sLeDDiNg!

We went sledding on Saturday for my nephews birthday. We LOVED it, Ben: not so much.

Thanks to my sis, we have pictures!

CoUsInS!

mE, mY gIrL, mY sIs


mY mAn, My NePhEw

My SiStAs. They are SO brave - NO HANDS!

My kids were DIEHARDS!


mY nEpHeW - "It's my party, I can cry if I want to, cry if I want to..."

More...

And More...


We really just couldn't have had more fun!


They caught air!

So did we!

When we finally decided to call it quits, we to my sister's house for pizza, hot chocolate, and a donut cake.



Happy Birthday Ben! Thanks for the fun!

I HATE unhappy endings!

So I decided to MAKE myself read again. Since I've started working full-time, I just haven't made the time to read. I spend plenty of time blogging, reading blogs, and playing Solitaire, but can't find the time to read a real novel. I haven't found anything I like and/or don't have the brain cells left at the end of the day to think about what I'm reading.

I decided to FORCE myself to read somthing. A whole book even. I went to the library, walked the isles, told myself that cookbooks don't count, and walked some more. My kids had already checked their books out and were waiting. Darin had done the same. We had been there for an hour.

And then I found it: Beauty. The classic Beauty and the Beast story retold in the modern day. It was short, based on a classic, and one that looked pretty good.

Two days later, I've read the book. It captivated me right from the start and got right to the good stuff: falling in love.

BUT LET ME WARN YOU: Beauty dies. And it ruined the whole book. What a waste of my time and energy! I hate sad stories! Sadness happens enough in the real world that it doesn't need to happen in my make believe world. Sadly, I do not recommend it.

So, now it's your turn: what is your favorite book? I REALLY need a good book now, since my attempt failed miserably. If I don't get help soon and find another book that's good, I may give up reading forever (not the newspaper, blogs, or recipe books, though, just novels).

While you think about it, here's my 5:
1. My work Christmas party at Christopher's Steak and Seafood. The best part? I won a free haircut and got to go home 2 hours early. Paid.

2. Safety in the snow.

3. Reading what I thought was a great romance story bundled up in a blanket in front of the Christmas tree (I'm not grateful for the sad ending, though...)

4. Roasted broccoli. Delicious!

5. My husband who has almost singlehandedly bought and wrapped all of our Christmas presents.

BONUS:
6. We get to go to Disneyland in March! I HAVE to go to a conference in Anaheim , and I have to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, and I get to bring the family! I've never been to Disneyland. Too bad I'll actually be working all day. Still, though: DISNEYLAND!

Blog Stalker

I stalk blogs. Come on, admit it: you do, too. Here are two of my favorite ones lately. I don't "know" these people, although I feel as if I know them from reading their blogs!

jacksonparkcity.blogspot.com This one will make you cry. Start reading in May and go from there. This women's daughter died by accidently choking on an apple piece the size of a pea while on their way home from church. The mother writes so beautifully, and her blog really makes me appreciate and love my family every day!

j-a-girl.blogspot.com I love reading this woman's decorating ideas. They are creative, inspiring, and most of the time inexpensive.

And here's my Five for the Day:
1. Mint Oreo cookies.
2. Sister's who are willing to help with blog troubles. You are the best!
3. German Chocolate Eggs. The chocolate-yogurt outside of the egg is pretty tasty, but the best part is that the egg is hollow, and there's a toy inside! Mine was a plastic orange cat.
4. My boots. They are ugly as sin, but perfect for this weather. Only my friend Elizabeth can appreciate these shoes: we each bought a pair in the winter of 1993 on the way home from college one day. Yes, Liz, I'm still wearing the exact same shoes, the same plastic, shiny navy blue with green trim shoes. And I haven't slipped yet on the ice.
5. My daughter. I hope she feels better soon!

My Self-Esteem...

Is not based on how cute/not cute my blog is.

My self-esteem is not based on how cute/not cute my blog is.

My self-esteem is not based on how cute/not cute my blog is.

My self-esteem is not based on how cute/not cute my blog is.

My self-esteem is not based on how cute/not cute my blog is...

What the...

Does anybody know how to fix margins and layout stuff cool?

This is what happens when I try to make things cute.

HELP!

What I Knew For Sure: High School Edition

I was smart in high school, and to prove it, I got one whole academic letter. It's still in my scrapbook if anybody needs verification.

Anyway,here are a few things I knew for sure in high school:

1. That I would never regret buying that teal dinnerware set at Mervyn's (complete with utensils, glasses, and a teapot for decoration).



2. The bigger a person's handwriting, the bigger their self-esteem. The opposite was also true: the smaller their handwriting, the smaller their self-esteem. Also, the higher the bangs the higher the self-esteem.

3. The tighter the pants, the better. The opposite (kind of) was also true: the bigger the tee shirt, the better.


4. I could've been the next Debbie Gibson (if I weren't so shy).


5. Never in my life would I need math skills.

What did you know for sure in high school?

Congrats!

Congratulations to this boy:


He gets to eat lunch with his principal today because his teacher nominated him for doing his personal best in school.

That's my boy!

My Five:
1. Staff retreat today. What do you do at retreats? I've never been to one, so I hope it's worth being out of the office all day. Wait, what am I saying....

2. A good night's sleep.

3. A husband who talks. I'm glad I didn't marry the silent type.

4. My scarf. Jess, will you knit me a coat?

5. Watching old Indiana Jones movies with the family.

Christmas Tag

My sister tagged me, kinda sorta. So here's a Getting to Know You, Christmas edition.

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Depends on which one is cuter and matches the card/tag better.

Real tree or artificial? Preferrably none. I know, call me Scrooge. We have an artificial, and I HATE putting it together, and really it just sits there and collects dust. Plus, this year, our kitties have decided it's theirs and so the bottom part of the tree is a mess, thanks to their playing. It kinda looks like it did when my triplets were two.

When do you put up the tree? This year it was the Monday after Thanksgiving.

When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas. I would take it down Christmas day, but I don't think it's allowed.

Do you like eggnog? Absolutely! I just try not to think about what it's made of.

