Monday Memoirs

Thursday - I got home from work and Jed had deep-cleaned the apartment! I was thrilled - what a great surprise! Thanks Jed! You are so awesome!!

Friday - I got so much done! I mailed Christmas stuff off at the post office, I returned some stuff, I exchanged some stuff, I bought the last of Jed's Christmas presents, and I made a yummy dinner in the crock pot.

Saturday - I worked, Jed studied. I am so glad that I'm leaving this job. I cannot stand my coworker. And the worst part is that it's just him and me on Saturdays. I kept a log of all the annoying things he did/said. That made my day a little better. ;)

Sunday - After church, I took a long nap and Jed went to school to study. Later that night, we went to the Pages' for our weekly game night!! They had another couple over and we had such a blast hanging out with them!

I QUIT!

I put in my two weeks this week. My last day is Monday, December 21st - the day we fly out for Christmas. I was already a wreck - hour-long commute each way, being gone from my house for 10.5 hours, 5x a week, having to park a city block away from work and walk in the snow, not seeing Jed very often, not having a social life, working every Saturday, having the same conversation over and over again with different people, etc - before the two and a half hour commute this past Tuesday. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. I came in to work in tears and told my boss that I was done.

I was mentally and emotionally drained and I don't feel like I would have made it through the winter without seeping into a deep, dark depression. I had to do it for my own well-being (and Jed's well-being as well). I have not been a good wife or friend recently. I haven't been a good student because I haven't had the energy to do anything when I got home and I can't do homework at work.

It's just not worth it to me to stay. The odds are stacked against me. Hopefully I will find something soon after the new year. Thoughts and prayers would be much appreciated at this time. Thanks everybody!

Monday Memoirs - Late Style

Thursday (Thanksgiving) - We did a marathon Thanksgiving and went to three different places. First we went to my dad's side's Thanksgiving. They had a Connect Four Championship (kinda random) and... Jed won first place!! We got a one-night's stay at the Radisson! I'm so excited to use that!
Next on the list was Grams' house. She fed us butternut squash soup and brownies until our eyes popped out. It was good to see her and Walter. I'm glad we got to visit them.
Then we went to Jed's aunt's house. We talked for a few hours and it was really fun to see that side of the family - it had been a while.

Friday - Black Friday. I had a booth at a boutique in downtown Provo. I sold cookie mixes for my dad's famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I had a great time - I was sitting next to some great people who I am so glad I met. Sales weren't super high because the traffic was kind of slow - I think people went home to nap from their early morning ventures or else they were at the movies or something. We're doing another show in the spring. I think that one will go really well.
That night, I got this strange second wind and dragged Jed to the gym with me at 10pm. First time in months. It felt good to get on the treadmill again.

Saturday - After work, I met up with Jed and the Pages for dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It was fun to go out with them and their cute kids. We also saw the Burkes while we were there - small world.
We went back to the Pages' house after dinner and had a game night! So fun! I think we left around 2am. :)

Sunday - I was sick, sick, sick. I stayed home from church and Jed had to do nursery all by himself. :\
I got myself a carton of OJ and some pills and went up to campus with Jed to study.
...and then I was too sick to go to work on Monday. The End.

Wish List

This is mostly for family members who don't know what to get us for Christmas. I even linked them so that it would be easy.

Stories with Holes books

A tript to Ohio

Gift card to Gygi

A trip to Texas

Games - Electronic Catch Phrase, Cranium Pop 5, Scene It, Guesstures, Freeze Up, Humm...ble Board Game, Price is Right DVD Game, Life: Family Guy Edition, Phase 10, Electronic Rummikub (for me, for travelling)

-also this one

-and this one

Just kidding on those last two!! Haha!

Gift card to Plato's Closet

A cruise, anywhere

Shoes, or a gift card for a shoe store

The Provo Posh & Chic Boutique

BLACK FRIDAY
The Provo Posh & Chic Boutique
Provo Downtown Marriott
8am-5pm

Come by and say hi!

Thankful Thursday - Thansgiving Style

I am thankful for a roof over my head.
I am thankful for my steady income, a paycheck I can count on.
I am thankful for Jed's job.
I am thankful that I live in a free country.
I am thankful for fast communication - phones, internet, Skype, etc.
I am thankful for our cars.
I am thankful that all four of our parents are alive and well.
I am thankful for all of our siblings, biological or 'adopted'. :)
I am thankful that we live close to some family.
I am thankful for modern conveniences, like microwaves, indoor plumbing, airplanes, pillows, dishwashers, etc. SO many things to be grateful for.
I am thankful for Archie, Sharky, Goldie, and our other fish. [Original names, huh? ;)]
I am thankful that all five of my grandparents are alive and well.
I am thankful for a cozy, warm bed.
I am thankful for my new clothes.
I am thankful for the Gospel and what it brings to my life.
I am thankful for my good sense of direction.
I am thankful for my ability to learn.
I am thankful that I am able to go to school.
I am SO thankful that it hasn't really snowed much yet this year (knock on wood).
I am thankful to be able to be a part of the Provo Posh & Chic Boutique this year.
I am thankful to have enough food that I don't ever go hungry.

