Mind Blank

I started to write an incredibly witty and funny post. I started to.... but then my mind went blank. I think it comes with turning 35. I find myself going into another room and wondering what the heck I am doing in there. This happens more and more frequently.

The other day, I found myself in the bathroom for no reason. I decided to use the facilities anyway since I was already there. About an hour or so later I remembered why I had gone to the bathroom, but when I went back, I couldn't remember what I was there for!

I recently colored my hair lighter, and added blond highlights. Maybe it's the blondness making me this way. I've often been told I have naturally blond roots. Maybe it's just me.

Anyway, I can't remember what I was going to blog about today, so I guess that's it. What was I saying?

How many people does it take to tile a bathroom?

Our basement bathroom is 25 square feet. Just big enough to sit on the potty without your knees hitting the wall, and to be able to bend over while toweling off. Anything more than that and you would probably get yourself into some trouble.

So, why, then, is it taking us an entire WEEK to tile the dang thing?! Oh, because my husband is a meticulous perfectionist, and I am a "get it done" girl who doesn't mind cutting corners, and together we are a lethal combination!

So, if you get this message, Help! I'm trapped in a tiny bathroom that will NEVER be done!!!!! EVER!!!!!!!! Ok, well, we're almost done. A few more days should do it. It will look nice when it's finished, that's certain. No, there will not be any more room than before. No, we won't even really be using it since it belongs to the renter in the basement.... but it'll be awesome!!!! And I guess we'll be better people for having learned some valuable home renovation skills. And I guess our marriage will be stronger having learned how to work through our differences.

So, the answer to the question posed at the beginning? At least 5 people per 25 square feet. (we've had a lot of help!)

I've got a big Orange Crush!!!!

Crushes. We've all had em. I've probably had more than my fair share, actually! Ok, I admit it.... I was the crush queen in high school.... ok, and even college. I still get little crushes on certain movie stars. (Don't worry, my hubby is confident in my love for him- he is my eternal crush- so he allows me my little harmless Hollywood crushes.) I think my crushes helped mold me into who I am today- for better or worse!

First crush, 3rd grade- Eddie Fisher. I was convinced he would like me if I incessantly and persistantly told every kid in our grade that I loved him. I will never forget the look on his face when, in front of the entire 3rd grade out on the baseball field, I screamed "Erin Fisher, Eddie Fisher and the baby Fishers!!!!" Yes, it seems incredibly stupid now.... No... he did NOT admit his love for me in return, but I Know deep inside he felt it! How could he not?

7th grade- Jr. High student body president.... don't remember his name. I was in love with him- he didn't know I existed. Ok, once I was selling cream puffs for a fund raiser and I gave him 2 free ones. He knew me as the cream puff girl after that- not something I wish to be remembered by.

9th grade- James Rowley. This was actually a crush in reverse. I had a crush on a set of twins, but James had a crush on me. He persisted, and it paid off. We were a "couple"- whatever that means! He even gave me his shell necklace. We were "together" for a few months- too young to go to homecoming dance together :(. I just couldn't shake my crush on those twins, and felt it wouldn't be fair to James, so one day I just casually said, "I can't be with you anymore". and just like that I was a free woman. He was devastated, and I still feel guilty about it to this day. Never did get with either of the twins. James.... wherever you are, you were really cute, and I did like you a lot, but it never would have worked with us!

11th and 12th grade- my seminary teacher. It's true, I had the cliche crush on a teacher. I won't say his name because this may be too embarrasing to him, but I was whipped! He was a drummer in a band if you can believe it! One night, my best friend and I didn't have dates to a dance, so he invited us to a concert he did, and then to his house to watch movies with his wife. Ya.... I couldn't figure out how to get rid of the wife, so I just went to college instead. *sigh*

Junior in College- My voice teacher. Kinda creepy- he wasn't attractive or anything, but an incredible singer! He would always call me into his office to try out a new song on me. I would get my own awesome concert, my bones rattling with his incredibly powerful tenor voice. I guess you could say my crush was more on his voice than anything, but what a voice! He, like my seminary teacher, told me if he was my age he would have totally gone out with me. Ya... nice consolation. Oh, my seminary teacher also said I was like the quarter in the bottom of the toilet: everyone knows it's there, but no one wants to take it out. Hmmmm....... why did I have a crush on him????

