HILARY-OUS

Two years late but worth the wait!

2010-11-14T16:17:00.003-07:00

In the late 1990's I became a fan of the Dave Matthews Band, thanks to my good friend Mandy! She had purchased tickets for her and a male friend to attend the concert. When things didn't work out between the two of them, she asked if I would join her for the show. I was vaguely familiar with his singles but definitely up for a live show. Little did I know it would be the first of many many many DMB concerts I would attend. I tried to count as Katrina and I waited for this years show to begin but I don't know that I can accurately say...probably 15 or so, spanning several western states.

For the last 2 years the band has had to cancel, first because of the death of saxophonist Leroi Moore and the next year because Dave was sick. They refunded tickets both years and put on a free show in Salt Lake City this year to make up for it. Katrina and I were very excited and it was a pretty phenomenal show!

The playlist was one of the best I've seen and he danced and joked all night!

Tuesday Aug 17 2010
USANA Amphitheatre

Squirm *
Shake Me Like a Monkey *
Stay Or Leave *
Seven *
Crush *
Still Water
Don’t Drink the Water *
Lying In the Hands of God *
Gravedigger *
Grey Street *
Write A Song *
Corn Bread *
Jimi Thing *
Why I Am *
Needle And The Damage Done +
You and Me *
Ants Marching *
__________________

Sister ~
Two Step *

Show Notes:
* Jeff Coffin
+ Dave Solo
~ Dave, Carter,Tim and Rashawn

It was Cecily's first Dave Matthews Band concert, she has hated him all her life but thanks to her new husband Collin, she has been converted. She loved it, thank you Collin!

The Great Egyptian Adventure

2010-11-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Its been a while...I know. Please keep your expectations low as I am guaranteed to be deficient in my updates. I went to Egypt in May, it was amazing! Since it would take too much effort to recap the whole incredible two weeks I will post some pictures and fill in with some captions.

We spent a few days in Cairo, visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx. We rode camels, sometimes voluntarily, other times forcefully being lifted onto the camel and then being expected to pay for our unwilling ride upon descending the camel. We learned our lessons quickly, Egyptian men have no real respect for women, believing we seek the obnoxious attention they harass you with. I am also pretty sure that Egyptians in general do not understand the meaning of the word NO.

We took a trip up to Memphis where the believe they have only discovered about 10% of the treasures and ruins buried there.

This one of Elba is a favorite!

We flew to Luxor and proceeded through Egypt by way of the Nile on a river cruise. We stopped at many sites as we headed south...

Our southern most stop was in Aswan, we were able to see the dam there as well as Philae Temple. We went sailing on the Nile and we did lots of shopping.

From Aswan we took a short flight to the two temples of Abu Simbel built by Ramesses II, one for himself and one for his favorite wife Nerertari.

It was HOT!

We cruised back up the Nile, again stopping at a few temples on our way back to Luxor where we spent a few days going to the Valley of Kings, The Valley of Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut...

...and finally Karnak Temple.

When we left Luxor we headed to the Red Sea for our last few days. We spent some time on the beach, took a tour of the beautiful reefs on a glass bottom boat and even had an amazing Turkish Bath at the resort we were staying at.

It was an incredible trip, I feel very lucky to be able to see so much of the world and its history. If you are interested in seeing all 400+ pictures, you can click the link to the right for my PICASA and go to the EGYPT folder...

Consumerism

2010-01-17T21:57:00.002-07:00

While this post was mildly inspired by Avatar, it is not about the movie at all. It is a frustrating thing, thinking about how much is consumed and discarded each year by each person from the most wasteful to the most green. Wasteful people seem to disregard the fact that others are affected by their carelessness. In Avatar, the Na'Vi believe they are all connected to each other, to nature, one eternal round so to speak. I got thinking about consumerism and how there are people who, in not considering their connection to others, are emotional consumers.

There are people out there, I know some of them, who say they do not "need" others. People who do not form close relationships or who have so many "associates" that they do not really invest in others. We have all heard the concept emotional bank accounts, we make deposits so that when we need our friends, we can make a withdrawal. Emotional consumers do not make deposits because they do not intend to ever make withdrawals, they don't "need" anyone. These individuals have forgotten that just because they do not invest does not mean that their friends are not investing in them.

I just decided that I don't really want to expound on this subject any further...I will conclude by simply stating:

Emotional consumers suck!

Puerto Rico...In search of sanity

2009-12-02T18:51:00.002-07:00

First of all I would like to tell you that I am blogging courtesy of in flight wifi! I am on my way home from my most recent adventure, a small US commonwealth called Puerto Rico. It was really just time for a vacation and I strong-armed Elba into joining me for a beach getaway. A week on an island is NEVER a bad idea. Some of the highlights include:
1. Many many hours lounging on the beach and by the pool
2. Reading 2 and a half non-school books
3. Culebra Island and Playa Flamenco, the second most beautiful beach in the world
4. Swimming in the ocean by moonlight...aaahhh, heaven!
5. Kayaking in the glowing water of a bioluminescent bay, it was like kayaking over a starry night sky
6. Don Pepe's - tasty food
7. Staying up late and sleeping in
8. El Moro - you all know how much I love ruins, the fort was really cool
9. Some of the best sorbet I have ever tasted
10. Finding my sanity...apparently it runs to the ocean and I have to go reclaim it periodically

25 things I'm thankful for

2009-11-26T14:13:00.001-07:00

1. My mom, she thinks I can do anything and because of her I believe I can.
2. My dad, can actually do anything...fix your car, custom carpentry, make you laugh.
3. My sisters, you're the best!
4. My brothers, there should be more men like you in the world!
5. My job, all of it, the work, the reward, the kids and the best boss and coworkers ever!
6. My education...invaluable!
7. My health.
8. My integrity.
9. Vacations, they bring me the sanity my life and job suck out of me!
10. My friends, I've got the greatest ones in the world!
11. The Gospel, I'm not perfect but I know I don't have to be because of the Atonement of my Savior! He only expects the best I am capable of and He forgives my weaknesses.
12. My iPhone, I love it!
13. Sunshine!
14. Beaches!
15. My intelligence, lucky to be born with it blessed to be able to cultivate it!
16. My mission. Those 18 months taught me more about who I was and how to serve others!
17. Dansko shoes, oh so unattractive but oh so comfortable.
18. Flip flops and painted toe nails!
19. Pedicures and massages.
20. Love. It shows me the entire spectrum of joy and pain and helps me grow!
21. My apartment, it's warm in the winter, cool in the summer and it's all mine. Plus it's cute.
22. Music, when I need to get lost or get a kick out of singing at the top of my lungs in the car, I love it, all kinds!
23. Good books.
24. Good examples.
25. Thirty years of amazing life experience. I wouldn't trade a single year of it.

SYTYCD

2009-09-20T20:53:00.002-06:00

I had no idea what that acronym was for until Mandy showed me this video on on YouTube. Actually, the only time I have ever watched So You Think You Can Dance is with Mandy, but when she showed me this video I fell in love. I loved the song, the idea, the dancers, everything about this...so I am sharing it with you.

The concept for the dance was addiction. The girl is the addict and the guy is the drug, the song is "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles.

I am KAYAK hear me ROAR!

2009-09-15T19:56:00.004-06:00

I really enjoy kayaking...despite my lack of experience and skill, it is something that I have come to love. I was watching an episode of the Gilmore girls and just wanted to share this little clip.

Enjoy!

Not my problem

2009-09-14T16:32:00.003-06:00

This statement is something that I have learned to live by. When you work in a difficult and sad environment like I do you have to create limits. You have to recognize what is in your power to change and what is not, what you should feel bad about and what you should not and what is your problem to solve and what is somebody else's problem. It took some time to become proficient in the art of realizing its not my problem but it has had some unforeseen benefits that are very helpful in other aspects of my life.

So for now...I feel pretty good about saying "it has nothing to do with me, I cannot change it, I should not feel bad about it and fine, let someone else deal with this problem cause...ITS NOT MY PROBLEM!"

Worth it...?

2009-08-23T19:42:00.002-06:00

Michelle asked me the other day if the idea of things being "worth it" was some how a part of the teachings of my church. She indicated that it was a phrase she often heard me use and while the concept was familiar, the words "worth it" were more commonly used by her LDS friends. After giving it a little bit of thought, I determined that we are taught from a fairly young age about trials and sacrifice, we are told "don't give up what you want in the long run for what you want now," we are encouraged to believe that there are things that we do that are hard because they are worth it in the long run. While I don't think the idea of "worth it" is founded in any doctrine of the church I do know that the concept in general is referred to in several ways relating to the gospel. Regardless...the idea of things being "worth it" is something that I weigh out constantly in my mind.

All things question: is the opportunity cost greater than the value of the opportunity? Do we not all evaluate all opportunities this way on a regular basis?

Is "it" worth it?
Maybe I want to have a bigger apartment with central air but I really hate moving...so is it worth it?
I really need to figure out how to make more money but I love my job. If I go back to school to get the next license I can increase my salary but I really, REALLY hate school. Is it worth it?
I love good food and I don't like going to the gym. I want my jeans to fit me when I pull them out for fall but that means going to the gym and eating less. Is it worth it?

Is "he" worth it?
Maybe he is really cute but not that smart. Do I want to sacrifice good conversation for good looks? Is he worth it?
I love his company but he is totally a flake? Is he worth it?
He is amazing, funny, attractive but not a member of the church? Is he worth it?

Am "I" worth it?
Lets be honest, the answer to this one is always yes but I am not always the one making the evaluation. People get to decide for themselves what sacrifices they are willing to make for you. How much of themselves they will give. How much you are worth an hour at your job...etc. It is difficult not to feel sometimes, "well, I guess I wasn't worth it."

Quote of the Day

2009-08-02T22:04:00.000-06:00

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure don't deserve me at my best."
— Marilyn Monroe

You have to admit, she was pretty great. She was beautiful, honest, real.

Fun Stuff

2009-05-26T22:13:00.006-06:00

Summer has set in at work and we are immersed in the craziness thereof. Last week started the first of the ropes course outings as well as the river trips in Moab. We had a great time...I still marvel that I get paid for some of the things I get to do (not much, but still paid).

For Memorial Day weekend Erica and I drove to Hurricane, UT where we met Kate and stayed for a few days to see some more of the wonders of southern Utah. We spent one day laying on the beautiful red rocks of Sand Hollow reservoir. On Monday we went into Zion National Park and hiked (walked really) into the Emerald Pools. It was beautiful and so much fun.

I of course have pictures of my feet in both places...apparently my sunscreen attracted some dirt:)

Book Club

2009-05-16T20:41:00.003-06:00

I recently joined a book club. It is really just a few people that have wanted to be in one and decided to just do it. One of the women chose a book and sent an e-mail and that is how it happened. We had our first meeting last night. I only actually know one of the other members but I can tell that we will have a lot of fun together. Our first book was "The Witch of Portobello." I really enjoyed it and will leave you with an excerpt:

Everything is at once so simple and so complicated! It's simple because all it takes is a change of attitude: I'm not going to look for happiness anymore. From now on, I'm independent; I see life through my eyes and not through other people's. I'm going in search of the adventure of being alive.

And it's complicated: Why am I not looking for happiness when everyone has taught me that happiness is the only goal worth pursuing? Why am I going to risk taking a path that no one else is taking?

After all, what is happiness?

Love, they tell me. But love doesn't bring and never has brought happiness. On the contrary, it's a constant state of anxiety, a battlefield; it's sleepless nights, asking ourselves all the time if we're doing the right thing. Real love is composed of ecstasy and agony.

All right then, peace. Peace? If we look at the Mother, she's never at peace. The winter does battle with the summer, the sun and the moon never meet, the tiger chases the man, who's afraid of the dog, who chases the cat, who chases the mouse, who frightens the man.