I am thankful for my Savoir.

I am thankful that I am never truly wanting - I have everything that I need.
I am thankful for my wonderful, patient, warm-hearted husband. He is my world and I love him.

Monday Memoirs - A Day Late

Friday - I did a surprise date for Jed. It was so fun! I went and waited in the humungous line for InNOut (the guy working the line let me cut, so I only waited half as long as I would have, thank goodness) and brought it to Jed when I picked him up from work. He knew it was at UVU, but I told him it was an improv class. He pretended to be excited, even though I knew he wasn't. When we pulled up and the parking lot was full, he knew it wasn't an improv class. *sigh of relief* When I gave him his ticket, his eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. He was so excited! By the way, we went to a UFC Fight Night.
We saw a few sleeper holds, some blood, and a couple of knock-outs. I shocked when I realized that we had been there for FIVE HOURS. And we didn't even stay for the main event. It was an enjoyable event, but I don't think that I'd want to go to fights very often...

Saturday - Jed studied all day and I worked. When I got home, we went to Sizzler for the first time - it was ok. Not somewhere I'd want to go all the time, but Jed liked it a lot. And then we went and saw The Box. Meh. I'd at least wait til it came out on video. Not worth the money.

Sunday - We had Jed's brothers over for dinner and played SkipBo. After they left, we went over to the Pages' house for game night - I am loving this tradition we're starting here. It was an early night - we were home by midnight. Usually it's around one in the morning. :)

Monday - Nothing too fancy - grocery shopping, homework, and working on my cookie mixes for the boutique on Friday!!

Ramblings, but Sadly No Pictures

I have not been posting like I used, or would like, to. No surprise there. I'm gone from my house for 10.5 hours 5x a week. I can't blog at work and I crash when I get home.

I am looking for a new job. Not too intensely, since I do have an interview within the company to work at a closer location. That's in the beginning of December. I would love to stay within the company - I know it and I could cut down my commute without messy paperwork and saying goodbye to coworkers. (Does that even make sense?) But if that doesn't work out, I will be on the hunt like mad.

I just got back from walking/jogging around the temple with Jed. That is an intense hill. Especially when you haven't done anything resembling working out in months. Whoo! But hey, I got out there and I did it. One day down, a million to go. I say a million because I've gained so much weight since I started working again (did I mention that I sit on my butt all day, eat fast food and snacks at work, don't have the energy to cook dinner when I get back from my 10.5-hour day, and haven't exercised in months?). I should go on the Biggest Loser. I weigh as much as many of the girls' starting weights. Vomit.

I've been battling depression recently. With the cold/snow coming (I loathe snow and anything associated with it), my long commute, my tedious job, my lack of exercising, my ample weight gain, my husband getting to go out and do fun stuff without me while I'm stuck at work to pay the bills, my family not being around and not even being able to see them over the holidays, what is keeping me from self-destructing?? Not much. But I am trying to look on the bright side of things and be grateful for what I do have. I know that I just need to count my blessings and I will find a plethora.

One WAY EXCITING thing that I'm doing is a boutique on Black Friday. A great friend of mine is putting on this boutique for local business owners. Did you know that I'm a local business owner? Neither did I. I'm going to be selling cookie mixes for my dad's famous (secret) cookies. If you would like to come see me next Friday, I will be at the Provo Posh & Chic Boutique at the downtown Provo Marriott from 8-5. I'd love to see you!

I think that's pretty much it for my ramblings today. I hope everyone's having a great week and thinking about all that they're thankful for. I know I'm trying to do that.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that I have a job interview tomorrow with a company in Orem. :)
I am thankful for Jed.
I am thankful that I have a loving family and good relationships with them.
I am thankful that my dad will be coming in to town next week and I get to go to dinner with him.
I am thankful that it hasn't really started snowing yet (knock on wood).
I am thankful for the success that I've been having at my current job.
I am thankful for the Gospel.
I am thankful for the Atonement.
I am thankful that I am able-bodied.
I am thankful that I have the chance to get an education.
I am thankful for my car.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be a part of The Provo Posh & Chic Boutique on Black Friday - more on that to come. ;)

Monday Memoirs

Friday - We went over to the Pages' house for dessert and games. We had a BLAST! We played Scattergories, Rummikub, and Gang of Four and Pop5 (a Cranium game) for the first time. **Christmas ideas: Gang of Four for Jed and Pop5 for me**
The Pages are so fun and I'm really glad that we've gotten to know them - they're becoming some of our best friends.

Saturday - I went to work and Jed came with me and studied all day. We got to go to Pie for lunch! SO good!
We stopped by Jed's aunt Annie's house to pick up our Russian Tortoise. His name was Turk and we renamed him Archie. He is SO fun! We're so glad that we got to take him off their hands. We've been wanting a turtle for a long time and now we have an awesome one! Thanks Annie and family!!
Jed tried to hike the Y with his brothers and some friends while the lights were still on for Homecoming, but when he got about three-fourths of the way up, the lights turned off. Bummer.

