Finals are finished. Mine were all done Tuesday of last week (the 11th). It's such a relief to have them completed. Now I've got a few weeks to relax, straighten the house, wrap gifts, bake, finish preparing for choir concerts, laundry, file away notes and books, prepare my primary lessons, buy books, deliver gifts, visit teach, work, apply to grad schools, and anything else that might come up I want/need to do; not so sure I'll get much relaxing done after all...my list keeps growing. Regardless, the break is nice.
Having this different schedule causes me to wonder how I accomplished anything when I worked full-time. It feels like a treat to not have to come home each night with a list of stuff to do and still have studying to get done too. Luckily, some of the things can be done while I'm at home for Christmas and/or when I get back. Then there are the aspects of being a student again that feel like perks...Christmas, summer, fall and spring breaks, free UTA pass, student discounts...looking for that silver lining.
12/19/07
12/13/07
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Had this almost finished and then managed to lose the whole thing....guess that serves me right somehow....
Though I think I did this in an email some time ago, it’s still fun to share. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!!! It's my favorite holiday and has been for years-school breaks, the music, shopping, treats, gift giving, sales, colors, decorations, lights, focusing more on the Savior, what's not to like? Here's a little info on my Christmas memories...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper. I love wrapping gifts.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Um, I don’t have a traditional tree, my apartment is much too small. I do have an artificial pink one on my desk at work and a silver, metal one with about 9 ornaments on it, at my house. Given the choice, I’d probably select a pre-lit artificial, I love the smell of a real tree but not having to deal with the lights sounds so worth it.
3. When do you put up the tree?
No tree (see #2). I do decorate my house though. Since I live alone I get to put up the decorations anytime I want. It’s been as early as the first weekend in November but rarely later than Thanksgiving weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down?
No tree (see #2). The decorations go down as they go up, whenever I’m ready and after that point, once I find the time. One year they were up until March.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Ugh, the thought of it makes me gag.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I can’t remember a favorite one but my most memorable would have to be the purple, pastel cassette/radio player when I was about 15. I really wanted it, had snooped and found it and told Lynette. On Christmas morning there was no box close to its shape so I was pretty bummed. As I attempted to open Lynette’s gift I was informed I had to save hers for last. When I was finally able to open it there was a note sending me elsewhere in the house where I found another gift. She’d sent me on a scavenger hunt from the basement to the loft and I had to come back to the living room before I opened each clue. The last gift was the radio. Yep, it was from her and she was so crushed that I’d found out, she “punished” me by making me run all over the house. I don’t remember being super happy about running all over but I’ve been very good about not snooping ever since. I still have the radio and don't plan to ever get rid of it. Lesson learned!
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Is the Pope Catholic? I have 17 up in my apartment this year and that’s not counting the nativity ornaments I have out too. Plus I have at least 5 more sets still in storage.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
I’d have to say my husband. He never says anything to me about what he wants or needs, course I don’t know who he is so that could have something to do with it. I’d have to say my dad. He buys whatever he wants and often it’s right after he’s given the hint about it.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
My husband, he never complains about anything…hee, hee…just couldn’t resist. Probably my sisters, our tastes are pretty similar so if I’d like it, chances are good they will too.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Let’s see…the Barbie BBQ set when I was in high school (no, I wasn’t still playing with Barbies then), the orange fluorescent, plaid, flannel shirt (I think that one was mine), or the makeup kit (that’s never been used for anything other than Halloween or flashback parties)...toss up as to which was the worst. Saddest thing about these, they were all from the same person just different years!
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail cards. I don’t send them every year (lately about one every 5-6 years) but when I do, they go out by mail. I have sent an e-card Christmas card occasionally but don’t really count that as a “real” Christmas card, more for kicks and giggles.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Toughie. I don’t really have one, have-to-watch-every-year favorite but a few I really like are: “White Christmas” “It’s a Wonderful Life” "Holiday Inn" “Miracle on 34th Street” (The oldie versions, no remakes for me and in black & white.) “The True Story of Santa Claus” “The Santa Clause” (The first one).
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Better question, when am I not shopping for Christmas? I spend much of the year thinking about what to make and/or give. I think some of my gifts this year were purchased in March. Gotta buy when I find something, the price is right and have the money.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I don’t think so but I know in the past I have received at least one from Ann and one from Deborah.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Our traditional Christmas Breakfast! Yes, Mom, I do want it this year even though we’ll be small in number…Also, ham and funeral potatoes are often served this season in our family plus Mom's orange rolls...mmmm....Hope the kitchen's done by the time I get home... Gingerbread and cinnamon almonds are other seasonal favorites
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Grew up with colored lights on the tree but am growing fonder of the clear light look.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
To quote from Ever After: “I could no sooner pick a favorite star in the heavens.” My short list of favorites would be 10-15 songs long and I’d still miss some favorites. And each season another one or two get added to the favorite list after performing them with choir.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel more often than not. Staying home would imply Christmas alone so off I go somewhere to celebrate with others.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
You bet I can: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, & Blitzen. (Did you know that the reindeer didn’t have names, nor was there a fixed number, until the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas?) Have much of the poem memorized and want to memorize the whole thing. I’m a reindeer purist so Rudolph doesn’t belong in the list above.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
No tree (see #2, gee, this is getting a bit redundant). We never had either but did have a glass tree topper we’d always use. I bought one years ago that I haven’t used yet (again, see #2).
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning for sure. We’d beg and plead to open one on Christmas Eve but were always denied. Thanks for that one, Mom & Dad!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The cold, slick roads, Utah's inversion, darkness at 4:00 in the afternoon, and driving around any store's parking lot 1000 times and still having to park in Egypt! But even those things are somehow forgotten and worth it each Christmas.
24. Do you buy gifts for your pets?
No pets but even if I did, I would not be buying gifts for them or getting something from them.
25. Have you ever been Christmas caroling?
Yes, when I was a teenager but I don’t think I have been since then. However, if you count my choir’s Christmas concerts then yes more recently than my teen years. (BTW, concerts are Sunday Dec 16th, 7:30 pm, St. Thomas More in Sandy and Sunday, Dec 23rd, 8:30 pm, Assembly Hall on Temple Square. Yes, I’m using my blog as a shameless plug. It’s my blog and I’ll plug if I want to, plug if I want to, plug if I want to. You would plug to if it happens to you…)
26. Hot chocolate or hot apple cider?
Both! Egg Harbor’s caramel apple cider…..mmmmmm….hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream…mmmm….flavored hot chocolate….mmmm….
Ok, I tag Brenda & Kelley (both need to update their blogs a bit if you ask me), Beth Anne (since she loves Christmas enough she’d do it anyway), my sisters (even though their answers might be very similar to mine) and anyone else who might want to share some Christmas memories.
