I Wish...

I had $500 because I would buy this:

OR

... I wish for it to be FREE!
Then I would tickle these pretty little ivories, in my own home.

The Refusal

I tried my hardest to get work off tonight (at The Roof) but was unsuccessful. It was a CRAZY night for sure! Sheesh! Of course, I have a story...

I'm a little bit of a perfectionist and really want to be good at my job, and want to know it well enough to be able to be proactive about getting things done. I get really shaken when I make a mistake, and some of the managers are unforgiving--sort of. Once you mess something up, you don't get to do it again for awhile. Back to the story... when I make a mistake, I get really rattled. Whether it is a little teeny tiny mistake, or a GIANT mistake, I get riled up and I can't quite shake it, so I get progressively worse every minute. I start making even more stupid mistakes, and then I am a total wreck and it takes me awhile to calm back down. I would like to report that tonight, I didn't let it rattle me, and I didn't allow myself to be as paranoid so I didn't make the mistakes in the first place. 

Summary: 

Had to work, work was crazy, managers are unforgiving, I make stupid mistakes, I refuse to get frazzled. 

WORK=CRAZY=UNFORGIVING=STUPID MISTAKES=NOT FRAZZLED

Have Some Words

Dearest Mr. H--

I think it is high time we have some words. More than just what can be expressed between our daily sms conversations, and our rushed "I Love Yous" on the phone as we run from place to place. So, here are my words for you, and some updates on what I've been doing while you've been working so hard--busy earning awesome grades and perfect scores in Math. Not too shabby on that Music Final either...smart AND sexy...whew! No idea how lucky I really am when we said our "yes"es nearly 3 years ago. 

On we go, to the words, the words I wish I were speaking instead of drumming out on the computer...

You should be so proud of me. I actually did my hair. I mean, I used product, and I curled it. CURLED it. Do you understand that involves plugging in a curling iron, waiting for it to heat up, then sectioning off my hair to curl in shifts??? PLUS, I applied that red lipstick you seemed so pleased I was pouting. The reason I'm presenting this picture is because I wished you were with me tonight at the Christmas Dinner, and also, because upon further inspection, I realized that I really am on the short side of life...I don't even come to the top of the bookshelf, and for the first time in years, I actually felt short. Then I heartily chuckled that my hair (so sculpted) was stuck to the lipstick. Thought you would get a laugh out of that. Anyway, this is what I looked like at the party tonight. Bet you wish you could have come...I did!

After taking some pictures, I found some I forgot we had taken this weekend at Counters. Look how cute you are in this picture--now THAT'S a real smile...

So this is when I ate Sashimi at Benihana's. That's what happens when you don't feed me. I end up eating raw fish. I was nervous, but so brave. You would have been proud my fearless love!

So one night, I came home and made this for dinner and thought it looked so good, I would take a picture. So I did, and now I wish I hadn't, because I would like to eat that, but...no more tomatoes or avocados. (Sorry I haven't been able to get to costco yet, I haven't been able to get milk for a couple of days, so hopefully I will make it there before Saturday. Work is crazy lately! Cuh-RAY-zy!)
Remember this little beauty? There was a picture that was centered, but you looked goofy, so I picked the one that was left of center--you know--kind of like how I am sometimes...you don't look like you detest me quite so much in this one. 
Heidi's birthday at CPK. Aaaahhh, I dream of the ALT pizza I had that night. *sigh* Look how cute T and H are! Trent looks so in love. Sometimes, I see you look at me that way. But only when you think I'm not paying attention (or if you are intentionally pulling a puppy dog face because you want me to do something--like hunt down your chapstick). 
                                                               Happy Birthday Heidi!
K and H chillin, well, I guess I was chillin by myself because I didn't take a coat. You tried to get me to wear yours, but I really didn't need it--until the way back! It really wasn't that bad. That was a great night. I love it when we get to hang out, especially with Trent and Heidi. You are so much fun with them. This smile is all for you babe!

I just wanted to remind you of the GIANT bruise I had on my leg for 2 weeks. Look how cool I am. The picture was kinda lame, because you can't tell it's a couch in the back of a truck, a LEATHER couch in the back of the truck. I'm pretty sure my leg still remembers that bruise. There is a shadow of pain that reminds me of you, because you don't know how to help a lady out of a truck. But that's okay, I don't expect you to have to do that very often, or ever again, I've never seen a bruise that big in my life!

                                          Awww, your cute mug. I miss your little mug! 

Okay, so remember how I tried to take a picture of myself like 987872376827364876 million times in the car, but I couldn't keep my eyes open?? Every time I tried to take a picture, I sneezed and I couldn't keep my eyes open, and I couldn't stop laughing either. ha ha ha. Don't you miss my little mug...? I miss yours. 

Congrats on your finals buddy, I love you lots, and I'll talk to you this weekend. If I don't sleep through it. 

                                               Kisses!!!

It Was A Great Weekend

because:

I hung out with family
Had my first experience at the Cheesecake Factory
There was talk of a snow storm
Josh told me he already knows what my homemade present will be
Bought Christmas Presents ...


...but mostly because I threw my head back and laughed carelessly at least 35 times!

