A beautiful day

We have returned from the gorgeous contrasting colors of Bryce Canyon. It is a spectacular place. We did a few hikes, nothing too strenuous, and just enjoyed the views.

It's funny how a place like that can really get you thinking. Not so much about the time and circumstances that have to come together to create such an amazing place, but more about how when you look at it, it touches your soul. On the way home, as we drove through the various landscapes of the area, the red rock and hoodoos always caught my eye the most. I decided I know what it is. It's the contrast between the orange of the rocks and the blue of the sky. And then I got to thinking about life in general and how contrast is what gives us so much of what we love. Men and women, good and bad, right and wrong, babies and elders, it's what makes life life. No wonder it is such a beautiful place. Without contrast like that what would we have, really? Just more of the same mediocre sagebrush covered hills of life. Nice, but not spectacular. So I guess it gives me a reason to enjoy the differences that are all around me.

Do you do the Hoodoo?

We're off to Bryce Canyon this weekend. I'm quite excited because of all the years of traveling south on Highway 89, I've never been able to make the turn and head toward the Hoodoos of Bryce. So this is it. Finally. I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations, which I'm sure it will. I'm looking forward to an early morning bike ride to see the sights. And hopefully the kids will behave. They will. They always do. Note the sarcasm. I'll get some pics posted as soon as I can. Have a good weekend!

Well, we're back from Vegas and Logan. It was good times. Vegas was hot hot hot, and Logan was not not not. We had a lot of fun seeing my sister in Vegas, and I'm pretty sure Emma thinks she lives there. She just makes herself right at home. Of course, my sisters house is always so crazy that she just fits right in. This weekend we're off to Bryce Canyon, to which we've never been, and then I think we're taking a few weekends off for a while. I think our ward is starting to reactivate us. We had the missionaries drop by the other day, and our home teachers are trying to set up a day to come and see us after a year of never calling. Hmmm, they must think we're going inactive. Nope, just having a fun spring!
Emma going down the waterslide in Mesquite. She's so brave.










This would be Sean doing extreme water sliding. He's such a dork. Notice the sun glasses.










This is Emma and Maggie in Logan on Saturday. We just went up for the weekend and did a bike ride on Saturday and went swimming. We also went to Charlies for ice cream and saw the movie "Stick it". 3 stars for sure. Out of 10. But the girls liked it.

Here we go again!

It's off to Vegas! We are going down for my cousin's daughter's wedding. (What does that make her to me?) We'll be stopping in Mesquite on Thursday night and golfing down there on Friday morning. Then it's off to Vegas! We're staying at Circus Circus there, because they have an RV park with a pool. The rest of my family is staying at my sister's house in North Las Vegas, but if we stay there we won't be able to run our AC and it's going to be in the 90's. No way, Jose. We'll be going on a bike ride on Saturday morning, and then the reception is that night. It should be good times.
The truck and trailer getting ready to leave for Vegas, baby!










Emma and her cute new ''bookini".










Sean's new bike. A Giant OCR 1. Nice.










Maggie and her bean tower. She thought it was pretty funny.










My new bike. A Specialized Dolce Comp. I love it. I've put 65 miles on it this week!

Happy Easter!

Ahh, the thoughts of candy for breakfast. I love Easter. It's one of my favorite holidays, if not my most favorite. I just love when the Easter bunny brings yummy Cadbury mini eggs, and Hershey's kisses. Mmmm, my favorite. It's also my favorite holiday because I'm reminded of the Atonement. I know that no matter how horrible of a person I think I am, I can repent and be forgiven. What a nice reason to have a holiday. I hope you enjoy the pics of the girls with the spoils of Mr. Easter Bunny, or as Maggie likes to call it, E. Habit. Silly Habit, Trix are for kids.

A little scary

Two weeks ago we had a little scare at our house. It all started with what I thought was a lung infection, but it turned into something much more stressful.