Current crushes: Matt Damon,
Patrick Dempsey... (a long time crush, since "Can't buy me love")
and Prince Caspian....
(yes, I know he's a lot younger than me, but I can still appreciate a nice face, can't I?)

Any of you have big crushes, ever? Come on... share!!!!

Rustics Clocks Rock!!!!

My awesomely crafty brother just started his own ETSY shop! It's called RUSTICS,(click on: rustics.etsy.com) and he sells cool, antiqued wooden clocks. He is awesome! He can make anything from anything! He made my mom a totally cool armoire that is HUGE! And he did it all from found wood!

So, if you get a chance, go check out RUSTICS and see how cute they are. He will get more posted, and I bet he'd take a custom order if you wanted one. He made me a clock I can never part with, I love it soooo much, and it works soooo well with my living room decor!

Yay, big brother, for being so cool!

I Heart Shoes!

I have always been of the mindset that your shoes say a lot about you. You can be wearing a very nicely pressed outfit, but if your shoes look shabby, it ruins the whole outfit. I bring this up because I happen to have a particular fettish for shoes. I just went through my collection of shoes and got rid of a bunch of them. Why? So I can buy more, silly!

Now, I have to find a way to break it to my hubby that I just bought a new pair of darling red shoes for our trip to Europe. Hmmm..... maybe if I just stick them on my shoe rack he'll never notice....

O.K. maybe not. I love them anyway, and I'm keeping them!!!!

Failure or Freedom?

*sigh* We have decided to cancel our gym membership and buy a treadmill, instead. I had a treadmill for several years, used it sporatically, but when it died we decided to get a gym membership. So, why does getting another treadmill feel like we are failures?

Buying a gym membership was a huge thing for me. I had a roommate that worked in a gym in college, and I'd go visit her sometimes. The key word is VISIT, meaning I never spent more than 10 minutes in a gym in my life up to that point. I felt like a fish out of water! The gym is for people who are thin, tight, firm, buff, motivated, type-A... you know. People who say, "I love working out! I love feeling the sweat pour down my body, my heart pounding in my chest...." Those people who do not speak the same language as me, the people who are not even from the same planet as me. (Sorry to my good friends who say this very thing... I admire you, really I do. I just don't understand you!)

My husband is one of these people. He will get on the treadmill and go and go and go. He will start to expound the virtues of exercise as he's going. He spews about the oxygen getting into your blood and pumping through your body, making you stronger and healthier. He exclaims how he "loves it!" and how good it feels. This is when I know without a doubt that men are from mars.

So, I got us gym memberships a few years ago for our anniversary. It was great. We went several times a week during Merritt's lunch hour, and even got a trainer who claimed quite confidently that he could whip our butts into shape in no time and have us looking like "muscle machines" or something like that. Well.... after a few months, I was a little stronger, but I could tell the trainer wasn't happy with the rate of my improvement. Apparently I wasn't cut out for the gym, I guess. I kept going, though. We got rid of the trainer, and tried it on our own. Of course, I stopped lifting weights. Why do something that is really hard and boring and monotonous? So, it was down to just the treadmill. (No, I didn't gain a ton of weight back or anything. You can't gain back what was never lost.)But it made us evaluate,why pay $50 a month to walk on a treadmill when we can buy one and have it here whenever we need it?

I will miss the gym. Yes, it's true. I never fit in there, but I will miss the "idea" of fitting in. Saying, "Ya, I go to the gym" sounds cooler than, "Ya, I get on my treadmill in my basement." And there's no cardio cinema in my basement like there is at the gym. Of course, I would always get so mad at the person next to me for talking on their cell during the movie.... it's never a good combination when you are exercising (which I hate to do) and getting all angry at someone, too. It makes me very volitile! They also don't give you popcorn in the cardio cinema at the gym. I guess I could flip on the television and eat popcorn at home while I walk on the treadmill- would it defeat the purpose?

Anyway, I guess I just need to come to terms with the fact that maybe I just wasn't cut out for the gym. I'll definitely tend to work out more if I don't have to get in my car and drive somewhere to do it. That's a plus, I guess. And I will be the best looking person working out in my gym! (No trying to keep up with the perky 21 year old next to me running for 50 minutes as a "warm up" to her workout!) So, this is a good thing, right? Also, I won't have to fend off hungry trainers looking for a juicy new morsel to sink their teeth into. I was so close to making a t-shirt that said, "No! I do NOT want a trainer, so BACK OFF!" So, I guess it's a good thing in the end. What is it that they say? "That which doesn't make you stronger kills you?" Well, something like that, anyway!

