To keep you all entertained while I'm away in Las Vegas meeting crazy creatures of all shapes and sizes, I have a few interesting movie trailers:
First:
Surprising, eh? Considering this is one of the most family-friendly and cheerful movies of all time.
Second:
I've never seen the movie in it's entirety, but I'm pretty sure it is NOT what is being advertised here!
Just thought it interesting that it's possible to take key scenes from these movies and make them appear to be their exact opposites!
And just because I'm freakishly excited about the movie, and that we finally have a trailer:
Laters!
Thursday, July 31
I'm a Saver
I started looking for a condo way back in March. Before I started looking, I thought it would be a good idea to get pre-approved for a loan and find out how much I can actually afford. The loan officer told me to bring in my two most recent paystubs and my most recent bank statements. When he saw my savings account, his eyes got really big and he exclaimed, "Wow! You're a saver!"
Yeah... I'm one of those. I like to hoard my money so I have it when I need it -- I don't even need a goal, I just like to the numbers go up and up. And then, when I want to go to the Carribean, or spend a bunch on new shoes, or buy a new VCR I don't have to worry -- I know I have it. It's allowed me to be very lazy in regards to my money. Well, that, and the fact that I've been living at my parents' house, so I haven't had to worry about rent or the rest of those utilities.
Meanwhile, I'm paying a bit more for the condo than I anticipated, and have been awake late a couple of nights thinking about closing costs, of all things. Today I sent in my updated information to the loan officer, and told him I want to pay the closing costs separate from the rest of the loan. I want to keep my monthly payments as low as possible, and the less I have to pay off, the better, right? He confirmed that means I'll be bringing a freakishly huge check to the closing (he told me the amount, but I feel embarrassed posting that here). Seriously, who has that kind of money in the bank? Oh, yeah, me. Thanks again, Mom and Dad, for letting me stay with you so I could save all that up. I love my future home, and am thrilled I can afford it!
I guess the hardest thing about this home-buying deal for me is knowing that the huge chunk of money I've been saving will be gone and I will likely never have that kind of cash again. So now I'll have to get used to living on a budget again, saving for fun trips and clothes and home-improvement projects, and prioritizing which of those things is most important to me.
Whoa. I guess that's what being a grown up is all about.
(Having said that, what with this being my 21st post in July, and Steph and Candice and I flying to Las Vegas tonight, I just want to say "Blackjack!" I win!)
Yeah... I'm one of those. I like to hoard my money so I have it when I need it -- I don't even need a goal, I just like to the numbers go up and up. And then, when I want to go to the Carribean, or spend a bunch on new shoes, or buy a new VCR I don't have to worry -- I know I have it. It's allowed me to be very lazy in regards to my money. Well, that, and the fact that I've been living at my parents' house, so I haven't had to worry about rent or the rest of those utilities.
Meanwhile, I'm paying a bit more for the condo than I anticipated, and have been awake late a couple of nights thinking about closing costs, of all things. Today I sent in my updated information to the loan officer, and told him I want to pay the closing costs separate from the rest of the loan. I want to keep my monthly payments as low as possible, and the less I have to pay off, the better, right? He confirmed that means I'll be bringing a freakishly huge check to the closing (he told me the amount, but I feel embarrassed posting that here). Seriously, who has that kind of money in the bank? Oh, yeah, me. Thanks again, Mom and Dad, for letting me stay with you so I could save all that up. I love my future home, and am thrilled I can afford it!
I guess the hardest thing about this home-buying deal for me is knowing that the huge chunk of money I've been saving will be gone and I will likely never have that kind of cash again. So now I'll have to get used to living on a budget again, saving for fun trips and clothes and home-improvement projects, and prioritizing which of those things is most important to me.
Whoa. I guess that's what being a grown up is all about.
(Having said that, what with this being my 21st post in July, and Steph and Candice and I flying to Las Vegas tonight, I just want to say "Blackjack!" I win!)
Tuesday, July 29
A Line Dance Class
Last night, I taught my mom's friends to line dance.
Let me back up: My mom, her three closest friends, and all four of their husbands get together once a month for a "dinner group". They each take turns hosting. My mom's been planning the July party for a good three months, and decided to go with a Western theme. She had my dad and my brother find the old bebe gun and drink soda so they'd have cans to shoot, she pulled the rocking horse out of storage so they could take turns lassoing it, and spent quite a bit of time creating a quiz on cowboy terms and pop-culture cowboys and sidekicks. She even bought bandanas for everyone.
She asked me two months ago if I would be willing to teach her friends to line dance. I said "No." She kept asking every couple of weeks, but I really, really didn't want to do it. For one thing, I can only ever remember one line dance (the Boot Scootin' Boogie), for another I don't like being in front of an audience when I don't have a script I've been rehearsing for two months. I haven't taught a class like that in about 10 years and I was afraid Mom's friends would think it was lame, and by extension that I am lame.
Last Saturday, Mom asked what she'd have to promise me to get me to do it. I felt more than a little bratty at that point. Apparently it meant enough to her to try to bribe me, and goodness knows I've made her do plenty of things she didn't necessarily want to, so I said "Okay". I just asked her to make sure she had the music. If I asked for something else, I don't remember what it was.
I admit, I really enjoyed telling people on Sunday that I was teaching my parents' friends to line dance Monday night. You just can't make something that bizarre up!
So last night I hung around the house out of the way so as not to disturb the party, and secretly hoped that they'd decide not to do the dancing after all. They'd eaten barbecue and apple pie, so maybe they'd feel too full. I held onto that hope until 9:30 when Mom came to tell me they were ready.
