Ugh. Bear with me. I am putting together some cool things for 2012. And there have been some developments and disappointments over here that I haven't been up to talking about quite yet. And I am currently engrossed in a therapeutic session with Oprah and her 6 dvd set of the first 20 years of her show. I need to finish that.
And then maybe I'll be back.
But, don't give up on me. Hopefully I can make my way to the pictures I have uncovered spanning the last six months of the year.
Sigh.
Okay. I'll return. I'll be better. And funnier. And more consistent. Bear with me.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Catch Up
I seem to do a lot of catching up on this blog. It's not really my intention. I really do have some good stories, but it seems like the days go by so fast and before long I have a bazillion of them all stored up. So, prepare yourself for another one of those kind of entries.
* We went camping in October down to Goblin Valley with all of Wade's family. I'll admit, I was a little nervous about this because we have NEVER done anything of this magnitude in the 11 years I've been in the family, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I was even able to get out one morning before everyone was awake and run a good five miles. The weather was perfect and we really couldn't have asked for a better time.
* I mentioned a few posts ago about all the projects I was working on. I finally got a big project done--A.'s bed. I wanted it done in time for her 3rd birthday, she still sleeping in her crib and all. It's adorable and I'm happy with it. I'll have to post a picture of it when I do a photo drop from my phone. She looks so little in the bed, whereas in the crib she looked like monster child. The rest of the furniture will have to wait until the spring.
*I also finished the flower bed wall I had been building since September. That deserves it's own post, complete with pictures. I was freaking out about it, because I also needed to plant bulbs (SO many bulbs) and I was afraid I was going to run out of time, but Thursday, I finished planting the bulbs and I hope everything takes for Spring. It should look amazing out there.
* We've been starting some updating inside the house. It's hard to believe we've been here for nine years, but it's starting to show. I can't let anything out of the bag just yet, but it's going to look completely different in about a year. I'm just happy that Wade's starting to see my "vision".
* I have been saddled with the worst sinus infection for the last two weeks. I even went in to the doctors and everything. I normally try to stall visits to the doctor offices but I was so miserable, I couldn't take it another minute. Every day, A. and I would make our way downstairs and lay on the couch watching TV. I could hardly do anything else. Last night was the first night I slept completely unmedicated and I even made it on a five mile run this morning. It felt great to be outside for the first time in weeks for longer than 15 minutes. I'm confident in saying that I have beaten this thing, but it didn't go down without a fight. Sometimes it takes feeling really sick to truly appreciate when you're feeling good.
* I have really been enjoying watching my kids grow lately. I can't believe how big they're getting. J. is doing amazingly well at school. He got all 4's on his first report card (4's are the equivalent of A's) and he's reading so well now. He'll be done with the first grade reading program by Christmas and then they'll move him on to the second grade level. He's even gotten 100% on EVERY spelling test thus far. The teacher is impressed with him in math too. She sent me an email the other day describing his response to a question she had asked for their "writer's workshop": "If I could be anything, I would be..." J. answered that he'd be himself and that he would do all the same things he likes now. He then added a little caveat--he would be nice. The teacher wrote that she took him aside and said "J., don't you know that you're already nice?" and that he shyly nodded his head. She went on to say how precious she thought his answer was and that he was such a good student and she was blessed to have him in her class.
I didn't have the heart to tell her that I thought he just wants to play with his Legos without anyone bugging him and that he had told us the other day that he was going to be nice when he grows up and not ground his kids from their Legos when they're bad, like we meanies did.
But, after talking with him about the answer he gave his teacher, I did come away with the impression that he likes himself and that he truly just wants to be happy with whatever it is he does when he has to start working. He isn't really worried about that part of life yet. It kind of makes me feel like we're doing something right. And it's a pretty deep answer for a six year old.
A. is a hoot to be around. She has such a funny personality and does the silliest things. Her brain isn't wired the same as J.'s and that frustrates me sometimes. J. was so willing to entertain himself and A. isn't like that. I just have to keep reminding myself that they're different kids and they need different things. She's completely potty trained and hasn't had an accident in a while now. I think this is probably my most favorite age thus far. They're a little independent and they can start talking to you, but they aren't so independent that they don't want you any more. I can't believe A.'s going to be three soon. Where has the time gone?
