Learning to Fly

Book Review: Bad Girls Don't Die

2012-02-05T18:18:00.001-08:00

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

2 book reviews in one day! I couldn't put this one down, just HAD to finish it!

Alexis looks like a 'typical' dysfunctional teen with a 'typical' dysfunctional family, Pink hair, don't care 'tude, hangs with goths: Check. Mom who works too much: check. Dad who spends more time with sports than at home: Check. Little sis who talks to her dolls: Check. Psycho ghost in haunted house....Check.

When Alexis' little sister starts behaving strangely and a series of harmful accidents occurs, Alexis is left to solve the mystery on her own. Who can she trust to help her? The goth 'friend?' The preppy boy with a disturbed past? The head cheerleader who has a secret? Alexis is determined to get her sister back...or die trying.

Review: This book was great! Read half in one sitting, paused to eat dinner, then read the rest. Really, think Wait Till Helen Comes for a YA audience, and you've got this book. Not so creepy that you want to run screaming from the room or have to sleep with the lights on for a week, but not so sappily predictable that you are bored and don't want to finish the book. Some of the 'twists' and things were a little obvious, but the writing style is good so I forgive that. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good ghost story (like me), who liked Wait Till Helen Comes and wants something slightly more grown up (no really mature themes or passages, don't worry).

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Book Review: Sweet Venom

2012-02-05T16:10:00.001-08:00

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary from Amazon.com:

"Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight."

This book was pretty good! Slow going at first, because the author is more interested in describing the girls' lives before they meet than in getting the story started. Descriptions of the monster fights are pretty neat, as are the girls abilities. I took off one star out of five because the book doesn't end. It does that thing so many 'trilogy' authors are doing (doesn't it seem like EVERYTHING is a trilogy nowadays?) where they leave a whole lot of loose ends to get you to read the sequel. This book left a LOT of loose ends. Pretty much, every mystery except when these three girls are finally going to meet and accept their fate is left unanswered. The girls only meet in the last few chapters of this 400-page book! They only accept who they are and become a team in the LAST chapter. That frustrates me.

Despite that fact, the book was pretty easy reading. I was through a hundred pages or so before I stopped and checked page numbers, so I know it got me pretty involved. I always love things stemming from Greek mythology ('Starcrossed,' anyone?) so the sequel is definitely on my to-read list.

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I Love Robin Moses!

2012-01-30T19:05:00.000-08:00

Firstly, I apologize for not updating this. It's really just a hobby, and I'm horrible at updating blogs, so...I hope you'll forgive me and enjoy when I do post! The topic today is Robin Moses!

Robin Moses: an awesome nail artist dedicated to helping fledgling nail artists (or even just hobbyists, like me) look pretty awesome, too!

If you haven't seen her nail art, check it out on http://robinmosesnailart.blogspot.com/. She is also on Facebook, Pinterest, and I think Twitter. She has some amazing looks that are easy for beginners to do, she teaches you how she makes those amazing designs of hers (although actually acquiring the skill to duplicate these things is waaay beyond my level)...and it WORKS!

Over Christmas I did two nails looks from Robin:

Look 1: Stuffed Stockings! Cute stocking tops with presents and candy canes. This one was pretty time consuming, but I loved the way it looked on me. It's completely acrylic pain on a clear base with a clear top coat.

Look 2: Ribbon mistletoe! Can I just say I love, love, LOVE this look? Robin's version just had ribbon so it could be used just about any time of the year, but I added the mistletoe to be festive. This was super easy and I got so many compliments on it! Base: Generic red sparkle polish (I think it's by China Glaze), Orly Polishield top coat.

10 pts if you remember his name without looking!

2012-01-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

I didn't make this cupcake; a mom brought it in for Beauty and the Beast fairy tale Friday. I got to eat it, though, and can tell you pretty much what the components are. It seems pretty simple! Since I assume most of you can follow cake mix directions to make a chocolate cupcake I'll just list what each part is.

Base: Chocolate cupcake, orange frosting
Mouth: Twizzlers Pull n' Peel
Nose: Orange Smartie
Eyes: Squished marshmallows and chocolate pieces
Eyebrows, moustache: Black frosting
Hair: Flattened tootsie rolls, almond sliver

SUPER cute and the kids loved it! Bless this mother who made 30 of these cupcakes to be devoured in minutes! Oh, and by the way they were YUMMY!

Consideration

2012-01-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

Considerate people...

1) Think about the people in the house they're visiting. Are they going to bed? What do you do? (HINT: The answer is NOT make fun of them for going to bed and then stay up as late and be as loud as you want.)

2) Plan things ahead of time. I don't care how cute he is, how fun the activity, how many people you invited. If you don't ask the parents/grandparents/roomates ahead of time, don't expect them to be happy when you steamroll over them.

3) Listen when said people/parents/grandparents/etc. complain, and don't do it again. Otherwise they will have to smack you.

4) DO NOT pretend you want to spend time with relatives when all you want is a place to sleep. They will inevitably leave their whole day open in case you want to do something, then be disappointed when you shop, visit other people, shop, eat out, visit other people, and crash at their house. Also they will fix you meals that you won't eat. This usually leads to leftovers that get too mushy and icky to eat.

5) DO NOT act as if an employee is stupid. Unless they are directly and verbally insulting you (i.e.: "Hey, you ugly lady with the stupid order!") or giving you the finger there is no call for it. It doesn't help them help you any better, and makes them want to foul up your order/appointment/kid just because you're a jerk.

6) DO NOT call people out on Facebook. Just don't do it. Nobody else wants to hear about how so-and-so is an idiot and insulted whoshisface in third grade and dunked your dolly in the toilet. If you have a problem, talk to the person face-to-face. Calmly is usually good. The internet blows everything up, and unless your an egocentric bonehead you'll regret having posted in your time of anger.

7) Reply to messages. Even if it's a "Hey, I got this and I'm thinking about how to reply to you." Otherwise the sender will resend the message. And send it to your alternate email. And Facebook you. And hunt down your physical address and send you a letter. And Facebook your friends to tell you to reply to them. And email you again.

8) Say things nicely. There ARE nice ways to say, "I think that dress is hideous on you" without going, "OMG THAT DRESS MAKES YOU LIKE LIKE A FAT COW!" And better ways to say "I disagree" than saying, "What is WRONG with you?! Do you have a BRAIN? You have got to be the stupidest person I have ever met!"

9) DO NOT guilt people into doing things. This is hard, because the guilter often doesn't realize they're doing it. If they don't want to do something, moaning about how much you've done for them and how they can't do this LITTLE THING and how you just feel SO BAD and they can't help you and the whole family thinks they're a recluse...it doesn't make them want to do it more, and really just makes them feel annoyed.

10) Compliment people! If you think a girl looks pretty today or a color looks good on a guy, TELL THEM! They won't hate you for it, and it just might make their day.

11) Consider where the other person is coming from. When you complain all day about how people stay on their cell phones, baby their kids too much, are senile, etc. the end result is a lack of empathy on your part, a feeling of betrayal on the part of anyone who relates in any way to your 'victim,' and the general wish on the part of anyone who is listening to stuff your mouth with old socks.

12) DO NOT use "individualism" as an excuse to be rude. Sorry, but being yourself is not a good thing if who you are is an a---er, a jerk wad.

13) DO NOT bring up things said in confidence in a public conversation. Or post them. Anywhere. It's not always easy to tell if the conversation you've had with someone is something they want kept in confidence, so before you relate your hilarious anecdote, think. If your positions were reversed, would you want them to tell this? Is there any possibility you should ask them before telling? More to the point, are you okay with them telling everyone about the time you were in high school and stalked the lacrosse team captain only to throw up on his shoe? Because payback is awful.

14) Apparently always end their lists with 13 useful things and one that they're too tired to think up, but 13 is a horrible number. Right? Right.

*Disclaimer: I do not claim to be a wholly considerate person. I'm still working on it. :-)

10 (or however many) Things I've Learned From Teaching Kindergarten.

2012-01-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

...Or stream of consciousness type thingie.

1. Germs. They are real. And evil. EVIL!

2. Nosebleeds seem to be contagious. Either that, or somebody is punching somebody.

3. Kids have no fear. Their idea of a perfect recess game is "Let's run through the play area with this rope stretched between us and see how many people we can knock down!"

4. Kids are so much more patient than I am with each other. They don't mind helping the girl who can only use half her body do things over and over, and they teach each other well.

5. If there is a way to draw on it, they will draw on it.

6. Hand sanitizer is slippery. Especially on the floor.

7. Whining. Don't do it.

8. It's better to try your best and do it wrong than to sit there and not do anything.

9. If you do it wrong, big erasers are magical.

10. Ticonderoga pencils stink.

11. If you have to sharpen a pencil 10 times a day, you need a new pencil. Or to stop drawing on things!

12. Teachers have to have an iron stomach. If it can come out of your body, I've had to clean it up. Or at least keep kids away from it until the custodian comes.

13. No matter how slow, defiant, mischievous, smart-alecky, loud, soft, etc. the child...they can always worm their way into your heart and make you want to make their world better for years to come.

14. 13 is not an unlucky number...right.

MyGlam?

2011-11-26T19:07:00.000-08:00

One of the hard things about doing beauty reviews is finding things to review! Unless you get suggestions (which I'm open to, by the way) you have to decide which out of the many appealing makeups and treatments to buy and review.

I've been looking into monthly makeup services such as Birchbox, but the items I saw in reviews just didn't appeal to me. I don't use hair or face oils much, nor anti-aging treatments...So I was thrilled when Michelle Phan announced her new My Glam service! Her boxes seem to contain items more to my taste, although there might be fewer, and she uses closer to full-size items. Like Birchbox, her boxes only cost $10 and you can subscribe monthly or yearly. I've ordered a box for December, and I'll review it as soon as it gets here. I'm excited to have a monthly makeup surprise! She also periodically puts up instructional videos on how to use the makeup in the boxes, which is great. I don't think there's as much variety and surprise factor in Michelle's boxes, but I'll let you know once I get one.

Ad picture for Michelle Phan's MyGlam bag.

Yay for new stuff!

Beauty Review: Blinc Mascara

2011-10-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review. I bought the product reviewed with my own money on my own time. Review is subject to my personal skin type, living climate, moods, preferences, PMS, etc.

If you're like me, you've been on a search for the "perfect" mascara for a while. My eyelids seem to get very oily, and I guess I rub my eyes because most mascaras that are good for staying power end up in dark circles under my eyes (even if I don't put any one my lower lashes). Blinc has been a favorite for a while, because it was the first mascara I found that didn't give me raccoon eyes!

From the Blinc website:

"Formerly known as Kiss Me, blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, these beauty tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes. Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout and then out to dinner, your lashes will look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied blinc in the morning."

Packaging:

The mascara comes in a fairly simple silver tube. Nothing special here.

The wand is also fairly simple, almost straight with a slight helix shape.

Application:

The mascara is a little tricky; since it goes on very wet the wrong move can make your lashes clump together and look like you only have four of them! Other than that it is relatively straightforward. The mascara is great for my lashes length, and is buildable as long as it is wet so you can add several coats.

One eye (3-4 coats)

Left eye (your left): 3-4 coats. Right eye: 1-2 coats.

Results:

The mascara gives relatively good length but little volume. Additionally, although it does not give me circles around the eyes I've found it doesn't live up to Blinc's longevity claims. A few hours after applying I had some eye irritation that made my eyes water copiously, giving me a chance to test the Blinc mascara's "waterproof-ness." The results were not pretty:

Clumpy, running off my eyes, flakes underneath...oh joy.

Several hours later, my mascara was still there and no circles were under my eyes (that in itself is a rarity in a mascara) but my eyes definitely didn't look as nice as they did "when I first applied Blinc in the morning."

The slight smirk is at myself, because I forgot to take the picture before I put my nightgown on. XP

Pros:

*Buildable formula

*No raccoon eyes!

*Removal is surprisingly easy for a mascara with staying power

Cons:

*Clumpy! Clumpy, clumpy!

*Little volume

*Eyes tearing makes it...ew.

*Doesn't live up to its claims

*Cost: $25-$31 per bottle

Overall:

As I said, I've been using this mascara for a while. Although it doesn't live up to Blinc's claims, it doesn't give me black eyes which counts for a lot. Every other mascara I've tried ends me up with black smudges. However, my search for my holy grail mascara continues.

Rating: ***** (3/5)

Beauty reviews...Yep, I'm doin' 'em!

2011-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a few beauty reviews on this blog. (Later note to those who are subscribed to my posts: I actually started reviewing on another blog a while ago, but now I'm consolidating, so you might read a few of these out of order. Hope that's okay!)
I'm relatively new to reviewing, but beauty reviews from others have helped me TREMENDOUSLY in deciding what to buy, and I thought I'd try to give a little too!

About me

I'm a 23 year old schoolteacher living in a desert in the US (not to be confused with a dessert, which would be yummy but a little sticky). I'm OBSESSED with beauty products, and love to try new things! Currently I'm searching for the perfect skin care regimen (who isn't). Also lipstick. And gloss. And nail polish. And purses....XD

About my skin, etc.

Climate: Dry

Skin Type: Combination (dry, but oily in the T zone)

Skin Pigmentation: Fair

Eye color: grey/blue/green

Hair color: Red (naturally a light brown w/ red highlights)

It's a pleasure to meet you all and I hope this blog helps you in some way! If you have questions about a product I've reviewed, feel free to ask!

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted, everything reviewed on this blog was bought at my own expense and used according to manufacturer's directions. I am sharing how the products work for me, which is not a guarantee that they will do the same for you. I am not a makeup guru, I put makeup on as best I can for a layman.