Happy Birthday to Moi!!!!

I survived turning 35. I wasn't sure I was going to, but I did. It helped that my hubby wrote me a rockin' birthday haiku, and performed it for me, with gestures and everything. (You'll understand why it was so entertaining when you read the haiku at the end of this post!) Then he gave me a bunch of money to go on a shopping spree for the whole day. Granted, it was by myself, but what better way is there to spend a day than buying new clothes for a trip to Europe?!

The shopping spree itself started out very depressing, though. I went to Target because they had a cute dress there- NOT ANYMORE! There was only one left, and it was a size 6- like I could fit into that! I'm not an elf! So then I headed up to the outlet stores in Park City. I can always find something cute there- WRONG! I don't know what is wrong with the rest of the world, but these 70's fashions are NOT flattering! Unless you're a toothpick with empty space where your tummy should be, you just look pregnant in these gathered, empire- waist, knit fashions. And what's with all the busy prints? I'm 5'3", for heaven's sake! If I wear those busy of prints I'll be overtaken by them!

So, sadly, I drove back down the canyon- albeit a beautiful day, and ventured over to Fashion Place mall. My luck changed when I found some darling new dresses- perfect for Europe! And a very cute skirt! In fact, I found so much stuff I had to limit it. I mean, I can't pack THAT many outfits, they only allow 1 suit case!

When Merritt got home, we went to Jordan Commons to buy tickets for Prince Caspian before going to dinner. We found out the movie wasn't playing as late as we thought, so we had to bag dinner. However, we hadn't eaten lunch that day, so we were all starving! So, we got the most expensive fast-food ever at the theaters, and ate it during the movie. This is a disaster waiting to happen if you know me at all. I can always be found with at least one spot on my boob from spilling. I am a complete clutz when I eat! So, sitting in a darkened theater, trying to focus on the move while eating fried rice and sweet and sour chicken with a tiny plastic fork is not only tricky, but downright dangerous! I can't tell you how much rice I found in my cleveland when I got home, or how many pieces of chicken rolled down and flew off my lap. Sadly, there was someone sitting in front of me who got the brunt of my dinner on his head! Happily, he had a 3 year old kid climbing all over him, so he had no idea it was my chicken hitting his head and not his kid!

The movie was awesome!!!! I mean, I cried at least twice! And that wasn't because I had lost another piece of my $10 dinner- it was a really good movie! Eason loved the action scenes, which is disturbing when he leans over and asks when there's going to be another war scene because he loves the swordfighting. If you get the chance, see it in a big, stadium theater! It was incredible!!!! Right up there with "Lord of the Rings"!

So, all in all, it was a great birthday. I almost forgot I am now mid 30-ish. I put on one of my new dresses so I can feel like it's still my birthday today. Thanks Merritt and Eason for another great birthday! And thank you C.S. Lewis for the great story made into a great movie to help me forget I am 1 year nearer the grave!
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Birthday Haiku

Sucked, squeezed, pushed, compressed
bulging, crowning... tugging- PULL....!!!
Woosh! wipe, snip, SMACK! Waaaaaaahhhhh!!!!

(note following haiku: I hope this birthday is better than your first!)

30- Something- ish.....

Do any of you remember the show "30-something"? I was younger when it was on, but found it to be pretty good. I don't think I fully appreciated it, though, because I wasn't 30-ish. Now that I am, well, it's a whole different story!

Turning 30 was hard for me. I always felt like I was still 24, and probably acted like it, too. My hubby went all out that birthday. He surprised me with crepes in bed and balloons, and a wad of cash, and a facial, and arranged for my sister to spend the day shopping with me while he cleaned the house and watched all our kids. It was the best birthday ever! When asked later why he did that, he said it was because he knew turning 30 was hard for me and he wanted it to be a good day. What a sweetie!

On Monday, May 19th, well....... lets just say I'm a few years older.... ok, 5 to be exact. (I have always been bothered by people who won't own up to their age!) 35 is even worse than 30! It means, I am in my mid-30's. I am officially 30-something. Ugh.... whenever I think about it I get more wrinkles , and I am certain I just felt a vericose vein pop out on my leg! I don't feel a day over 27!!!!