* Thursday was our annual bowl off for the Turkey Bowl we hold every year for our bowling league. A turkey goes to the person who scores the highest overall for all three games and a turkey goes to each team member of the team that scores the highest for all three games. I had been so sick the week before that I couldn't bowl and I wasn't really expecting much coming into the Turkey Bowl because I was still a little stuffed up. I'm mediocre at best when it comes to bowling anyways. But somehow, I managed to bowl a 189 the first game, a 166 the second game and a 161 the third game--it's the best I've ever done. This won me a 15 lb turkey for being highest individual scorer. My team--the same team I've been on for the last two years and I wouldn't change it for anything. D. is 65 and S. is 59ish. They're a hoot and I have a blast every week--rallied together and we also took home the team turkeys as well. So, I came home with two 15 lb turkeys. Thanksgiving is at my family's house this year, but I'm sure I'll be cooking the turkey at some point to get some leftovers. Then there's always Christmas or New Years. Or even Easter. If I hear of someone needing a turkey, I have plenty to spare too. The opportunities are endless. I have pictures of my awesome scores. Those are on my phone as well so I'll post them sometime soon.
* I've been asked a few times over the last couple of months why I'm so good at everything. The reality is that I'm not. I just put myself out there and sometimes I'm spectacular. Most of the time though, I'm mediocre and I'm okay with that. These are things I enjoy doing for the sole benefit of doing them. My point is that sometimes, people are afraid of trying new things because they're afraid of what they'll look like or that they might be last. So. Who cares? Someone has to be last. Put yourself out there and try new things or you'll never know.
Oh man. So many things going on right now. I hope it's not another two weeks before we talk again. Seriously, stop being strangers. :)
* We went camping in October down to Goblin Valley with all of Wade's family. I'll admit, I was a little nervous about this because we have NEVER done anything of this magnitude in the 11 years I've been in the family, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I was even able to get out one morning before everyone was awake and run a good five miles. The weather was perfect and we really couldn't have asked for a better time.
* I mentioned a few posts ago about all the projects I was working on. I finally got a big project done--A.'s bed. I wanted it done in time for her 3rd birthday, she still sleeping in her crib and all. It's adorable and I'm happy with it. I'll have to post a picture of it when I do a photo drop from my phone. She looks so little in the bed, whereas in the crib she looked like monster child. The rest of the furniture will have to wait until the spring.
*I also finished the flower bed wall I had been building since September. That deserves it's own post, complete with pictures. I was freaking out about it, because I also needed to plant bulbs (SO many bulbs) and I was afraid I was going to run out of time, but Thursday, I finished planting the bulbs and I hope everything takes for Spring. It should look amazing out there.
* We've been starting some updating inside the house. It's hard to believe we've been here for nine years, but it's starting to show. I can't let anything out of the bag just yet, but it's going to look completely different in about a year. I'm just happy that Wade's starting to see my "vision".
* I have been saddled with the worst sinus infection for the last two weeks. I even went in to the doctors and everything. I normally try to stall visits to the doctor offices but I was so miserable, I couldn't take it another minute. Every day, A. and I would make our way downstairs and lay on the couch watching TV. I could hardly do anything else. Last night was the first night I slept completely unmedicated and I even made it on a five mile run this morning. It felt great to be outside for the first time in weeks for longer than 15 minutes. I'm confident in saying that I have beaten this thing, but it didn't go down without a fight. Sometimes it takes feeling really sick to truly appreciate when you're feeling good.
* I have really been enjoying watching my kids grow lately. I can't believe how big they're getting. J. is doing amazingly well at school. He got all 4's on his first report card (4's are the equivalent of A's) and he's reading so well now. He'll be done with the first grade reading program by Christmas and then they'll move him on to the second grade level. He's even gotten 100% on EVERY spelling test thus far. The teacher is impressed with him in math too. She sent me an email the other day describing his response to a question she had asked for their "writer's workshop": "If I could be anything, I would be..." J. answered that he'd be himself and that he would do all the same things he likes now. He then added a little caveat--he would be nice. The teacher wrote that she took him aside and said "J., don't you know that you're already nice?" and that he shyly nodded his head. She went on to say how precious she thought his answer was and that he was such a good student and she was blessed to have him in her class.
I didn't have the heart to tell her that I thought he just wants to play with his Legos without anyone bugging him and that he had told us the other day that he was going to be nice when he grows up and not ground his kids from their Legos when they're bad, like we meanies did.
But, after talking with him about the answer he gave his teacher, I did come away with the impression that he likes himself and that he truly just wants to be happy with whatever it is he does when he has to start working. He isn't really worried about that part of life yet. It kind of makes me feel like we're doing something right. And it's a pretty deep answer for a six year old.