I went to the doc because I thought I had pleuritis. Nothing major, but I wanted something for the pain. Well he thought we should have a CT scan done to rule out a blood clot. No biggie. So we have it and wait for the results. And wait, and wait, and wait. You know doctors have their own time line of life. Whatever. Finally after 3 hours of waiting, he calls and says "you can rest easy tonight knowing there is no blood clot". Uh, I knew that, but feel free to bill my insurance. But then he continues with "but there are a few things we need to get looked at." Okay, do I not have a heart, because I've heard that one before. Nope. Heart's accounted for. It's what shouldn't be there that worries him. "You have a lump on your right breast, 2 masses around your thymus, and 3 spots on your left lung." Yippie! What's a thymus again? I took anatomy, but I'm drawing a blank. Actually adults don't have a thymus, it shrivels up and dies when you hit puberty. But before that, it makes your T-Cells that fight infection. Now you don't have to take anatomy. Feel free to send me your tuition check.

So now I'm freaking out. I automatically think I have cancer. No way, I feel fine. I really do. So the last few weeks we've been through 2 mammograms, 1 ultrasound, 3 doctors and several vials of blood. And finally yesterday we get the news.... All is well. The lump on the breast is necrotic tissue. No worries about that. The thymus masses are remnant thymic tissue, weird, but not a problem. And the lung spots are granulomas from a previous a-symptomatic fungal infection. Whew. I think we're all breathing a huge sigh of relief.

I guess it takes something like this for me to wake up and realize what's important. I just hate that I'm that way. I think I've learned my lesson.

So far, so good

I have raised $155 toward my goal of $500 for the MS ride. I'm pretty excited about this. You can click the link on the title to go to my page and donate. Thanks!!!

Please donate to help fight Multiple Sclerosis.

I will be riding in the 2006 MS 150 bike tour in Logan. It is on June 23-24. My goal is to raise $500 before the ride. It is 150 miles over 2 days, and all proceeds will go to fund MS research. If any of you know someone who has this, or have personally been affected by this horrible disease in any way, you know how important medical research is. It takes over lives of otherwise healthy individuals. I have seen it up close, and have seen the effects on families and the individuals. Please make a donation in any amount. The above link will take you to my personal page where you can ePledge using a credit or debit card. It is Tax Deductible! I will also put the link on my sidebar. Tell your friends and neighbors, and let's get this going! I will give an update as the weeks go by. Thanks!

My new favorite drink

Yummy! It has a full serving of fruits and veggies in one 8 oz. glass. It's perfect for the morning with cereal or just alone. I have the Tropical Orange. Mmmmm.

No, I'm from North Carolina

A funny story about a girl in Emma's class.

So I volunteer in Emma's class 2 times a week, and a few weeks ago, a new girl named Brianna transfers into her class. The teacher tells me I need to work with her because she is from Italy and speaks very little English. I'm up to the challenge, so I take her out in the hall one day, and start asking her questions. No reply. I'm thinking she totally doesn't understand me, so I just keep talking. Blah blah blah. She keeps staring at me with this blank expression. So I finally say, "I hear you're from Italy. I went there on vacation once. It's very beautiful. Do you miss it?" Suddenly she sits straight up and says "No, I'm from North Carolina" in perfect English. Apparently she's not FROM Italy, but she's been there a few times to see her grandparents. The teacher just heard it wrong. She speaks perfect English, but is very shy, and won't speak up in class. Good thing she did, or we all would have thought she was Italian all this time!

What is this, you ask?

Well, I heard somewhere that it was a spinning bike. But I'm pretty sure it's a contraption for a slow and painful death, probably of a stroke or heart attack. It makes you sweat in places you never knew had sweat glands, makes you sore in places you thought muscles couldn't get sore, and makes your lady parts hurt like the most brutal form of child birth. I do have a point here.

For some reason, my little sister (and I mean little in every sense of the word), thinks we, including my older sister (notice I didn't say big), and my sister in law (also a tiny thing), should each take a leg of the Logan to Jackson bike race. Yes, that's Logan, as in high up in the mountains Logan, to Jackson. Yes, Jackson Hole, Wy. Now I'm no geography buff, but I can tell you this. Logan is high in altitude, and I'm pretty sure Jackson is higher. Doesn't that make this whole race up hill? Yep. And I know it takes a few hours to DRIVE to Jackson from Logan, so how long will it take us and how many miles is it? It's 239 miles, and will take approximately 3542 hours. Okay, they give us 18, but I'm pretty sure my first estimate is more on target.

So why am I doing this you ask? Let's just say it has something to do with a missing video tape of Keifer Sutherland and I. 'Nuff said. Oh yeah, and I'm a masochist. So begins my training. Spinning, spinning spinning. My head is spinning, too. I must be nuts!!