Though I think I did this in an email some time ago, it’s still fun to share. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!!! It's my favorite holiday and has been for years-school breaks, the music, shopping, treats, gift giving, sales, colors, decorations, lights, focusing more on the Savior, what's not to like? Here's a little info on my Christmas memories...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper. I love wrapping gifts.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Um, I don’t have a traditional tree, my apartment is much too small. I do have an artificial pink one on my desk at work and a silver, metal one with about 9 ornaments on it, at my house. Given the choice, I’d probably select a pre-lit artificial, I love the smell of a real tree but not having to deal with the lights sounds so worth it.
3. When do you put up the tree?
No tree (see #2). I do decorate my house though. Since I live alone I get to put up the decorations anytime I want. It’s been as early as the first weekend in November but rarely later than Thanksgiving weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down?
No tree (see #2). The decorations go down as they go up, whenever I’m ready and after that point, once I find the time. One year they were up until March.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Ugh, the thought of it makes me gag.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I can’t remember a favorite one but my most memorable would have to be the purple, pastel cassette/radio player when I was about 15. I really wanted it, had snooped and found it and told Lynette. On Christmas morning there was no box close to its shape so I was pretty bummed. As I attempted to open Lynette’s gift I was informed I had to save hers for last. When I was finally able to open it there was a note sending me elsewhere in the house where I found another gift. She’d sent me on a scavenger hunt from the basement to the loft and I had to come back to the living room before I opened each clue. The last gift was the radio. Yep, it was from her and she was so crushed that I’d found out, she “punished” me by making me run all over the house. I don’t remember being super happy about running all over but I’ve been very good about not snooping ever since. I still have the radio and don't plan to ever get rid of it. Lesson learned!
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Is the Pope Catholic? I have 17 up in my apartment this year and that’s not counting the nativity ornaments I have out too. Plus I have at least 5 more sets still in storage.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
I’d have to say my husband. He never says anything to me about what he wants or needs, course I don’t know who he is so that could have something to do with it. I’d have to say my dad. He buys whatever he wants and often it’s right after he’s given the hint about it.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
My husband, he never complains about anything…hee, hee…just couldn’t resist. Probably my sisters, our tastes are pretty similar so if I’d like it, chances are good they will too.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Let’s see…the Barbie BBQ set when I was in high school (no, I wasn’t still playing with Barbies then), the orange fluorescent, plaid, flannel shirt (I think that one was mine), or the makeup kit (that’s never been used for anything other than Halloween or flashback parties)...toss up as to which was the worst. Saddest thing about these, they were all from the same person just different years!
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail cards. I don’t send them every year (lately about one every 5-6 years) but when I do, they go out by mail. I have sent an e-card Christmas card occasionally but don’t really count that as a “real” Christmas card, more for kicks and giggles.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Toughie. I don’t really have one, have-to-watch-every-year favorite but a few I really like are: “White Christmas” “It’s a Wonderful Life” "Holiday Inn" “Miracle on 34th Street” (The oldie versions, no remakes for me and in black & white.) “The True Story of Santa Claus” “The Santa Clause” (The first one).
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Better question, when am I not shopping for Christmas? I spend much of the year thinking about what to make and/or give. I think some of my gifts this year were purchased in March. Gotta buy when I find something, the price is right and have the money.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I don’t think so but I know in the past I have received at least one from Ann and one from Deborah.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Our traditional Christmas Breakfast! Yes, Mom, I do want it this year even though we’ll be small in number…Also, ham and funeral potatoes are often served this season in our family plus Mom's orange rolls...mmmm....Hope the kitchen's done by the time I get home... Gingerbread and cinnamon almonds are other seasonal favorites
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Grew up with colored lights on the tree but am growing fonder of the clear light look.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
To quote from Ever After: “I could no sooner pick a favorite star in the heavens.” My short list of favorites would be 10-15 songs long and I’d still miss some favorites. And each season another one or two get added to the favorite list after performing them with choir.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel more often than not. Staying home would imply Christmas alone so off I go somewhere to celebrate with others.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
You bet I can: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, & Blitzen. (Did you know that the reindeer didn’t have names, nor was there a fixed number, until the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas?) Have much of the poem memorized and want to memorize the whole thing. I’m a reindeer purist so Rudolph doesn’t belong in the list above.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
No tree (see #2, gee, this is getting a bit redundant). We never had either but did have a glass tree topper we’d always use. I bought one years ago that I haven’t used yet (again, see #2).
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning for sure. We’d beg and plead to open one on Christmas Eve but were always denied. Thanks for that one, Mom & Dad!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The cold, slick roads, Utah's inversion, darkness at 4:00 in the afternoon, and driving around any store's parking lot 1000 times and still having to park in Egypt! But even those things are somehow forgotten and worth it each Christmas.
24. Do you buy gifts for your pets?
No pets but even if I did, I would not be buying gifts for them or getting something from them.
25. Have you ever been Christmas caroling?
Yes, when I was a teenager but I don’t think I have been since then. However, if you count my choir’s Christmas concerts then yes more recently than my teen years. (BTW, concerts are Sunday Dec 16th, 7:30 pm, St. Thomas More in Sandy and Sunday, Dec 23rd, 8:30 pm, Assembly Hall on Temple Square. Yes, I’m using my blog as a shameless plug. It’s my blog and I’ll plug if I want to, plug if I want to, plug if I want to. You would plug to if it happens to you…)
26. Hot chocolate or hot apple cider?
Both! Egg Harbor’s caramel apple cider…..mmmmmm….hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream…mmmm….flavored hot chocolate….mmmm….
Ok, I tag Brenda & Kelley (both need to update their blogs a bit if you ask me), Beth Anne (since she loves Christmas enough she’d do it anyway), my sisters (even though their answers might be very similar to mine) and anyone else who might want to share some Christmas memories.
12/12/07
Spooky!
Easy as falling off a log....
So I've received some dating advice recently that was, to say the least, interesting. A boy in my ward said something about me having children and I answered that I wasn't married and so I wasn't a mom yet. The next day when I saw him (I tutor him so see him regularly) he brought up the subject again and the conversation went something like this:
C: "You just have to kiss someone and then you have a husband."
J: "If only it were that easy."
C: "It is. You just kiss someone to get a husband."
J: "But, Christian, if I did that then I would be moving away and wouldn't see you on Sundays."
C: "No, you could get a house here [meaning the neighborhood where a run-down needing lots of work has a list price of over $350k, sure, that's nothing but pocket lint...Also, why must I get the house? Best leave that one alone...] then you kiss someone and have a husband."
Last night I was at my sisters, to do my laundry and also watch her girls while she went Visiting Teaching. While we were having dinner, I mentioned the conversation to her. Not to be outdone, my niece piped up with her advice along these lines:
S: "You just kiss someone and then you get pregnant."
Pause from the adults, and eye contact between us, waiting to see what was coming next...
S: "You kiss someone. Then you get pregnant and then you become a family!"
If they are right, I either have a husband or two out there that I don't know about or a bunch of alimony due to me, I could use it to buy a house in my neighborhood...this is getting better and better. Heavens, I could even have a child or two running around somewhere...
