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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Us... through the years that could have been

I've always thought I was born in the wrong generation. Here are some photos of myself and my hubby if we had been born at different times, and what our yearbook photos would have looked like:

Class of 1952





Class of 1960:



Class of 1968:



Class of 1972 and 1976:




Class of 1978 (my big hair period):



Class of 1984 and 1988:




And my real yearbook picture, class of 1998 (ha ha... I wish!):

Why? Why? Why????????

Why is it that some parents can sit and watch their children do awful things and not stop them? Why is it that some parents don't care where their 5, 6, 7, or 8 year old chid is, or even know most of the time? Why is it that an 8 year old child can come home with a bike that obviously isn't his, and his parents not do a dang thing about it?????

A few months ago, I allowed my son to play with a boy who walked by and asked to play. I didn't know him, but stayed outside with them the entire time. I quickly saw this child wasn't someone I wanted my son playing with, he lied, he was allowed to wander the neighborhood without parental supervision... you see my point. Later that day, when we returned from going out to dinner, we saw my son's bike had been stolen. I immediately knew who it had to be. We drove around and, sure enough, found this kid with the bike! I made him give it back, though he exclaimed he didn't know it was my son's, and we didn't call the cops. I simply told him he wasn't welcome to play at our house anymore, and if it happened again, I would be calling the police.

Well, Sunday late afternoon when we returned from our vacation, what should be gone from the shed but my son's bike. Nothing else was missing from our shed, just the bike. Hmmm.... I wonder who could have done it?? We called the police and told them who we were pretty sure had taken it. They had no trouble finding him- he was in his front yard with the bike. They had a long talk with the mom about it, and we didn't press charges. I don't want to be the one to get this kid tangled up in the system at age 8!

Yesterday, I went to the school to inform them of the incident, thinking maybe the counselor could work with this kid to straighten him out. Apparently he's done this several times before at the school, and nothing is getting through. They said I should have pressed charges- that maybe that would finally wake him up... I doubt it.

So, I ask... Where is the mother in all of this???? Why isn't she grounding her child from wandering the neighborhood? Denying him the chance to take a bike at all? Questioning him when he shows up with a bike she clearly didn't buy for him? Why isn't she walking him to school and back to make sure it doesn't happen again???? Simple steps, but one that can save him from a life of crime!

It breaks my heart to see the writing on the wall of this child's future. If my son's bike gets taken again, which it probably will, I will have to call the cops, and probably press charges, and the wheels will be in motion. I just have to say, though, that no community service, or hours of detention, or talking to a judge will have any effect whatsoever if his parents don't step up and do their job! I think the parents should be made to do community service along side their son! Teach them both how to be better parents to this child!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Vacation... Yay!!!!!!

We are going to St. George and Zions canyon tomorrow!!!! Yipppeeeeeee!!!! We went last year and saw "42nd Street" at the Tuacahn amphitheater. We had front row tickets and my son absolutely LOVED it! Of course, he was staring up at several shapely ladies tap dancing in very short dresses, what's not to love, right? (incidentally, he and his dad both liked the same dancer.... hmmmmmmm.....)This year we have 3rd row seats to see "Les Miserables". We could have got 1st row again, but that was just a bit too close. I am sooo excited!

We hiked all over the petrified sand dunes in Snow canyon, and hiked through Zions, and it was gorgeous weather... most of the time. A cold front came in on the last night and we froze in the pool. But this year is supposed to be perfect!

So, no more blog posts for me until next Sunday! I'm off to see the wizard of Zion's canyon! It's going to be warm, and beautiful, and we have pools at both our hotels, and we're going to be able to relax and..... ok, I'm getting too excited now! Better tone it down!

See ya later, alligator!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

My eyes are always bigger....

I had some family over tonight for some dinner. They are all vegetarians... I know... what's up with that? You don't eat no meat???? Well, never fear, I have a few vegetarian tricks up my sleeve! I made chow mein with tofu, egg rolls, cream cheese won tons, tons of tempura veggies, and giant tempura shrimp!!!! Those are my favorite! (Shrimp? you say... yes, the vegetarians in my family do eat seafood, so I guess they aren't true vegarians).