Actually, I was surprised at how willing everyone was to give it a try! Even the men who normally don't go for that sort of thing got into it. They were all quite good, too. I was proud of them. I taught them the steps for the Boot Scootin' Boogie, and then we danced through the whole song. Mom even insisted I teach them how to dance with a little swagger. I am not going to pretend I am the coolest line dancer in any group, so that was a little humbling for me. Once we actually started the music and turning around at the end of the segment, I had a tough time trying to get around everyone so I could always be visible in the front. I had quite a workout, but I managed! They probably didn't even need me to do that, but I think it helped them to relax anyway. I wish I had a video or pictures, but I know they never would have had so much fun if they knew someone was actually watching them.
There you go. That's what I did Monday night. Mom's party was a success, and I have fantastic leftovers for lunch today. What more can a person ask for?
Oh yeah, not to have to do it again. At least, not anytime soon...
Let me back up: My mom, her three closest friends, and all four of their husbands get together once a month for a "dinner group". They each take turns hosting. My mom's been planning the July party for a good three months, and decided to go with a Western theme. She had my dad and my brother find the old bebe gun and drink soda so they'd have cans to shoot, she pulled the rocking horse out of storage so they could take turns lassoing it, and spent quite a bit of time creating a quiz on cowboy terms and pop-culture cowboys and sidekicks. She even bought bandanas for everyone.
She asked me two months ago if I would be willing to teach her friends to line dance. I said "No." She kept asking every couple of weeks, but I really, really didn't want to do it. For one thing, I can only ever remember one line dance (the Boot Scootin' Boogie), for another I don't like being in front of an audience when I don't have a script I've been rehearsing for two months. I haven't taught a class like that in about 10 years and I was afraid Mom's friends would think it was lame, and by extension that I am lame.
Last Saturday, Mom asked what she'd have to promise me to get me to do it. I felt more than a little bratty at that point. Apparently it meant enough to her to try to bribe me, and goodness knows I've made her do plenty of things she didn't necessarily want to, so I said "Okay". I just asked her to make sure she had the music. If I asked for something else, I don't remember what it was.
I admit, I really enjoyed telling people on Sunday that I was teaching my parents' friends to line dance Monday night. You just can't make something that bizarre up!
So last night I hung around the house out of the way so as not to disturb the party, and secretly hoped that they'd decide not to do the dancing after all. They'd eaten barbecue and apple pie, so maybe they'd feel too full. I held onto that hope until 9:30 when Mom came to tell me they were ready.
Actually, I was surprised at how willing everyone was to give it a try! Even the men who normally don't go for that sort of thing got into it. They were all quite good, too. I was proud of them. I taught them the steps for the Boot Scootin' Boogie, and then we danced through the whole song. Mom even insisted I teach them how to dance with a little swagger. I am not going to pretend I am the coolest line dancer in any group, so that was a little humbling for me. Once we actually started the music and turning around at the end of the segment, I had a tough time trying to get around everyone so I could always be visible in the front. I had quite a workout, but I managed! They probably didn't even need me to do that, but I think it helped them to relax anyway. I wish I had a video or pictures, but I know they never would have had so much fun if they knew someone was actually watching them.
There you go. That's what I did Monday night. Mom's party was a success, and I have fantastic leftovers for lunch today. What more can a person ask for?
Oh yeah, not to have to do it again. At least, not anytime soon...
Monday, July 28
It's Mine!
Just got a call from my realtor, and the owner accepted my latest offer! The condo is mine... well, as soon as I get the inspection, appraisal, loan request, and a bunch of other stuff done.
By the end of August month I will be a homeowner.
Ack! and Wah-hoo!!
By the end of August month I will be a homeowner.
Ack! and Wah-hoo!!
Saturday, July 26
A Lesson from the Terrifying Uh-Oh Baby
My current favorite comic strip is Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson. It's hilarious! This week, Alice and her friends were terrorized by the Uh-Oh Baby. I posted some of my favorites from this week, so you can laugh along with me (if my blogscreen cuts off the right side, just click on the picture for a full view):
I started to wonder: what is it that makes the Uh-Oh Baby so terrifying? The fact that it goes around ominously anticipating doom? Or is it just letting them know something bad happened? Is it that the baby can't seem to say anything else? Or that the baby is so adamant about its gruesome message?
Possibly, the baby is scary for all of these reasons. After all, there must be something to look forward to or feel happy about, right? Do each of us play the part of the Uh-Oh Baby from time to time? Shouldn't we be counting our blessings instead of our hardships? There's only so much doom and gloom a person (okay, me) can listen to before they (again, me) want to run from the room screaming.
Everyone has problems, and heaven knows I need someone to listen to me complain every once in awhile, but I hope that I can find something in every day and every situation to be grateful for. Often, I can even find positive lessons within my hardships, and those are the most valued blessings of all. I think I'll work on those a little bit more.
On the flip side though, I want to pick that cartoon Uh-Oh Baby up and give it a big hug and tell it everything will be okay. Sometimes all I can do for a loved one during their bad day is listen and offer hugs. And sometimes when I'm having a bad day all I need is someone to listen and to love me. Sad indeed is the Uh-Oh Baby that everyone runs away from. Guess the secret is to offer Uh-Ohs in moderation, and to remember that no bad day can last forever.
So, the next time I feel like an Uh-Oh Baby, I'll seek out someone I trust for a hug, and make more of an effort to follow the advice of that wonderfully cheesy hymn:
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict whether great or small
Do not be discouraged; God is over all!
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
I started to wonder: what is it that makes the Uh-Oh Baby so terrifying? The fact that it goes around ominously anticipating doom? Or is it just letting them know something bad happened? Is it that the baby can't seem to say anything else? Or that the baby is so adamant about its gruesome message?