Favorite gift received as a child? I would have to say it's a three-way tie: either the ghetto blaster when I was 14 (it had 2, count 'em: TWO) cassette players!) or the typewriter that I got to personally pick out at Office Max, OR the clock radio I got when I was about 12, and it worked clear up until AFTER I got married. They don't make them like they used to.

Hardest person to buy for? Neighbors. So usually I don't. But it has nothing to do with my neighbors, just my creativity.

Easiest person to buy for? Let's be honest: myself.

Do you have a nativity scene? Well yes, if you count the magnetic laminated paper one on our fridge.

Mail or email Christmas cards? I haven't done Christmas cards for awhile, but usually mail.

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of one I received, but one year my parents got this furry wolf (or deer or some animal) wall hanging thing. And they hung it above the stairs, so everyone could see. It was brown and cream and UGLY.

Favorite Christmas Movie? I like the cartoon of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. And also Charlie Brown.

When do you start shopping for Christmas? It's not too predictable. I haven't started yet, if that helps.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes. I admit it. Not lately, though.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? All the chocolates!

Lights on the tree? Yes, white ones, with some blinking. And I pray that our kitties don't try to eat them.

Favorite Christmas song? I'm not a huge Christmas music fan, like my sister Liz, who somehow likes that Wham! song (Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart...). CAN. NOT. STAND. THAT. SONG. I do like to listen to hymns sung my the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, though.

Travel at Christmas or stay home? We usually stay home.

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blizten. But do you recall? The most famous reindeer of all...dun dun dun..Rudolph!

Angel on the tree top or a star? We have a miniature white dove that's about to fall off. Let it be known that I have never cared for the mini-dove on top of my tree.

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open the Lythgoe presents the night before and all the rest Christmas morning.

Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Music by Wham!

Favorite ornament theme or color? I really like a fairy tree that my friend Collette has.

Favorite for Christmas dinner? I don't know. I'm writing this after lunch so I'm not too hungry to be able to think of anything.

What do you want for Christmas this year? I want to be able to give to the angel tree. So far, so good.

List a family tradition that you have implemented in your own family: Before we had kids I told Darin that we would watch The Grinch every year and eat sugar cookies. We have yet to do that....

Who is most likely to respond to this? I tag all of you!

Family's are Forever

So, you noticed my new family picture, eh? Here are a couple more picts that I love. My sister is a photographer and does an EXCELLENT job! Just so you know, these pictures were taken downtown on a an early Saturday morning. My kids were FREEZING and she STILL got them to smile and act natural. She's a whiz with the camera, great at making everyone happy, and has two cute kids to boot.

How are we related again?




I would add more, but they are at home, and I'm at work.

Thanks Jeanette! (I have her number if any of you want it...)

My Five:
1. Brisk morning air to wake me up!
2. Cream-filled pumpkin cupcakes: my new specialty! (Thanks Sue for the recipe!)
3. My cute last-born son. I hope you feel better!
4. My family who gives me huge hugs when I get home from work every night. I stop off at the gym on the way home, so when I see them I look gross and sweaty. And they still give me hugs!
5. Christmas decorations up!

LOL

So, I no longer have a cell phone. Which means that I'm falling WAY behind in my texting practice. To keep up my skills, I have decided to text my five for today. If any of you can understand everything I write, you win!

1. My Family <3333

2. My DH

3.Card games, like Nertz/Solitaire Frenzy, which make me GMBA.

4. H&K

5. The Z%

KEYA :)

rAnDoM

1. If I could be anything in the world, I would be a private investigator. I like to solve problems (especially other people's). I'm not brave enough to do that, though. So I'll just stay with my current career and solve computer problems.



2. My bus driver looks like Tina Fey (or does she look like Sarah Palin?). Sounds like her, too. She's very peppy.


3. I can't walk in heels. Here's my solution: heel-less high heels! (Of course, only Victoria Beckham can get away with this.)


And Finally,

4. Micky, the Admissions Office mouse-cot, got caught on the second floor. His burial was yesterday in the second stall of the men's bathroom. I couldn't make it. But now my nightmares about mice should subside...




And that wraps up today's random post.


My 5:
1. My kitty to keep me company when I locked myself out of the house last night.
2. 4 day weekend!
3. Honey Nut Cheerios
4. That dreaded health coaches diet suggestion: I've lost 1.5 pounds in the last few days. Her suggestion: don't eat carbs for snacks, just at meals, and only 1.5 servings at meals.
5. Thanksgiving tomorrow! (I'm not going to follow the dreaded health coaches diet tomorrow...)

It Came!

I went....



I saw....



And I fell in love with a vampire all over again...

The Dreaded Call

The University of Utah has great insurance, there's no doubt about that. And, if you participate in a special program they offer, you get a discount. A HUGE, it's-worth-doing-the-program discount. Part of the program entails talking to a "Health Coach" every 6 weeks. The conversation begins with them asking about how I'm doing on my goals, them giving encouragement, and me setting new goals. They then schedule another appointment, and mail me a copy of my newly set goals.

I'm waiting for that phone call.

And I hate that phone call.

I do my best to schedule these appointments during a meeting, so I'm not there, but then they keep rescheduling it and rescheduling it and I figure to get them off my back I ought to just suck it up and talk to them.

So I'm waiting. And taking deep breathes and saying over and over in my mind, "I get a discount for this. This is how I pay for my insurance. This is okay. I can do this..."






They called.

"Them" : How are you today?
me: Fine and you?
"Them": Great! (They're always GREAT!)
"Them": blah blah blah blah blah How did you do on your goals this last month?
me: bad
"Them" : Don't beat yourself up blah blah blah blah. Just try harder blah blah blah
me: okay.
"Them" : Do you think you should work on your diet or exercise?
me: both
"Them" : let's work on your diet, then. Blah blah blah blah blah. Does this sound like something you can do?
me: yes.
"Them" : Great! (everything's always "Great" with them, remember?) Have great day!
Click.

Phew! It's over!

And I get a discount for my insurance........

A Springtime Quote

"What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." (Martha Beck)

Think about that one!

My Wednesday Five:
1. A few more days of Fall!

