Getting Things Done, or I Love a Staycation!

I hoarded my vacation time* so efficiently this year that -- combined with the vacation time given to all of the employees at my company -- I have two full weeks off for the Christmas and New Years holiday.

So, what did I do with my first Monday off? Why, I ran errands, of course!

Here's a list of all I accomplished (including the fun, non-errand stuff -- hooray!):

• Cooked eggs for breakfast, and extra turkey bacon for breakfasts the rest of this week
• Deposited checks at the bank
• Allergy shot
• Lunch at the Olive Garden with my Iris
• Purchased the last of my Christmas presents
• Returned Mistborn to the library and checked out Allegiant
• Drank a peppermint and chocolate shake from Chick-fil-A
• Wrapped gifts while watching Ugly Betty
• Read Frindle
• Attended Open Mic Night Family Home Evening at my singles' ward (I did not perform)
• Grocery shopping
• Watched a lot more Ugly Betty
• Read in The Infinite Atonement

Tomorrow I have more lunch plans with some friends, and then plan to sort through a bunch of piles of papers and things, and hopefully clean my bathroom and finish season 2 of Ugly Betty (I really want to finish before Netflix axes it on January 4). Christmas Eve, I want to dust and vacuum my house and at least clean the kitchen counters before getting ready for the party that night. Oh, and I plan to exercise every day, because I can. I did a lot of walking today, and I think that should cover it. And of course I will work on memorizing my lines for Noises Off. These two weeks are going to fly by far too quickly.

I love time off! I love getting things done I don't have time for otherwise!


*My vacation time is use-it-or-lose-it, which means I have to use it by the end of the year or else it's forfeit. And darn it, I earn that time so I'm gonna use it!

It feels like Christmas!

In celebration of my last day of work for the rest of 2014, here is an adorable rendition of a song from my favorite version of A Christmas Carol: The Muppet Christmas Carol.


Only seven more sleeps until Christmas! Are you ready?

Anyone care for some sardines? (I'm in a new show!)

Noises Off: A Play in Three Acts by Michael Frayn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this play. I think it is clever and funny and the characters (of the actors and the roles they play) are lovable and well-crafted. It isn't hard to keep track of who is who. The second act, where split into what's going on backstage versus onstage, is hilarious. My only complaint is that I feel totally stressed out while watching and reading it -- and it never lets up! The ending is funny but it doesn't really give closure. I prefer the ending in the film where at least you see what everyone is going to be okay when it's all over. Ah, well. It isn't meant to be a deep, thinking piece (if it is, it fails). Pure fun and silliness.


View all my reviews

Ever since I was in high school, I have wanted to play a role in this play, and now I get to! I'm going to be Poppy (the stage manager) for the Midvale Arts Council! February 27 through March 7, except Saturday. The cast is wonderful, and I get to work with some of my very favorite people. I'm so excited!

Put us on your calendar now!

Memes that make me giggle: An important language for the favorite aunt

Borrowed from Set Phasers to LOL

November shenanigans

Obviously, the big events in November were Pie Night and Thanksgiving. It was a nice, chill month, enjoying the fall colors on the trees, and catching up with the people I neglected while I was involved with Jekyll and Hyde!

I bought this card for Lindsey's birthday.
Actually, she'd probably love to carry a puppy in her purse!

I must have strained my wrist somehow (overuse?) so I spent a lot of time wearing this brace, especially at work. Physical therapy helps, thank goodness.
(It isn't carpal-tunnel. The pain is in the wrong place.)

Saw Theresa in Kensington Theatre's Urinetown on her birthday.
I'm glad I bought my tickets a week in advance, because the run was sold out before it opened.
So, so fun and funny!

Theresa's husband, Trevor, and I act out a running gag from Desert Star's Dracula: He's so Vein

Laura, Theresa (the birthday girl and star of the night), and Shilene

Closer to our actual personalities

I saw this play in New York and loved it, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the live presentation at my local movie theater. The dancing is awe-inspiring.

I've had this yoga VHS tape for about 20 years, and it finally gave up.
I'm so sad. It was my first yoga video and much shorter and easier (practice makes perfect) than any of my others!

The first of the Christmas plays this season:
Scrooge at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre

Every day is a good day to combine chocolate and peanut butter

Well, December and the holidays are upon us. I'm taking about two weeks off at the end of the month and I. Cannot. Wait. Meanwhile, plenty of parties, movies, plays, and other traditions to keep me busy. Let the celebrations commence!

What are you up to in December. If you want to hang out, contact me quickly!

Pie Night and Thanksgiving 2014

Another year, another happy Pie Night party and Thanksgiving Day. I sure am lucky to have such dear family and friends. I love them and excuses to hang out with them!

Pie Night

I did not bake a pie this year. Fortunately, a lot of other people did, so there was plenty of food. Phew! and Yay!

(Thanks for sharing these photos with me, Aaron!)

Baby PJ keeps growing more handsome and more excited to explore.
He is the cutest.

Steph J!

Grammy and PJ

Larissa, Luci, Theresa, and Steph

Heidi and PJ

Peter and Dave

Grammy and Breezy

Old friends Heidi and Rob

Peter and Jordyn

Aaron, David, and Jordyn

Adam and Peter

Shilene, Roger, and their daughter

Larissa (haha!), Luci, Theresa, Steph, and Kristen (Scott is hiding)

Thanksgiving Day

A low-key affair, with half the kids gone to in-laws this year and our cousins off visiting St. George for a real vacation. So, I cooked green beans, Lindsey cooked sweet potatoes, and Gram made fruit salad, while Mom covered the rest. My mom is pretty much the best. 

Mom, Dad, Dave and I met up with Aaron and Heidi after dinner to see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. I highly recommend the movie, and the company!

Lindsey making gravy

Dad carving the turkey, obviously ;)

Adam and the G-Unit watching football

Uncle Dave with Breezy and Zonks

Cooking crew (I helped, too!)

A small, cool group

The regular -- and very tasty -- food. Hooray for leftovers!
I made the green beans this year. I'm so proud!

Most of the family worked on this puzzle at some point. I'm not a puzzle person, but my mom and I finished it at about 10pm while we listened to my dad watch O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Looking forward to more holidays and vacation time coming up!