Possibly, the baby is scary for all of these reasons. After all, there must be something to look forward to or feel happy about, right? Do each of us play the part of the Uh-Oh Baby from time to time? Shouldn't we be counting our blessings instead of our hardships? There's only so much doom and gloom a person (okay, me) can listen to before they (again, me) want to run from the room screaming.
Everyone has problems, and heaven knows I need someone to listen to me complain every once in awhile, but I hope that I can find something in every day and every situation to be grateful for. Often, I can even find positive lessons within my hardships, and those are the most valued blessings of all. I think I'll work on those a little bit more.
On the flip side though, I want to pick that cartoon Uh-Oh Baby up and give it a big hug and tell it everything will be okay. Sometimes all I can do for a loved one during their bad day is listen and offer hugs. And sometimes when I'm having a bad day all I need is someone to listen and to love me. Sad indeed is the Uh-Oh Baby that everyone runs away from. Guess the secret is to offer Uh-Ohs in moderation, and to remember that no bad day can last forever.
So, the next time I feel like an Uh-Oh Baby, I'll seek out someone I trust for a hug, and make more of an effort to follow the advice of that wonderfully cheesy hymn:
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict whether great or small
Do not be discouraged; God is over all!
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Friday, July 25
Yep
64% Geek
Yep.
Star Wars
Star Trek
Firefly
Lord of the Rings
addiction to blogging and email
I went to Alien v. Predator alone and liked it (though I have not seen any other Alien or Predator movie)
To try to balance out the geekiness I was already aware existed, I took a "How Girly are You?" quiz, too:
Yep.
shoe shopping
Barbie dolls (haven't bought or played with them in awhile, but I still walk down the Barbie aisle whenever I go to Target... old habits die hard)
ballroom and tap dance
Pride and Prejudice (really, most any costume drama)
Disney's Sleeping Beauty
nearly any version of Cinderella, printed or on film
pink and purple
musical theatre
Seems a little crazy that I can be 64% geek and 78% girly at the same time. I'm a girly-geek! (Oh geez, there is no way that's ever going to sound cool. Thanks to everyone who is still willing to be my friend.)
It needs to be said that I am incredibly grateful for Steph and Candice who are enabling me to go to the Star Trek Experience in Vegas next week before it closes. I'm so excited! We will also see a Cirque du Soleil show, another experience I've always wanted to have but never gotten around to. It's gonna be great!
Yep.
Star Wars
Star Trek
Firefly
Lord of the Rings
addiction to blogging and email
I went to Alien v. Predator alone and liked it (though I have not seen any other Alien or Predator movie)
To try to balance out the geekiness I was already aware existed, I took a "How Girly are You?" quiz, too:
You are 78% girly!
you wish you could still play with those barbies and join another dance class, well you know what? you can! Go to the mall and splurge on all things pink!
How Girly are you?
Create a Quiz
Yep.
shoe shopping
Barbie dolls (haven't bought or played with them in awhile, but I still walk down the Barbie aisle whenever I go to Target... old habits die hard)
ballroom and tap dance
Pride and Prejudice (really, most any costume drama)
Disney's Sleeping Beauty
nearly any version of Cinderella, printed or on film
pink and purple
musical theatre
Seems a little crazy that I can be 64% geek and 78% girly at the same time. I'm a girly-geek! (Oh geez, there is no way that's ever going to sound cool. Thanks to everyone who is still willing to be my friend.)
It needs to be said that I am incredibly grateful for Steph and Candice who are enabling me to go to the Star Trek Experience in Vegas next week before it closes. I'm so excited! We will also see a Cirque du Soleil show, another experience I've always wanted to have but never gotten around to. It's gonna be great!
Thursday, July 24
Even the Building
I was resigned to coming to work today. It would have been nice to have the day off, but the company is based in California and we work with folks in China so my and my teammates are here (though, oddly, the folks in China didn't work today because of a power outage. Ironic, no?)
Well, it's been a long day, and I've been staring at the computer screen since 9am, so I decided to go outside for a walk. I'm almost never outside this time of day and it sounded nice.
It was nice. I walked the perimeter of the nearly empty parking lot and circled back to the building. It was hot, but I've had my trusty heater blasting on me all day anyway, so it wasn't a big deal... until I reached the door to the building and found that it was locked! Wha--?! Who locks the door before 3:45pm on a Thursday? It felt like even the building didn't think I should be working today!
Of course, I hadn't taken my keys or my cell phone outside. I had my security pass, but that wouldn't unlock the door to the building. Gah! I ended up walking to the nursery/craft store next door and asking to use the phone (blessed air conditioning!) Since I've only called the office about six times during the 9 months I've worked there, it was a miracle I remembered the phone number and Beth's extension.
(By the way, there are some really cute decorative items at that store. I'll have to swing back that way after I purchase my condo.)
(Which reminds me, the owner of that condo from Monday made an icky counter offer, so I counter offered again yesterday. I'll continue to keep you posted.)
Beth let me back into the office, so I'm back to work for a little while longer. Thank goodness the work day is almost over...
Happy Pioneer Day everyone! Love yous!
Well, it's been a long day, and I've been staring at the computer screen since 9am, so I decided to go outside for a walk. I'm almost never outside this time of day and it sounded nice.
It was nice. I walked the perimeter of the nearly empty parking lot and circled back to the building. It was hot, but I've had my trusty heater blasting on me all day anyway, so it wasn't a big deal... until I reached the door to the building and found that it was locked! Wha--?! Who locks the door before 3:45pm on a Thursday? It felt like even the building didn't think I should be working today!