2. A bigger desk.

3. I'm catching on to my new job. And I'm actually liking it!

4. Free newspapers at the U. I love me a good newspaper.

5. Outdoor cats (sorry neighbors! But if they're outside then they're not on my counters!).

Priviledges

I saw this homemade sign tonight, done by my lastborn son.



It says, "No girls allowed except my mom and Laya." Laya is the cat.

My boy loves me! I'm allowed!

My Five:
1. My boy. He's really a great artist and a great kid. Did I mention that he wakes up early every morning so he can see me before I go to work? 5:45 is when he gets up, just to see me (and play on the computer, but oh well...)

2. Rain.

3. Visiting teaching. I love who I go to and who I go with. And who I used to go to.

4. Mormon Tabernacle Choir. My new favorite Pandora station. I listen to it when I get to deal with the 2 people in the office I have trouble dealing with. I think more Christlike thoughts when I listen to it.

5. I move down to my new desk tomorrow! It bigger and better and locked in a room and VERY quiet. Sometimes quiet is good (I think. I'll let you know...)

FaLL LeAvEs!

I just love raking leaves. Two Saturdays ago I raked the backyard, but it wasn't so fun because I smelled dog poo. I couldn't SEE it, but I smelled it. Yuck...

But last Saturday, when I did the front yard, there was nothing but beautiful dead leaves and a sucker wrapper. Now, half the fun of raking is watching the kids play in the big pile. Here are some picks of my kids and their friends playing in the leaves. Only one thing would have made it better: more leaves.





Five Things I Love About Fall:
1. Raking (and no, I'm not kidding)
2. Rain instead of snow
3. Jacket weather
4. Decorating for the Halloween and Thanksgiving Holidays
5. I dare to bake again

Congratulations Obama Voters!

Even though I decided to vote for McCain (please don't hate me), I'm excited to see what the next four years bring. It was a tought decision for me, and I like a lot of what Obama wanted.

My daughter, however, was not so happy Obama won. She woke me up last night, after hearing O (for Obama, not Oprah) won, and was worried because she heard that if O wins, kids have to start going to school on Saturdays. I assured her that this was not the case.

In other news, the heat stopped working today in my ALL CONCRETE AND GLASS building that I work in. When we all plugged in our desk heaters, we blew a circuit and the computers turned off. All is well now, and I'm really glad that I wore a sweater today!

And in other news....I applied for graduate school for next year. Scary! We'll see if I get accepted!

My Five:
1. The heaters, computers, water, phones - everthing - is working at this exact moment.

2. Good health. Turns out I'm NOT addicted to Diet Coke after all. I was just really sick.

3. I love who I work with. Most of them, anyway.

4. We live in a free country with choices. I'm glad we got to vote! And I'm also glad the voting lines were short (for me at least).

5. Sunlight in the mornings.

I'm Baaaaack!

I feel so much better! I slept for almost 20 hours straight Friday/Saturday, took some iron pills, and feel a lot better!

But that's not why I decided to get back into the blogging world. My sister Liz wrote a blog about not stopping, which was great. But that's not why I decided to get back into blogging, either.

No, it was this chilly, windy, rainy, awful weather. Not really. It's the scarf that I treasure every morning in this chilly, windy, rainy, awful weather. Another sister, Jess, knitted me a scarf a few years back and can I just say it's the best thing EVER?! It's so warm and soft and thick and beautiful, and stuff like that just makes me want to blog!

So thank you, Jessica! And thank my kids for not using it in a fort over the summer and loosing it. I think that explains why their scarves are missing. Thankfully, theirs wasn't of hand-knitted quality, so no huge loss.

Happy Election Day!

Bloggin' Break

So, I about got hit by a bus the other day.

I'm on my third box of Kleenex.

I'm working two jobs.

I'm taking a blogging break.

And I'm not thankful right now (except for I am thankful I saw the bus so I could walk back to the curb, and I'm glad for carmel popcorn, and I'm glad it's The-Office-slash-Halloween-Friday, AND I'm glad for my husband who has fed me well this week and kept a steady supply of Diet Coke on hand).

Bye everybody....

Need a New Career?

I spend a good half hour downtown everyday waiting for the bus. That's why I consider myself an expert on panhandling. For those of you looking for a career change, here's an introduction on the different types of panhandling and the skills needed.

There are basically three types of beggars: those that are physically challenged, those that are in hard times, and those that give you something in return.

To be a physically challenged beggar, you don't actually need to have a disability. But it helps. Club arms, half a leg, blindness - these are all helpful, but if you can't claim that, at least paint your face so it looks like you have some skin disease. The benefit of this particular kind of begging is that you can pick a corner and stay there. No need to roam. In fact, changing locations is bad, because you're not able to walk, remember? Here's a tip though: if you have dyed hair, I'm bound to think that you're faking it.

Those that fall upon hard times are in the second category. This post was inspired by the local beggar who's mother just died. Every few weeks the same man wanders around my bus stop, studies the people there, picks a nice old lady or a man in a business suit and explains that his mother died, he flew out here for her funeral, and doesn't have enough money to fly back. He's been doing this the whole six months I've been taking the bus. The benefit of this type of begging is that it can be a part time gig. The drawback: people start to recognize you. Then your credibility is shot.

Finally, the kind that give you something in return. We've all seen them: the guy on the streetcorner strumming his guitar, playing the harmonica or accordian for money. This again can be more of a part time gig. All I know is that it's helpful if you know a well-known church hymn for this job. But you only need to know the chorus, and be sure to play it horribly. You don't want to come across as an accomplished musician or anything.

I hope this information is helpful for those of you in these hard times. Let me know if you have any questions.

Brothers

Let me start off by saying: "I wish I had a picture."

Some of my favorite times working in the Admissions Office was when my sisters worked there with me. We would go on breaks together, vent to each other, and laugh at inside jokes. We'd give each other rides, bring each other treats, and share our dreams. (We still do that, by the way, we just don't work with each other.)

Anyway, one of my favorite Halloweens was when my sister Jeanette and I dressed up as brothers. Everyone knew we were sisters, so that made it extra fun. Since I was the married, older, more conservative sister, I had the gray wig, mustache, suit coat and tennis shoes. Because Jeanette was single, is and always has been more stylish, and more outgoing, she was the black-haired, sunglass wearin', orange leather jacket, hittin' on all the girls guy. We not only dressed up, but acted our parts the whole day.