Money brings happiness. Fine. In that case, everyone who earns enough to have a high standard of living would be able to stop working. But then they're more troubled than ever, as if they were afraid of losing everything. Money attracts money, that's true. Poverty might bring unhappiness, but money won't necessarily bring happiness.

I spent a lot of my life looking for happiness; now what I want is joy. Joy is like sex--it begins and it ends. I want pleasure, I want to be contented, but happiness? I no longer fall into that trap.

When I'm with a group of people and I want to provoke them by asking that most important of questions--Are you happy? --they all reply: "Yes, I am."

Then I ask: "But don't you want more? Don't you want to keep on growing?" And they all reply: "Of course."

Then I say: "So you're not happy." And they change the subject.

What you waiting for?

2009-05-03T21:29:00.004-06:00

I have been shamefully delinquent in my blogging. This semester has kicked my butt and I have not had the time or desire to blog. Since January 21st a few significant events have taken place. Here they are in no particular order:

1) I went on a fabulous cruise to Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan Island and Cozumel
2) I turned THIRTY
3) I finished another semester

I am sure there were some other things but for now those are the things I remember. Here is some photo-documentation for your viewing pleasure!

This last one is after going to the Symphony, Natalie took us for our birthdays and it was WONDERFUL!

Fata Slaba

2009-01-21T15:16:00.003-07:00

These two words, fata slaba, are some of my very favorite in the Romanian language. Just take a gander at what they mean. Read them slowly, enunciating carefully, what do you think they mean? Just guess!

Here's a hint:

Yep...it means skinny girl! And you guessed fat slab right? I love it!

I took this picture in the lobby of the amazing Getty Museum in LA when I was there on my fabulous vacation.

Do I look 13?

2009-01-19T22:16:00.004-07:00

I went to see Quantum of Solace tonight. Saw it when it first came out but I have a big crush on Daniel Craig, plus, my friend waited to see it until he could see it with me so I had to...my pleasure.

Anyways, we were standing in a rediculously long line in the bitter cold and two young men in front of us were getting tickets for the same flick. The ticket taker girl asked the first boy for his I.D. Now for those of you who are unaware, this double oh seven is rated PG-13.

This kid was definately older than 13, poor guy. I don't think I've ever been I.D.'d for anything. Well, she didn't ask me for my I.D., so I guess I look like I'm at least 13.

Reading is Sexy

2009-01-17T18:36:00.005-07:00

I've been too distracted to read much lately. I bought 5 or 6 books at Powell's in Portland and I got through the first chapter of one of them before I forgot I was reading it. Plus, I have a 'no-non-school-books-during-school policy' (curse school). The last book I read was one of the Amelia Peabody novels. Amelia is freakin' hilarious and has been the only one to keep my attention through more than one chapter, cause lets be honest, the textbooks ain't doin' it.

My friend is a little further ahead of me in the series and told me a quote from one of the books today. I love it...

"A lady cannot be blamed if a master criminal takes a fancy to her."

Pretty great eh? So I also ordered a t-shirt online today. I saw Rory wearing a similar one on an episode of Gilmore Girls and I was green with envy. Turns out you can find everything on the internet...yay!

It doesn't get easier...but it gets funner!

2009-01-04T19:24:00.007-07:00

When I was little, we used to go get a family picture taken every other year. We would drive into L.A. with hot rollers in our hair and upon arrival at the studio we would change into our fancy clothes and mom would do finishing touches on our hair. It always seemed like a major production and mom was usually super stressed out by the time the photographer said "say cheese!" It was before the days of digital cameras and there were so many of us that it was always just a crap shoot to see if we could get a good one of everybody.

It hasn't changed, even though we can all dress ourselves now and we can approve the digital snapshots before we finish, we can't seem to stop goofing off long enough to get a good one of all of us. Mom wanted to get a few pics of the family since we are finally all together again. We skipped the studio, the hot rollers and the fancy clothes and took some shots in Natalie's living room. You don't enter into an endeavor like this without a plan. Strategy #1: take pictures in small groups. Strategy #2: Get the grumpy kids first. Stragegy #3: Do not attempt to get any photos with the entire family. With the boys making all the girls laugh and the girls needing multiple shots to approve it got a little frustrating. Plus, there was a tasty birthday cake sitting on the kitchen counter just begging to be eaten. Here are some of our results...

and here are some of the out-takes...

We actually deleted most of the crazy ones. My family cracks me up!

So worth it!

2008-12-21T19:21:00.005-07:00

Portland was so much fun. Jessie and I talked and laughed until we couldn't talk or laugh any more. It started the second she picked me up and we would have still been laughing when she dropped me off except the weather was terrible and I missed my flight but regardless...I had the time of my life.

We did Portland like proper tourists, spent hours in Powell's City of Books, ate at Jake's Famous Crawfish, wandered around in the Pearl District, explored the Saturday Market, ate cinnamon sugar elephant ears and totally took advantage of Oregon's ZERO sales tax! All that and add good company and tons of laughs it was just what I needed to snap out of the grumpy funk I have been in for about a month.

Thanks Jessie for such a fun time!!!

Keegan bought a car

2008-12-21T19:12:00.002-07:00

I'm going!

2008-12-08T18:43:00.002-07:00

Yep...I'm calling in sick on Friday because I'm headed to Portland! CAN'T WAIT!

Lorelai, Rory and some stuff I had in the house...

2008-11-24T20:24:00.005-07:00

Yeah...they're my new favorite!

And yes...I had all of these things in my house.

Nuff said...

2008-11-21T16:13:00.001-07:00

01/20/2009

Pillows

2008-11-17T18:01:00.003-07:00

My brother Bryan is freakin' hilarious! As he was getting ready to leave our parents house last night I walked over to give him a hug. He had his arms crossed over his chest and rather than uncrossing them he lifted them up and put them over my head for a tight squeeze. He then proceeded to explain that he doesn't usually give full front hugs because he is so tall (6'6") and girls heads end up resting right in his "clevage" or "pillows." He gave me another big hug to demonstrate the problem but this time, for added enjoyment, he made the pillows dance. Thanks for the hug Bryan!
Just in case you were wondering what his pillows looked like;)

They say nice things too:)

2008-11-10T18:21:00.003-07:00

My little delinquents are a constant source of...well...you name it, stress, annoyance, entertainment, joy. They are often brutally honest and that can turn out to be cruel or complimentary. If it is complimentary I usually suspect some ulterior motive but sometimes they are just cute.

On Friday one of our therapists was casting out demons by burning sage, (I know, weird right?) and it smelled a little like pot. One of the kids pointed this out saying, "man yo, someone up in here smells like weed!"

To which one sweet 14 year old patient responded, "It's not Hilary, she smells like flowers." Thanks kiddo, and thanks Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom.

I'm not gonna lie, it made my day!

Ode to the hair!

2008-11-06T10:08:00.002-07:00

Check out that goal keeper! He had to cut that crazy awesome hair last night because the basketball coach wont let him play if it is long. We will all miss it. Nice save Keegan!

Change...YES WE CAN!!!

2008-11-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

I VOTED!

Letter to the red states

2008-11-02T18:18:00.003-07:00

Dear Red States:

If you manage to steal this election too we've decided we're leaving.

We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue

States with us. That includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington,

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all the Northeast. We

believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially

to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states.

We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get the Statue of

Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get

WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85% of

America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama. We get

two-thirds of the tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay

their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22% lower than the Christian

Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of

single moms.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and

anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at

once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have

kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no

purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their

children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq, and

hope that the WMDs do turn up, but we're not willing to spend our

resources in Bush's Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80% of the

country's fresh water, more than 90% of the pineapple and lettuce,

92% of the nation's fresh fruit, 95% of America's quality wines, 90%

of all cheese, 90% of the high tech industry, 95% of the corn and

soybeans (thanks Iowa!), most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living

redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools

plus Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with

88% of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs),

92% of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100% of the tornadoes, 90% of the

hurricanes, 99% of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100% of all

televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the

University of Georgia. We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

38% of those in the Red states believe the earth is only 6,000 years

old and Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale; 62% believe life is

sacred unless we're discussing the war, the death penalty or gun

laws; 44% say that evolution is only a theory; 53% that Saddam was

involved in 9/11, and 61% of you crazy bastards believe you are

people with higher morals than us lefties.

Finally, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed

they grow in Mexico.

Peace out,

--the Blue States

Not the answer I was looking for

2008-10-22T13:06:00.003-06:00

One of my new favorite rides is Tower of Terror at California Adventure Land. These two guys were next to us in line and as we were buckling in one nudged the other and said, "talk to them, they're cute."

The dude next to me immediately engaged me in some light-weight conversation leading to a question like, "so have you ever been on this ride before?" I gathered from the talking that the boy next to me worked at Disneyland and had been on the ride countless times...so I asked, "So are you gonna scream like a girl?"

When he finished guffawing he gave me some tough guy response like, "chaaa, NO!"

I simply stated, "oh, I am!"

The ride began, I giggled and screamed...like a girl. When it was all over the boy turned to me again and said that he hadn't even heard me screaming. I just smiled and quietly thought to myself, "that's just because it blended in with your screaming."

So boy, whoever you are, the answer to the question is, "of course I'm gonna scream like a girl." Because even if you are not going to scream I'm gonna think you're funny and confident and if you do scream, hey...you're covered!

I woke up Friday morning...

2008-10-22T12:38:00.002-06:00

After all the catastrophe I decided that the happiest place on earth was a good place to go. I hit snooze a couple of times and then...all of a sudden...BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM CRASH! WTF? I figured one of the cats had pulled something over. I knew it wasn't someone in the house because I knew if I couldn't break in nobody else could. After much searching I discovered that the giant mirror over the sink in one of the guest bedrooms had come a-tumblin' down. Hmmmm? I just left it. The house keeper can clean it up next Thursday before Joanna gets home...I was going to Disneyland.

Disneyland was fabulous. I got to go on all the rides I wanted to go on and I didn't even get wet on the water rides...sweet! The park was open until midnight because of UEA and we had fun fun fun up until the very last minute.

Fortune cookies

2008-10-16T22:15:00.003-06:00

I just ate too much Chinese food and topped it off with 2 fortune cookies.

"Next week your luck color will be green!"

and,

"You'll accomplish more later if you have a little fun this weekend."

I love fortunes.

Yeah, let me tell you about it.

2008-10-16T12:42:00.004-06:00

Yesterday started off pretty lazy. I had to take Candice to the Long Beach Airport and once I got back, showered and decided to head to the beach it was lunch time and I still needed to buy sunscreen. No worries, I decided to take the PCH up past Malibu to a really great beach. I found a Target and a Jack in the Box on the way and though it took a bit longer than anticipated to get all the way up there it was well worth the drive.

I wanted to go see The Duchess and found a theater near the house that was showing it at 9:45. I changed my clothes, grabbed a quick bite and paid my $10.50 to see Keira Knightly in a variety of 30lb wigs.

When I got back, Charlie the cat was waiting for me in the driveway. I got in the front door and left it open for him while I set my stuff down. He is still a little leery of me so I walked back out to grab him and the front door closed behind me. I don't remember if the F word came out of my mouth or not but you wouldn't blame me if it had. Their front door locks automatically and I had just left the only key sitting on the entry table...I knew I was screwed.

If you've done the math you know it was around midnight at this point. Luckily the house across the street still had a few lights on. After trying all the doors about 3 times and doing pretty decent damage to one that seemed a possible break-in route, I walked sheepishly across the street hoping maybe Joanna left a key with one of the neighbors. No such luck. I used their phone, because of course mine was in the house next to my keys, and woke up my mom. To make a really long story blogable, Gloria (the caretaker of the old man who lives in the house across the street) let me make about 100 phone calls and eventually told me to go to bed in a spare room and worry about it in the morning. By the way...most of those calls were to locksmiths who advertised 24 hour emergency service (for about $200), I left at least 5 messages and didn't get a single call back. NICE!