Sunday - We had our home teacher over and I went visiting teaching. We watched Hook and then studied. Nothing too exciting.

The Boys

Laurel and my nephews were in town a few weeks ago. I watched the boys all day Wed & Thurs; they slept at our house Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. It was a long, but super fun week!

We went to the park, the pumpkin patch and corn maze, we fed the ducks, we colored, we watched Curious George, and we made "monster cookies". We had a great time and I'm so glad that I was able to spend time with the boys.

Jed and I also learned some things, both individually, and as a couple:
If you have a 9 month-old on the edge of the bed, don't turn your back for a second. (Jed)
A crib barely fits in our room, between the bed and the closet - we can't have a baby if we still live here.
Hot dogs can be a breakfast food.
I am much more patient than either of us thought. At least when it comes to kids.
Going anywhere with two kids takes 4x as long.
High chairs are not necessarily a necessity, but definitely help.
Baths should not be taken during the day (per Eli).
Anything on the floor, or within 2 feet, is fair game.
Pants are optional at the playground if Ali's back is turned.
Sometimes you have to study in the bathroom (if there's a kid sleeping in the bedroom and another in the living room/kitchen area).
It doesn't matter if the ducks get fed, as long as you can eat some bread, too.
One. at. a. time. (kids that is)

Random Thoughts

(I apologize if any are off-color)

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-That's enough, Nickelback.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what was going on when I first saw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

-How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

- Was learning cursive really necessary?

- Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

- My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent some jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood..

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get skankier & skankier every year?

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dangit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste..

-When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket to turn off the alarm and end the panic button but I’d bet everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time after being totally unconscious up until that moment.

-My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the heck do I respond to that?

-It really makes me mad when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get miffed at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel fat before dinner.

Stud Finder

PS - We're dorks.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that my grandparents live close and I can stay at their houses on Wednesdays after school.
I am thankful that I don't have to drive home late on Wednesdays.
I am thankful that I have a job.
I am thankful for Jed.
I am thankful that I have Fridays off.
I am thankful that Laurel and her boys are coming to visit this weekend.
I am thankful that I get to watch the boys for two whole days!

Ketchup, Or Catch-Up, Whatever

Bear Lake Cabin

California Trip

WICKED!!

JEDEDIAH

HUGE fire we saw on the way home

New Decor

We've made two new additions to our white walls. The first one I made, the second one we bought with wedding money at Deseret Book. :)

I Got A Prize!!

I got my first prize in the mail!! Susie sent me these awesome recipe cards! They even have a picture of me on them! Woo! They are fabulous and I can't wait to use them!! THANKS SUSIE!!

(click on it for better quality)

PS - I know I still owe Katy, Monique, and Kirsten their prizes - I will mail them when I get your addresses!

No, Thanks

Jed and I went to that timeshare presentation last night. Oh boy. First we met with our rep, then the whole group of us had to go into a conference room and listen to hyper 11-Red-Bulls-later boy for 45 minutes. Torture.
Then we went back with our rep and he talked to us for almost an hour and a half - I think he thought he had us. It sounded like a good deal, but we don't have the cash for that, and I feel like we usually find really good deals on hotels and stuff anyways.
So after 2.5 hours, we signed a paper saying we understand we waved our rights to certain benefits or whatever. And then we had to sit at this table and wait for 10 minutes for someone else to "ask us a few follow-up questions". The follow-up questions were them giving us one last "deal". We said no to that, too.

The prizes we got just for going in:
$25 AMEX credit card
$30 Maverick gas card
2 nights stay in Vegas
$100 gift card to Olive Garden

Monday Memoirs - A Day Late

Friday - I had the day off and got a ton of things done! It was great!
We went to our ward camp-out, but didn't sleep over because I had to work the next day. The food was good, and my cherry cake was gone in five minutes - that made me happy.
We sat next to some interesting people, the husband is actually Jed's HT companion. And on the other side were the parents of one of our girls in nursery. We really like them.

Saturday - I worked. Jed came to SLC with me. We went to lunch together and then got massages, too. I love that perk of my job. It was my first massage at the schoool, and Jed's first ever. I think he really liked it, which is good because he'll go back with me. :)
My friend Megan had texted me about this women's expo going on at UVU that day. We swung by her house on the way home and got her ticket so that I didn't have to pay. :) Thanks Megan!
The reason we wanted to go is because she had gotten a 2-night vacation to a resort in Park City for $50, and we wanted the deal too! ;) So we go to the expo, get that deal, and get another for a timeshare presentation. I'll let you know how that goes - we're going tonight.

