Me and the Wii

My oldest brother and his wife acquired a Wii earlier this year (by earlier I mean, in November) It was a birthday present to my sister in law. Since its adoption I have had a couple of opportunities to play with it. And I have to say it's REALLY fun!

Last night, as we gathered together as a partial family to celebrate Christmas, I say partial because my second brother and my third sister live out of state and couldn't with us for the holidays--I can't blame them though, even buying gas to drive the less than 20 miles to visit for me can be a nightmare, out came the Wii.

I was early and as we waited for mom and dad to arrive I picked up the controllers and started boxing, taking on any and all competitors. I must admit that I had been longing to try out the Wii Boxing ever since the Christmas episode of Psych where Lassiter was playing it with Juliette's nephews. I can't remember who my first victim was, but let's just say I took down every competitor I had...and about had a heart attack in the process (kudos to the guy who decided it would be cool to get a cardio workout and play video games at the same time. :) I had so much fun--and I think I scared my family in the process. As I was riveted to the screen boxing my heart out (and my arms off) the competitive, aggressive side of myself started to show--most of my family had never seen this side of me before--as I have a certain image to maintain.

Things were going great and I was undefeated until Karl came along. (Before you get any ideas, no Karl is not my boyfriend, nor is Karl even a boy (I don't think--it's hard to tell). Karl is a very odd looking person with the hair of a woman and a beard. Karl has eyebrows so high up on his head that he looks like some sort of weird insect and his blue eyeshadow is a sight to behold). In the world of Wii -- every player gets to create a virtual doppelganger of themselves called a "Mii" to make the game more personal, i guess. Most people try to make their Mii resemble themselves as best they can but such is not the case with Karl. Karl is the alter ego of a 6-year old girl with a very funny imagination, who we'll call Marley, because it rhymes with her real name. :) Marley has more fun changing her Wii character than playing the games sometimes...in Karl's first incarnation I swear she spent 30 minutes getting him just perfect...but that's another story.

To make a long story short my reign of terror came to an end as Marley's creation Karl kicked my butt at boxing. I can't even say I took it easy on her because she's a little kid. She totally kicked my butt--it's a little humiliating getting beat by a six year old...but I'll get over it and I will beat her next time the Wii comes out to play. :)

What are the Odds?

This whole "the cat formerly known as Millie" thing is especially ironic considering we have a friend with a boy cat named Millie.

"Rather the One that isn't Millie"

Toby and I made an interesting discovery last night. The cute kitten we have been calling Millie these past two months is in actual fact not a Millie. Having had cats all through my growing up years I thought I knew for sure that this cat was a girl--I was wrong. So, we 've started calling the kitty "Gus" after the main character in Lonesome Dove. It seems to fit, but it is a little strange to think that all of a sudden our Millie isn't Millie after all.

Time Flies

Ten years ago today I entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah to for two weeks before flying to Macon, Georgia to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I can still remember the day I left, there was snow on the ground and I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I can remember my Kenji's sad little face as I gave him once last hug and if memory serves me correctly I think there were even tears in my brother's eyes. As they say (whoever they are) in reference to big events in people's lives "Today is the first day of the rest of your life" this could not have been more true for December 14, 1997.

Everybody Needs a Judy

I have my own personal fan. Her name is Judy and she works with me as a volunteer. She's 75 years old and she thinks I am the greatest thing ever created so how can I not love her!

Today she says to me..."I just don't understand why all the boys aren't after you, you're just so cute."

This is only one comment in a line of hundreds over the past few months. She always tells my I'm losing weight and that I look beautiful (which I love to hear, even though it's not exactly true).

My all time favorite, has to be the day she said "you remind me of the girl on The Man from Snowy Mountain*, only I like your face better."

She makes my day, every day. I think everyone should have a Judy to say wonderful things to them every day.

*She meant The Man From Snowy River

Strange Things are Afoot or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

On Tuesday, Toby noticed a weird spot on my head, which kind of looked like my usual part was just "off" a bit. I didn't think much about it at the time since my crazy curly hair has a mind of its own. I chalked it up to the way it had dried that morning.

On Wednesday, I stopped in at the parent's house after class and my mom commented on the fact I had a bald spot on my head.

On Thursday I noticed the spot for the first time...and it really freaked me out. It looked like my part has expanded about a half inch on both side in a sort of heart-shaped spot. Let me state for the record, it's really creepy to discover your hair is gone...I'm pretty sure I would have remembered that much hair coming out in the hair brush or as I washed my hair.

As you can imagine, upon my discovery of the spot almost instantaneously my mind start thinking the worst, is it cancer, leukemia or some other deadly disease...do I only have 6 months to live...what...?

I was scared enough that it wasn't hard for Toby to convince that I should get it checked out. So I called and got a doctor's appointment for Friday morning, which freaked me out even more, having not been to the doctor for a physical in ten years (yes-ten years). So, to make a long story short, I went to the doctor and she explained what was happening to my hair--apparently my immune system has decided that my hair is its enemy -- it could be a symptom of diabetes or thyroid issues so I had my blood drawn to see if there's something strange going on inside.

I found an article on the web that explains it a lot better than I can.

You can only imagine my delight at the potential prospect of having a "poltergeist" (a word here used to mean a white patch of hair in an otherwise normal head of hair.)

So until further developments I get to figure out how to live with a bald spot the size of a nickel on the top of my head. I think I'll start by only talking to people who are not taller than I am.