What are you doing for Christmas? I'll tell you what I'm doing...losing weight with diet cake! There is a contest going on for anyone who wants to join. So far I think I saw about 30 people (including my chubby self) signed up for the contest. Today is the last day to join. You will have to enter by 11:59 p.m. PST. You have to post your weight in the comments section, unless of course you're a woss--then you can email it to them to keep your weight a secret. I refuse to gain any weight this holiday season, and I intend to keep losing. There are prizes involved for the biggest loser. Stop by and read the rules, and then go ahead and sign up. I already have. What better motivation is there to lose it, than to post your weight for all to see, and weekly re-post to show how you're dropping the pounds??? They do post daily about things that trip them up in their weight loss endeavors, as well as things that are making them successful. Drop by and at least check it out. Happy Running!

Thanks Diet Cake, for the motivation to get even more serious about it!

A Love Letter

Dearest Mr. H~

I know you wonder what in tarnation I do all day, since the house is no cleaner when you come home than it was when you left. Here is a typical-ish day:

Today I was a lot of things, and did a lot of things. It started with me waiting at the bus stop for 40 minutes wishing you had gone to school this morning, so i could hitch a ride with you. Oh well, I eventually thawed out... :)

Once I got to work, I was already tired. I ate my banana for breakfast but was disappointed to remember that the prescription mouthwash leaves a metallic taste in my mouth for HOURS after. Bummer. Then I missed you. Then I got a little lazy at work and had to work really hard to keep doing my work. It was difficult. Did I mention I missed you? 

Then, the advil wore off, and my tooth was screaming with pain. It was at that point, I wished you were around to give me a big hug (but not too tight--didn't want the tooth to hurt even more). So I took 5 more advil to combat the pulsing pain. 

Remember my co-worker Delaine? Well, today was her retirement social. Apparently our department gave her a digital picture frame for her going away present, and it had pictures loaded on it already. This is where I got a little upset for the day. Remember that time we had Jenn take our pics in the canyon? Well, she put one of us on it which I thought was weird, and then was irritated about later. Then I just missed you again. You looked all hot in the picture with a cute little grin on your mug. Love you!

Boredom was next. Or maybe that was impatience--not sure. I saw these beauties, and was just WAITING for all the speeches to finish so i could help myself to a delicious slice of heaven--errr--cake. We know how I like me my cake! Then I realized, it was from Schmidt's bakery. Did you know that's where we got our wedding cake? Then I missed you again. 

This is what I did while I was waiting patiently (at first) for speeches to end, and cake-eating to  begin...Don't worry, my eyes didn't get stuck that way like they always say.
This one actually hurted a little. 
Then I missed you again. Then I wrapped up some cake and brought it home for you. and for me. 

After work, I walked to the bus stop, and once again, waited for the bus. This time I think I only waited about 35 minutes--but I missed a bus, and then a different bus missed me. Bummer. Finally got home, and went to the Nord. Rack to get some Christmas/Birthday shopping done. Unfortunately, only Birthday shopping was done. Then I missed you again. 

When I got home, this is the next thing I did:

Made some dinner -- check out how tasty this looks...! Mmm...the cheese was good. Then I noticed the pan you obviously made your eggs in, and remembered those FANTASTIC eggs you made me for breakfast last week. They were SUPER tasty, and I totally wished you were here to make some more for me. My salad was good though. Look at those delicious chunks of fresh yummy mozzarella cheese soaked with balsamic vinegar. Remember how I LOVE vinegar??? 

Then I went to the gym. Too lazy and tired to really get dressed in gym clothes, I just wore my pajamas that I LOVE!!! Favorite P.J. pants ever! I was SOOOO tired that it was all I could do to stay the whole 3o minutes. Thought I might die. Everybody Loves Raymond was on the t.v. (I was lazy and only biked 5 miles today instead of the usual running/walking). It was their wedding episode, and they did this thing at the toast where they linked their arms before drinking. I want to do that. Can we do that sometime buddy? I love you. This is the part where I missed you again. Then I thought about ice cream, because I saw a commercial with ice cream, and then I thought about that time you came home from the gym at midnight, and downed half a carton of Breyer's ice cream. I had a little chuckle, and considered coming home to eat my own little bowl of caramel delight ice cream. I wished you were here to indulge with me. 

Then I came home and decided to write you a love letter before bed. I'm sitting on our couch in the Highland sweatshirt I stole from you that you stole from your ex-g/f that she stole from her brother (or ex-ex-b/f??) and my favorite p.j. pants. Missing you. and Loving you like mad!!

Come home soon, and don't forget my nightly smooch! 

Love and kisses, 

Your darling Squash (I am darling you know!!! even if I am hopped up on advil and vinegar)

The Return

So for those of you who remember my Valentine's Day this year, it was spent in some pain. I had a Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma on my upper right jaw. This little onus of mine created quite the turmoil at the time, but it was excised, and sent off to be biopsied. You may recall that the Periodontist thought it was a "Pregnancy Tumor", even after I assured him I was not, nor have I ever been, pregnant. Well, I survived that. I was told there was a 7-17% chance it would come back. A couple weeks back, I noticed another bump in my mouth in the same place but on the other side.

Fast forward to today, 0830 and I'm sitting in the Dentist's office getting prepped for a crown, but the tumor had to come off since it was sitting right over the tooth that needed the crown. So this morning, I not only got a (nother) temporary crown, but I had my tumor excised. Lovely. I'm really not feeling so hot, and I certainly don't feel like working. I would rather go home and take 5 more advil and just sleep for the next two weeks.

The most unfortunate part??? Thanksgiving is Thursday. I suppose this will persuade me not to overindulge. I stopped for a Jamba Juice today, and I don't even feel like eating that. *sigh*

Friday

0800: Alarm Buzzes
0801-0859 Snoozing and Snuggling
0900: Out of bed
0930: Out of House
1000: Job #1
1200: Lunch with my Nancy Friend
1600: Leave Job #1 (Worked VERY late last night)
1630: Begin Job #2
Anywhere from 2000-2400: Leave Job #2
After that: Running...

and collapse into bed

Why I'm Smiling...