The dinner turned out great, the only problem was there was WAAAAAAAYYYYYY to much left over! I could have had 20 more people here than we did and still had leftovers!
I do have to say, though, I am so glad I bought a big wok a few months ago. It is awesome to make all this stuff in! I may have a tiny kitchen, but I have a big wok!

However, I am really exhausted from this day of rest. I am going to go do the dishes and go to sleep!

Friday, September 19, 2008

A funny clip!

Warning: contains a political joke. This is only a joke!

Zucchini Chocolate Chip cookies!!!!

Ok, I have zucchinis coming out of my ears! Wednesday, I went out and picked 20 great big zucchinis from my garden! Yes, the zucchinis are plentiful, the tomatoes aren't. I'd rather it was switched! Anyway, I have been forced to find creative things to do with my long green veggies-a-plenty. I grated a few and froze them for future zucchini bread. I downloaded a recipe for zucchini salsa which got rave reviews on recipezaar.com, and plan to make that as soon as I get some tomatoes. Yet I still had a ton of zucchini- what to do... what to do??

I got out my recipe for pumpkin cookies and tweaked it a bit, and created a masterpiece! My hubby took them to work and everyone (that got some) loved them! I am posting the recipe here and at my friend's recipe site for all to enjoy.

Oh, I also took a crab cake recipe and put grated zucchini in it in place of the crab. It was really good! We had it for dinner, and my son gobbled it all up! My skin is turning green from all the zucchini, but we aren't sick of it... yet!
******************************************************************************

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
By Erin Taylor


1 ½ C. Sugar
1 ½ C. Grated and finely chopped zucchini
3/4 C. Butter
2 ½ C. Flour
1 tsp. Each: baking powder, baking soda, cloves
1 TBSP + 1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 Tbsp. Baking cocoa
¼ tsp. Salt
1 ½ C. milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 deg. Spray cookie sheet with pan spray. Beat sugar, zucchini, and butter until creamy. Add remaining ingred. and mix just until flour is incorporated. Bake 1 test cookie- (this is a MUST as this type of cookie can be difficult to gauge the flour. If it spreads out too thin in the oven, add a little more flour to the batter a few tablespoons at a time, if it remains in a ball while cooking, thin with a bit of water) Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until puffed up in the middle and barely darkening on the edges. (do not cook until tops are brown!) Remove from oven and let sit for 3 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

I wish....

The following is just some random "wishes" I have. Just begin every statement with "I Wish..."

-I had more patience
-I was more responsible with money
-I was the type of person who got their hair done in a real salon
-I had more 'girly girl' time
-going to the gym wasn't like going to the dentist every stinking morning!
-I had more kids
-my son had friends in the neighborhood to play with
-people would be kinder to eachother
-I had a privacy fence around my yard
-my tomatoes hadn't all died when I went to Europe
-fears wouldn't get in the way of success
-I could remember to take the library books back on time
-shrimp didn't cost so much
-cigarettes would be illegal
-we could get over bad things and never remember them again
-we didn't have to pay so many taxes
-I looked better in pinks and yellows
-I could think more before I spoke
-kids would just obey
-my feet hadn't grown when I had a baby
-my sister lived in Utah again
-I could afford that beautiful new comforter I saw in the store
-we could teleport
-there was no evil
-Christmas was here already
-I could see my nieces more
-I had time to do all the Halloween crafts I want to do
-I knew how to knit, or had time to learn
-I liked onions- life would be much easier
-I looked better in a swimsuit
-this blog post was more interesting!
-our neighborhood was nicer (not necessarily bigger, fancier homes, but in a better area where my son could play outside and ride his bike in the street and I wouldn't worry)
-I was in a better mood today!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Near Death Experience

My aunt Sharla died several years ago of cancer. She was such a vivacious and sweet lady. (When I was little my mom would sew dresses for her girls- they were always really poofy and frilly. I was always jealous of them having poofy dresses!) Anyway, she had a near-death experience years before she died, and my sweet cousin John was kind enough to email everyone in the family a short essay she wrote about it. I think this is a short version of what happened, but this is a really good wake-up call to the rest of us, and very inspiring!
******************************************************************************
The Day I Died
by Sharla Luker