(Guess I should have clarified at the start that both of the advisers are under the age of 7. Ah, the innocence of children...)
C: "You just have to kiss someone and then you have a husband."
J: "If only it were that easy."
C: "It is. You just kiss someone to get a husband."
J: "But, Christian, if I did that then I would be moving away and wouldn't see you on Sundays."
C: "No, you could get a house here [meaning the neighborhood where a run-down needing lots of work has a list price of over $350k, sure, that's nothing but pocket lint...Also, why must I get the house? Best leave that one alone...] then you kiss someone and have a husband."
Last night I was at my sisters, to do my laundry and also watch her girls while she went Visiting Teaching. While we were having dinner, I mentioned the conversation to her. Not to be outdone, my niece piped up with her advice along these lines:
S: "You just kiss someone and then you get pregnant."
Pause from the adults, and eye contact between us, waiting to see what was coming next...
S: "You kiss someone. Then you get pregnant and then you become a family!"
If they are right, I either have a husband or two out there that I don't know about or a bunch of alimony due to me, I could use it to buy a house in my neighborhood...this is getting better and better. Heavens, I could even have a child or two running around somewhere...
(Guess I should have clarified at the start that both of the advisers are under the age of 7. Ah, the innocence of children...)
11/19/07
Wedding Belles
I found these on msn.com and thought they were pretty interesting. Not sure who would be caught dead in some of these, let alone choose it on purpose for their wedding dress...
http://lifestyle.msn.com/specialguides/staticslideshowtkt.aspx?cp-documentid=5649607&imageindex=1
http://lifestyle.msn.com/specialguides/staticslideshowtkt.aspx?cp-documentid=5649607&imageindex=1
11/10/07
All Black & Blue
My poor little car had a bruise on it. It was just parked on the street, not hurting or bothering anyone and this big, mean pickup truck attacked it....I don't know why it couldn't just pick on someone it's own size...
On October 13th, I was babysitting Lynette's girls when there was a knock on the door. When Shayla, Cambree and I answered it, the gentleman at the door asked who owned the car parked across the street. I said it was mine and he said that the tire on their pickup truck had come off and flew into my car. I looked out and they were working on getting a spare tire onto their truck and I saw a long scrape on the asphalt from the truck sliding without a front tire.
When Lynette came home she got more details from their neighbor and apparently the teenage son was driving, rather fast, down the street and the lug nuts were loose and flew off followed by the tire. My poor car but I do have to say it was pretty brave, it didn't cry once.
One blessing is that the family works in the insurance business so they are not ones to let an accident go unreported or unclaimed. They immediately told me about the accident and later the father of the driver (Lynette and Brian's former Stake President no less) came by with all the insurance information and a claim number.
Luckily it's pretty minor, as far as my highly trained eye can tell. I took it in for an estimate at a couple different body shops before getting it fixed and it was about $1100 damage and would take about 3 days to fix. Good thing I thought to ask about a rental car. Three days without a car would have made me nuts!
Thankfully no one was hurt. (I didn't have a clue the accident had even happened.) I'm not sure what would have happened had I followed the thought to not park my car where I did, but had I not, the tire might have gone into the house across the street and caused more damage or even injured someone.
My car's been to the doctor's and they fixed it all up, it looks just like new again and I get to drive around in my cute, unbruised little car as if nothing ever happned. Of course I had to return the loaded 2007 Mazda 6 that I drove while my car was in surgery....I really like having my car back but it would been have some of the Mazda's extras in my car. Maybe my next car can have all that fun stuff in it too.
On October 13th, I was babysitting Lynette's girls when there was a knock on the door. When Shayla, Cambree and I answered it, the gentleman at the door asked who owned the car parked across the street. I said it was mine and he said that the tire on their pickup truck had come off and flew into my car. I looked out and they were working on getting a spare tire onto their truck and I saw a long scrape on the asphalt from the truck sliding without a front tire.
When Lynette came home she got more details from their neighbor and apparently the teenage son was driving, rather fast, down the street and the lug nuts were loose and flew off followed by the tire. My poor car but I do have to say it was pretty brave, it didn't cry once. One blessing is that the family works in the insurance business so they are not ones to let an accident go unreported or unclaimed. They immediately told me about the accident and later the father of the driver (Lynette and Brian's former Stake President no less) came by with all the insurance information and a claim number.Luckily it's pretty minor, as far as my highly trained eye can tell. I took it in for an estimate at a couple different body shops before getting it fixed and it was about $1100 damage and would take about 3 days to fix. Good thing I thought to ask about a rental car. Three days without a car would have made me nuts!
Thankfully no one was hurt. (I didn't have a clue the accident had even happened.) I'm not sure what would have happened had I followed the thought to not park my car where I did, but had I not, the tire might have gone into the house across the street and caused more damage or even injured someone.My car's been to the doctor's and they fixed it all up, it looks just like new again and I get to drive around in my cute, unbruised little car as if nothing ever happned. Of course I had to return the loaded 2007 Mazda 6 that I drove while my car was in surgery....I really like having my car back but it would been have some of the Mazda's extras in my car. Maybe my next car can have all that fun stuff in it too.
11/9/07
Twilight readers, don't hyperventilate!
Thanks to my cute sister, Ann for this!
Which Twilight novel character are you?
You're Bella Swan - You are intelligent and kind but not quite sure what you want out of life yet. You have a feeling there's something more out there for you. You're attracted to those who are real and avoid the fake. Sometimes you're a bit accident prone, but your true friends will always be loyal to you and come to your aid when you need it.
Take this quiz!
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Which Twilight novel character are you?
You're Bella Swan - You are intelligent and kind but not quite sure what you want out of life yet. You have a feeling there's something more out there for you. You're attracted to those who are real and avoid the fake. Sometimes you're a bit accident prone, but your true friends will always be loyal to you and come to your aid when you need it.
Take this quiz!
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11/2/07
Viva Italia!
| You Belong in Rome |
 |
Janette, when do we leave?!
10/29/07
Check This Out!
My sister Ann has such cute ideas and is very creative. She heard about a website that specializes in all things handmade and has posted some items. If you are looking for great baby, Christmas or birthday gifts, take a look at these:
http://www.alltuckedin.etsy.com/
Knowing Ann they are great quality and low priced making them perfect gifts! Also knowing Ann, she'll be adding other great items to her boutique and continuing to wow us all so keep checking her site!!!
http://www.alltuckedin.etsy.com/
Knowing Ann they are great quality and low priced making them perfect gifts! Also knowing Ann, she'll be adding other great items to her boutique and continuing to wow us all so keep checking her site!!!
10/12/07
Dating Suckiness
Some time ago I heard the song "Sucks to be you" by Danielle Peck and it just made me laugh...sadly, there are so many men I'd love to send a copy of the words and song to....Here are the lyrics and I'm sure you'll understand what I mean....(oh, the joys of dating just keep going on and on and on...I really don't like the word "sucks" but sometimes it's just fits the best....)