You could say today was just another day, until you stopped to smell the roses anyway. Today was going to just be another day. Believe me! When it was yesterday, today was just going to be another day. In fact, I stood in my bedroom last night and actually said out loud (to myself...), "Oh my word. Today is Wednesday. That means tomorrow is Thursday, and then it's Friday. It's almost Thursday, so it's almost Friday (maybe this is how I lose whole weeks at a time). Today was thus planned to be "just another day". Let me tell you why it is most certainly not. It's because 

i stopped to smell the roses...

It all started with a little snooze. When the alarm went off at 0700, all I wanted to do was snuggle closer to the pumpkin and sleep a little more. I whacked the snooze button and continued in my dream of investigating something or other, when i was jolted back to the very real buzzing in my head... *whack* and I was back, this time at work...? I continued to beat my alarm clock every time it tried to pry me from my dreams, and snuggling, until satisfied with my "snoozing". 0815 I padded into the bathroom and proceeded to "lather, rinse, and repeat". Normally, when I finally realize I've been snoozing and it is already 0745, in all my frustratedness I chew my pumpkin out for skipping another class. Mostly because I have now missed the bus, and was hoping for a ride to work, but reluctantly take the bus. This is the usual Thursday routine. Thankfully, today we shook things up a bit. Joshy made eggs for breakfast. I scooped out the last of the salsa and a dollop of sour cream and mixed it all together. It was delightful! Breakfast with my love! Couldn't have been better! My shirt had all kinds of sweater fuzz on it, so Josh took to it with a lint roller. It was so much fun to actually feel married again. To feel like we were more than just roommates, co-habitants of a (somewhat messy) 3rd floor apartment. It gets to feeling that way, not to mention mundane splashed with loneliness.

The journey continues with bendy flowers drooping over to persuade me to stop and look, and even smell....
I'm pretty darn lucky if yaknowwhaddimean...

I've had a run of bad luck so far this week, but it doesn't matter. The fragrance of flowers is overpowering the bitterness of an well-beaten path. For instance:

This is what my pretty shiny silver car looked like Monday night after a "run-in" with a pole (pun very much intended). What, you can't see it? See how the pole is white? and it has those marks?? Marks = car.

The Culprit: The neighbors REALLY need to retake Parking 101...or at least take it for the first time. This is their car, over on our side of the line (I know I sound like a child who has divided a shared room down the middle "don't even cross the barrier")

Another "mug shot" (the poles are the edge of their space--we park to the right of them)

The Victim: My pretty car, all beat up and broken.

The Crime from another angle...

I'm so glad I have the loving husband I do, you know, the one that didn't get upset about the car...being on the pole and a few bits on the ground. He wasn't upset about the amount of money it will cost (and I'm fairly certain he won't be too upset about it). After all, as my Dad says, "aren't you glad it's just money?"

Dare I say, Popcorn Popping...?

Salt Lake was dumped on with glistening white snow. I do not like to drive in the snow, and I think it is a pain in the neck to deal with, but when you stop and think about it, it sure is pretty. I took this picture from work (The Roof) a couple of Wednesdays ago. Pretty, right?

As I plunked down at the bus stop and spotted the bus just down the street, I remembered I forgot my keys! No matter, it was just another excuse to see husband Josh. My keys, a smooch, and he was off.

On Tuesday, we put an offer on another house, in hopes we would be "home for the holidays". Unfortunately, interest rates were up again, and we didn't feel comfortable with the counter-offer they submitted. We were of one heart and one mind as we realized we were going to reject. Today we sent the rejection, and lo and behold--the interest rates were back down. No matter, we still feel we made the right decision. I loved how good it felt to be completely together on a big decision like that. These aren't even all the reasons I'm smelling flowers today, but I hope to tread this path, and many more like it, far more often. I'd like to frequent the path of flowers that stand to greet me as I pass, hoping they'll be noticed by this traveler. Best part...

                  today they were........

Seriously, I'm Shocking

...Or at least my shorts are...

Saturday was a quick gym day, I only had about 40 minutes, so I spent 35 on the treadmill, and then only about 5 minutes doing ab stuff. Anyhow, I was in a hurry so I grabbed the first pair of gym shorts in the drawer, and off I went. I happened to grab my basketball shorts (read: long shorts) that I have worn quite a few times before (and without incident I should add), but Saturday I had my headphones plugged into the t.v. on the treadmill, and I kept getting shocked. All I could figure is basketball shorts material isn't the greatest for running--especially if your thighs touch when you walk/run. I guess I'll stick with the shorty-short running shorts that won't shock me (sorry people on machines behind me...!).

The Polls are Open

I know I have asked some of you with great seriousness your opinions on buying a house. I have set up a poll on the right side of my blog, and I expect you all to vote. :o) I know that none of us really know what will happen, and predictions can be wrong all the time. This is your chance to opine on my blog. Let me know what YOU think will happen. You can vote based on what you think will happen on a National Level, or just based on whichever state you live in (and you International readers--we're talking U.S.) Besides, I'm having Blog-Block--nothing to write about right now. Get to voting! Polls are open for one week.