The other night at choir practice, the guy I sit next to was talking about how old he is getting, that he has a few grey hairs already. I said, "Woa.. you can't be more than 26!" and he said he was exactly 26, but that was old enough. I said he didn't know what old was, and he said, "well, you aren't one to talk, you're what? 27?" I would have kissed him right there, but my sweet hubby was watching! (j/k!) I think it's because I still act 24!

So, hubby, if you're reading this- which I know you aren't because you don't believe in blogging- I wouldn't mind another great birthday. I know I have way more grey hairs now than I did 5 years ago (even though you can't see them because of my "natural" coloring). My bones ache more now than they did, my boobs sag much more, my wrinkles are looking like real wrinkles, my knees are even getting wrinkles. I use moisturizer cream now- which I never did before, I use anti-wrinkle cream- a scam I am certain of, but I also know the power of positive thinking, and hope that in thinking I have fewer wrinkles will make it so! If there was an age fairy, I'd ask her to bring me back my 20's!!!!

So, come Monday, you may find me crabby and reclusive. Just leave me to my wrinkles and sags. Don't come near my hiddeousness- stay far, far away! I'm sure by Tuesday I'll be back to my old self again, only a much older self. I'll try to get out in my walker and maybe make it to the corner for a bit of exercise. I may try to make it to the bathroom without help. I'll go on....... somehow. I will survive!

The Bachelor: Reality Calling?????

I watched the first season of "The Bachelor" several years ago. I got sucked into it. The entire time I watched, I would say, this is ridiculous! What woman with any sense of self respect would put herself through this torture?! They are young and gorgeous, although many are totally pathetically wacked, if I may say so. Yet, I continued to watch. And then I watched the second season, and the third.....

If you don't know what The Bachelor is, (mom) it is where 20 women all meet one eligable bachelor on a night of elegant flirting. These women get a few hours to show their personality to this one man. Each tries to steal a little moment to talk to him and be "unforgettable". Some are very classy and catch his eye right off. Others are totally pathetic- trying to intimidate the other women, shoving underwear into his pockets, dancing on table tops, etc. Things I would never do on a first, second.... 10th date! I feel bad for those women who will go to any lengths to get chosen. I think, what is it in their life that makes them feel they have to humiliate themselves to get a man to like them!

At the end of the night, the bachelor has to narrow it down to 10 women, I think. He offers them each a rose, and those that don't get picked usually graciously leave and say it was a fun experience. I say usually, because there is always that one who is in tears, saying she thought they had a real connection, that he was the one for her. Come on! After a few hours of sharing a man with 19 other women, and you think it was kismet???? Really!

I often feel bad for the guy- really, I do! Women can be nasty! They can be back-biting, and catty, and ruthless! I personally don't know why any man would want to be The Bachelor, in the first place! However, I guess some may be truly looking for real love. (Ok, maybe one.) I have heard news stories of other "Bachelor" contestants who supposedly got engaged, but never get married. It ALWAYS fails! Always! I think one Bachelor couple has gotten married. I think it is because people aren't really there for the right reasons, and they get swept up in the drama of it all, and the rush of winning. I think women can convince themselves they love almost anyone. When the cameras are off, the men see they don't know this woman at all, or vice versa. It fizzles a few months later and that's the end. One bachelor, though, had the guts to not only not propose, (a few have said they wouldn't propose, but gave a ring as a sort of "promise" ring...)but he sent BOTH the end women home! It was a little dissappointing that no one won, but it showed some guts, I think. Some true honesty. And he wasn't even my favorite Bachelor. I thought he was kind of goofy.

The Bachelorette, however, is a totally different story! I watched that one, and knew right from the start this would be different. They could call this "Bachelor Reject" because she is the "other" woman who didn't get chosen in the end. Of course, it is entertaining- eye candy for me, fewer women laying around in bikinis for sure, but I think that the men are less likely to put on a show for the woman, making it easier to know the real guy he is. It turned out she did find the man of her dreams, got married, and they have a baby and are living a semi-normal life. I do have to say, though, I don't know that I could really respect a guy who "won" me on a game show!

So, with that all said, I have not been an entirely faithful "Bachelor" watcher. I mean, life is busy, I don't watch ANY shows on TV anymore- who has time?! However, I have watched a few episodes here and there on the internet. It's like a train wreck for me, I get sucked in. The psychologist in me wants to diagnose each and every woman on the show and figure out why on EARTH she would put herself through that! Then I want to find out who in their right mind would even date one of those women after watching them on the show! Then, I want to find out if the end relationship really does last, and why!

