The Tall Tales of a Short Girl

A Post in Which I Vent

2012-01-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Life has been a little crazy lately. I'm not really sure why it has been crazy, considering that it has been no different than it has been for the last 4 months, but maybe I'm just a little more tired of it? Tired of working every night until 6:00. Tired of zooming back and forth between my internship and my job. Tired of a long-distance relationship. Tired of not being where I want to be.

It isn't that things are bad...I'm just ready for things to move on and progress. I need my internship to be over with so that I can graduate. I need to graduate so I can go back to working a full-time job. I need to go back to working a full time job so that I have money. I need to have money so that I can get married. I need to get married so that I don't have to spend $500 every time I want to see my boyfriend.

So yes, I'm ready for things to change.

But then, I just need to remember how good I really do have it. I have a job that works with my schedule and lets me have time to complete my internship hours. I am placed at a school that is awesome with a great supervisor and a great faculty. I have a really cute and funny boyfriend that misses me as much as I miss him. And I only have to survive for 101 more days. I can do that, right?

Right??

Sushi Related Thoughts

2012-01-11T16:26:00.001-07:00

My stomach's been a little out of sorts today. Yet, when I thought about lunch, I thought, "SUSHI!!" So, I did what any girl who is mildly obsessed with raw fish and rice would do and I bought myself a little carton of sushi from Smith's and gobbled it right up.

Now, when eating sushi, there are two very important rules to remember--

RULE #1: Never eat sushi on a queasy stomach. Normally, queasy stomachs do not take kindly to seaweed and wasabi.

RULE #2: Never eat sushi that has been bought at the grocery store--especially on a queasy stomach. Sushi from the grocery store has little to no taste and is slightly mushy, and the stomach just doesn't like it

So, you see, when I ate sushi for lunch today, I completely disregarded both of these rules. To disregard one rule is bad enough, but to disregard both... But then, I am "mildly obsessed", so who can fault me? Even if it took my stomach some convincing to keep it down.

Anyway, thinking about sushi got me thinking about sushi:

First, I started thinking about how, even before I met Keith, I wrote this about a sushi-loving man.

And then I started thinking about how almost every time I go to Canada, Keith and I usually eat sushi for our first dinner together and argue over who gets the last piece. And he lets me eat all of the ginger, whether there is any sushi left or not.

And that got me thinking about how I can't wait to break out the sushi making kit I bought myself for Christmas for some future date night with Keith so we can try to make it ourselves.

And I remembered how on my latest trip, there we were eating our traditional opening night sushi, but this time we were eating it with chopsticks, in the car, while driving, in the total darkness that is Canada at 5:00 on a winter's eve. It was fun...and completely awesome!

So, when I think of sushi, I think of Keith.

And that's when I came to the conclusion that I only really wanted sushi for lunch today because, due to the laws of association, I just REALLY wanted Keith. But since he is a thousand miles away and really not readily edible, I needed a substitute. Hence, the sushi.

I'll tell you what though: Even if the sushi had been amazing and I hadn't a queasy stomach, the meal probably still would have left me unhappy and unsatisfied. Because no matter how tasty the sushi could have been, Keith is still far more delicious.

A-Z Reading Challenge

2012-01-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Keith gave me a Kindle for Christmas. Mmm...I like it... In fact, I'm having way too much just fiddling with it to actually READ something. I think I'll be getting a lot of use out of it, especially as I haven't really read much at all over the last two years due to graduate school. Yes, I've read all of Harry Potter over again, and I've read a smattering of other things, all of which I've read before, but I haven't taken the time to branch out and read something NEW. So, yes, the Kindle and I will be great friends. What should I name it??

Anyway, my friend, Melinda, posted a great reading goal on her blog. The idea is to read 26 books over the course of the year: one book for every letter of the alphabet.

So, I'm signing myself up and putting my little free time to better use. My list of books to read is below. Want to read along?

A: Amazing Grace, by Eric Metaxas
B: Beauty and the Beast, by Marianne and Mercer Mayer
C: Crossed, by Ally Condie
D: Dangerous to Know, by Tasha Alexander
E: The Elect Lady, by George MacDonald
F: Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen
G: Graceling, by Kristin Cashore
H: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
I: Inheritance, by Christopher Paolini
J: A Jane Austen Education, by William Deresiewicz
K: Kindred Spirit: A Biography of L.M. Montgomery, by Catherine Andronik
L: The Little Prince, by Antione de Saint-Exupery
M: Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale
N: No Name, by Wilkie Collins
O: The Odyssey, by Homer
P: Princess of the Midnight Ball, by Jessica Day George
Q: The Mysterious Mr. Quin, by Agatha Christy
R: The Redheaded Princess, by Ann Rinaldi
S: The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis
T: The Tenant of Windfell Hall, by Anne Bronte
U: The Unfinished Angel, by Sharon Creech
V: Vixon, by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
W: The Walking Drum, by Louis L'Amour
X: House of Learning: Getting More from Your Temple EXperience, by Richard & Kathleen Walker
Y: Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, by Dr. Seuss
Z: Zachary Pill, the Dragon at Station End, by Tim Greaton

I do have to say that this list was incredibly difficult to compile. It has literally taken me days to write it up, which is probably because any book that actually sounded good to read I've already read. So, I had to do a lot of research. What made the list were mostly books I already had but never read, what I hope the library carries, and books I could download to my Kindle for free. And the nice thing about this challenge is that I can change my books anytime. If I start something and don't like it, I can find something else. And I don't have to read them in alphabetical order. In fact, I've already finished reading letters H and P. Which letter should I go for next?

Silly Superstitions

2012-01-04T09:00:00.008-07:00

My cousin is getting married today.

Two things:

First, Congratulations Amanda and Jacob!

and

Second, I better catch the bouquet at the reception tonight.

Resolution

2012-01-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I want to accomplish in this new year,

like graduate from grad school, find a new job, move out,

increase my spirituality, become more physically fit, etc.

But I really only have one resolution for 2012:

GET MARRIED.

Now, to make sure Keith has the same resolve...

Here's to the Year: 2011

2011-12-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

To be very truthful, 2011 was a very trying year. Ideas have been doubted, relationships have been tested, and faith has been challenged. While, for the most part, I have had fun and I accomplished great things, it has been a year of sorrow and stress. And so, I am not sad to see the year end and I am ready to move on.

As a farewell to 2011, here are some of the more noteworthy things that have happened in my life over the last 365 days.

In 2011, I...

Lost a brother

Made homemade shui jiao

Was threatened with a CNN exposé

Grew out and donated my hair to charity

Blogged every day for 2 straight months

Became a television commercial star

Wrote a poem about donuts

Discovered my mother's very sharp vision

Ate school lunch for the first time in a long time

Milked my first cow

Went cross-country skiing for the first time

Fell in love with Gus

Nearly chopped off my thumb

Bought a new car and said goodbye to the old

Won a Jane Austen giveaway

Had my first taste of Ketchup flavored potato chips

Rode a camel

Went to my last graduate class

How was your 2011?

P.S.: I think 2012 is going to be a great year! Aren't you excited to see what happens?? :)

Read 2010's Here to the Year list here.

Home Again

2011-12-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

I came home from Canada last night. I was sad to leave, but I have to admit that I enjoyed sleeping in my own bed again, even if I did wake up freezing this morning. Sleeping with a furnace vent above is nothing compared to sleeping with a wood stove in the next room.

And if you think that all Canadians have wood stoves in their houses, you would be mostly right. It seems to be the mode of heating they prefer. But don't all go thinking they live in igloos and snow drifts, because you'd be wrong. It seems snow is as sparse there as it is here. Yes, we too had a green Christmas. But we did drive through heaps of the fluffy white stuff the next day, and it finally seemed that Canada lived up to it's expectations: cold and snowy.

As per usual, I didn't take that many photos. It seems I am usually too busy doing other things than photograph my visit. I will tell you this, though--the next trip might just be tropical--not subarctic. There'll be lots of photos then.

Jillian's Random Thoughts in No Particular Order

2011-12-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

They all seem to follow three themes:

Christmas and Canada

I leave for Canada in less than 22 hours. I'm pretty darn excited.
The fact that I'm spending Christmas in Canada has stressed me out a bit. I've never spent Christmas with anyone else's family before. How do they Christmas? What are their traditions? Do they open gifts early early, or just when everyone wakes up? And are they still in their pajamas or do they get dressed first? See? It's stressful.
I get the impression that Keith got me something really nice for Christmas (NOT engagement ring nice, so don't go thinking that), but I got him far lesser nice things. In order to make up this discrepancy, I've decided to go with quantity versus quality. I just hope it all fits in my suitcase...