First Week

2011-09-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

I started work at EC on Tuesday, and I must say I'm enjoying my job very much! I'm working in the Kindergarten with Mrs. T. She has 30 students per class, which makes 60 students total. I monitor student progress, take over in a pinch, and prepare any materials needed for lessons. The kids are sweet, and the work is right up my alley. The hours are nice, too. ;-)

Sunday I was called to be a ward missionary, and I'm a little nervous about it. Hopefully I'll do my best and it will be enough. I find out who my companion is tomorrow!

Tuesday, as you know, I started my job. It went fantastically, but towards the end of the day I started on a headache. Being the silly that I am, I hadn't brought any ibuprofen. By the time I started to drive home, I had a roaring migraine. The combination of stress, little sleep, no lunch and little water brought me to a fog of pain that made it very hard to drive. I was literally praying that I'd be able to make it home without an accident. Coming home, I was so much in pain! Nothing made it better, so I finally asked Andrew to give me a priesthood blessing. He called a brother across the way, and after the blessing I was finally able to sleep. A few hours sleep fixed me up just fine. Thank Heaven for the power of the priesthood, and that Andrew was home and able to give me the blessing!

You may be wondering about the balloon pig. ;-) Fridays in Mrs. T's class are Fairy Tale Fridays. We get to have a parent come in, read a story and do an activity with the class. In the morning the parent made stick puppets with the kids. They had so much fun! This was their first time using liquid glue, however, and the parent didn't take into account...well...let's just say we had a bit of a mess! ^_^ In the afternoon, a mom came in and made balloon pigs, read the story and had the kids make faces on their own balloons. So much fun!

Playing Catsup.

2011-09-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's school time again! Mother is subbing, kids and college alike are in school and I sometimes have the house to myself. Not for much longer, however, because....

*drumroll*

I GOT A JOB! *excited squeal*

I'm a teaching assistant in the Kindergarten at EC Elementary (abbreviated for privacy reasons). It's not a fully contracted teaching job, but the principal says they're planning on having some positions open next year...and it's a foot in the door! Apparently they were really impressed with the subbing I did in the Kindergarten last year (thanks, Mrs. C and Mrs. J) and are excited to have me. Yay! I start Tuesday.

Harvest time is here at G-ma's, but with her leg problem we're doing most of the canning with T&M's family. We're picking tomatoes today and canning them tomorrow morning, so we'll see how that goes.

Over the summer we went to California and had a fun time at Universal Studios, Disneyland, California Adventure, and the beach! I'll end with just a few pictures (late in coming, but better than never).

I love you all!

Janette with the set of Waterworld. AWESOME show!

Jerry, Janette's favorite.

Giant lollipop! Wonder how many licks THIS one takes?

Sunday at the temple. Janette was there, she was taking the picture.

In front of Storybook Land (Disneland)

In Mickey's house. HARD couch!

Iridessa, the light fairy.

With Mickey. Get Janette's face!

Janette and her idol, Tinkerbell!

KITTY!

We made sure to see Lightning and Mater for T&M's family and also for Spencer.

Characters sealed their autographs with a "kiss."

It was Catherine's first time at the beach in California.

RAPUNZEL! My favorite princess EVER!

If I look tired, it's because it was our last day literally MINUTES before I left. XP

Apparently the photographers at the princess walk had a bit of fun with the young men...

Belle

Ariel (my hair's almost as red!)

Tiana (she had a lovely accent)

Fourth of July

2011-07-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

July has been a fun month! I wish I had pictures, but I kept forgetting to bring my camera for all the entertainment. ;-)

I went to Colonial and Freedom Days in Provo with some friends on July 1, which was super! We all dressed up (I was VERY patriotic in red, white and blue) and had some good food. There are SO many booths at Freedom Days! I could spend all day there looking at everything and trying all the food. I highly recommend this event, but bring money and an empty stomach!

Then July 2 was the Stadium of Fire! Janette, TMTHCB, and I went up to the bottom of the Hike the Y trailhead (they had gone up to watch the balloons be launched that morning) and got to see the SoF in a whole new way! In case any of you didn't know, they have released the aerial restrictions here in Utah so there were a bunch of fireworks going on all over the valley. Tayton kept asking, "Is that the finale?" every time a bunch went off at once. When the SoF finally rolled around, we knew it. They were HUGE and it was amazing. Then Janette and I made our way through the crazy traffic, parked and walked to her apartment. I spent the night there and she came to church with me the next afternoon. Fun times!

July 4th was fun, too! The kids marched in the parade, I stayed home and cleaned. Then we got together with family for food and fireworks! Janette's friend Naomi came to watch with us, I hope she had a good time. Admittedly, our family can be a little weird (what with repeating the names of the fireworks and all) but we have fun. It was strange this year, because our fireworks were overshadowed by LOTS of aerial fireworks from the surrounding houses. It was hard to concentrate on our little ones when there are huge blossoms of fire in the sky. :-S Next year I say we don't even spend money on fireworks! Just get a few sparklers and pop-its and watch the show!

A few other things: I've cut my hair, Andrew's Homecoming chain is getting shorter (pic to come, I hope), and we are looking forward to seeing everyone this month! Wow! How time flies!!!

She's in Georgia!!!!

2010-07-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well, she hasn't melted yet, but she says, "Its HOT!" But between fighting off the mosquitoes and trying not to melt, busyness is her middle name. Despite these obvious difficulties, she still has had time to baptize a family. (Isn't that just like her?! Incredible in everything she does!)
Pics of MTC life.

Time for another post! Questions 342, 332, 161

2010-04-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

NOTE: I found an old, unpublished post of mine! Here ya go!

April 20, 2010: Well, my last day of student teaching was last Friday. It was so sweet, we had a pizza party for lunch and had the Big Bowns Drawing for big prizes. I had fun, but I miss "my kids" already!

This week has been and is going to be crazy. I'm doing my last few days of work, cleaning and packing (which at this point seems like it will never end), getting ready for graduation and for the big get-together on Saturday. So much to do!

Okay, on to questions:

Question 342:Write about feeling loved and by whom.

Just feeling loved in general? Wow, there are SO many times I've felt loved...it's hard to just think of one.

Okay, I've got one.

I had some really stressful things going on, had a cough, and I just couldn't sleep. For days. I mean, I was literally getting sick with stress and frustration, but I was still unable to sleep at all. My grandma came in and stayed with me. Now keep in mind she's...well, I don't know how old she is, really, but she's not young enough to stay up all night like us spring chickens, you know? But she came up and stayed with me, rubbing my back and getting me water and making me drink vinegar to help the cough (which was gross, but it worked somewhat). She was probably so tired, and yet she did that for me and it helped. I remember thinking, "Wow. She really loves me." I was able to sleep that night, and was much better then next morning.

Question 332: Write about how a prayer was answered.

This is a hard one, because a lot of those times are pretty personal and sacred. I guess one that was pretty impactful was this time Mommy and Daddy were going to Salt Lake for their anniversary. I prayed for them to be safe and then forgot about it. I was at work laminating when I got a call from Mommy: they'd been in an accident. I just went cold, but Mommy assured me that they were okay, although the car was totaled. The accident happened in such a way that we all knew that they had been protected. I was pretty shaken up, because I had prayed for them to be safe without thinking much about it; I just always pray for them to be safe when they go somewhere. I was really glad my prayer was heard and answered.

Question 161: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully married with a few kids. With some sort of church calling...I'd like to be a stay at home mom at that point, but who knows?

Jar Questions 86, 4, 288

2010-03-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Firstly, tomorrow is my first solo day this block! For the next 2 weeks I will be the teacher in the class. I'm excited, but also nervous. Wish me luck!

Rebecca had her first date this weekend, you'll have to ask her how it went, cuz I'm no snitch. ;D

Also: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Shantel! I know I didn't join in much on the festivities, I didn't want to impose on family time. ^_^

On to the questions!

Question 4: Describe a typical day in elementary school.

Ha, the one I'm in now or MY elementary school? XD I'm guessing the latter. Well, typically the day would begin with breakfast at 7. We'd be to school at 8, and first track (which went to school from 8 to 2) was in Core classes. These were the classes that taught math and reading. I think that's all they taught, math and language arts in general. The second track students arrived at school at 9:30 (they went from 9:30 to 3:30) and went to Specialties. You had 2 specialties a day: they were semester long classes. The first have of the year you'd have Art and Social Studies as specialties, the second half you'd have Science and Music. Anyway, so after lunch the first track and second track "swapped," with first track going to specialties and second track coming to core. It was fun, because the tracks would leave notes and stuff for their "counterparts" to find. I was first track so my day ended at 2. Depending on the time in my life, I've walked home, carpooled home, but mostly been driven home by Mommy. Then came snack, piano practicing and homework. After that we could play until dinnertime. After dinner was family time until bed at 8:00. Ah, those were the days! ^_^

Question 86: Did you go camping as a child? Share an experience or memory.

We did! We used to go to this place called Hobble Creek. I don't know if I'm blurring times, but there was this one camp site we went to that had...I'm not sure if it really was steep or if this is just a child's memory, but it had this really steep trail going up just a bit away from the camp site. It went up, then leveled out and went across. We kids used to go up as far as we dared, then scooch down real quick on our boosers. Anyway, this one time I was determined that I would climb that trail (I really like hiking and was pretty stubborn). Anyway, I made it to the fairly flat part, and felt pretty proud of myself until I heard Mommy calling for me. I realized I couldn't get down! Uncle Daniel tried to tell me how to plant my feet and come down sideways, but I just sort of sat down and couldn't budge. So he had to come get me! I still have lots of fond feelings for that camp site.

Question 288: Tell about your social life as a teen: dances, football games, outings, church functions, etc.

Oh, there's SO much to TELL! XD Honestly, not really. In my family school was a time to learn. I wasn't a real social butterfly. I had acquaintances in all of my classes, but only one really close friend. I don't like loud music or "dance" parties (read: bob your head up and down and drink punch), so "clubbing" was out. I guess I'll tell you about Show and Chamber. It was the "high choir" at our high school. We had such fun! There were a few drama kids in there and they always livened the place up. We'd burst into song at random times on the way to performances. I love our concerts, because it was always like getting together with friends and singing, not some uptight thing. We had classes together every day of the week, and rehearsals after school. We had fun just hanging out and being doofy!

No Jar Questions Today

2010-03-14T20:28:00.001-07:00

I'm just writing really quickly on my way to bed. Firstly: This has been a GREAT week! Thursday I was observed by the BYU liaison (that's the lady who is over all of the student teachers and interns in the district), and she said I absolutely knocked it out of the park! In addition, the principal came in to observe my mentor teacher while I was teaching (he didn't know that) and stayed through my lesson. Afterwards, my mentor teacher and the liaison told me he was asking them if they thought I'd like to teach fifth grade in that area (meaning at that school). How fun! Only my papers are in for my mission so I would have had to turn him down. But it's still cool knowing he thought I was good enough to be looking at me for a job offer! ^_^

Mission Prep was fun, Brother Brad Wilcox came and shared some fun stories (and said hi to me, he knows me from some classes). Some of the most memorable quotes:

"Live every day so that when you wake up in the morning Satan goes, "Oh no. She's awake!"
~From a Sister Missionary's quote book

"In Spanish sign language, the signs for Savior and Missionary are the same."
~Brad Wilcox, quoting a brother from his mission

I'd also like to say how grateful I am for the "restrictions" placed on us by the gospel. I have a friend right now who is not a member and has very different values than I do. She's a good person, but since I met her she's really fallen apart. She's drunk a lot, can't control her rage, and hangs out with friends who are very into "hooking up." She lets people sleep over in her "suite..." Basically, very against everything that is right. I look at her journal and what she says to me when we talk...she hates her life! She has all that "freedom," does whatever she wants, follows no rules, and yet SHE IS MISERABLE! She's always angry and hurt and disappointed...I almost feel like I want to slap her up side the head and say "GET IT TOGETHER!" or tell her that I know why she feels this way and help her turn her life around. But she's pretty resistant to any change right now, especially any she sees as taking away her freedom. But I look at my life, and then at hers, and...I am so much happier! I have stress, things aren't going perfect for me, but I can look back on my day or week and say: "This has been a good week!" Where as she looks back and hates her life. I hope some day I'm able to help her turn around, my heart just aches for her.

Anyway, that's today!

Personal History Jar Questions 150, 441, 324

2010-02-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today the theme in Sacrament Meeting was Home and Family. We had some great talks. One of the things that was talked about was preparing for future family. A few things that were brought up:

Prepare for responsibility. You will have it. Take responsibility for your actions, learn to be responsible for what you have and what you are in charge of. Because soon you will be responsible for a lot more.
Prepare for pressure. Life doesn't get easier as you go along. That's just the way it is. It may seem to get easier as you become accustomed to the pressure, but the pressure doesn't go away. Don't hang on the the promise of college graduation and think it's going to be easy street from there. We live with pressure, and if you don't learn to handle it and be happy you won't be happy.
Learn to talk to, rely on and love the Lord. He's there to help! When you realize you're not alone and go to Him and can keep that in mind, you will have comfort and be able to hurdle anything life throws at you.
Learn to take the focus off yourself. Right now is a very self-oriented time. "Satan doesn't care what you think about yourself, so long as you keep thinking about yourself." If you find ways to focus on others during this me-centered college time, it will become a habit and will bless your life. This isn't to say you don't need some me time sometimes, but me time shouldn't be all the time.
Learn to be grateful. Being grateful automatically makes you think about the good. If you can find something to be grateful for to a person you don't like much, you'll have started thinking about good things about that person. If you can think of one thing to be thankful to God for about your day, you will have started thinking about the good things about your day.
Be in the world AND not of the world. Don't just "hunker down" and wait for sin to blow over. Be active, be involved. Make the world a better place. But don't fall for this "I must be tolerant of everything" viewpoint so many people have today. The speaker talked about a girl who got herself in trouble because she didn't want to "judge" her boyfriend. She ended up going with him while a drug deal went down and got herself in trouble. Her excuse was "I didn't do the drugs, and thank heaven I didn't judge him!" So many times we're afraid to judge sin as sin! It doesn't mean we have to judge the person as "a bad person," just a person who sins! Just because you like the person doesn't mean you have to like the sin.