The date of February 19, 1982 will be forever impressed upon my mind as the day I died, but more importantly as the day I learned how to live! Early that morning my good husband drove me to the Cottonwood Hospital (in Salt Lake City) for some “sort stay” surgery. The procedure was to take 20 minutes and then, after an hour of recovery, I was to return home.
However, shortly after I was anesthetized, I experienced a full cardiac arrest. To this day the doctors are unsure of the cause, but they suppose I had an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. Since I was only 32 years old and in good health, this was entirely unexpected.
As a standard procedure, I’d been hooked up to a heart monitor. When this monitor’s alarm went off, the doctor, thinking the machine had malfunctioned, wasn’t too concerned. He calmly checked all the wires, then took my pulse and found none. Doctors and nurses were yelling and flying everywhere.
The anesthesiologist hit my chest heard (it hurt a lot afterward) to try and start my heart and do chest message. When that failed, they injected me with atropine, a stimulant. Again the attempt failed to restart my heart. It was decided that since they had nothing to lose they would inject me one more time before giving up. This time they were successful.
During the time that this was transpiring, I had what is commonly referred to as a near-death experience.
Presently, I found myself in a “room.” I don’t remember any walls or ceiling, but I was aware that somehow there were unseen barriers beyond which I knew I was not to be permitted to pass. A feeling of total peace and love surrounded me (the depth and extent of which is unfathomable in our earthly sphere). There are no words in the human language to justly describe the feeling of peace that permeated that realm. My only thought, my total concern, was that I be permitted to stay. At that moment, I wanted it more than anything.
It was then that I became aware of the presence of a man. He informed me that I “had to go back,” but with all the fervor of my being, I begged to stay. The interesting thing about this communication was that it was not verbal, but intellect-to-intellect—a thought process so complete that the possibility of any misunderstanding was non-existent.
Here in this earthly sphere amid my precious children and husband, I find it incredible to believe that I did not want to come back, but at that moment in that other realm, I wanted to stay more than I’ve ever wanted anything.
In communicating with this man, I was given to know that it would be futile to argue or beg, so I acquiesced.
During this experience I found it interesting to note that I felt completely and one hundred percent ME; that is, I was not someone’s wife, or mother, or daughter, or sister, just ME.
The man then “told” me that there were some things I needed to remember when I got back. First, that Heavenly Father wanted me to be happy in my life and to have joy, and that the power was within me to do so. Interestingly enough, this corresponded with a dream I’d had a few months previously.
In my dream I had died and gone to meet Heavenly Father, and He said to me, “Well, did you enjoy your life? Did you experience happiness and joy?” I responded, “I tried to be obedient and live the commandments, but it never occurred to me to be happy.” And then the full realization hit me that if I die, not having experienced joy in living, I’ll have no one to blame but myself. Literally, “man is that he might have joy!”
The second thing the man told me was to love and serve my family and stay close to them. (Much of my joy would come from this.)
The third thing was that Heavenly Father loves me personally and individually and completely. (This last one really overwhelmed me.)
The man then gestured to a cylinder or tunnel-like object and indicated that I was to pass through it in order to “return.” I protested that I wouldn’t “fit,” and he assured me that there would be no problem.
As my body passed through the cylinder, I experienced the most total and excruciating pain. The best way I can describe it is like having labor pains in every cell of my body; even my hair hurt! The moment that my body was completely through, I became conscious (on the operating table). My opinion is that in passing through the “cylinder,” my spirit was going back into my body.
During this process, I was screaming in pain, although I don’t know if it was audibly, or just in my mind. At any rate, I “came to” and heard the nurse saying, “It’s okay—you’re going to be alright now…everything’s alright now…”
Let me say here that my entire Near Death Experience only lasted a couple of minutes, but if I had to put a “time” on how long my “experience” in that other realm lasted, it would be nearly impossible. It seemed like hours. But actually, it was more like there was no such thing as time; it literally did not exist! It felt like I “had all the time in the world,” or eternity.
My Near Death Experience has truly been a blessing to me in many ways. I hold no fear of death but, more importantly, I cherish life. Each day is wonderful. Each person is precious. I’m more aware of beauty in nature and relationships with people. My priorities are more firmly established now.
It’s wonderful to realize my true worth in the sight of God and to have a knowledge of His love for me and for each of us. I truly know that He wants us to experience joy. Also, I have a great desire to learn and to gain knowledge.
More than anything I know that the main purpose of our existence has to do with loving. We are here to bless the lives of others, and the best way is through our own unique abilities and talents, in little ways day by day, without comparing ourselves to others.
My life must be my answer to the question that I think will be asked of each of us on that final judgment day, “How much have you loved?”
I’m thankful that I was given a second chance to better answer this question, and to do all in my power to experience a peace and love that truly is “not of this world.”