While laying there fretting I remembered that Joanna's house keeper was scheduled to come between 8 and 10:30 the next morning, saved. I got up at 6:30 and headed back to Joanna's to sit on the porch and wait. Gloria sent me with a cup of tea and 3 papers had been delivered so at least I had entertainment. Marcie, Gloria's replacement, brought me toast and orange juice at about 10:15 and the housekeeper finally showed up a little after 11.

Now I am just tired, embarrassed and worried about how I am going to mend the door I shoved (with apparently a lot more aggression and adrenaline than I thought).

So, that is my vacation so far.

A double 2'fer

2008-10-13T15:34:00.003-06:00

On Saturday, Marie had the brilliant plan to go get the 2 for 1 massages at the Utah College of Massage Therapy. That makes the $25 hour long massage a mere $12.50. You don't have to ask me twice! We got there around 3 expecting a long wait as is usual for the Saturdays when they do the 2 for 1. Instead, they told us it would be30-45 minutes...score! When I emerged from the 50 minutes of bliss, one of the guys who worked there indicated that they still had students that needed to give massages and they were short on clients. They asked if the 6 of us would stay and get a second massage for free. Um...YEAH! Two hours of pure relaxation for the scanty price of $12.50, that's a no brainer!

I decided!

2008-10-10T18:09:00.003-06:00

The jury is in, I'm headed to California on Monday. I'll be staying in Aunt Joanna's beautiful house, she'll be in Hawaii. I'm gonna do L.A. like a tourist, The Getty, the Queen Mary, La Brea Tar Pits, Disneyland, the BEACH...and maybe dinner with some old friends. Can't wait! And Meg...I have never kayaked with work!

I did some fun stuff this week too. I got to see some mission friends at Lacy's 30th and it was so good to catch up.

And last night Natalie and I went to the Jazz game.

Even though it has been a good week I still can't wait for my mini-break....

I need a break

2008-10-06T12:51:00.004-06:00

For the last few years I have been lucky enough to go somewhere great about every six months.

I have come to depend on these trips to keep me balanced. Though I love my job it does not come without a significant level of stress and its fair share of challenges. The time off is only one of the reasons these trips are important to my sanity. It gives me something to look forward to, something to plan, a motivation to save money and yes...a reward for all the hard things in the previous six months.

I am going on a great cruise in February so I thought that I would be able to survive until then...I was wrong. REALLY WRONG! I am going crazy, 11 months is really just too long. I have fall break from school next week so I am looking for a last minute vacation that I can do on a budget, a beach is preferable but not necessary. I have a few places I could go and have a free place to stay, some of those places are within driving distance, the others would cost about the same for a flight as it would to drive somewhere. I am at a loss.

Here are some of my options...

Los Angeles--drive and stay with friends

San Francisco--drive and stay with friends (maybe get a hotel in Carmel for a night or two:)

Florida--fly and stay with a friend

Houston, TX--fly and stay with a friend

Or I could find a last minute package online and go somewhere I have never been and I can explore. I need help so make your suggestions and tell me your favorite getaways.

Secret Crushes

2008-09-22T10:01:00.007-06:00

Natalie just posted a blog about her secret crush, or not so secret crush...Well I have another crush to tell you about. I was talking to some friends the other day and we got laughing about how we have little crushes on Disney heroes. So for your enjoyment...

Natalie has always had a fatty crush on Eric from The Little Mermaid,

I wouldn't mind a hot date with Phoebus from The Hunchback of Notre Dame,

Michelle has the hots for Beast (not sure if that is
before or after his transformation...

...and Anna thinks dating Tarzan would be like going out with a hot foreigner

Who is your secret Disney crush on? (P.S. if you Google images of Disney heroes there are some pretty funny and sexy pictures of these cartoon hotties!)

You're jealous!

2008-08-22T13:49:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we took 6 patients to Jordanelle for boating, tubing and jet skiing. I got thrashed on the tube and spent at least 30 minutes with my arms wrapped tightly around a very handsome man (not one of our patients) on a wave runner. What did you do yesterday at work?

Oh yeah...and my boss is the best! Michelle and me.

Cause its just fun!

2008-08-20T16:51:00.002-06:00

Danielle and I kayaked down the Provo River last Saturday and had tons of fun. I only sunk my kayak once and flipped it twice. Danielle said the second time didn't really count since we were already pulled up to the shore and I was getting but that is the time that gave me the most bruises. I'm a klutz, get over it haha! It was a great time and was topped of by fresh Alaskan salmon BBQ with Danielle's family afterwards. YUMMY!

No she didn't!

2008-08-03T20:07:00.002-06:00

We pulled into Sebastopol at about 1 in the morning. It's not a big town but the streets were just confusing enough that we couldn't find our hotel. We were following my parents when they pulled into a grocery store parking lot. "Good idea," I thought to myself, thinking someone would run in and ask directions. Not so! There were two police cars in the parking lot surrounding another car where the accused was sitting on his bumper in handcuffs being questioned. My mom hops out of the car and slowly walked over to one of the officers. "NO SHE ISN'T!" was the resounding sentiment from everyone watching from the mini van...she did! I guess she doesn't know the rule about not approaching an officer while he is busy arresting someone. Nice one mom!

Hotties!

2008-07-31T19:03:00.003-06:00

We actually saw Mama Mia but couldn't pass up the chance of a photo with Batman! Too bad it wasn't Christian Bale:(

So my questions is...Paid employee of the theater or strange fanatic?

Nice Shirt

2008-07-15T15:23:00.012-06:00

Today when I walked into the cafeteria, a group of boys had just arrived for lunch. I purposfully walked directly to the vending machines and began inserting quarters for a Diet Coke. My name must be fun to say because they sure say it a lot. "Hil-uh-reeeeeee, Hil-uh-reeeeee" in a sing songy voice, over and over and over. I finally looked over, smiled and said, "hey guys." To which I got the response:

"Hil-uh-reeeeee, I like that shower curtain you're wearing!"

----------->

The funny thing is that I think he was being sincere! Huh?

(Later that evening I went out to dinner with friends in said shirt...That is Nora, Dyan's darling baby girl!)

Does it hurt...being a teenager?

2008-07-13T10:50:00.002-06:00

I should have known when the minivan dropped off a load of teenage boys that the music would not be my only form of entertainment for the evening. I had been unable to obtain accurate information about what time each band would be playing and not wanting to miss the 2 I was going for we arrived early. Thank goodness or we would have missed not only the ridiculously long will call line but the super white trash fight between some dude and his girlfriend. I didn't see the whole thing but I heard that she was holding her jaw like she'd been hit and was mouthing off a string of profanities to her boyfriend who was being held back by several large men. In true female form she burst into a torrent of tears as soon as security arrived and called out to the teen who had caught the whole thing on his handy video cell phone that he better delete it or she'd get him too! Yikes! Since we had 2 less desirable acts to sit through we had the opportunity to observe the gross display of teenage insecurities, bad fashion and hormones gone wild. We marveled at the styles kids are wearing these days, verifying that we are in fact getting old. More than once Candice wondered out loud how parents could let their child leave the house looking the way they did. One teen was wearing a cute turquoise dress that was actually just a long shirt and super high pink patten leather heels. The rhetorical question was answered when we saw the girl momentarily pull down the leggings that she was wearing as hot pants under her "dress." My personal favorite was the pubescent boy who had removed his shirt and had it tucked in the back of his pants, between his legs and had it hanging out the front again in classic diaper style. Hmmmm?

Good Charlotte played a fun set, they even got me jumping and waving my arms. Nicole Ritchie sat quietly in the sound and light area about 15 ft away from me. Can I just say how itty bitty that girl is. I know that people in Hollywood have a different standard than the real world but she looks like a 12 year old. I got a huge kick out of the teenage girls who would come stand by me to get a picture of her over my shoulder. A couple of them were so excited they were almost in tears. Sorry, there just aren't very many celebrities who could get me that worked up.

Boys Like Girls were lots of fun too. They have been my motivational running music at the gym lately and they were actually a decent live show despite all their annoying teen fans. Some of their lyrics are extra cheesy but the 17 year old inside me just loves them.

Overall, the evening reinforced my gratitude for maturity and self awareness. There is not enough money in the world that could persuade me to re-do my teen years. They are deeply repressed in my memory somewhere and I have no intention of digging them out and dusting them off. A visit to the world of teens is enough and begs the question, does it hurt? I mean it is as painful as it looks to be a teenager?

My neighbor

2008-07-12T00:24:00.005-06:00

I just met one of my downstairs neighbors. He knocked on my door which was propped open about 4 inches on my chain to let in the cool air from the hallway (ghetto AC). He indicated that he was just outside talking "just talking" with his friends and someone had called the police. His accusing tone left no doubt in my mind that he thought that someone was me and the alcohol on his breath made me wonder if I should have even opened the door. I'm not gonna lie, I have called our landlord once to complain that he smokes outside my window despite several notices that there is no smoking within 30 ft. of the building. He is also known for playing music (bad music) with his band very loudly at inappropriate times (3am). Apparently I am not the only one who has complained because he informed me (not quietly but mellowly?) that he got a note on his door this week that said he had to be out in 3 days but that he had talked to our landlord and convinced him that he would be good until the end of the month. I empathized, nodded and practiced active listening while he explained, professed and accused. I told him I was very sorry, I had not called the police and was not currently bothered by his activities outside my window. He continued (not quietly) to explain that he wasn't even being loud (our halls echo terribly) and that he was just sitting outside talking with his friends. I think he thought I wasn't getting it so I told him again that I was sorry and offered to let him see my cell phone to check my call log. He declined and apologized and then talking more generally to the hallway than me he griped that someone was really f*$#ing with his life, there was no way he could move out in 3 days and now he was probably going to have to and that it is just so messed up that someone felt the need to f*$k with his life like that. At this point he indicated that he was from Philly and was just having a hard time adjusting to the Mormon culture here in Utah. Then I understood.

What I said:
"Yeah, I'm really sorry someone called the police. I just got home a few minutes ago and you weren't bothering me at all. So, good luck and I hope your night gets better."

What I thought:
Wow, you weren't bothering me before but now that you are standing in my doorway drunk and loud and smelly I kinda wish the cops would have arrested you. Apparently they don't teach people in Philly about manners and accountability. If you were so concerned about getting kicked out maybe you should have moved the talking to your friends place for the evening. And listen freak...If you were bothering someone it probably is some old person that you woke up not the mormon girl who just walked in and is wide awake and didn't even notice your existence until you knocked on her door to accuse and insult her. My advice to you, be sorry sooner next time and stop blaming the world dumb a**! Now will you go away, you're bugging me!

Some people!

Nice Recovery

2008-07-11T09:03:00.002-06:00

I was at dinner last and there was a large table full of girls sitting next to us. After a few minutes I realized that I recognized the girl at the end...almost. She was the twin of a friend of mine. Just moments later I realized that the girl sitting closest to me was my friend Danielle so I leaned over to say 'hi'. We chatted for a minute...only catching bits and pieces of what was being said over the live music and restaurant chatter. As I was leaving I realized the twin I knew was in fact at the table and I gave her shoulder a squeeze as I walked by. We said quick hello's and then she looked at my friend and mouthed, "are you on a date?" I nodded and she gave me a silent rock on fist while mouthing something else. As we left my date recreated the motion with his fist and asked..."what was this for?" I shrugged my shoulders and responded, "I couldn't really hear her, I think her team beat my team in softball last night!" Nice recovery...!?!

By the way, I highly recommend the Ham and Havarti at the Citris Grill...Mmmmm TASTY!