A. is a hoot to be around. She has such a funny personality and does the silliest things. Her brain isn't wired the same as J.'s and that frustrates me sometimes. J. was so willing to entertain himself and A. isn't like that. I just have to keep reminding myself that they're different kids and they need different things. She's completely potty trained and hasn't had an accident in a while now. I think this is probably my most favorite age thus far. They're a little independent and they can start talking to you, but they aren't so independent that they don't want you any more. I can't believe A.'s going to be three soon. Where has the time gone?
* Thursday was our annual bowl off for the Turkey Bowl we hold every year for our bowling league. A turkey goes to the person who scores the highest overall for all three games and a turkey goes to each team member of the team that scores the highest for all three games. I had been so sick the week before that I couldn't bowl and I wasn't really expecting much coming into the Turkey Bowl because I was still a little stuffed up. I'm mediocre at best when it comes to bowling anyways. But somehow, I managed to bowl a 189 the first game, a 166 the second game and a 161 the third game--it's the best I've ever done. This won me a 15 lb turkey for being highest individual scorer. My team--the same team I've been on for the last two years and I wouldn't change it for anything. D. is 65 and S. is 59ish. They're a hoot and I have a blast every week--rallied together and we also took home the team turkeys as well. So, I came home with two 15 lb turkeys. Thanksgiving is at my family's house this year, but I'm sure I'll be cooking the turkey at some point to get some leftovers. Then there's always Christmas or New Years. Or even Easter. If I hear of someone needing a turkey, I have plenty to spare too. The opportunities are endless. I have pictures of my awesome scores. Those are on my phone as well so I'll post them sometime soon.
* I've been asked a few times over the last couple of months why I'm so good at everything. The reality is that I'm not. I just put myself out there and sometimes I'm spectacular. Most of the time though, I'm mediocre and I'm okay with that. These are things I enjoy doing for the sole benefit of doing them. My point is that sometimes, people are afraid of trying new things because they're afraid of what they'll look like or that they might be last. So. Who cares? Someone has to be last. Put yourself out there and try new things or you'll never know.
Oh man. So many things going on right now. I hope it's not another two weeks before we talk again. Seriously, stop being strangers. :)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Displaying My Awesome Talents...Again
Last year, for the ward talent show, my friend, H. and I did a synchronized biking piece. I talked about it here. This year we thought we'd change things up a bit and do a synchronized swimming piece a la this:
Only, you know, not as pulled together since it was sorta last minute. And there were only two of us. But, still, I think it turned out pretty good.
As a sidenote, I did give the camera to someone to take pictures, but the pictures didn't turn out very well. So, you sorta had to be there to really appreciate the awesomeness that is two grown adults pretending to do a synchronized swimming routine.
Next year? Who knows. Maybe another synchronized routine of random things. Perhaps if we start brainstorming about it now, we can come up with something really cool and recruit more people to our cause.
As for what's happening over here right now, let's just say that it's going to make a REALLY good story come a few weeks (hopefully) from now.
And the frustration and the remorse and the tantrum throwing has all died down a little.
Only, you know, not as pulled together since it was sorta last minute. And there were only two of us. But, still, I think it turned out pretty good.
As a sidenote, I did give the camera to someone to take pictures, but the pictures didn't turn out very well. So, you sorta had to be there to really appreciate the awesomeness that is two grown adults pretending to do a synchronized swimming routine.
Next year? Who knows. Maybe another synchronized routine of random things. Perhaps if we start brainstorming about it now, we can come up with something really cool and recruit more people to our cause.
As for what's happening over here right now, let's just say that it's going to make a REALLY good story come a few weeks (hopefully) from now.
And the frustration and the remorse and the tantrum throwing has all died down a little.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Um...
Wow. It's been two weeks already? So, a lot happened between when I came in second at the speech contest and today. I'll spend this week getting caught up so that I can then tell you all about the cool stuff that is currently happening. I'm going to start from the newest.
Because it's my blog, that's why.
The Provo Halloween Half Marathon
Remember how I vowed that this was going to be my last long race for a very long time?
Well, I lied.
It wasn't intentional. It wasn't like I said "I'm going to tell everyone that I'm not doing any more long races and then secretly go out and do them." No, it really was going to be my last long race.
And then, my good buddy, M. signed up for the Provo Halloween Half Marathon. Initially, I had no desire to do the race and I just laughed at her for having to get up early on Saturday mornings and do long runs.
But then, one Saturday, I said "hey, I'll come run with you." We picked a nearby canyon that would mimic the (supposed--key point) route and parked our cars at the beginning and end points. And I had such a marvelous time that I agreed to do it again the next week.