More Christmas Memories

~ Family parties on christmas eve

~ Pictures with Santa at Bowman's Market

~ the little tree we had in our bed room just for us

~ waking up early and plugging in the lights

~ Rainbow Bear

~ drawing names

~ Christmas night presents (because you always need one more present)

~ Butterflies of anticipation in your stomach when you heard the sounds of tinkling bells, signalling the arrival of Santa

~ Candy Canes ~ Oranges and peanuts in our stockings

~ Orange Sticks

~ Laser tag

~ the Pixelvision 2000

~ Looking at Christmas lights and trying to spot Santa's Sleigh as we drove home from Grandma's house on Christmas Eve

Not My Problem!!!

So today I saw Bebo for the second time after the "divorce." I stopped in at the dealership to have them check out my stereo because it won't load a cd. It was a quick in and out trip. they'll order a new stereo and call me when it's in. As I'm pulling out of the shop I see a silver Beetle in the parking lot of the Service Center. Sure enough it's Master Bebo. I had to laugh and breathe a sigh of relief as I wondered which of his many lights had come on this time--once again Not My Problem!!!

Meet The Littles

I have to admit I'm kind of glad they disappeared, they're a little on the scary side.

Favorite Memories of Christmases Past

Mildred Ensign's caramel popcorn ~ new pajamas, especially the ones with feet (being a pip-squeak had it's perks) ~ matching "sisters" dresses ~ the year we got "The Little's" and they promptly vanished down the vent (can you blame them for wanting to go home?) ~ a new baby doll every Christmas ~ Grandma's treats, especially peanut brittle and divinity ~ staying in your pj's all day ~ Stomper trucks ~ six feet of discarded wrappings in the living room ~ piles of presents...(to be continued)

For the Record

I love getting my teeth cleaned.

Only Two Times...

Years ago, Toby and I came up with this little song right before Christmas (or was it our trip to Disneyland?) Anywho...we had only two more days of work until the big event and that morning one of us started singing the words "Only two times" again and again to a funny, made up tune...and it has stuck. So now, anytime we get close to a special event one of use will start singing our little song (the words can be changed if there are more than two times--its a fairly universal song).

Interestingly, I found myself singing it this morning.

I've only got two more nights of Spanish class. Don't get me wrong I love learning Spanish but I get tired of going to class after a long day at work. Tonight will be our last chapter test and then, next Monday I get to be tested on my speaking skills. La profesora will ask questions and I will have to answer in Spanish. It should be loads of fun!

Fortunately I think I'll do okay on the whole grading scale since I am one of about eight people that consistently comes to class. Maybe I'll get an "A" for just hanging in there. Regardless...there are only two times left.

Yay for Me!

And Still...

As we were merging onto the freeway last Friday -- out of no where came a little silver VW beetle. It was of course my Bebo. He still had the crack by the light and the slightly low front tire...but he was changed. He was missing his Scooby-Doo decal and his girl with the Mickey Mouse ears, the things that made him uniquely mine, but it was Bebo nonetheless. It was like looking at a completely different car.

You know the weird, bittersweet feeling you get when you run into an old boyfriend--He's the same man you loved but the part that made him uniquely your is gone...The feeling are still there, under the surface, but not quite the same.

There's a fabulous Reba song that says it so well...

Thousands of people live in this town and I had to run into him. When I saw him there on that busy street those feelings came back again. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide He walked up to me, looked in my eyes And still The world stood still I couldn't move And all I could feel Was this aching in my heart Saying I loved him still.

He said how have you been It's great to see you again You're really a sight for sore eyes I said I can't complain Oh, I'm doing fine We talked as the people rushed by We laughed about old times and all we went thru That's when he hugged me and said I've missed you And still The world stood still I couldn't move And all I could feel Was this aching in my heart Saying I loved him still.

That's when she walked up to him He said this is my wife I gave my best smile But I was dying inside He said we've gotta go now It's getting late It was so good to see you Then they walked away And still The world stood still I couldn't move And all I could feel Was this aching in my heart Saying I loved him still.

By the Time I Get to Phoenix...

On Thursday I get to go to Arizona for a grand total of about 12 hours. I fly out arrive at the Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix at 8:15am and depart at 9:20pm. It's gonna be a very long day.

If only this was a social visit, but such is not the case. My boss is sending me there to set up some scanning equipment in the Mesa Regional Family History Center. I'm hoping that everything goes smoothly and there are no problems with the computers or scanners.

I've never been to Phoenix, but don't think I'd mind a visit...what with warmth in the winter, the Phoenix Suns, Baseball Spring training and cacti...who wouldn't want to go to Arizona? Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get to see the Christmas lights on the Temple grounds before I head to the airport...what time does it get dark in Arizona anyway...?

I know you've all been dying to find out....

The new car (yet un-named) is not so bad.

More Than A Memory

There's a new song out by Garth Brooks called More Than A Memory that I love. If you haven't heard it, its basically about a man trying to forget someone he loved dearly...it's a good song.

As many of you know I have many times professed a undying love for my VW Beetle, "Bebo". I've even been know to say "if I could find a man I love as much as I love my car I'd be set." As with any love affair Bebo and I have had our ups and downs.

Bebo and I met 6 years ago on a dark night. I was driving home in the Prism that I was starting to lose affection for...(mostly because it was a stick-shift and I'm terrible at driving one)...when Bebo caught my eye--"shining like the top of the Chrysler building' beneath the bright spotlights. It was love at first sight. Not to mention I swear I saw him wink one of his headlights at me. I pulled over at the car lot and examined him up close. He was perfect--leather seats (complete with "bun warmers"), Moonroof, 5 disc cd-changer, turbo-charged, the works! The next day I scheduled an appointment with the dealer and went in to take a test drive...and fell hard in love with the little guy. As the numbers were crunched I kept telling myself if it's meant to be things will work out...they did and I brought Bebo home with me.