Of course, I hadn't taken my keys or my cell phone outside. I had my security pass, but that wouldn't unlock the door to the building. Gah! I ended up walking to the nursery/craft store next door and asking to use the phone (blessed air conditioning!) Since I've only called the office about six times during the 9 months I've worked there, it was a miracle I remembered the phone number and Beth's extension.
(By the way, there are some really cute decorative items at that store. I'll have to swing back that way after I purchase my condo.)
(Which reminds me, the owner of that condo from Monday made an icky counter offer, so I counter offered again yesterday. I'll continue to keep you posted.)
Beth let me back into the office, so I'm back to work for a little while longer. Thank goodness the work day is almost over...
Happy Pioneer Day everyone! Love yous!
Megan Megan Bo Began!
1. YOUR REAL NAME:
Megan
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Megizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal)
Purple Giraffe
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME:(your middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number)
Elizabeth Moss
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Smyme
6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink)
Blue Chocolate
7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name) ~Eysreah
8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names)
Grace Kemp
9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Calvin
Megan
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Megizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal)
Purple Giraffe
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME:(your middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number)
Elizabeth Moss
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Smyme
6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink)
Blue Chocolate
7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name) ~Eysreah
8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names)
Grace Kemp
9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Calvin
Wednesday, July 23
Birthday Blitz
Eight out of the ten birthdays in my immediate family take place within a four month period. From June to September we have a birthday every two or three weeks or so.
It's awesome! I love presents -- whether they're mine or not (no, I don't open presents that aren't mine. I like watching other people open them, too). There's just something about tearing wrapping paper off a box...it's a very satisfying sound and the anticipation is delicious. Plus, my mom is an excellent cook (she says she's not, but she's wrong) and her desserts are fab-u-lous!!
So far we've already celebrated my older brother Adam, my nephew G-unit, my next-to-youngest brother Peter, my grandmother Betty, and my dad.
Adam's birthday
G-unit's birthday
Gram and me on her birthday (the 4th of July)
Peter, Adam and Dad on Dad's birthday two years ago (on top of Mount Whitney)
Mom, Gram and I are going to the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City for Mom's birthday next month. Then we just have my birthday and Dave's before we have a break. Fortunately, Aaron's birthday is just a few weeks after Lindsey's, and Christmas comes just a few weeks after that. But then we don't have any presents for anyone until June again. Boo!
Oh well, I love birthdays! Happy Birthday Blitz to my darling family! Five more to go!
It's awesome! I love presents -- whether they're mine or not (no, I don't open presents that aren't mine. I like watching other people open them, too). There's just something about tearing wrapping paper off a box...it's a very satisfying sound and the anticipation is delicious. Plus, my mom is an excellent cook (she says she's not, but she's wrong) and her desserts are fab-u-lous!!
So far we've already celebrated my older brother Adam, my nephew G-unit, my next-to-youngest brother Peter, my grandmother Betty, and my dad.
Adam's birthday
G-unit's birthday
Gram and me on her birthday (the 4th of July)
Peter, Adam and Dad on Dad's birthday two years ago (on top of Mount Whitney)
Mom, Gram and I are going to the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City for Mom's birthday next month. Then we just have my birthday and Dave's before we have a break. Fortunately, Aaron's birthday is just a few weeks after Lindsey's, and Christmas comes just a few weeks after that. But then we don't have any presents for anyone until June again. Boo!
Oh well, I love birthdays! Happy Birthday Blitz to my darling family! Five more to go!
Mom was Right
You are Marianne Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are impulsive, romantic, impatient, and perhaps a bit too brutally honest. You enjoy romantic poetry (only in lyric form) and novels, and play the pianoforte beautifully (okay, that's not true). To boot, your singing voice is captivating. You feel deeply, and love passionately.
Monday, July 21
Holding my Breath
After five months of looking for a condo (except for June 'cause I was so busy with the play), I finally made an offer tonight on one I like. I'm terrified and excited. I really, really, hope the owner accepts the offer... or at least makes a reasonable counter offer. I can't wait to have a home of my own, and I really love this place.
Please keep me in your prayers! I'll keep y'all posted.
Friday, July 18
Hooray!
It's 6 o'clock I get to go home. Hooraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! This week of work is over! It's been crazy-stressful, but we accomplished most of what we need to.
Fortunately, there's still plenty to do when I come in on Monday. Job security is nice.
Meanwhile, looking forward to two movies, a lot of friends, and some time to read.
Oh, and thank you to everyone I played with this week. I had activities each night, and I was grateful every day to have something fairly immediate I could look forward to. You all are the BEST!!
Fortunately, there's still plenty to do when I come in on Monday. Job security is nice.
Meanwhile, looking forward to two movies, a lot of friends, and some time to read.
Oh, and thank you to everyone I played with this week. I had activities each night, and I was grateful every day to have something fairly immediate I could look forward to. You all are the BEST!!
Memories of Me
Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my blog's comments.
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my blog's comments.
Wednesday, July 16
No EFY Memories
I have Institute on Wednesday nights, but haven't taken it during the summer before so I was surprised last week when I showed up and there were a bunch of groups of teenagers in matching t-shirts. I'm not sure, but I think they were EFY kids. They were there again this week. They were probably different kids, but I can't be sure; there really are a lot of them.
My question for the day is: what do kids do at EFY? I never went -- I never heard about dates and times and all that until after it was too late to sign up. Truth to be told, I might not have gone anyway -- as previously stated I used to be painfully shy, and might have despised going somewhere with so many strangers in one place.
But now I'm curious. I have some friends who've been counselors, and I know they do devotionals... but that's all I know. So what else do they do for four or so days? Any of you who've been, did you love it? I'm quite satisfied with my teenage years, but I'm a little worried that I missed out on a unique and wonderful experience.