All right, on to the questions. I decided to switch this up and do random numbers of questions to try and get a variety.

Question 150: Do you have a testimony? Write down the things you do believe and you know are true?

I do have a testimony. I know that God lives and loves His children, and me. He knows me personally and wants the best for me. He knows what he's doing and I see so much evidence of that every day! He has a plan for us to be happy, and all of His commandments are to make us happy. He has prophets on the Earth today, the most recent being Thomas S. Monson. Revelation continues today, God still speaks. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's gospel restored in it's entirety. I love God, and I know He loves me.

Question 441:What instrument do you wish you could play and why?

I wish I could play the flute and the guitar. The flute is so beautiful and folksy, and yet it can be in marching bands and other types of bands. I love how pretty it sounds when Janette plays it. I wish I could play the guitar because you can sing and accompany yourself. I've always admired teachers who could sing with their classes and play along on the guitar. You could do that on the piano, but a lot of schools don't have a piano and a guitar is portable.

Question 325: What was your least favorite subject in school? What was your favorite?

Growing up, at least in elementary school, I don't think I had a least favorite subject. In high school, because it got harder, I think Chemistry and Calculus were in a way my least favorite, but they were all tough. My favorite subject has always been music. Music in Elementary School, and Choir and Orchestra in High School and Jr. High.

Personal History Jar Questions 1, 2, 3

2010-02-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the last day of my solo teaching. I'd post pictures of my students, but I think that's illegal. XP

I'm really going to miss Wasatch. The teachers are really great, I really feel like I have a connection with the school because of Mommy having taught there. Jane, the secretary, even found an old letter of recommendation for Mommy when she was cleaning old files and gave it to me! And my mentor teacher and I are great friends, which just makes everything better.

Today Janette was doing a friend's hair for Preference and used me as a guinea pig. XD She took pics, I'll have to see if I can get them from her and post them. She did a BEAUTIFUL half-updo on me, all curled with rhinestones in it and ULTRA glittery hair spray (Seriously, two sprays of this and I'm STILL having glitter come off every time I shake my head). It only took her 35 minutes to do the whole thing! Anyway, when her friend came she did an even more amazing job on her! Janette has a real talent.

Okay! I have these Personal History Jar Questions to help me hopefully journal/blog/update SOMETHING more. So! Questions 1-3 today!

Question 1: Are there any family heirlooms in your possession? Tell about them and how you came to acquire them.

Well, I don't really have anything right now, because parents and grandparents aren't gone yet. XP I don't even know what I "should" get. *shrug* I do have this peach and cream teddy bear I got from Grandpa Bell's house when they were selling his posessions, and a little chair that I think is from my Mom. I have a special little cupboard that I think Grandpa Bell made that was given to me by my Mom (I think). I have some quilts from various people, both sides of the family. I have a blue bowl that was designated to be a family heirloom, and a little round box with angels on it from Grandma Rene (I can't remember who it belonged to before that).

Question 2: Are you involved in any clubs or extracurricular activities?

Not really, now. Student Teaching has been eating up all my time. In my spare time I like to read and daydream, usually I get home in time to plan and fall into bed. I like to dress up and to go to the mall with Janette and Alicia. I love to just spend time with family, and I'd like to start cooking a bit more.

Question 3: Describe each member of your family.

Okay, here goes! XD Hope I don't end up inadvertently offending anyone. This is just from what I see or remember or...yeah. This is supposed to be FUN!

Immediate Family

Daddy: Patient, easygoing, loyal. Totally trustworthy. Solid, not the solid that means "cool," but solid...like steady and reliable.

Mommy: Changeable, creative, ULTRA-caring, senstitive, willing, helpful, clean, worryful, loving.

Andrew: A-MA-ZING. Inspiration, growth, funny.

Janette: Miss Personality to the MAX! Makes everywhere you go with her fun. Smiley. Boisterous, tomboy-ish and yet feminine, sort of like Jo in Little Women. Unafraid. Successful. Smart. Talented. A leader. Condfidante. A peacemaker.

Rebecca: Like me. Reader, a bit moody, quiet, mysterious, pokey, beautiful, flexible, serving.

Gordon: Really growing! Troubled, tempermental, teen (ha!), handsome, proud, forgetful, distracted, smart.

Catherine: The baby. Growing just too fast. Beautiful, artistic, flowing, floating, hugs and smiles, fashionista.

Grandmas and Grandpas

Grandma Rene: Patient, near-saint, pusher, wise, optimistic, fixer, good listener, tickles backs, caring

Grandpa Fuja: Attention-liker, sensitive, likes to learn and show knowledge, always needs to be "in the know," can't keep a secret (XD), phone dialer, football obsessed (sports obsessed), food lover and talker.

Grandma Bowns: Sensitive, lonely sometimes, loves company, talker and laugher, fun mom.

Extended

Randy: talker, a little intimidating, teaser, opinion sharer.
Jennifer: fashion setter, great seamstress, involved.
Shayna: Sporty, good mom.
Shantel: Grounded, creative, lucky, finding her feet, fun.
Sharielle: Pretty, impressionable.
Jameson: talkative, opinionated, likes attention and praise.
Alexa: CUTE, princess.

Danette: Fit, care, chill.
Paul: Funny, eyes like Daddy's, talented.
Madison: late-night whispers, fun stories, thoughtful.
Rachel: Talented, athletic, laughing.
Kenya: Tan (!), runner, trampoline-jumper.
Erin: Petite doll, smiley
Matt: Fun boy, friend
Jacob: Conscientious, serious, boy of few words

Tannin: Serious, sensitive, perfectionist, thought-provoking, fun, caring, educational adviser
Megan: Small, bacon-lover, creative, smart, patient, loving
Tayton: SMART, Thomas train-lover, verbal master, curious, thinker, laugher, toe-runner
Hunter: "I WANT!" (ha), fun, dancer, tackler, sporty
Cumorah: knows what she wants, little doll, smiler, has me wrapped around her finger
?: Don't know yet!

Daniel: Confidante, piano-teacher, late nights and sleepovers, the smartest guy I know, patient, an AMAZING laugh that makes me want to laugh too, board game master, nintendo player, ping pong champion, mask scarer, advisor, strappy-shoe buyer.
Wendy: Caring, friend, girl-talk advisor (XD), lovely, so fun
Spencer: Tiny cousin, BIG cousin, funny-face maker, laughter machine, dancer, toddler

Diane and Karen: Barbie players, self-esteem boosters.

Phew! Well, that's about it! I couldn't get EVERYBODY, because the list would be WAY long, but I think I got most of the extended family.

Love you all!

formspring.me

2010-02-13T18:29:00.003-08:00

I'm bored. Ask me anything! http://formspring.me/xeniphb

formspring.me

2010-02-13T18:29:00.001-08:00

What was the last book you read?

I'm guessing my school's literacy protocol doesn't count. XD Thursday I read a bunch of children's books to my students (it being our valentines day party and all) and really liked one called "Guess How Much I Love You" and one called "My Love for You." As for "grown up" books? About a week ago I read a book called "A School for Sorcery." It was REALLY cool! You don't have a Hogwarts vibe going on, which I thought you would, and it has some AMAZING twists to it. The beginning wasn't immediately compelling, but it kept me going. ^_^

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-11T13:50:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/xeniphb

formspring.me

2010-01-21T17:35:00.001-08:00

I'm taken the "plunge." XD Ask me anything, it's anonymous and I'll answer honestly. ^_^ http://formspring.me/xeniphb

Whew!

2009-08-24T17:04:00.001-07:00

Okay, so feet are KILLING me after walking 5 miles in 90 degree weather for work...yeah, the stupid things I'll do for money!

I finally got a class I need added, and found out that the ONLY teacher for another is the one I hate, so I'll just have to suck it up and pretend to be a non-thinking record-n'-repeat robot for the semester. This means that I only have 1 more add/drop to do (switching days on a class). Also, my schedule is going to be great! No more getting up for class at 8 (except for Fridays)! I also got my books ordered and on their way, for 300 dollars less than I "should" be paying...this is a good day.

Oh, yeah, and the family is having spaghetti for dinner.

I felt oddly lonely at work today. EVERYONE there has either a sibling, a boyfriend, or a best friend working there now...except me. Lesa even has a best friend AND a boyfriend! Which means they all are engrossed in coversations and guess who gets to help the customer-with-2--boxes-full-of-odd-size-paper-she-wants-copied-with-every-2-pieces-stapled-who-doesn't-want-to-take-out-the-staples-herself? Yep, me! And it means I don't get to be good friends with anyone, because they already have friends there. I mean, Kara and I and Julia and I got to be GREAT friends! I miss them. Other than that, my job is really a FANTASTIC one. And Fred is so great. He was so concerned about me when I walked in with a purple face from the heat. He even bought me a water bottle!

Man, today my family is watching The Mountain of the Lord for Family Home Evening. Don't get me wrong, it's a good video full of history about the building of the Salt Lake Temple. It's amazing what those people did and sacrificed! But we've seen that movie, like, a million times, and it's really rather depressing. And scary. And I really don't want to watch it again.

*sigh*

Anyway, spaghetti time!

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Last Weekend and Iowa Fujas

2009-07-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last Weekend
Last weekend, my family went to a family reunion in Idaho. I stayed behind to pick Gordon up from his week-long camp in the High Uintas. I packed up and headed over to my house Friday afternoon. It was beautiful and clean--ready for the guests on Monday. I had a good night watching Dick Van Dyke. Then I was up really late sanding a banister.

A few days before, I had been home and seen our downstairs banister. I don't think that thing had ever had a decent cleaning since we moved into our house! That poor handrail was positively gray! I had called up to my family that it needed a cleaning, and my father did his usual, "I think somebody is volunteering." I thought I'd surprise my family by cleaning the banister while they were away. I took a rag and Comet to the banister, cleaning off the gunk, after which the rag was black and the handrail was--white. Sort of. Underneath all that grease and grime, there were only spots of varnish left! So I decided there was nothing for me to do except sand down the banister and re-varnish it. I took down the banister from its rusted brackets and took turns sanding the railing down and sanding the rust off of the brackets all night and into the morning. I got about 1/4 of the way done with the banister, and got most of the rust off the brackets.

When I woke up later I went to the store to pick up some coarse sandpaper, new finish for the brackets and some varnish for the banister. Getting back, I was just in time to refinish the brackets and pick Gordon up from his week-long.

Going over there, I was honestly pretty shocked. The poor kid was COVERED in mosquito bites! Apparently the mosquitoes were so thick that practically bathing in bug spray didn't help the scouts. And I guess Gordon is a bit allergic to mosquitoes. So I got him home and made him an oatmeal bath. He kept insisting he wasn't the least bit tired, so after a quick trip to Walmart for some Benadryl I put him to work helping me sand the banister. The work went a lot quicker with his help, and we had lots of fun singing together with songs from my iPod. He and Catherine are my only siblings who don't tell me to be quiet when I sing along with songs, so it was great!

In two hours we had the whole thing sanded and were putting on the first coat of varnish. We did this about 3 more times before going to Wendys and getting a fantastic supper. Mommy called and asked me to have Gordon mow the lawn and to weed the rosebed. I nearly laughed hysterically, as she didn't know what work we had been doing all day and Gordon was now fast asleep on the couch. I cleaned the house quickly of what mess had been made by the banister work, weeded the flower bed and tried (and failed) to start the lawn mower. I had to wake Gordon to get him to try (and fail) to start the mower, but that was okay because the neighbors came over and asked him to watch their children while they went to the store so he would have had to be up anyway. I was just putting the last coat of finish on when the family pulled into the driveway. I had meant to have the banister up by then, so I just ran inside and looked like I didn't know WHAT the banister was doing in the driveway...of course they had seen me putting on the last coat so they knew I had something to do with it. Mommy told me I was silly and to get home--apparently Grandma had been sick in the car--and that was all the thanks I got, but compared to the grungy thing it used to be. When I went back for Andrew's shindig I ran my hand down it and realized that the finish had bubbled in the heat while it was drying, so I'll have to use some finishing sandpaper and smooth it over. Otherwise, for having only used my internet research and my common sense, I think it came out really well! I was proud of how beautiful the banister looked Gordon's mosquito bites are now healing, so we're grateful for that too.

Iowa Fujas and Photo Dump!

When I got home from the weekend, I first wondered why there were all these vans in the driveway. I knew Randy was coming down for Andrew's farewell, but I didn't see how he could have brought 2 vans. Then I saw Andrew standing by one of the vans holding a baby and was even more confused. Had one of Andrew's friends--one with a baby--stopped by? As he turned and walked into the house I realized that it wasn't Andrew...it was Tannin! I got all excited, slammed the door, started to run into the house, ran back to turn my headlights off, and ran into the house in time to greet Megan and Cumorah! What a great surprise! It's been a fantastic week with them. They were at the farewell, and had fun playing with Shayna's kids afterwards.

Monday my family came over and had a ball playing with Tayton, Hunter and Cumorah. I took lots of pictures, so get ready, get set...PHOTO DUMP!

Andrew and Tayton playing ping pong

Me and Cumorah playing on the rug

Catherine and Hunter playing "I'm gonna getcha!"--That kid can run!

Tayton and Gordon play Hide and Seek--When I took this, Tayton still hadn't
realized Gordon was sitting right behind him!

Gordon and Tayton playing football

Everyone playing together

After the play we had a fantastic barbeque with brats and steak.