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

And the Worst Mother in the World award goes to....

Me! Yep, that's right. Today, I am officially the Worst Mother in the World. My actions are inexcusable. In fact, I can't even be called "mother" after what I did today.

My son has been bugging me to let him have breakfast at school. (Like my toast isn't good enough for him?) We're never ready early enough for him to do it, so we haven't. However, today he got up extra early and got dressed quickly. I knew breakfast was served until 8:15, so at 5 after 8 we headed over to the school. When we got in, they had everything all put away and closed up. I asked the lunch lady if they were still serving breakfast, and she said it only goes until 8!!!!!

So, my poor little wretched child is at school now with no food in his little tummy while I sit here eating a bowl of cereal. :( Call child services on me.... I deserve it!

Did I mention that yesterday I served my husband scorched, mushy Kraft mac n'cheese? It was the most disgusting thing I think has ever come out of my kitchen! I felt so bad about it I made him authentic fish and chips from scratch for dinner. Hopefully it made up for my ineptitude at lunch in some way.

Monday, September 15, 2008

My Apron Display



Ok, as promised, here are the pictures of my apron display. I was really pleased with how it all turned out, dispite the stress I went through trying to figure out the best way to hang my aprons.

I had a big sign made at Kinkos the night before, and they guy that helped me was so great, we actually had to re-create the entire thing because I had it formatted wrong, but he did it in 10 minutes and it was fabulous! (incredibly expensive, but fabulous!)

The show had a great turnout, and my booth saw a lot of traffic, especially on Saturday. I forgot how much I love interracting with people at things like this. I made some great new friends, too. Amber DeBirk of Urban Scrap Designs did a trade with me, and apron for this awesome glass ring and earrings! I love them!

Also, my booth was right next to Sabrina Box of A Bit of Younique- the cutest little baby stuff! I got some darling head bands for my neices, and a baptism journal for Eason when he turns 8.

I was introduced to Scentsy, the awesome candle-like flameless, smokeless room scents that are totally awesome! Check it out if you haven't already heard of it. Brandi Nickerson is the consultant, and she is awesome.

There were so many more, such as Robin Wade, who's unique and crafty pendants were so cute and fun, I am definitely getting one!

And finally, Lauri Grimshaw-Cox, who arranged the entire boutique show, has some really cute and unique art and other things. She's a pro, and a sweetheart!

Thank you to all of you who supported me in body or in spirit!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Plum tuckered out!

Well, after much racing around at the last minute, running to Kinkos late last night to have them make me a cool sign, I survived my first day at my first ever boutique show!!!! Yes, thank you.... no, no applause necessary... well... ok, you can clap!

My display looks awesome! I will post pictures of it tomorrow- I'm too tired right now. I just wanted to revel in this moment.
goodnight all....
dream of aprons.....
better yet, buy one! hee hee......

yawn

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Things I've learned about myself...

1) Tastes change: something you may not like now you could end up liking later in life. I LOVED avacados as a kid, got sick one time and didn't eat them for several years until about 7 years ago when I liked them again. Also, I have always hated onions, but am getting to where I like them cooked with pot roast, or waved over a pot of stew. I still pick them out of things, but don't mind the cooked flavor so much. I also used to dream of living in a big city in a high rise apartment with black and white and red decor throughout. Now, I detest the city, wished I lived in the country with acres of land, and prefer a warmer decor in my home.