School

At the end of the semester, I find that I am about 27 hours off of where I should be for my internship hours. This stresses me out too.
I keep having dreams that I all semester long I've forgotten to go to math class, never did my homework, and now it is time for the final. In real life, I haven't taken a math class since high school (almost 10 years ago--ahh!). What does this dream mean???
Graduation is only 5 months away!!! I'm just afraid of surviving until then. Do you think I will make it?

Food

I think I am slowly forming an aversion to mashed potatoes. I don't know, they just don't taste good to me anymore. This is not a good development, as mashed potatoes are usually delicious.
I am slowly discovering a love for Pinterest...or should I say, a love for the food and food blogs that are pinned on Pinterest.
Sometimes I wish I didn't love food quite so much.

Thinking of May

2011-11-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

I stayed home sick today. I shirked all responsibilities. I did not go to work. I did not go to my internship. I did not set my alarm clock. I didn't do anything. Well, I did shower, and I did dress myself and make myself soup for lunch, but other than that I didn't do anything. I was just too tired and sick to want to do anything else.

And now, looking forward to tomorrow when I can't stay home any longer, for the first time since August I genuinely feel longing for May to come. May is when I graduate. May is when I'll be finished with my internship. May is when I will no longer need to split my time between work and school. May is when my life can go back to normal. It really hasn't been so bad so far, doing the whole internship and working thing, but it is getting old. And today, in my sleep-deprived and delirious mind, May can't come soon enough.

P.S. No matter how fast you swallow them, Amoxicillin pills are nasty tasting.

A Letter of Apology

2011-11-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

We had fun together this past weekend, didn't we? We had parties, ate good food, told jokes and stories, and generally had a good time.

I would like to apologize, however, if any of you soon fall ill. Remember how two summers ago I wrote this post about the time I was six and was blamed for the neighborhood epidemic of chicken pox? At the time of writing, I thought I had strep and had been spreading my germs all Memorial Day weekend. Luckily for you, it turned out to be only mono. Unlucky for me, it turned out to be only mono...

Anyway, yesterday I came down with a sore throat. And this morning my tonsils broke out into spots. And this afternoon I was told I was positive for strep. So, if you get sick, it's probably because I was spreading my germs all Thanksgiving Day weekend. Sorry. I seem to have a thing for infections and holidays.

Lucky for you, I will be out out town for Christmas. So feel free to party without me, healthy and happy. However, don't come around for New Year's: we are notorious for our New Year's Day stomach bugs.

With love and regret,

Jill

Sick and Tired

2011-11-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am going to go to bed early...10:30 early...because at our house, 10:30 is early.

Let's hope me sacrificing late night will help my throat not to hurt so much.

Pointless

2011-11-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of November, I signed up to blog every day for the month, like I had done earlier this year. I thought, "Geez, so much goes on in November, there are so many holidays and so many opportunities to tell stories, I will have tons to say!" However, this month has been kind of blah. Yes, there has been a lot going on and a lot has happened, but I have been so crazy with things and life and work and stress that, on most days, I have nothing to say. So, even though today has been somewhat relaxing, and all is going well, I find that today is really no different than all the others. And as this day has been similar to most, this blog post is just like the majority I have written this month: pointless.

Yet, never fear! November only has 3 days left, and would I really ever forfeit a challenge when I am so close to the finish line?? NO!!! Therefore, three more unnecessary blog post coming up!!

Aren't you excited?

An End to the Weekend

2011-11-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

The end of Thanksgiving weekend is a good thing. No more parties, no more food, no more entertaining. And though I know that tomorrow is still considered the weekend, for me it means that I can finally do what the weekend is meant for. Tomorrow I can just sleep in, sit still, and relax. It will be nice.

However, the end of Thanksgiving does mean the beginning of Christmas. Which means that, as I am leaving for Canada in three weeks from earlier today, and all my Christmas shopping must be done before I go, I only have 2 more Saturdays to buy it all.

I better get busy.

Hangover

2011-11-25T21:52:00.001-07:00

I blinked my eyes and opened them the merest slit, peering into the total darkness. Good, I thought, it isn't morning yet. I can go back to sleep. But then the phone rang and there was an unusual amount of noise and voices coming from upstairs for the middle of the night. And I really didn't remember ever getting ready for bed. Realization then came--it wasn't the middle of the night, it was the middle of the evening, and I had fallen asleep. Fall asleep, that is, for five whole hours. And as I checked the time and saw that I had slept through the afternoon and evening and that it was now 9:00 at night, I had only one thought in mind: Curse that Black Friday.

It's true. Even after all our complaints against the day, and our swearing last year to never again participate, we once again were caught in the current of commercialism, and we once again shopped to the death on Black Friday.

We left the house at approximately 11:00 Thanksgiving evening, returned home at 2:40 the next morning, and were out again before 6:00. We shopped the night and into the morning away. We stood in check-out lines near to hours, we were pushed and shoved, we shared stories and tales of battle wounds from wars in years past, and we survived.

Looking back at the purchases our fury and extreme tiredness bought, it probably wasn't worth the blood, sweat, and tears (literally), and somethings may be going back, but the experience was exhilarating.

Exhilarating, that is, until you crash at 4:00 that afternoon.

Thanks

2011-11-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

I had a great Thanksgiving today. The food was great, the company was greater, and it was just an awesome day. I am so thankful for all that I have. I am one lucky girl to be so blessed. And I give you, in no particular order, 10 of things I am grateful for:

My family. They rock!
My boyfriend. He rocks, too!
A job that I actually enjoy.
The opportunities I have had to gain an education.
My friends, even if I haven't hung out with them in ages.
Modern Technology.
The Gospel and personal revelation.
Jesus Christ.
Music, both spiritual and silly; and
Good hair days, because every girl needs one now and then.

There are so many more things that I am grateful for, and I could never name them all. Besides, it is T minus 36 minutes until midnight and Black Friday, and that, my friends, means it is time to SHOP!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll!!!

Wove, Twue Wove

2011-11-23T23:46:00.002-07:00

Tonight Keith asked me a question. "What was the purpose of God including the story of Jacob's marriage to Leah and Rachel in the Bible?" he asked.

My immediate response was, "True Love!" And I explained: As Jacob wanted to marry Rachel, he worked for seven years to earn the right to marry her. But his father-in-law tricked him, and he ended up marrying Leah instead. But as Jacob LOVED Rachel, he worked another seven years before finally being able to marry her. Yep, definitely True Love.

When I was finished explaining how true love really does fit into the Bible, I continued by telling Keith that every time I hear the phrase "true love", it makes me think of the movie The Princess Bride. It is mentioned a few times throughout the movie, but the scene that came to mind was where Miracle Max is commissioned to bring the Man in Black back to life. When Miracle Max asks the dead Man in Black what he has worth living for, he responds, "True love". Remember?

As Keith was silent on his end of the phone at this point, I commenced to play out the whole movie scene for him, word for word, line by line. I used voices, narrated the actions of the actors, and played each part. It truly was an Emmy earning performance. At the end of my soliloquy, while I paused for breath, Keith finally broke in with:

"You're weird."

Honey, you have no idea.

My Favorite Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving? One year where the holiday was super special or the food was best or there were the least family fights?

My favorite Thanksgiving happened while I was in Taiwan. As Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I was worried that there wouldn't be much to the celebration that year. Taiwan doesn't celebrate western holidays and they definitely don't celebrate a day like Thanksgiving. However, I really needn't have worried, as that year turned out to be the best Thanksgiving ever.

It started off with a Pre-Thanksgiving Wednesday luncheon for our district, provided by two of the elders. Their moms, being what some first-time-missionary moms might be, had sent their sons a bunch of goodies for the holiday. The two elders fixed a feast from the fixings they received in the mail. There were instant mashed potatoes, cans of jellied cranberries, frozen corn, packet gravy, and nothing says 'turkey' like a bunch of over-cooked chicken nuggets. Here we were, a bunch of American missionaries in a different world, celebrating a special day with a little taste of home.

The next day, the true Thanksgiving, Sister Vardeman and I went to our favorite fried rice joint for lunch. As it was a special occasion, we both ordered curry chicken fried rice. There was something different about the rice that day. It wasn't that it had any secret ingredients, or that the curry was hotter than normal, or that the rice tasted better--it was that it was Thanksgiving. I was far from my family and from home, but that day, I was truly grateful. I was grateful that I was a missionary and that the Lord entrusted me on such an important errand. I was grateful for the battered Book of Mormon in my bag and the smudged name tag on my heart. I was grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for His redeeming sacrifice made for all. I was even grateful for the skirt and the bike and the clumsy chopsticks. And mostly, I was just happy. Such happiness I had never known before. It was the happiness that comes from spreading the Gospel and sharing Joy with others.