DANIELLE PECK LYRICS
"Sucks To Be You"
I tried to love you baby
But I couldn't make you happy
And it just really shouldn't be so hard
I gave and you kept taking
You made some big mistakes and
You were always careless with my heart
[Chorus:]
I'm happier now
Ain't it funny how
All it took was leaving you
To finally feel good again
You say you're sorry now
That you figured out
Just what it was that you had to lose
It sucks to be you
You used your last chance so
I went and found romance oh
You really just can't stand it can you
You see the smile on my face
And it really drives you crazy
Just to see how much better off I am without you
[Chorus:]
I'm happier now
Ain't it funny how
All it took was leaving you
To finally feel good again
You say you're sorry now
That you figured out
Just what it was that you had to lose
Well it sucks to be you
Don't worry baby
I'm sure you'll find someone too
Yeah, who'll put up with you
[Chorus:]
I'm happier now
Ain't it funny how
All it took was leaving you
To finally feel good
You say you're sorry now
That you figured out
Just what it was that you had to lose
[Chorus:]
I'm happier now
Ain't it funny how
All it took was leaving you
To finally feel good again
You say you're sorry now
That you figured out
Just what it was that you had to lose
What it was that you had to lose
Well it sucks to be you
It sucks to be you
Yeah
I'm gone
It sucks to be, It sucks to be, It sucks to be you
I'm gone
[Thanks to Ashley Thomas (pyro4life1990@yahoo.com) for these lyrics]
Edited by JaNae Broadbent
Parade of Homes ideas
As promised, here are some pictures with various ideas from the Salt Lake Parade of Homes show. Enjoy all you creative people....
Great idea for a calendar...I think they used wallpaper and ribbons & then added in the date info on paper...used pins to keep track of things....
Close-up of the wall calendar...Full of ticket stubs and such too...
A better closeup....
This master bathroom (yes, bathroom) was bigger than my apartment, well, it sure felt that way,....that's a water-feature behind the tub which is a wall of the shower, HUGE walk in close, sink, small fridge & microwave too, even an area for exercise equipment in the closet...
I really liked the windows above the bed like that...
Loved the colors of this accent tile in the bathroom & shower...
Very cleaver idea for a shadowbox picture frame....Black and White with an accent color (red, pink, yellow) was really big for bedrooms and bathrooms for little through older teen girls.
Just what every backyard/house needs, your own, personal climbing wall....
Not just a pretty waterfall in the backyard but a POOL with a slide....I want one!!!
Yes, this is INSIDE the house...Man, now fit would we be if we had our own ½ court basketball court...I was standing inside the dance studio upstairs taking the picture (yes, their own basketball court and dance studio...)
The other wall of the basketball court....under the "treehouse" are the stairs to the court....
The dance studio.....
A Utah sunset on the way home from "home shopping...."
10/9/07
Having fun or not...
...time sure does fly! I attended my 20th High School reunion Saturday night (Oct. 6th). It was fun to see everyone again. Surprisingly, most of those attending were still recognizable after all the years. Several said the same about me. We did a "class picture" and when one of the guys joined the group, I called his name and turned around to say "Hi." Later in the evening when I was talking with him, he said that I didn't need to even say anything, he knew exactly who I was once I turned and faced him; that I hadn't changed one bit since high school. I suppose that's a compliment but I'd like to think that I've done some changing (hopefully for the better) since high school graduation.
Several had their cameras going off taking pictures of everyone. Luckily, with the modern convenience of email and digital pictures, those are already being shared with everyone. I need to email a couple people to be sure and get their copies of pictures since my camera stayed in my purse most of the night. Thank heavens for the spouses of my former classmates, they did a great job catching still images of the whole evening's festivities.
I was really surprised how many people have stayed within our small suburb, or a neighboring one, and of that group, how many did not attend the reunion. I realize that most of us have had no contact with each other for 20 years, myself included, but I made the effort to come 1500 miles for the evening, couldn't they come the 5-10 miles from their homes???? That's ok, the few of us who came had a good time. Don't know if I'll attend any others in the future but after making my appearance at this one, I know better what to expect and can make a more accurate decision.
Though the people won't mean much to you, here are a few pictures of those in attendance....(mind you, I didn't attend a high school with any other active LDS members in my graduating class....)
Several had their cameras going off taking pictures of everyone. Luckily, with the modern convenience of email and digital pictures, those are already being shared with everyone. I need to email a couple people to be sure and get their copies of pictures since my camera stayed in my purse most of the night. Thank heavens for the spouses of my former classmates, they did a great job catching still images of the whole evening's festivities.
I was really surprised how many people have stayed within our small suburb, or a neighboring one, and of that group, how many did not attend the reunion. I realize that most of us have had no contact with each other for 20 years, myself included, but I made the effort to come 1500 miles for the evening, couldn't they come the 5-10 miles from their homes???? That's ok, the few of us who came had a good time. Don't know if I'll attend any others in the future but after making my appearance at this one, I know better what to expect and can make a more accurate decision.
Though the people won't mean much to you, here are a few pictures of those in attendance....(mind you, I didn't attend a high school with any other active LDS members in my graduating class....)
Pict. 1: Donny Fisher, Justin Koehler & Jack Losic
Pict 2: Me, Neil Buchelt, Todd Hanssen, Moonish Patel (Moonish's wife)
Pict 3: Jason Konder, Katy Quinlan, Karen Reese, Byron Wright, Tomi Taggart & RC McLaurin
Pict 4: Kent Walker, Dan Winz, RC McLaurin, Tom Kellen
Pict 5: Tomi Taggart & Sally Pelzer
9/28/07
Email Forward...
Just a few items I received in an email forward. Some are good reminders and others just made me smile....
* Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
* When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
* People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
* Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever. (How true is this one?!)
* Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
* God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
* I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?! (This one cracks me up!)
* We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
* God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
* God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
* If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats! (Maybe a new bumper sticker...)
* Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
* The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
* The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
* Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
* When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
* People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
* Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever. (How true is this one?!)
* Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
* God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
* I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?! (This one cracks me up!)
* We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
* God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
* God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
* If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats! (Maybe a new bumper sticker...)
* Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
* The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
* The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
9/24/07
9/23/07
Technology issues continued...
Don't know what's up with my blog side-bar. It just moved itself with my last post. Guess this just isn't my week for computers. Hopefully it will right itself. Otherwise I might have to change the look of my blog again to try and fix it. Not a huge deal but I tend to add my own touch to the template so it takes time to make changes which means it might be staying like this for a little while longer. Hope it's a fabulous week for all of us! Enjoy.
9/21/07
All good things must come to an end...
Why is that? Why can't we just stay in summer and no school or work forever??? Oh, yeah, food, shelter, clothing...bummer...Before school started back up I took a little time off to relax and enjoy the summer activities and weather. So here's my "What I did over the Summer" summary....