2) I avoid getting too close: I avoid making deep, long-lasting friendships because I am afraid they will end, and I want to avoid the pain of that. So, I don't call friends, don't have spontaneous luncheons, don't reach out in any way. I know, pathetic. But, true. I have, however, started blogging which has re-connected me with some friends I haven't heard from in a long time.

3) I'm not a good housekeeper: those of you who have come to my home already know this. I am not good at organizing things, so having no storage space in my tiny abode, I get discouraged very quickly, thus, clutter. I've seen worse, though, so I don't feel too badly about my clutter. At least I cook and spend time with my family!

4) I think everything can or should be fixed by a nice, homecooked treat: When hubby is down, I bake his favorite cheesecake. A friend of ours got divorced, I baked zuchini bread for him. The problem, my son is not tempted by food much, so when he's had a bad day, saying "I'll bake you some cookies" doesn't fix it. What's wrong with you?!

5) I'm not wild and crazy: I prefer to stay at home and watch a good movie in bed with my family and popcorn than go out on the town. I never went clubbing as a youngster- ok, I did once, and hated it! My normal bedtime is 10:30 pm.

6) I have "mood hair": I change my hair color according to the mood I'm in. If it's a bad mood, I color it bright red- it makes me feel powerful, in control. I go more blond if I am feeling pretty, and sassy. I grow it long when I need to feel more feminine, but usually end up wacking it way off because I feel more at home with a more perky hairdo. Long hair says "serious, mature, sophisticated". Maybe that's why I never last long with longer hair!

7) I am very opinionated, and know my way is always right: even when it's wrong, I feel my ideas and opinions are correct. I make a decision and never look back. If it doesn't go how I planned, it wasn't a mistake, I just make a different decision and go from there. I can pick out paint color for a room in 5 minutes flat- it's taken my hubby 7 years to decide on a paint color for our house! I like that I can make decisions so quickly- it makes me feel empowered- and right!

8) I like change: I rearrange my living room several times a year. I am always thinking of ways to recover my furniture to change the look, I think moving to a new place would be exciting.

9) I have little patience: I like what I like, when I like it. I don't like waiting. I am not patient with inconsistant people, either. I think people with religious beliefs should live what they believe, not claim to believe and then live something completely differently. (note: I edited this one because I realized my coments before were too harsh and not really true to how I feel. They came out sounding judgemental, the very thing I have no patience for!)

10)I don't care what other people think about me: I have come to realize, that for the most part, I don't care! If someone doesn't like me, too bad for them. If someone judges me because I'm too loud, too fat, too- whatever, I don't care! I may not wear designer clothes, drive fancy cars, live in an afluent neighborhood, get my hair done by someone other than myself, scrapbook- but this is who I am! I hope you like it, but if not, I'm not hurt by it.. too much.

11) I adore my family: I love cooking for them, seeing their happy faces when I do something nice for them, serving them first, making sure they don't forget things, running special errands for them, singing to them, hugging them, reading together with them! Yay for eternal families!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Fun Boutique Show This Friday and Saturday!!!


Click on the link HERE to go to the Garden of Art site. You can enter for a drawing to win one of several prizes being offered at the boutique this weekend! (the prizes are listed below the entry form on the web site) You have to attend to be eligible, but it is so worth it, all of the stuff that will be there is just too cool! Grab a girlfriend and go!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Great Video!

We went to my niece's and nephew's baptisms on Saturday. They were so cute! They both sang a darling primary song and I cried during the whole thing! What sweet little spirits, and to think my own son will be baptised in only 6 months! I am going to be a complete basket case throughout the entire thing!

Anyway, afterword, we went to my husband's sister's house to hang out a while. We were sharing our favorite You Tube videos, and she showed us this:




I haven't laughed that hard in a long time! Thanks, Rachel!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Whitnie's Tag... ok, I'll play along!