A few weeks later there was trouble in paradise. Bebo decided to flash his Malfunction Indicator Light (which according to the owner's manual means you should immediately drive your malfunctioning car to the nearest VW dealer for a check up...I've lost count of how many time I've done this over the past 6 years. But my love won out every time...and I stuck with him.

Recently I discovered Bebo had a new trick up his sleeve...He started professing his undying love to me by flashing me with his many dashboard lights...the latest the oil pressure light in concert with the temperature light, along with a REALLY annoying beep. Needless to say this grew real old, real fast. There's nothing to match the feeling of dread that overcomes you as you fear that your little car might keel over as you are traveling 65 mph down I-15.

Every time I got in the car a feeling of stress came over me...I found myself asking what's going to go wrong next? Along with everything else the stress was too much. So about a month ago I started the quest for a newer car with fewer problems. I looked at many and then before I knew it, last night I was holding in my hands the key to a Silver Ford Focus...

I knew it would be hard to hand over the keys to my beloved. First I gave them to a cute little guy named Nate who took Bebo for a spin to see if everything worked and to assess the trade-in value. I have to admit it was hard to see my car drive away without me. Nate gave the keys back and I waited...Then I handed the keys to Toby and she cleaned out my personal affects. Making sure to retrieve my beloved CDs (which at present include Bon Jovi, Air Supply, U2, Simon and Garfunkel and the soundtrack to Wicked). Lastly I handed the key over to Chris (the car guy) and that was the beginning of the end.

I walked into another room to sign the paperwork and when I came out Bebo had been stripped of everything that made him mine -- even down to his license plates (004WKP). It pulled at my heart strings...

I had Toby take one last picture of him -- there he was, once again under the bright lights where I first fell in love with him...it was too much for me. It broke my heart to climbed into the Focus and drive away.

Tears started to fall (as they are falling now). I had left my Bebo behind. I never knew saying goodbye to a beloved car could be as sad as saying goodbye to a friend. I will miss him dearly.

In my world, Bebo will always be "more than a memory"

Good Advice...? (Too Good To Resist)

My sister found this quote and I couldn't help but share it:

"Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any; also to strangers, and sometimes to others. If a person offends you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measure; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. That will be sufficient. If you shall find that he had not intended any offense, come out frankly and confess yourself in the wrong when you struck him; acknowledge it like a man, and say you didn't mean to." (Mark Twain - Advice to Youth speech, 15 May 1882)

Did you know...

that if you keep Starbursts in your desk drawer long enough they turn into Now and Laters.

Five Hours to Lift Off or The Perils of Procrastination

It's moving time. I still haven't finished packing up my room. I've got a cedar chest full of stuff and a desk that's covered in miscellaneous junk. I've known about this move for a least three weeks--but have come up short in my preparation. I'm the girl who waits until the night before a paper is due to even start. Perhaps I thrive on self-imposed stress.

So this afternoon I will be speed-packing--(a technical term which here means throwing everything into boxes whether I want to keep it or not). Fortunatley, Dizzy has offered to come and help pack a few boxes and a few members of my adopted family will be coming as well to help move the big stuff. So all in all, it should be a great time.

I have learned a couple of things as I've packed my boxes...

A) I have a bunch of clothes I never wear (including too many sweaters).
B) I have an overabundance of books and stuffed animals.

Donkey!

Reading BlueStocking's Blog this afternoon reminded me of something. She mentions an "artist Donkey" she has in her closet...I got the giggles recalling the first episode of The Amazing Race that we watched last night.

We've watched a time or two before just for laughs and Sunday's episode was good for a few. The group had to race to Shannon, Ireland where they had to drive around a lot and then they got to ride a tightwire bicycle across a canyon with their partner hanging from the bottom of the bike. I have to admit I was particularly amused by the final challenge...which involved donkeys.

Tied to a hitching post there are eleven donkeys (one for each team). The object of the challenge was to load up a donkey with 15 pieces of peat. Once this was accomplished each team was supposed to lead the donkey back to the starting line.

This was hilarious. Some of the donkeys were trotters and others were super stubborn. Maybe it speaks poorly of me, but I was amused as several teams and their donkeys literally ran past a couple of teams who's donkeys were, if you will, steadfast and immovable. It was awesome. One team even made their donkey so mad that it was braying at them...how could I not laugh?

Here we had grown men an women yelling at their donkeys thinking that somehow that was going to get the poor animal to cooperate with them. Have you ever know anyone to want to cooperate with someone who yells at them.

By the end of the challenge I was laughing. I was having a hard time deciding who was the bigger donkey--the one with four hooves or the two-legged geniuses who thought yelling, pushing and pulling the donkey was ever going to work.

If you've ever seen a donkey in action you know that you cannot convince him/her to do any thing they don't want to. Whoever came up with idiom "as stubborn as a mule" must have had a donkey.

You Go Donkeys!!

A Must See

"The Devil Bat" starring Béla Lugosi

Today's the Big Day

We are closing on our house today.  I have to admit I'm a little nervous.  It's a HUGE step but it's one worth taking.

Halloween at our House

I have always liked Halloween. Hello--A Holiday devoted to the art of candy gathering--what's not to love?

I knew it was going to be an especially good night when the great pumpkin across the street had been carved with the face of Captain Jack Sparrow! Our neighbor holds the record for the biggest pumpkin in Utah this year. Last year he carved Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean (not to be confused with the pint-sized crooner from The Monkees). It was pretty cool, but this years was infinitely cooler.

We had 34 trick-or-treaters--yes I counted, it's a tradition--mom used to always keep a paper on a nail next to our front door to count how many kids came that year.

Among those 34 kiddies there were the teenagers who needed to be told they are too old for the annual candy gathering festival (I was told this by a nieghbor when I was eleven); There were several disney princesses, a couple of farm animals, a pink pirate girl and the cutest little fairy I have ever seen.