But...(and there's always a but), Wade was gone with the scouts (I know. SHOCKER) and my babysitter got sick and so instead, I agreed to pick M. up at the end of the run and drive her back to her car so that she could still run the canyon and prepare herself for the race. (Because I'm a good friend. That's why.)
The following weekend I met up with her again, and we ran the same course. Again, it was marvelous and so at about 4 or 5 miles into the run, I threw out the idea that maybe, I would sign up for the race too. I mean, I have already put in two long runs of 9 and 10 miles apiece. 13 miles? Not a problem.
I was gone the next Saturday for the last run before the race. Meanwhile, during the week, I was averaging a decent run on Monday mornings and then the rest of the week, I swam and biked.
Mildly put, I was very under-prepared for this race. My only advantage was that at least I knew what 13 miles felt like and I knew that, even in the worst conditions, I could walk it and still finish.
Friday, the reality of the situation hit hard. I started freaking out that I would crash at mile 9 like I always do and then spend four miles berating myself for signing up for a half marathon with no training. Also, I was slated to show off my awesome talents again at the Ward Talent Show (tomorrow's post). There was some stress involved with getting ready for that--talents require time to master.
M. went off to pick up our packets and apparently, it was freakishly unbelievable. Mind you, this was not the cheapest race I had ever done either. There is a level of expectation depending on how much money you spend. But the lines were up to two hours long and the number bibs were messed up and all in all, not a good experience for anyone. Then M's husband dropped her off at her parents house for the night and drove home. The plan was for me to drive down after displaying my talent and meeting her in Orem for the night.
About halfway from home, I realized that I had forgotten my coat. It was going to be chilly in the morning, and I toyed with the idea of just sucking it up, but I hate being cold. So I ran into a Walmart and bought a new coat. I was two minutes from M. when she called me.
"You're not going to believe this."
"What?"
"I left my running shoes in the car and my husband has all the kids asleep. There's no way he's going to drive them back to me."
M. does bank work from home that has a deadline that has to be met every night. Other than that stipulation, it's pretty laid back work. However, the packet pick up process took so long, that M. was stressed about not reaching the deadline and in her panic didn't double check that she had everything.
If it had been a 5k we were doing, we would have just gone to Walmart to buy a new pair of shoes. But being that this was 13 miles, we had no choice but to drive home and pick them up. Luckily, M's parents were out of town and had left their luxury car at our disposal.
Two and a half hours later, we returned back to M's parents house and fell asleep just in time to be awoken four hours later.
For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why a race that had a 9 am start time required everyone to be at the bus loading station (the mall) by 6 am. And then, we figured it out. We lined up at 5:45 and got on a bus at 6:50. We weren't even that close to the end of the line. The end of the line went A QUARTER OF A MILE around the mall.
Up at the start, they had a "heating" tent, which was basically a fire code disaster waiting to happen. We were all herded into these tents and then sat waiting.
And waiting.
The "start line party" we were guaranteed consisted of music softly playing in the background and sitting on cold grass, huddled around trying to heat a tent.
Finally, the first wave of runners headed out and we took our spot for the second wave. The costumes that people wore were hilarious. Of all the races I wish I would have had my camera, this one was it. The race course was gorgeous. We ran from Aspen Grove, by Sundance, and then down Provo Canyon. Once the race was underway, there weren't any problems on our end, though I hear pretty much every aspect of the race had terrible organization. We finished at The Riverwoods in Provo. The finish line was crowded, but we managed to get through and find our return ride to the car parked at the mall.
M. and I ran every step of the way, except for the water stops. It's been my experience that the time you gain in running through the water stops never outweighs the disadvantages you have in trying to drink and run at the same time. There was also a stretch of nearly .10 miles at about mile 12 that we walked because I had a side ache that wouldn't go away. But other than those incidences, we ran it all. It had been billed as a downhill run, and the first four miles were definitely a steep descent. But then, it sort of turned into rolling up and down hills and that made it pretty hard, considering the training runs I did do were all downhill in nature.
I'm happy with this effort. I think I could have gone a little faster, but I probably would have overestimated my ability and burnt out at mile 9 like always and ended up coming in slower. I finished this one a full 15 minutes faster than the Moonlight Half, and I'm happy about that.
So I'll say it now, and maybe it will stick. Or maybe it won't. But I'm fairly confident in saying that THIS is my last long race for a long time.
Because it's my blog, that's why.