Pensive

So they say that change is good, right? Let's hope the changes we have in the next 4 years as a Nation, are good (I hope this no matter who the President is--though we already know). I have had a lot of little things rolling around in my empty head today, and I'm feeling pretty contemplative. I'm proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a country where we are afforded so many freedoms, and I only hope I can truly appreciate all the freedoms I do have. I strongly believe that no matter who I voted for for this election, we now have chosen a President for the next 4 years, and it is his duty to uphold our freedoms, and lead this country to the best of his ability. I also believe that it is our responsibility as Americans, as people belonging to the Nation he leads, to support him, and to respect him, and to honor him. We may not agree on all the issues he brings up, but he is still the President of the United States and whether or not he demands that respect as an individual, his position demands our respect. He may be the President, but we still have a voice through Senators, so I encourage all to make it known to your individual State Senators when you disagree (or agree) with certain issues that may come up. It is our responsibility. In Obama's words, "And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

For fear of sounding preachy, I'm hesitant to go on, but I'm going to continue anyway. I'll admit, the "economic crisis" we are in, makes me a little nervous sometimes. I just wish we had that magic little crystal ball that could tell us we are going to be fine in the future. In some ways, we already do. I believe that if we are living righteously (by whatever you and your religious definitions of that word are), we will be protected by the Lord. He will support and sustain His people as long as they are still "His people". I believe we are "His people" by the way we live our lives, and by which things we choose to make the focus in our lives. I know He loves us very much, and doesn't want ill to come to us, but sometimes, that it is necessary. Not to say he causes these things to happen to us, but rather, he allows trials to happen to us. Isn't that the point of being here? To pass the tests of life, whatever they may be, to prove ourselves worthy to be with Him again?

Said crystal ball would be particularly helpful as we decide whether to keep looking for houses, or to wait a little while. There are good and bad sides to it all. Finding the answers to such questions doens't come easily to me. Let's not forget that I happen to be a huge worry wart as of late.

One other thing rolling around in my head: Family. I love my family. My Lewis families, and my Higbee families. I do. I love them both, and I'm so happy to be a part of a family. I especially love my Josh family. I am thankful for the support our families are to both of us, and I'm missing certain families, as they live so far away. I'm so priveleged to have been born into, and to have married into, such amazing families. Parents with great knowledge, and are very shrewd. I appreciate each of them for their dedication to their church, to their beliefs, and to the importance of families. I love them all--even all you crazy cousins (inclusive of the "cousins-in-law"). I'm also thankful for great friends, who know we are still good friends, though I don't seem to have a lot of time to show them that.

I'm stepping off the soap box, but seeing as this is my blog, I'm allowed to opine. :o)

Totally and Completely

Smitten!!!

So obviously, I didn't take this picture. The tickets I got were for the 5th row...from the very back of the E Center...I thought I was going to be a whole lot closer, but that's okay. The concert was absolutely AMAZING!!! I'm still on a concert high! Jason Mraz is a true entertainer. He wasn't a boring singer who sounded exactly like his album and just stood there. Furthermore, he didn't lip sync and he was 100% in tune. I LOVED this show. I want to go again, but sit closer. He was funny, and interactive. I couldn't resist, and I bought a concert t shirt. I'm so glad I did. It truly was the greatest concert ever. He was so much fun, and I just had a BLAST!!! He was fun with the rest of his band too. He included all the players and introduced them one by one and let them show off a little bit. It was just so nice and so carefree. He seems very laid back and "chill". How else can I put it? "Chill" seems to sum it all up. One thing he has been doing, is taking polaroid pictures just about everywhere he goes. From the stage, he took pictures of each individual member of the band and tossed the polaroids out in the audience. He had the drummer take a picture of him, and then out it went into the audience. Too bad he didn't have some sort of picture-flinger so those of us in the nosebleeds could have serious bragging rights. One guy down on the very front row got to take Jason Mraz's camera and take a shot of the whole group together, and then of course--the picture was sailing through the air. They went a lot farther than I expected them to. SUCH a good concert. I seriously want to go again. I just really liked it and really want to be his friend. Weird, I know. I was totally impressed (in case you couludn't tell). I'm running out of great things to say about it because I'm still in shock. I never expected it to be that great. Of course--the only concerts I can compare to would be the Blink 182 concert in 2004 (with that crazy band that sings "Insane in the membrane, insane in the brain") where there was a GIANT bong on stage. hee hee. Or the Good Charlotte concert (I don't even remember the opening act) where I was on a sort of blind date again, in the nosebleeds (except that concert was packed) and I honestly couldn't tell if they were really singing it or lip syncing. Who knows? So I guess it's really no surprise that I was blown away. If I had known it would have been that great, I would have given up eating for a week to buy the tickets on the front row. *sigh*

Maybe one day Jason and I can be great friends (and I'll even get to sing "Lucky" with him).

P.S. I actually thought to myself (well more like played the movie in my mind), "Hey! If I try out for American Idol, maybe I'll magically be able to carry a tune in a bucket, and then I could win, and then on the finale show I'll stand on the stage with millions cheering, and I'll sing "Lucky" with Jason Mraz, because when you win, you get to sing with your favorite artist. I think I would pick Jason Mraz--and "Lucky" would just be perfect..."

And the crowd goes wild...

And then I'm back at work...

P.P.S. I'm completely aware of how stupid I sound right now, and that this is a fleeting thing. And yes, Josh knows that I'm obsessed (and totally celeb crushin)!