This little girl couldn't have been more than 3 years old. Her older brothers and sisters had just come to the door and she was a little cautious. As she got to the door, she says to me in the tiniest little girl voice i've ever heard, filled with what can only be described as awe "you're like a vampire" (I was wearing black with a silvery spider-web cape--more witch like than vampire, but you can't correct a living, breathing version of Tinkerbell.

I couldn't help myself and told her how cute she was and she proudly pointed out her wings to me. They were perfect fairy wings, such that I think I may need to change from Witch to Fairy for my Halloween costume--they were cool wings. I've seen some cute costumes in my day but last night I think was the best ever.

I gave her some candy and as she walked away she turned around and squeaked "see you in the morning time, k."

Sadly, she didn't come back to play today.

BlueStocking Blogger: Plumb Crazy...it's long but I make no apologies.

BlueStocking Blogger: Plumb Crazy...it's long but I make no apologies.

The Great Debate

I went to bed late last night (nearly midnight) what with the plumbing incident that is too gross to discuss (see the next post if you must have details).

Before I went to bed I was determined to ride the bike for 30 minutes. While I was exercising I turned on the TV at 11:00pm and found a childhood favorite 21 Jump Street.

I used to love watching Jump Street. Who didn't love tuning in to find out what adventures Judy Hoffs, Harry Ioki, Tom Hansen and Doug Penhall were going to have this week. Admittedly the first season is not my favorite...I never really liked Captain Jenko, but would have joined the force in a heartbeat when Captain Fuller took the helm.

As I watched the beginning credits I began once again the great debate with myself over which undercover cop I would want to end up with (if reality were fiction).

It's a tough call...there's every teen girl's dream, Tom Hansen-preppy turned rock star hot and then there's Doug Penhall a rough, gruff teddy bear sort of a guy. Back in my younger days it was Tom all the way (what girl didn't have a thing for Johnny Depp--and what red-blooded woman doesn't still). However, I always harbored a little something for Penhall (in fact, I often refer to my ideal man as "Doug"). Peter DeLuise is just so cute and I can't help but be slightly in love with him.

As I'm cycling, I again debate with myself over which one to choose when the show starts my choice is made (at least for the next hour) Tom Hansen is no where to be seen (rats!)...instead he's been replaced by the slimy, trying too hard to be a replacement for Tom Hansen, Booker. (gag!) After Tom left Jump Street saw some dark days with the addition of Booker and Michael Bendetti, whose character name I can't even remember -- it just wasn't the same...

Who's bright idea was it anyway to replace Johnny Depp with Richard Grieco???

Favourite Quote

"This must be Thursday. I never could get the hang of Thursdays"

~ Arthur Dent, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Rumours are True

I am buying a house.

Oh the irony...

After composing my last post on my enjoyment of Heroes, as fate would have it the DVR flaked out. It has done this once or twice before causing us to miss episodes of Chuck or Supernatural--but this time it skipped out on Heroes...so now I'm an episode behind and our internet connection isn't fast enough to watch it online.

Unlike Kip, i would have to say sometimes "I hate technology!

Save the Cheerleader...

I didn't want to like it but I do. I don't watch a lot of TV, but when I do I want to watch something really good. I lucked out when I found Heroes.

I started watching the first season, caught about 4 episodes and then missed 2 and didn't want to miss anything important so I sadly stopped watching. But, thanks to the marvels of reruns on the SciFi Channel and a DVR, alnog with Blockbuster On Demand I was able to quickly catch up when the first season came out on DVD. I was hooked!

Perhaps it has something to do with the very likeable heroes Claire, Hiro and Peter, Or maybe it's Sylar the sinister villian who gives even the creepiest of villains a run for their money or it could have something to do with the fact that Dr. Mohinder Suresh smiles like a boy I once dated though not likely.

I really like the idea that ordinary people might actually be extroadinary. Each character chooses how they will use their gift, whether for good or evil. It's a relief to find something to watch that isn't a Reality TV show or a Crime show. For me, watching television should be an escape not a rerun of the 6:00 news.

"Magic Legs" and other lessons

In my opinion Forrest Gump is one of those movies that if you've seen it once, you never need to see if again. however there are a few memorable lines that have remained in the recesses of my mind, for example when Gary Sinese's character Lt. Dan has to have his legs amputated and get fake legs Forrest says to him something like "Lieutenant Dan, you've got magic legs."

With that segway -- I heard the funniest thing this week: This is one of those mental picture things, but it's priceless. My brother-in-law (whom we like to call Brother John) works with a guy, who has "magic legs", we'll call this guy Lt. Dan. Lt. Dan apparently owns several pair of fake legs...five to be exact.

Interestingly enough each pair is a different length (ranging from five-ten to six-ten in height). so Lt. Dan can wake up each morning and choose how tall he wants to be that day. Imagine the thoughts in Lt. Dan's brain....Hmmm...Today I need to change the lightbulbs at work, better wear the tall legs or "I've got to work in the crawl space today-looks like a short leg day." Just imagine the fun one could have with five pair of legs!

In Other news, I've learned a couple of things this week that will help in later life:

#1 - If a kitten shows up on your doorstep, just ignore it, no matter how cute it is otherwise you will have to become its mother. Case in Point: a fluffy brownish-gray tabby shows up on the doorstep mewing, The door was opened and we were instantly snookered by the tiny mewing creature. There was no way out--so now Millie sleeps in our extra laundry basket and bites our toes as she welcomes us home each night.

Which leads me to wonder...why is it so easy to pretend a salesman is not at your door when it is impossible to ignore the mewing of a small kitty?