Tuesday we all went up to BYU. We went to the stadium (where Tayton was totally in awe), then to the Bean Museum and to the Bell Tower to feed ducks. Then we went to get ice cream at Sugar and Spice! And, of course, I took pictures! ;D

Tayton, Hunter, Gordon and Andrew at the Stadium

Cumorah at the Stadium

Mommy, Catherine, Rebecca, Tayton and Megan
at the Bell Tower

At the duck pond
(Front to back: Rebecca, Janette, Andrew,
Catherine, Tannin and Tayton)

Tannin and Tayton

Tayton and Gordon running down the hill by the Library

Aren't they just so cute? Incidentally, the first set of pictures was taken with my camera, the second with my camera phone. So...I guess my phone has as good quality as my handheld camera? :D

Wednesday, everyone went to a surprise 50th bday party for Uncle Randy. I had school and work so I didn't get to go, but I stayed and took care of Grandma. I hear the party went really well and that everyone had fun!

Anyway, they all left on Thursday to visit a few of Megan's relatives. And today Wendy is going to arrive! We're so excited and feel so blessed to be able to spend so much time this summer with those we love. Andrew goes into the MTC on Wednesday, I think, and we'll miss him, but it's good to know he'll be doing the Lord's work!

Thanks for being patient with these long posts, take care!

UPDATE 7/15/09: Iowa Fujas, Andrew's "Farewell," Oregonians, and 4th of July!

2009-07-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, Massive Update!

I'll add pictures later as I go, because they're scattered all over the place and I'll be lucky if I get to everything in text today.

Hortons!

Okay, so the Hortons came over for about...2 weeks, I think. We had so much fun and it was great to see them! I can hardly believe Madison is going to be going to college in the fall (it is in the fall, right?). They are very outdoorsy people, and we tried some great new foods with them (by the way, Aunt Danette, did you give my mom the recipe for your pickle dip?). I didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked (school and work), but they hiked the Y and played lots of games with us. One day we went to the Scera pool, and I had fun playing with Erin, Catherine, and Jacob. Matt and Gordon "played" too...mostly by splashing us girls until we had squealed enough to satisfy them! ;D Another day we went laser-tagging, and I fulfilled my life's role of making sure no one else has to place last. Heehee! I love laser-tagging, but--let's face it--my aim is horrible and my hiding skills are worse. Anyway...I think everyone had fun and I had a wonderful surprise clean shower after the fun (Thanks again, Madison)!

4th of July and Balloon Handling

During that time was the 4th of July. I had the difficult decision of whether to help rehydrate the Marching Band (which I LOVE), or be a big balloon carrier. I finally decided on the balloon because my family is likely to be doing marching band for a while yet, and who knows when I will next have the opportunity to hold a rope attached to a big balloon? So I got up at about 6:30, and waited around until they started blowing up my ward's balloon. It took until 9, because the helium company hadn't brought enough hoses, but we eventually got "the Lady herself" (our affectionate name for our Madeline balloon) on her feet. In all the shuffle I ended up with a rope that attached to the top brim of her hat. This meant that I was on the very outside of about 30 people who handling the Lady. Starting down the parade route, I thought, "Man, this is so much easier than rehydrating!" I still missed the band, but I got to chat with Mr. LeVar (former band director) before the parade, as the Lehi High band was right in back of us. Then we started down the route in earnest...and I realized I was in trouble. People ask you to spin the big balloons, and...I died. You see, I'm not in the best shape, and I have short legs. Being on the outside, I had the longest distance around the circle to run. And I mean RUN. When the balloon is capable of pulling you off your feet if you don't keep up, you tend to do things like that.

Illustration of my position in the group

In addition to this, the people who were deciding to spin the balloon were in the middle of the group, so they had no idea how tired the rest of us were. And when the people chanted for us to spin the Lady even though we had just finished spinning her...they figured, what's the harm? They did, however, say no to the one guy who was yelling, "Flip her! Flip her!" :) By the end of the parade I was just praying I wouldn't faint in front of all these people. But I made it, took a short rest to help deflate the balloon, then ran back to try and catch the Timpanogos Marching Band. I didn't make it (I made it just as they were finishing), but Janette was good enough to play "Yankee Doodle" for me.

I rode the bus home with the band and yelled "Hi!" to everyone we passed. We passed some missionaries, and I think they got a kick out of a bus full of kids singing "Called to Serve." XD Then I went home and slept. I hadn't known I was going to the family home, so I hadn't brought my contacts...so Daddy was good enough to go get me a contact case (which turned out to be awesomely glow-in-the-dark) and solution to stay at the house. That way I got to sleep. After that we had a fantastic dinner and fireworks with the Hortons. I'll spare you my rant on people who think they're too good for the law and don't care about burning down other peoples' houses with their illegal fireworks (heehee;D) and just say it was fun. It's weird to think this is the last time Andrew will be doing our fireworks for 2 whole years! By the time we got to bed I was totally beat.

Okay, what have I yet to talk about?

Oh, yeah!

Andrew's Farewell

We had a whole bunch of people here! Wyoming Fujas (by the way, that Seussical dvd was awesome and I want to actually see the play now) and California Bells came, Iowa Fujas, Grandma Bowns, and a whole slew of friends! Andrew gave an amazing talk on being a tool in the Lord's hands. I wish we had taped it. Mommy cried and even Daddy teared up a little! I got to sing "Armies of Helaman" with the choir, too. After Sacrament Meeting, I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with my friend Becca. We both agreed that life is a lot harder after high school, and that there's something wrong with men "our age" (she's about a year younger than I am). ;D

We then went home and had a delicious Hawaiian haystack dinner with the Alvarez family and other family members. It was fun to see them again. The Uncles gave Andrew special mission ties and a few words of advice, which was great to see. We then went to an "openhouse" at the Bowns home. Andrews friends came and played games, and everyone signed his tablecloth. Tayton, Hunter and Cumorah did their job of charming the pants (or skirts) off of everyone they met, even though they were very tired and hot. After that...came home and collapsed into bed, nervous for a Spanish test the next day (I did okay on it, don't worry ;D).

Well, that's it for today. I'll talk more about Iowa Fujas tomorrow. Get ready for picture pandemonium! :D

To Everyone.

2009-07-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

I am sorry to anyone who's feelings were hurt by my most recent entry. I have another journal where I vent my more private feelings, and it has an option to cross-post into this blog. I thought I had turned off that option with that post, but apparently it didn't happen. I have edited the entry to make my feelings a little clearer, and will post and perhaps elaborate on the edit here.

EDIT: I do realize that this makes me sound hateful toward my family, so let me clarify. I do love these people, but it bothers me that the majority is bending to the few because they're afraid the few will be offended if they don't. I don't approve of letting them steamroll over all of us. Uncles and aunts who like the tradition say "Grandma and Grandpa decided this, so we deal with it, and you deal with it because you were born a cousin." Well, I know that "Grandma and Grandpa" only said "okay" to the idea because they were afraid some uncles/aunts would get offended and have major family fallout if they didn't. So basically, the majority of uncles/aunts, cousins AND grandma/grandpa are keeping quiet and being run over by a few for the sake of "family unity." And I don't approve of that. It seems too much like what's happening in the world today. As my mom says often, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Well, then why don't the rest of us be a little more squeaky about this situation instead of just saying "Well, I guess, whatever..." THAT'S what's bothering me. That and this whole, "You were born this way (a cousin), so you don't get a vote." Yeah, that just great. You know, this is like taxation w/o representation! Grr. I love these people, and love to spend time with them, but it seems like they don't want to think about or spend time with the family, and I know others share the feeling.

That being said, I apologize if the way I feel offends you. I felt I had to vent and did so in what I thought was a private way. I will not apologize for my feelings, as they are based on what I have seen and experienced. If some other evidence comes to light or is explained to me, I will consider it and revise my opinion accordingly. Until then, I hope you all will know that I love you--but that I am human, and have things to work on like everyone else.
If you have trouble with my feelings and opinions, let that trouble be with me and no one else.
Happy Birthday.

PS To the people who are coming here soon (you know who you are), I am sooooo excited! I'm counting the days!

PPS I hope to start updating this blog more--with more mundane posts and perhaps some pictures--so keep watching!

Oh, BROTHER! Or rather...UNCLE.

2009-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

4th of July. We and the Hortons get together, and someone suggests we draw Christmas names now. Let me explain to you: It has been a tradition that we get together, put everyone's names in a hat or bowl (grandma, grandpa, uncles and aunts, and cousins) and draw names for Christmas. You get a person's name, you buy them a little gift for the family Christmas party. Those who are unable to make it to the part mail their gifts and get their gifts in the mail. It's a nice little tradition that helped you think of the people in the family, think of what they might like. The anticipation of surprising the person you drew and of the surprise you might receive always extended the Christmas feeling a little more, and since the drawing was always random and fair, and it was a surprise who you got.

Until...

Some people decided they were drawing other people "too often." These people tried to devise a "rotating schedule" to ensure that they didn't get those people. They also felt that what certain people gave and what they got was unequal ("It's the thought that counts" apparently isn't enough). When that didn't work, all heck broke loose. It was decided (among the aunts and uncles, some talking until they were blue in the face to prove their point, the others who didn't really care not standing up and caring...and NOBODY asked the cousins) that instead of drawing names and giving individual gifts "we" would put money into a bank account or some such thing and do a big "family reunion" every 3 or 4 years...or was it every other year? That way, you don't actually have to think about any individual person, you don't have to give your family any more thought than just writing a check. In addition, the families who can't come to the reunion...well, they don't have to deal with it at all! And let's face it...people are more likely to have Christmas free for a family party of a few days than the a week in the summer (when there are sports camps, marching band practices, summer jobs...) The cousins who were upset by this were given talking-tos by the uncles and aunts.

The first year, a few cousins and a few of the uncles and aunts who actually liked the tradition drew names on their own and exchanged gifts, as well as putting money into the bank. The reunion was lovely and all had fun. And although it was not the same, it was good. The second year the same thing happened, minus the reunion because it was not the year for it.

Then came July 4th, 2009. Someone asks the innocent question: "So, are we drawing names now?" And all of a sudden there's a big discussion. Since this year was supposedly a year for a reunion (and thus we see how well THAT is working, since there has been no reunion...families are busy with their own stuff), people are concerned that someone--who came up with the idea for both the rotating schedule and cutting out drawing names-- will be upset if we draw names anyway. So what do we do?

We do NOTHING. Yep, that's right! No reunion, no drawing names. No Christmas tradition whatsoever, not even a semblance of the thing. The architects of the whole thing are so lucky--they no longer have to even deal with the family by even writing a check! I bet they're so happy!

I, however, am not. And I know a few cousins who are not happy, either. But then again, we're only "children." We don't count.

Happy Christmas.

EDIT: I do realize that this makes me sound hateful toward my family, so let me clarify. I do love these people, but it bothers me that the majority is bending to the few because they're afraid the few will be offended if they don't. I don't approve of letting them steamroll over all of us. Uncles and aunts who like the tradition say "Grandma and Grandpa decided this, so we deal with it, and you deal with it because you were born a cousin." Well, I know that "Grandma and Grandpa" only said "okay" to the idea because they were afraid some uncles/aunts would get offended and have major family fallout if they didn't. So basically, the majority of uncles/aunts, cousins AND grandma/grandpa are keeping quiet and being run over by a few for the sake of "family unity." And I don't approve of that. It seems too much like what's happening in the world today. As my mom says, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Well, then why don't the rest of us be a little more squeaky about this situation instead of just saying "Well, I guess, whatever..." THAT'S what's bothering me. That and this whole, "You were born this way (a cousin), so you don't get a vote." Yeah, that just great. You know, this is like taxation w/o representation! Grr.

Keep Zi's House!

2009-06-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

My friend Zi (name has been changed) recently posted about some problems she's been having. I can't even imagine being in this position myself, let alone having 2 kids and a husband to take care of! She says:

"As most of you know, my husband was laid off the first week of February. He had worked for the same company for years and had worked previously with his bosses so they had a lot of history. They actually recruited him from another job with the promise of fully-paid health insurance and a manager position that paid hourly, not salary. Fast forward to September 2008 when they decided to change the game due to the economy. Instead of working 55 hours a week, they cut him back to 45 hours a week, which took about $200 off his paycheck each week. So we started to fall behind on bills. Then in December 2008, they told him that he would have to pay for half his health insurance, to the tune of $160 a week. So we fell even farther behind on bills, even though I was working full time as well. Well, after speaking to them repeatedly and trying to work something out he was laid off. They called it "restructering". I call it pretty fucking shitty. 6 weeks without him not working really took a toll on our finances. I did the best I could, but the bills just kept piling up even though I was making partial payments. When he finally got a job, he immediately set up a payment plan with our mortgage company so that we wouldn't lose our house. For 2 months he never brought home a paycheck, it went right to our mortgage payments. He had to cancel one payment so that he could send some money to other bills and when he called them back to make a payment and set up another group of automatic withdrawels from his bank account, he was told that our account had been suspended and that we would have to wait to get the notice in the mail. Two weeks was all it took for them to make the big decision on us. We were foreclosed on. We have until July 17th to send the attorney handling our foreclosure $9600.00 to reinstate our mortgage or they will auction our house off on July 20th. As of right now, we still need to pull over $6000.00 out of our asses and it isn't looking good. I'm freaking out...crying a lot and trying to not let the kids know that we will most likely be moving in 2 weeks."

So to sum up: Her husband was lied to repeatedly by his company, causing him to lose money, and then is laid off. Even though Zi is working, the money from her paycheck goes towards paying part of bills and food, not mortgage. Her husband gets a new job and his paychecks go to mortgage. Bills come fully due, and husband has to cancel a mortgage payment to pay bills. Even though he calls them back promptly to make the payment, he is told he must wait until they decide what to do about him. They decide to foreclose unless he can pay a certain amount to keep his home.

This girl is a dear friend of mine, and my heart aches to hear what her little family is going through. I keep thinking I must be able to do something, yet I am only a college student with financial problems of my own. I can afford to give a little, but not enough.