This Land Is Mine

2008-07-07T08:47:00.005-06:00

From behind these walls I hear your song

Oh, sweet words

The music that you play lights up my world

The sweetest that I’ve heard

Could it be that I’ve been touched and turned

Oh Lord, please finally…finally things are changing

This land is mine but I’ll let you rule

I let you navigate and demand

Just as long as you know…this land is mine

So find your home and settle in

Ohhh, I’m ready to let you in

Just as long as we know…this land is mine

After all the battles and the wars

The scars and loss

I’m still the queen of my domain

and feeling stronger now

The walls are down a little more each day

Since you came, finally…finally things are changing

Follow the days I’ve travelled alone

In this cold and colorless place till now

It’s what I had to pay

This land is mine and I let you rule

I let you navigate on demand

Just as long as you know…this land is mine!

--Dido

Friendly People

2008-07-03T18:02:00.002-06:00

Let me tell you a little about myself. First, I would not consider myself a friendly person, or maybe I am just not outgoing!?! I am quite shy and a little stand-off-ish. It is usually perceived that I am stuck up and that bothers me sometimes but not enough to change. Second, I like to people watch. I find infinite entertainment and amusement in watching people interact, maybe that is why I majored in sociology. Humanity is an interesting thing and individuals are just so unique (is that redundant, did I just say the same thing twice? haha). Third, I am not particularly athletic. Though I enjoy most sports there are some I find impossible and usually I just like to be a spectator. I am a great fan!

My work has a softball team and they play on Wednesday nights and I have enjoyed watching the games. I always make sure I get there a few minutes late to make sure I don't get asked to play, they never seem to have enough girls. This Wednesday I arrived a few minutes into the game and found my usual spot on the bleachers. I generally have someone with me but this week I went alone and didn't recognize any of the other fans cheering for my team. There were two men a few rows up who were obviously rooting for the other side but I was getting a huge kick out of their commentary and disdain for the strange and seemingly made up rules they were playing by. One of them turned around and made some friendly chit chat when he realized I was a fan of the opponent and I did my typical nod, smile and one word answers. The other was a little more persistent at being friendly...He won me over when he offered me a water from his cooler. He said he'd like to offer me a grown up drink (beer) but I didn't look grown up enough. Anyone who thinks I look under 21 can most definitely be my buddy! I laughed, accepted a water and proceeded to have a great time talking to Paul (that's his name) for the rest of the game.

So, I learned a few things about myself. First, maybe I should be a little more friendly, it doesn't hurt. Second, engaging in conversation with a stranger can be just as fun as watching strangers. And third, I am still no athlete and still enjoy being a fan!

Too Fast!

2008-06-30T17:23:00.004-06:00

It seems I spoke too fast. It seems I also drive too fast since I was pulled over again this morning on my way to work.

It just doesn't seem fair that because it is the 30th and they have to fill some quota...I drive to work on Beck St. via Victoria Rd. They have recently changed the speed limit on Victoria from 50mph to 40 because they have been doing some construction. The speed limit on Beck St. is and always has been 50 and I always make sure to be going pretty close to that since there are always police. Well this morning I was not paying as much attention and got up to 59 (still a reasonable and safe speed for Beck St.). I saw a motorcycle cop had pulled someone over and slowed my speed just as I saw officer #2.

He asked for my license only and explained that he had clocked me at 59 in a 45. This was clearly false information as I was pulled over directly under the 50mph sign...so I told the officer so. Apparently that is where the speed changes, it is 45 before Victory Rd. turns onto Beck...who knew! How can I be held accountable when the only sign I have ever seen on that road indicates 50 is the speed limit.

Okay, okay, I know, either way I was going over the speed limit. So when the officer came back with the citation for me to sign, he begged my pardon and asked what my weight was as he was certain it was not represented correctly on my drivers license. RUDE! I couldn't tell if he meant that I looked heavier or thinner than said weight, my picture is from before I lost any weight but the actual weight is only about 10 lbs more than what I weigh now. I don't know how any of this information is critical for a speeding ticket but apparently our protectors of the peace are all about accuracy? He expressed his confidence that I would be more aware of the signs and my speed in the future. Thank you sir for your confidence, I will be sure to look out more carefully for cops next time!

Bryce Canyon

2008-06-29T22:18:00.003-06:00

WOW!

I have been so busy and so tired but when Candice texted me on Friday morning to ask if I wanted to go to Bryce Canyon I was all over it! We probably could have planned a little better but spontaneity trumps organization any day. We drove to St. George on Friday afternoon and stayed and the Crawford's house there. We considered getting up early to get there before it got too hot but it turns out that Bryce Canyon is much cooler than the rest of southern Utah so we got up around 8 and were finally on our way by 10am. It was kind of a long drive back up to Bryce and just past Cedar City I got pulled over. The speed limit is 75mph and I was probably going about 87...still kinda fast but really? Officer Clint something was really nice and accepted my sincere apology and promise to set my cruise control at 75 and let me off with a warning. He even gave me permission to go 80, what a great guy! Before we got to Bryce we stopped in the general store and shopped...I love general stores, they have so much fun stuff. We finally got to the park and had a great time wandering. It was really so beautiful and different than anything I have ever seen. It is pretty amazing!

We decided to take a little different route home and found highway 14. It was a gorgeous drive to which Candice commented something like, "wow, look at the expanseness...sometimes I just don't have words!" The views were incredible and we were so happy we took the scenic route.

It is so good to get out of town for a few days, I really need to do it as often as I can. Another little perk of this trip is that I got to see the Gatlins. Can I just tell you how little 4 year old Lexi recited several of the most difficult Articles of Faith all by herself. Wyatt is going to be in the Music Man in a few weeks and showed me his dance to Shipoopie and it was just so fun to see them even though it was just for a few minutes! I had a GREAT weekend...lucky me!

Unwinding

2008-06-19T22:16:00.004-06:00

While a man is perfectly satisfied to sit around with a cold beverage in one hand and his balls in the other while he watches a sporting event on his big screen, the de-stressing of a female is a much more complex problem. I recommend a night out will 1 or more of "the girls" with activities ranging from a chick flick, good food, better dessert, lots and lots of talking and of course...a pedicure!

Expectations???

2008-06-18T21:57:00.003-06:00

Is life really what we make of it? Do we just get what we expect...or deserve...or is it a crap shoot? We took our first group of boys to do the ropes course today, they also happen to be our most difficult group, and when I was asked how it went I didn't have a ready response. After giving it more thought I determined that it had gone better than I had expected but not as good as I had hoped. I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed in the whole production but I couldn't put my finger on why. After the kind of discussion that only happens in a therapeutic environment, I felt better about my day, but why? Did I just adjust my expectations to match reality? Isn't that what we do, instead of being optimists or pessimists we become realists? What comes first, the reality or the expectation? Is it all just self fulfilling prophesy?

I believe happiness comes from having realistic expectations and being thankful when things exceed our expectations. When our expectations are not met we need to a) concede that we have aimed too high b) believe it will be better next time or c) amend our expectations so we are satisfied with what we have.

I wont always fine-tune my expectations to fit the situation, I simply refuse. I think that if expectations are set too low there is no effort made to be anything better than average. I look at my life and I wonder, are my expectations too high? Am I asking for more than my fair share or better than I deserve? Will having high expectations always leave me feeling disenchanted? There are some, I believe, who truly do have preposterous and unreasonable expectations, they are unhappy. There are others who set their expectations just out of reach and are confused and bitter that they never grasp their unattainable ideals.

Is it wrong to ask to live in an idealistic reality? Is it possible to find the happy medium, having high hopes and practical expectations? I shall try!

Jessie found my list

2008-06-05T22:53:00.003-06:00

I went to a birthday lunch a couple of years ago for a friend and that morning she had been on a hot air balloon trip. She said it was on her list of 30 things to do before she turned 30. What a great idea, having a list of things and giving yourself a deadline. Really, I am probably going to want a list of cool things I've done to make turning thirty a little easier. Last March, as Jessie and I drove to Las Vegas to fly to Hawaii, we made our lists. Mine was sitting on my bed when I returned home today, she must have found it in the move and since she is currently staying at my place she returned it to me, yay! I enjoyed reading ove it and have even done some of the things already!

30 things to do before I'm 30:

See the Grand Canyon
Go visit my mission (check)
Go river rafting (check, check)
Watch the sun rise from Mt. Timpanogos
Start writing a book
Learn to quilt
Start investing in retirement
Buy a pair of designer jeans
Choose a career (in progress)
See a new country each year (check: Greece, Turkey, Hong Kong)
Sing karaoke by myself
Go to spiral jetty
Travel somewhere on a train (check, Bucuresti to Istanbul)
Read "Mere Christianity"
Go sailing
Attend a Sundance movie
Go to General Conference at the conference center
Learn to play tennis (in progress, haha)
Run a 5k (training in progress)
Watch "Casablanca"
Read Doctrine & Covenants
Wear a size 6 (in progress)
Live alone (check)
Send out Christmas cards
Sew something I can wear
Go snowshoeing
Go to a session at the Logan Temple
Go to a session at the Manti Temple
Document trips in a photo album
Learn to snowboard (check)

Most of them are simple, not expensive and certainly within my grasp. I have 10 months left, feel free to help in any way you see fit!

Its hard work (Part 2)

2008-06-04T11:10:00.005-06:00

COLORADO RIVER TRIP

29 May 2008

I really do have a super fun job. It was a long day, we left for Moab, UT at 6am and were on the Colorado by 11am. We went for a little hike at lunch time and then it was back on the river for 3 more rapids.

We got back to the hospital at about 9:30, everyone was exhausted from all the fun! The boys were in awe of how beautiful everything was and they were so humbled by the experience. It is something most of them would never imagine doing or ever have an opportunity to do. I am so lucky to be a part of all of this.

Quotes from the court..and other things

2008-06-03T23:46:00.004-06:00

Candace and I decided to play tennis tonight instead of doing the normal gym routine. I use the term "play tennis" loosely because really we made a good effort but it was more comedic than anything. Shagging balls is a great workout and so is laughing! Here are some of the things you certainly wont hear on those clay courts in France...

"Do you get mulligans in tennis?"
"I need to move faster...or just not stand in the middle of the court!"
"How many balls can you fit in your pants?"
"Lets wear skirts next time."
"No, that was good, at least you hit it!"
"Ooooh look, a kitty!"

We had lots o' fun and plan to continue trying until we can actually "play!"

Other things:

I started a blog about my trip to Denver, which was a blast, and the blog was so bad I deleted it. I'll post pics later.

Have you ever heard the song "I want love" by Elton John? The music video is awesome if you love Robert Downey Jr. I highly recommend you look it up on YouTube!

I went river rafting on the Colorado last Thursday with 7 of my boys and get to go again on Monday. I can't wait and will post pics of that later too.

I hate MANURE!

2008-05-22T13:31:00.003-06:00

I love the Back to the Future movies. Remember how the bully Biff is always picking on Marty McFly? One of the best parts of the movie is when McFly gets him back and Biff is all pissed because he wrecks his car. That would have been good enough for McFly but it gets even better. Biff had crashed into a manure truck and gets the whole load of s*%t dumped on him. SUCKA!!!!

Today I felt like Biff. I am not a bully and I did not deserve to feel stupid! It turns out feeling foolish just wasn't enough...I got the whole load of manure. NO FAIR!

On a happier note, it is the 2 hour season finale of Gray's Anatomy tonight and then I am going to see the new Indiana Jones movie. That is HOURS of distraction...yippee! And tomorrow I am flying to Denver to see Mandy and her family...YIPPEE! Life goes on.

The BEST motivation...

2008-05-21T12:12:00.011-06:00

I went to the gym last night and kicked my own butt with a vengeance. It didn't occur to me until later what had motivated me to push myself so hard. So, apparently:

BRUISED EGO + NEW SWIMSUIT = MOTIVATION

Who knew? I was on the treadmill for 45 minutes and I ran about half of that time...for those of you that know me you know I HATE to run. I walked uphill for a while and pretty much soaked my t-shirt through with sweat, yikes! Hopefully this will last a few weeks as I do not recommend intentionally putting your ego on the line and really...how many swimsuits does one need?