Lunch was shortly followed by a dinner that the ward had prepared for us that night. The traditional holiday fare had been replaced with plates of shui jiao, bowls of cherry tomatoes, dozens of guavas, sweet breads, different types of tofu, and more. No one could have asked for a better meal, a better group of people, nor a better Thanksgiving.

And that night, as I ate, I held my chopsticks with a smile.

Bedtime

2011-11-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

I was going to write some good stuff today. But then I got home from work late, and we ate dinner late, and then I did the dishes, and I never did go to Zumba (haven't been for weeks!), but I talked to Keith (which was something I needed to do all day long), and then I talked to my parents, and then I got ready for bed, and here it is, 11:40, and it is most definitely past my bedtime.

Reminder

2011-11-20T23:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to a church meeting, sat in the congregation, and realized that the speaker had prepared their talk just for you? I don't think that had ever happened to me before until today. There I was, sitting in the chapel and minding my own business, when the Spirit told me to pay attention.

I often find myself getting too wrapped up in life. I focus too much on my schedule and my stress level, and I forget the most important things. I forget that no trouble is too small, no worry too insignificant--all of it matters to my Heavenly Father. Over the last little while I have taken my burdens in my own hands, thinking that I can take care of them myself. While my problems aren't big or important, today I realized that I don't need to just rely on myself to solve them. I realized that Heavenly Father is there and that I can rely on Him. I don't have to struggle through my trials and frustrations alone; I can take any little problem to Him, and He will help me.

I can't quite adequately find the words to express all that I am trying to convey. It all makes sense inside my head, but I can't quite capture the words. What I can say, however, is that Heavenly Father loves His children. He will not leave us alone. He cares about me and my worries, whether great or small. I just need to rely on Him more often and trust Him with my sometimes heavy heart. And while He might not take the weight away, He will help to relieve the pressure.

It Just Keeps Going, and Going, and Going

2011-11-19T23:49:00.001-07:00

Do you remember when I used to blog? I mean, really blog? When I would post more than a video or a few words? The days where I would actually write something worth reading?

I miss those days.

And I thought that this month, with NaBloPoMo and all, that I would go back to real blogging. That I would type words and tell stories and share insights with more meaning than a YouTube clip. But so far I have failed.

This month has been insane. I honestly do not remember a time where I have felt so rundown, so stressed or so unbalanced as I have over the last few weeks. I have just felt like I run and run, yet I don't get anywhere. I work and work, yet there is still so much left to be done. And when I get home at night, I just melt into a lump and do not move again until morning.

It is not healthy.

So, let's just say that I am very, very, VERY excited for the holiday next week. It is only too bad that my mother has to orchestrate two parties, which means that I have to help orchestrate two parties, and that my relaxation will be cut short by cooking and cleaning and entertaining and all. Yet, hopefully the break will help me get back on my feet, bring me back to normal, and send me back to a time when I did not feel like the Energizer Bunny with a dying a battery,

Maybe then I'll blog.

Mixed Emotions

2011-11-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

It's Friday.

Yippee!!!

It's snowing.

Boo!!!

Validation

2011-11-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today I was feeling pretty grumpy. I was tired, I had a kink in my neck, and I just wanted the day to be over.

But once I got to work, things started to get a little better. I have so much to do that I don't have the time or energy to focus on myself and my pity.

And then a cute student sent me an email saying I was the best academic advisor ever.

After I read that, I had a great day.

Mirror, Mirror Official Trailer

2011-11-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

Three reasons why I am excited for this movie:

I love retold fairy tales.
Julia Roberts and Nathan Lane.
Finally, a movie without all the crap that seems to be in all movies these days.

To bad it doesn't come out until next year.

Goodbye and Hello

2011-11-15T23:27:00.001-07:00

While on the phone tonight, I was trying to explain to Keith the difference between a

Persian Goodbye and an Oklahoma Hello.

However, being unfamiliar with the musical, Keith didn't quite get it.

I guess I'm just going to have to show him next time I see him. :)

Midway to Nowhere

2011-11-14T22:31:00.002-07:00

This afternoon I drove to Midway. This evening I drove home. In the middle I got lost.

It wasn't until the third area on my mission that I really gained a sense of direction. I never felt comfortable leading in my first area, I felt constantly confused in my second, yet, the day I moved into area #3, I knew exactly where I was. And since then, I can easily find my way around new places without ever having been there before. (I guess that's what you get when you learn to read a map in Chinese).

But tonight, I was a little turned around. I was okay--I was on a main road that suddenly changed into a lonely canyon lane, so it was easy to realize that I had simply missed the turn off. And then when I flipped around and took the first left, I knew something wasn't quite right as I couldn't remember the lake I now had out my window--but I eventually figured it out, although it took 4 or so extra miles.

What do you do when you are lost? Are you the type to stop and ask directions? Or do you just blunder along until you get where you are supposed to go?

I Sure Do Love This Boy...

2011-11-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

But he never smiles for the camera.

Happy Birthday, Keith!!!

I love that his birthday is only 2 days after mine.
And next year, we WILL be celebrating together. :)

Just a Little Slothful

2011-11-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

Today was so deliciously lazy, that I have absolutely nothing to blog about.

A Look at My Love Life

2011-11-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a long distance relationship.

Journey to Passion

2011-11-10T22:46:00.001-07:00

Do you have a passion? Something that you crave and can't get enough of? Some cause that you fight for and revel in? What is it?

Over the past year or so, I've thought a lot about passions, and I have been saddened to discover that I don't think I have one. Sure, there are lots of things that I take an interest in, and lot of pieces and tidbits of talents and skills that I have. But no passion. I do things because I need something to do, not because I NEED to do something. I pick subjects of study because I enjoy learning about them, not because I am hoping to send a message or spread awareness. And sometimes I feel a little like I am missing something. Although I have done many things in my life and have accomplished much, I am lacking that thing that I really love that I didn't know existed.

So how does one go about finding a passion? How does one discover that small part of them that will grow into something greater? Is it something that will happen naturally, or do I go out and seek it? And how do I recognize it when I find it?

Crossing Borders...and Boundaries

2011-11-09T21:27:00.002-07:00

When you drive across the U.S-Canadian border, the guards often ask the same questions.

"Where are you from?"
"How do you know each other?"
"Who owns the car?"
"Where do you work?"
"When are you traveling back?"

Et cetera.

The best way to get through the questioning is to stay calm, act natural, and tell them as much information as you can. However, after Keith's cousin, Josh, picked me up at the airport last Thursday, apparently we were a little unclear

Border Guard: "Where are you from? "
Josh: "I'm from Alberta, she's from Utah."
Border Guard: "Where are you going?"
Josh: "To a funeral."
Border Guard: "How do you know each other? What is your relationship?"
Josh: "She's my cousin's girlfriend."

The very serious border guard proceeded to ask a few more of the usual questions, and then he paused and literally scratched his head.

"Your cousin's girlfriend, eh? ...So, where's the cousin?"

Josh and I had a good laugh over the guard's confusion once we were allowed to drive to the other side. I guess it isn't every day cousins and girlfriends drive away together across international lines.

Happy

2011-11-08T23:13:00.002-07:00

I heard this song yesterday as I was waiting for my plane to board.

I was already feeling pretty good (as I was thinkinig about my boyfriend),
but this song made me feel even better.

Because he makes me happy.

Proof

2011-11-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Did you see what I did? In the extreme sleepiness of my late night blogging last night, I accidently posted my blog post twice. And when I noticed it this morning, I thought it so funny and so fitting that I decided to leave it. So now even YOU can tell how very tired I really was. Unfortnately, despite my heavy head and hands of last night, I did not sleep super great and am suffering the same symptoms again right now. I guess that means it is time for bed. Night, Y'all!

Too Tired

2011-11-06T23:59:00.002-07:00

It has been a long weekend, long and tiring. Therefore, I am too tired to blog. Stories coming soon.

Too Tired

2011-11-06T23:59:00.001-07:00

It has been a long weekend, long and tiring. Therefore, I am too tired to blog. Stories coming soon.

Breakfast

2011-11-05T17:31:00.001-06:00

This morning the whole family gathered at the McLeans' house for breakfast. I love this family, all of them: brothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, uncles, and grandparents. I am so glad that they've always been so welcoming and loving and have basically adopted me.