My question for the day is: what do kids do at EFY? I never went -- I never heard about dates and times and all that until after it was too late to sign up. Truth to be told, I might not have gone anyway -- as previously stated I used to be painfully shy, and might have despised going somewhere with so many strangers in one place.
But now I'm curious. I have some friends who've been counselors, and I know they do devotionals... but that's all I know. So what else do they do for four or so days? Any of you who've been, did you love it? I'm quite satisfied with my teenage years, but I'm a little worried that I missed out on a unique and wonderful experience.
Sunday, July 13
A Glorious Saturday
Saturday was glorious. Not extraordinary by any means, but glorious nonetheless.
It started out with my Mary Kay consultant, Shannon, picking me up at 9:15am to take me to a pampering session. Her sister and mom were there, with at least 50 other women and consultants. We played with the products while the director talked about Mary Kay business opportunities and how great the products are. She didn't have to talk fast to convince me -- I love the stuff! I bought way more than I should have... well, actually no. I bought pretty much what I'd planned to buy, but since I hadn't written down the list ahead of time I was pretty surprised at how much it was! They had a couple of games where we could earn raffle tickets, and we also earned tickets when we asked questions. I ended up with about 23 tickets and managed to win the first prize -- sunscreen! Wah-hoo! It was SPF 15, but hey, that good enough to put on for driving in the car. They even fed us lunch. Not a bad way to spend a morning and more of the afternoon than I expected. By the way, Shannon's trying to expand her business, so if anyone's looking for some Mary Kay products, I'm happy to give you her number. She's darling.
I wanted a pedicure, but I despise having to talk to the manicurist while they're working. I really just wanted to read, so I went to US Nails at Fashion Place Mall, which ended up being really overpriced, so I prolly won't go there again. Meanwhile, the manicurist didn't talk to me at all. He did talk with another lady who apparently worked there, but didn't do any work while I was there. She just talked really loud in a grating voice and accent. I could tell at one point the two were arguing, and I like to think he was telling her to stop talking because she was annoying the customers, which was true. Meanwhile, my toes are now a wonderfully garish shade of red. The manicurist even complimented me on the state of my feet -- I guess some people don't keep them as clean as I do... ick. I'd be more disgusted, but then I put my hands in people's mouths as a job every summer during college, so I guess I have no place to talk (hehe, no pun intended).
I read on a park bench in the Mall for a long time. Then I grabbed some food at Chick-Fil-A and kept reading. Then I went to Murray Park to read some more. I'm reading Stephanie Meyer's The Host, and I quite like it. Ms. Meyer's plot lines always surprise me; I try to guess what's going to happen, but I never can. It's an intruiging premise, I like the characters, and I'm just thrilled to be reading for fun again! I also took about an hour to try to catch up in my journal -- emphasis on the word "try", but I did get a good chunk done.
It was nice just to hang out at the park. I spread a blanket up next to a tree so I could lean on it. I happened to be next to the riverbank, and spent some time watching the ducks. I do like to be outside. Don't necessarily like hiking though I will do it but I don't mind camping and 4-wheeling. But I digress. I actually took some video of the ducks 'cause they were cracking me up.
Oh, and I have to post this, because I think it's hilarious:
Why is there a hair dryer in the restroom at Murray Park? I dried my hands with it anyway, but I wondered who had messed up: the manufacturer for printing hair instead of hand dryer on the label, or Murray Park for installing hair dryers in the restrooms...
Before I knew it, it was 6 o'clock and time to get ready for the Bye Bye Birdie cast party! Yaaaaaaaaay! I've missed my Sweet Applians! I got to choreographer Stephanie's house about half an hour late, but there was still plenty of food left! I was so happy to chat with these people I got to spend two-and-a-half months growing to love. I miss them -- it's been so long. Still not quite used to not seeing them all the time! Everyone looks gorgeous and happy and if I type anymore I may start crying. Thanks Stephanie and Kate for putting together the event, and to Stephanie, Steph, and Candice for letting me be a part of Taylorsville's Bye Bye Birdie family!
When I got home, I finished writing the journal post I'd been working on, and watched a few episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I stayed up much too late, but what do you do? I'm young, I'm single, and I don't have church until 1pm.
See what I mean? A glorious day.
It started out with my Mary Kay consultant, Shannon, picking me up at 9:15am to take me to a pampering session. Her sister and mom were there, with at least 50 other women and consultants. We played with the products while the director talked about Mary Kay business opportunities and how great the products are. She didn't have to talk fast to convince me -- I love the stuff! I bought way more than I should have... well, actually no. I bought pretty much what I'd planned to buy, but since I hadn't written down the list ahead of time I was pretty surprised at how much it was! They had a couple of games where we could earn raffle tickets, and we also earned tickets when we asked questions. I ended up with about 23 tickets and managed to win the first prize -- sunscreen! Wah-hoo! It was SPF 15, but hey, that good enough to put on for driving in the car. They even fed us lunch. Not a bad way to spend a morning and more of the afternoon than I expected. By the way, Shannon's trying to expand her business, so if anyone's looking for some Mary Kay products, I'm happy to give you her number. She's darling.
I wanted a pedicure, but I despise having to talk to the manicurist while they're working. I really just wanted to read, so I went to US Nails at Fashion Place Mall, which ended up being really overpriced, so I prolly won't go there again. Meanwhile, the manicurist didn't talk to me at all. He did talk with another lady who apparently worked there, but didn't do any work while I was there. She just talked really loud in a grating voice and accent. I could tell at one point the two were arguing, and I like to think he was telling her to stop talking because she was annoying the customers, which was true. Meanwhile, my toes are now a wonderfully garish shade of red. The manicurist even complimented me on the state of my feet -- I guess some people don't keep them as clean as I do... ick. I'd be more disgusted, but then I put my hands in people's mouths as a job every summer during college, so I guess I have no place to talk (hehe, no pun intended).