So I turn to you, my dear friends. Since you know me, you know how rare it is that I get involved in this sort of thing. Heck, I don't even forward emails without checking them out first! ;D But this is serious. PLEASE, if you can, give a little. All this money goes directly to Zi and her family. I hope that even if we don't get enough to keep them in their house, we can do what we can to ease the burden for them. Perhaps our donations can pay for groceries or pay a bit of an outstanding bill. My friends, I know you to be empathic people, and I don't know what more to say. Every little bit helps, and please keep them in your prayers.

Blah

2009-01-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know. But that's how I feel right now. Blah. Got a live event coming up, I'm excited for that, and for the surprise I'm getting Gordon...

Homework is behind because I really really REALLY can't afford the books...but I guess I'm gonna have to buy them sooner or later...I'm not sure if I'm working MLK day, I don't remember having to work it before (meaning I think we're closed), but Max may make us work any since no one put the signs up...

Blah.

So Blessed (ha)

2008-10-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

This may sound stereotypical, but: I am so grateful for the gospel! I just found out one of my friends who lives a ways away is going to have a baby. Unfortunately, this wonderful news is complicated by a few...things. Her divorce isn't final, and the father of the child refuses to grow up enough to marry until he reaches the age he has picked out for himself. I helped her as best I could, since what's done is done...

But I am so grateful for the guidelines the gospel gives me. If I were having to deal with that...well, there is no way I could deal with that. The gospel is really here, those guidelines are here to keep us happy! Compared to her, my life is uncomplicated and care free! So Heavenly Father gives us these guidelines that will make us happy, and then if we keep them He gives us more blessings, as well as help when we need it...encouragement when we despair...

I've really been stressing out about teaching lately. There's so much to do and remember, those little minds are in my hands! Any little mistake could ruin them. So I stress, especially with my practicum coming up. Then there was that talk in conference. I didn't even ask Heavenly Father for help with that particularly, and there it was: "Anyone can teach." Of course, it did say when they were directed well, which I have been...but the Spirit really hit me. I know he was talking to CES educators, but at that time the Spirit basically said to me: "You can do this. You've been taught, you can do this." Isn't that wonderful?! I'm going to try and hang on to that thought as I go into the schools. Apparently the school I'm in is 70% hispanic and in a poorer area, so I'm sort of apprehensive, but I can do this.

I love my Heavenly Father, and everything He has given me.

El Ed Majors

2008-09-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Some things I've learned about El Ed Majors:
--They are permanently behind
--They love it when you put stickers on their midterms...and if those stickers happen to be scratch-n-sniff...there goes the evening!
--They walk around using words like "positive reinforcement"
--They're classes are the ones where grades truly don't really matter
--If there is a 3 hour class, there will always be treats
--Markers, crayons and scissors are required class material (bonus for smelly markers or crayons)
--No matter what it is, if it smells like lemon, grape, cherry, etc. it is that much better
--They're the only ones who get up for class at 6 and try to put it in a good light

Busy, busy, BUSY!

2008-09-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I really am looking forward to the weekend simply because it gives me more time to do homework. And I don't actually get that much time, because I work on Saturday! I feel like there is NO way I am ever going to keep abreast of everything, much less ahead.

I am hungry. I really need to remember to bring food to class these days, because I'm in class over meals.

Do I like Ike?

2008-09-13T04:38:00.001-07:00

6 am: *yawn* I've been up since 3 this morning...tracking hurricane Ike. Daniel and Wendy are living in Houston now, and we're all praying for their and little Spencer's safety. We're a little worried, because we're hearing reports of fire and tornados as well as flooding and such.

Today is Janette's Homecoming dance, and she is very excited. We're all excited for her, too. Later today I'll probably be going with her when she gets her hair done. I hope I'm not too tired for that.

As well as tracking Ike, to keep myself occupied, I've been doing homework for my "Blended" classes (part online, part in class). It's ridiculous how much they expect you to get done in such a short time. For example, in my multicultural class they want me to get about 10 assignments done in one day, in and around work and things, and the gabmail they want us to use isn't even working, and their emails are wrong...Really silly.

Update: We just got a text from Daniel saying they are okay but power is out.

Chocolate Cake for Breakfast

2008-08-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yes! I am having chocolate cake for breakfast! "DAD IS GREAT! GIVE US THE CHOCOLATE CAKE!" For those of you who don't know that quote, go listen to Bill Cosby--Himself. It's a classic.

So. Why am I having chocolate cake for breakfast, you ask? Actually, Andrew insisted that I have something more breakfast-y first, so I'm having life cereal, and then chocolate cake. Well, Daddy woke me up this morning telling me that we were going to pay my tuition. So I ran out of the house without breakfast. We didn't get tuition payed because the university no longer accepts VISA, but I did get a locker in the WSC that is going to be great.

Coming back home, I was hungry, and the first thing I saw was chocolate cake. As Cosby says: "Children have the ability to see through...and find the wrong thing." So...voila! Chocolate cake for breakfast!

PS: Please keep our family's financial situation in your prayers. Thank you!

Hack Hack Hack

2008-08-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's coughing time again! For those of you who know me, that's about half of the year. ;D I'm in the dry hack stage now, so I'm once again chain-sucking on cough drops. Does anyone know if that Zicam stuff really works?

On the up side, I'm about 5 days into my 2 or so week break. It's been really nice. I got to go home for a couple of days, which was GREAT! I love being able to hug Mommy good night, there's something special about it. Catherine was really excited to have me there, and liked to lay on my lap. Unfortunately, that means she has developed a cold, too. Sorry, Baby!

G-ma, G-pa, Andrew and I went up to SLC for the day yesterday. We rode the express bus there, and I found out my bus pass gets me on without even having to pay any extra! Woohoo! However, bus pass prices are increasing this Fall, so I won't be able to afford one any more (bummer). Anyway, we went around to a bunch of sites, and ate lunch at the Lion House (yum)!

Andrew and me in front of the All is Well monument

Today, I'm going to go to my BFF's house for a sleepover. I'm bringing many, many cough drops so hopefully it won't be too bad for her. We're going to tie dye stuff...if I can find anything to tie dye. I don't have many things for that. ;D Anyway, it's going to be fun!

Oh! In other fun news...Janette passed her roading test for her driver's licence! I can't believe she's a legal driver already...she seems waaay too young. Or maybe I'm way too old. XD Either way, she was really worried about this so I'm very glad she did well. I kept telling her she would, but you know her! Runs in the family, I guess.

C'est La Vie!

2008-08-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

I've been memorizing this Japanese song called "C'est la vie" for...oh, about 24 hours now. So far I have 1 1/2 verses down, and one verson of the chorus. But I can't get it out of my head! And when I start thinking the melody, I start trying to think of the words...it's driving me BONKERS! I can't concentrate on much of anything for any period of time.

The problem is, I really want to memorize this song, I love it! So I'm going to keep torturing myself because I don't want to forget what I've already memorized...wow.

Anyway, only about 5 more days of school. Isn't that crazy? I'm really nervous about my cohort coming up in Fall. I'm way out in the Jordan school district. So that means during my cohort I'll be getting up at 6, staying at the school until 4, then driving like mad to get to work at 5, work from 5-8, then go home and do homework. I'm really scared! I've never planned lessons or taught much...I sure hope they teach you how to do that before they just throw you in with 15-20-30 school children.

I'm really looking forward to this 2-week break coming up. As long as I don't have this song stuck in my head!

Atsui kimici wa C'est la vie
Watashi ga watashi de iru kagiri.
C'est la vie! Antata o aisituduketai....

Life Lately

2008-07-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so! (Yes, I know that's not a full sentence.)

Andrew is home and doing absolutely great. He's even feeling well enough to threaten me with pain if I post another picture of him on the blog. Ha!

This week a lot happened. Friday, everybody helped move Daniel and Wendy's stuff from G-ma's house into their big moving van.

Saturday, Mommy and I helped Daniel and Wendy finish moving their stuff at their house. Then Catherine, Mommy and I went swimming with the Iowa Fujas. Tayton and Catherine had great fun, and he now loves to visit with "Caff-vroom," as he calls her!

Sunday was little cousin Spencer's baby blessing, which was great. We had the tent set up in the front yard and had lunch afterwards. The wind kicked up, and everybody had fun playing "Hang On to Your Plate or Wear Your Lunch." Only two people I know of actually ended up wearing their lunch, but it was fun to watch. Later, we played other more conventional games. I taught the younger children some clapping games such as "C-C-O Playmate," and "A Sailor Went to Sea," and then "One Potata, Two Potata" and "Jen Keng Pon" (my Japanese spelling is atrocious, it's sort of a Japanese Rock Paper Scissors). Then they taught me their version of One Potata, called "Bubblegum." It's played with the skipping rope rhyme, tapping each hand as they say the rhyme. The person whose hand it ends on chooses the number of "pieces," and then they count that number, tapping the hands in the circle again. The last hand is out. We all played "Down by the Banks." Then...was it Erin or Kenya...I don't remember...one of them (I think Kenya) taught us a game called "Tic Tac Toe." This is how to play:

1) Put both hands together in a "prayer" position (flat vertically, palms together). "Brush" hands back and forth with the other player, chanting: "Tic Tac Toe, Give me an X, Give me an O. Give me a three in a row."
2) Play Rock Paper Scissors.
3) The loser bends his/her head, exposing their neck. The winner pokes their neck with a finger.
4) The loser tries to guess the finger they were poked with. If they guess right, they win. If they guess wrong, they lose.
5) The loser holds out an arm. The winner bangs their wrist, elbow joint, shoulder, elbow joint, wrist, etc. chanting: "I win, you lose, now you get a big bruise." (Or, depending if the winner wants to end somewhere different: "...a big fat bruise," or "...a great big fat bruise.") On the word "bruise," they bang hard.

As far as I can tell, the object of this game is to cause pain. Well, it can be. Matt and I played it and he hit my bad left wrist, and it still hurts! Anyway, it was fun playing with the kids. Then the whole family played "My Uncle Harvey Died Last Night," and "Brother, I've Been Bopped!"

After that, we went inside and watched a great DVD that Uncle Randy put together for G-ma and G-pa about the 50 years of their marriage. Grandma got a little teary, I noticed. You should have seen her face when Randy told her about the celebration they had planned! Classic!

Sunday was also my Daddy's birthday. He's turning an age which I have been threatened with pain if I put it in this blog. That seems to run in the family, threatening me to keep stuff out of the blog. ;P Hopefully, we're celebrating today with an ice-cream cake.

Monday was the big Golden Anniversary Celebration! We had the tent set up, banners, a TV with the movie playing, gold 50s everywhere, and big banners. We had lots of food, including meat and veggie platters, and cheesecake. People came to the openhouse, family and friends. I met a lot of people I don't know! After the openhouse, G-ma and G-pa and the siblings went to dinner at the Roof. I stayed home and babysat. It was very fun, and I got to play with Hunter and Tayton. I love those little guys!

However, I got to bed very late because of all this. So I'm very tired today. But Andrew went back to school for the first time today. Daniel and Wendy left for Texas this morning. I wish them a safe trip, but boy am I going to miss them! It's sort of unthinkable for them to be sooo far away! I wish I'd been able to get in one last sleepover or something before they left.

Also on the schedule for this week: 24th of July celebration, Finals in Children's Lit (as well as several projects due), another midterm in Old Testament, and Socorro's shower on Saturday. Holy cow, I can't believe I'm old enough that one of my good friends (my age) is getting married!

((TBC))

Homecoming!

2008-07-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

The doctor said that Andrew will probably come home early this afternoon! I am SOOO excited! I really really really want to get off work for it, I may take off a little early but taking off the whole day wouldn't be fair to Amanda (she'd be working all alone for 2 hrs). I'm soo happy!

Tender Thoughts

2008-07-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was doing my laundry, and I found some of Andrew's shirts in the dryer. Okay, I know it sounds really corny, but I had a tender moment, okay? They smelled like him. I could smell it as I carried the shirts to the counter. Yes, dorky, but...I sat and sniffed his shirts for a while. It was like...musky sandalwood. You know, Janette and I always teased him about putting on too much cologne. He would walk out of the bathroom, and you'd have to wait a while before going in or you'd walk into a cloud of cologne. But right then, that smell was one of the best smells...I missed him a lot. I admit it, I got a little teary. I don't think Janette and I will tease him very much about the way he smells anymore.

Speaking of Janette, this experience has really helped her grow. She really dislikes hospitals, and she has always refused to babysit. Those are two things she was really afraid of. Since Andrew's been in the hospital, she's sort of come to terms with these things. I'm not saying she's come to like them, but she can deal with them without having a fit. She and Rebecca take care of the kids while Mommy and Daddy are gone to the hospital/sleeping, and she comes up to the hospital to visit Andrew. She says she doesn't like the hospital, but she likes seeing him.

I also noticed that Gordon doesn't complain about Andrew like he used to. He used to...you know how little and big brothers are...he used to complain a lot. "Andrew's bugging me," "Andrew's chasing me," Andrew would try and play wrestle with him: "Andrew's trying to hurt me..." And later, "Andrew's ignoring me," "Andrew isn't around anymore..." Anyway, now he doesn't complain. I think the love between my brothers has really grown.

Rebecca and Catherine...well, Rebecca's always been wonderful with responsibility. That came into play here. I think (I hope) that she's become a little softer, though. For example, one of her favorite ways to get attention is poking. Always poking! That hurts, and can get on someone's nerves. But a few days ago she just came as we were in the hospital and lay her head on my shoulder. Needless to say, I like that a lot better. Catherine I don't see that much, because she's always at home, but I think (and hope) she's learning to behave more when there aren't parents around all the time to discipline her.