I just realized I've been slacking

It seems as though a week has passed and I have not blogged. I guess the withdrawal symptoms haven't been as bad as I thought they would be. Really, though, it's because I don't have much to blog about these days. After the cruise our life (at least mine), has been fairly calm. Cue the wood knocking action. If my loyal reader(s) would so like, I will post a list of my activities of the last week. Hold on to your hats.

1. Grocery shopping at the new Super Wal-Mart. Fun.
2. Picking up the trailer from the dealer. All fixed.
3. Doing laundry. Jealous?
4. Doing laundry. I know you are.
5. Taking care of Emma. Awww, she's so cute when she's sick.
6. Working. I love doing hair again.
7. Planning our next cruise. Hawaii here we come!
8. Deciding Hawaii is going to cost too much money and debating if it's worth it. Sad face here.
9. Saw Nanny McPhee. LOVED it!
10. Hoping no more sick kids. But they really are cute when they're sick.

So, that's about it. Like I said, nothing too exciting. Yawn. I'm hoping to get a nap in today since I have to work tonight. I love naps. But I doubt that will happen. Maybe I'll take the camera with me to work one of these days and get a picture of my girlfriends that make work so much fun. Then my blog will look more enticing. Toodles!

Ode to the Mexican Iceberg

A couple of birds upon you sit,
A big lonely rock covered in stuff.
The waves and water upon you lap,
But here you sit covered in stuff.
The birds upon are not in a coop,
And that is why you are covered in stuff.
If it gets too slippery, away they'll flew,
It serves them right for going number two!

This pretty much sums it up.

The first few days of the cruise went fine. Okay weather, not too much sun, but not particularly eventful, either. Cabo was beautiful, but the water was freezing, so the snorkeling was fast. I think mom and dad only did it for about 5 minutes, and I could only take about 30 since I had forgotten my earplugs, and the cold water was killing my ears. I did see an octopus, though. That was cool. Next stop, Mazatlan. Here's a tip when planning a trip to Mazatlan. Go to the nearest landfill, set up a lawnchair. Note the annoying seagulls. Next, have several of the most annoying people you know come by every 5 minutes offering to sell you some of the said refuse. That's pretty much Mazatlan. Puerto Vallarta. This is a place I could stay for a few days. Awesome food, and beautiful scenery. But this is when it all started. We took a boat to a city that has no roads in and no electricity. It was about an hours boat ride there. Well, 30 minutes in, Sean starts chumming for fish, if you know what I mean. So we stop to snorkel. Then Dad starts. And mom soon follows, although she never actually up chucked, but she was very green. So the theme for the day was what goes down must come up. We thought once we were on the ship, we'd all be fine. Not so. Turns out all the way home we had like 10 foot swells and most of the boat was sick. Not I. I thought I was so tough. Well, turns out I got sick, but not sea sick. Just a bad cold. So that is our trip. After going to the Carribean last year, the Pacific just doesn't measure up. I'm spoiled.

Oh baby, it's cruising time!

Yes 2, count them 2, days until we are going on our cruise! The best part? It's courtesy of Back to Basics. The only way to cruise is for free. Sweet. But the thing I'm almost more excited for (I said almost), is Magic Mountain! I've never been there, and I'm kind of a coaster person. I get way freaked out, and usually scream til I lose my voice (which makes Sean happy), but I love to be scared. So we'll be spending Saturday there, and Sunday through Sunday we will be on the high seas, matey. Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. Nice. You have permission to hate me.

I've entered the 21st century!

I just took a big step. I went from a 1990's-esqe phone to a new BlackBerry. Or as my friends that all have one like to refer to them, a CrackBerry, because they're so addicting. I'm quite stoked about my new toy. It has all the cool stuff that techno geeks fear, email, IM, text messaging, calendar, and applications like excel and word (which will be coming soon since I had to get the special Mac version). So now I feel cool. At least for today. My thumbs already hurt from typing emails on it. I guess I'll have to get them callused up.

This looks like a nice second home

I don't know about any of you, but I don't have a second home. Unless you count the trailer, but I don't. HGTV has an awesome dream home giveaway and you can enter every day until Feb. 17th. It's in North Carolina, which is a little far away, but i figure if we win it (which of course we will because I always win anything I enter, just ask my Creative Memories and Stampin' up ladies), we'll be able to visit Bry and Kik, and Chelle and Ken. Or maybe we could just live there full time. whatever. I'm leaving my options open. But if you'd like to enter, go to HGTV.com. It's worth a shot.