That was one of my favorite memories of Halloween.

What is your favorite Halloween memory?

My Five:
1. No more fever! I'm feeling better.
2. Going on a walk in the dark last night with my boys. They brought flashlights but still, midway through, said, "Mom - hold me!"
3. One more week of doing two jobs! My replacement starts next week.
4. I'm finally catching on to my new job. I wrote a report today that actually worked!
5. Warm apple crisp with ice cream.

Friday Office Day

It's Friday and you know what that means? "Watch The Office at Lunch Day." I look forward to it every Friday.

So, while I'm watching the only TV show I watch, I'll leave you with some of my favorite Office quotes:

"You may look around and see two groups here; white collar, blue collar. But I don't see it that way, and you know why not? Because I am collar-blind."

— Michael Scott

(Describing his relationship with Michael) "We're like one of those classic famous teams. He's like Mozart and I'm like Mozart's friend. No, I'm like Butch Cassidy and Michael is like Mozart. You try and hurt Mozart, you're gonna get a bullet in your head, courtesy of Butch Cassidy."

— Dwight Schrute


"Every year I get a $100 gas card... Can't put a price on that."

— Michael Scott

Fellowship of the Unashamed

This is from Elder Henry B Eyring and is one of my favorites:

I am part of the fellowship of teh unashamed...
The dye has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and drawfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, position, plaudits or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, or regarded.

I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, and my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meandor in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up, for the cause of Christ.

I must go 'till He comes,
Give 'till I drop Preach until all know Him
and work 'till He stops me.

So when He returns for his own,
He will have no problem recognizing me.

My Banner will be clear.
_________________

I get goosebumps just typing it...

My Five:
1. My sister Liz bringing me CHEESECAKE to work! Did you know I love Liz? AND cheesecake?

2. My husband. The man wakes up early almost every morning to help me get out the door on time. It means so much to me!

3. Alkazeltzer Cold. Right now I have a cold. This is helping me make it through the day. Thanks Mir!

4. My coat. I love being warm on these crisp fall mornings as I wait for the bus.

5. My nephew Ben. He came with Liz this morning. He is so cute and adorable! I offered him a sucker. He took it and ran! Smart kid!

Bloggin' Blues

I've been in a rut with my blog. Any ideas?

My Five:
1. My lunch: chef's salad with homemeade honey mustard dressing. Sooooo Goood!

2. Solitaire. I might be an addict.

3. I gave an hour presentation this morning. I love doing that (weird, I know....)

4. My awesome husband who woke up early yesterday and made me homemade walnut pancakes for breakfast.

5. Hugs from my daughter. She runs to me after work and nearly knocks me down. I just love her!

My Monday Five

1. Taco soup at work! I swear my office has so many parties. I love it.

2. Dinner at Jeanette's last night. All my sister's and their famililes and my parents were there. It was such delicious food and great company.

3. The house behind my sister's. It's the closest temptation I've had yet to moving.

4. A beautiful Fall day.

5. Lunch breaks, better late than never!

Go Brush Those Pearly Yellows!

When my last-born child was 4 (i.e. the age when you can say offensive things and people think it's "cute"), he said, "Mom, you're teeth are so pretty!" Me, remembering the 4 years and 7 months of braces, not to mention the thousands of dollars spent on the braces, replied, "Thanks!" (I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside...). He said, "How did you get them the color of lemonade like that?" (Warm and fuzzy feeling stopped abruptly...)

My question for you today, class, is what do you use to keep your teeth white? Given we all know each other's passions involving politics, I think this isn't too personal of a question (maybe not as important of a question, but still..) If I use toothpaste that whitens, my teeth hurt. Is there something out there that doesn't hurt?

Thanks in advance.

My Five:
1. The water cooler at work. Even if I did drop it once and the whole cooler split and flooded the hallway. And it was the last cooler, too. I'm just not allowed to change it anymore. Which is fine as long as I get to drink from it. I love water, even more than Diet Coke.
2. I'm grateful that the bus waited for me this morning. I was a little late.
3. This joke: What did Yoda say at dinner with Luke? May the fork be with you.
4. Apples. I love fall!
5. Visiting teaching. I love going and being visit taught. I'm lucky!

How to Have a Great Weekend, By Maren

First of all, wake up bright and early on Saturday, the coldest day so far of soccer season, and have an 8:00 game. Notice how, though it may be cold, the wind isn't blowing, nor is anything falling from the sky. Think about what you would be missing if you had the luxury of sleeping in: breathing in crisp, fresh air, watching your daughter run around and be an awesome goalie, enjoying a beautiful fall morning.

Then, come home and go back to sleep. Three hours oughta do it. Wake up, eat lunch, and play Boggle with your husband while the kids play (videogames, but whatever...). Play a close game and win, but barely. That makes up for the last time you lost, by a lot.

Pick up, do a little laundry, and play solitaire on the computer.

Hug your clean kids as they come out of the bathtub, and read a book before bed (the Hardy Boys is always a good choice). Enjoy being together with your family in a clean, warm house, while outside the wind is blowing and it's pouring rain.

Repeat on Sunday, except add church in there and fast. And go for a walk. That makes it even better than Saturday.

My Five:
1. No falling snow this morning.
2. Plus, it eventually got light outside. I swear it took until noon, but I'll take sunshine anyday!
3. No flu shot! I know I'll have to get one eventually, and I went today to get one, but the clinic was closed for training! I get out of it one more day!
4. I'm glad I don't like Little Debbie snacks or cake. There's a lot of it here at work today and it's easy for me to refuse.
5. A portable heater under my desk. Word has that my new desk doesn't have a heater. I think I'll order one.

How I Spent My Lunch

Because I know you care...

1. Went to the Bookstore to buy Doritos. Because Doritos go well with a tuna fish sandwich, which was my lunch.

2. Watched 1/2 of The Office.

3. Spent the next 25 minutes standing in the cold while the fire alarm went off.

4. Watched the other half of The Office while the fans and strobe lights (the smoke detectors) were blinking.

5. I was disappointed in The Office. Not very funny. That's two for two this season.

6. Read my blog comments. Thanks for the input. I won't bring politics up anymore.

7. Wrote this.

8. Fire alarm went off again. We just stayed here.

My Thankful Fors:
1. No fire.
2. Passionate people who can still agree to disagree.
3. Doritos.
4. Friday!
5. Choice.