And don't know any other set of people who make such yummy crepes. :)

Memorium

2011-11-04T23:16:00.003-06:00

We had a great memorial service for Dean tonight. It was amazing to see how many people came to honor and remember him. What an awesome kid to have touched so many lives! We sure will miss him. We love you, Dean!

Costume Confusion

2011-11-03T11:01:00.001-06:00

I couldn't decide what to be for Halloween,

so for one party I dressed up Japanese

And for the other, Canadian.

And if there had been a third party,

I would have gone East Indian.

What should I go as next year?

Pictures by Miss Vera and Miss Maggie, both of them 4-years old, both of them photo whizzes.

(Vera instructed me on how to pose, and Maggie had the genius to tilt the camera.)

Saintly Tribute

2011-11-02T16:33:00.000-06:00

Keith's brother Dean passed away yesterday. I have only met Dean a couple of times, but it is hard seeing him go. He is a bright and funny kid, always ready with his quick wit and handsome smile.

I feel that there is something a little significant and beautiful about Dean passing away on November 1. November 1 is All Saints Day--a day not celebrated in my religion, but a special day, nonetheless. It is a day to remember the known and unknown saints of the world, and I think it should be broadened to include the saints in our own lives, whether great or small. Dean had had a difficult life at times, but he had fought hard and was able to overcome his troubles. He is an inspiration--a saint--to many.

I am thankful for the knowledge I have of my Savior and the sacrifices He has made so that we can all can live again. Through His death and His life, we can be made whole and perfect and eternal. I know that Keith will get to be with his brother again, that his mother will see her son, and that Dean is just waiting on the other side.

We will miss you, Dean!!!

November

2011-11-01T16:13:00.002-06:00

I love November. I think it is my favorite month. November has rainy days and sunny days and birthdays and shopping days and holidays and it is just a beautiful time of year.

And I love, love, love, love Thanksgiving. It is my favorite day of the year. I'm not sure what exactly it is about Thanksgiving that I love--maybe it is the pumpkin pie, or the stuffing, or the cranberry sauce--but I think it is my favorite mostly because it is a day to be thankful and reflective, a day to count your blessings, and a day to be with family and those you love.

Yet, life happens and things happen, and some of these beautiful November days might turn into frayed and ragged nights. Dark and cold nights where it is difficult to keep vigil and it is hard to be grateful or see the goodness of God. But the night does not last forever. It ends and the morning comes. The sun rises, and although it may be obscured by a cloudy sky, it is still there and it is still warm.

That is the promise that November holds. That all things will be made right. And even though the trees may be without leaves, and even though there may be snow on the ground, it isn't winter yet.

Another Update

2011-10-30T12:22:00.000-06:00

There hasn't been much change in Dean's condition. They are still waiting to see what will happen next. However, the doctor's haven't been very encouraging and, at the moment, the prognosis isn't very optimistic. Yet, we are still praying and hoping for a miracle because miracles do happen.

If interested, you can find a short newspaper article about Dean and his story here. Thanks for all of the support!!!

Jill's Tip of the Day

2011-10-25T14:36:00.000-06:00

When you have a stomach bug, haven't eaten for two days, didn't sleep well last night, are feeling a whopper of a cold coming on, and are extremely hungry (read: stomach bug and haven't eaten for two days), it is NOT a good idea to have pizza and a Dr. Pepper for lunch.

It's a bad idea. A very, very bad idea (read: stomach bug).

...Let's just say I've felt better.

Good News and More Waiting

2011-10-22T22:53:00.000-06:00

Finally, some good news! Dean was able to have his brain scanned on Friday. The good news is that there is blood flow in his brain and that he is not brain dead. This is fantastic!! It means that something is still working, part of him is still alive. So now we wait to see what happens next. At this point there is no way to know what damage has been done. He could wake up as his normal self. He could wake up completely altered and different than he was before. He could wake up to low functioning and complete dependence. He might not wake up at all. We just don't know yet, and we won't know for a while. So, in the meantime, we'll keep waiting and praying, and hoping for the best.

Update

2011-10-21T09:22:00.001-06:00

They are hoping that the pressure in Dean's brain is down enough today in order to do the scan and assessment. From there, they will be able to see the extent of damage and injury. Please keep praying that things will look GOOD and HEALTHY. Thanks for your support!

The Hardest Part

2011-10-17T20:15:00.000-06:00

There hasn't really been much to update about Dean and his situation. Things aren't going as well as they hoped. Really, it's just an endless wait. Wait to see if the swelling will go down. Wait to see if the other injuries won't get him first. Wait to see if he will ever wake up again. Just waiting.

Waiting is hard. And waiting at a distance isn't any easier. I wish I were there so that my words of sympathy didn't seem so empty and half-hearted. So that I could actually help and comfort and do something other than sit here and exchange text messages and phone calls. It's hard to not be there. It's hard not knowing what is going on. It's hard to wait.

And at this point, waiting is all that we can do.

Prayers Needed

2011-10-14T13:07:00.001-06:00

Friends,

Keith's brother Dean was hit by a car yesterday morning. He received extensive injuries, including serious head trauma. They are worried about the amount of swelling in his brain and don't know if he'll be able to pull out of it. Please send a prayer for him and for all of the McLean family if you can. Any good thoughts are appreciated.

Four Thousand One Hundred and Sixty-Seven

2011-10-06T21:19:00.000-06:00

For the first time in a long time I have had time to do some leisure reading. With no class, no homework, and no textbooks, it has been great to just relax and read. So after 2 years of graduate school without more than holiday breaks, what do I pick up to read first?

Harry Potter.

Yep, all 7 books, all 4,167 pages.

It was awesome. Just like last time.

But now the question is: what to read next? Any suggestions?

The Not-So-Good Samaritan

2011-10-04T22:16:00.001-06:00

I am a terrible person. Like, a really, really, terrible person. Here's what happened:

I was in a rush to leave work today as I had to run to cater my mom's YCC event. As I'm leaving campus, I turn the corner and notice a car pulled off to the side of the road with it's hood up.

Do I stop to help? No. Stopping for a stalled car isn't something I do, even in daylight.

Well, as I approach the car, I notice that there is a kid on the sidewalk talking on his cell phone. It was very apparent that he was the owner of the car.

Do I stop to help? No. He's on his phone, he's getting help. He'll be fine.

As I drive nearer, the kid looks up. I recognize him. He's my friend--a good friend. True, we haven't hung out since high school, but we run into each other occasionally.

Do I stop to help now, now that I recognize him as my friend? Nope. What do I do instead? Give a smile, a gigantic wave, and drive on by.

It wasn't until I was a minute down the road that I put two and two together. Uh, my friend, in need, and I ignored him??? Did I turn around? Did I go back to help him? Did I make sure he was okay? No, no, and no. I was in too much of a hurry to help elsewhere rather than bother going back.

I am the worst friend ever.

The moral of the story is, if you see my driving by as you sit on the side of the road with your stalled car, don't get your hopes up--I probably won't stop. I'll wave 'hi', though.

Mmm, Mmm, Margherita

2011-10-01T23:20:00.001-06:00

Today I made a Margherita pizza. Oh my, it was yummy. I was going to take a picture of its glorious beauty, but my rechargeable batteries were dead. So I swapped the set in the camera for another set of rechargeables. But they were dead too. I then changed them for a set of regular double A's. As those were just as lifeless, I decided to give up. So, no pictures, but trust me, it was good.

So here's what to do: Make your favorite pizza crust. Splash a few drops of balsamic vinegar on the dough. Place sliced tomatoes, sprinkle fresh basil, and cube some fresh mozzarella. Bake it in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melty and bubbly. Eat all.

It would probably be best to pre-bake your crust, as my cheese was done far before the crust was. Maybe drain some juice off of the tomatoes to keep the pizza from being so wet. And make sure it has lots of cheese.

Enjoy!

My New Diet in 5 Easy Steps

2011-09-21T22:36:00.001-06:00

Go to Zumba. Shake your booty, shimmy your stuff, scrunch your abs, and sweat your guts out.
Drink at least 12 ounces of water as soon as you get home.
Cut yourself a gigantic chocolate brownie. Smell it; stare at it; savor it by sight for at least 10 minutes.
Admit defeat. You simply cannot eat the brownie because your tummy's all wound up from the work out and the water.
Place the untouched and uneaten brownie back in the pan and walk away.

This new diet is going to do wonders for my waistline...until I eat that brownie for breakfast tomorrow.

Stating the Obvious

2011-09-20T20:08:00.000-06:00

Do you think she's trying to tell me something?

Saying Sayonara

2011-09-08T21:17:00.001-06:00

I said good-bye to Izzy last night.

Actually, I said good-bye to him 5 days ago, but last night he finally left the driveway for the last time.