My first fill today!

I get to have my first fill today! I'm quite excited, but nervous. It will give me more restriction on what I can eat and also how much I can eat. I should really start seeing some more drastic weight loss now. We leave on our cruise in 24 days, not that I'm counting, and I'm hoping I can be down another 10 pounds by then. It depends on how much they put in through the port. It should be anywhere from 1-2 cc's, so not much, but enough to make a difference. I'll definitely post later about how it went. Wish me luck!!

I posted this educational picture of what the band looks like with the port visible. The port is near my belly button on the left side, which I have to laugh about, because that's the Port Side in nautical terms. How appropriate for the cruise. Now I'll never forget which is port side, and which is starboard. Ha ha ha.

I guess I know where I stand

So I took a personality test. I know, I know. They're dumb. I don't put much stock in them, that's for sure. But this one was pretty good. The questions are totally loaded, and you know exactly what they're after, but still, it's interesting. And for me lately, I needed something.

Do you ever have that overwhelming feeling that you made a big mistake? I don't know what it was exactly, but for some reason there has been this nagging in my head that I messed up royally somewhere in my lifetime. Or perhaps my past lifetime? Who knows. It's just me being stupid. This too, shall pass.

Well here are the results, in case you were wondering.

Global Personality Test Results

Stability (23%) low which suggests you are very worrying, insecure, emotional, and anxious. Orderliness (66%) moderately high which suggests you are, at times, overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (50%) medium which suggests you are moderately talkative, outgoing, sociable and interacting.

Take Free Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Finally!

Anyone that knows me knows I am not a huge fan of Christmas. It's not that I don't love giving presents or anything like that, it's the chaos of the whole day. I don't do well with chaos. I like things simple and organized. I don't like a messy house, or screaming children, or wrapping paper everywhere. I know, it's only one day, but I dread it most of the season. And now it's over, so I can enjoy it. Ahhhh. That's my sigh of relief.

The kids had a good time, as you can see. They both procured their doodle bears, which were a big hit. And the Princess table and chairs was a great idea from that good ol' boy Santa. You see, we do not have a dining room table. This little Princess table will give the girls a place to sit and eat, and Sean and I can sit at the bar. All in all, I think they received more than enough presents and candy, but I think they had a good time.

Joy to the world, Maggie just puked in church....

Yes, it's true. We were at my mom's ward listening to her and my dad sing in the choir, one of my favorite holiday traditions, when suddenly out of nowhere, it all comes spewing out. How gross is that? I have had kids puke on me in several key locations in my short time as a mother. Some of which include the car, a Mexican restaurant, McDonalds, all the way from Kanab to Phoenix. But this surely takes the cake as the grossest. And stinkiest. She had been fine all morning, nothing out of the ordinary. But when we got to Sacrament meeting, she wouldn't eat the goldfish Sean had brought for her. Weird. She loves goldfish.

So, we made it through the passing of the sacrament, and the choir had just started to sing it's beautiful rendition of Joy to the World, which includes a 16 year old prodigy playing the piano perfectly, when suddenly she got that look in her eye. Now, those of you that don't yet have children will not understand. But for all you Mom's out there, you know that look. It speaks to our most paranoid parts of mom-hood. You know the look. It's the same look they get when they are going to do something wrong, or are choking on something they shouldn't be eating in the first place. It seems as though the look takes forever to register, when in all reality it only takes a split second. But you know what's coming. And up it came. Yep, milk and Frosted Flakes. Yummy. And smelly. Luckily for me, I was wearing knee high boots and most of it went streaming down my boot into my foot. Did I say luckily? Well, we thought it was safe to go screaming (in whispers of course) from the Chapel, when round 2 was upon us. This time I was not so "lucky" to save it with my boot. Poor pew. And poor people sitting anywhere near us. So a-sloshing I go out to the foyer, mouthing "I'm sorry" to my mom as I leave.

We spent the rest of Sunday afternoon cleaning up vomit, which normally I get paid for by the way, and rocking a sick little Mags so she'd feel better. Needless to say, it was my most memorable Sacrament Meeting ever. Gross.