Freebie Friday

If you don't know who this is, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore. This is the creative and talented Mr. Jason Mraz. His first big hit was "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" back in 2003 (I remember hearing it for the first time as I was finishing the rest of my packing for the A Cappella trip to Washington D.C.). I was immediately smitten. My sister bought the c.d. and I horked it for awhile. My favorite song from his first album (Waiting for My Rocket To Come) became my obsession while I was driving out to StageRight for an audition for Anne of Green Gables (which I was cast in, but dropped out of after a couple of weeks). (The song to which I'm referring is called "I'll Do Anything"). I love his relaxed and chill music from his latest album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"). He did however, have an album between these, called "Mr. A-Z" (which is his name: MRAZ=MR. A-Z). While it was a good c.d., I think my favorite by far is his latest ("We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things").

There was a significant length of time between his second and third albums. I read on his website that he was "discovering himself". He said he was in some other countries living for awhile, and not doing much performing. While there, an anonymous person left a stack of religious books (from varying religions) outside his door. Mraz said he read them and really liked different aspects of each. It was then that he began his latest album. Perhaps my favorite song from "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" is "Lucky". This is his latest radio hit and is a duet with none other than miss Colbie Caillat. (I'm a big Colbie Caillat fan as well). What could be better than this combination?! He wrote part of the lyrics, and she wrote part of the lyrics, and then they got together to record it. I believe he was still living in another country, and she was in the States. He found out that she was a big fan of his, and he decided he wanted to record with her. Great idea Mr. Mraz! LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. I really like how relaxed and "chill" this latest cd is (though it's not without the occasional profanity...consider yourself forewarned).

The best part of this post, however, is that I HAVE TICKETS TO HIS SHOW!!!!! Last night as I was driving home from work, I heard that one of the radio stations was doing a remote at a car dealership right by my house, and they were giving away all kinds of concert tickets...including tickets for Jason. So I stopped by to see what I had to do to walk away with my very own pair of tickets to his show. There is a game called Tailgate Golf, and I started to explain this, but just don't know how, so google it if you don't know what it is. Basically, you had to throw these things, onto another thing, and it had to stay on the top rung of the thing you threw it on, and you had three chances (like I said, google it...). I tried, but was unsuccessful. Bummed about the tickets, I walked over to pick up the two furthest away throwing things, and coming up with clever and charming things to say so I could have another chance, and was walking back with my throwing things when he said I could have the tickets anyway. I was shocked. Really?? Did he not see how far away I chucked those things? He must be blind! He then explained that I was the first person to even make an attempt to go pick up my throwing things and for that, I deserved tickets. I was so excited and giddy, I thought I was going to fall over. So I drove home with my Mraz tickets. Oh, I mean, I drove home with my 5TH ROW Jason Mraz tickets. :0D SOOOOOOOO excited. Here's my dilemma. I have no one to go with. It is Tuesday night (the 28th) and I'm inviting you. Just leave a comment on this post, and tell me why YOU deserve to go to the Jason Mraz show. Of course, you'll have to go with ME, BUT--it involves 5TH ROW TICKETS!!!!! TO JASON MRAZ!!!!!! Get commenting! We only have until Tuesday!!!

I've Decided...

...to start running again. If you want to join me, I'll be at Gold's Gym. Probably on the bike, or stairmaster...but HOPEFULLY on the treadmill...running. :o)

Catching Up

So these are my cute parents, and this is from the birthday celebration they had for both me, and Josh. We went to dinner at Al Forno's (Italian) and then went to my parents' house afterward for cake (Josh's birthday cake) and to open presents for me from my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad! Love you guys a lot!

My Mom is a Baker Extraordinaire. Everything she makes is from scratch, or mostly from scratch. She seems to outdo herself every year when it comes to cakes for birthdays. She really does cool stuff. Here is evidence of that baking genius:

Josh's double layer Lemon Cake. It was pretty darn tasty! Because we went to Al Forno's and had bread with oil and vinegar (for me--sans oil) my mouth was feeling a little sensitive to strong flavors. It was really good, but because of the intensity of the vinegar, the lemon was a little strong at the time. Perfect later. Josh always loves the cake saturated in a bowl of milk, but I prefer it just plain. :o)

So remember that post about the sense of humor of our paper deliverer? Well, about a week after the paper being stuck in the wall by our door, it mysteriously ended up here. Like I said, sense of humor.

While Kristen and Dave were in town, my parents and I decided it would be fun for them to come to The Roof, so I arranged for the table (and of course the awesome discount ;) ) and ordered flowers for the table. They were inexpensive and SOOOOOO beautiful! One was a sort of Congratulations for my sister and Dave in anticipation of the arrival of the little jelly bean (not until December). The other was for my Mom as a Congratulations for her completion of her most recent turn as Relief Society President. My Mom is incredible and just the epitome of Relief Society. She is really amazing and has such a love for and testimony of Relief Society. It was bittersweet for her to be released. The least she deserved was flowers.

This horrible and completely unflattering picture was from Al Forno's when we went out for our birthdays with my parents. Ugh. I have GOT to figure out how to be successful at taking these kinds of pictures.