I Hate to Beat a Dead Elephant (Donkey), But...

Bear with me here, folks. I hate to bring it up again, but I'm actually very interested in your arguments about the presidential candidates. I don't want to create bad feelings or contention, but I really would like to hear specifics to my questions. Please feel free to respond...

First, my fears about McCain:
1. He's old, he'll die, and Sarah Palin will become VP. I like her, but can she really talk with world leaders and be taken seriously?
2. I agree that his $5000 a year toward health insurance is a joke. Honestly, if people are given $5000, they wouldn't spend it on health insurance. I know I would pay off some debts or something with it.
3. I didn't like how we played politics in the primaries. I know it's politics as usual, but I thought he was very low-down and dirty in some of his moves to win the primary.
4. He would cut programs like Medicaid, CHIP, Food Stamps. I'll admit it, when Jeanette was talking about people she knows and loves who have benefited from those programs, I was one (maybe even the only one) she was talking about. Those programs have saved me financially, and, mostly, helped me give my children what they need. Although I don't need them now, thankfully, so many others are in such desparate need for assistance like this.

What I like about McCain:
1. He doesn't always vote with his own party. I love the fact that (you're going to cringe, I know) that he's a "maverick." I can't stand someone who does whatever their party does no matter what.
2. He's been in a war, he's knows how government works, he can talk to world leaders diplomatically. I'm very confident of that, and I believe he would be taken seriously as someone intelligent to talk to.

What I don't like about Obama:
1. I'm not in 100% agreement over the war in Iraq. The thing is, though, we ARE in the war, so what do we do now? We're finally making some progress, so to finish it up makes sense to me. If we would've gone with a timeline to get out, I believe the results would have been far worse than if we finish what we started (even if we shouldn't have started it in the first place).
2. I'm not sold on government regulated health care. Like I mentioned earlier, I used much of the government services, and loved it. I believe that the people who truly need healthcare help can get it if current programs are funded the way they need to be. I don't believe health care should be mandated. That would decrease competition among doctors, giving us less good ones to choose from. And, quite frankly, look at public schools, another program the government runs. Not a huge success story.
3. He doesn't have a lot of experience in government. Sarah Palin has at least run a state, Obama hasn't run anything except a few government activities. And, he may have spoken against a few things in Washington, but he hasn't actually DONE anything substantial. And it worries me that some foreign countries support him.
4. I'm scared with who he has associated with, and how he votes along party lines every time. Not to be racist, but if it has to do with blacks, he'll help. If it has to do with democrats, he'll help. His former pastor scares the dickens out of me, and when Michelle Obama said that she "finally" felt like an American because her husband could run for president, it really turned me off.
5. I can. not. stand. Biden.

What I like about Obama:
1. He's very personable. And, you've got to hand it to the guy: to be as inexperienced as he is yet have such a strong following says a lot about his leadership and communication skills.
2. I like his tax cut proposal. To me that makes more sense than McCain's plan.


So, if you've made it to the end of my novel, what do you have to say? Again, I'm not trying to start a war, I truly want to know how some of you feel with these issues, especially you who have a strong opinion one way or the other.

AND IT'S ALMOST NOVEMBER! I have watched the debates (most of them, anyway), read up on the issues, studied their positions on the internet, and this has been a hard decision for me! I used to be a staunch Republican, and when Clinton got in the White House I thought we were doomed! And while I disagree with a lot of what he did, and thought his personal life embarrassed the whole country, really we came out okay. Bush scares the life out of me. He has made some tremendous mistakes, I believe. So now I'm open to change.

And I'm skipping my five a day because I already wrote a novel and it's time for me to go to bed, and I'm hungry and need a shower still!

Politics as Usual

So if you missed last weeks debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden, here's a link to it (it's actually a link to the SNL version, but it's close enough, right?).

Today what I would like to hear about from you fellow bloggers is who you are going to vote for. I know, I know, we shouldn't talk religion, politics, or sports on blogs, but I am really having a hard time this year with who to vote for. I think I'm leaning toward McCain, so if you think I should vote for Obama, convince me! My decision is not set in stone.

My Five:

1. Another debate on TV tonight. I swear I'm getting addicted to these things.

2. The SNL version of the debates. I'm addicted to those, too.

3. Diet Coke, which I am NOT addicted to, I just happen to love the taste of it almost every day.

4. Fry sauce.

5. All my meetings for the day are over! I'm currently doing two full-time jobs (because they haven't hired someone for my old position yet). I've been doing okay until today and now it's beginning to feel overwhelming. I'm glad the meetings are all over so I can actually get some work done!

POP Goes My Heart

DID YOU KNOW that you don't need to buy microwave popcorn in order to have microwave popcorn? It's true! Get a medium sized microwave-safe bowl, put a handful of regular popcorn in there and put a plate on top. Push the popcorn button on your microwave, and in a few minutes you have hot, delicious, plain popcorn. It's ridiculously easy.

My ridiculous five:
1. Conference. What a relaxing, perfect weekend!

2. Getting together with my sisters and mom. ALWAYS fun, relaxing, entertaining, etc. And our kids get along so well.

3. My husband going through his "Box o' Stuff" with me. You know the one: you move out of the house and your mom gives you all the stuff she's saved for you over the years. It was fun to see his old schoolwork and awards and stuff.

4. Chocolate. Not that I have any to eat or anything. But I sure am grateful for it. I'd be ESPECIALLY grateful for some if I had it RIGHT NOW.

But I don't.

5. My kitties didn't eat one fake fall flower yesterday.

My New Favorite Blog

I just discovered this blog yesterday (I got her link from my sister's blog. I LOVE her ideas! Here are some of my favorites:





And my five:

1. Date night with the hubby! We're watching a movie after the kiddos go to bed.

2. Friday! I just love them!

3. Peanut butter M&M's (you know I have to have food in at least one of my grateful fors).

4. Cute blogs. I've been finding a lot. Now if only I was as ambitious...

5. My kids. I just love 'em.

Scary Movie Month

This being October and all, I thought we should talk scary movies. I'm not a huge fan, although I once thought it would be cool to watch a scary movie every October, you know, in celebration of Halloween. So one year I watched Signs, and decided I didn't like Mel Gibson anymore.