A few things about me Sept. 5, 2008



Alright you! Yes, you! If you are reading this I am tagging you! Copy and paste this into your blog, erase my answers and put in yours! I can’t wait to read your answers! If you don’t have a blog, email me your answers!


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, I was the first... a trend-setter, a rogue!

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last night

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I like my handwriting in theory... in practice it needs a lot of help


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? roast beef



5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, a 7 year old boy, a 32 year old boy... they're spread really far apart, but they both need the same things- someone to cook for them, pick up their stray clothes, pay attention to them!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? No! I would never call me or keep in touch so the friendship would fizzle and dry up.


7. GREATEST FEAR? Heights, for sure. Not afraid that there ARE heights, but afraid of what I might spontaneously do when at a great height.



8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes



9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Heck NO!



10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms or Cracklin' Oat Bran (tastes like mini oatmeal cookies!)



11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I don't really wear shoes that tie, but when I do, no.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben and Jerry's "Everything But The..."



14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their hair



15. RED OR PINK? Pink... no red... no pink.... no red.....



16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? My complete lack of thinness

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My little sister :( William, come back to me!



18. WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? I'm not afraid of color- hair color, bright lip color, red on my walls...



19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? no color... I'm in my robe!


20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? egg, toast, hot chocolate

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the whir of my computer and the clicking of my nails on the keyboard. My dog snoring


22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? blue- green


23. FAVORITE SMELLS? my son's hair, my dog's ears, fresh laundry, fall leaves, hubby's cologne

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my dad


25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO TAGGED THIS TO YOU? one of my favorites!


26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH: only watch sports when olympics are on, then it's swimming, gymnastics, skiing, luge, trampoline...yes, laugh, it's like the colorguard of the gymnastics world.

27. HAIR COLOR? a few days ago, strawberry blond, today, reddish brown, tomorrow... who knows?

28. EYE COLOR? Blue



29. Do you wear contacts or glasses? glasses when I have to see far away

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Japanese food, which I NEVER get :(


31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I like scarey movies if they aren't too gory or have lots of violence, and all movies MUST have happy endings.


32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban



33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? no shirt, only robe, remember?



34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Fall

35. HUGS OR KISSES? chocolate kisses,and real kisses



36. FAVORITE DESSERT? hot chocolate chip cookies with ice cold milk



37. WHO IS YOUR HERO? my son... he says I don't need to be worried someone will hurt me because he will protect me with his Leatherman!



38. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO? go to a full-price movie, splurge on popcorn and raisinettes, then go shopping, and to a nice Japanese restaurant, then home to read a good book. (this has never happened, by the way)



39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? sadly, I'm in between books, just finished "Breaking Dawn" for the 2nd time, family is reading Book of Mormon together.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? some strange brownish stain... I think it's dried up root beer, a crusty smear of something that looks kind of like marshmallow, and years and years of hand oils and grime.... oh, and my mouse!



41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Star Trek Voyager

42. FAVORITE SOUND? my son singing, my hubby singing and playing the piano, my dog dreaming, birds chirping outside, "yes, mom".



43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles when no on drugs



44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? What's further east, London or Paris? Paris is a full 8 hours difference, so if we go by that, then Paris. But I had a dream once I was in Iraq, so if that counts, then Iraq. Actually, I've dreamed of Heaven a lot, too.... this is too hard.



45. DO YOU HAVE A WEIRD TALENT? some would say my inability to remember the plot of a movie I've seen a hundred times is a weird talent, but it does come in handy!



46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Utah

47. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED? This morning


48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW? 9:20 AM



49. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PRAYED? This morning... but I pray a lot!



50. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOU WHAT WOULD IT BE? my inability to choose just one thing I would change about myself!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

the stalkers at the gym...

Ok.I buy a gym membership in the hopes that I can get my sorry behind into some semblance of shape... anything but blob, right? Right. I've had this membership for a few years now, and sadly to say, have not always been the most committed attendee.

I go in spurts, but purposely avoid going the entire month of January, because then I just look like every other schmoe out there who has a new year's resolution to get fit. I'm not one of "those" people- I am a year-round resolution breaker!