Hunting Season

As you may recall (or just happen to know) we are house hunting. I have renewed motivation for moving as our rotten apartment complex is raising the rent—yet again. Not to mention we STILL haven’t received our “incentive” for signing another year lease (from when we renewed our contract in February 2008), and we weren’t able to have the “Sign for a year, get a month free” incentive we received when we first moved in. They told us they would most likely have that option available if we were to renew after the first year. Aside from these reasons, and the fact that the property value most definitely has NOT improved to warrant it, they are raising our rent-yet again. Blech. Unsatisfied with the current options for houses listed on the MLS system, I’m reaching out to my fellow blog readers and followers. So, I ask you, nay, beg you, please keep your eyes out for houses that are For Sale By Owner in your areas. I think we would prefer to stay somewhat close to the area we are in now, but at this point, we’re willing to look into anything. So, keep your peepers peeled! I would really appreciate it if any of you find any information about homes for sale in your area(s) (that YOU would move into). Approximate addresses will suffice (though if you pick up a flier and somehow pass that on to me, I might reward you with baked goods…or something else really great—like the privilege of hanging out with me for an evening—kidding of course). We don’t really want to move any farther north than Farmington, and not much south of Sandy. I beg of you, help us be freed from perpetual rent increases and mind-numbing beige walls with sandy-beige carpet that we can’t liven up. (Did I tell you that the lady in the front office suggested I tack fabric on my walls as an alternative to painting since it is not allowed?? Yich. Someone needed to reign in that creativity at a younger age). Oh, and we won’t turn down any offers to live in anyone’s house for free (or disgustingly cheaply rented) while parents, grandparents, friends, cousins, etc. leave UT for some long period of time (missions, retirement vacations, sabbaticals, etc.) Please, please, please, let us know if you have any great ideas. We really appreciate it. Plus, if you help us find the house of our dreams (wink wink) you just might be exempt from helping us move. From what I understand, that should be incentive enough. It took 3 people to carry our inherited t.v. up to the 3rd floor. Not to mention we have a King Size bed and giant dressers. Thanks in advance for all the great suggestions you’ll have.

Here are some things I do NOT want for suggestions (purely for your entertainment):

This is a "NO" based primarily on the fact that I wouldn't want anyone having "proof" I'm not from this planet. I know I say things sometimes that make people think, "What planet is she from???!!!" But I don't want anyone to actually have grounds for thinking that aside from what comes out of my mouth.

I thought the pink house next door to my house growing up was a bit odd. This is utterly shocking. It looks like it belongs in Gardner Village filled with tutus and polka dots and ribbons and other frilly things. I can't believe this man agreed to live there...awkward!

While most likely affordable, this isn't what we're looking for, so if you suggest this, you'll have to help us move-- by yourself--without a moving van.

My Latest Sadness

So today our story begins at 8:30 a.m. when I realized I had hit snooze for the last hour and a half. Yes, that's right. I hit the snooze button from a sleepy 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 when I promptly got up and started my day off a little late. As I slipped my shoes on just before heading out the door, I realized my right shoe felt a little loose. These are my FAVORITE shoes. (Not to be confused with my favorite BOOTS, completely separate categories). As you can see, there is a little button on the strap. This button is held on with elastic, and is not meant to be buttoned and unbuttoned as you take them on and off. You are supposed to just slip your foot in and out. I wear these shoes at least 5 of the 7 days of the week, and I heart these shoes! They are really comfortable (for heels. What I mean to say is, I'd rather wear tennis shoes, but these are a great second option. So. Back to the story. I started to indagate and found that the elastic has become threadbare. Not to mention the holes in the soles, and the completely worn down tread on the bottom. Near tears, I sulked to the car and made my way to work. All day it has been loose, and I had forgotten there was going to be a fire drill today at work. If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you may remember a post about fire drills and tired thighs where I mentioned I work on the 12th floor. I knew if I had to trudge down the stairs and across the street and down half a block, they would completely break. I realized I have an old pair of tennis shoes at my desk that I keep with my emergency backpack for just such occasions. I made it all the way to my appointed meeting place and back to my desk singing my own praises for remembering to keep those extra shoes here at work. Thinking I might be able to make it through one last night at the roof in them, I slipped my feet back inside, and that's when it happened. The button popped off, and my shoes are now totally broken. I will be investigating shoe repair stores. I'm sure they are easily fixed. Did I mention I tried to get Josh AND my Mom to buy these shoes for me for my birthday last year (2007) but they were $70??? After some exceptional bargain hunting, I found them for a mere $35. So I bought two pairs. One in Black, one in brown. Lucky for me, the brown pair is in my truck, and I will have something to wear tonight to work. Heaven knows I would have been booted from the Restaurant if I had showed up in my emergency tennis shoes. :*( What's that you ask?? A silver lining? Oh right! This means I get to buy new shoes. :o) (Right buddy??)

Determination

I'm determined to...

...rock my math class this semester

...lose more weight (oh say, maybe 5 pounds by the end of the year)

...get more sleep this week (if only for this week)

...make dinner/lunch at least twice this week

...write in my journal at least 3 times this week

...do something nice for the husband

...think happy thoughts when I'm approaching a meltdown

Just thought I would write down some of my goals for this week and the rest of the year. Any suggestions on how to accomplish all of this by the end of the week/year?

Free Plug Friday

So here's the deal. I'm posting a plug for The Roof Restaurant. Why? Because I truly love my job there, and I think dining at The Roof is a fantastic experience. The price of one adult gourmet dinner buffet (soft drinks and regular lemonade included) is $35.00. They have Prime Rib 100% of the time on the dinner buffet, and always a variety of seafood dishes. The desserts, are amazing. They all look fantastic, and 98% of them taste fantastic too. Every night there are over 24 desserts on the buffet, and live piano music every evening. Not to mention the stunning view of the Salt Lake Temple. While the Conference Center and Capitol buildings are gorgeous as well, nothing quite compares to the beauty of the temple--especially as the Sun sets and the temple lights up. The other night I joined my family for dinner there, and every 5 minutes, the view changes as the Sun sets. The colors are magical and awe inspiring. Even better than this? Dining at Christmastime when the lights on Temple Square have been lit for the season and you overlook the lionshare of Temple Square lit up in all its glorious splendor. The Roof is only open for dinner Monday through Saturday. The Restaurant opens at 5:00 p.m. for the dinner buffet.