Sunday - They split the nursery, again. It's really nice to only have about 4 kids each week, as opposed to 10-15 like it was in the beginning. We are able to work more closely with the kids and get to know them better.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that Jed was able to come to SLC with me last Saturday when I worked.
I am thankful that Chris and Hanna came to see me at work on Saturday.
I am thankful that we split the nursery again on Sunday.
I am thankful that we were able to go camping with the Burkes on Sunday night, even though I worked on Monday.
I am thankful for good friends and family.
I am thankful for the Gospel.
I am thankful that I have a job.
I am thankful that we have health insurance.
I am thankful that I was able to go to Jed's capstone meeting last night.
I am thankful that I am able to go to school.
I am thankful that I was able to go to brunch with Jed this morning.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that we were able to go to California this weekend.
I am thankful that Jed was able to handle the car when the tire blew and we didn't flip or anything.
I am thankful that my parents were in town at the same time we were.
I am thankful that we were able to go to Wicked!
I am thankful for Laurel and Nathan and their generosity.
I am thankful that we got to see Nathan when he was in town this week.
I am thankful that my first week of school went well.
I am thankful that I was able to stay at Grams' house so that I didn't have to drive home after school.
I am thankful that I was able to go to brunch with Grams and Cheryl this morning.

Monday Memoirs - A Day Late

Friday - We headed out for Laurel's house right after work, around 6:30. At 8:30 we blew out a tire. It was totally shredded. For some reason the jack wasn't tall enough, so we called AAA. The AAA guy took almost two hours to show up, but he changed our tire and then suggested that we follow him to his shop in Beaver and get some cheap used tires rather than drive back to Provo to pick up my car, like we were planning on doing. He changed and rotated our tires and we were on the road by 11:00.
We had been "traveling" for 5 hours at this point and still had seven to go. It was a long night, energy drinks included. Jed was such a trooper - he drove the entire way, and even let me take two- one hour naps! We got off at Laurel's exit and realized that we didn't know her gate code. At 5am! Luckily someone pulled in right after us. What they were doing out until 5am is anyone's guess.

Saturday - We all went to brunch at this really good restaurant - my parents were in town over the weekend too! I taught West how to drink out a straw. :)
We all drove down to San Diego and everyone else hung out around town while Jed and I went to WICKED!! It was INCREDIBLE!! I am SO glad we went! I absolutely loved it and can't say enough good things about it.
After dinner at a really yummy Mexican restaurant called Ancho's, we went back to Laurel's house and played Five Crowns. Laurel and I kicked butt. It was a fun night and I'm glad that my parents were able to be there too. It was really nice to see them and get to hang out and play games with them. And of course it's always a good time with the Lakeys - that's why we like to visit them so much! :)

Sunday - My parents left super early to catch their flight, so we didn't really get to say goodbye. After a yummy breakfast of hoot-nannys that Chef Laurel made, we got back on the road again to come home. It was a whirlwind trip to say the least, but it was a blast!!

R.I.P.

RIP Sinker - She got the boot yesterday. Who called that one?

And PS I have NOT given up on blogging, I just have no time - I'm gone from home 10.5 hours EVERY DAY! (See post below)

Well... Since Ali gave up on blogging

Here is a survey that I found that Ali has been working on for like 3 months. Because she took so long, she forfits the right to take it. Here are my answers.

1. What is your salad dressing of choice? Crutons

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Wingers or any other place with Buffalo wings

3. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? General Tso's chicken

4. What color cell phone do you have? Red

5. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Left

6. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Half of a toothpick

7. What is the last heavy item you lifted? A TV

8. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Yes but never on accident

9. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Yes. So I know when to spend all of my savings

10. If you could change your name what would it be? Zack

11. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? I ate like 10 hot sauce packets for a dollar each and only stopped at 10 because I felt bad for the guy who said he would pay me.

12. How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Two

13. What was the last run in you had with the cops? 48 in a 25

14. Last person you talked to? Some guy I don't know at my work

15. Last person you hugged? Ali

16. Favorite Season? Frisbee season (it lasts about half the year)

17. Favorite Holiday? Thanksgiving/4th of July/Anniversary

18. Day of the week? Friday duh

19. Favorite Month? August

20. First place you went this morning? Work

21. The last movie you saw? Tron

22. Do you smile often? Only on the inside

23. Do you always answer your phone? Yes. You never know who might be stranded somewhere in need of your help

24. It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? My brother Matthew

25. If you could change your eye color what would it be? False

26. What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? Ocean Water!

27. Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes, at one point I had about 25 at the same time. Two tanks - a 10 gallon and a 30 gallon

28. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night, instrumental version

29. What's on your wish list for your birthday? I pretty much have everything I need so.... False

30. Can you do push ups? Yup. I took a weight lifting class 7 times

31. Can you do a chin up? Two in a row. I didnt really work on those in my class.

32. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited.

33. Do you have any saved texts? One

34. Ever been in a car wreck? Yeah. A few times. One of them was when my mom got ran over by her own van.... Wierd story.

35. Do you have an accent? Nah

36. What is the last song to make you cry? False

37. Plans tonight? Pack for San Diego, go home teaching, get home taught, hang out with the fam who is in town

38. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? No I have had a pretty cushy life

39. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Strawberries, R-134a (I recharged my car's AC), and wood. Although I didnt really by the wood. It was a wooden box that I found on the side of Smith's Marketplace that we used for a bonfire. And what a bonfire it was

40. Have you ever been given roses? Nope

41. Currently hate right now? Being sleepy

42. Met someone who changed your life? Most people I meet have changed my life

43. How did you bring in the New Year? I don't remember. Haha, no its cause it was too long ago

44. What song represents you? More like: what song do you represent?

45. What were you doing 12 AM last night? We were just getting home from friz/bonfire/recharging AC

46. What was the first thing you thought of this morning? What time is it?

Monday Memoirs - A Day Late

This weekend was spent in Bear Lake, at my grandparents' cabin. We played lots of games and watched movies and went to the beach. It was great to hang out with my cousins and spend quality time with them.