First post op check up

Well, today I went in for my first post op check up with the doctor that did my surgery. I am down 6.5 pounds! Actually more than that, but I didn't feel like getting butt nekkid in front of the nurse :). So I guess it's working. Yay!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful

But inside it's quite delightful. I can't believe Christmas is here. Well, not technically, but you know what I mean. We had our ward Christmas breakfast on Saturday, and of course the big guy was there. Notice the pic of Maggie. She burst into screaming fits about 1 nano second after that picture was taken. Although she was pretty excited that he gave her "nandy". And Emma was a little disappointed that it wasn't the real Santa, but she knows how busy he is this time of year, and that he need helper Santa's to go to all the parties. I don't know how long they go on believing, but I hope forever. It's the funnest thing a parent can do is play Santa. I get butterflies just like when I was a kid, only now it's better. Santa is the best.

We have so many fun things planned for the season, and it's almost over! Tonight we're riding the Polar Express to the North Pole, Saturday is my Mom's side family party, next Saturday is the girls brunch at Mimi's Cafe, and then the 22 is Emma's school sing along. Whew! I'm sure there's more, but I don't want to bring up my iCal at the moment, so I can't remember off the top of my head. All I know is the seasons get busier and shorter each year. But at least they're fun.














Here's the family tree. We've had this tree for 6 years now, and the lights are going out. It's a pre-lit tree, but I'm thinking next year it might not be. I think next year this one is going in the basement, and we'll get a 20' one for the living room. I love those tall trees. Although I'm not quite sure how to decorate them. Hmmm?

So I found a blog

That I actually quite liked. I'm not telling you what it is, because you might think less of me for liking such trash. No, no, it's nothing like that, but if you know my personality at all, it's right up my alley. It's a cute mormon housewife who tells it like it is. Cussing and all. Which is why I said, if you know me at all.... So she's griping about short days at school, and dinners to neighbors, and keeping a clean house, and just pretty much saying out loud all the things we (at least I) say internally. It's kind of refreshing to hear it, read it, whatever, out loud. But, alas, it has given me new strength to be a better housewife. I know, you're all thinking "Is that possible"? Yes, I believe it is. Last night was actually the beginning of my new ways. Now pick your mind up out of the gutter, you pervs.

No, I made a weekly menu, made a list of what I needed for said menu, and off to the store I went. ( Note the cute french menu pic I found. I especially like the "crappe" located on the lower left side. I took two years of Francais, but alas, most of the words escape my jumbled mind. Anyone with translating abilities feel free to do so. ) Back to the story. Yep, simple I know, but effective. So now I feel all good about myself like I can conquer the world, or at least the day. Next, neighbor gifts. Maybe I'll take a nap first. Although I did find some way cute candles in jars at the store for $2.50. They might just do. Except for my special neighbors, they are getting what's coming to them. Don't worry, Laura, it's mostly for Rob. So faithful reader(s), now you know what to expect from me for at least the next day or two. Super-Mormon-Stay-At-Home-Mom. Whew. I'm pooped just writing it.

I've decided kids need school.

For reasons other than to learn. Emma was home sick yesterday. She really wanted to go to school, but her nose was all goopy, and she had a horrible cough. So I thought I'd be a nice mom and give her the day off. Well, has anyone seen my ear? Because I'm pretty sure she talked it right off. I think she gets this from Grandpa. Wow, that girl can talk. I've decided kids need to go to school to get away from home, as well as to learn. I don't know what I'd do with her home all day everyday. Don't get me wrong, she's super cute, and Maggie loved having her here for the day, but I think she's better off at school. Hopefully she doesn't talk like that at school. We'd be in trouble.

TODAY IS THE DAY! THERE WILL BE MORE TO COME IN A FEW HOURS. STAY TUNED.

OKAY, ONLY 4 MORE DAYS!

A little reminder of why we should use good manners.

This is written in "Real Simple" for December as the postscript. I think it's a good idea to brush up on manners for this time of year, but also to show our kids and those around us a good example. People just don't know how to use good manners anymore, it seems. Here are situations in which it is imperative to use good manners, or at least show special politeness to other people:

1. They are older
2. They know more than you
3. They know less than you
4. They got here first
5. They have educational qualifications
6. You are in their house
7. They once helped you financially
8. They have been good to you all your life
9. They are less fortunate than you
10. They have achieved special status in the wider world
11. You are serving them in a shop
12. They are in the right
13. They are your boss
14. They work for you
15. They are a policeman/teacher/doctor/judge
16. They are in need
17. They are doing you a favor
18. They paid for the tickets
19. You phoned them, not the other way around
20. They have a menial job

Excerpted from "Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of Everyday Life (or six good reasons to stay home an bolt the door", by Lynne Truss.