For those who can't quite make it for this caliber of exquisite, there are the fabulous Lunch Buffets for Mother's Day and General Conference Saturday (twice a year). No, the food is not the same, but the atmosphere is. Saturday (as in tomorrow) we are opening at 11:00 with the last seating at 1:30 p.m. for a lunch buffet. Turkey and Ham on the carving board sliced deli thin for sandwiches, hot entrees (Enchiladas for sure--I've been told these are fantastic! Our Chef hails from Mexico, so I think he probably knows what he's doing when it comes to Enchiladas), a variety of salads, and of course, dessert. While the desserts will be slightly less to look at, they will still be delicious! Pies, cookies, brownies, finger foods (I'm guessing eclairs, but I'm not sure). All of this made more enjoyable by the reduced price--$17.00 for an adult to dine at our lunch buffet ($11 for children). If you haven't had the chance to dine at the Roof, this would be a great opportunity to experience the atmosphere. What could make this even more enjoyable? The fact that you might have the pleasure of being shown to your table by yours truly. Of course the regular gourmet dinner buffet will be served that evening beginning at 5:00 p.m. and in case you're wondering, we are completely booked from 7:00 p.m. through the end of the evening (due to Priesthood session).

Mwahahaha!

Evil Toilet Paper Fairy: 2; Me: 2

I have now caught up and tied the Evil Toilet Paper Fairy. At my Mom's house last night, I checked, and there was NO toilet paper left on the roll. Lucky me, I knew where to find the extras.

One of the rolls at home was out, and I totally caught it beforehand! Whew!! I'm learning, that's for sure. No more stall-hopping for me. :0)

Evil Toilet Paper Fairy

So, remember that post not too long ago about how I ended up in the stall with no toilet paper, and had to listen very carefully to know when I could dash from one stall to the next with my pants around my ankles? Well, here's what I have to say about that:

Toilet Paper:2 ; Me: 0

The other night at work, I again ventured into the bathroom and found myself grasping for toilet paper and coming up empty. This time there were 2 other ladies in the bathroom. I found myself becoming more and more annoyed at them every second they were there. They sure had a lot of business to take care of or something, because I was gone so long my co-workers thought I had fallen in. They were about to send in some reinforcements when I came back. So, the two ladies were talking and talking and talking, and not leaving. I sat there wondering if I should ask them to hand me some. I even tried to stick my arm under the stall in hopes there was some dangling toilet paper from the stall next door. No such luck my friends, no such luck. I tried 'til my arm hurt, and then I just waited for them to leave. And waited. And waited. And still waited even more! FINALLY they left. As busy as we are on Fridays, I wasn't taking any chances. I pulled (just) my skirt up around my waist and scurried (I still had my slip and other underwear sliding down my legs) next door. Brilliantly, I thought to flush the toilet in my stall before stall-hopping, that way, I didn't have to go back and flush after. Whew! I was lucky yet again, to not have been caught. This happened about a week after the first incident. I was SO good at checking for toilet paper, for about a week. This time, I'll check for toilet paper for MORE than just a week. Pretty soon, I'll catch up to the evil toilet paper fairy who keeps playing these horrible tricks on me. Mwahahahahaha....

Surprise!

I've been tagged again.

5 Lists (Not in order of importance)

5 Joys:

1. A good book (when I'm not so tired I just fall asleep after 3 pages) (read: JOSH)

2. My buddy Josh! (read: JOSH)

3. My other family members (and my niece who is due in December) (read JOSH)

4. Music (read: JOSH)

5. My work (read: JOSH)

5 Fears:

1. Turtles

2. Fish (in the water I'm swimming in)

3. Not being good enough

4. TERRIFIED that I'll never finish school

5. Family Members (parents, bros/sis, JOSH) dying

5 Obsessions:

1. I HATE messy card decks when I'm playing games. I CONSTANTLY straighten them. :) (read: JOSH)

2. I'm obsessed with my goals at the gym (read: JOSH)

3. I've become obsessed with searching for Real Estate (though it's dying down now). It has been my idee fixe for about a month now. (read: JOSH)

4. I'm a worry wart. I worry about everyone and everything obsessively sometimes (does this count??). I then try to solve my problems (and sometimes Josh's) while I'm sitting there worrying. (read: JOSH)

5. Getting everything done. (Yes, even school, though it is taking me YEARS!!!) (read: JOSH)

5 Surprising Facts:

1. I'm not done with school (I know! I was shocked too!) because I have changed majors 3 times. I was almost finished with my Music Degree from Weber State, but quit to do Nursing (which I'm no longer doing). (read: I LOVE JOSH)

2. I haven't read the book for my book club in at least 6 months (but is anyone really surprised about that??? I've read parts of some....). (read: I LOVE JOSH)

3. I get really lonely during the week when I'm not working my second job. (read: I LOVE JOSH)

4. The other day when there was a crash on the freeway, I texted Josh to make sure he was still alive. I had a dream once that he got in a car accident and died (he was bludgeoned by a fire extinguisher in his car... he doesn't really have one in real life...) so I often worry about him. (read: I LOVE JOSH)

5. I like to make sure everyone is taken care of first, but hate it when it is reciprocated (unless by Josh... hey, a girl can want presents, right?? jk). It makes me feel weird. I don't like help making or cleaning up stuff when guests are at my house, and I don't like to "go first" in almost anything. (read: I LOVE JOSH)

5 People to Tag:

1. Nancy

2. Julie

3. Rachel

4. Abbi

5. Mom H.

To Set the Record Straight!