Things didn't go so well back in Utah County. Jed's uncle passed away on Friday. His parents will be here tomorrow and the funeral is scheduled for Saturday. Unfortunately, Jed and I will not be able to make it because we will be in California. I have never been to a funeral and apparently that isn't going to be changing any time soon.

Archives

Just got reminded of this video that Tom, Ang, and I shot in Cleveland when we first moved there, about two years ago. Check it out. I think it's pretty funny and Jed loves it too.

The List of Characters

I would have posted fotos or films today, but I don't have them at work...so I'm going to describe some of the people I work with. So you can enjoy them as much as I do.

"Smokey" aka Rob - My trainer, breathed smoke/coffee breath in my face whilst training. Also my team leader. He's cool for the most part.

"Greasy" aka Susan - Doesn't work on my team, but is always seen around the office. NEVER has clean hair, always gives unsolicited back rubs. Probably dresses up for movie premiers.

Mariko the fake - Talks so loud into the phone, and is sugary sweet to her students - calls them "babe" and "sweetie" ALL the time. Annoying.

"Sinker" aka Jenna - Started a day after me, is never at her desk, we call her sinker because in a sink or swim scenerio, she would sink.

"Hippie" aka Nancy - Very cool girl, wears vintage clothes and eats at Whole Foods every day. Actress and jeweler - makes cool jewelry.

"Mexie" aka Dave - Personal trainer on the side, has been here for a month and still isn't "getting it". I don't think he'll be here long.

Sundin - Alcoholic. Very intelligent and interesting to talk to.

Tori - My FAV! She's so nice and we get along beautifully. I'm glad I sit next to her.

Thankful Thursday

I have been SO busy with this new job!! I'm gone 10.5 every day for work, and the rest of the time is spent eating, getting ready, and sleeping. But I am very thankful for a job!
I am thankful for a better income than unemployment.
I am thankful that we were able to go back to Lagoon this weekend.
I am thankful that we have family in town.
I am thankful that I get along with my coworkers.
I am thankful that my job is pretty laid back.
I am thankful that I get free massages through my work.
I am thankful that Jed downloaded the Harry Potter books for me to listen to during my commute.

Monday Memoirs

SAT - We went back to Lagoon for the day. We were going to go to the waterpark all day, but it was too cold, so we just rode rides for a few hours.
That night, we went to see Star Trek. I loved it! And I also cried during the first five minutes. :\

SUN - We had Jed's three brothers who live in town over for dinner. After dinner we all played our Office Trivia game - so fun!
Nathan is starting a pond in his backyard and is looking for "pond plants", so we took a field trip to a pond to look for some plants. We didn't find any, but we saw some huge, fast fish and skipped rocks. Good times. :)

Thankful Thursday

I have been so blessed recently - I finally found a job after FIVE MONTHS of unemployment!
I am thankful for my new job.
I am thankful for the fun environment that I work in.
I am thankful that I have a reliable car to make the HOUR-LONG commute each way, every day.
I am thankful that school will be starting soon...maybe. We'll see how thankful I am in a few weeks.
I am thankful that Jed and I were able to go to Lagoon on Saturday.
I am thankful that Jed's brothers (Tyler and Matthew) made it to Provo safely - they drove from WV.
I am thankful that Jed has three brothers who live in town.
I am thankful that I was able to go to Tucanos for free today! :)
I am thankful WICKED AT THE END OF THE MONTH!!!

Monday Memoirs

Friday - I got a call from my temp agency about a job. The only thing is that it's in downtown SLC. But it is fulltime. It's been 5 months since I got laid off from Big-D. We'll see how it works out.
Jed and I went to Zupas for dinner, then we came home and played Scattergories. I won. :)

Saturday - When Emily was in town, she got some discount passes to Lagoon. So Jed and I went on Saturday. It was no Six Flags Fiesta Texas (in fact a lot of the rides were disappointing), but we had a great day together and we plan on bouncing back this coming Saturday. My favorite rides were Wicked and Spider.
Then we went in to SLC to make sure I knew where I was going for my job, and then we went to Liberty Park and walked around for a while.

Sunday - We had the Nielsens over for dinner and then we played Rummikub and I killed! I'm really going to miss them after they move this weekend.

News Flash

I start my new JOB tomorrow!! :D

Friday Foto Fix

Burnett Family Reunion at Bear Lake

My Grams on a waverunner. Ow ow!

Jed, me, and David on the tube

Classic Uncle Mike picture

Waverunners!

Em and Aidan - he was SO sick that day!

Natey on the boat

Anniversary in Park City
Canyons Resort
Riding the "people mover"

"Jamaica- we are a bobsled team!