The next year I watched The Ring. The Ring singlehandedly made me decide that I HATE scary movies, it's not worth watching them, and I would NEVER watch another one. I had to sleep with all the lights on in the house AND blast the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in order just to dare to go to bed.

And I didn't watch another scary movie again.

Until now.

My friend at work let me borrow The Lady in White a few days ago. I haven't finished it yet, but I really am loving it! It's scary as all get out, but it's not gory or dirty or gross. I might just have to resume my scary movie a year routine again.

What are your favorite scary movies? Or are you the kind of person that refuses to watch?

My Scary Five:

1. The Vice-Presidential debate tonight. I can't believe how excited I am to watch it. Maybe I'm finally a boring adult. Still, I can't wait to watch it.

2. Diet Coke. Don't worry - it's for "medicinal" purposes: I was TIRED! Not anymore, thanks to D.C.

3. Nice people at bus stops. Sure, there's always the creepy guy who comes up to people and says his mom died and he's hungry and would we trade a bus token for money, but there are also people who are nice. I've met a nice lady from West Valley that works downtown. I look forward to talking to her everyday after work.

4. A loving relationship with my husband. I saw a couple fighting at the gym yesterday, and I'm so glad I'm not in that kind of relationship. I love that Darin and I respect each other, trust each other, and are kind to each other. I married a great guy!

5. My friend at work you thought to give me her free Lego Batman poster because she knew my boys would love it.

Monday Monday

My thankful fors:

1. This joke: Be nice to dentists: they have fillings, too.

2. Warm apple crisp.

3. Fall decorations on houses.

4. The Children's Friend: great for last minute FHEs.

5. My sister's boutique turned out great! I'm so glad!

Babies and Barfing

What made me laugh today:

The scene: Church. The announcements were being given over the pulpit, the usual chatter of kids could be heard. A few rows in front of us was a young dad holding his infant baby girl. He was dressed nice in a crisp white shirt, she was absolutely adorable.

The incident: Adorable baby girl unloads her entire breakfast all down dad's shoulder and back. We're talking at least a half a cup of regurgitated formula. Dad was not wearing burp cloth.

The result: Laughter. Once the dad realized what had happened, he threw back his head and laughed (quietly). Everyone in the general vicinity also laughed, especially the parents, because it has happened to all of us, and what else can you do?

The lesson: Life happens. Have humor.

My Sunday Five:
1. Dads without tempers.

2. Giving out badges in Primary. The kids loved their "I can be kind to animals" badges and wore them with pride. I love three year olds!

3. Sunday naps.

4. My kids being proactive and decorating the yard for Halloween while I was taking my nap. You know I wouldn't have said yes had I been asked, but when I woke up to go see the "damage" I was pleasantly surprised. Cute home-made ghosts were hanging from the trees.

5. Fall weather. It's perfect walking weather!

The Chance of a Lifetime

You lucky people, you! My sisters and their creative friends are holding an All Things Baby and Child Boutique on Friday, and YOU are invited! It will be at Jeanette's house in Holladay (right off 45th south and Highland Drive, call me if you want details) from 10 until 7.

I've had a sneak peek at what's being offered and IT WILL NOT DISAPPOINT! My sister sells dresses at a boutique in Kanab and they can't keep enough in stock and guess what? They'll be there Friday. Another sis makes the most adorable appliqued onsies and guess what? They'll be there. Another makes hooter hiders. Yup - they'll be there. Along with custom made glitter batman shirts, handmade cards and baby announcements, shadow box frames, decor galore and more. It will definately be worth your time.

Contact me with any questions!

Why?

Why, when children see dog poo, do they have this urge to play with it? No, I'm not going to explain...

My Five:

1. The smell of hot pockets (but not the taste - Eww!)
2. Rainy days!
3. Books. I'm currently reading Far from the Madding Crowd. Has anyone read it? I just started and so far I'm loving it!
4. Chapstick
5. Going for a long walk yesterday.

Friday Five

1. Waffle sundaes today at the office (we love food here at the Admissions Office).
2. Albertson's chocolate chip cookies (I love food, too).
3. Tennis tonight for date night (I love my husband as well).
4. Banana Republic (You got it - I love the clothes).
5. It's Friday! (Loooove Fridays!)

Psst! Don't Tell

I'm "working" right now. But I just feel so grateful right now that I MUST blog. Here are my five for today:

1. Turkey taco salad and Diet Coke. The new perfect lunch (it used to be popcorn and Diet Coke - notice a theme?)

2. Colin Firth. I'm so glad for a Mr. Darcy; the world just wouldn't be the same without him (I know, he's a fictional character and all, but still...).

3. Having work to do at work. Last month we were pretty slow. I'm SOOO glad we have something to do now.

4. My boss. I just love her.

5. The sign on one of our director's door: it's a toll painted chicken that says: "This chick's busy - take a number" and has wooden eggs with a number on them to take. She just put up the sign today but I bet she got it in the 80's. It makes me smile!

I'm an Oquirrh Mountainman!

Last night my daughter asked if all elementary schools had her same school song. I said no way and proceeded to sing my elementary school song. SERIOUSLY! I REMEMBERED EVERY WORD! I guess it's like riding a bike...



We are the kids from Oquirrh
We think we're pretty neat
We study and we work hard
So we cannot be beat
Trust and friendship go together here
We are the Mountainmen!
Yes we're the Mountainmen!
We are the Oquirrh Mountainmen!

On a side note: why is it that at my elementary school I was a mountainMAN and at the U of U I'm a Utah MAN (according to the school song)? Hmmm...

How many of YOU remember your school song?

My Tuesday Five:

1. Nachos at work

2. Something I'll blog about later, but it involves the Legacy Highway, less traffic on my bus ride home, getting home a HALF HOUR earlier than normal. That's all I'm gonna say for now.

