumes us. For me, the "mom" me took over for a long time. TOO long. I felt guilty if I was doing something without them. Now, I cherish my "date" nights with my husband, getting out and enjoying time with our friends, and maybe learning a factoid or two in the process. I just want to thank The Owl and Harry for making Quizzo night possible. Also, Invader Trent, Soffe, Bridge and Max for making it so great. And Max, I hope you know, I'm just messing with you man!!! It's how I roll. No, I'm not drunk. This week anyway. Go Hell's Satans!

busy little bee me

2008-07-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday we bought a very nice used couch and love seat from some mansion owners in North East Logan. It's only 1.5 years old, and a very comfy over-stuffed, micro-fiber style. We also hauled off our old set to D.I. My ass hurts from moving furniture! I am SO out of shape.
It's not necessarily the color I would like (Aggie Blue), but we can make it work. It was cheap. $350. Now, I know what you are thinking, cause we thought the same. We could go to Palmer's and buy a BRAND NEW set for $600. We decided to forgo new furniture for 2 reasons: Kids and cats. What's the point? Our last set barely survived 3 years. Now I understand why my grandparents covered their furniture in plastic.
Sunday and today I painted the remainder of our living room and re-arranged some decor. My living room is now blues, browns and tans with black furniture. I absolutely love it. It's really starting to look homey. We've lived here over 2 years now and I'm JUST getting around to fixing things up. I still have a lot of little things to do, like paint my green furniture black, hang some curtains, find some throw rugs, etc. Man decorating is a lot of money and work! I keep telling myself it's worth it. I will be SO happy when we can get a new flat panel TV and get rid of the monstrosity 10 year old big screen T.V. I'll try to get some pictures posted soon to share.

YAY ME!

2008-07-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

I started working when I was 15 years old. Since then I have probably had well over 100 jobs. I stopped counting about 15 years ago. Ask The Dave. He'll vouch. It used to be a thrill ride for me. I never worried about being unemployed because getting a job came so easily. TOO easy. Now I'm getting old and have responsibilities that no longer allow me the luxury to job hop.
Please understand. It's not because I don't like to work. I understand that work = money = spending. I like to shop. I like nice things. My motto is "Happiness is just a payday away".
My problem is I get bored easily. Once I learn the job and perfect it, I need more. I need challenge.
Back to my current sitch. I have been at my current job for over a year and a half now, which is pretty monumental for me. The company I work for is well established. We are growing fast. I make decent money. It's a laid back environment. I work with great people and have awesome benefits. Unfortunately, it is a fairly monotonous dead end job. Which is OK at this point in my life, because it pays the bills and allows us to live comfortably. So Monday they posted a new position within the company in the Purchasing department. On a whim Tuesday I applied. I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about purchasing. Yesterday I learned they chose me for the position. I'm giddy. I feel proud. I haven't felt that in a long time. They tell me there is a lot of growth opportunity. My new boss is an amazing woman. As much as I love my old boss, and feel badly for abandoning her, I know that this is a good move for me. So wish me luck!!!