Utah Olympic Park
Watching skiers practice their jumps into the pool

Alpine Slide

What you would face if you were an Olympic skier...

Kimball Arts Festival
"Hook 'em Horns!"

Hogle Zoo
This giraffe was 3 days old

Grandpa and the boys on the merry-go-round

Nate got the front seat on the train

Emily and Aidan on the train

Movies to come next week. I know you're dying to see them! :)

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that we were able to spend last week at Bear Lake with my mom's family.
I am thankful that Jed and I got to stay free - Thank you Mary and Steve!
I am thankful that Emily and her boys were able to come up for a week.
I am thankful that Jed and I were able to spend our anniversary in Park City and have a wonderful time.
I am thankful that we were able to go to Grandma and Grandpa Busath's house for dinner on Sunday.
I am thankful that I was able to go to the zoo with Emily, her boys, and Grandpa Burnett on Monday.
I am thankful that I got to spend the day with Grams, Nate, Aidan, Thomas, and Molly on Tuesday.

Monday Memoirs - Anniversary Edition

Friday - Our new radar detector came in the mail, I highlighted my hair for the first time in years, and Jed got his hair cut after work.
We headed up to Park City for our anniversary, checked in to our condo, and went to dinner. We went to Red Banjo Pizza. It was really good, and not too expensive for Main Street.
We went to the hot tub for about a half hour and it was SO nice!

Saturday - We went to the pool first thing in the morning, during the "adult swim". The pool was heated and very peaceful in the morning. We were the only ones there for most of the time.
We went on the ski lift (apparently also known as the "people mover") up to the Canyons Resort and looked around for a bit. There was a mountain biking race going on, so we sat at the finish line for a minute or two.
While we were at the top, I went in to the bathroom and left Jed on the couch in the lobby of some building. When I came out, I walked over to him and stood in front of him, waiting for him to stand up. I guess I wasn't really paying attention because the guy I was standing in front of was an old man. Jed was nowhere to be seen. So I apologized to him and he just looked at me stone-cold - no expression and he didn't say anything. It was really weird and I know he wasn't deaf or mute. So I went outside and waited for Jed, who apparently went in to the bathroom too.
We went over to the Olympic Park because we had gotten free tickets for the alpine slide and zipline with our condo. As we were walking to the rides, we walked by the practice pool for ski jumps. We sat and watched for a while - I could have been there all day. It was so interesting to watch these guys in swimming suits and life jackets doing flips with snowboards and skis on.
We went on the alpine slide first and I went slow the whole time because the last time I rode one (the day after my wedding) I was racing Jeff and tipped my sled over and got a huge chunk of skin taken out of my arm. So I was a bit nervous.
We upgraded to the higher zipline and I'm so glad we did - it's the steepest one in the world, or so the guy told us. We flew down the mountain! I beat Jed by a landslide. :)
We had dinner at Spencer's Grill for dinner. It was ok, but nothing special. I don't see us going back to that one.
After dinner, we went to the outlet malls for some shopping. I got some new tops and a couple pairs of flip flops, and Jed got some body wash and a belt so that he can wear his belt buckles that he never gets to wear.
We went back to the hot tub that night and watched Friday Night Lights.

Sunday - We woke up to the maid tapping on the door and then starting to open it. Awkward...
We drove around the ritzy areas and looked at some of the houses. A lot of them are big for regular homes, let alone winter houses. I guess that's why a handful of them were up for sale - people can't afford them anymore.
We were waiting for the bus to take us to the Kimball Arts Festival on Main Street, and this lady with a huge dog comes up and asks if we think the driver will let the dog on. And then she talked to us for a while, about weird things - and she was talking to herself. Then she realized that Main Street wasn't far and that she could walk there as fast as the bus takes. Ok lady...
We didn't know the festival cost money, so we were sorely surprised to have to shell out $20 just to look at the booths. :\ Everything was way overpriced, or so we thought. But it was pretty fun. I bought a Park City moose charm at a standing store and then I bought Tom and Jeff something that I thought they would like. My Christmas shopping is done. :)
We went to Burger King for lunch. Classy, yes. Then we drove in to SLC and went to Liberty Park. We hung out there for a few hours, reading and playing on the computer, and people-watching, until it was time to go to my grandparents' house for dinner. Emily and her boys were there, which was fun. Before they left, Jed and I took the boys down to the duck pond to see the ducks. Jed was so good with the boys - he's going to be a great dad.

Monday - I went to the Hogle Zoo with my grandpa, Emily, and her boys today. It was a lot of fun. I think the boys had a good time. We rode the carousel and the train. There was a baby giraffe - 3 days old - it was so cute!

One Year

Today is my first anniversary!! Yay!
I love Jed more and more each day. So I guess that means I love him x365?

We've spent the week at Bear Lake with my mom's family. It was so fun to spend every day at the beach, waverunning and boating. We had such a good time!
This evening, we're heading up to Park City to spend the next few days at a resort, relaxing even more! I can't wait!!