So, yes, I got sucked in to watching "The Bachelor: London Calling" this season. In my defense, I was very sick and stuck in bed for a few days, so what else was there to do? I am ashamed I wasted my time watching psychotic people make fools of themselves and wear their hearts on their sleeves. However, I did enjoy it! So, I will be anxiously waiting to see if this one really sticks. He is a nice, easy-going british guy, she is an L.A. actress.... hmmm....... do I think it will last........ I think the answer is a big fat NO. But, oddly enough, I am rooting for them. I hope it does last. I hope it really is true love. I hope I get a life and don't get sucked into another season of The Bachelor!

My Turn!

Merritt's Mother's Day Haiku:
Tired, Worn, Frazzled
Cook, Clean, Heal, Wash, Teach, Sew, Fix....
Mom, You need a nap!

I love Mother's day! Any day that is about pampering people who work hard and don't make any money doing it is ok by me!!!!

Some moms feel guilt on Mother's Day. I don't get this at all! I mean, you don't have to do much to earn the title "Mother". You have a kid,( or more), you feed them, clothe them, put bandaids on boo-boos, tell them stories, stop them from sticking things in sockets, pick up after them, do laundry, do dishes, fix their hair, (sometimes fix your own hair), go on walks with them, catch bugs in the garden, sing night-time songs, teach them about the birds and bees- (cuz dad won't!), help them with homework. I mean, that's about it!

So, on Mother's day, you can totally revel in the fact that you are a mom, and dangit all.... you deserve a day to kick up your feet and be given breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maybe a few flowers, a homemade card, and even some chocolate if your lucky!

Thank you, Merritt and Eason for giving me a fabulous Mother's Day! You two are the sweetest reasons for Mother's Day that there is!!!! I love ya!!!!

Mom, you ROCK!!!!!

I didn't get a chance to write this yesterday, but I am writing it now. Mom, this post is for you!

Mom, you are my rock!
-You have gone through more difficult things in your life than I could ever survive and not be insane!
-You always stayed close to the church, even when it probably seemed that Heavenly Father couldn't possibly be doing what was best for you. (He was, though!)
-You always made us get up at the crack of dawn with a happy annoying song. (I do that now!)
- You were unwavering at reading scriptures every morning with us, and saying family prayers!
-You have an adventurous spirit, always ready to hop in the car and take us camping, or on a long road trip to Yellowstone, or Arches, or Canada!

- Your "GET IT DONE" attitude packed up my entire home when I had just given birth and we needed to move! And you did it in one day! You are still a go-getter!!!!!
- You never complain about things! Your attitude is always positive and happy!
- You have cute little tiny white feet!
- You put up with my sassy teenage years, and didn't sell me to the gypsies after all.
- You are always willing to take us to nice places to eat, and occasionally buy us that cute outfit- all for just not putting you in a rest home someday!
- You helped us HUGELY getting into our little house! What a blessing!!!!
- You always used to play "Claire de Lune" at night when I was going to bed. It made our home so peaceful!
- You are the best grandma Eason could ever ask for!

I love you more than I can ever tell you, Mom! I know, now, how hard your life must have been being our mother, but I- for one- am glad you are MY mom!!!!
Happy Mother's Day!!!!

School Programs

Last night, my son's class put on "Poem Productions" for all their parents. It is where they learn a poem, and have a few of their classmates act it out while they recite it from memory. They get to stage their poem however they want. It was soo adorable! Usually at those things I am bored stiff until my kid gets up, then the world has to be quite and stop so he can have his shining moment! Last night, however, I was so thrilled with all of the children's performances, especially my own kid's, of course.

He practiced his poem and memorized it mostly on his own! One day he just had it all memorized. Then, of course, he didn't want to be bothered with practicing it anymore. He already knew it, Mom! (much eye-rolling here). I tried to get him to put more energy and excitement into it, but I guess he isn't the stage ham I am. I suppose it will serve him well in the future, not always having to be on show at all times. He assured me he would do it right when he performed it. He did! He was awesome! I guess he just didn't want to do it for me.

He participated in a few other kids' poems:






Then he did his own:


Pancake?
Who wants a pancake, fresh and piping hot?
Good little Grace looks up and says: "I'll take the one on the top!"
Who else wants a pancake fresh off the griddle?
Terrible Theresa smiles and says: "I'll take the one in the middle!"