Oops...sorry!

2008-05-20T14:17:00.003-06:00

I do dumb things all the time. Since you read my blog you deserve to benefit from some of these absurdities.

Last week I was doing my laundry in the basement of my apartment complex. I came up the stairs and walked into my apartment. It seemed a little strange that the knob turned so easily, usually it kinda sticks. Hey wait, this isn't my apartment at all, its number 10. YIKES! I closed the door as quickly as possible and quietly walked toward my door hoping the tenant in #10 would not notice. I heard him open his door and slowly turned around, my cheeks bright red, and apologized. "Sorry, I just got mixed up, sorry!" He assured me that it was okay and laughed uncomfortably. I am such an idiot!

He's HOME!!!

2008-05-14T10:41:00.004-06:00

Brandon got home from his mission last night. I don't know how we lived without him for 2 whole years. It was so fun to see him and I can't wait to hear all about Samoa!

Ladies and gentlemen, its "a skirt that does pockets" at least that is how it translates.

"I love my sisters"

All the brothers together after 4 years! They are the BEST!!!!

A more complete list...

2008-05-12T10:48:00.000-06:00

My computer has a virus which means I can only blog if and when I have time at work. I have been working on this for a while, more to help me be thankful than anything else. So, here is a list of 50 of my favorite things.

1. My family.

2. Lip gloss.

3. Staying up as late as I want and sleeping in the next morning.

4. The ocean, everything about it! Sand, salt water, the sound, waves, everything!

5. Einsteins bagels with the girls on Saturday morning.

6. Good movies.

7. Snuggling during a good movie.

8. Bath & Body works body cream.

9. Standing in a hot shower taking longer than I should.

10. When I actually get to work on time.

11. Listening to someone when they're ready to talk. Being their "person."

12. Art...Vermeer, Van Gogh, Klimt, Rodin.

13. Traveling.

14. Dave Matthews Band.

15. Being sassy.

16. Laughing really hard.

17. Writing.

18. Long conversations.

20. My boss Michelle.

21. Reading a good book.

22. Sitting in the car in the rain.

23. Singing really loud in the car or shower.

24. Explaining something and having someone "get it."

25. Dressing up.

26. Dreaming. I dream all the time about everything!

27. Friends that you don't have to explain things to.

28. Finding out I can do something I didn't know I could do.

29. Clever lyrics.

30. The Gospel.

31. Cheering for someone I love at a sporting event.

32. The color green.

33. Recycling.

34. Jewelry.

35. Laughter.

36. The BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.

37. LOST and Gray's Anatomy.

38. Diet Coke.

39. Hoodies.

40. Going out to eat.

41. Great co-workers.

42. When Al leaves me a message that rhymes.

43. Brownies, ice cream & hot fudge.

44. Movie theatre popcorn.

45. The previews, especially when they can almost make you forget what you are there to see.

46. When flying is cheaper than driving.

47. When my bathroom is really clean.

48. Blogs.

49. First kisses.

50. Going to the gym.

More favorites!!!

2008-04-21T22:31:00.001-06:00

Wyatt, Bradyn and Lexi...I just love 'em!

Its my FAVORITE!

2008-04-21T17:13:00.002-06:00

So...I bought the hoodie and the t-shirt!

When its just akward...

2008-04-11T15:41:00.002-06:00

I work with this one man, lets call him Harry, who is old enough to be my father. He has a pretty bad comb over, kind of grayish skin and no social skills. He is a little too flirtatious with Anna and me and today in his attempt to give me a compliment he just made himself ridiculous.

He said, "Your hair looks nice today, did you do it yourself?"

"Ummm, yes, what do you mean Harry. If you're asking if my mommy came over to help me get ready this morning she didn't...Or do you mean do I cut and color it myself? I am a little confused."

He is used to me being a little mean and laughing at him so this exchange didn't make him nearly as uncomfortable as I would have hoped. Darnit!

The Happiest Place on Earth

2008-04-09T22:45:00.006-06:00

I was invited to watch conference with friends in St. George with a plan for a little side trip Saturday night to go dancing in Vegas. Saturday we watched conference, went to lunch in our pj's, did some shopping and had a delicious dinner of homemade salmon burgers and sweet potato fries. At about 10pm we drove to Vegas and danced til the wee hours of the morning...we had a ball!

We decided that we might as well extend our weekend so we took Monday and Tuesday off and went to L.A. on Sunday afternoon. We spent Monday enjoying all Disneyland has to offer!

Kate and Candice on the Matterhorn

Aunt Joanna joined us for part of the day and we were so glad she did!

We had such a fun time, my favorite rides of the day being Soaring over California, Big Thunder Mountain and the new and improved Space Mountain!!! We also took this little quiz to find out which Disney character we are most like. In case you are wondering...

...I am Jane from Tarzan.

The truth is, it doesn't matter how old you are (and I got a little older this week so I know), Disneyland is just fun...really, one of the happiest places on earth!

Its hard "work"

2008-04-03T20:32:00.005-06:00

Since returning to work on March10th from a wonderful trip to Hong Kong I have been paid to:

Snowboard (twice)

Go to a party at a skate park
Spend 3 days at a conference in Park City
Cross country ski (3 times)

Lose my temper (various occasions)
Feel inspired (numerous occasions)

Don't you wish you had my job!?!

Buttons and Mottos

2008-03-31T21:46:00.003-06:00

I bought a cute pair of jeans in Hong Kong for about $5. The first time I wore them one of the buttons on the back pocket fell off and was lost...sad. Well, Saturday I was at the parents house doing laundry and waiting to go see my brother play in his first ever BYU soccer game. (Cec and I had fun, Bryan got to play about 25 minutes and they won of course!)

I asked my mom if she wanted to run some errands with me, one of them being a trip to the fabric store to find some new buttons for my pants. My mom reminded me of her button "collection" and suggested I have a look. Now...I knew my mom had a few buttons but really, do we call 3 boxes worth a collection or is it a PROBLEM!?! Apparently my mom is not the only mom with a button "collection." I spoke with a friend whose mom shares my mothers affinity for buttons, possibly exceeding the quantity in my parents basement. Anyways, I found a couple of cute buttons that worked wonderfully and I found one in particular that I loved. I took it knowing my mom wont even know its gone and I think it is my new motto, replacing, or perhaps adding to, "bringing sexy back." If there had been 2 I would have put these on my pants! LOVE IT!

Yep...GOOD ALL OVER!

On a mini van????????

2008-03-28T17:06:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been such a delinquent blogger. I experienced the worst jet lag after returning from Hong Kong and I was at a URTA conference this week to remember why it is I do what I do. On my way home from Park City last night Mieken and I came across a sight that threw us into one of our laugh until you cry fits...WOW! We didn't get a great picture but this HOT mini van...it has spinners. They're probably just spinner hub caps which makes it even more ridiculous. Seriously, a mini van with spinners?

Living will...

2008-03-19T17:42:00.003-06:00

My mom and I talked a little bit about this on our trip and I thought this would be a good place to make those who need or want to be aware...aware.

#1 Pull the plug, I'm gonna wanna move on!

#2 Donate any organ, tissue, etc. worth donating.

#3 Bury me with my passport, I'm gonna want a stamp from wherever I go (haha)!

#4 Remember, I'm not afraid of death so no worries.

#5 Don't fight over my jewelry, none of it is worth much!

(This was meant to be lighthearted but I am "dead" serious about #1&2)

Dreams for sale?

2008-03-17T10:20:00.003-06:00

I discovered this week that I am guilty of selling dreams. I have never thought about it this way but I guess it is important for me to recognize an individuals limitations before I attempt to convince them or encourage them to try something that they will not be able to accomplish. I generally am aware of the potential (or lack thereof) our patients have but sometimes they grab hold of an idea, like going to college, and I always support any of their ambition...I'm just happy they have some!

A few weeks ago, one of our boys who is not the brightest bulb, decided he would like to go to college just like one of his brighter peers. Our principal of course indicated to him that it would be a lot of work and pointed him in the direction of the steps he should take. He quickly discovered that he was not capable, sad but true. He loudly accused Michelle in the hallway, "yo Michelle, you sold me a dream!" So for now...I am a realist not an optimist!

On a funnier note, my coworker recently changed one of our passwords from snowgirls to playtime and every time I have used it I have mistakenly put in playgirls...heehee!

One LONG Sunday

2008-03-13T23:03:00.005-06:00

Sunday at 12:30pm our plane left Hong Kong. About 12 hours later we landed at SFO...it was 8:30 in the morning on Sunday. Interesting trip (pun intended). We went through customs with no problems, kind of a surprise considering all the goods we were bringing back into the country! We landed at LAX at 12:30pm Sunday afternoon and Joanna picked us up and we lamented not having enough time for a proper visit as she took us to get my car. By 1:30 we were on the road for our long drive from L.A. to Orem. Our Sunday totaled approximately 40 hours!

Needless to say it has been a long and tired week and you should not be surprised that it is Thursday after 11pm when I am finally posting our pictures on my picasa page. No laughing, I have not done any editing, with the exception of the pictures I took of the really cool bathroom. I didn't want everyone thinking that I always take pictures of toilets, this particular one was just really incredible!

Enjoy...I did!

Hong Kong Part 2

2008-03-06T05:43:00.008-07:00

We have done so much I don't even know where to begin. Monday we decided it would be a good idea to drive out to Lantau Island and see the big Buddha. I guess usually a tourist would take several modes of public transportation followed by an hour long ride on a possibly not so safe sky tram at $12 a person. Well, there is a reason you let someone else take care of transportation haha. We finally got on the right road only to realize that you need a special permit for that particular road. Oh well. We did get to the top after lots of winding and luckily there was parking up at the top. Big Buddha was really big and quite impressive and the monastery was beautiful.

It was worth the crazy drive but maybe next time Mark will reconsider before he offers to drive his guests out to see Buddha.

We were so tired after our trek that we came back for a quick nap before heading out to Victoria Peak for dinner. Elaine's flight from Malaysia got in just in time for her to meet us a Cafe Deco. It was very tasty and the view from the top was amazing!

Tuesday we were all set with map in hand (Elaine circled some of the best shopping for us) and money securely tucked away for a day of spending. We started at the jade market and to be honest, we didn't even know what to do. Our senses were overwhelmed by all the pearls, jade, silver and general sparkliness of everything. WOW! I can't believe I didn't get a single picture but how could one think of a camera in a time like this. Don't worry, we are going back now that we are more experienced in the art of choosing, bargaining and making the final purchases. The shopping didn't stop there, we were pretty hungry and stopped for something quick, white, mushy and greasy before heading to the ladies market. It was full of clothes, shoes, purses and various other items ladies cannot live without for a killer price. We went a little crazy but still didn't really make a dent in our budget or even begin to fill the two extra suitcases we brought.

Fear not, the shopping has continued and we are getting better at all the haggling (probably because our ability to divide by 8 very quickly and more accurately is improving as well). We have seen most of the interesting and diverse districts in Hong Kong at this point and have eaten as many different kinds of foods. We saw the Man Mo Temple with its enormous incense coils...

...and we even went to the famous Happy Valley horse races.

This morning we went to a session at the beautiful Hong Kong temple and of course...did some more shopping. We still have a hundred things to see and several hundred HK dollars to spend! We will probably end up filling all the suitcases and I may even have to borrow from Mark and Elaine's "extra carry-on closet."

Heehee! I'm having fun...I'm a lucky girl!

Hong Kong!

2008-03-02T05:38:00.006-07:00

I crossed the international date line for the first time in my life yesterday. That means, I am sitting in Hong Kong on Sunday night and most of the people I know in the world have not even woken up to Sunday yet. Seems odd!?! Our travel was about as uneventful as you would expect a non-stop 14 hour flight over the pacific to be. Actually it started many hours before we boarded a plane as we had to drive to L.A. My mom and I left Orem around 3pm on Thursday and made fabulous time to St. George where we stopped for a quick dinner at Megan's. Though we had less than an hour we were both fed and entertained. Wyatt played the guitar for us and Lexi showed us her skills in ballet.