3. Writing my kids notes in cursive and THEY CAN READ IT!

4. PERFECT weather! I went for a couple of walks today on my breaks and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

5. The Office premier coming up soon. Here's a teaser to get us all in the mood:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/30723/the-office-a-new-olympic-game

Happy Tuesday Toesday!

Tag - I'm It!

the rules:
1. Link to person who has tagged you:
Jeanette
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write 6 random things about yourself
4. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment

1. When I was younger I wanted to look either like Elizabeth Shue in Karate Kid:

or Alyssa Milano:

And I LOVED and BEGGED my mom always to let me buy Tean Beat, Tiger Beat, or some other such magazine that had their pictures in it.

2. Sometimes I make up stories in my head. For instance, if I have a long drive and must stay awake, I'll "write" a novel in my head. They are usually love stories. I have done this ever since I can remember: trying to stay awake in the fifth grade, trying to stay awake at night so I wouldn't sleep, staying awake on long drives, etc. Some of my favorites? The doctor who falls in love with the nurse, the lowly secretary who gets trapped in the elevator with the CEO of the company and they fall in love, the two bitter enemies whose plane crashes on a deserted island and they end up falling in love. Cheesy, ALWAYS clean, and keeps me awake.

3. Nightmares. It's originally why I decided to make up stories in my head before bedtime: I ALWAYS had nightmares. Usually about 3 times a week, usually had the same scary theme, and I had them until last year when I finally went to therapy. Once session solved it all!

4. I LOVE my mother-in-law's potato salad! It's sooo good!

5. One of my favorite things to do is walk. I've always loved walking, and always will. Every time my family went to the Fashion Place mall growing up, we always saw this old, bent over lady walking. EVERY time, no matter what time of the day. I vowed I would be her: walk till the day I die.

6. I just got a PROMOTION! It's official: starting October 1 I will be an Assistant Director of Admissions. It's a salaried position and a "real" job. I'm the software manager for our office and I'm so excited!

Well, now you know WAY too much about me.

I tag Darin and Jess.

This is How I Feel...

A little deflated and a little blue.

I'll explain later.

My 5:
1. Turkey tacos. I can't even tell they're not beef!
2. My husband who bought me Diet Coke. He loves me.
3. My boss. She listened to me bawl yesterday. And then, even though she is at an all-day conference today, she called me this morning and asked if I was okay.
4. Advil.
5. This joke:Q: How do you catch a unique rabbit? A: Unique up on it!
Q: How do you catch a tame rabbit? A: Tame way - unique up on it!

The Monday Five

1. I'm glad I don't work in the Tuition Office - tuition is due today and the line is HUGE!

2. Beautiful fall weather! 80's ALL WEEK!

3. I'm glad I didn't have to clean the kitty throw-up this morning (thanks Darin!)

4. Fasting. Every time I do it my testimony of fasting gets stronger.

5. This video:

I Want a New Look

Last month I couldn't stand my hair so I cut and colored it myself.

Last week I couldn't stand my clothes so I bought some more.

Last weekend I couldn't stand my bookshelves so I rearranged them.

Now I can't stand my blog.

I need a new look. However, my time combined with my ability (or lack thereof) make it a little tricky to decide what to do. So, in the meantime, I might play a little bit.

Any tips?

My 5:

1. A very forgiving husband.

2. Who also made me a club sandwich for lunch.

3. And homemade peanut butter cookies.

4. A slow day at work.

5. An hour lunch break.

Question of the Day

Am I too old for Facebook? If not, when are you too old for Facebook?

BONUS question:
If you're at the dentist and he doesn't spray your tongue with water for awhile, does your tongue shrivel up and not work?

I went to the dentist this morning...

My Five for Tuesday:
1. Dental insurance
2. The storm yesterday, and then it clearing up into the PERFECT day!
3. Ramen noodles for my poor, sore teeth
4. President's Circle at the U. It's so pretty.
5. My sister texting me.

The Labor to do on Labor Day

Five things to do today:
1. Scrub the master bathroom
2. Clean the "Kitty Penthouse" (aka my main bathroom)
3. Email my new-and-improved-complete-with-"buzzwords"-resume to my work
4. Cut out recipes from magazines so I can finally recycle them and get them out of my house.
5. Look up a sewing blog called Bending the Rules or something like that.

Five things I'm grateful for:
1. Church. Excellent lessons and talks yesterday. I especially liked the lesson on not spending more money that you make. It really killed my plan to go DI shopping. The guy teaching the lesson said something that really hit home: health problems are bad. Financial problems are bad. But the worst of all is the loss of hope. I've been there and he's right.

2. Darin's grandma. She's in a rehabilitation home right now and we visited her last night. I think she's beautiful in every sense of the word. What a wonderful example she is to me.

3. A family dinner last night at my parent's. It was so fun to get together and *BONUS* - everybody was sober.

4. Darin making a fabulous breakfast this morning of pancakes, eggs and sausage.

5. My kids. I can finally see manners poking out of them, and I'm so excited! Last night there was no burp talk at the family party, they asked grandma questions on our visit, and they put their breakfast dishes away without us asking this morning!

6. (The Bonus Thankful For). I'm not in LABOR! (Ha Ha Ha! It's true, though.)

Friday Five

1. A THREE day weekend!

2. Random people who comment on my blog. It makes me feel popular.

3. Lunch with my sisters today. Missed you Jess! Thanks Liz and Jean!

4. Central air.

5. A VERY good interview today. I applied for a promotion, and things are looking good! (I'm sure it helps that nobody else in my office applied for it, but whatever...)

Happy THREE day weekend!

My Shoes are Out to Get Me

I can't walk in heels. I admit it. This morning I was crossing a busy street downtown and tripped over my heels so bad that BOTH of my shoes came off. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET.

I bet I made someone's day, though. Nothing like starting your day off laughing at the expense of someone else, in this case, me.

My Thankful Five:
1. Flats.
2. I made it through the first day of school.
3. My kids made it through the first day of school.
4. My husband made it through the first day of school.
5. The Old Testament. This morning I read a great story, which I wrote about in my other blog.

Sleeping With the Enemy

This is what Darin captured today during my Sunday nap.


Attractive of me, I know, but I thought it was funny, me being the great cat-lover that I am (not).