The Provo Halloween Half Marathon
Remember how I vowed that this was going to be my last long race for a very long time?
Well, I lied.
It wasn't intentional. It wasn't like I said "I'm going to tell everyone that I'm not doing any more long races and then secretly go out and do them." No, it really was going to be my last long race.
And then, my good buddy, M. signed up for the Provo Halloween Half Marathon. Initially, I had no desire to do the race and I just laughed at her for having to get up early on Saturday mornings and do long runs.
But then, one Saturday, I said "hey, I'll come run with you." We picked a nearby canyon that would mimic the (supposed--key point) route and parked our cars at the beginning and end points. And I had such a marvelous time that I agreed to do it again the next week.
But...(and there's always a but), Wade was gone with the scouts (I know. SHOCKER) and my babysitter got sick and so instead, I agreed to pick M. up at the end of the run and drive her back to her car so that she could still run the canyon and prepare herself for the race. (Because I'm a good friend. That's why.)
The following weekend I met up with her again, and we ran the same course. Again, it was marvelous and so at about 4 or 5 miles into the run, I threw out the idea that maybe, I would sign up for the race too. I mean, I have already put in two long runs of 9 and 10 miles apiece. 13 miles? Not a problem.
I was gone the next Saturday for the last run before the race. Meanwhile, during the week, I was averaging a decent run on Monday mornings and then the rest of the week, I swam and biked.
Mildly put, I was very under-prepared for this race. My only advantage was that at least I knew what 13 miles felt like and I knew that, even in the worst conditions, I could walk it and still finish.
Friday, the reality of the situation hit hard. I started freaking out that I would crash at mile 9 like I always do and then spend four miles berating myself for signing up for a half marathon with no training. Also, I was slated to show off my awesome talents again at the Ward Talent Show (tomorrow's post). There was some stress involved with getting ready for that--talents require time to master.
M. went off to pick up our packets and apparently, it was freakishly unbelievable. Mind you, this was not the cheapest race I had ever done either. There is a level of expectation depending on how much money you spend. But the lines were up to two hours long and the number bibs were messed up and all in all, not a good experience for anyone. Then M's husband dropped her off at her parents house for the night and drove home. The plan was for me to drive down after displaying my talent and meeting her in Orem for the night.
About halfway from home, I realized that I had forgotten my coat. It was going to be chilly in the morning, and I toyed with the idea of just sucking it up, but I hate being cold. So I ran into a Walmart and bought a new coat. I was two minutes from M. when she called me.
"You're not going to believe this."
"What?"
"I left my running shoes in the car and my husband has all the kids asleep. There's no way he's going to drive them back to me."
M. does bank work from home that has a deadline that has to be met every night. Other than that stipulation, it's pretty laid back work. However, the packet pick up process took so long, that M. was stressed about not reaching the deadline and in her panic didn't double check that she had everything.
If it had been a 5k we were doing, we would have just gone to Walmart to buy a new pair of shoes. But being that this was 13 miles, we had no choice but to drive home and pick them up. Luckily, M's parents were out of town and had left their luxury car at our disposal.
Two and a half hours later, we returned back to M's parents house and fell asleep just in time to be awoken four hours later.
For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why a race that had a 9 am start time required everyone to be at the bus loading station (the mall) by 6 am. And then, we figured it out. We lined up at 5:45 and got on a bus at 6:50. We weren't even that close to the end of the line. The end of the line went A QUARTER OF A MILE around the mall.
Up at the start, they had a "heating" tent, which was basically a fire code disaster waiting to happen. We were all herded into these tents and then sat waiting.
And waiting.
The "start line party" we were guaranteed consisted of music softly playing in the background and sitting on cold grass, huddled around trying to heat a tent.
Finally, the first wave of runners headed out and we took our spot for the second wave. The costumes that people wore were hilarious. Of all the races I wish I would have had my camera, this one was it. The race course was gorgeous. We ran from Aspen Grove, by Sundance, and then down Provo Canyon. Once the race was underway, there weren't any problems on our end, though I hear pretty much every aspect of the race had terrible organization. We finished at The Riverwoods in Provo. The finish line was crowded, but we managed to get through and find our return ride to the car parked at the mall.
M. and I ran every step of the way, except for the water stops. It's been my experience that the time you gain in running through the water stops never outweighs the disadvantages you have in trying to drink and run at the same time. There was also a stretch of nearly .10 miles at about mile 12 that we walked because I had a side ache that wouldn't go away. But other than those incidences, we ran it all. It had been billed as a downhill run, and the first four miles were definitely a steep descent. But then, it sort of turned into rolling up and down hills and that made it pretty hard, considering the training runs I did do were all downhill in nature.