We arrived in LA about midnight and finally went to bed after a nice long chat with Joanna. Ken and Joanna insisted on taking us to the airport and everything went smoothly. I don't think it had hit me yet that I was going to Hong Kong, I was just dreading the nearly 15 hour flight. My mom took a sleeping pill and was out most of the flight, I was in and out of sleep, mostly out. Upon arrival Mark picked us up and took us on the Mr. Toads wild ride from Kowloon to Stanley where they live. I had no idea at the time how tame that ride would feel after experiencing the same road from the upper deck of a double decker bus!!! After some serious efforts to stay conscious until at least midnight we went to bed at 11. Both of us were able to get plenty of sleep which prepared us for our first big day in Hong Kong.

We decided it would be best to let Mark take us around the city so we could learn our way around. We walked through Stanley Market, took the above mentioned double decker bus ride (woah!) and walked through downtown and Hong Kong Park. This city is like a giant 3D puzzle. I am sure a map will do us no good as knowing your up and down is as important as knowing your north, south, east and west. We're smart girls, we'll figure it out!

We wanted some authentic local fare for lunch but Mark indicated that local HK food is in three main food groups: white, mushy and greasy...hmmm. We settled on some regular Chinese food and then headed to the harbour for a ride on the Star Ferry.

On the Kowloon side we went into the Peninsula Hotel and experienced some of the crazy street markets before heading back to HK island. After a quick dinner of burgers we got back on a double decker and began our ride home. We have been walking all day and have more energy than we expected. To tell you the truth, I think we wore Mark out! I don't know what we have planned for tomorrow but I know horse races at the happy valley race track, sailing, the peak and shopping, shopping, shopping are on the itinerary! Sounds like fun eh?

Pretending it didn't happen

2008-02-26T20:04:00.002-07:00

Last Thursday I was violated for a third time at work. I know I have mentioned that my new figure has received both positive and negative notice (though I don't know if any attention at all from a teenage delinquent is positive??), I am going to file a hearty spanking and vulgar comments about my "f***ing hot a**" under negative attention! I wasn't even expecting it and again, I had no reaction WHATSOEVER! My favorite staff comment about the whole thing was, "man, he could have at least asked for your phone number first." Haha, so funny Frank. Today I was at the nurses station when the offending patient came to get his meds. He nonchalantly said, "hey Hilary!" I don't think he made eye contact because I couldn't even look at him. How can he just say hi and pretend that nothing happened. I am still mad at the dirty little perv! I need to be fair, he is in a psychiatric hospital, but I guess I need a few more days before I can just pretend it didn't happen.

Happy Single Awareness Day!

2008-02-14T09:45:00.014-07:00

"In the midst of winter I finally learn that there was in me an invincible summer."

-Albert Camus

Today...I am happy!

"The less one knows, the longer it takes to explain how little one knows."

-Anonymous

Today...I am amused!

"I am as my creator made me and since He is satisfied, so am I."

-Minnie Smith

Today...I am satisfied!

"I am satisfied that when the Almighty wants me to do or not do any particular thing, He finds a way of letting me know it."

-Abraham Lincoln

Today...I am faithful!

"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go."

-Mother Theresa

Today...I am generous!

"If I am not worth the wooing, I am surely not worth the winning."

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Today...I am worth it!

"Happy Valentines day have a great day i love you thanks for making my life so happy love mom"

-Mom

Today...I am loved!

Getting over it

2008-02-13T12:08:00.006-07:00

You can probably imagine how lousy the rest of my Sunday was and it certainly didn't get easier on Monday. Dealing with the glass people (aka: idiots) and the insurance people (aka: idiots) was truly a joy. Honestly people...do you think I am buying a new window for fun? People who are purchasing new windows or making a claim on their insurance are going to be unhappy people who have just experienced something unpleasant or at the least spending money they probably dont have on something they probably weren't expecting, show some freakin' sympathy! Nuf said.

Our boys participate in a program called CHILL, sponsored by Burton, it is a six week, free program where underprivileged kids get to learn how to board up at Brighton...all gear provided. It became necessary for me to join our group as a chaperone and Monday was to be my first night up there and my first time on a board. I was pretty nervous. My coworkers were concerned that after the kind of day I had had, I was in no shape to spend the evening participating in a tiring and potential frustrating activity but I assured them I needed something to get my mind off my anger and the workout couldn't hurt.

I had the time of my life! It was so much fun, a great workout and I left in a much better mood than I had arrived. I think I was actually pretty good too! I have been suffering from some mild muscle pain and bruises on my knees but I am so excited to go every Monday.

Seriously...SERIOUSLY...?

2008-02-10T10:35:00.001-07:00

Last November my car was broken into. I generally keep nothing of value in my car as a precaution and that fateful night was no exception. The lucky bastard who broke into my car that night is the proud thief of a temple bag containing one white dress, one white slip, white knee highs and size 71/2 white slippers.

Car break-ins are a cronic problem here in Downtown Salt Lake City. A few weeks ago Katrina was a victim, they were kind enough to leave her stethascope but emptied her ash tray of about $8 in quarters. Emily was home in the middle of the day last Monday while someone broke into her VW Golf that was parked on the street. Honestly...the middle of the freakin' day! Unfortunately, they stole her iPod.

At 8:30 this morning my phone rang indicating someone was at the front door of my apartment building. I pressed the appropriate key on my phone to release the lock figuring someone had simply made an error. Several minutes later there was a knock on my door. I am a good, law abiding citizen but your mind does funny things when you look through the peep hole and see two policemen. Officer Martinez and his partner asked if I was the owner of a blue Toyota Corolla. After I told him I was he stated that it had been broken into along with several other cars in our private, off street parking lot. SERIOUSLY...!?!

Many of you know I purchased a brand new car just before new years. I still have the plastic over the front floor mats and I just put on my new license plates last night. They stole my cd's, my knit gloves, broke my ipod transmitter (it is plugged inside my center console, not in sight), they popped my trunk and stold a grocery bag with items for my missionary brother...expensive stuff like a box of cinnamon toast crunch, a cake mix and frosting, starbursts, etc. The best part is that rather than just breaking my window, they opted for the "bend the window frame with a screw driver" method. BASTARDS!

Of course no auto glass places are open on Sunday and my lame insurance company doesn't even have an after hours line and their voice mail is full. At least it isn't supposed to snow again until Tuesday...should we call that, "the bright side?"

My civic duty

2008-02-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

This land is your land

This land is my land

From California

To the New York Islands

From the Redwood Forest

To the gulf stream waters

This land was made for you and me!

Oooooh...That's why its so fun!

2008-02-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

One of our psychiatrists, in his great pity for my single state, took the opportunity to offer me this months Scientific American MIND magazine. Why We Kiss is one of the feature articles. Feel free to read it yourself, basically what I learned is this:

1. Monkey see, monkey do. Evolution gave us kissing, primates had practical purposes for mouth-to-mouth contact and we've learned you can do it just for fun!

2. I just can't help myself, kissing is addictive! Kissing and cocaine similarly stimulate reward centers in the brain, so kissing is like a drug.

3. A bad first kiss can end a relationship. Apparently, "A kiss my convey subconscious information about the genetic compatibility of a potential mate."

4. The scientific term for kissing is osculation...no thanks, I'd rather kiss.

5. When in doubt, tilt right. 80% of the time people tilt their head the the right, who knew?

Romeo, Romeo...

2008-01-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Balcone di Giulietta

I have a picture similar to this that I purchased in Verona, Italy. It is hanging above my computer and tonight it got me thinking. I have heard that one must have their heart broken at least twice before they can find and know true love. I will admit that though I have loved deeply, my heart has never broken over unrequited love. Lucky? Well, uh...if it means I still have heartbreak (twice) ahead before I find true love...that sucks! Seriously, just one heartbreak was enought to make Romeo and Juliet take their own lives, and while I am no longer an irrational teenager, heartbreak doesn't sound like a picnic. I asked a friend tonight if she though this depressing theory held any water. I explained the various pains love has caused me and asked if they might just qualify, thus sparing inevitable heartbreak and possible suicide. She proceded in her wisdom to inquire about other incidents in my life and if my heart broke for any other kind of love. By these terms, my heart has broken dozens of times. She added that it is what a broken heart teaches you not what it does to you that makes you capable of and ready for true love. A broken heart teaches you empathy, compassion, humility, charity and most importantly, that you are strong enough to recover from it. I don't want my heart to break over a man but if it does, I'll be just fine.

I'm HOT!

2008-01-29T13:59:00.001-07:00

As many of you may know I have recently dropped a few pounds (49 as of this morning). Since I work with teenage boys who notice everything, I now regularly deflect both positive and negative commentary about my shrinking figure. I would like to share some of my very favorites!

"Yo miss, you's losin' weight!?!...I ain't askin', I'm sayin'...you lookin' good!"
"you lookin' pretty good but yo arms is flabby still"
"You lookin' good but this (while indicating the skin under his chin) it jus ain't goin' down."
"How much weight you gonna lose?" (to which I replied, I just want to be healthy) he responded "you was healthy a while ago, you good!"
"If I had to choose to go on a date with Britney Spears or Hilary, I'd choose Hilary because Britney has fake boobs, fake nose, fake hair...." (this kid was talking to himself out loud and I stopped him before he could continue by telling him he would most definitely never have to make that particular choice)

and my personal favorite...

"Man miss Hilary...you's gettin' small!"

So, um...Thanks boys!

Don't clean the bathroom with Soft Scrub!

2008-01-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

I had a friend named Jillian when I was little. It was always fun to go over to her house to play because she only had one older sister so her house was quieter. We liked to build forts in the hallway, closing blankets into the drawers and cupboards on one side and the bedroom doors on the other side. We were pretty creative too. Once we decided that it would be fun to help out and clean the hall bathroom. The bathtub, shower walls, sink, toilet and floor. We cleaned it all but kept wondering why everything was all white and grainy when we tired to rinse it. When my mom came to pick me up and they came looking for us we still weren't quite done. Truth be told, we were starting to get kinda worried about all the white powder all over the place and had closed ourselves in the bathroom. It took our moms about an hour to clean up our helpful little mess. The bathroom was REALLY clean! I don't think I was invited back for a while.

Why I love Megan!

2008-01-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today is my friend Megan's birthday and I love her with my whole heart. We were talking on the phone tonight and she was cracking me up with stories about her 3 kids. Wyatt is 7, Lexie just turned 4 and Bradyn is 15 months and she is the greatest mom ever.

I want to share my favorite story of the evening. Lets call it, "life lessons from Bratz Dolls."

Maybe you've seen them, maybe not but Megan did not want her beautiful little girl playing with trashy little Bratz dolls. When Lexie started showing interest in said dolls Megan put her foot down and took the opportunity to teach Lexie about hoochie mammas. She told Lexie that she could have Barbies and any other doll but that she did not want Bratz dolls because they are hoochie mammas. When little Lexie wondered out loud what a hoochie mamma is Megan simply responded, "they are girls that wear too much make-up and not enough clothes."

Lexie is a ball of fire and one of Megan's more trying blessings. She has really taken to heart the lesson she learned that day about hoochie mammas and never passes up an opportunity to point them out in public. "Look mom, she's a hoochie mamma!" while she has her hands planted firmly on her hips and her eyes roll up as she bats her eyelashes. While she understands the concept of hoochie mamma (as explained by mom) she is not always clear on its application. While watching her beloved Nutcracker she timidly asked, "Mom, she doesn't have any straps on her dress. Does that make her a hoochie mamma?" Guess it is time for that lesson on classy vs. tacky...Good luck Megan, I love you!

My next big adventure...