Tonight, a guy from our ward (who is a ward clerk and therefore in the Bishopric) stopped by to drop off a folder of stuff for the Scouting fundraiser. He was giving me instructions for Josh, the small talk went as follows:

B: So I hear you guys are moving!

K: Uhh, well our contract still has 6 months, it's not up until February.

B: Oh, really??? (astonishment and baffled tones) We were talking about you in Bishopric meeting and they said you guys are moving out really soon--like in a month. 

K: *CHOKE* Umm, well, no... we put an offer on a house, but we won't even hear about it for at least 3 months... we don't have a house or anything. 

B: Oh, okay. Well we thought you were moving soon. 

K: Not quite yet. 

So there you go. The record is now straight as a ruler. We are most definitely NOT moving in 1 month. (I would have a heart attack and collapse from panic and overdoing it...). Once again, we won't know anything for 3 months (we're at the mercy of the bank).  

 Y'all are stuck with us for another 6 (ish) months. Spread that "rumor" like frosting on a cupcake!

Diagnosis 9-15

I knew it was going to be one of those days when I woke up at 3:00 a.m. and my body tried to convince me it was time to get up. It wasn't even gym time yet!!! It took me 30 minutes to get back to sleep. ugh! I got up with just enough time to shower, make breakfast, and bum a ride with my best friend (Josh duh!). I was about 30 minutes early to work today, and worked long and hard all day! I'm being trained on some new procedures, one of them being a bill for 37 different countries. The lady in my office who was training me, told me it would take a couple of hours. As in 2 or 3. Ummm....try 8 hours later I wasn't finished and that doesn't even include the 2 hours I spent on it the other day...and the work I still have to learn how to do tomorrow morning. *sigh*Anyway... When I got up this morning, I felt sick to my stomach and kinda queasy (please don't even bring up the "p-word"--that's not why), and had a sore throat for a few hours, and by 9:00 a.m. I had a yucky headache that won't quite go away. By the time I finally left work (7:30 p.m.) I was feeling sick to my stomach again. This time, by neck was feeling a little swollen and sore too. I feel like I might be getting a little sick. This makes me really unhappy because a girl in my office was out of work for a week and a half with a sinus infection AND strep throat, and then my boss mysteriously got strep throat (the the girl will argue til she's blue in the face that she didn't get him sick), and then passed it to the guy that sits across from me while they were working on a presentation together. Now the lady across from me on the other side, is sick and out of the office today. Sheesh! See what happens when you go to work sick??? OH, and the best part of the sickness--I have a candy bowl on my desk (currently filled with lemon drops) right across from a GIANT Sam's Club container of Hand Sanitizer. I put a spoon in the lemon drops so no one would have to touch anything with their fingers and contaminate the rest of the treats. The girl who was out for a week and a half got a lemon drop in the spoon, and then put the whole spoon in her mouth!!! I just stared at her with my jaw in my lap. If that wasn't bad enough--she handed ME the spoon to throw out. Umm...GROSS. The best part of everyone being sick was the "me monster" battle over who was more disgusting when they were sick. I listened to about 10 minutes straight of two co-workers "one-upping" each other about how disgusting and gross their sicknesses were. "My cough was a wet cough--I was coughing up green mucus for 3 weeks" vs. "the last time I was sick, I had a cough for 6 weeks. It took a week for all the mucus to loosen up so I could cough it out. 6 WEEKS of coughing up green mucus". Thank you VERY much for that disgusting battle of "best story". To understand the "Me Monster" watch this clip from Brian Regan. Pretty funny...and totally true.  "Pin the blue ribbon upon her chest!"

My day wasn't exciting enough, so I had to ride the 470 at 7:39 p.m. Of course, it was about 15 minutes late (and I had no iPod and no cell phone today--left both at home accidentally). When I got on, I was glad to see it wasn't terribly crowded, so I headed to my regular spot at the back of the bus and was slapped in the face with the most foul of foul smells. Between the lung on the front seat of the bus that the lady coughed up, and the smell of sweaty body odor wallowing in its own stench, I wanted to dive into my backpack and zip myself in. Lucky for me, there weren't as many scary characters as usual on this late bus. Last time I could have sworn some of the toys from Toy Story that Sid tortured were sitting behind me in human form. Whew! I really did luck out this time. It's usually much worse after 7:00 p.m. I try very hard not to EVER have to take the bus after 6:00 p.m. Seriously, if you think I'm joking, just ask Nancy (or read her stories here). 

So I finally got home from work about 8:00 tonight. Lucky me, I made too much spaghetti for dinner yesterday, so no need to cook tonight. Still feeling a little achy in the neck and back, and definitely still in the head, but I'm going to pop some advil and head to bed soon so I can get up early and go to the gym with my bestest gym partner Nancy. I think I'm a little stressed, or just tired, so I'm glad to be heading to bed soon. Enjoy Brian Regan. He's spot on about the wisdom teeth (one of the mucus co-workers has a more dramatic wisdom teeth story every time the subject is brought up). In fact I think I have heard her say on more than one occasion, "oh that's nothing! one time I..." Again I say, "pin the blue ribbon upon her chest!"  

If nothing else, I hope you got a good chuckle. If you need some more, search Brian Regan on Youtube. 

P.S. There won't really be anymore house updates for about 3 months. We are now waiting on the bank.