My sporatic attendence makes it all the more important that I enjoy it while I'm there, right? Timing is everything. I go in the mid-morning because all the old flabby people go at that time. I feel great when I look like I'm going at lightening speed next to the old lady on her walker on the treadmill next to me! (ok, maybe there's no walker, but the paramedic on standby at the front desk should tell you what clientelle they have at this time of day!). I get checked out by all the men, too. Granted, they probably can't see much because of the cataracts in both eyes, but it's nice to be ogled, nevertheless.

However, there is one thing I absolute HATE about doing gym time: the trainers. I should call them Gym Stalkers, because that's essentially what they are. They prowl the gym for fat or flabby people to accost and try to shame them into signing their life away on a trainer. I must have a big "Pick on Me" sign on my forehead because they inevitably come over to me almost every time.

I try to be nice and say, "Hi... I'm not interested in a trainer", but they always sneak things in like "What exercises do you usually do when you come?" No yes or no questions here. No Sir! When I tell them I had a trainer for a year and nothing happened, they are shocked, and I know they don't believe me!

Well, today I used the old "my cell phone just rang, I bet this call is urgent" tactic as I saw him creeping closer. IT worked, he veered off to some other unsuspecting poor struggling soul walking their life away on the treadmill further down from me. I sighed with relief. Crisis averted today. But what about tomorrow?

Please vote in the poll to the right to help me decide what to put on a work out t-shirt to ward off the evil trainers in the future. I know my phone tactic worked today, but I can't talk and walk at the same time. Someone's going to get hurt!

My daily routine...

Preparing for my first ever boutique show. I am probably making way too much out of it all, I mean, it's just a little backyard boutique, right? It could rain and nobody would even show up.... but, I am still very excited and nervous.

My daily routine is as follows:

4:30 AM: wake up thinking about aprons and what the heck am I going to do for a display

5:00 AM: lay in bed thinking I should either get up and go sew something, or go to the gym.

6:00 AM: Still in bed....

7:16 AM: Alarm goes off and I get up to wake up the kid and fix breakfast

8:25 AM: walk kid to school, kiss hubby goodbye

8:45 AM: eat breakfast, read emails and blogs

9:00 AM: go to gym, think about aprons and displays while trying not to think about getting nowhere on a treadmill

10:00 AM: back home, shower

10:30 AM: do dishes,pick up clutter around house, feel panicky that I haven't started "doing" anything yet

11:00 AM: go down to sewing room and sew

12:00: still sewing

12:30 pm: start making lunch for hubby, wish I could be sewing instead of cooking

1:00 PM: take lunch to hubby- try to relax and enjoy the break... it's not working.

2:00 PM: back home... sew again.... run out of thread

2:30 PM: dash to fabric store for more thread.... angry for the waste of time!

3:05 PM: go pick up son from school, talk to him about his day, help him do homework, supervise reading time, tell him "NO, you can't play your video game until your homework and reading are all finished" about a million times.

4:30 PM: fold laundry, give up sewing for the day

5:30 PM: begin cooking dinner

6:30 PM: eat dinner with family

7:00 PM: play with son, talk to hubby, don't think about going downstairs and finishing that last bit on that apron...

8:00 PM: try to get the kid to get ready for bed in only 10 minutes this time....

8:30 PM: still trying to get the kid to get ready for bed... grrrrrrrr....

8:40 PM: after threatening to lose all video games, kid finally finishes brushing his teeth. We have scripture study and family prayer, then begin bedtime ritual. Tuck kid in, have a million goodnight kisses and hugs, leave the room.... "Mom!" go back into the room... "What!".... "I'm thirsty"... "You can't have a drink, you'll wet the bed"... "But...".... "NO! now goodnight!" A few more "Mom"s and I ignore it... finally goes to sleep.

9:15 PM: hubby needs some attention. Feeling neglected. Watch some T.V. in bed.

10:00 PM: hubby says time to go to bed... but I'm not sleepy. I still need to sew! Kiss hubby goodnight and sneak downstairs to finish apron!