As you can see, there is practically no reason NOT to use good manners. This pertains to practically every situation we're in on a day to day basis, save one. It never mentions using good manners when yelling at or disciplining your children. I guess for good reason. I'm usually not too worried about grammar when I'm bugging Emma to get going in the morning so she won't miss the bus-again!

The last one!

I am an avid reader of cheesy Mormon novels, thanks mostly to my mom. I know, they are pretty bad, but they're easy to read, and it's better than nothing. I guess it also gives you a spiritual lift and makes you feel like your life is lacking in some way because you're not having daily earth shaking spiritual experiences like those in the book. But I like them nonetheless. However, after branching out and trying this series of books by Dean Hughes, I am so glad I did. They are quite daunting due to their size, but the pages just fly by. I love WWII stuff anyway, and this is how they started out. Now I am on the second generation of kids, and at the end of their story. I started this last book last night, and I can't put it down. I can't wait to finish it, yet I want it to last forever. But, never fear, Mom's bookiness is here! She has given me the beginning of a new series. Thanks Mom. So I will have something to look forward to as this one comes to an end. It's called "A Banner Is Unfurled" by Marcie Gallacher and Kerri Robinson. It's a Church history novel, based on actual events of members. I love these kind. Just look at "The Work and The Glory". I guess I know what I'll be doing today. After I go to the grocery store, that is.

IT'S COMING IN 7 DAYS! ARE YOU READY FOR WHAT YOU MAY SEE?

The cutest "Mormon Chic" blog

You've got to check it out. www.happyjellybeans.blogspot.com

I'll put a link to it on the sidebar, since I don't know how to do it here. :) Still learning.

The best blood draw ever.

I had to get three vials of blood taken today and I was kind of scared. I don't especially love getting my blood drawn, but I'm not a huge chicken either. The last time I had it done, it hurt pretty bad, and she had to stick me twice. This time the lady really knew what she was doing. She didn't touch my skin after she wiped it with alcohol, (Kristen, you'll appreciate that), and she put the needle in and it didn't even hurt! I didn't feel a thing. So, I guess I'm a brave girl after all.

In case you are wondering why I'm getting my blood taken, I had to get a pregnancy test. So I guess that means we have some news. I guess you'll find out in a couple of weeks. Actually 9 days to be exact. I know, the suspense is killing you.

The silence of the Maggie.

Yes, it's a miracle. I don't know if it's from crying herself to sleep last night, her cold, or a combination of both, but she's lost her voice. It's so sad. And cute. It's this little crackly squeaky voice, it cracks me up. The sad thing is is I think she feels better today, she just sounds worse. I think she just needs her mommy to cuddle up with.

Feeling like CRAP!!!

Yes, I know, crap is a bad word. But sometimes not-bad words just don't describe it. Both the girls have had runny noses all weekend, and I thought they were getting over it. Hah!!! Now not only are they sicker than they were this weekend, I am too! I should have known. I read Mindy's blog and Mike said they were all sick. I must have picked up some computer virus from the blog. So here sit Maggie and I, both with runny noses, and sneezing all over each other. Poor Emma, she was sneezing like crazy and her eyes were so watery, but she would not stay home from school. She kept trying to convince me that it was her allergies. She's so sweet. I guess it's that kind of day when you stay in your jammies, drink hot cocoa, and watch Dora until you want to blow your brains out. Yep, should be fun. At least the landscapers are here to take care of all the old leaves flying around everywhere. It's about time. I wonder if they would take care of the leaf infiltration that has taken over my garage, since they should have been here a week ago. Probably not. Oh well. What do you expect for $150 a month? I personally expect better service than that, but what can I do? I complain but nothing changes. I think I'm rambling so I'm going to go now. Maybe I'll go take a nap and try to feel better. Wish me luck!

WARNING! TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY. BE PREPARED.

I am totally hooked on Grey's Anatomy.