#2 - You cannot use a verb to write a sentence (in any language) if you don't know what that verb means. Case in Point: I was less than prepared for the bi-weekly Spanish test and was faced with the challenge of writing a sentence using the verb "poder" (pronounced: poe-dare). Entirely unsure of the definition (which was later found to be "to be able to) I improvised--it'll probably cost me 2 points, but a the time I had no clue.

Revelations

BlueStocking Blogger: Know what I don't love?

It's out there now. My best friend "doesn't love" the same things I love. How can this be???

Fortunately our friendship is not based on whether or not we both love Newsies or The Wonder Years, elsewise (elsewise being a word that I'm not even sure is a word) we'd have to stop being friends. And she REALLY doesn't love these...I think she would prefer a trip to the dentist over watching either of these.

And for those of you reading her blog and rooting for Hamburger Helper...it's not the same Hamburger Helper we enjoyed as kids. I tried it about a month ago, I figured if it was good enough for my brother, of I ought to give it a try, but it wasn't good at all.

Lady You're Crazy

On Sunday I was enlightened, you might say, on the source of my singleness...Apparently it's because I choose not to wear makeup.

A dear, sweet (married) sister in our ward felt it her responsiblilty to inform us single sisters of just what we are doing wrong. I would like to dwell a moment on the two erroneous ideas she shared with us (if you want more and haven't read Marges' blog you might enjoy it).

#1: "if you're going to be a naturalist, you'd better be miiiiighty beautiful."
#2: "you girls who think a man is going to love you whether you wear makeup or not are fooling yourselves"

To this I say BAH!

Mom is famous for saying to us girls from time to time "even an old barn looks better with a fresh coat of paint" -- her idea of a fresh coat of paint consisted primarily of making sure her lipstick was on straight before we got to church on Sunday. I can live with that. (Over the years-all 31 of them-I've realized there are those out there who truly appreciate the old barn for its rustic natural beauty.)

Ironically, I have two beautiful sisters who somehow managed to find wonderful spouse wearing little or no makeup. The mind reels...I've never been accused of being "as plain as an old mud fence" or being "hit by the ugly stick." But alas, there is no hope for makeup-less girls like me. Once again, to this I say BAH!

I've never been so tempted to stand up and say "Lady, you're crazy" or to just walk out...after all there was an adorable tuxedo cat outside the church that I would have much rather spent my hour with.

If only Lorelai Gilmore had been around to say "You've exhausted all of your talking rights by being crazy." Then she would have carefully escorted the offender to her chair.

Look at the Moon!

Those who have seen Disney's The Kid will appreciate this post. Those who haven't should watch the movie because it is hilarious.

The movie is about this guy Russ (played by Bruce Willis) who is a colossal jerk. There's this one scene where Russ' friend Amy tries to get him to look a the moon. She is all excited and bubbly about it and tries to point out the Man inside to Russ. At this point he completely mocks her for her childish-ness--after all she's almost 30. This is about 5 minutes into the movie and there is no longer any doubt how jerky this guy can be.

A couple of weeks ago I found myself being the jerk (in my head). My co-worker, who is a sweet 20-something, fresh from BYU, graduate was showing me the plant she had just picked out for her cubicle. She was all excited about the fact that the underside of the leaves were purple. She was so excited...and at that moment I became Russ in my head and berated her for being so ridiculous about the plant.

Fast-forward to this morning. I'm standing at the bus stop, in the pitch dark that is 6:30am and can't help but notice the moon--it was ENORMOUS! Full and smiling -- one of those times when you know the Man inside is smiling.

It was so cool. It was the Harvest Moon, by the way. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I stood there wishing that there was someone to share it with--besides the random bus guy that was more concerned about deciding if he had enough time to run across the street to look at the giant pumpkin a shoe in for the part of the Great Pumpkin in this year's retelling of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

I watched it the moon out the bus window the best I could all the way to work--it was that amazing to me.

Perhaps there's a lesson in all of this...whether it's to look up once in a while or to appreciate the wonder that is around us, I don't know. Take it for what it's worth -- and don't be a jerk.

the Gnome I love to hate

About a year ago I went to the local Borders store that was in the process of liquidating their inventory--on account of the building was about to be torn down. While I was there I happened upon a cute little lawn gnome smiling out of his cellophane package. He seemed to be saying "Please take me with you. I'd be SO happy living in your cubicle."

So I forked over the $10.00 and rescued the little guy from his bookstore bondage.

I get him to my desk and out of his package -- and faster than you can say Rumplestiltskin, the little guy turns on me -- No longer is he the cute smiling gnome from the bookstore, but an annoying presence. he just stood there staring at me with his wee beady eyes, looking smug as he stood there on his 4X5 inch square of astro turf. He was promptly dubbed GJerry the GJerky GLawn Gnome...the name fit.

I tried putting him behind my monitor, in a far corner of my desk, but his eyes were ever peering at me. It's very hard to concentrate on much of anything with someone constantly staring at you--it's like having someone read over your shoulder...you know the feeling.

As the months have passed, GJerry is still in my cubicle and it seems that we have reached a silent agreement...He now stands happily in my overhead cupboard looking straight out over my head.

He's stopped making trouble as well. As long as I make sure his 3 silk tulips are in place and change his backround scenery once in a while we're good.

I've Been Warned

When your #1 blog reader informs you that they were tempted to post a comment to say they were sick of reading about the Spanish nerd that you are you know it's time to come up with something new.

But what...?

It's Official

I'm the Spanish nerd.