At the end, he was taking bows like he was the only one that did anything! We couldn't get him to smile for the camera long enough to get a good picture, but it was a great night, and I am soooo proud of my little guy!

A Fie Upon My Feet!

Last night was the final concert of the Utah Chamber Artists, of which I am a part. I won't go into detail, but my voice was totally shot (allergies, I think)and I pretty much could have sat out the last half of the concert and no one would have missed me. Oh, and I got chewed out for not wearing the correct shoes. I couldn't find one of my black dress shoes, so I had to wear some black sandals, with my red painted toe-nails sticking out. My dress comes all the way to the floor, but someone spotted my piggies before the concert and I was told "NEVER AGAIN".

It made me paranoid, so when I walked out on stage, I sort of crouched down and walked with tiny steps to keep my feet under my dress. I don't know what looked more strange- seeing my silly walk, or a glimpse of my feet! I kept wishing I was stunningly beautiful, or had a dramatically plunging neckline so no one would think to look at my feet! The whole concert I was thinking, "Oh no! I saw someone whisper to someone else.... did they see my feet? Are they talking about my feet?" Ya, it was pretty upsetting! Later the girl who told me "Never Again" apologized for being mean, or something.... honestly, I didn't really hear what she was saying because I was sure I was going to be hissed and booed off the stage at that point.

Oh, and I ran into an old friend from high school. I say old because she reminded me it's been 17 years since we last saw eachother. Ya. I am old. I am glad I at least had my hair done and makeup on. Last time I ran into an old high school buddy was at the outlet stores in Park City and I had been dragging around my kid and 3 others the whole day and I was tired and frazzled, and fat, as usual. This girl with perfectly coiffed golden hair turns around in her Banana Republic outfit and expensive shoes and says, "Erin?" Like.... "This can't be Erin, but she looks a bit like her, and sounds exactly like her, except for that aggitated edge in her voice..." In high school I always did my hair perfectly, and wore expensive clothes, and always sounded care-free and happy. Yes, I had to admit it was me, and we chatted for a minute. Yes, she is rich, living in Stepford... Yes, she keeps in touch with all the old high school buddies- (except me, of course). I always thought she was a nice person, and always liked her, but I couldn't wait to get away! I felt like the street urchin pulled out of the gutter next to her. I could just imagine her head spewing things like "Boy! She's really gone down hill." or worse yet, "Wow, she hasn't changed at all!" Well, sista, I am who I am!

Anyway, back to what I started with, I ran into an old friend. She looked even better than in high school. She was skinny and happy and bubbly, and sophisticated and sickening! Sorry, Kelly- if there is a chance in Hades that you would even read this blog, you looked too perfect! My next high school reunion isn't for a few more years, but I already think I'm going to be sick that night. I keep in touch with one friend from high school, and that's all I need!

Well, needless to say, last night wasn't my best night. I left the concert feeling tired and dissappointed and mortified and I just wanted to crawl under a rock and curl up my red toes like the wicked witch of the whatever direction. One good thing- I woke up this morning and I had put so much hairspray in my hair last night, and never took off my lipstick, that it still looked great today! Something good came from all of it!

Slowest One at Tag!

I've been tagged. I have mixed emotions about this. You see, as a child, I was always the slowest one at tag. I was ALWAYS "it" because I couldn't run fast enough to get away from "it" and couldn't run fast enough to catch anyone else when I was "it". This is when I started changing the rules of the game! I learned that when I was "it" I could say things like, "Ok... the next person who makes eye contact with me is it!" Everyone would just do it... no questions asked! Of course, after a few times of me changing the rules, they'd always say "Hey! You can't change the rules like that!" and the game would be over. However, I don't think I ever quite got over working outside the rules. I have a hard time with conforming.

So, I've been tagged. I am flattered that someone thinks enough of me to actually mention me in their blog, for one thing. I don't have to run and chase anyone, so that's a plus! I am, however, struggling with conforming to the set guidelines which are:
List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself.
I may throw in a few others, or totally change them altogether! Who knows? But I am "it" for now, and no one's yelling "No Fair"- so it's MY game now!

3 Joys:
My cousin is named Joy. I use Joy dish detergent, and I don't think it really brings me joy. And finally, the lady who made my wedding cake is named Joy. I should say WAS named joy, she's dead now. She didn't really bring me joy either, because I wanted a cool wedding cake that looked very similar to this:


Joy refused to do it! She said flat out- "No. I won't do that. I will make you a white wedding cake with silver bows." That was that. She was like the Cake Nazi or something. "No fun cake for you!" The end result looked pretty, and was still a little unique, but it didn't bring me the joy I would have liked.