I read on a park bench in the Mall for a long time. Then I grabbed some food at Chick-Fil-A and kept reading. Then I went to Murray Park to read some more. I'm reading Stephanie Meyer's The Host, and I quite like it. Ms. Meyer's plot lines always surprise me; I try to guess what's going to happen, but I never can. It's an intruiging premise, I like the characters, and I'm just thrilled to be reading for fun again! I also took about an hour to try to catch up in my journal -- emphasis on the word "try", but I did get a good chunk done. 
It was nice just to hang out at the park. I spread a blanket up next to a tree so I could lean on it. I happened to be next to the riverbank, and spent some time watching the ducks. I do like to be outside. Don't necessarily like hiking though I will do it but I don't mind camping and 4-wheeling. But I digress. I actually took some video of the ducks 'cause they were cracking me up.Oh, and I have to post this, because I think it's hilarious:
Why is there a hair dryer in the restroom at Murray Park? I dried my hands with it anyway, but I wondered who had messed up: the manufacturer for printing hair instead of hand dryer on the label, or Murray Park for installing hair dryers in the restrooms...
Before I knew it, it was 6 o'clock and time to get ready for the Bye Bye Birdie cast party! Yaaaaaaaaay! I've missed my Sweet Applians! I got to choreographer Stephanie's house about half an hour late, but there was still plenty of food left! I was so happy to chat with these people I got to spend two-and-a-half months growing to love. I miss them -- it's been so long. Still not quite used to not seeing them all the time! Everyone looks gorgeous and happy and if I type anymore I may start crying. Thanks Stephanie and Kate for putting together the event, and to Stephanie, Steph, and Candice for letting me be a part of Taylorsville's Bye Bye Birdie family!
When I got home, I finished writing the journal post I'd been working on, and watched a few episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I stayed up much too late, but what do you do? I'm young, I'm single, and I don't have church until 1pm.
See what I mean? A glorious day.
Thursday, July 10
Rule of Acquisition #109
The Hilton in Las Vegas is shutting down the Star Trek venues in the hotel on September 1 (Labor Day) this year and I never got around to going. I am quite bummed about this, since I was a huge Trekker as a teenager, and still harbor a fondness for multiple incarnations of the show even now.
It would have been so cool to order a virgin Romulan ale or Klingon Fire wine at Quark's bar. I followed Deep Space Nine from the first to last episode and it is by far my favorite. I love that the characters didn't all get along at first, and that so many of them were misfits -- either outright or in their own minds. The show just got better when they added Worf and his crazy prejudices. Plus, it explored a lot of spiritual questions. Maybe not every episode was a gem, but so many made me think and question the world I live in and how I choose to treat other people. The show is a part of who I am. (I'm a nerd, but I like myself this way.)
So now I wonder, if I had made the effort to visit this attraction, would I have met characters from the show? Would Morn have chattered my ear off while sitting at the bar? Would I have met the Klingon of my dreams? I had 10 years to find out and squandered them with school and work. Well, I guess that was worthwhile, too...
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the Rules of Acquisition are a set of guidelines that the money-loving Ferengi created to govern their business practices. ROA #109 is "Dignity and an empty sack is worth a sack." Truly words to live by.
Tuesday, July 8
Peanut Butter Heaven
Well, it's crunch time at work, what with the latest release less than two weeks away. It got to the point this afternoon where I just needed some peanut butter. You heard me: Peanut Butter, preferably with some chocolate. I try so hard to bring healthy snacks to work to avoid these moods, but sometimes only chocolate and peanut butter will do.
Anyway, I asked Wendi and Beth if they had any, but they were going to Harmons' anyway so Wendi promised to get me some Peanut Butter M&Ms -- my favorite (and yet, they're hard to find. What's that about?). I was thinking she'd come back with a little one-serving pack which I would have been very satisfied with.
I thought wrong.
She and Beth presented me with a 12.7oz bag of the M&M's, a 5.3oz bag of mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, and a box of peanut butter Ritz Bits! They wouldn't even let me pay them back for it -- just said they knew how hard I've been working and recommended I hoard it in my desk for when I need it (which I would have done anyway as they very well know). I don't generally eat a lot of candy (usually Beth and Wendi leave their sweets on my desk because they know I won't eat it, but it's too tempting to leave at their own...) so this will last a LOOOONG time. Won't be bugging them for peanut butter or chocolate in the near future!
I pretty much lucked out in the co-worker department. I love them!
And now I better get back to work.
Anyway, I asked Wendi and Beth if they had any, but they were going to Harmons' anyway so Wendi promised to get me some Peanut Butter M&Ms -- my favorite (and yet, they're hard to find. What's that about?). I was thinking she'd come back with a little one-serving pack which I would have been very satisfied with.
I thought wrong.
She and Beth presented me with a 12.7oz bag of the M&M's, a 5.3oz bag of mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, and a box of peanut butter Ritz Bits! They wouldn't even let me pay them back for it -- just said they knew how hard I've been working and recommended I hoard it in my desk for when I need it (which I would have done anyway as they very well know). I don't generally eat a lot of candy (usually Beth and Wendi leave their sweets on my desk because they know I won't eat it, but it's too tempting to leave at their own...) so this will last a LOOOONG time. Won't be bugging them for peanut butter or chocolate in the near future!
I pretty much lucked out in the co-worker department. I love them!
And now I better get back to work.