As for me...It's more difficult to look at one's self and say how one has changed. But I think I've become less squeamish. I can look and help with tubes and catheters and spit-n-rinses, and although I don't like it I don't get nauseous like I used to. I can't quite hold someone's head while they vomit, not quite there yet, but I'm coming along.

Andrew Update

2008-07-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Andrew is now onto pudding, yogurt and tomato soup. YAY! Hopefully he'll be home next week. He even took a shower yesterday (he's been avoiding that, since before the second surgery he threw up every time he took a shower)!

Depressing Day

2008-07-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

*WARNING: This post is more of a glorified rant/vent.*

I give up. You know, today started out really good. I got up at 8, washed my hair, ate breakfast, tidied up my room, started my laundry...I even darned my socks and mended clothes! I was feeling very good about what I had accomplished today.

Then they got home.

The first thing I heard when I showed G-ma my sewing was that I had wasted my time. As an afterthought, she added that she was glad I did it, but that it was still a waste of time. Oh, great. Then, since all my laundry was done but my towels, I heard about how I was cluttering up her laundry room. No, "Oh, hey, good job getting your laundry done." Nope. Then she came to my room. I had just barely moved my laundry stuff in there so G-pa could have his precious TV to himself, but it still looked okay. And I hear, "You'd better get started on this room."

I GIVE UP! There's no way I'm ever going to make these people happy, or proud. I make my own meals, and hear "Who messed up my kitchen?" I don't CARE anymore! I'll clean my room when I want, and when I think it's good enough, it's good enough, darnit! I'll do my own laundry, and I'll mend a THOUSAND socks and dresses if I feel they need it, even if it IS a waste of time! I'm tired of doing my best and getting slapped for it. I'm sick and tired of feeling bad whenever they "critique" what I'm doing. Apparently I'm not going to get any praise from them, so I'm not going to try anymore.

Zonked

2008-07-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

I'm typing this from Andrew's hospital room. He was finally able to sleep, as was Grandma. He's doing fairly well, drinking clear liquids (if you call sips drinking...I do), and walking a lot. He had called for some of his pain medication just before going to sleep, and the nurse who brought it (Ed) was very...talkative. He told us about the thymus, and a bunch of things that quite frankly we had heard before. Andrew was getting antsy because he wanted to sleep, and this nurse just kept talking. Finally, the nurse left. Andrew gave the door a sardonic look, before flinging his arm over his eyes and asking "Wasn't there a talking horse named Ed?" Grandma and I burst out laughing, but Andrew was oblivious...he was asleep.

Not all that much happened today. I did my presentation on Garth Nix, which went fairly well. I also found out that apparently my Children's Lit class ends on July 25th. My first reaction was panic, because I thought that was when the University term ended. That's fairly soon, and I was worried that Andrew might not be able to catch up in that little time. However, I checked the University schedule, and term doesn't end until August 11th. Now I'm happy, because that gives me 2 weeks without my 8 o'clock class...good time to get things done. That is, if the teacher doesn't revise the schedule. *shrug*

Anyway, that's about it. School, work, hospital. Eso es la vida! (Can't figure out how to get an upside-down exclamation point. What's the Spanish term for that?)

Progress:
Dini: 2 more paragraphs on Ch. 6, and another snippet that I'll put in later
C.B.A.C.U.T: Still threatens to be what its title says it is
Backstage Angel: On back burner, unfortunately
Xen MG Project: Art still pending approval
Mike text vid: Hope to have it out tomorrow, hospital permitting
DW Cross-stitch: Still waiting. Maybe I'll have it done in time for Spencer's graduation.

Recovery

2008-07-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Andrew is recovering from his surgery, and is finally on "sips." This means that he is allowed to take very very small sips of clear liquids. He's been taking it really slow, despite the fact that his throat is dry. I think that's good, so he will heal okay.

I have a presentation on Garth Nix (one of my favorite authors) on Friday. I'm supposed to tell about how his life affected his writing, and make a handout. I think it will turn out pretty well.

In other news, yesterday was Tayton Fuja's birthday! I can't believe he's two. Happy birthday, little cousin!~

Today we got a new trainee at work. Listen to this...her name is Brooke! Teehee. Anyway, I love training people because it lets me feel smart, but I always feel like I'm overloading them with information. I remember when I started work here. I was so overwhelmed! With the prices, the machines, the customers...Now, two years later, everything is sort of old hat. Once in a while you'll get a job that surprises you or that you really have to think hard about, but not very often.

I'll get back to work now. Bye!

Work Progress:
Dini: Ch. 6...stuck
C.B.A.C.I.T.: Conceptualizing, Ch. 1...stuck
Backstage Angel: Conceptualizing...back burner
Ananda M.G. Project: Art Approval Pending
Mike Text Vid: Clips ordered, working on text
D&W Cross-stitch: Stuck, back burner

In Again

2008-07-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Andrew went in for another surgery at 1:05 pm today to relieve a partial bowel obstruction. That's the reason he hasn't been able to keep anything down. Heavenly Father willing, this will solve many of his problems and he can begin recovery instead of just remaining in trouble. He's going to have to be in the hospital another three days to a week, but at least now we know what is going on. We remain very hopeful! Please keep Andrew in your prayers.

Hot, Hot, HOT!

2008-07-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Me with my "Late Night" face

Okay, when I'm hot, you know the temperature is up there. Because I'm the one who's cold at 75 degrees. At least I got to spend most of today in a nice cool hospital, and class, and work.

All right, Andrew update. So...he's not well yet. They had hoped to release him today, but he started vomiting, so obviously that's not good. Honestly, I really wanted to be there with him, or at least to be there with Mommy...but there's not much I could do. I stayed with Mommy from about 8 am to 10 am (when I had to go to class), but I really just got in the way. I feel so useless! I know Mommy is stressed, and I hate seeing Andrew like this...He's so pale, and you know even though he's my little brother he's always been the sort of stoic it-doesn't-bother-me type. Always did things for himself, you know? And he's doing great...it's just...I don't know. I wish I could do something more to help. So I worry a lot and pray really, really hard.

My Brave Little Bro

He's doing good, though. I mean, he's walking and stuff. I just keep thinking how blessed we are that this didn't happen earlier, when Daddy was out of a job and without insurance. Or later, when Andrew was on his mission (wouldn't that have been something). Thank heaven for small favors.

And amidst all of this, Fred is trying to get me to work more hours for people who decided to leave last minute! I'm sorry, but I'm already stressed, and I have an exam that weekend, and he's trying to guilt me into it. He keeps saying, "Well, I could have talked Max into closing for the weekend, but somebody closed 30 minutes early on a Saturday..." Okay, I did that. I made a decision, and it turned out to be a mistake. But I am not taking Saturdays till the end of time for people because of that mistake! I got reprimanded and everything, I feel I've paid my dues.

Sorry. I'm just really really stressed and tired. But I can't sleep. *sigh...*

P.S. Doesn't the movie "A Series of Unfortunate Events" have one of the most dissatisfying endings of all time? Ha!

Update: Andrew's Appendicitis

2008-07-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

You know how Andrew was sick? Well, he went in to the hospital today with appendicitis. Apparently, his appendix had leaked and he was getting gangrene in there...the doctor said the surgery went fine. There's a 5-7 percent chance of getting an abscess stomach or something, and if that happens they'll just drain it and be fine.

Poor Andrew! I know they said he's fine, but... No matter how big he gets, he's always my little brother, and I love him and worry about him so much.

Please keep him in your prayers so he'll recover okay. You know the two things he was most worried about as they put him under? His classes, and dehydration!

Triumph...and an inferiority complex

2008-07-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, yeah. Picture. *sigh...*

This was a much better idea when I actually looked good. (teehee) I'm on campus right now, so the lighting isn't great. I'm looking off to the side because I'm watching a spider who seems determined to get where I am. I don't want to kill it right now...but if it climbs up on me...beware. I'm sitting between two EFY classes right now. Apparently one is called "I spy a Nephite" and the speaker is in costume.

Okay. Triumph! My project of the day was finding...was it Ryann? Sorry, gals, that day is so mixed up for me I don't remember which one of you said you subscribed to my blog. I figured the least I could do is subscribe to yours. By the way, thanks for the tip about Google Reader. Anyway, I couldn't do it the easy way and ask for the url. Nope, I got to be miss Nancy Drew and search for it! I found lostboy's first, and was reasonably sure that the Ryann he was talking about was my Ryann...but reasonably sure usually doesn't cut it over the internet. So I went looking for Ryanns (since he doesn't have a link to it, silly boy), and found it! SUCCESS!

Now I have an inferiority complex, because I read some of his posts, and he is way cool. I mean, his blog is. I wish I were one of those people who can write creative things like that, and make my life seem interesting...but right now...not much to tell. I've never really been one to keep up on recent events (the news was a banned subject in my house because it's too depressing)...

So I'm going to try and be creative...Oh, someone wrote a letter into the university newspaper about how the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Myers is pornography. They say it "creates unrealistic expectations" for girls concerning boys. I can just imagine this person's girlfriend reading the series, putting it down, looking at her slightly lazy boyfriend and saying, "Why can't you be more like that?"

Anyway, it's completely ridiculous, no? First of all, look at the definition of pornography. Dictionary.com defines it as: "Sexually explicit pictures, writing, or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal." Well, the Twilight series is definitely not that. So let's look at a less secular source: LDS.org.
LDS.org states that pornography is: "Pornography is any material depicting or describing the human body or sexual conduct in a way that arouses sexual feelings." The Twilight series doesn't do that either.

I suppose I can see where the person is coming from. 1) There is a talk about why pornography is bad, one of the reasons being that is creates unrealistic sexual expectations. This letter-writer seems to have generalized that to all expectations. 2) One of the main characters clearly wants to have sex without marriage. I don't agree with that, but that does not make the books pornography. 3) Descriptions of kisses are aimed to give warm fuzzies, or make kissing sound really good. But it never goes any farther than a kiss.

Honestly, if the Twilight books are pornography (raising expectations being the only qualification for pornography according to the letter writer), so are half the books written. What young girl hasn't expected her husband-to-be to be a Prince Charming, like in Cinderella? What girl hasn't wished at one time or another for a boyfriend like so-and-so from such-and-such? Honestly, girls naturally have unrealistic expectations about romantic things. They dream about a spectacular first kiss, a romantic boyfriend, an amazing proposal, and an idyllic life. Does that mean that girls are naturally pornographic?

I strongly suggest that the letter writer re-examine what the General Authorities have said about pornography. His comments are ridiculous!

Anyway, I have to get to work.

Marshmallows? sniff...

2008-06-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'm staying home from FHE because I still have ten more PAGES of Old Testament homework to cross-reference. Ugh! Needless to say...depressed a little. I mean, I'm missing roasting marshmallows! *sobs* I love roasting marshmallows!

Honestly, my life is sooo busy right now...I get up, go to Children's Lit, run to Old Testament (because the Children's Lit teacher usually goes a bit over, and the O.T. teacher hates you to be late), then run to work. Then I work...which is crazy. Every day seems crazier than the last...and every day I think "It can't possibly get any crazier." Maybe I should stop thinking that, eh?

Anyway, then I come home, do my Old Testament homework, and get to bed at 10:00 pm. The O.T. teacher told us that we should plan on doing the University's "recommendation" of 3 hrs of homework per credit hour. That means 6 hours of homework for his class. So far, that prediction has been correct. YUCK!

Andrew has a little stomach flu, I feel really bad for him because nausea is my least favorite feeling of all time...and he had a date planned for tonight. So sad! I really hope he gets better soon.

I hear grandma talking to Mommy on the phone. I think she's mad at me for not going to FHE. So now I'm going to get a talking to from my mother (bless her heart) about how I'm falling away from the church...I'm sorry, but it's either miss an FHE (*sigh...* marshmallows...) or get a B or worse in this class. I just know she's going to find some way to link this to my pierced ears...I love her.

Anyway, speaking of homework, I better get on mine.

"Yesterday"

2008-06-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

I've decided that before my posts I'm going to start putting a picture of me exactly as I am at the moment. So this is me being tired and having no makeup on at all. Yay! Ugh...

Today I was listening through all my iTunes stuff (lots of Old Testament homework), and came upon the son "Yesterday" by...the Beatles. I think. Band names are the bane of my existance!

Anyway, I had to smile, because I remember my Show and Chamber choir singing that one in 2006. At the time...the song did not make me smile. I was going through a really rough time, trying to get scholarships and keep grades up, having a tight schedule, and dealing with my now-ex-sort-of-boyfriend.

For anyone who doesn't know the story I'll give the reader's digest version: This boy, I'll call him Manuel, liked me. He was friends with another boy that I really liked to hang out with, and finally Manuel asked me out. Because of this, the other boy stepped back. That made me sad. To make things worse (sort of), Manuel and I kept going out. We weren't really an item (at least, never in my mind), but he was the only one who ever asked me out...so he was the only one I dated. And I could NOT figure out why I wasn't crazy about Manuel! He was everything on my list! He respected him mom, opened doors for me, had a good head on his shoulders, was very intelligent, complimented me a lot, was romantic...he even sang! But I just didn't feel like I could be myself around him. So the guy I liked was staying away, and the guy that was okay thought that we were more serious than I did.

So. Life problems, love problems...and I think there was something going on at home that was hard for me...maybe someone was ill, or something. I don't remember. Add that to the fact that I have a major problem with growing up...it just seems sometimes that life's passing me by before I can grab onto enough of it. But I couldn't keep from crying when we sang this song in Show and Chamber. I actually had to step out of the room. I mean, the lyrics:

"Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away,

Now it looks as though they're here to stay,"

Well, I sure had troubles, and at the time it didn't seem like they were ever going to end. I saw no end in sight.

"Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play,

Now I need a place to hide away..."

Speaks for itself. And there were times I literally hid from Manuel because I just didn't want to deal with him right then.