3 fears-
Ok, I'm afraid my plane will go down in a ball of fire on the way to Europe and I won't die, I'll end up swimming in the ocean fighting off whales and hungry sharks while dragging my mangled husband with my teeth, surviving off of seaweed, and the floating bodies of my fellow dead passengers. Do I need anymore fears after that?

3 goals-
One is to get counseling for the above fear! Another goal is to get my husband to the point where he won't ask me what I "expect" for mother's day. Thirdly, to actually clean my kitchen in it's entirety today! Actually, that could be one of my fears as well.

3 current obsessions/collections-
I am obsessed with the following: Getting a diswasher in my kitchen, getting a dishwasher in my kitchen, and.... ummmm.... oh ya... getting a dishwasher in my kitchen!

3 random surprising facts about yourself-

Well, I can't guarantee they will be surprising to any and all, but here they are:
I am NOT afraid of spiders, I actually let them live if I see one near me in my house. The only time I will kill one is if it's crawling on my counter- that's just MY space, buddy!

I love bluegrass music. I wish I was in a bluegrass band, only didn't have to play an instrument because I took the guitar for a semester at Ricks and hardly ever went, learned a few songs which I quickly forgot, and have a brand new guitar in my closet collecting dust which makes me feel only mildly guilty because of #3:

I seldom feel guilt. Merritt thinks I am calloused and unfeeling, because he thrives off of guilt. His life blood is fed by guilt, and he eats guilt for dessert, then feels guilty about it afterwords. I make a decision, then never look back. If it causes a problem, or makes someone upset, I apologize for upsetting someone unintentionally, then don't feel guilty about it. I am very good at making decisions. I don't know if it's confidence in my decision making abilities, or if it's just that I don't like to dwell too long on one thing. I don't like to waste time feeling guilty, that's for sure!

So, that's my tag! I tag anyone this catches up with!

A Great Movie- "The Painted Veil"

This movie is so good, it makes me bawl like a baby! This song in particular is so touching! I downloaded the words and I'm going to figure it out on the piano! The song is called "A La Claire Fontaine". I watched it when I was sick- probably not a good idea when my defenses are down!

I Feel Like Alexander. I want to go to Australia.

Ahhh..... I finally get a moment to blog. But just a moment! I will recap my week so far:
Monday- woke up not feeling very well, but not too bad. By lunch, still feeling yucky, and getting yuckier by the minute. Afternoon, Eason comes home, I'm in deep REM stage sleep sideways on bed with my feet hanging off. ( I LOVE to hang my feet off the end when I sleep, but since we got a Cal-King bed, the bottom is too far away for my short legs! I NEVER did this as a child because of the Green Hand under my bed.)Dinner- I don't remember. Bedtime- I threw up, went to bed and I never got up again.
Tuesday- Felt really yucky. Hoped it would get better. It didn't. Panicked about a young women activity I was supposed to drive the girls to. Tried to "Will" myself better... didn't work, my will is weak. Sweet hubby risked his life at the "scarey" grocery store ( a Reams in a scarey part of town close to his work- always keep your hands on your wallet and don't look anyone in the eye) to do grocery shopping for me at lunch and got me soup, then realized he had forgotten his wallet so I had to get in the car and drive to the scarey grocery store to give it to him without puking in the car. Was able to keep the soup down. Dinner- went to get Eason at friends across the street. No one was home, he wasn't at any of the neighbors' houses. I panicked, Merritt went to the school and he was there with his friend and his dad. I cried and cried when he got home. He will NEVER do that again!Wednesday- felt quite a bit better, still not tip top. Had to sew two aprons. Ate first real meal for lunch in 3 days.
Today so far- I have 4 aprons to make by tomorrow, got up to make them and dog was constipated and in pain. Gave dog an enema- yes, it was gross! Dog felt better, got online to find cowgirl fabric for apron, noticed dog had tracked muddy feet all over the freshly scrubbed floor my hubby did when I was unconscious on Monday, and got muddy feet prints on my new couch pillows! Arg!!! Had to bathe dog and cut his long scraggly hair. Still haven't started the 4 aprons! Still haven't found cowgirl fabric!!!!

Sometimes, I wonder if it's better to not get out of bed.