I'm happy with this effort. I think I could have gone a little faster, but I probably would have overestimated my ability and burnt out at mile 9 like always and ended up coming in slower. I finished this one a full 15 minutes faster than the Moonlight Half, and I'm happy about that.
So I'll say it now, and maybe it will stick. Or maybe it won't. But I'm fairly confident in saying that THIS is my last long race for a long time.
Monday, October 17, 2011
2nd Place is the New 1st
I had my next round of speech contests this past weekend. I had to go up against three other seasoned speakers.
And I came in second.
Which I'm very proud of. All the Tall Tales were extraordinary and I'm happy I got another trophy to add to my collection.
The lady that won was incredible. There was no way that I could have beat her with what I had.
But the best part of the whole thing was when my brother walked in. He had wanted to come, but they were headed camping. Then Wade got called into work all day Saturday, and some friends who were going to be coming couldn't because of some other obligations and I thought I'd just be talking to a room full of strangers.
Which I was okay with. I hadn't really even expected anyone to come. I didn't send out invitations. I didn't make a big deal of it. I'm pretty sure my other brother didn't even know about it. It was just a 3 minute speech. I figured if I made it to the final round, then I'd rally the troops.
About five minutes before it started, my brother came running in. He had left the campsite and drove for who knows how long to listen to me speak for 3 minutes. Ahhh....isn't that sweet?
So I took him for lunch and talked his ear off about all this other stuff. And it was great, just the two of us.
Sidenote: If you would have told me 20 years ago that I would be enjoying one-on-one time with my older brother when I was an adult I would have laughed in your face and then slugged you for suggesting such a thing.
All in all, it was a great time with some great speeches.
And I came in second.
Which I'm very proud of. All the Tall Tales were extraordinary and I'm happy I got another trophy to add to my collection.
The lady that won was incredible. There was no way that I could have beat her with what I had.
But the best part of the whole thing was when my brother walked in. He had wanted to come, but they were headed camping. Then Wade got called into work all day Saturday, and some friends who were going to be coming couldn't because of some other obligations and I thought I'd just be talking to a room full of strangers.
Which I was okay with. I hadn't really even expected anyone to come. I didn't send out invitations. I didn't make a big deal of it. I'm pretty sure my other brother didn't even know about it. It was just a 3 minute speech. I figured if I made it to the final round, then I'd rally the troops.
About five minutes before it started, my brother came running in. He had left the campsite and drove for who knows how long to listen to me speak for 3 minutes. Ahhh....isn't that sweet?
So I took him for lunch and talked his ear off about all this other stuff. And it was great, just the two of us.
Sidenote: If you would have told me 20 years ago that I would be enjoying one-on-one time with my older brother when I was an adult I would have laughed in your face and then slugged you for suggesting such a thing.
All in all, it was a great time with some great speeches.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Some Simple Truths
*Walmart might be cheaper, but the new grocery store that is less than a half mile from my house is cleaner, nicer, and has better produce. I am, thereby, refusing to step foot in Walmart any longer. Unless, it's an emergency on a Sunday, because the new grocery store isn't open on Sundays. But, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to go to Walmart on a Sunday, so I'm not going to stress about it. Goodbye crazy Walmart people!
*In case this isn't clear, I am LOVING not having to drive 8 miles for a loaf of bread/gallon of milk/can of whatever.
*Martha Stewart has invaded my body. There are a bazillion projects I want to do and each one breeds three or four of their own baby projects. Eek.
*I had the epiphany that I am just as capable of looking up how to do things as anyone else is. Behold the beauty of the internet. Thus, these projects will become a reality in time.
*Along with the aforementioned epiphany, I also came to realize that no one is going to do these projects for me, no matter how cute I am. Or how much I beg.
*God granted me new visiting teachers in anticipation of this epiphany. Crafty, smart women who will help me do these projects and fill in the various holes my inability to do anything crafty is bound to make.
*Wade is probably pretty scared right now. Which is okay. He should be. Though he shouldn't be too stressed. I'm only making the house, you know, pretty so one day, when our dream house comes along, we aren't left sitting and wishing we would have taken care of all that beforehand.