Monday, July 7
A New Potter Fan
This weekend there was a Harry Potter movie weekend on the Family Channel, building up to the touted network premier of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Well, Saturday night while my parents baby-sat my active nephew, he caught a glimpse of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After that, nothing would satisfy him but to watch the end, and then they started in on Prisoner of Azkaban. The commercials were slowing them down, so my mom borrowed my DVD since the G-unit refused to go home before seeing how it ended. By the time I joined them upstairs, it was after 11pm and there was still a good hour left. We convinced G he could wait until the next day to see the ending -- he acquiesced much easier than normal because he was so tired.
The next day, we watched the rest of the movie, minus some of the dementor scenes I worried would freak him out. He was actually doing really well until Professor Lupin transformed. He did think the line "Poor Professor Lupin is having a really tough night" was hilarious; we had to watch it a few times before moving on.
Why am I sharing this story? It thrills me to no end that G has developed a taste for a story and characters I love so much. Harry Potter is just one more thing that G and I can share. How I love my happy little boy! I feel like the luckiest aunt in the whole world!
Hope
Just when I start to think all the good men are either taken or already related to me, I go to Fast and Testimony meeting in my student/singles ward. I love to hear those wonderful young men (and women) bear their testimonies of the gospel and how it affects their everyday lives. I'm not alone in my testimony or my dreams.
There's still hope.
There's still hope.
Friday, July 4
Happy Independence Day!
I love the 4th of July. I love the fireworks, the heat, the parades (which I don't often watch because it would involve my getting up early), the Ward and Stake breakfasts (see my note on parades), and especially the time spent with family. My grandmother was born July 4th, and now that she's living in the Salt Lake valley it's so fun getting to spend at least part of the day with her. In fact, I'm off to her house to swim in her pool and eat pizza once my parents are ready. Makes for a good day.
Earlier this year there was a mini-series about John Adams on HBO starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. I watched it with my dad and we both loved it! I'm a fan of the musical 1776 too. Yes, I know that both of those artistic productions take liberties with historical facts, but it's still fascinating to remember that the people who fought for the United States' freedom were real people. They undertook what no one had before: to overthrow their government and start a brand new one from scratch. It's amazing! I'm about 100 pages into David McCullough's book John Adams and it's fascinating (in spite of there being no dialogue). It really humanizes the men and women involved in starting this new government. I mean, those people worked so hard; they had the skills and training and education necessary -- it all happened at the right time and place, and we as citizens of the United States now are very lucky to benefit from their work.
My respect and gratitude for our founding fathers continues to grow as I learn more about them. I'm excited to finish reading John Adams. I would really like to read about General George Washington next....
I was lucky to get to visit my brother Aaron over Memorial Day weekend. He is living and working in Washington D.C. and was a terrific tour guide. We saw a couple of museums, and monuments, and explored Mount Vernon and Monticello.
Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's estate)
The Washington Memorial with my mom
Aaron and me in front of the Lincoln Memorial
Mom and me at the Jefferson Memorial
Aaron and me at the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial (not really a founding father, but still a visionary person)
Aaron, Mom, me, and Dad at Mount Vernon (George Washington's home)
Happy Independence Day, friends!
Earlier this year there was a mini-series about John Adams on HBO starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. I watched it with my dad and we both loved it! I'm a fan of the musical 1776 too. Yes, I know that both of those artistic productions take liberties with historical facts, but it's still fascinating to remember that the people who fought for the United States' freedom were real people. They undertook what no one had before: to overthrow their government and start a brand new one from scratch. It's amazing! I'm about 100 pages into David McCullough's book John Adams and it's fascinating (in spite of there being no dialogue). It really humanizes the men and women involved in starting this new government. I mean, those people worked so hard; they had the skills and training and education necessary -- it all happened at the right time and place, and we as citizens of the United States now are very lucky to benefit from their work.
My respect and gratitude for our founding fathers continues to grow as I learn more about them. I'm excited to finish reading John Adams. I would really like to read about General George Washington next....
I was lucky to get to visit my brother Aaron over Memorial Day weekend. He is living and working in Washington D.C. and was a terrific tour guide. We saw a couple of museums, and monuments, and explored Mount Vernon and Monticello.
Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's estate)
The Washington Memorial with my mom
Aaron and me in front of the Lincoln Memorial
Mom and me at the Jefferson Memorial
Aaron and me at the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial (not really a founding father, but still a visionary person)
Aaron, Mom, me, and Dad at Mount Vernon (George Washington's home)
Happy Independence Day, friends!
Wednesday, July 2
Shuffled Songs
On some random blog I read one day (but do not now remember who the blogger was because she was a friend of a friend but I had never met her), the blogger put her iPod on shuffle and then posted the first 10 songs that popped up. She was somewhat embarrassed to admit to a few of them, but according to her rules she had to post them all.
Ever since, I've had my iPod set to shuffle just 'cause it's fun to see what comes up (I like those sort of non-threatening surprises). I found it interesting that I apparently do not have as many songs from musicals as I thought. Or maybe it's just that I don't have EVERY song from EVERY musical CD on my iPod and there are a LOT of tracks from all those movie scores.
Anyhoo, I started a new shuffle this afternoon, and here are the first 10 songs:
1. "Samwise the Brave", The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers movie soundtrack
2. "The Fire Within Me", Sutton Foster from the Little Women the Musical soundtrack
3. "The Werewolf Scene", Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban movie soundtrack
4. "Sweet Love", Jenny Jordan Frogley and Alex Boye from the CeranAid benefit CD
5. "Hope Fails", The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring movie soundtrack
6. "Larger Than Life", the Backstreet Boys from the Best of the Backstreet Boys CD
Okay, here I accidently clicked the wrong button because I was trying to figure out which Lord of the Rings movie "Hope Fails" was from, because it was cut off on my nano screen. (I thought I'd listened to the music enough I could identify which Lord of the Rings movie any of the tracks came from. Guess I was wrong.)