I sure am going to miss the old fella--

I'll miss the way his dashboard lights haven't worked for the last 4+ years;

The driver's side door that refuses to lock;

The airbag light that flashes at random;

The sun roof that freaks out every time it isn't closed properly;

And the trunk that never stays open and always threatens to decapitate someone.

Yep, I'm going to miss Izzy a whole lot less than I expected.

Pictures of the new ride coming soon!

One Hot Potato and Two Burnt Thumbs

2011-09-06T20:52:00.000-06:00

That's what you get when you try to make a baked potato

using the microwave and a ziploc sandwhich bag.

Pictures From Yellowstone

2011-09-04T21:48:00.001-06:00

So...about a month ago the whole family went to Yellowstone.

It was awesome. Here are some pictures.

Jamison next to some stinky hole

Gibbons Falls

Another stinky hole

Coleman and William at Norris Geyser Valley

A Buffalo!!!

A big rock

Colette, Vera and Jamison at the 45th Parallel

The Petrified Tree

There is a moose in there...somewhere

Something crazy happened here a really long time ago

Tower Falls

A milky, stinky hole

Valley of the Stinky Holes

Old Faithful

Fire Hole Lake

Mom and Dad at Upper Falls

Coleman, Daniel, William, Maggie, and Megan (and some dude's backside) at Upper Falls

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

We had fun. You should come next time.

P.S. My apologies to any family members who were not featured in this long list of pictures.

P.P.S. Where am I, you may ask?

Honestly, I had a giant zit on my face the whole trip.

No need to document that.

Always Absorbent

2011-09-03T14:26:00.001-06:00

Last night I took Jennie's kids for a drive in my new RED car!!! The drive was going great until Jamison pointed out that Vera had a bloody nose. Well, not wanting the inside of my car to be the same color as the outside, I pulled over to help the girl out.

There weren't any napkins in the glove compartment (remember, it is a new car), and digging around my purse yielded zero kleenex or tissue.

So, I did what I could: I gave the girl a maxi pad.

Poor Vera. Eventually the nose bleed stopped, all was well, and my car escaped unscathed.

It was pretty funny, though, to look in my rear view mirror and see Stayfree slapped to her face.

The Breakfast of Champions

2011-08-25T08:54:00.003-06:00

I woke up really disappointed that today was only Thursday and not Friday. This week has been long--long, hot, and sweaty--and I am very, very, very ready for it to end.

As I neared the freeway entrance to go to work, I decided to change routes and hop on the highway instead. The line at the metered light was way too long and I can't sit still long enough to want to wait. I'd rather go the long way and keep moving than the fast way and idle. Anyway, as I wove through the back streets, grumbling to myself about what a crappy Thursday this particular Thursday was already promising to be, I saw something truly amazing:

I saw a man eating a popsicle. At 7:34 in the morning.

The meal surprised me and caused me to laugh. This man was obviously on his way to work: he was dressed in a shirt and tie, headed toward the freeway. Yet, even though he was a professional en route to do professional things, his breakfast was far from the fare one would expect.

It caused me to think about how we work and toil and commute and stress and live our lives a certain way. And how this man was a genius for feeding his soul more than his stomach with something so unsubstantial and yet so completely satisfying as a solid liquid on a stick.

And then I thought that if only I had had a popsicle for breakfast, too, I might not be so grumpy.

Five Things I Learned at Staff Meeting Yesterday

2011-08-19T15:34:00.002-06:00

Any type of knit clothing should really be worn with a bra underneath it. And if it is a knit dress--a short one without leggings--a slip should be worn as well. It is NOT pretty if these two items have been ignored. Underwears are essential.
It takes 7 countries to make 15.2 oz of Minute Maid apple juice: USA, Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Germany, and Turkey.
If someone shows me a video that has fast and ZOOMING cinematography and then tells me to make sure I read all the words, I am going to get motion sickness and feel like I am about to puke.
When you have 3 piercings in your right ear, and only one in your left, don't wear a matching set of earrings. Wear a hoop in your left and then 3 different studs in your right. It makes you look wild and unpredictable...especially at 60+ years old.
4 hours is really too long for me to sit still.

The Tuesday Drudge, Part XIV

2011-08-09T23:17:00.000-06:00

I had my final class tonight. It was a bit bittersweet--I am so glad that I am finished, but I really am going to miss my classmates. We've spent every Tuesday night together for the last two years. Now who am I going to spend my Tuesday nights with? What am I going to do?

It was also slightly anti-climatic. I mean, I guess I was just expecting more for our final meeting than what actually happened. I thought we'd go out with a bang, but instead it was more like a "It's been fun". Lame.

Speaking of school, some people are far too obsessed with grades. I mean, is receiving less than an A really that bad? I got an A- in one of my classes this summer and I was shouting praises and singing hallelujahs. I was happy.

Some student must have complained about the grades because one of my teachers sent out an email daring all perfection-seeking students to just once get a B to see if the world really would 'tilt on her axis'. Her thinly veiled sarcasm made my day.

I met with my internship people today. They are cool. I'm going to die this fall. Remind me why I decided to go to graduate school?

The Tuesday Drudge, Part XIII

2011-08-02T18:49:00.000-06:00

Today really has been a drudge.

I have been stressed, depressed, and rather frenzied.

I had to scramble to finish a school assignment,

I turned in a project that I was far from satisfied with,

And I received a horrifying glimpse of what fall semester is going to look like.

It just hasn't been the greatest day.

But I heard this song this morning and I remembered that I liked it.

It helped to brighten my day just a little.

The best part of today?

The in-class potluck.

I love my classmates. I'm going to miss them.

A Letter to My Friends--and to Their Friends, too

2011-07-31T22:14:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

I'm a little bit of a blog stalker; meaning, that sometimes I read your blog, and then read your friends' blogs, and then read their friends' blogs, and so on. It's like an addiction: I can't get enough, and then I come back and do it again. I stalk people that I don't know, people I have never met, people whose lives I am not a part of, yet, completely involved in. And I love it.

Therefore, I have a request. Friends, please don't let your friends make their blogs private. It totally messes up my stalking schedule.

Thanks,

Secretly Reading

Almost There

2011-07-30T22:40:00.001-06:00

I have spent most of the day doing homework, and I feel no closer to being done with it than when I started.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is the end. That these last assignments are just that: the last assignments.

But I still don't want to do them.

Sweet Land

2011-07-29T23:58:00.000-06:00

This was a good movie.

You should watch it.

It Runs in the Family

2011-07-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

Some people (read 'Keith') think I have an obsession with shopping. It isn't true. Yes, shopping is fun, and I do it often, and spending money can make one feel better, but I hardly think I have an addiction. I can quit anytime I want.

Anyway, last week we had these Kohl's coupons (remember Dumpster Diving?). Well, when we went to use our coupons, if we spent more than $20 at check out, the machine would print out an additional $10 savings for this week. What a deal!!

So tonight my mom and I headed back to Kohl's to use our bonus $10 coupons. As we walked toward the store entrance, my brother-in-law walked out. As we stepped inside, there were my sister and two of her kids. And as we progressed through the store, we bumped into one more sister and one more brother-in-law. All of us at the store on a Thursday evening. All of us using our extra $10 savings.

What can I say? It must be in the genes.

Random and Exactly on Topic

2011-07-27T23:06:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it is hard to think of things to blog about. Normally, I would just tell you about my day, but my day was rather boring. Seriously, the most notable thing that happened was that today I went to a meeting, and for lunch they fed us pizza, sourdough bread, and pitas. Does anyone else think that is weird? To have all three in one meal? I am still suffering from carb overload.

So, if I don't tell you about my day, I may just complain about school. However, I feel that I kind of did that yesterday. And frankly, I just don't want to think about it. It just stresses me out because 1) I have 2 major projects due before class next week and I just don't want to do them so I am procrastinating as long as possible, and 2) 55 hour weeks are NOT going to be fun. Just the thought makes me want to start hyperventilating.

I could discuss work. Work is going well, but it is stressing me out, too. 1) As I've stated before, work + internship = not good, and 2) there are some other funky vibes going on lately. Nothing bad, just funky. It's hard to describe, so I won't.

I could mention Keith. However, he didn't call me tonight. I"m a little sore about it. So, I'm moving on (with blog subjects, not boyfriends).

I could say something about my family. I did get some sweet kisses from Clive tonight, and it is Miss Vera's big day, but it is only blog worth if I have pictures. And I don't.

And finally, I could tell you a story. But stories take time and I find that tonight I don't want to give any.

So, there you have it. All and nothing, at the same time.