*Speaking of Wade, he is spending his day doing a service project. I'm not entirely sure what they are doing, but when asked what he would be willing to do, he checked all boxes except for painting. He claimed it was because he didn't want to get paint on his brand new (free) t-shirt he gets for volunteering. I pressed him some more and turns out that he says painting has so many degrees of rightness--meaning you neither did it completely wrong or completely right and you can always mess it up somewhere--that it stresses him out. Hence why our walls upstairs are completely white (original paint even) except for A.'s room and the master bathroom.
*I know! I offered to paint it for him in which he gave me his trained evil eye and made me promise not too.
*On to A's room. This last weekend, I took apart her crib--yes, she's a month away from 3 years old, is completely potty trained, both day and night, and has been climbing out of the crib since she was 18 months. Why do you ask?--cleaned out her room and put up a new bed for her. All by myself since Wade was out with the scouts. I am so close to finishing her headboard and foot board for her new bed. I think it's adorable. When it's done and up, I'll take pictures and post them.
*It's a good thing that it rained for four days straight, because the yard project had brought me to tears more than once. Now that I've had a few days of a forced break from it, I'm ready to tackle it again. The weather looks gorgeous for the most part this week, so I'm hoping to have it done by the end of this weekend.
*Ha! Just looking at that statement filled me with optimistic dread. There's no way it's going to be done by this weekend. I can hope though.
*Wade's scout trip involved a pair of ill-placed keys, two 15 year old boys, a child-locked door, the wind, and a two hour trip to cell phone range. It's a relief to know that 9 people will fit in the Pilot in an emergency.
*There are at least 112 episodes of The Magic School Bus. How do I know this? Because they are all currently on the DVR we set up for the kids. I know! 112 episodes. That's just crazy.
*In case this isn't clear, I am LOVING not having to drive 8 miles for a loaf of bread/gallon of milk/can of whatever.
*Martha Stewart has invaded my body. There are a bazillion projects I want to do and each one breeds three or four of their own baby projects. Eek.
*I had the epiphany that I am just as capable of looking up how to do things as anyone else is. Behold the beauty of the internet. Thus, these projects will become a reality in time.
*Along with the aforementioned epiphany, I also came to realize that no one is going to do these projects for me, no matter how cute I am. Or how much I beg.
*God granted me new visiting teachers in anticipation of this epiphany. Crafty, smart women who will help me do these projects and fill in the various holes my inability to do anything crafty is bound to make.
*Wade is probably pretty scared right now. Which is okay. He should be. Though he shouldn't be too stressed. I'm only making the house, you know, pretty so one day, when our dream house comes along, we aren't left sitting and wishing we would have taken care of all that beforehand.
*Speaking of Wade, he is spending his day doing a service project. I'm not entirely sure what they are doing, but when asked what he would be willing to do, he checked all boxes except for painting. He claimed it was because he didn't want to get paint on his brand new (free) t-shirt he gets for volunteering. I pressed him some more and turns out that he says painting has so many degrees of rightness--meaning you neither did it completely wrong or completely right and you can always mess it up somewhere--that it stresses him out. Hence why our walls upstairs are completely white (original paint even) except for A.'s room and the master bathroom.
*I know! I offered to paint it for him in which he gave me his trained evil eye and made me promise not too.
*On to A's room. This last weekend, I took apart her crib--yes, she's a month away from 3 years old, is completely potty trained, both day and night, and has been climbing out of the crib since she was 18 months. Why do you ask?--cleaned out her room and put up a new bed for her. All by myself since Wade was out with the scouts. I am so close to finishing her headboard and foot board for her new bed. I think it's adorable. When it's done and up, I'll take pictures and post them.
*It's a good thing that it rained for four days straight, because the yard project had brought me to tears more than once. Now that I've had a few days of a forced break from it, I'm ready to tackle it again. The weather looks gorgeous for the most part this week, so I'm hoping to have it done by the end of this weekend.
*Ha! Just looking at that statement filled me with optimistic dread. There's no way it's going to be done by this weekend. I can hope though.
*Wade's scout trip involved a pair of ill-placed keys, two 15 year old boys, a child-locked door, the wind, and a two hour trip to cell phone range. It's a relief to know that 9 people will fit in the Pilot in an emergency.
*There are at least 112 episodes of The Magic School Bus. How do I know this? Because they are all currently on the DVR we set up for the kids. I know! 112 episodes. That's just crazy.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Untapped Potential
The other day I had to drop something off to my dad at his work. It's been years since I have been to my dad's workplace. I have only actually been inside the building once...ever. And it would be no different last week. The plan was to meet my father in the parking lot.
As I pulled in, I stopped at the guard shack. The security guy asked me where I was headed and I (dumbly) said that I was headed to see my dad.