Anyway, the point is, now I look back on that and smile! It's really a testament to me about how life has ups and downs, but the downs always end! I've been in many hard places since then and each time have not been able to see a way out--an ending-- to all the darkness around me. It seemed like I would go on in shadow forever, but I was determined to go on, believing that somewhere on the other side of this down there HAD to be an up. And I was right! There was always an up. Sometimes it took a lot of courage and admitting I had messed up, but there definitely was an up. How wonderful it is that our Heavenly Father has provided for us a way to gain this experience, and a way to get up from our downs! It takes courage, and admitting that we've messed up, and some definite work to get up from the down...but it is possible, and He helps us every step of the way!

My Pierced Ears Story

2008-06-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Me with my newly pierced ears

Well, it's finals week again (week...two days...ugh). And then I get a whole 2 day break before the next term. On the up side, my ear piercing seems to be healing fine.

I promised some people I would tell the story, so here it is: My friend and I started out from my house around noon. I had google maps directions, and even a little ipod virtual trip to the place. Getting there happened pretty much without incident, except that it was raining buckets at times, but that's normal for here. When we got to the piercing parlor, she gave me my birthday present. It was a card that sang "Bad to the Bone" (her statement on my mini-rebellion, lol), and some earrings. Then we went in. The place was burning lots of incense, which took a while to get used to. Incense usually makes my head ache.

...

Okay, back from work. Anyway, so we walk up to the counter, fill out forms that asked a lot of stuff (including my myspace...wow), and picked out my studs. Then we waited for a bit, then "Ed" took us back and pierced my ears. Not much to tell about that. He tried to make me at ease...my best friend told me later that I looked like I was going to faint. I didn't feel like it, and I wasn't all that nervous, but whatever. I was more nervous that I was going to faint, because that would be embarrassing...meh. He took 30 minutes to mark my ears, and then finally had me lay down, covered my face except my ear with tissue paper, and stuck the needl---

>>>BLUE<<< style="font-style: italic;">

That was Andrew. He's a dork (but I love him). Anyway, so he stuck the needle through my left ear, and put the earring in, and then he did the right ear. He did this one more slowly and I heard it pop. Oh, joy. Then it was done. They said if the piercing felt dry I should use emu oil. Emu oil?! Who has emu oil?! Anyway, so on the way back....long story short, my friend and I got hopelessly lost and ended up halfway across the state. So much for road trips without GPS, or any bathrooms in sight. Never again, I tell you!!! Well, eventually we made it home, and I fell into bed. and that's pretty much it.

Major craziness!

2008-06-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been a while. But I actually have a legitimate excuse...I got into my major! YAY! So I've been in major classes for the first time. I actually really like them most days.

Advanced Writing: Since I'm taking this advanced writing class Spring instead of Fall or Winter (the way it's usually taken), the workload is due a lot sooner (which means I had about a week to write a 10 page paper). But the teacher is pretty cool about turning things in a little later as long as we're up front with him about every little problem so he knows WHY he's getting it late, and he's great with revisions and stuff.

Math: It's really fun learning how to teach math and stuff, although I have to do a 25-minute presentation on Fibonacci numbers (25 minutes just for ME...oh joy). It's interesting to go home an test the stuff out on Catherine and Gordon and actually see that they do solve problems the way the Carpenter study says they do (for people who don't know what that is, basically Carpenter studied a whole bunch of grammar school students and found consistent ways they solve math problems).

Music: Just a BLAST! We get to do autoharps and recorders, and I'm actually getting to sound okay on both of them! At times it's sort of frustrating and boring because we spend a lot of time explaining scales and key signatures to those who can't get them. I don't really mind that. But when I heard one of the girls in my music class complaining about it (we were in math at the time), and saying that "It's like she expects you to already know half this stuff...I'm not musical..." I felt like standing up and saying, "We just spent a whole HOUR on scales yesterday, just for you...and now you're complaining that we don't help you enough?!" On top of that, when she was taking the test I noticed that she had positioned herself right in front of the scale chart and was just copying it down, so I guess she doesn't really want to learn it. But all in all the music class is SOOO fun! I even have the same teacher that my mom worked a summer for when she was in the program!

Other than that...I got my ears pierced for my 20th birthday! I actually like it, the fact that I can wear earrings and not even feel them. Andrew graduated (making me feel old, haha) and is going to be moving in sometime pretty soon here. When I get screenshots from the footage we took I'll post them here. I was soooo proud of my little brother! He starts here Summer term, so that will be fun.

Drowzzzzzziness

2008-02-29T10:32:00.001-08:00

I'm very tired. I don't know why, I think I got to bed in plenty of time last night. But my sinuses ache, and my eyes feel gritty. I should be studying for a test, but I just can't THINK right now! I would take a nap (my next class doesn't start for a bit), but I forgot my contact case.

On the up side, work went okay today. Fred gave me a cute folder that had been sitting in the L&F Originals for a while. And later today (in Drawing class), we'll be doing self-portraits by the Grid Method. I'm pretty excited as to how mine will turn out. At least, I would be if I weren't so darned tired!

Mommy says I need to have the house cleaned by tomorrow morning. I was thinking that would be no problem, but with how tired I am and getting home at 7 pm...Ick.

On the up side, Grandma and Grandpa will be coming home very soon. And I got new socks! Yay!

Happy Time

2007-11-10T14:33:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is going to be a happy post. Yes, I know you're surprised, but it IS going to be happy. I have a head cold, so everything, like, echoes. BUT it makes my singing sound cool, and I can sing really low. Janette came over last night, and we had a fun sleepover. I found this really good instant chow mein at Maceys. The thing is, it's sort of expensive. I may go to my house and make some of the Keli'iliki's noodle stuff. It can be frozen, so I could just take some out and thaw it when I want some. Sounds good, neh? Anyways, G-ma and G-pa should be back from Wyoming soon. I really hope they had a good time.

I am SOOO ready for Thanksgiving break. It is going to be so fun! Oh, hey, I have a presentation for religion on Monday. I think it's going to go well. At least I hope so. Anyways, I'm gonna go take a lie-down cuz I'm sort of dizzy.

Buh-Bye!

IMMA SAP

2007-11-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

Who can't resist a call from a coworker and ends up working for them? Me. Who receives Avon packages and theatre makeup for my friends? Me. That's right, I'm the international sap. This week's sap moment is when my friend (who will remain anonymous to preserve her dignity)...Well, she buys her bra at Victoria's Secret. The stores here stopped selling her kind, so she has to buy it online, right? She was going on about how if she got it delivered to her apartment, her roommates would razz her about that she's getting something for her boyfriend. She can't have it shipped to him, because...well, you know. Anyways, she COULD have rented a PO box, but...she gave me "puppy dog" eyes, and...you guessed it. I'm receiving the package for her. She figures I can put the stuff in an empty Avon box of mine.

Why do I always end up doing this? Guess I'm nice. That's good, right? Nice is good?

Anyways, I have to go study for a test. Bye!

Place holder in case I can't come up with something witty.

2007-10-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

I had to stay home today. I've got something that the doctor called "bell curve flu" (flu season came early, folks, so break out those shots!). In essence, it's a sort of series of flu "relapses" or something. One minute you'll be fine, and the next you'll be sick again. Basically, everything fluctuates. You may be tired, and then the next minute be full of energy. You may be hungry, and then take two bites and feel full to bursting. You may feel hot and cold, etc. They tell me these are the result of the fever breaking repeatedly, and then rising again.

So yeah. Guess I deserved it. No, really I do. After rereading my self-sorry post from yesterday...Why don't I take it down, you say? Because the emotions and thoughts are TRUE. Who knows, one day one of my kids may feel that way, and it would be good for them to see that I felt that way, too.

I feel better now. Still homesick, but what else is new. Mostly, I'm nervous about my Geography test tomorrow, and my Japanese class. And I'm STIR-CRAZY! I have been cooped up in the bedroom all day and I want OUT of here!

But that may just be the disease problem. Next thing you know, I'll be so tired I can't keep my eyes open. Ah, the perversity of life, eh?

Mommy came over and left some of her FABULOUS chicken dumpling soup, which I had for dinner. It's always gone too fast, but MAN is it good while it lasts.

Ever wonder why I put so many caps-locks in there? It's cuz I want emphasis and am too lazy to push "Ctrl-I."

Happiness

2007-10-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I skipped my first class today, Japanese. I know, gasp, I just...I dunno. What happened to the girl who had nothing but disdain for people who skipped? I really couldn't tell you. I don't know if I know her anymore.

Why aren't I happy? I feel like I've been just...existing. That's it. I'll get really sad sometimes, but I don't feel like I'm really happy anymore. I'm not depressed. I WON'T be depressed. I just wonder why I'm not happy. It's like the happiness is in a bubble, and I can't let it out. I feel like I've tried everything.

So now I tried skipping a class. I thought, if I could just get a break, if I could just be free for a minute of the stress...Wrong thing. It didn't help, and I think it made things worse. Cuz now I'm stressing about my grade in that class, and what I missed. It was just review, but still...

Isn't living the gospel supposed to make us happy? Isn't it the plan of happiness? What am I not doing? Why am I not happy? I went to church, I bore my testimony, I'm getting better at reading my scriptures, I pray, I'm doing extractions...Why aren't I happy? What am I doing wrong?!

I won't turn to drugs. I WILL NEVER do drugs. I know that won't make me happy.

I need a tissue. And maybe a hug.

But no one really reads this, do they? I'm just writing this for myself, I guess. Guess that's why I ramble all over the place.

Yesterday was good. My family came over, and we played games. I was happy then, I think. But I've got to be happy when my family isn't around. Gotta cut those apron strings, they say. I know they're right. I just don't know what more to do to make myself happy.

Can I force myself to be happy?

I would skip classes. I want to. I want to go home. But what would mommy say? I don't want her worrying about me, she has so much to worry about already.

Crap. I'm crying. Right in the middle of class, I'm crying.

Better stop before it gets worse.

Stiffneckedness

2007-10-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's not what it sounds, but I DO have stiff neck. Anybody have any ideas on how to ease one of those? I think I just slept on it funny, but it still hurts.

Well, Mommy is subbing for three days in an LD Resource (Learning Disability Resource) class, so she was pretty stressed out, but I know she'll do fine. It never ceases to amaze me what a wonderful teacher she is, and how she loves those children.

Poor Catherine came (went?) down with a fever of 103 on Saturday, and a cough. Does pneumonia usually carry a fever and a cough? Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I hate to see my baby feeling so miserable.

The good stuff: I got to spend the Sunday sessions of conference with my family! It was great. Our "mini-meal" (the traditional meal of finger food at the end of the first session, I'm sure it hearkens back to the ancient Israelites) was fantastic: highlights included guacamole, vienna sausages, fresh pineapple, and our clam-olive canapes that were gone within minutes of setting them on the table.

Well, as for me, I've got no news, really. Work's the same as usual, school is okay (I'm starting my first round of midterms, but the panic hasn't hit me yet. It's funny how grandma thinks because I'm having midterms, we're halfway through the semester. Nowadays, "midterm" is just a word for "test whenever I darn well want to have it." (College students: am I right or am I right?) Oh, good news: I got a 95% on a history test I was really worried about, so I'm happy.

Well, I wish I could say I won a sweepstakes or got engaged or got a new job, but none of those would be true. Just a reminder: I do take blind dates and invitations to dinner! (j/k)

That's all for now. Sorry about the big gap 'tween posts.

--Beth

PS: Daniel, I saw this morning that the Widtsoe (sp?) had a fire drill. Were you there when that happened?

PPS: I forgot to tell, I cut my hair!!! Pic below:

Sweet Iowa Corn!

2007-08-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, that sounds like a cool expletive. Anyways, that's not quite what we had for dinner last night, but we did have fresh corn on the cob. It started to rain, and we sat and ate with the smell of rain all around us. We saw a rainbow, it was really pretty.

[post under construction]

I made it!

2007-04-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Man, I made it! For the past two days I have been subbing with Mommy...resource at Orem Elementary. I was SO nervous!

(TBC)

Wyoming Fun!

2007-04-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm here in Wyoming to see my cousins perform...and to see my almost-brand-new second cousin! My grandpa won't admit he's a great-grandpa, but he IS! Take THAT, you old bozo! Haha. Anyways, the drive up was fun, and it's nice to take a break from finals. Man, on Monday I will be taking my HEPE, Religion AND HFL finals, then on Tuesday from 7 to 10 pm I'm going to be doing my World Music Cultures exam (which I am VERY nervous about. How am I supposed to tell a vina from a sarod or sitar?)
I ordered some custom-made perfume from mypamperedrose.com, so we'll see how that goes. I ordered one for Mommy that was sandalwood, rose and lemon (which I think is going to smell fine), since those are three of her favorite smells. THEN she tells me, "Well, lemon has to stand alone." Right. We'll wait 'till I recieve it and then if it doesn't smell good I'll give it to Pame or something for their birthday.
Anyway, my new cousin is ADORABLE! When he starts to cry, he snorts, and it is SOOO funny! And he has so much hair!

How to be a good Lab Partner

2007-03-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Or really, a good partner in any group assignment. Or I guess you could call this a glorified vent about my bad partner. She really nice. She's enthusiastic...sometimes. Anyway, the points:
1) When you say you'll do something, DO IT. Such as when you tell her you'll email her to tell her when you can get together to start something.
2) When your partner wants to start something (like your project), don't tell her you will "plan that when we come to it."
3) If you do happen to make that mistake, don't go ahead and do the project without her. Chances are, she's still waiting for you to email her to tell her when you can get together and "come to it."
4) If possible, don't turn down their ideas. Chances are, they think they are good ideas. This also makes them afraid to suggest anything else. Also, if you do the aforementioned three things in addition to this, it makes them feel like you are trying to do this project by yourself because you don't like their ideas. It makes them mad, and sad, and suspicious. It also makes them feel like any coincidence (such as going to your house to do the project instead of theirs) is you pushing them so that the project turns out as you want it to. This makes them not even want to deal with you, and like they want to do their own project.