- Touring all 33 houses on the Salt Lake Parade of Homes in 3 days. (I'll be sharing some of the ideas I gathered in a future post.)
- Straightening up my bedroom and rearranging furniture.
- Completing my GRE prep course and the exam. Listening to others in my classes worry and prepare for the exam, I'm really glad to have it over with.
- Three trips to Salt Lake's Hogle Zoo.
- Dinner with Kara during her 1½ day visit to SLC from Tokyo. (Kara, please be sure to send me copies of the pictures you took while we were together. Can't wait to see you again for Christmas, hopefully.)
- Several family outings: Bear Lake for a family reunion with Nathan, Shayla's 4th Birthday party, Midway with Mom & Dad, Kelley's family cabin with the UT group + Mom & Dad, picnic in Bountiful while Ann, Tyler & Lucy where here, babysitting Shayla and Cambree...
- Activity Day Outing with the 8-11 year-old girls from church.
- A couple temp jobs.
- Getting my schedule all worked out for the fall; Anatomy of Speech and Hearing, Language Science, Pediatric Speech Pathology, Voice Lessons, and Aural Habilitation/Rehabilitation.
- Meeting some new guys at various singles activities, meeting new men isn't a regular occurrence so definitely worth recording. No announcements (several of them have already disappeared) just being honest about the summer.
- Setting up a part-time job that works well with my schedule.
- Meeting with my academic advisor, 2 full semesters and 1 on-line class next summer, then I'm all finished with the prerequisites!
Now it's back to school and work...After this full, relaxing and enjoyable summer, I'm really thinking that a job within a school is a great way to go after I'm done with my master's program. Vacations in the rest of the business world don't come often enough or long enough.
Ugh...more computer issues, had this all ready to go and then, somehow, I deleted it ALL, pictures, text, everything! Then there's all the spacing issues with my post...Sometimes computers can be such a pain....
9/11/07
Technology advances?
UGH! My computer was acting up so my brother took a look at it for me and fixed a bunch of things. Somehow the printer drivers disappeared and I don't know how it happened but now I can't print. Not a huge deal except that I have articles the professor put on reserve that I need to print and read tonight. Well, I im'ed my bro and asked him how to fix it quickly since I don't know where the cd might be. He suggested that I check the manufacturer's website and download the drivers. Well, I started that tonight with the estimated time being at most 1900 minutes, which translates into 31 hours, for dial-up users! (Yes, I still use dial-up, it's just so cheap and generally works fine for my needs....maybe I really should consider my provider's DSL option for only a few dollars more. I know I should get with the times but I'm trying to be good and cut costs wherever necessary during this whole school thing....) I looked too to see about having them send me the installation cd. They charge me for it and I won't get it for 5-7 days....That doesn't really work either. So I started the download and have been doing other things at the same time (probably adding to the download time since my little dial-up system is so bogged down). Well, after 20 minutes or so 1% was completed, I get this error type sound from my computer and noticed that the download screen was gone! In its place was a screen telling me that I wasn't permitted to access something on my server! Guess I have to figure out where the installation disk is that came with my printer when I bought it....Good thing I only needed to be on the internet for a few minutes tonight.....so much for that one....
Geez, now my internet randomly disconnected and I lost the check I was doing to see if the drivers were even installed correctly to try and troubleshoot that way....guess it's just not my night for the computer....
Geez, now my internet randomly disconnected and I lost the check I was doing to see if the drivers were even installed correctly to try and troubleshoot that way....guess it's just not my night for the computer....
9/2/07
Quick note before bed
Where has the time gone? I don't think I realized just how long it's been since I last posted to my blog until I saw Jennie's comment asking where I was. Then I double checked my last posting date and realized a whole month has gone by. Sorry about that, I've been faithfully checking your blogs and posting there occasionally too, just not felt like I had tons to add to mine. I promise I'm still alive, So, before I lay me down to sleep, I'll post to my blog so my friends will keep....lame I know.
School started back up for the fall 2 weeks ago and I'm busy with classes and homework. I have a temp job in the morning, as of last Wednesday, and an offer for a permanent part-time job as well, as of Friday afternoon. The temp job assignment is 1-2 months but it is M-F 20 hours/week which I'm doing in the mornings. The other job I can make about the same money but working 5 less hours a week & 2 less days giving me 2 mornings to stay on campus and study. The permanent part time position is probably the best since I need to keep school my highest priority to be able to meet my GPA goal. Having those 2 mornings to study would be key for me so that I can have a little bit of a life after school's over in the evenings and feel like my whole world isn't so upside down. I won't know how quick I can get out of the temp job until Tuesday so wish me luck that they'll let me out sooner rather than later since I have some tests in the next couple weeks that I'm no where near ready for...
I'm going to end it here so I can go get some sleep in preparation for several hours of studying tomorrow....I know you all wish it could be you instead of me....I wish it could be you instead of me too....I have started a more detailed update I'll get posted with pictures soon, had some issues with the pictures when I tried before. Thanks for keeping up on me, Jennie, and thanks for keeping your blogs more updated than mine, it's been fun to see the pictures and know how all of you are doing. It's a perfect break from the studies. Have a super Labor Day weekend!
School started back up for the fall 2 weeks ago and I'm busy with classes and homework. I have a temp job in the morning, as of last Wednesday, and an offer for a permanent part-time job as well, as of Friday afternoon. The temp job assignment is 1-2 months but it is M-F 20 hours/week which I'm doing in the mornings. The other job I can make about the same money but working 5 less hours a week & 2 less days giving me 2 mornings to stay on campus and study. The permanent part time position is probably the best since I need to keep school my highest priority to be able to meet my GPA goal. Having those 2 mornings to study would be key for me so that I can have a little bit of a life after school's over in the evenings and feel like my whole world isn't so upside down. I won't know how quick I can get out of the temp job until Tuesday so wish me luck that they'll let me out sooner rather than later since I have some tests in the next couple weeks that I'm no where near ready for...
I'm going to end it here so I can go get some sleep in preparation for several hours of studying tomorrow....I know you all wish it could be you instead of me....I wish it could be you instead of me too....I have started a more detailed update I'll get posted with pictures soon, had some issues with the pictures when I tried before. Thanks for keeping up on me, Jennie, and thanks for keeping your blogs more updated than mine, it's been fun to see the pictures and know how all of you are doing. It's a perfect break from the studies. Have a super Labor Day weekend!
7/30/07
Noah's Ark
I going through some of my email forwards and saw this at the end of one and I thought I'd post it here:
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark
One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark
One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
7/26/07
Just for fun...
I thought I'd see which house I'd fit in even though I still haven't ready any of the Harry Potter books, seen the movies and own 1-4 so not completely Harry illiterate:
The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!
Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."
Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.
Take the most scientific Harry Potter Quiz ever created.