I recently started taking Spanish 1010 and I have to admit I love it. Every Monday and Wednesday I travel back in time to old high school (which incidentally isn't the high school I attended My Alma Mater was demolished a couple of years ago in the name of progress--in it's place is a futuristic High School Musical-ish sort of place...it's huge--but that's an entirely different tanget. Let's just say its really strange to park my car under the tree where I used to eat lunch) to be schooled in the art of speaking Spanish.

I took Spanish back in Junior High and always loved the way the words rolled off my tongue. I was one of the few that could actually roll my r's in the proper Spanish fashion. Back in those days I didn't like the class very much because it was seventh period and it was always hot and our teacher had a very violent temper -- once he threw a desk across the room to get our attention.

Grown up Spanish is much calmer...the only excitement comes in the form of my cheeks turning pink (woom! woom!) when the hairly fandsome hellow next to me asks ?Que hora es? But that's another story...

Back to me, the Spanish nerd. I love reading my textbook and sit outside on the deck reciting palabras y numeros to my heart's content. Even the hairly fandsome hellow has recognized the fact I'm a nerd (he shares my textbook because he doesn't have one yet). He says to me the other night "So do you like study this all the time?" and I can't lie so I have to admit that I do.

I'm a nerd.

Fairweather Blogger

Much to the chagrin of my many readers (all 3 of them) I haven't blogged in a while. I have friends who are addicted to blogging and can't get enough of it, but me I'm a fair weather blogger. I blog when there's something interesting or the blogging spirit moves me...but that doesn't happen very often. For the moment blogging is just one more thing on my "to do list" that never gets done -- truth be told the "to do list" never gets written. So if you miss me, just remember that some where out there in the universe I am trying to come up with something to blog about...who knows one day you might get lucky and read a blog written entirely in Spanish. Or I may tell you about my 75-year-old friend "Judy" who thinks I am the most amazing person ever created...

On Second thought...I'm More of a Jane

My last posting triggered a unexpected reaction in my bosom friend (as Anne Shirley would say). As we drove home from work yesterday we had a discussion on the validity of online quizzes and the results derived from them. I can honestly say that the only thing Elizabeth Bennett and I have in common is the fact that we both have brown hair.

Upon discussion of Elizabeth's fine points, we came to the conclusion that the younger Miss Bennett is a rebel in her own right. She is not afraid to speak her mind to any and all parties, whether they are interested or not.

Unlike Eliza, I am not a rebel in any sense of the word. My biggest rebellion as a tenneager was listening to Brian Adams or U2 with the volume just a little bit louder than usual--or--you could count the fact that I got my ears pierced without my parent's permission at the age of 30!

And while Mr. Darcy is a handsome man, he's just a big, dumb boy in every sense of the word. He's a jerk and quite frankly I'd prefer a Mr. Bingley who was inclined to love me for me, not "against [his] better judgement."

I Am Elizabeth!!!

Every few months or so, I have several people (within the same week) call me Elizabeth--in the lunchroom, on elevators, you name it they find me. Apparently I bear a striking resemblance to another gal that works in my department. It's really only a vague resemblance; we both have brown hair, wear glasses, and I'm told neither of us really make eye contact with the person we are talking to (this from a mutual friend).

Depending on the day it can be a little disconcerting and confusing--especially considering I have a little sister named Elizabeth who looks a lot like me (so people say). Again the resemblance there is the same we both have brown hair and wear glasses.

However, thanks to a lovely little online quiz I can now definitively say "I Am Elizabeth!!!" Because Online quizzes are always correct (aren't they?)

Take the Quiz here!

Honestly, I'm okay with the results, after Elizabeth does end up with that dishy Mr. Darcy in the end. (who wouldn't?)

Road Trippin'

Last month I went to Cheyenne, Wyoming for the second time in less than a year. This visit was for recreational purposes, the last was for work (teaching at a genealogical conference).

What, you might ask is there to do in Cheyenne and why would anyone in their right mind want to go there in the middle of July?

Each July Cheyenne hosts what they like to call the "Daddy of 'em All" -- a week long rodeo/county fair -- and this year performing as part of their nightly concert series they featured among others acts Reba McEntire with special guest Trisha Yearwood (two of my all-time favorite female artists). They also had Bon Jovi, but that's another issue entirely.

A lady I work with sent me an email to let me know that Reba was coming to Cheyenne and knowing Toby's love for Reba (she and I attended the Stadium of Fire the year Reba came) I had to tell her...so I did and to make a long story short the two of us decided we'd make the trip (as sort of a early birthday party for yours truly). So we bought the tickets, hopped in the aptly named Escape and drove 600 miles to see the show.

Having made the trip thrice before (including the aforementioned work trip, an ill-fated trip to Denver and a family exodus to Hays, Kansas) I knew there was nothing much to see along the way, except for a line of windmills, the Little America resort (complete with posh potties, wooden penguins on the rooftops and 50 cent ice cream cones) and the giant bust of Abe Lincoln that towers over the highway somewhere between Rawlins and Cheyenne.

However, it was a very fun road trip. Especially considering the fact that the concert date corresponded directly with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows which I read out loud the entire car ride (there and back again).

Reba & Trisha were fabulous, they each sang most of their best (and my favorite) songs. I had a really great time and wouldn't mind doing it again sometime.

Tick...tock...Tick...tock

So, I bought myself a Swatch for my birthday (yes, they still make them). I've discovered it has one major flaw...it ticks. (I know what you're thinking, all watches "tick") But this one ticks REALLY loud (or maybe my office is way too quiet). I think it may drive me insane. The cute watch with the smiling pink snail on the face is making me crazing...won't someone stop the infernal ticking??? I guess I could take the battery out but that would defeat the whole idea of a wristwatch...go fig.