Him: Blank stare.
Me: Blank stare returned.
"What building is he in?" The all-knowing security guard asked.
Me: Blank stare.
I looked at the building in sight and pointed there. "Um...there?"
Sidenote: my father has been working at the EXACT same place, in the EXACT same desk, for 30+ years, but I have no idea if I was pointing at the right building or not.
"What does your father do?" The Interrogator asked.
Me: Blank stare.
"Uh...he's an electrical engineer."
Another sidenote: It's moments like this where I want to qualify my answers with "oh, and I have a math degree" so people won't be left with the impression that I really am THAT dumb.
Him: Blank stare returned.
"I'm just meeting him in the parking lot. He drives a bright yellow car. I can find it."
Him: Unpleasant blank stare returned.
"I guess I'll just call him."
Luckily, I connected with my father and found where his bright yellow car was and I was deemed not a threat to national security so yay for me.
But, as I was waiting for my dad to make his way down to the parking lot from his mysterious office in his mysterious building I was watching all these people riding bikes through the parking lot as though they were taking a leisurely pedal on a boardwalk by the ocean.
Except for they were wearing business clothes. And they were all middle-aged. And, my dad's workplace is located in what is not the most desirous looking place in the valley. And the bikes were throwbacks to the old-school beach cruisers, with their deep v-shaped handlebars, big tires, banana seats, and whitewall sides.
So, a little strange.
When my dad arrived, I asked him about the strange bikers.
"What bikers?"
"Um...those ones." I said, pointing out the two guys in lab coats pedaling by.
"Oh those. That's the transportation system in between buildings. They're actually getting ready to bring them in for the winter."
It was at that moment, that I realized that I MUST work there. The idea of getting up from my desk and taking a bike for a spin is just too luring not to work there. What would I do? Whatever they need me to do. Administrative Assistant, File Clerk, Security Guard.
Okay, maybe not the last one. Clearly, I demonstrated no ability in that capacity.
As I was driving away, I saw a lady riding a bike AND eating an ice cream cone.
That sealed the deal right there. That's where I need to be! I just hope that by the time I make the move back into the workplace, the security guard will be replaced by another 20 year old and no one will remember me from this particular episode.
As I pulled in, I stopped at the guard shack. The security guy asked me where I was headed and I (dumbly) said that I was headed to see my dad.
Him: Blank stare.
Me: Blank stare returned.
"What building is he in?" The all-knowing security guard asked.
Me: Blank stare.
I looked at the building in sight and pointed there. "Um...there?"
Sidenote: my father has been working at the EXACT same place, in the EXACT same desk, for 30+ years, but I have no idea if I was pointing at the right building or not.
"What does your father do?" The Interrogator asked.
Me: Blank stare.
"Uh...he's an electrical engineer."
Another sidenote: It's moments like this where I want to qualify my answers with "oh, and I have a math degree" so people won't be left with the impression that I really am THAT dumb.
Him: Blank stare returned.
"I'm just meeting him in the parking lot. He drives a bright yellow car. I can find it."
Him: Unpleasant blank stare returned.
"I guess I'll just call him."
Luckily, I connected with my father and found where his bright yellow car was and I was deemed not a threat to national security so yay for me.
But, as I was waiting for my dad to make his way down to the parking lot from his mysterious office in his mysterious building I was watching all these people riding bikes through the parking lot as though they were taking a leisurely pedal on a boardwalk by the ocean.
Except for they were wearing business clothes. And they were all middle-aged. And, my dad's workplace is located in what is not the most desirous looking place in the valley. And the bikes were throwbacks to the old-school beach cruisers, with their deep v-shaped handlebars, big tires, banana seats, and whitewall sides.
So, a little strange.
When my dad arrived, I asked him about the strange bikers.
"What bikers?"
"Um...those ones." I said, pointing out the two guys in lab coats pedaling by.
"Oh those. That's the transportation system in between buildings. They're actually getting ready to bring them in for the winter."
It was at that moment, that I realized that I MUST work there. The idea of getting up from my desk and taking a bike for a spin is just too luring not to work there. What would I do? Whatever they need me to do. Administrative Assistant, File Clerk, Security Guard.
Okay, maybe not the last one. Clearly, I demonstrated no ability in that capacity.
As I was driving away, I saw a lady riding a bike AND eating an ice cream cone.
That sealed the deal right there. That's where I need to be! I just hope that by the time I make the move back into the workplace, the security guard will be replaced by another 20 year old and no one will remember me from this particular episode.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