Pictures to come... Have a great weekend!! (I know I will!) :D

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that Jed ran that 5K - and I'm so proud of him!
I am thankful that I had an interview this week.
I am thankful that Emily and her kids will be here next week.
I am thankful that I get to go to my mom's family reunion at Bear Lake next week.
I am thankful that my strawberry pie turned out great.
I am thankful that I was able to go to the SLC Temple with some of my family this week.
I am thankful that my car is finally registered.

Monday Memoirs

Friday - I fixed my headlight, finally. It had been smashed since that hit and run way back in December. :\
We went to the Steel Days Carnival in American Fork. We did a little shopping and fixed Jed's fog light. Then I had this huge craving for sweet potato fries. And we found them at Arctic Circle, thank goodness.
We came home and watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix until bedtime.

Saturday - We were up before the sun; Jed ran a 5K! He did a great job and I'm so proud of him! I, on the other hand, sat on the sidelines and cheered. :) After the race, we came home and crashed for a few hours. Then we seriously just bummed around the house all day.
Jed had to work that night. After I dropped him off, I went up to SLC for dinner. Then I went to Sugarhouse Park and read some more Wicked. I really, really like that book.

Sunday - We picked Nathan up and went to Jed's grandpa's house. We visited him for a while and then came home and had dinner. After dinner, we made funnel cakes. They were so yummy! Then we watched Family Guy and Simpsons.
Nathan left and Jed and I watched Sleeping With the Enemy. It was pretty good.

25 More Random Facts

1. My favorite soda is Diet Dr. Pepper.
2. I never make my bed. It just gets messed up again - kinda pointless to me.
3. I can roll my tongue like a taco, but not like a shamrock/clover.
4. I am a mystery shopper. ;)
5. I have never had a perm.
6. I have always been overweight - my whole life.
7. I work out at Gold's Gym.
8. I had some bad acne as a teenager, until I finally went to the dermatologist.
9. I have never been to a funeral.
10. I hate to have stuff on my hands - I rinse them about a million times when I cook.
11. I would rather have 2-3 close friends than 15-20 acquaintances.
12. I bite my nails.
13. I almost got a job at Target, but I failed the drug test and didn't have the medication bottle anymore to prove it was legit.
14. I like Sharon Osbourne even though her husband is disgusting.
15. I have really sensitive eyes - I almost always have sunglasses on during the day.
16. My favorite snacks are pita chips and hummus or wheat toast with diced tomatoes, cracked pepper, and olive oil.
17. I talk to my grandma on Gchat.
18. My favorite holiday is Christmas. Actually I love the whole month of December.
19. I recently started reading Wicked. The beginning is a bit risque, and I love it!
20. I hate cats. (sorry Amanda...and Megan)
21. I don't have a wedding band, just a ring.
22. My hair gets greasy within 12 hours of washing it. No joke. :(
23. I don't always wash my hair every day - sometimes I use the old talcum powder trick. ;)
24. I love to try new recipes and new foods.
25. Patience is not a virtue I possess.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that I made it up to the lake on Mt. Timp on Saturday.
I am thankful that I made it down the mountain without killing myself (even though it was close).
I am thankful for good friends like the Nielsens.
I am thankful that our Cafe Rio night turned out great.
I am thankful that we have family close and we got to see both sides of my extended family on Sunday.
I am thankful that I was able to go to the open house for the new expansion that my Uncle Brad was in charge of for the University Hospital at the U of U today.
I am thankful that I was driving Jed's car when the cop was following me today (my registration is expired as of right now).

Wednesday Weigh-In

241.6

Cafe Rio

That's right. We're making Cafe Rio salads for dinner tonight. Be jealous. ;)

Monday Memoirs

Friday - We went to Jed's friend's wedding reception. The bride and groom were both Hispanic (I felt like we were the only white people) and everything they said/did was in Spanish. But I had a good translator. It was pretty fun and lively, and the food was great.
We hiked Mount Timpanogos! We went on what's called the "midnight hike" or "sunrise hike" where you start climbing around midnight and get to the top in time for the sunrise - hence the name. We went with the Nielsens and some friends of theirs. Jed and I made a great pair - I had a hard time going up the mountain, and he had a hard time going down the mountain. :)
We made it to the lake at the top (Emerald Lake) by sunrise and then the rest of the group continued on toward the tip and Jed and I turned around to go back down. There are a few spots where the trail consists of following previous peoples' footsteps on a thin strip across a snow slide. We did fine on them on the way up, but the second one on the way down was a challenge. We were almost across it, when I lost my footing, tried to grab on to some snow and it gave way, so I fell and went sliding down the mountain on this slab of snow and ice. Luckily we were close to one side, rather than right in the middle, and I was able to turn my legs towards the edge of the snow and slide on to some rocks that stopped me. Thank goodness for that because otherwise I would have gone about a mile striaght down and crashed into trees and boulders going who-knows-how-fast. Scary, scary.
We crossed 15+ waterfalls during the hike; saw deer, chipmunks, muskrats, a rabbit, and a porcupine; I got altitude sickness and am still trying to recover from its effects; my legs still ache; my contacts started blurring halfway up, and by the time we were coming down, I could hardly see anything; the hike was about 5.5-6 hours up and about 3.5-4 hours down.