I can't get enough of it. I wish it would be like 2 hours long, so I could just watch, and watch, and watch. It almost makes me want to go to medical school. Almost. Okay, not really, but it does make it seem funner than it probably is. I used to think that way about "Friends", but toward the end, I was just kind of "ah, no." Then it was "E.R." Same thing now, it's just not like it used to be with George Clooney and Anthony Whats-His-Face. Although I am loving Nelah, and Morris totally cracks me up. I do like the new nurse, Eve, who was the hot chick from "Third Rock", but she's gotten older, and fatter. Not that I'm one to talk, but I'm not an actress, so no one can say that about me in a public forum. I guess.

So my newest addiction is "Grey's Anatomy" which like I said before is just so cool. Plus, I wish I looked that cute in scrubs. I just look like a boxy old school marm (Is that even a word?) I just love Sandra Oh, who ever since sideways has me hooked on her quirkiness. An Patrick Dempsey, although not my instant favorite, has definitely grown on me. It took me a couple of episodes to get past the geek-mower in "Can't buy me love", but he's grown up a lot, and despite his small face, he plays the part perfectly. Izzy is another of my favorites, but I may be biased. I got a website in my email about famous Mormons, and low and behold, there she was. I don't know how true it is, but I'd like to believe it. She's darling. Anyway, each week I want to see more, and now I'm even getting past the drama of McDreamy and Meredith, and wanting to more of Burke and Christina, George (who is soooo cute, even though he has a bubble butt and sweats incessently), and of course Izzy. I guess that's a sign of a good show, when people's attention starts drifting from the intial attraction to the blossoming ones.

So that is my two cents worth. I certainly don't see myself as a critic by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like to think I know what works. Plus, anyone you talk to who has seen the show will tell you they are just as hooked as I.

BEWARE! IT'S COMING IN A FEW WEEKS. CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED!

One second he's fine, the next, not so much.

So here I am, taking care of one of my favorite patients. He comes in for Chemo a lot, so we all know him. Well, here he sits, talking and joking, and suddenly, out of nowhere, he's turning blue and gasping for breath. I'm the only one around, and I'm so not feeling qualified at this moment, so what do I do? First, I poop my pants, then I scream. Yes, I did. I full on screamed. I know, not the most professional thing to do, but boy was I taken off guard. This was the first time I'd actually had one of my patients do that so quickly. It seems like the ones you think are going to be the ones to do it never are, and here is Mr. "Hi, I'm just here to get my Chemo and get my fever down, no big deal, and you all love me because I'm so funny and cute" that takes a tumble toward the light. Weird. Well, needless to say, I got a new pair of scrubs out of it (see incident prior to the screaming), and he did finally come around. Good thing I only had to work a few hours last night, I don't think I would have lasted after that. So now I've realized I'm grossly unqualified and inexperienced, despite my schooling. I guess there are things that only experience can teach. Darn that. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my job, but sometimes it makes you realize that life is so short. One second you're here and talking, and the next you're following the dark tunnel to the bright light. **** "It's so beautiful,....I can't help it". So that was my day. Or night. Whatever.


**** Gnat flying into the bug zapper in "A Bug's Life"

Looking forward to TURKEY!

And for those of you that know me well, will understand why. I love Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. I love the food, the family, and a day set aside to think of things we are grateful for. But Thanksgiving must come early for me this year. I will not be able to participate in the festivities on the actual holiday, so I'm talking my mom into cooking turkey dinner a week early just for me. It's a lot to ask, I know, but I need to experience the turkey-ness just one more time. After that, no more for my whole life! Just a few bites will have to suffice. But it will be worth it. I know it will. Hopefully she'll oblige. Hopefully.

Joan, Gramma, and Grampa came to visit

The girls were so excited to see Joan. Not only because she got them out of bed, either. For other reasons, too. We love Joan. She's great fun. Sean loves to tease her. It was good to see her again. I think the last time was Paul's wedding. Maybe Spencer's farewell. I don't remember. I just know it's been too long. We were just sitting home and Charlie called from Jared and Kristen's saying they were coming over to visit. It was 9:00 and the girls had just laid down for the night. So they got to get out of bed to see Joan and Gramma and Grampa. Not like we had to twist their arms or anything. So, now it's 10:30 and they are just getting to bed and we have 9:00 church! Should be fun getting them to wake up! I have to work at 7:00 AM, so I don't have to deal with them being ornery, lucky me! And look at Sean and his dad. Are they two peas in a pod or what? It's frightening.