Sweet 80s Flashback

This is the part of the blog where you have to suffer through one of my crazy 80s flashblacks (most of them triggered as of late by the USA network series Psych)

Do you remember KangaROOs? Would you be surprised to learn that they still make those snazzy shoes with zipper pockets on the sides?

I had a pair when I was in like the second grade. They were light blue and had velcro pockets on the sides...I'm pretty sure they were knock-offs, but none the less they were fantastic for carrying that extra quarter or a note from your best friend.

I have to admit that as 80s children we had some pretty sweet stuff.

To view some sweet new ROOs visit Zappos.com .

Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you Psych

The Best Fake Psychic in the Biz

So, I was going to write and tell y'all about one of my all-time favorite TV shows, but Even better I've brought it to you. Unfortunately it only airs on cable so if you don't have it you're missing out. Let me just say I am totally in love with Shawn Spencer, the main character on the show. He kills me -- he really wants to be a detective, but since he can't pass the test he joins the Force in a very creative fashion -- he becomes a psychic. The writers on this show are hilarious, frequently referencing 80's pop culture and I, as a child of that decade get a kick out of it. So if you're looking for something funny to watch, you should tune in, or just check out the website. If you're as weird as I am you might just find a new way to spend your Friday nights--as for me, well you guessed it, I've got a standing date with Shawn "the fake psychic" Spencer.

Introducing Bebo...

isn't he cute?

100 Things About Me

A friend sent me an email once containing 100 things about herself and challenged me to think of 100 things about myself...I haven't made it to 100 yet, but I thought I'd share what I've come up with so far.

1. I love the song “I love a rainy night” by Eddie Rabbit.
2. I have eaten a grasshopper that was specially prepared by my brother. It was cooked using a Bic lighter.
3. I was converted to country music by my best friend.
   
4. I am in love with Bono, Ewan MacGregor, Jon Bon Jovi (what is it about Bon Jovi) and Paul Walker.
5. I love singing along with the Partridge Family.
6. When I was a teenager I was in love with Kevin Arnold from The Wonder Years
7. My Grandma is my hero – I want to have wrinkles like she does when I get older.
8. If I had a Top-Ten List of fabulous moments in my life it would include Going to Disneyland for the first time (I cried when I saw it) and seeing Wicked on stage in Denver (May 25, 2007).
9. I found my true self in Macon Georgia.
10. I have a doppelganger somewhere in Canada. (I have photographic proof if you don’t believe it).
11. I love that my oldest nephew, is now not only a nephew but a friend.
12. I adore my Silver VW Beetle, whose name is Bebo, and if I could find a man I loved as much as I love him I’d be set.
13. I’m half English.
14. If I had a house with a huge yard I would buy myself a Border collie and name him Hank and also Jack Russell Terrier named Jake.
15. My feet are extremely ticklish.
16. I don’t know that I’ve ever spelled “ticklish” before.
17. I love playing along with Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune & Lingo
18. One day I will go walking in Scotland (partially in memory of Ma Bonner)
19. Kids love me.
20. I believe that there is nothing better than dancing in a Georgia rain storm (Top-Ten candidate).
21. The nearest I’ve ever come to perfection was when I held a living, breathing butterfly on my fingertip. (Top-Ten candidate).
22. I have an unexplainable fear of escalators.
23. I can’t stand phony people.
24. I never learned to swim
25. I am scared of any water that I can’t see or feel the bottom with my feet.
26. I enjoy mowing the lawn (or cutting the grass if you're from the South).
27. The 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is a favorite movie.
28. I’ve seldom laughed harder than when I saw Thoroughly Modern Millie for the first time.
29. I choked on a McDonald’s hamburger once because I was laughing and chewing at the same time.
30. I’m utterly clueless when it comes to dating
31. I fell in love with a man named Jerry who had pretty hazel eyes.
32. Sometimes I doubt that I’ll ever find Mr. Forever.
33. I joined the ward choir because the choir director had a gorgeous pair of eyelashes.
34. My biggest fear is that I won’t be able to have children of my own.
35. I was 20 before I drove farther south than Salt Lake City. I didn’t have a reason to and Mom wouldn’t have let me…she was very protective.
36. I have never been kissed.
37. I love Bowling. I’m a terrible bowler, though I can’t understand why my dad used to watch it on TV and it looked very easy…nothing to it just roll the ball down the lane and hit the pins.
38. I’m a compulsive nail biter
39. I become sarcastic around boys that I like. I never say the right thing.
40. I’m good at “zingers” (see You’ve Got Mail if you don’t know what a zinger is) but they always come after the fact.
41. I sobbed when Dumbledore was killed in Book #6.
42. I cry A LOT.
43. The laws of Physics fascinate me.
44. I love to crochet (my grandma taught me how, I think)
45. My dad taught me to knit.
46. I can do one bird call.
47. I’m going to name my first daughter Ruby Jane
48. I love the name Jake
49. If I could spend any amount of money on clothes anywhere I would shop at Eddie Bauer.
50. My favorite food is pie.
51. I hate black eyed peas – I think they taste like dirt.
52. Boy names I love: Owen, Luke, Joshua, Caleb, Gabe (short for Gabriel), Jack & Ian.
53. I have seen 2 of the 4 sets of Pandas in the United States (San Diego & Memphis) and I will see the others one day (Atlanta & Washington D.C.)
54. I love that if my earphones accidentally get unplugged from my iPod my music isn't blasted to the rest of the world (especially at work).

Wanted: 1 Boyfriend

So my nephew (who's visiting from Washington) asked me yesterday if I'd had any boyfriends lately. Of course I have to tell him no, because I don't have a boyfriend and I haven't had one for a while now. Then he adds..."well you need to get one because I need some cousins."