Living and Dying

2011-07-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

My sister asked me the other day if I was dying.

She wondered why I was in such a hurry to cross things off of my Life List.

I told her it was because I need things to blog about.

Plus, there is so much to do in life: why not get started now?

However, Life is about to end--

Because working 40 hours and interning 15 hours a week is going to be death.

Passive Pyrotechnics

2011-07-25T22:35:00.000-06:00

You know what I like about this new firework law?

I like that I can watch my neighbors' fireworks from my window while sitting in my basement.

And I really like that it doesn't take me 2 hours to get home once the show is over.

Got Milk?

2011-07-24T21:03:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I milked a cow for the very first time.

And you know what?

I am a cow-milking pro.

Seriously.

I think I have missed my calling in life.

Nothing like sushi and cows with the girls.

Thanks, Carrie and Erin!

You can go milk a cow, too!!

Wheeler Farm has cow milking ever day at 4:15 and 5:00 and it only costs $0.50 a person.

Fun!

Today's Activities

2011-07-23T22:55:00.001-06:00

Cooking

Shopping

Milking

Swimming

Driving

Eating

Laughing

Farming

Talking

Playing

...Is "Funning" a word?

Well, even if it isn't, it was a great day.

What did you do today?

Minding Your Peas and BBQ's

2011-07-22T23:21:00.001-06:00

I made a really yummy pea salad for our family BBQ tonight (sorry, no pictures). It was quick and easy, and it was super tasty. You should try it.

Crunchy Pea Salad

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 lb. frozen peas, thawed and drained
2 ribs celery, diced
1/2 cup salted cashews, roughly chopped
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
bacon, finely crisped
salt and pepper to taste

Whisk mayonnaise and vinegar together. Add everything else, mix gently. Chill 1 hour. Eat with a spoon.

I actually forgot to add the bacon and it was still awesome without it. It is a great substitute for potato or pasta salad and is nice and light. I used a whole bag of peas because I was feeding a lot of people, but you can make it smaller for your needs. Enjoy!

The Friday Song, Albeit an Hour or So Early

2011-07-21T23:27:00.001-06:00

My 8th grade choir teacher taught us a little ditty called "The Friday Song". We were only allowed to sing it as part of our Friday morning warm-up. It was a celebratory song--we sang it because it was Friday and the weekend had finally come. And every time we sang it, it brightened up our already bright day just a little bit more.

Even though it is only late Thursday night, I am feeling the need for the Friday Song because I am tired of doing homework, tired of sitting in my hot office, tired of grumpy people, and mostly just tired of the week and ready for the long weekend.

The words are as follows. I'll teach you the tune some other time. I would sing it for you now, but I refuse to publish anything as terrible as my voice on the internet.

The Friday Song

Friday, Friday, Friday is my favorite day.

Monday is a bummer,

Tuesday's only fair.

Wednesday's getting better,

Thursday's almost there.

But Friday, Friday,

Friday is my favorite,

Friday is my favorite day.

Aren't you just a smidgen happier now then you were before you read that? I am. And as it is my blog, that's all that matters, really.

The Harry Potter Effect

2011-07-20T11:31:00.000-06:00

A week or so ago, I read this post about one writer's Harry Potter summer. It got me thinking about my own Harry Potter experiences. But then everyone else started writing and blogging about Harry Potter, and I didn't feel like my ideas were special anymore.

But doggone-it! I love Harry Potter! Not necessarily the movies (although they are entertaining), but the books. And what I love isn't so much that the books are the best things I have ever read (but they are pretty darn close), or that the fight between good or evil is superbly played (which it is), or that there is real, palpable emotion in those pages (who didn't cry when Dobby died? or through the 'Mirror of Erised' chapter?); it's what happened to the nation and to the world when Harry Potter was born.

You see, I remember Harry Potter as the first big book craze. It was like we were all asleep to reading and literature and Harry Potter shook us awake. It seemed that for the first time, people were excited to read. Kids started reading, adults starting reading, the whole world started reading. There was a feel of unity, a sense of solidarity, as we all read and breathed for the Boy Who Lived.

Once, just a day or two after Book 6 came out, I was flying back from New Orleans. I was frantic to get home to my new Harry Potter book, but I had to settle for Wuthering Heights for the duration of the flight. No one else decided to suffer as I had. Every row of that airplane was dotted with at least one Harry Potter book, whether it was The Half-Blood Prince or one from before. The flight was silent except for the constant turning of pages. They were all reading together--laughing, crying, cheering, gasping, delighting together, It was amazing.

The effect of Harry Potter has been far-reaching and far-felt. Millions have read or seen of his adventures and his triumphs, and we have all changed as a result. Because of Harry Potter, we have learned lessons about love and family and friendship. We have spent hours with books in our hands, we have explored mythical worlds, we have pretended and imagined, and magic has been worked in all of us. And even though the books have all been published and the movies have all premiered, I don't think the effect will ever actually be lost. For, how could we ever forget the boy who taught us to live?

***

What effect has Harry had on you?

And don't tell me you haven't always secretly wished to be a wizard.

Late Night Confession

2011-07-19T23:10:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I miss the Gilmore Gils.

It's 10:56 PM

2011-07-18T22:56:00.003-06:00

Three things:

I'm a procrastinator. I have homework due and I am pushing the deadline.
I am very, very tired. But if I go to bed, that means tomorrow comes that much sooner.
I have nothing else to blog about tonight.

The end.

Arithmetic According to Me

2011-07-17T21:46:00.000-06:00

Four more weeks of school

Just a few homework assignments left to complete

Doable.

However,

Doable

Zero motivation

Not much getting done.

Help?

I Rode a Camel

2011-07-16T20:29:00.001-06:00

Yes.

Did.

One more thing to cross off my life list.

And it only cost me $6!

Where I've Been

2011-07-15T23:30:00.001-06:00

I have traveled all over the world today:

I began my journey in sunny Cedar City,
I dined at a pub of Ireland's emerald isle,
I visioned a summer's dream in the forests of Greece,
I tasted Southern-smoked hospitality of the Texas plains,
I went for a short ride through the desert of Arabia,
And then I ended the evening in a little town of Italy.

Perfect.

Now, if only I'd been able to make a jaunt up to Canada...

Success

2011-07-14T22:06:00.000-06:00

This is my niece, Maggie.

Maggie is really hard to capture in photos because she is in constant motion.
A few weeks ago, however, she actually stopped and posed for me.

She's pretty darn cute.

Dumpster Diving Divas

2011-07-13T22:47:00.002-06:00

My family went to the zoo once. I don't remember how old I was, probably 9 or 10, but I remember the day itself fairly well.  The day was hot and the asphalt was sticky. It was crowded, it was smelly, it was summer.

I think what made the day so memorable was that my mom, who was and still is very interested in saving money, kept fishing Kodak film packages out of the numerous garbage cans around the park. Apparently there was a big refund for the UPCs, and my mom was taking advantage of the free supply. I was so embarrassed! My mom was digging through the garbage at the zoo!  And she compiled quite the collection, too, as she dodge ketchup splats and chewing gum. We laugh about the experience now, but at the time I was mortified. And disgusted--that garbage was gross.

Today, I noticed that the newspaper had a Kohl's coupon attached to the front of it. $10 off of $20 is hard to pass up. I swiped my ID card and retrieved my free papers.  I pulled off the coupons and went to throw the unneeded papers in the adjacent garbage-can-sized recycle bin. As I opened the lid, I paused. There on top was a stack of Salt Lake Tribunes, all new, all unread, and all with a coupon. Holding up the large lid with one hand, I bent my top half into the big bin and used my free hand to snag the coupons and dig deeper for other hidden treasures. With my bum in the air and most of me in a giant green bin, I must have been quite the sight.

In all, I acquired 10 Kohl's coupons, most of which I gained from the waste paper basket. It was a good, but not great effort. You see, this wasn't my first time with my head first in the bin... But with 10 coupons in hand, I'm going to have some great shopping. All thanks to digging through the trash.

Like mother, like daughter, I guess.

(I may seem crazy, but at least my garbage was clean. And recyclable.)

If You Give a Girl Some Chopsticks...

2011-07-12T21:12:00.005-06:00

I was missing Taiwan something fierce today.

And because I was missing Taiwan, I began missing the food.

And because I began missing the food, I started to become hungry.

And because I started to become hungry, I commenced browsing the internet for recipes.

And because I commenced browsing the internet for recipes, I found this really cool Taiwanese food blog.

And because I found this really cool Taiwanese food blog, I decided to "Like" them on Facebook.

And because I decided to "Like" this blog on Facebook, I shared it with Erin.