2008-01-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG

2.29.08-3.9.08

Lyrics I love

2008-01-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

I really appreciate creativity in music, I like a good message and witty one liners. I will listen to just about any genre if the artist writes good lyrics. Some of my favorite lyricists are Dave Matthews (of course, his songs are just so sexy), Jewel (I think she stole some of hers from my high school journal) and Indigo Girls (its like they just know!). There are many others but this is enough to pay tribute to for now. Here is a small sample of some of my all time and current favorites: "Oh look at me with in my fancy car and my bank account. Oh how I wish I could take it all down to my grave god knows I'd save and save. Take a look take a look again, things you have collected. Well, in the end it all piles up so tall to one big nothing, one big nothing at all."

--Seek Up, DMB

"...please, stay with me tonight and tomorrow you'll go back to your man and I'm back to my world and we're back to being friends."

--Say Goodbye, DMB

"Oh, I watch you there, through the window and I stare at you and you wear nothing but you wear it so well."

--Crash, DMB

"And when you look in my eyes, please know my hear is in your hands. It's nothing that I understand but when in your arms you have complete power over me. So be gentle if you please because you hands are in my hair but my heart is in your teeth."

--Near you always, Jewel

"Feels like being underwater, now that I've let go, lost control."

--Break Me, Jewel

"I have this theory that if we're told we're bad, then that's the only idea we'll ever have. Maybe if we are surrounded in beauty, someday we will become what we see. I'd rather see the world from a different angle, we are ever the angels, be careful with me cause I'd like to stay that way."

--I'm Sensitive, Jewel

"Oh you set up your place in my thoughts, moved in and made my thinking crowded."

--Mystery, Indigo Girls

"And I wish her insight to battle loves blindness, strength from the wealth of human kindness, a safe place for all the pieces that scattered, learn to pretend there's more than love that matters."

--Love will come to you, Indigo Girls

"When I wake, the things I dreamt about you last night make me blush..."

--Ghost, Indigo Girls

Feel free to share you favorite lyric!

little misunderstanding BIG ENTERTAINMENT

2008-01-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

So...I've had blogger's block. You should see how many drafts I have written that just need some editing in order to qualify for posting. Oh well. Tonight I promised Candace that I would share this little story. We were walking through the parking lot, headed to the gym to meet Katie. While walking, Candace exclaimed, "hey, there she is right there!" There was a car coming right towards us and I assumed that was what she meant and believing wholly that it was Katie in the car I jumped out in front of it and did a little dance. I won't describe the little dance as I generally encourage the use of ones imagination...! Well, suffice it to say, the two girls in the car were really quite entertained and I got 2 big thumbs up from them as I noticed Katie walking towards us in the parking lot. The humiliation only lasted a second, may the entertainment last a lifetime!

I don't believe in regret.

2007-12-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Why should I regret something I have done that I cannot change? I should clarify that I distinguish between remorse and regret. I am always feeling guilty, I'm really good at guilt, but regret...what's the point? If you can learn from something, isn't it worth experiencing?

Regret does not carry with it the energy of remorse, the sting of
compunction, the sacredness of contrition, or the practical character of
repentance. We even apply the term regret to circumstance over which we have had
no control, as the absence of friends or their loss. When connected with
ourselves, it relates rather to unwise acts than to wrong or sinful ones. --C. J. Smith.

Since I am human, I am unwise all the time. Hopefully I will learn wisdom by making a better choice next time rather than regretting a decision and not changing.

So, next time I will:

Pay the extra $10 to see the Harem
Not eat the second piece of pie
Wake up a little earlier, its not worth the rescheduling fee
Go to class, good grades are worth it
Ask for help
Offer to help
Go, cause I WILL feel bad if I miss it
Pull over to take a short nap
Keep my mouth shut
Be a little bit more organized
Be a little less scared
etc., etc., ETC.!

Spirit of Christmas...at work!

2007-12-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

As shopping for Christmas gifts for 84 boys progressed, so had my level of frustration. I'll be honest, its a little hard to shop for gifts you most likely will only hear complaints about later. They aren't enough, the right ones, what I wanted, you fill in the blank! I just wish they knew how much I care, how much all of us who are working to provide a good Christmas for them, care! I want them to open something that will make them smile, that will make them for a moment forget that their life kinda sucks. I decided today that I wont mind if they complain, I still care. Here are some reasons why...

Today the boys put on their winter concert. One boy played the piano, very well I might add, our small choir sung Do-re-mi and Walking in a Winter Wonderland, then some of the boys exhibited their skills on the drums and other percussion instruments. They were all so amazing and I was so proud of them for their courage and effort! Our little cafeteria was crammed full of their peers (who can be brutal critics) and almost every single one of them watched in a respectful manner, surprising and pleasing all of the staff. It was one of those events that reminds me why I do what I do and that it is worth it.

This afternoon, Al reminded me about our first Christmas working at Benchmark. JoJo is one of our favorite boys and he has nobody. His life is a sad story and wont likely get much better. He has never received a Christmas gift from home and this particular year one of our other boys recognized this. He went around to each boy on the unit, taking up a collection. Each kid found something from their meagre possessions to contribute and presented it all to JoJo for Christmas.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:8-10
But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Moroni 7:47

Dress Up

2007-12-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

I went to a White Trash Christmas party last night. Party was complete with lil smokies, twinkies, ants on a log and even gingerbread trailers. I arrived dressed in the clothes I wore to work and quickly learned that I had come in inappropriate attire. I was instructed (forced) to find something more suitable. LUCKILY, Danielle has a dress up box (I will be investing in one soon, they are invaluable). We had a ball and anyone who showed up looking normal was sent into the room with the box.

Jessie, Darby, Danielle, Me and Marci livin' it up white trash style...I love Jessie's Marlboro!

They don't get much happier than these two folks! Clint and Jessie are a match made in white trash heaven. And that is GEN-U-INE 7Eleven chili sauce on his wife beater!

And...you guessed it, Analee and Candice showed up looking a bit to professional for our taste. Well, we did what we could!!!

Things I didn't know I didn't know...

2007-12-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

I learned some interesting things this week. I was told that a regulation basketball hoop can fit two men's basketballs through it, side by side. I didn't believe it, and it turns out it isn't true. But...two women's basketballs can! Also, I didn't know there are around 9,000 bumps or dots on the surface of a basketball. But...I didn't know anybody cared!

Discovering domesticity?

2007-12-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

You have to be careful because I would probably hit you if you called me a home-ec teacher. I do recreation therapy which provides a fun environment to learn therapeutic skills. In my class we cook, sew, create art, play games and generally engage in all things fun (and appropriate). While doing these various activities I encourage my boys to focus on things like team building, working together, following instructions, patience, social skills, etc. Watching individuals participate in recreation can tell you a lot about their personality!

While working on his square for the holiday quilt, one boy asked me, "why do you get mad when I call your class home-ec?" Pleased with his respectful tone I responded that it is because if I were a home-ec teacher I would be concerned about the quality of the stitch and the efficiency with which he completed his assignment (he didn't even finish and frankly, his looked like crap). However, because it is rec therapy I am more concerned with his ability to use patience while threading the needle (he used the 'F' word more than once in his attempts) and his ability to follow directions (he had to start over because after applying all his iron on glue he peeled it all off because he wasn't listening).

This is all beside the point. I am not a home-ec teacher. I am not particularly artsy, crafty or domestic. I have been blessed with creativity and the ability to do just about anything I put my mind to. So this year I have learned how to quilt, sew, cook various easy foods, make hats on a loom, narrate guided imagery, and a plethera of other domstic activities. You could probably even call me a domestic goddess! Through these skills I have learned the more important lessons of patients, kindness, being a good leader, being a good listener, being a good example, endurance, dealing with the unexpected, felxibility and masking frustration! Those are not skills you learn in home-ec!

This week I tied and finished the last 3 years worth of holiday quilts. I'm so proud!!!

(I've been hanging onto this blog so I could post pics too but I give up...they'll come later!)

Two friends...two beautiful new babies!

2007-12-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

I usually say, "I don't like other people's kids," and by other people I mean strangers. Children that belong to my friends are another story. Having no children of my own and not a single niece or nephew from any of my multitude of siblings, I am always excited when one of my friends has a baby.

Congratulations Dyan and Lars on little baby Nora, she is so beautiful!

And congrats to Mandy and Stan on baby John, he's adorable!

I Heart Them!

2007-11-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

Emily couldn't make it to Thanksgiving because she had to work so she requested a family dinner on Sunday. These are always fun but this one was extra large since Taylor and Jill joined the normal group. Mom wanted to get a family picture for the Christmas card that may or may not get sent this year (haha). Here are some of the out-takes!

The boys: Bryan, Chris and Keegan (Brandon is in Samoa of course)

The girls: Emily, Natalie, Cecily, Me and Jacey

And the whole crew, dogs included (Pele and Bruce)

They're the BEST!

My Very Own Soap Box

2007-11-15T21:22:00.001-07:00

You know that doll where you pull the string and she babbles on until she has finished her little schpeal? Well, someone pulled my string so here's my schpeal.

I am a sociologist, people and their interactions are what I majored in. I am interested in doing my part to help people, and believe there are many things one can do to make a difference. I preface this with the fact that I think all help and efforts to help anyone should be appreciated and I know there are a lot of people with only the best intentions. I in no way want to devalue their efforts. This is my soap box...

All over the world people suffer and struggle under the oppressive hand of poverty. We usually think about starving, health care deprived, undereducated and underprivileged children and visualize one of those commercials that promises us that for the cost of our diet soda every day we could save a child in Africa or South America. I wonder if most people ignore, avoid or are entirely ignorant of the poverty that exists here in the land of the free and home of the brave. Children, innocent human beings with no control over their environment or socioeconomic status go to bed hungry in neighborhoods all over our country, one of the richest countries in the world. Anytime I hear a plea for my pennies to be sent overseas I feel a very bitter-sweet tug on my heart. While I would never begrudge a child any assistance I have to ask, are the children in our own backyard so undeserving?

Our government has a program called the Peace Corps. Last year they sent out almost 8,000 willing individuals to the furthest reaches of the globe. Our tax dollars paid their travel costs, rent, utilities, language tutors, nearly one month of paid vacation per year, all medical costs, a monthly living stipend and upon completion of two years of service, forgives them 30% of their student loans and pays them a lump sum over $6,000 to thank them and provide an easier transition back to their normal lives. Americorps is another, less publicized, government program, similarly focused on providing volunteer service in needy communities in the states. It recruits volunteers to serve for hours instead of years and depending on how many hours donated, gives between $2,000-4,000 to be used for the payment of student loans or tuition. Now I know that Peace Corps and Americorps have their different scopes and purposes and I do not intend to criticize anyone in their choice of service. It just seems to me that the needy in Detroit are just as deserving as the needy in Bulgaria so why should the compensation for service to a child in Detroit be so much less than the compensation for service to a child in Bulgaria.

I just heard of a website that asks us to donate $400 and a state of the art laptop will be sent to a needy child in another country. HELLO! Could we possibly focus on making sure all the children in the schools on American soil have access to a computer before we start shipping them to a place that needs a generator to run them. Excuse the cheese metaphor but by strengthening our roots it follows that our branches will reach further and be more fruitful. I'll refrain from elaborating and leave you to your creative imagination to grasp the depth of that thought.

I could go on and on. No one deserves to be poor, least of all a child. I heard once that poverty is like punishment for a crime one did not commit. Why should a child be punished or have opportunity and service denied him because he was born poor? I stopped crying a couple of years ago when I would read charts or hear my patients describe the circumstances of their childhood. I became passionate about prevention and education as a means to put myself out of a job. I get angry now when people presume to judge anyone less fortunate than they are. I almost hit the guy in the polo shirt who was behind me in line at Costco, talking on his cell phone, ranting about homeless people taking the easy road...are you freaking kidding me?