He says this very matter-of-factly, like finding Mr. Forever is as simple as buying a pair of white socks or choosing a bunch of broccoli at the supermarket. Unfortunately it's not that simple. I have to say I LOVE that he thinks it's just that easy...maybe I should have a little more faith.

Maybe I should create a want ad (to be run only on April 1st):

Wanted: 1 Boyfriend, must be willing to commit to a lasting relationship (i.e. marriage). Nephew wants cousins. Serious applicants only.

Ding Dong the Mouse is Dead

I know you've been dying to know what happened with the mouse.

I bought a couple of D-Con mouse traps that conceal the dead mouse and some new, extra-sticky mouse paper. It wasn't until yesterday afternoon that the little critter was apprehended. Thankfully he was caught by the mouse trap and not on the mouse paper since no one wants to see the mouse once it's been caught.

A Late Night Visitor

Okay. So I get home late last night from visiting my grandma (whom I adore) and discover in my kitchen a tiny rodent running along the baseboard. Yes--you understood correctly there was (and still is) a mouse in my apartment. I don't like mice. I don't want a mouse in my house, but I also don't want to see the thing dead...so here I am at 11:30 last night trying to figure out a humane way to catch this mouse--with no luck.

So I call Toby who's in D.C. this weekend and leave a message because I assume she's sleeping what with the 2 hour time difference...to let her know there's a mouse. I just needed someone to tell. I was pretty sure my dad would have just laughed at me if I'd called him.

So then the phone rings and its Toby and she talks me down from my midnight mouse hunt saying that I can buy a trap in the morning and then she hangs up (that's the abbreviated story).

I happened to remember that downstairs there are a couple of squares of mouse paper that the previous downstairs tenants had set out to catch spiders (Mrs. O) was deathly afraid of them. If you've never looked at the back of a sheet of mouse paper you should...its kind of funny...there are all these "Do Not Let These Things Come Into Contact With This Paper" warnings...and one of the pictures is of a mouse...kinda funny.

So I bring one upstairs and bait it with some cheese from the fridge and go to bed...after blocking all of the cracks under the doors so the mouse doesn't attack me (I had an oh-so-memorable experience as a child where a mouse "tap danced" across my head while I was in bed one night which I have no desire to repeat).

This morning I get up to get ready for work and discover that somehow the mouse has managed to get the cheese but escape the sticky peril of the mouse paper. So I re-baited the paper with a tortilla strip salad topping dipped in peanut butter and left for the day...I really hope he's good and stuck when I get home tonight.

Meanwhile, I've come up with an idea for a better mouse trap. Some computer geek needs to invent an electronic mouse trap that would send out an email alert to let you know when the mouse is caught. You can get email alerts for things like library books and flights, why not mouse traps?

I'd rather have pie

So back to the cake. I go to this wedding reception and there are a million people there. As I'm standing in line I see this fabulous chocolate cake on the plates of those who have already passed through the line. I mean this cake is luxuriant--it's even got a chocolate leaf on the top. By the time I get through the line and to the buffet tables there is no cake to be found. Its ALL gone. It was as though there was a grand conspiracy on my behalf. The cake gods were laughing in my face. So I end up stuck with a plate of fruit and pasta salad.

Then to rub salt in my fresh wounds...they cut the wedding cake. It's one of those pretty ones covered in fondant instead of frosting. I could see that inside it was white cake--not the chocolate I longed for, but it would do in a pinch--but to my dismay they weren't sharing that either. RUDE!

Who needs cake anyway? I'd rather have pie.

No cake for me...

Funny how going to a wedding reception makes you realize how badly you want all of the things you can't have--even if it is just the cake.

Guys on Bikes

Like many I am an observer of the world around me. I like to look at the people while I'm riding (or driving) in my car. For instance, the past couple of days I've noticed this older guy riding a motorcycle--now whether he's coming or going I'm not sure--but he's unique in his own little way.

For one, he wears a helmet (please note: there are a lot of guys on motorcycles that don't do this). But his helmet is cool. It's one of those half helmets that looks like a military helmet, only his is black with silver flames on it...it's a pretty sweet helmet. Secondly, he's wearing cowboy boots...not biker boots...plain old cowboy boots. And to top it all off he's dressed in slacks and a button-down.

It makes me happy to see this guy with his unique style living his life. You kinda have to wonder if he knows he's making people happy just by being himself.

Oh Deer!

Okay, so I sat down to type and I got distracted by a very small deer (you might say it was a fawn) running in my driveway. He darted off before I could get a real good look at him...he was very small--This little guy still has his spots. . Now i can hear him "meeping" for his momma. I'm going to have to go investigate.

Here's the time delayed play-by-play: Baby #1 is now in the neighbors backyard. I think Tob and I did a pretty good job of frightening the little guy (unintentially of course). And being an animal lover I have to worry that momma has been hit by a car or something and baby is all alone in the world.

But have now fear...Momma's in our backyard way out by the fence trying to convince Baby #2 that jumping over the fence is a good idea. (Sure it seems scary but you can do it!) Imagine trying to keep track of twins in a grocery store. One baby jumps the fence and the second one hasn't quite figured it out yet...how do you keep an eye on both?

And then just like that they're gone again...hopefully reunited. Maybe we'll see them again, as our backyard is a hot spot for woodland creatures. Now if only we could figure out a way to get them to come inside and help out with the chores--It worked for both Cinderella & Snow White--what do they have that I don't?

Just my Luck

I'm having a good hair moment. The only problem--my anonymous benefactor has not yet bequeathed me with the digital camera of my dreams the Canon Rebel SLR (or in the consolation prize Canon 7.1 MP PowerShot SD40 Digital ELPH Camera in Twilight Sepia)* Perhaps another day.

*subtle hint to all you anonymous benefactors out there.