7/20/07
7/19/07
Credit Card Rewards
If you don't have a credit card which gives you points for something, get one! They are so worth it in my opinion. (Bank of America has one and their annual fee is only $30 if I remember right.) If you're going to use a credit card anyway, you might as well get some type of reward for giving the company your hard earned money....
Mine gives me points which I can use for a variety of things including travel. After so many points are accrued, I can use them for an airline ticket. I get "a voucher" for the lowest advertised fare on their reservation site. I looked into prices a couple weeks ago for a round trip ticket home to Chicago. I would have had to pay the difference from the lowest fare to the one of my choice of about $150 when I first checked. Not too bad for a round trip ticket but not so great for my current extremely "fixed" income so I thought I'd wait a little and see if the fares go down at all.
Well, yesterday I decided to check fares again and the difference was only $10! Yes, you can say that I just purchased a round trip ticket to Chicago for $10!!! Not sure that I've ever done that in my lifetime, or ever will again. Of course, it would have been better if it was 100% free but $10 is pretty reasonable and I don't feel guilty at all about buying a ticket without regular full-time work. (Gee, I've got $40+ in change in a jar in my bedroom.) If you decide to go this route, put everything you can on your credit card to earn the points, of course paying off the balance each month and getting into debt, and in no time at all you'll have earned a free ticket too. I think it took me about 2 years to get enough points for this trip. And with my current financial decrease, this is a total blessing to allow me a trip I wanted without having to go deeper into debt.
Now the fun begins...planning the rest of the trips' activities! There will be my High School Reunion, maybe a trip or two into the city, have to look into Wicked tickets again, maybe checking out graduate schools...so many options...
Mine gives me points which I can use for a variety of things including travel. After so many points are accrued, I can use them for an airline ticket. I get "a voucher" for the lowest advertised fare on their reservation site. I looked into prices a couple weeks ago for a round trip ticket home to Chicago. I would have had to pay the difference from the lowest fare to the one of my choice of about $150 when I first checked. Not too bad for a round trip ticket but not so great for my current extremely "fixed" income so I thought I'd wait a little and see if the fares go down at all.
Well, yesterday I decided to check fares again and the difference was only $10! Yes, you can say that I just purchased a round trip ticket to Chicago for $10!!! Not sure that I've ever done that in my lifetime, or ever will again. Of course, it would have been better if it was 100% free but $10 is pretty reasonable and I don't feel guilty at all about buying a ticket without regular full-time work. (Gee, I've got $40+ in change in a jar in my bedroom.) If you decide to go this route, put everything you can on your credit card to earn the points, of course paying off the balance each month and getting into debt, and in no time at all you'll have earned a free ticket too. I think it took me about 2 years to get enough points for this trip. And with my current financial decrease, this is a total blessing to allow me a trip I wanted without having to go deeper into debt.
Now the fun begins...planning the rest of the trips' activities! There will be my High School Reunion, maybe a trip or two into the city, have to look into Wicked tickets again, maybe checking out graduate schools...so many options...
7/11/07
Thank Heavens for Blogs
One of the women at work received flowers today and it reminded one of the men here that he should send his wife flowers. Later, a couple other guys were talking about how they didn't have a reason to send flowers to their wives and I said that was the best reason to do so. And, one juy mentioned that part of him considers giving flowers a waste. Wanting to back up my arugemnt and be right, I remembered that I'd posted a story from the Reader's Digest not too long ago relating to this exact subjet. Of course I had to find the story and email it to the two gentlemen who were a bit hesitant. Guess there may be a little follow up on this topic tomorrow.
7/9/07
Come to find out...
...in addition to owning the Dodo Restaurant, I have my own country. I really do. Just ask my niece Shayla. Shayla's been referring to the Dodo as "JaNae's Restaurant" for awhile now. She'll ask Lynette to take her there when they are at the Gateway or metion they had lunch with friends at my restaurant. I'm sure she got that idea from one afternoon I met Lynette there for lunch and at the last second Shayla said she wanted to come too. The 3 of us enjoyed lunch together and then did a little shopping at The Gateway Mall. Since then, it's become my restaurant.
As to the country, well, Lynette called me on Saturday and said that Shayla had been playing at a park and made a new friend. (They are vacationing in Chicago at Papa and Grandma Cago's house.) Shayla commented on how she has lots of friends; all of her friends at her house, friends in Chicago and friend's in "JaNae's country." I commented back to Lynette that I was Queen of the Universe and that the world revolves around me, when it's not revolving around her daughter of course. You just never know what to expect out of the mouths of nieces and nephews.
As to the country, well, Lynette called me on Saturday and said that Shayla had been playing at a park and made a new friend. (They are vacationing in Chicago at Papa and Grandma Cago's house.) Shayla commented on how she has lots of friends; all of her friends at her house, friends in Chicago and friend's in "JaNae's country." I commented back to Lynette that I was Queen of the Universe and that the world revolves around me, when it's not revolving around her daughter of course. You just never know what to expect out of the mouths of nieces and nephews.
7/6/07
Saturday Road Trip
A couple weeks ago I decided to clear my schedule and head down to attend a session in the Manti Temple. Luckily it was a pleasant Saturday afternoon, not too hot and not much traffic. I brought along my MP3 player (which I can plug into my car's audio system!!!) and listened to some music as I drove. Of course, singing along most the way down and back. Who cares what I looked like to everyone I passed on the road....I was having a good time.
The Manti Temple is such a beautiful temple. I haven't been down th
ere for a session in several years and I'd forgotten just how elegant it is. So many memories came back from my first time through the temple, which was at this temple, and from the years of visiting Aunt Jane and Uncle Chris, and family, when they were living in Manti. (I just love the temples but the pioneer temples and all their history...I think they are extra special.)
On the way home (getting out of "Dodge" before all the Manti Pageant attendees arrived) I stopped and visited Grandma's grave in Mt. Pleasant for a little while (no memory writing this trip because I was getting together with friends that evening in SLC and was a little pressed for time).
I also stopped by Cousin Lee Phillps' house where we've held family reunions. I think they've sold the house since the facade has been changed and a couple pulled in who didn't look familiar at all.Lastly, was a stop for a Bishop's Shake...well not a bishop's shake exactly but I did get a shake and dinner from the Dairy Freeze to enjoy on the drive home. Then back on the road for my return to SLC. It was a great visit (I guess you call it that when you do a solo road trip). Very relaxing and worth the time. I have to be sure and go back again soon but this time make sure can stay to do some writing at Grandma's grave and get memories of her recorded. (That makes two temple road trips this summer...one in May and one in June...think I'll be planning one for July and August too....)
7/5/07
"J" Answers
COPY AND PASTE REPLY, ERASE ANSWERS
AND PUT IN ANSWERS THAT START WITH
THE FIRST LETTER OF THE NAME YOU GO BY.