My day at Dollar Tree

So I went to get a birthday present for a neighbor girl. Yes, I know, I'm cheap what can I say. I just don't think any girl needs another $20.00 toy that they are never going to play with and lose in a week. So I shop at Dollar Tree for birthday presents. Now, the whole slogan of Dollar Tree is that "Everything's a Dollar". Seriously, that's what they say on their commercial. So, here I'm checking out, and the lady is having a hard time finding a price tag on one of the gifts. No, seriously. I know. IT'S A DOLLAR!!! Then she was all mad at me because I put my debit card through, entered my PIN and it still came up a credit. I wanted it to come up as debit. She wanted me to go to the end of the line and wait so she could re-ring me up. I don't think so. I asked to speak with the manager, and she said "no one is here that can help me, you'll just have to pay as credit or wait at the end of the line". She was so rude. Now, normally I would have made a bigger stink, but there were like 10 people in line. So I figured it's not that big of a deal, and I came home. But man, was she rude. She had been talking to the lady behind me in line saying how she had been up 'til 3 in the morning, blah blah blah, and she was sooo tired. Yeah, right. Work a couple of nights with no sleep in between and tell me how tired you are. So that was how my day started off. Needless to say, I was then in a bad mood, and yelled at Sean, who is now in a bad mood. I guess it's like the trickle effect. Or is it ripple? Either way, it worked, and now we're all in a bad mood. I think I need a nap.

The kids at the Halloween party

Here's scary Emma the Witch and Maggie the Buzzy Bee. We had our Activity Day Halloween Party yesterday. Even though the kids aren't old enough, they get to come along with mom. We had a good time. The did pumpkin bowling, and ate doughnuts on a string. It was a good time. Happy Halloween!

TO THE "DUMPITY" PATCH WE GO...

Yes, I said "dumpity". That is what Maggie calls pumpkins. Don't as me why. Probably because she's two and thats how they talk. We picked out a small one, for Mags of course, and a medium one for Emma. They had so much fun, and I'm already looking forward to that scrapbook page. I know, I'm a dork. What can I say.

This is what I was needing last night.

I had worked Wednesday night from 7PM to Thursday at 7AM, then Thursday I only got like three hours of sleep. Then I worked Thursday from 7PM to Friday at 7AM. At about 3AM on Friday, I hit the wall. I literally could not keep my eyes open. I know sometimes people are like "Oh, I'm so tired, I can't keep my eyes open" and they still function fine. I was not functioning fine. The poor nurse I was working with was like "Can't you remember anything". Nope. So I needed this bed on a beach last night. I'm sure I would have been a much easier person to work with. If I didn't love it so much, I guess I wouldn't do it. Pass the cheese to go with my whine please.

Mmmm, Chicken

I just had to post a tribute to KFC. It's been a while since I've had their yummy chicken, and boy is it tasty! Mmmm, chicken.

24 HOURS OF MOAB

Ask me how glad I am I wasn't racing. I'm pretty glad. I'm very glad, in fact. I'm astonished by the physical fitness that is required to do a race like this. I know I will never have that kind of fitness. Not that I'm a pessimist, I just know my limits. I'm seriously impressed with the team and their racing. But for us admirers, it was fun in its own right. We just sat out in the shade and talked, drank diet soda, and ate twinkies. I wonder why I will never be that fit? Hmmm. But it was still fun. Okay, so the toilet did get clogged, and poor Sean had to put his whole arm down there to dislodge the wad of toilet paper that had stopped it up, but he being the hero that he is, it was fixed in no time. He also sacrificed his bike to the Gods of poor welding. We're about 10 miles from Moab, when a car pulls up next to us and shouts "Your bike is dragging". Doh. Yep, our bike rack had taken a header onto the asphalt moving at 70 MPH underneath it. As we approached the hanging mass of metal, I was sure we could fix it. Nope. Not gonna happen. I personally think it was a conspiracy so he could get a new bike, but maybe it was an accident. Or maybe it's the bad luck Rob and Laura have on our trips. Ahh, no matter. They're more fun than they are bad luck, so I guess we'll keep them. So another trip behind us, many more ahead of us. Who knows where we'll end up next.