And because I shared her with Erin, Audra "Liked" it, too.

And because we now all like this blog, we all made a new friend.

I like new friends--especially new friends who take requests.

It makes me want to bust out my chopsticks.

And if I bust out my chopsticks, I'm going to start missing Taiwan.

And if I start missing Taiwan....you know what is going to happen next.

謝謝 Micky!!

http://www.mickyrecipes.blogspot.com/ -- Yum!!

I Feel...

2011-07-11T23:49:00.001-06:00

Happy. I've decided that I really, really, really like my boyfriend (okay, more than like). He's cute. He's funny. He makes me feel good, even when it's been a hard day. Even when he is 1000 miles away.

And tired. It is late. I should have been asleep a long time ago. But I've been too busy talking to and thinking about my boyfriend. And that makes me happy.

Unchanging Lullaby

2011-07-10T22:51:00.002-06:00

As a child, my mom would often sing as she rocked us kids to sleep. I remember her doing so with me and my younger siblings, and I see her even now do so with her grandchildren. She would sing peace to our souls as we slumbered, snuggled safely in her arms. And it is neat to see that even though the rocking chair has changed, as has the baby sitting in it, the songs and words are always the same.

One of the many tunes she would sing to us was the primary song, "I Know My Heavenly Father Loves Me." It became one of my favorites, and whenever I would hear it I would be reminded of my mother. And although my mother may not have been an opera singer or a concert musician, there is something about that song and hearing her sing it that I love.

This afternoon I was feeling a little down. Some people don't like what I am or the choices I have made in my life. They think I am making mistakes or wasting my time, and they like to tell me so frequently. It isn't that my choices are bad; it's just that they are MY choices, and these people don't like that my choices are different than their choices. And it hurts.

To make myself feel a little better, I went into the other room to play the piano. Someone had left a sheet of music there and I began playing it softly. The familiar melody soon plucked at my heart, as it was the music to the same song that my mother sang to me all those years ago--the same song that she still sings.

Right then the Spirit, much like my mother in the past, sang peace to my soul. I could feel the power of truth in the words of the music as the half-forgotten lyrics flooded my mind. And I decided that it doesn't matter what other people think. It doesn't matter if they agree with what I do or with what I am. It may still sting, but I don't need to care about their opinions of me or of my decisions. All that matters is what I think of myself and what Heavenly Father sees when He looks at me. He will support me and care for me. He will help me and guide me, regardless of what road or path I take. He loves me. I KNOW He loves me. I am His daughter. And no matter what others may say, THAT is never going to change.

My Green-Eyed Man

2011-07-09T23:22:00.003-06:00

This is Keith's response to yesterday's post, the last two lines in particular:

You "had to turn him down, as [you] already had other plans"??? You better have had other reasons for turning him down... such as a very strong commitment to a person your friends refer to as "Canada."

He's so cute when he is jealous.

Note: "Green-eyed" refers to how Keith was feeling, not the color of his eyes...which are blue...ish.

My Date-less Date

2011-07-08T21:40:00.001-06:00

Keith told me I should take myself on a date. So tonight, I did just that. Well, it was more of a night in than a night out, because who needs crowds when they can have my company?

I bought dinner at Chipotle
I rented 2 Redbox movies
I busted out the Fresca
I popped popcorn
I whispered sweet nothings to my own ears, and
I snuggled with myself on the couch.

I had a great time! In fact, I'm the best date I know (besides Keith, of course).

The best part is that the guy behind me in line at Chipotle asked if I wanted to have dinner with him. I had to turn him down, as I already had other plans. :)

Bracing Myself

2011-07-07T23:16:00.001-06:00

I went to Zumba for the first time in a long time tonight. It was awesome.

It is weird because within the first 20 minutes of class, you look at the clock and think, "I am going to die!".

At 40 minutes in you think, "Good, it's almost over!"

But when cool down starts, you think, "What?? Over already??"

And it feels SOOOO good...

...Until the next day.

I'll be hurting tomorrow.

Customs and Cows

2011-07-06T19:46:00.000-06:00

During school last night, my classmates and I were discussing how, after 2 plus years of sharing graduate school, our group has still yet to marry any of us single gals off. As Keith and I have been dating for forever, they issued me a challenge: Engagement before Graduation. I have until May 6, 2012 to get at least a ring on my finger. And if Keith wouldn't ask me, I need to ask him. 2012 is a Leap Year, after all.

When I talked to Keith later, I mentioned my school conversation and that we need to have a proposal soon.

"I want you to ask me, though," I told him. "I'm a traditionalist."

"A traditionalist, eh? So does that mean you come with a dowry?"

I scoffed, "A dowry? Do I have a dowry!?! Ha!!"

You see, Keith doesn't know much about Utah girls--especially Utah girls who don't get married when they are 19 and still live in their parents' basement when they are 27.

And so, I started naming everything I have stuffed in my closet. Dinner plates, cake plate, pie server, steak knives, serving platters, mixing bowls, finger bowls, punch bowl, drinking glasses, chopsticks, rice cooker, bamboo steamer, cutting board, blankets, towels, bed sheets, baking sheets, casserole dishes, mandolin, lemon zester, vegetable peeler, food processor, etc. And the list goes on because, well, at 27, I've been collecting for a while.

Needless to say, Keith will be gaining a lot from this marriage.

But that got me thinking: If I am expected to provide the dowry, what about the bride price? The man needs to provide something, too. What is Keith bringing to this union? How am I going to gain? He should be required to give something for as glorious a gift as myself, shouldn't he?

Whatever he pays, the price better be pretty steep; because, let's face it, with my awesome skills and killer looks, I am at least a six cow woman.

My First (and Last) Swim in the Ocean

2011-07-05T19:39:00.005-06:00

I had never seen the ocean before. I think I had imagined it being somewhat like Ariel's mermaid land, with schools of colorful fish, fields of sparkling coral, and a secret king and castle. It ended up not being exactly how I had imagined it, or even really being the ocean--it was just San Francisco Bay--but to my 4-year-old eyes, it might as well have been the lovely world that I had dreamed. It was blue, it was beautiful, it was big, and I didn't know the difference.

This was the vacation of my short life. Coming from land-locked Utah, this was my first experience with the coast and California, my first time to the land of surf and sun. Everything was new and exciting to my brother, sisters, and me: the bridges, the fog, the boats, the steep roads, and the smooshed houses. And we couldn't wait to get into the water.

We parked our car at the side of the road near the cars of other tourists, and made our way past the rocks down to the sandy shore. A bridge was to our left, spanning the watery vastness, and to our right, the glittering sea leading to infinity. We didn't have the time nor the gear to go swimming but we had a few moments to wade to our heart's content. We eagerly took off our shoes, rolled up our pant legs, and ran into the water.

It was slightly chilly, regardless of it being July, but we splashed and stomped and were generally carefree. The wet sand squished between my toes and the little beach was littered with little shells. It was a great day to be a kid.

Suddenly, the tide came in. A wave too strong pushed and grabbed and knocked me off my feet, tossing me into the greedy water. The ocean's cold kiss filled my mouth and nose, engorging me on the salty sea. Her icy fingers entangled in my hair. Her raspy laugh echoed in my ears. And her hungry arms engulfed my body, tugging me towards her deep. I was caught in the ocean's deadly embrace.

But the tide goes out as quickly as it comes in. After the eternity of a second, the water released me, spitting me out on the muddy sand. The ocean was no longer beautiful. I no longer cared for its bluey hue or its hidden treasures. It had betrayed me, attacked me, and left me crumpled on the beach.

Gasping and sputtering, I did what any 4-year-old would do once I could breathe again: I cried for my mommy.

Let Freedom Ring

2011-07-04T20:53:00.000-06:00

We partied hard on Saturday,

so today I celebrated my independence

by doing homework.

It is sad, but grades seem a little more

important than fireworks right now.

(Only 5 more weeks to go!)

However, America is awesome.

I'm glad I live here.

Now, if I could only convince Keith to move on down...

Suggestions?

Happy 4th of July!!!

Wishing and Hoping and Thinking and Praying

2011-07-03T21:54:00.001-06:00

Keith's family invited me to go to Disney World

with them in a couple of months.

I really, really, really want to go.

So the question is:

How do I convince work to give me time off during our busiest time?

Summer Tradition

2011-07-02T22:28:00.002-06:00

There's nothing like grubby feet,

sticky taffy, dusty parades, tasty BBQs,

and eating peanut butter popcorn

while watching fireworks

to celebrate the 4th of July

(even if it is only the 2nd).