Here are my five:
1. Pres. Hinckley's book.

We've been reading about gratitude, and I've realized that I need to be more grateful. Aren't we so lucky to have a prophet?
2. Sunday naps.
3. My kids getting hold of the camera. If they didn't, I wouldn't have pictures like this:

4. Or this:

5. Digital cameras.

Laziness

Sometimes I wish I could eat Nutter Butters all day.


What do you do to be ambitious?


My 5

1. Lunch with Liz the other day.
2. Saturdays
3. Swimming lessons for the kids
4. Soccer starting
5. Nutter Butters

Boys Will Be....Where are you?

The other night I went down to hug and kiss my boys goodnight. They were not in their beds. They were not on their beds, under their beds, or anywhere to be found. Looking around their eerily quiet room, I noticed this...

"Oh those silly boys," I thought. I decided to be really sneaky and quietly go up and tickle them. Tip toeing, I went and scared them.

They weren't there.

They TRICKED me!

Yes, my ingenious boys made it LOOK like they were hiding under their blanket. They were really in the closet and hidden on the lower bunk bed.

And they were quiet as could be this whole time. Boys will be boys, right?

Pandora

So I love pandora.com, where you can enter in an artist, and they will play music similar to the one you typed in. This is very useful when you sit at a desk all day. I thought you might be interested (because really, why wouldn't you?) in a few of my playlists.

1. Matchbox 20. Because Rob Thomas is not a rockstar: he's a normal person. Him and his wife reuse plastic sacks to save money.

2. Bon Jovi. I need good sing-a-long music every afternoon when I've got the after-lunch slump. And sometimes I do sing along, in a whispery voice.

3. Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There are only 2 people in this office that bug me. So after talking to them I have to play Mo-Tab so I have more Christlike thoughts.

4. Barry Manilow. When I want to go back to simpler times, I listen to Barry. He reminds me of my three years working at a Chinese restaurant. Life was so much easier back then: I just worked in a restaurant that nobody went to. The owner always played FM100, so now whenever I hear Barry or the Bee Gees, I think of egg rolls and long, easy going evenings.

Those are a few of mine. What are your favorites?

My 5 for today:

1. Diet Dr. Pepper. For medicinal purposes, of course. I'm really tired today!

2. Veternarians. It's good to know that our kitty Jayna is really a Jayke.

3. Positive reinforcement. Darin calls this "bribery" but whatever it is, I love it!

4. A normal workday. No meetings, no presentations, nobody out sick.

5. Pandora.com

I'm "Breaking" up with Edward

I have to admit: I don't like the book so much. I'm on page 572 and I'm giving up. I already know everybody lives: I've read the last chapter. But for some reason I'm just not into it.

I might even get rid of my "I *heart* Edward Cullen" tee shirt.

Seriously.

I'm not sure I like kitties anymore, either. They pooped in my son's drawer.

And I broke the whole, filled up water cooler container this morning trying to change the darn thing.

Breaking up is hard to do.

My Five for Today:
1. My husband, who waited patiently until my crush with Edward subsided. And who stuck with me through it all.

2. My sis, who may have been the wrong baby for some, but is the perfect sister I had been praying for.

3. My thoughtful kids, who dressed in their best basketball outfits for their cousin's party because they knew he liked balls. It was their own idea. He would even appreciate it if he wasn't just two (well, he says he's four, but whatever).

4. My whole family. I love them all, and it was fun to hang out with a bunch of them last night.

5. My neighborhood. I feel lucky to live in such a safe, nice place.

It Just "Dawned" On Me...

I've been taking a break from blogging to read "Breaking Dawn."

You know you all haven't even cared because you're too busy reading it, too.

Except Jess.

Hi Jess!

You could totally make that!

I've raised my son well, folks.

First some background:

Whenever my sisters and I go shopping, we never go to buy. We always look at something and say, "we could totally make that!". Be it a modern painting, a cute pillow, clothes or holiday decor, we just KNOW we can make it.

And tonight, when I was looking at my friend's

ModBE

sight, my son came in with me. We saw a cute skirt and he said, "you could TOTALLY make that!"

He made my day.

My five for today:

1. My son. I love him to pieces. Plus he's great at math. He's finished a whole math workbook this summer and is ready for another one!

2. The FrontRunner. Yesterday was my first experience using it, since the freeway was shut down. Instead of being home at 9:00 as was predicted, I was home by 8.

3. A full tank of gas in the car.

4. My sisters who brought me lunch today. You are the best!

5. My husband's brownies. No matter what variation he uses.

I Love Gardening, Part IIIV

Yesterday for FHE we made our garden go from this:



To this:



As you can see, I forgot the before and after picts, but you get the general idea.

My Five for Today:

1. The kids helping us weed. For all of 10 minutes. Then they started throwing gloves at each other. But it was fun to work altogether for a moment.

2. I'm grateful that the mean man at the Admissions window this morning only threw a marker and dropped the F bomb. I'm praying he doesn't come back with a weapon (if he does: I love you all!).

3. I'm glad I have a brain. Isn't it nice to be able to think for yourself?

4. I'm not tired today!

5. One of my sons who reminded me that I don't love him because we haven't gone camping. I'm contemplating a trip right now. I love that boy!

Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit

Good news! My daughter, for quite possibly the first time in her life, ate beans last night! Miracles never cease!



Other things for which I am grateful:

1. My wedding ring is back! It fits now, it's clean, and it came with another proposal from my husband. I said yes!!

2. Sleeping in. Until 8:00! For a girl who wakes at 5:00 every morning, this is a real treat.

3. This work week is over. Without going into details (because it would bore you to tears), this week was CRAZY! I had training sessions to present, issues the president of the U himself said to address ASAP, and people taking the week off. I'm glad it's over.

4. Tennis at night with my husband and kids. It's usually full of blood, sweat and tears, but it's fun.

5. Hair care lessons with my daughter. The girl HATES having her hair done, and I'm not around to do it anyway, so we've been having 5 minute "how-to" lessons so she can do it herself. She's a natural! She can part her hair, and do a regular and a side pony tail so far. And use hairspray correctly. Mostly I just like spending the time with my girl.