It gets me so worked up. If you want to broaden your understanding of my frustrations, I recommend the book "Savage Inequalities" by Jonathan Kozal, describing the tragic and unequal circumstances in school districts across the country. As this holiday season inspires you to be generous, don't forget the children here. And when you vote, don't punish impoverish children. We have so much! Our constitution also promises them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

I'll leave you with a quote by Charles Darwin which I love:

If the misery of our poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.

Vest Guy

2007-11-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you hear VEST GUY? Well, I thought, "I'm gonna need a picture of that!" Luckily I had my digital on hand and got this shot of the vanity plate on the big black truck so proudly displaying the following:

WOW! I wondered if maybe he is just proud of his vest collection or if he wears only vests. I didn't know or understand until I looked a little closer and realized that he was also proudly advertising that he makes costom vests. So I wondered some more...

Does he make a variety of custom leather vests?

Or...maybe a selection of homemade sweater vests? With skull and cross bones of course because he is the vestguy!

But maybe his wife helps out with special purpose vests like these for the donation and adoption teams at S.P.C.A? I really like the see through money holding pocket thingys!

And of course there is always the good ol' florescent variety. But can't you buy those at any sporting goods store?

After a few minutes of good laughs I pulled up behind him at a stop light and read the smaller print. I admit I was a little disappointed that he doesn't hand knit manly vests. Obviously this vest guy is a guys guy though because he specializes in Police, Fire, EMS, Military and Safety vests. Being one who is very grateful to all who offer these valuable public services, I understood that someone who makes custom vests for them is an asset to all of us. It cleared up all my questions except...

Airsoft vest, seriously, if you need a costom vest you probably shouldn't play!

Spiders

2007-10-29T20:12:00.000-06:00

I willingly admit irrational fear of a few things. Here are 2:

1. Scary movies. The last one I saw was The Grudge and I swear just the other day I heard that freaky noise while I was down in the laundry room. I ran back up to my apartment!

2. Spiders. Just tell me about a creepy spider you have seen and I shiver. Hate em! Think about it, they crawl over your body while you are sleeping, they can spin a web inside your shoe, they suck your blood (and that is only sexy if it is done by a vampire!).

This little video cracks me up though! I like the marijuana spider...first, cause I like hammocks and second cause he's willing to sacrifice for what he wants!

Huh?

2007-10-23T21:03:00.001-06:00

On my recent trip to Romania I saw and heard several funny things and there is just one more I want to share. You know the movie Knocked Up? Well it is currently playing in Bucharest under the title:

Un Pic Insarcinata

Translation:
A little bit pregnant

Granted, I never learned much slang in Romanian so maybe it really does translate, but...?

The Spirituality of a Child

2007-10-21T21:15:00.000-06:00

I was on the phone with my grandma tonight and she was telling me some funny stories from my childhood (6-7 yrs old). She mentioned that I had always seemed to be a spiritual child...well, see for yourself.

Car Trouble
We got into our old silver Volvo station wagon and it wouldn't start. My mom kept trying until I piped up from the back seat, "Mom, just say a prayer and then it will start." We prayed and it did start, but really, do you think God would let down a child like that!

Baptism
Natalie was 8 which means I was almost 7, Natalie had just been baptised in her white dress. My mom apparently turned to me at some point and said, "you can wear that pretty white dress when you get baptised next year!" To which I responded, "I don't want to wear that dress, its full of sins!"

So grandma, I think you are mistaken...its just sass!

Control issues and maturity

2007-10-18T16:46:00.000-06:00

It amused me today how much like a 5 year old I can be. Surprised as you may be...it takes a lot of effort on my part to be nice all the time and I know I fail regularly. My efforts are almost entirely selfish as I generally suffer a severe guilt complex when I am mean. Really, who wants to feel bad all the time for treating ignorant idiots like ignorant idiots? That is beside the point...

Today, I almost threw a tantrum over a cart! The RT department has one that is clearly marked FOR RT USE ONLY. It has been missing for quite some time and I went searching for it today. After looking everywhere, I discovered it was being used by one of our new teachers for all of the crap she insists on carting around with her (this is in addition to her little backpack on wheels). I was low on patience by the time I found it and told her that it was my cart and that I needed it (five-year-old-ish I know). She responded by saying, "well, they gave it to me and I need it for all my things." Remember, I was already low on patience and asked her who "they" were. When she told me with that smug little look on her face I almost stomped my foot while I explained that "they" couldn't give her something that wasn't theirs to give and she better get her crap of my clearly labeled RT cart now or I was going to throw it at her. I refrained, opting to maintain my dignity and went to find a new cart.

Strip to the waist

2007-10-13T10:42:00.000-06:00

A young man, we'll call him Jay, walked into the small private practice of Dr. Jones, the doctor who would be performing his physical exam for his college applications. Having been a healthy young man, Jay looked around the strange office not knowing what to expect. The nurse obtained the necessary information and showed him into Dr. Jones' office. It was quite large and a little old fashioned, serving as both office and exam room. Before leaving him alone the nurse kindly instructed Jay to "strip to the waist," and pointed in the direction of a small partition in the corner. Emerging from behind the partition he walked past the exam table and sat himself down in one of the formal wooden arm chairs situated in front of the doctor's desk. He waited patiently until the doctor appeared.

A bemused Dr. Jones looked at young Jay and asked, "What are you doing?"

Jay looked down realizing something must be amiss and replied, "The nurse told me to strip to the waist."

"Well son, she meant for you to take your shirt off, now put your pants back on."

Embarrassed and perplexed, Jay removed his shirt as he had been instructed and walked across the room to obtain his discarded clothes. Poor naked Jay, you can bet he never misunderstood what "strip to the waist" meant again!

(Disclaimer: Though the story is true, names have been changed to comply with federal HIPPA privacy laws.)

Cat de mult ne suferim din cauza omenilor!

2007-10-08T04:30:00.000-06:00

So...I missed my flight. Regardless of what others believe about being "stuck" on vacation for 2 extra days, I gotta tell you, it is lousy! I left for the airport a little before 11am for my 1:55pm flight. I knew the bus takes an hour when there is traffic, I did not however, remember that in Romania you should always expect the unexpected. Now just one little hiccup, no big deal, but nobody can recover from 2 disasters. Marie walked me down to the bus and right as we got there they were closing all the streets in Piata Unirii. We asked the lady at the ticket booth when the bus would be coming and she explained that the streets were closed and she didn't know why, for how long, or if the bus would come at all. Nice...she pointed us to the next stop on a road that wasn't closed. We waited until the bus should have come again (seeing for ourselves that it was closed because of a marathon) and I decided to take the metro to the next main piata to catch the bus there. It came quickly enough but by this time it was noon...no big deal, if it takes an hour to get there I still have an hour to check in and go through security, Otopeni is not a big airport. As I squished on the bus (when I say squished, you have NO IDEA!) We seemed to be in an awful lot of slow traffic, I knew we were in trouble when I saw boys who had gotten off 3 stops before passing us on foot. Turns out there was a huge car show out by the airport, drawing even more traffic than usual, BAH! Is it too much to ask for there to be a little city planning, huh? By the time I ran into the airport, almost in tears and found the counter and asked to check in it was 1:35. I am fully aware of the across the board rule, no one goes after the 30 minute prior mark, so what did I do, I pulled out all my best romanian and through big fat tears I argued and begged to no avail. I was sent to the ticket counter where the lady told me I could go on the next flight for $200 extra and handed me an itinerary for TUESDAY! It is a really good thing I never learned how to be mean and curse in Romanian because I was limited in the abuse I could fling at this unhelpful woman. She refused to look for a sooner flight, insisting that the direct flight I was on from OTP to JFK did not depart every day and she could not change my route. Another girl about my age ran up at this point having missed the same flight and seemed to have a little more persuasive power. I let her interrupt knowing she might be able to help us both. Bottom line, after more tears from both of us, some yelling from all three parties it looks like the other girl and I will be on the same flight Tuesday afternoon. She is missing exams at her university in Chicago so I cannot complain too much. Though I will miss work I know that Michelle is kind and loves me and wouldn't fire me because of this. The girl offered to let me stay with her if I didn't have somewhere to stay. It made me remember that I love Romania and Romanians, mostly. Luckily I knew I could stay with Sora P. and I headed dejectedly back into the city. I fought for a seat on the bus and listened to my iPod the whole way back. I knew the sisters would be at the capela for conference so I trudged across town with all my luggage in the rain (I know, really, worse and worse). Conference was amazing and I think it even crossed my mind that I was glad I had missed my flight so I could listen to the wonderful talks. I will leave around 9am on Tuesday to catch my 1:55 flight, I'm not taking any chances!

Athens

2007-10-05T14:42:00.001-06:00

We have been in Athens since Wednesday and it has been great. We seem to get lost all the time and tonight at dinner I was looking around and it clicked, I get it, I could get around Athens now if I needed to but we leave tomorrow. Pity! Really, Athens is a total maze despite the gigantic Acropolis as a landmark, it has never taken me so long to get my bearings.

think I mentioned in a previous blog that you are either a ruins person or you aren't. By that I mean that some people think ruins are cool, old and generally interesting to see. Those of us that are ruins people (some may find it cheesy) find ourselves walking in the footsteps of people who lived thousands of years ago. How could that not fascinate you? I find myself in awe at the magnificence of the columns and the detail in the sculpture. Maybe it is because I love history so much but I could spend hours sitting at a site just imagining what life looked like back then. When you think about it, America is so young. I have walked this week where Apostles of the Savior walked. I have been transported to a time when massive temples were built to honor Gods and where civilization was not so uncivilized as we often believe. I have loved every minute of it and must say again how lucky I feel!

I know you can look on google images and find pictures of all of these things, probably better pictures at that, but these are my pictures, proving I have been, seen and done amazing things. If
I could only get this excited about my everyday life...

Pictures

2007-10-03T14:28:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures, we have taken over 400 so far. We have seen some incredible things...enjoy!

Marie in her headscarf in the Blue Mosque

The Aya Sofya in Istanbul

Me inside the Aya Sofya

Marie at the colorful bazaar in Istanbul

Marie and I at the Hamam, not the one we had our bath at, this one has been turned into a carpet shop

Marie loves to take the picture and then keep taking pictures long after your pose is done...Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

How about a cruise up the Bosphoros for a Sunday morning activity?

Our new friends in Selcuk, there was belly dancing, waterpipe smoking and I observed

Ephesus ruins, beautiful but the camera battery went dead before we were finished

Marie insisted I pose...this is St. John's Basilica in Selcuk, Turkey

Self portrait, those blue and green eyes seem to be drawing a lot of attention

Marie, St. John's Basilica

I think I got at least 50 of the sunset at St. John's

First night in Athens, Greece...Marie and me in front of a dark Acropolis

I love my brother and Asian Invasion!

2007-10-02T08:03:00.000-06:00

First of all, I love my brother, well all of them actually but I am speaking today about Brandon who is on his mission in Samoa. I just read his letter, thankful for the modern convenience of internet that allows me to know how he is doing on his little island in the Pacific while I am in the near east seeing all that is amazing. He is so happy and such a great example to me. He rocks and I love him!

Second item of business and sorry there isn't much time and I don't have pictures but I wanted to update the interested about the interesting. We were in Istanbul for 4 days and I recommend it to anyone loves travel and culture. We are in Selcuk now, near the Ephesus ruins, and it is also beautiful and surprising. We spent the day at the beach yesterday (sustaining only minor sunburns) and went to Ephesus today. This is where the asian invasion comes in, wow, so many tourists and so many of them asian! I love ruins, there is so much "scope for the imagination" when you find yourself wandering around an ancient city that once housed 250,000 people. I believe I saw my first of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis. Maybe it isn't on the list anymore, it was pretty cool and again, wow! We fly to Athens tomorrow for more ruins, beaches and general fun fun fun!