1. Famous singer/band….Josh Groban (that voice!)
2. 4 letter word: ...... Jump
3. Street name:.... J Avenue
3. Street name:.... J Avenue
4 .Color:...... Jungle Green (thank you crayola.com)
5. Gifts / presents:...... Jewels
6. Vehicle: ..... Jeep
6. Vehicle: ..... Jeep
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop:.... Junk
8. Boy Name: ....... Jeorge
9. Girl Name:..... Jasmine
10. Movie Title: ...... Jumpin' Jack Flash
11. Drink:....... Jamba Juice
12. An Occupation:. ..... Journalist
13. Flower:...... Juniper (ok, it's a tree but as close as I can get)
14. Celebrity: ....... Jimmy Stewart
15. Magazine.... ....... Jack & Jill
16. U.S. city........Jacksonville, FL
17. Pro Sports Team: .... Jaguars
18. Fruit: ..... Jelly (again as close as I can get)
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: ... Jam, as in traffic
20. Something You Throw Away:.... Junk Mail
21. Things You Shout: ...... "Jerk" (not very often)
22. Cartoon Character: ...... Jerry the Mouse
7/3/07
Have you ever noticed....
...people don't call any more because of email and don't email because of blogs....
...the 3-second rule no longer exists when driving....
...not everyone knows what "yield" signs mean....
...the flow of traffic seems to have increased....
...how fast time files when on the internet....
...how "cool" 80 degrees can feel after 100 degree temps....
...that there are some songs that just beg to be played full blast....
..."save the flow" toilets don't really save much water because they have to be flushed twice....
...it really stinks to be the hourly temp when everyone's leaving early before a holiday or on a Friday....
..how there are somethings you just never forget and others you never seem to remember....
...driving with the windows down, the music blaring and singing at the top of your lungs go perfectly together....
...despite what they say, computers really do have minds of their own....
...reconnecting with old friends can be wonderful....
...most people use a very limited vocuabulary to communicate....
...the simplist of activites or places can bring back floods of memories....
...there's just way too much double work done in life....
...everything is now in lists....
...the 3-second rule no longer exists when driving....
...not everyone knows what "yield" signs mean....
...the flow of traffic seems to have increased....
...how fast time files when on the internet....
...how "cool" 80 degrees can feel after 100 degree temps....
...that there are some songs that just beg to be played full blast....
..."save the flow" toilets don't really save much water because they have to be flushed twice....
...it really stinks to be the hourly temp when everyone's leaving early before a holiday or on a Friday....
..how there are somethings you just never forget and others you never seem to remember....
...driving with the windows down, the music blaring and singing at the top of your lungs go perfectly together....
...despite what they say, computers really do have minds of their own....
...reconnecting with old friends can be wonderful....
...most people use a very limited vocuabulary to communicate....
...the simplist of activites or places can bring back floods of memories....
...there's just way too much double work done in life....
...everything is now in lists....
6/29/07
Family History Roll
So, once in awhile I come up with a good idea and, this is the amazing part, execute the idea. I'm pretty pleased with myself for this one, which would be why I'm sharing it with the "cyberworld."Visiting graves on or near Memorial Day hasn't always been a tradition, though it should be I know. Growing up so far from my family members' graves made it more challenging. Since I've been back in Utah, I have managed to visit gravesites a few times near Memorial Day but still not consistently. This year I went to Grandpa B's grave on Sunday afternoon. While I was there I had the thought to write my memories of him. So I returned to my car, retrieved a notebook, pen and chair and then sat at Grandpa's grave and recorded my memories.
It was fun to bring back those thoughts and images. There weren't many (Grandpa wasn't retired when I was little and then when he did retire he had two strokes which affected him physically & mentally and put some limitations on my interactions with him). But the ones I have are precious; he teaching me how to walk through a puddle when I was about 4 is probably my favorite. Plus, I was a kid and the idea of chatting with a bunch of adults wasn't why I came to visit Grandma & Grandpa, it was all about playing with my cousins. You know, just being a kid.
When I returned home I pulled out the transcript from his funeral and reread that. (Thanks again, Ann, for putting it together and giving us all a copy for Christmas a few years ago.) I enjoyed reading the memories others shared that day and getting to know Grandpa a little better again. I find it a bit ironic that even though I didn't know Grandpa that well or interacted with him as much as I would have liked, I still miss him. I miss knowing he's there and feeling his love for me. Of course I’ll always have those tangible things which instantly remind me of him – raspberry sherbet and Fig Newtons – to bring back the feelings.
My goal now is to do the same with Grandma Hafen and Uncle Steven so that those memories don't fade any more than they already have. Guess that means I'll be doing a couple road trips since Grandma and Uncle Steven are buried in Mt. Pleasant and Cedar City respectively. (Now if those famous stories we keep hearing from Dad and Mom about their growing up years could get recorded, we'd be on a family history roll!)
6/28/07
A few 5's About Me
Just another way to get to know me a little better, anything surprising?
What was I doing 10 years ago?
1997, I don’t really remember. Working in Park City still I think or was it Fox & Company? I’d have to check my resume to be sure where. Not much else was different really-working, playing, spending time with BA & Brenda, dating occasionally, only had 1 nephew (now have 3 and 3 nieces)….
What was I doing 1 year ago?
Working (full time) at Primedia Scrapbooking on the retail sales team. Taking a community ed. Photoshop class (doing classes again but for a new degree, hmmm... interesting)
5 snacks I enjoy:
Black Licorice & Black Jelly Beans
Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream or frozen yogurt
Thin Mint cookies
Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Chips
Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Chips
5 songs I know all the words to:
only 5?! I sing with a choir and all our music is memorized!
Tons of church ones
Tons of musicals – Guys & Dolls, Sound of Music, Little Women, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing…,Oklahoma!, Cinderella, Pajama Game to name a few
“America the Beautiful”
Donny & Marie’s good night song (but give me a minute to get it started and not confused with Lawrence Welk's, have his memorized too)
“Silent Night”
“I Will Survive”
“Wait ‘til You’re Older”
5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
Go back to school WITHOUT student loans
Pay off my car
Buy a house
Travel whenever & wherever I wanted
Spend more time volunteering and less time working
Work as a substitute teacher again just for the fun of it
5 things I like to do:
Getting lost in a good book
Sing
Blast the car radio with the windows down (when it’s not too hot)
Hang out with nephews & nieces (biological & “adopted”)
Dance
5 things I will NEVER wear again:
My hair really, really long or without layers
My red w/with polka dot dress (yet I can’t bring myself to get rid of it)
Powder blue eye shadow or eyeliner
A jumpsuit
70's Polyester pants
5 of my bad habits:
Procrastination
Ripping my nails down when stressed
Snooze buttons
Staying up way too late
Flipping tv channels
5 of my favorite toys:
My car
My blog
My MP3 player
My “entertainment system”
The sound system in my car
What was I doing 10 years ago?
1997, I don’t really remember. Working in Park City still I think or was it Fox & Company? I’d have to check my resume to be sure where. Not much else was different really-working, playing, spending time with BA & Brenda, dating occasionally, only had 1 nephew (now have 3 and 3 nieces)….