So, I started the shuffle session over:
1. "Stars", Philip Quast Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert CD
2. "Reflection", Lea Salonga from Disney's Mulan soundtrack
3. "The Far Side of the World", Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World movie soundtrack
4. "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", Madonna and Antonio Banderas from the Evita movie soundtrack
5. "Miracles Happen", Myra from The Princess Diaries movie soundtrack
6. "All My Only Dreams", the Wonders from the That Thing You Do! movie soundtrack
7. "Venus", Frankie Avalon. May have been downloaded from Napster. I don't really remember.
8. "La Bamba", Richie Valens. I plead the Fifth on this one, too.
9. "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning", The Mormon Tabernacle Choir from The Sound of Glory CD
10. "Without Love", Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelly, and Amanda Bynes from the Hairspray movie soundtrack
I'd keep going, but my iPod is threatening to die. I better recharge it ASAP.
Ever since, I've had my iPod set to shuffle just 'cause it's fun to see what comes up (I like those sort of non-threatening surprises). I found it interesting that I apparently do not have as many songs from musicals as I thought. Or maybe it's just that I don't have EVERY song from EVERY musical CD on my iPod and there are a LOT of tracks from all those movie scores.
Anyhoo, I started a new shuffle this afternoon, and here are the first 10 songs:
1. "Samwise the Brave", The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers movie soundtrack
2. "The Fire Within Me", Sutton Foster from the Little Women the Musical soundtrack
3. "The Werewolf Scene", Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban movie soundtrack
4. "Sweet Love", Jenny Jordan Frogley and Alex Boye from the CeranAid benefit CD
5. "Hope Fails", The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring movie soundtrack
6. "Larger Than Life", the Backstreet Boys from the Best of the Backstreet Boys CD
Okay, here I accidently clicked the wrong button because I was trying to figure out which Lord of the Rings movie "Hope Fails" was from, because it was cut off on my nano screen. (I thought I'd listened to the music enough I could identify which Lord of the Rings movie any of the tracks came from. Guess I was wrong.)
So, I started the shuffle session over:
1. "Stars", Philip Quast Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert CD
2. "Reflection", Lea Salonga from Disney's Mulan soundtrack
3. "The Far Side of the World", Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World movie soundtrack
4. "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", Madonna and Antonio Banderas from the Evita movie soundtrack
5. "Miracles Happen", Myra from The Princess Diaries movie soundtrack
6. "All My Only Dreams", the Wonders from the That Thing You Do! movie soundtrack
7. "Venus", Frankie Avalon. May have been downloaded from Napster. I don't really remember.
8. "La Bamba", Richie Valens. I plead the Fifth on this one, too.
9. "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning", The Mormon Tabernacle Choir from The Sound of Glory CD
10. "Without Love", Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelly, and Amanda Bynes from the Hairspray movie soundtrack
I'd keep going, but my iPod is threatening to die. I better recharge it ASAP.
Tag! I'm "It"
Five goals:
1. Buy a condo or townhouse. My parents have been wonderful and very unselfish to let me live at home these last two years, but it's time to be a grown up again and find a place of my own. I could move in with other roommates, or just get an apartment of my own, but I'd really prefer not to have to pay rent anymore.
2. Start up yoga again and do it consistently least four times a week. The weight that took 6 months to lose and I've been maintaining for 12 months is starting to creep back.
3. Do not miss the Utah Shakespearean Festival again this year! I'm skipping my birthday trip in favor of buying a house this year, which means I have the vacation days. I want to spend a couple of days and see everything!
4. Clean out and organize my stack of mail. It's waaaay overdue.
5. Eat at the Melting Pot. I've wanted to try that restaurant for forever, but since it's so expensive I've been waiting for a special occasion (or someone to invite me). Forget that! I just want to go!
Places I've lived:
1. Bountiful, UT
2. Holliday/Cottonwood, UT
3. Provo, UT
4. Winslow, AZ (mission)
5. Williams, AZ (mission)
6. Grand Canyon (South Rim), AZ (mission)
7. Prescott Valley, AZ (mission)
8. North Phoenix, AZ (mission)
9. Salt Lake City, UT
10. Midvale, UT
11. Murray, UT
Now it's time for me to pick 4 people to tag:
Lindsey, Kate, Karl, and Aaron
1. Buy a condo or townhouse. My parents have been wonderful and very unselfish to let me live at home these last two years, but it's time to be a grown up again and find a place of my own. I could move in with other roommates, or just get an apartment of my own, but I'd really prefer not to have to pay rent anymore.
2. Start up yoga again and do it consistently least four times a week. The weight that took 6 months to lose and I've been maintaining for 12 months is starting to creep back.
3. Do not miss the Utah Shakespearean Festival again this year! I'm skipping my birthday trip in favor of buying a house this year, which means I have the vacation days. I want to spend a couple of days and see everything!
4. Clean out and organize my stack of mail. It's waaaay overdue.
5. Eat at the Melting Pot. I've wanted to try that restaurant for forever, but since it's so expensive I've been waiting for a special occasion (or someone to invite me). Forget that! I just want to go!
Places I've lived:
1. Bountiful, UT
2. Holliday/Cottonwood, UT
3. Provo, UT
4. Winslow, AZ (mission)
5. Williams, AZ (mission)
6. Grand Canyon (South Rim), AZ (mission)
7. Prescott Valley, AZ (mission)
8. North Phoenix, AZ (mission)
9. Salt Lake City, UT
10. Midvale, UT
11. Murray, UT
Now it's time for me to pick 4 people to tag:
Lindsey, Kate, Karl, and Aaron
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