Saturday - After the hike, we went to register Jed for his 5K. I stayed in the car because I was having a hard time functioning (I felt/acted like I was drunk, I was nauseated, and I had body aches and could barely move). We came home and crashed. We only slept for about 3 hours because I knew it would mess us up if we slept long. Plus we had a dinner date to keep.
We went to Five Guys with the McDaniels and then watched Public Enemies with them too. It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time - I loved it!

Sunday - The Doxeys were having their homecoming and David's mission farewell all in one, so we went to their ward. It was very nice. The children all bore their testimonies in Spanish, and they had great accents. Debbie, Gary, and David gave wonderful talks and you could tell that they loved their experience in Mexico and that David is very much prepared to serve a mission.
After church, we went to the Doxeys' for an open house. There were so many people who came! I'm sure they felt very loved. It is so good to have them back and I hope that we will be able to see them frequently.
We came home and took a little nap before we headed up to the Busaths' for my Aunt Jonni's birthday dinner. We got there at 5 and didn't end up leaving until almost 11 because we were having so much fun playing games. :)

Private Blog

I hate private blogs. There. I said it.

I have a stack of private blogs at the bottom of my blog list. I never look at them. I never know when they've been updated and I'm not going to check each one every day. I completely understand why someone would choose to be private - especially if they have children; the world is a scary place. Maybe I just don't know the ins and outs of blogging enough. Is there an easier way to view private blogs and know when they've been updated? Do I have to subscribe to the blog and check my email feed every day? Would that even register that it's been updated?

Friday Foto Fix

We spent July 4th at Deer Creek Reservoir with the Vallens. It was so much fun - here are a few pictures from the day.

Jed's brother, Tyler, laying on Jamie.

Tyler, Jamie, and Jake.

And last, but not least, my motivation picture. Blah.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that Jed's family was out here last week.
I am thankful that Debbie and Gary and their kids made it home safely.
I am thankful for all of the fun things we got to do over the holiday weekend.
I am thankful for aloe vera.
I am thankful that my burn is starting to go away.
I am thankful that Jed is going to do a 5K next weekend at the American Fork Steel Days - come out and support him with me. :)
I am thankful that I can get back on track now.
I am thankful for Costco because I got cheap ink there.
I am thankful for the internet.

Skin Cancer

When we went to the lake on Saturday, I put sunscreen on twice in the five hours we were in the sun. Apparently that wasn't good enough because I got burned really badly. The tops of my thighs, my shoulders, arms, chest, and back are still bright red. And I got some blisters on one of my shoulders. I've never blistered before - this is BAD!
The worst part is that I'm a prime candidate for skin cancer. Remember this post? And this one? Now I'm super worried about getting skin cancer. And I'm so mad because I thought that I was being careful with my two coats of sunscreen. :(

Monday Memoirs

Friday - Jed didn't have to work(!), so he got to come to the Lehi Pool with his family and me.
We left and went to the airport to greet my aunt, uncle, and cousins (the Doxeys). My uncle has been a Mission President in Mexico for the past three years. It was so good to see them again - and the kids have grown so much!
We followed my grandpa back to his house and visited for a while, and then we went to a homecoming party for the Doxeys.
We met Jed's family at a wedding reception for one of his distant cousins, Tinae, who happens to be an old friend of one of my good friends, Katy. Small world. The reception was fun and she looked beautiful.
Tyler and Nathan came home with us and spent the night. We watched The Messengers, and I still jumped even though I've seen it twice before. :\
Saturday (Fourth of July)- We spent the day at Deer Creek Reservoir with the Vallen family. They rented a boat that came with kneeboards and a tube. It was so much fun!
I put sunscreen on twice and I still got fried! I'm in so much pain even now, two days later. And I can barely move. :(
That evening, we went to Jed's aunt and uncle's house in PG for a BBQ and to watch the fireworks. They live just down the street from the town fireworks, so we got a great view!
Sunday - Theresa (Jed's mom) came for the second hour of nursery and it was so fun to have her there! The kids loved her. I was grateful for some extra help since I was burned and not feeling well. Thanks Theresa!
I made a Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Cake after church and we headed out to Jed's aunt and uncle's house (on the other side of the family) for another family get-together. It was a great night and we had a lot of fun.

Friday Foto Fix

Last Thursday Jed and I went to the Nickelcade with the Nielsens.

This is the game I could (and did) spend all night playing.

My cute hubby racing on the snowmobile game.

Adam and Amanda - I think he won.

We went camping with the Burkes last Friday.
Jed was on a phone call and disappeared. He later returned with this load.

We made banana boats and they were so good!!

It started raining and luckily our table was under a tree, so we all huddled on it.
This is the group, minus me.
[Jed, Calvin & Chelsey Cook, Chad Farnes, Seth & Megan Burke, Erik & Portia Westesen]

And here's us again, minus Porch.

Jed's family has been in town this week and we got to go to the Oquirrah Temple Open House last night.
The beautiful temple!

The happy couple.

My Uncle Gary was a Mission President in Mexico and they got back from that tonight.
This is the whole extended family (minus my family) at the airport to greet them.