Oops, I Did it Again

2011-07-01T15:42:00.000-06:00

Guys, I am a glutton for punishment. I just signed up with the same group that I supposedly signed up with last month to blog straight through the month. There are two reasons why I did this.

I really rather enjoyed myself the last time. It was kind of fun, and it gave me something to do every day, even though sometimes it was difficult. And I would much rather be blogging than doing my homework.
As I was adding to my life list yesterday, I noticed that I had "Enter a writing contest" on there. It just so happens that the group is having a writing contest for July, but you have to be blogging every day in order to enter. And since I just really want to cross things off my list, I decided to have one more go.

So, you can once again sit by your computer with the mouse on the refresh button, anticipating my daily posts.

You are so lucky.

Blogging Blunder

2011-06-30T22:38:00.000-06:00

Do you know what is disappointing?

Blogging every day for a month only to find out 29 days into the month that the group you signed up with to blog every day for a month doesn't even have you on their list as one who was going to blog every day for a month so you blogged every day for a month for nothing is disappointing.

Nonetheless, I made it. I blogged every day this month. 30 days in a row. I didn't skip once, not even when I had nothing to blog about.

Sorry to make you suffer.

But hey, I'm proud of myself. In fact, today I added "Blog every day for a month" to my "Life List" just so I could cross it off.

I feel so accomplished.

I "Mango" Crazy

2011-06-29T16:52:00.005-06:00

Get it? "Mango" instead of "may go"? But really saying that I am crazy for mangoes? While not completely ruling out the possibility that I may actually be going crazy?

...Anyway...

Today has been a bleh sort of day.

I changed my shirt 3 times because I just didn't like anything I put on
I was 4 minutes late to work, thanks to my compulsive wardrobe issues
I pulled off a band-aid and literally pulled off skin with it (my leg is raw where the sticky part was)
I got into my school account, but now it won't let me change my password
I'm wearing footie socks and my right one keeps falling off
I've had nothing but busy work to do today
I keep thinking it is Thursday and then have to face the harsh reality that it is only Wednesday; and
Someone threw away my horseradish sauce.

That last one really got my goat. I mean, what is a turkey sandwich without horseradish sauce?

I think I need some chips and salsa when I get home. Maybe a pina colada, too.

Mango Salsa

1 mango, diced

2 tomatoes, diced

1/8 red onion, finely diced,

1 serrano pepper, finely diced, mostly seeded

lime juice, about 1 lime's worth

sugar, about 1 tablespoon

salt, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon

Mix all ingredients together. For best flavor let sit in fridge for a while. Eat with chips. Or a spoon.

It's also a chutney for chicken. Or a slather for salmon. Get creative.

Enjoy!

The Tuesday Drudge. Part XII

2011-06-28T18:36:00.001-06:00

Q: Do you know what is worse than having to sit through 5 hours of class?

A: Not being able to log in to your student account in order to participate in the 5 hours of class.

At least it was a good hair day.

Austenian Irony

2011-06-27T15:46:00.003-06:00

Keith and I had yet another discussion about Jane Austen last night. It seems that anytime the conversation leans toward reading and literature, he always has to mention Jane Austen, as he thinks that I am a little Jane Austen obsessed.

So last night I told him that I had began reading (or, should I say, re-reading) Mansfield Park, and he scoffed. He then said something about how none of her books are written from the view point of a man and how you never know how the MAN is feeling as the pages are dominated by women.

At that remark, I promptly got up, went to my book shelf, and pulled down Persuasion. I flipped to the back, skimmed a couple of pages, and then read Keith Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne--the letter in which he pours his heart out and asks for a chance. How's that for MANLY feeling?

When I checked my email this morning, I found that I had won a giveaway on BlogHer. And what did I win? A copy each of The Complete Works of Jane Austen and A Jane Austen Education, which is written by and tells of the experience and feelings of a Jane Austen-reading MAN.

I love when irony works in my favor.

P.S. With two new books to add to my collection, I think my obsession just got worse.

What to do with a Bunch of Onions

2011-06-26T21:16:00.000-06:00

Today I baked blueberry muffins for breakfast.

For lunch I made scallion pancakes.

And then I whipped up some mango salsa for dinner.

I also killed a fly with a kitchen towel.

I have skills.

*****

Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce

www.bigboldbeautifulfood.blogspot.com

Pancakes:
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 to 1 cup hot water
sesame oil, divided
scallions, finely chopped (a lot of scallions, approximately a bunch)

Dipping Sauce:
2 parts soy sauce
1 part rice vinegar
1/2 part sesame oil
1 part sugar

To make pancakes, combine flour and salt in bowl. Add water (with 1 teaspoon oil) to flour and stir/fluff with fork. Turn dough out on floured board and knead, adding flour until no longer sticky. With rolling pin, roll dough thin and spread with scallions. Roll dough up like a jelly roll, coil it around itself, smash it, roll it out again, and then jelly roll it. Cut into 6-10 pieces. Flatten and stretch dough out thin. Pour some oil in frying pan. Pan-fry (not deep-fry) each disc of dough. Cut into triangles and eat with dipping sauce.

For sauce, mix all ingredients together. Add your own favorites: chili sauce, green onions, ginger, garlic, etc. Can use sauce on anything: shui jiao, gyoza, egg rolls, etc.

Doublemint

2011-06-25T22:42:00.000-06:00

Today was hot.
I had lots to do.
I didn't feel well.
I was tired.
I had a headache.

I was having a hard day.

And then I stepped in gum.

Because

2011-06-24T23:32:00.000-06:00

Because this week has been super long.

Because I spent my Friday night cleaning the bathroom.

Because I am incredibly tired with nothing to blog about.

And because sometimes you just need a little Disney pick-me-up.

Isn't Meg/Hercules/this song the greatest?

Yes.
And that's the gospel truth.

A Limerick

2011-06-23T22:47:00.002-06:00

There once was a girl named Jill

Whose life had nothing of thrill,

So she hasn't a say

About what happened today,

Nor a post her blog to fill.

Boy Band Confessions

2011-06-22T12:52:00.001-06:00

This morning as I was driving into work, I was flipping through radio stations, as it seemed that all of my regular stations were on commercial. I finally landed on one that was actually playing music. I scoffed when I recognized the artist, saying to myself, "Backstreet Boys? Really?" But I left the radio dialed in as I made a left hand turn, and before I knew it, I was instantly transported back to junior high and singing along.

It was then that I realized I knew almost every single word to the entire song.

I don't really know how I knew the words...they just sort of came out of me. At first it it seemed like I just knew a phrase here and a phrase there, but then the phrases kept coming. Once I remembered one line, the next line came pouring out. It was as if this dormant part of my inner adolescent come bursting forth and no matter how I tried, I couldn't keep it back.

Lest you think that I was a teenybopper during the boy band craze, know that I actually got the name of the band wrong. It was N'Sync, not Backstreet Boys, that was playing. And I really only knew the words to the chorus, as I stumbled over the verses. But then, the late 90's were a few years ago.

Do you want to hear something even more embarrassing that knowing all of the words to the song? Back in the day, we used to make up our own dance moves. Yep, that's right. My friends and I would stomp our feet and wave our hands and generally get down and jiggy in unison to the latest boy band hit.

I remember one in particular, another N'Sync song, in which we practiced in Ashley's basement and then displayed our impressive rhythm at the Regional Dance. It was one of those moments where everyone else stopped dancing and turned to look at you, secretly wishing they were as cool as you were. I mean, people were inspired, joining in and trying to imitate our finesse. If only they could... Of course we had other moves for other songs--mostly just miming out the words--but they were moves, nonetheless. And don't think we only limited our repertoire to boy bands: there was a Britney Spears' song or two in there as well.

We were awesome.

What are your boy band confessions? N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Hanson, Five--who was your favorite?

The Tuesday Drudge, Part XI

2011-06-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

Do you remember how I got mono just over a year ago? How I just wasn't feeling well, my tonsils swelled up, became spotty, and gross? And then afterwards how it seemed that anytime I didn't sleep well or was stressed out it would flare up again? Remember that?

Yeah, so I haven't been sleeping so well the last week. And I've had lots of homework to do. And lots of late nights. This afternoon it felt like I had a hair in the back of my throat. I opened my mouth wide and checked out my tonsils. Yep. Even a year later, they were slightly puffy and hashed. My uvula (the hangy thing) was a bit saggy (hence the irritation I felt) and slimy looking. And there, tucked in one of the folds of my lumpy tonsils, was a single white spot.

So, I ask you, my friends: How long did it take for your mono to go away?

Buona Notte

2011-06-20T23:01:00.002-06:00

I like this song.

A lot.

I also like goodnight kisses.

Too bad my kisser's in Canada.