What was I doing 1 year ago?
Working (full time) at Primedia Scrapbooking on the retail sales team. Taking a community ed. Photoshop class (doing classes again but for a new degree, hmmm... interesting)
5 snacks I enjoy:
Black Licorice & Black Jelly Beans
Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream or frozen yogurt
Thin Mint cookies
Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Chips
Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Chips
5 songs I know all the words to:
only 5?! I sing with a choir and all our music is memorized!
Tons of church ones
Tons of musicals – Guys & Dolls, Sound of Music, Little Women, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing…,Oklahoma!, Cinderella, Pajama Game to name a few
“America the Beautiful”
Donny & Marie’s good night song (but give me a minute to get it started and not confused with Lawrence Welk's, have his memorized too)
“Silent Night”
“I Will Survive”
“Wait ‘til You’re Older”
5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
Go back to school WITHOUT student loans
Pay off my car
Buy a house
Travel whenever & wherever I wanted
Spend more time volunteering and less time working
Work as a substitute teacher again just for the fun of it
5 things I like to do:
Getting lost in a good book
Sing
Blast the car radio with the windows down (when it’s not too hot)
Hang out with nephews & nieces (biological & “adopted”)
Dance
5 things I will NEVER wear again:
My hair really, really long or without layers
My red w/with polka dot dress (yet I can’t bring myself to get rid of it)
Powder blue eye shadow or eyeliner
A jumpsuit
70's Polyester pants
5 of my bad habits:
Procrastination
Ripping my nails down when stressed
Snooze buttons
Staying up way too late
Flipping tv channels
5 of my favorite toys:
My car
My blog
My MP3 player
My “entertainment system”
The sound system in my car
6/26/07
It's Scheduled...
....I have registered to take the GRE on Saturday, July 21st at 8:00 am! My prep course ends on the 18th, I think I'll finish up working at this temp job on the 20th and then take the GRE on Saturday morning (so I can relax the rest of the weekend). So that summer morning I'll be sitting at a computer in the U's student services building trying to intelligently answer the questions that pop up on the screen in the time allotted. Everything I've read recommends that I plan 4 hours for the test. Ugh! [In-out-in-out...keep breathing...steady...in-out-in-out]I still can't believe I'm doing this. However, the prep course I'm taking is very helpful and I'm surprised at how much is coming back from my HS math courses 20+ years ago! Also, the instructor is giving us pointers and hints to perform to our best ability and hopefully out smart the "trick" questions. He recommends that we take the exam as soon after the course ends as we can.
Now to keep going on the preparations, narrow down graduate schools and take the exam, then my summer of classes will be finished up and I can enjoy a down-time until the insanity begins again. Course I've still need to get a part-time job in place if possible...so much for the down-time.
6/25/07
Yippeeeee!
I found out today that my on-line class final is NOT comprehensive!!! Talk about a relief. Less stuff to make sure is crammed into my brain by Saturday when I'm scheduled to take the exam. Here's hoping I do at least as well as I did on the mid-term (which was great in my opinion!).
Spoiled
Ok, I'll admit it, I'm spoiled...and I love it...This temp job has such fast internet service, and with so little to do I can surf the web much of the day if I want. Pictures and such are up in milliseconds. Last night I got on the internet at home for a little while and just about went nuts waiting for things to open and download. (Because it's cheap and I usually don't use my home internet much, I'm still using dial-up.) After this lightening speed I'm thinking maybe I should look into another option that's faster. Juno is advertising broadband for under $20 a month, that's who I have my dial-up with, maybe I'll take a closer look at the fine print and see if that will work for me and then you can all welcome me back to the 21st Century.
6/22/07
Yeah for FRIDAY, I think
I always love my Fridays. Even when I don't have anything planned, I enjoy knowing that I have 2 days to do what I want and not have to worry about work. Well, one of my lovely tasks at this temp job is to clean out the refrigerator every Friday afternoon. How lucky can a girl get?! Good thing this isn't a permanent position or that job would be delegated as soon as possible. Guess I'd better go get the undesirable task completed so I can go home with a clear conscience. (Geez, I don't even clean out my fridge once a year let alone weekly!) Bet you are all wishing you could be me right now...I'm wishing the same thing. EEEWWWW and YEEECCHHHH!
6/21/07
The look....
or
...You know, that look I get almost immediately after someone finds out that I'm not married. It usually means one of two things; 1) You're single??!! I know a guy who's single and you should meet because you'd obviously be perfect for each other or 2) the advice of how to meet someone is soon to follow. Everyone seems to have advice or have blind date ideas. Those doing either come from such places as being stopped in the mall, my hairdresser's client prior to me, vendors for companies I temped at...there was even a friend's hairdresser (whom I've never met) who set me up with a guy she knew. Pretty much anyone who meets me, directly or not, feels it's their personal responsibility and duty to find me someone grand aka perfect. (Don't get me started with the look of complete shock that generally follows when someone learns I've never been married...another posting for another day...)
The advice will range from go to a singles ward...stop looking then you'll find someone...internet websites for LDS singles...to the famous SLC singles institution - the Dee's Dances. Now I realize that I look quite a bit younger than I really am, but age doesn't mean that I've lived under a rock and don't know the resources available to singles in the 21st Century. Sometimes I just want to say, "Been there...tried that...doesn't work..." or "Can't you come up with some more unique advice of how to meet someone?"
I know that meeting someone is much like getting a job-it's all who you know...that each person has a different connection of people who are new to me...hence, networking applies with this too....however, sometimes this is just insane. Many of the individuals attempting to line me up, or are offering me advice, are total and complete strangers to me (as my list above implies, and yes, it's accurate). What makes them think that they will have any more luck finding someone for me than my closest friends and family, who know me well and who's judgement and taste I trust mind you, haven't been successful either?
Don't tell anyone, but I've learned that the easiest way to get someone to NOT set me up on a date is to accept their offer to find someone for me, especially if it's an individual I don't know well. I'd venture to guess that 99.9999...% of the people who have offered either try and the guy chickens out and never calls or the person offering never follows through. (Let's call it chickening out rather than rejecting me, though it feels like rejection sometimes even if we've never met.)After all is said and done, I do appreciate the help...someday the networking will pay off with big dividends. Besides each "encounter" brings me one frog closer to MY prince, right? I have even met a few great guys through these crazy means who I would never have met otherwise and some of whom I've even gone out with more than once or twice. Sometimes it would be nice for someone to meet me, find out I'm single and just let it go at that. (Much thanks to those of you who've done exactly that.) Oh well, guess that's one more advantage marrieds have over singles....Until that time comes for me, I'll just keep meeting more strangers who think they have the perfect guy for me or the "key" to me to finding someone which no one's ever used before...maybe I'll try that new fangled invention the internet...
(Ok, I'll step down off my soap box now. Thanks for your patience and understanding.)
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