I feel very productive!

2007-03-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am very proud of myself today! I got enough sleep (a miracle in itself), then got up and cleaned my room and bathroom (another miracle). Then I made a pie. Yes, that's right, I made a pie. See, last night I had a dream in which I made a pie, and I woke up with the thought that I had to make a pie. So I got Grandma to show me how to make crust, and I made a cherry pie. With lattice-weave top crust! And while I did this, I listened to my assignments for World Music cultures (studying for the test). I tell you, nothing beats making a cherry pie while listening to loud Tongan music! Then I put my whites in the washer (the washer is finally fixed, hallelujah), ate lunch, filled out the FAFSA worksheet, printed out a paper, washed my face, did my makeup, and was out the door to school on time! Wow, I'm amazing, no?

My poor family are all sick. Poor Catherine has viral bronchitis. I'm looking forward to Saturday. Listen to this schedule:
10:00-12:00 Prepare Mini-Lesson with Rebecca F.
12:00-2:00 Filming for EFY video
2:00-4:00 Study session for World Music with Megan
4:00-6:00 Family picks me up for Rebecca's b-day dinner
7:00 Get check from Sis. Clasby
Fun, fun, no?

Feeling Depressed...

2007-02-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

So, today I was sick. I hate being sick, cuz I sleep all day and then get filled with this energy that I can't DO anything with, cuz I can't leave my room. On top of that, Daniel and Wendy came over to play games, and I can't play! Also, I don't know what to do about my calling. I keep forgetting to call and do what I should! I feel so guilty, but I just FORGET! I've always lived by: "God doesn't ask about your ability, but about your availability. Then, if you prove your dependability, he will increase your capability." Problem is, I haven't been very dependable, because I feel I'm not capable. It's not procrastination or anything else, I just keep forgetting to do it. I keep thinking of asking to be released, but that would be like giving up and is unacceptable in our family. GAH! Later--Okay, Karen and I found an arrangement and now I successfully fulfill my calling. It's great!

Saturday's Over Already?!

2007-02-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Wow. I can't believe Saturday's over! Man...Now I'm depressed. Wait! Ah, man, I just realized I forgot to do my Relief Society calling. AND Maira and I didn't do our teaching! AAH! I'm a horrible person! HORRIBLE, I tell you!

Talk About Stress!

2007-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Whew...Talk about Stress. Well, Grandma and I had a looong talk last night about Colby. We agreed that I should never contact him again (or respond to him contacting me), and that I should be careful for a while. I can't believe I got myself into this mess. I look back at my 16-year-old self and want to scream: "Are you CRAZY?! Getting on a singles site, giving a guy your email, then your name, and finally your CELL PHONE NUMBER?!" I was so stupid.On top of that, I just spent more money than I should have on journals and Crest whitestrips. I also bought a New Testament. I though it had the JST integrated in red, and thought it would be useful for class. WRONG! It's a "more accurate translation" of the New Testament by some company. The part where Jesus says, "Other sheep have I..." instead says, "I have other cities to visit..." Which does not fit in with Mormon doctrine! I feel so cheated! Why do they even HAVE something like that in the Bookstore, anyway?!
Ah, well. Let's see...I went to the Eye Doctor today. He said my eyes were FINALLY fine and finally said we could go ahead and order the rest of the contacts. He started talking about how they would be 170 dollars (we got a discount from 220). I got worried, as our insurance should have paid all but 50. When I went to order them, the receptionist said, "Actually, your insurance will pay all but 12.50 of the cost." What a relief! A year's contacts for 12.50! That's a great deal!

Today after work, Janette came up behind me and scared me half to death! I was concentrating on recording the email address of a person who was selling a violin, bow, case, and rosin for only 60 dollars, when she came and grabbed me! She's sleeping over so she and Andrew can go to IHOP with Grandpa as their prize for winning the Bowl predictions. We watched Red Skelton with Martha Ray. They are soo funny!Well, it's 11:00 now, and I have work tomorrow, so I'll sign off. Happy Groundhog's Day!

IT'S SNOWING!!!

2007-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Again. Cool. I just wish it would warm up soon.
So...let's see...It's Wednesday...no, wait, Thursday...Is it Thursday? Hang on...
~goes to check calendar~
So it's Thursday. YES! That means a slow day in CC, hopefully. I've got no homework except for a 1 1/2 page paper on my "born again" experience. The guidelines are pretty confusing. Oh, and I still need to buy my Physical Science book.
I FINALLY made my eye doctor appointment. It's Friday. Yeah.
I have the best voice in all of my vocal class. I'll tell you how I know that when I feel less lethargic.
Why do I feel so blah? Must be the snow. It's pretty, but it's cold and the sky is gray...again. In fact, when has the sky NOT been gray the past month? I am sooo ready for spring.
I need to go buy some Crest whitestrips. My teeth look awful. And some french bread. I LOVE french bread. There is not much better than a few thick pieces of french bread slathered with melted butter. I'm getting hungry...
~checks sig card balance~
Hang on. I'm gonna go get lunch. Grandma packed me some great mashed potatoes, so I need to warm them up. This means I get to fight for microwave time. Happy, happy, joy joy...
~~~
Okay, I'm back. Those potatoes sure are yummy. Mommy and Grandma are such wonderful cooks, I don't know how I'll ever compare. Maybe instead of cooking my potential fiancee a dinner, I'll have Mommy do it. ( just kidding.) Potential fiancee...that has a nice ring. No pun intended. Leslie has a fiancee, and Kara has a serious boyfriend...I have Troy, my dear forgetful almost-boyfriend. He emailed me today saying he got his kidney stones blasted but there was no pain as of yet. I think Saturday I'll take him a get-well gift. He also said he was sorry bowling fell through, and that we need to do it another time. Sigh...
I can't think of anything else to write. If I think of anything, I'll come back and write it.
~~~

What NEVER to do...

2007-01-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Hey, me again. I just saved a lot of money on my phone bill. NO, this isn't a geico or cell carrier ad, I just realized that I really don't need 1,000 messages per month. Most months I top out at 30. Actually, I just saved five dollars, but still...that adds up. I now have the 400 message plan, the smallest one they have.

Meh. OH MY GOODNESS. Let's just say we had a BAD customer last night. She was totally irrational over a ward directory. ONE PAGE in this directory was messed up. She had proofed it (approved it) with the wrong page before it was printed, she said she was "drunk with anger" over having waited there for "five hours" for the proof and thus did not notice. Now, I agree that our machine takes a while processing jobs with a bunch of photos in them, but:
1) She was NOT there for five hours. She came on Saturday, when we are open from 12 to 6. Kara (my coworker) worked from 1 to 4, and saw neither hide nor hair of her. This means she was there for one or two hours, tops.
2) SHE PROOFED IT. That's the bottom line. She neither told the technician there was a larger page in there, nor noticed the problem when she looked at it. How was anyone supposed to know there was a problem? After she proofed it, even if they had noticed the problem they would have assumed that's the way she wanted it.
3) We offered to replace the directories with the map correct, but she would not have it. Apparently, she had a ward party she was late to that she wanted to hand them out at. She had waited till the LAST MINUTE to pick these up. How smart is that?
Anyway, while we were trying to placate her, she was making remarks about the competence of the employees, etc. EXCUSE me, but we can hear you. We're right here, and we're people too. We're SORRY your job turned out wrong, it's not our fault, and you wouldn't let us fix it. GRR. She said, "I'm never coming here again." Seriously, Kara and I looked at each other. We were both going to burst out laughing. She looked at us and repeated, "Never." May I just say: GOOD. We really don't need customers like you. We would love it if customers like you NEVER came in. I wish I could have just said, "Thank you. Please be sure that you don't."
So then her guy friend (who has been in the shop before) came in. She ran on at the mouth at him, so he went to the computers. Then he comes back and tells me, "I just sent the ward map to the Docutech (our LARGE VOLUME printer). Print four." Well, we already had a ward directory processing on that machine, but I was afraid to contradict him. So I interrupted the job and set the map to printing. We waited...and I went to the CougarPrints manager to start another job as we waited. We waited...long story short, it wasn't printing. So, I asked him to send it to the 65 which would print automatically. Well, apparently the 65 was having an error where it wasn't showing up on the network.
SO... We asked him to send it to the 55 on the color side. It was slow, and only printed one of his map. Honestly, I think it was a problem with his file. So he waits. Meanwhile, the girl is talking and talking and talking with her friend, attacking the character and efficiency of the employees. She was saying (about me) "All she does is: (moves her hand in a typing motion)." Well, EXCUSE ME if we have other people to serve! There are other people in the universe besides you! Anyway, so the guy goes to her and shows her the map. Instead of looking it over to make sure it looks all right, she shrieks, "ONE?! WE WAITED IN HERE ALL THIS TIME FOR ONE?!" They had been there for 45 minutes, and had only been trying to print the map for ten.
SO we finally get this printed off, and he says to the girl, "I'm going to write a letter about this." She says, "Yeah, and I'll sign it." Like she expects that to strike fear into our hearts. Then she says, "ALL of their machines broke down? Sheesh, these people need to be trained." Well, we're not superbeings. Things break down. There's nothing we can do about it. Training has nothing to do with it. Then the guy comes up to me and says, "What's the name of the manager," once again like he expects it to strike fear into my heart. Smiling, I told him the manager's name. I really don't mind if he writes to Fred. In face, Kara and I wrote to Fred detailing the customers' complaints (I am quite proud of the fact that we were able to do it in an impartial manner).
This took up ALL our time from 7 to 8. So we had to stay late to finish up other jobs. GRR!

Moral of the story:
1) Don't be OCD.
2) Check your jobs THOROUGLY before approving them. The staff aren't psychic.
3) Allow yourself time when scheduling pick up for any random mistakes to be corrected (just in case).
4) If there is a mistake, BE KIND and PATIENT. Remember that these people are human. They deserve to be treated with respect. They will be more willing to fix your error and give you a discount if you are kind than if you treat them like dirt. Remember that they are there to serve you, and take pride in a job well done. They will be more than willing to fix the problem, and will do it as quickly as they can.
5) WATCH YOUR MOUTH. Just because they are behind the counter does not mean they cannot hear you. It also makes you look bad to the other patrons of the establishment. We had people coming in and out who were giving us VERY sympathetic looks. This girl going on and on about her problem wasn't gaining her a bit of sympathy, it just made her look bad.

I think that's it. If you made it this far, CONGRATULATIONS! Buy yourself some balloons and stop over at the shop for some hole-punch confetti. Go on, you deserve it!

((I need bubble wrap.))

Monday, Monday!

2007-01-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! Saturday I went to Alicia's house to drop off a tape I borrowed a bit ago, and to give her her Christmas present (a singing frog). She loved the frog, and she gave me a DARLING little chinese box with two sets of chopsticks, a chinese doll pen, notepad, magnets, little dish thingies (;P) and other stuff. I love it!
(Insert picture here of darling chinese lunchbox)
When we came upstairs (we had gone down there to get my present), her dad said my parents had left and they'd be back to pick me up in 30 minutes. Now, Alicia's dad is quite the trickster, and he's expressed interest in "adopting" me many a time, so I wasn't sure whether to believe him or not. Then I remembered that Mommy and Daddy had talked about looking at some of the used car lots in town (we're still looking to replace the Suburban). So Alicia and I talked about everything under the sun. She's jealous of my phone and my laptop (hee hee). She still hasn't found another job, so there go any plans for together time anytime soon. Maybe not, though: The best news is that she may be taking some classes down at the main campus this summer! That's not far from my house!

Alicia. I took a pic with my phone. What a cutie, even when pouting!

Then I got to go home and eat lunch with Mommy and the kids. Mommy ate all the yummy hash browns, however. *pout* I wonder if I could make some of those this Saturday. I had a tuna fish sandwich (Janette made it, and it was YUMMY). Then Mommy and Janette and I went to...let's see, what DID we go to do? Oh, yes, we went to go get fabric for my underskirt for my Chinese dress, and a few shirts for Mommy. We got a cute Tinkerbelle shirt for Janette (it says something like, "What's not to love?"). She LOVES Tinkerbelle.
Then I had to go home. *sigh* Not the family home, home home. I found some funny Star Trek bloopers on YouTube and consoled myself by watching those and completely forgetting about my laundry.
Sunday I was visited by home teachers (no, wait, that was Saturday). I got up and went to church. We had some good lessons. Then came the FUN! My family and Wendy came over for lunch/dinner! We had scones (muchly yummy) and cheezy chicken (also muchly yummy). It was sooo good, food wise and company wise. Then we had FHE and did an activity where we sang a lot of the old lullabyes into a tape recorder for posterity (my idea). It was fun listening to everyone's stories about what they associated with each song, and to hear the different versions everyone remembered.
Then we played games (mommy, grandpa, daddy, janette, andrew and I all played password in the kitchen, grandma, catherine, wendy and gordon played Racko in the dining room) and ate Wendy's yummy Golden Graham s'mores. I had learned to use my chopsticks and cheerfully annoyed everyone by eating the popcorn with them. (After all, I have to practice!)

Now for today: Smog, smog, smog! It CAN'T be good for you. It's like a permanent smelly fog that makes me cough. GRR. I wish it would just go away. Mommy says we need to pray for snow, she says it will help. I'll do anything to try and get rid of the smog. Grandma went to the doctor this morning to see how here leg was healing. We'll see what he said when I get home. She hopes to be able to go the the FHL, but I don't know...she hasn't been staying off of it as much as she should.
In HEPE today we learned about cardiovascular fitness. Did you know your thumb has its own pulse? So did I. Was pretty much a repeat of 7th grade health, but it's useful, I guess.
In Physical Science we are doing our Mini Lessons. My subject is:
"Use a drawing and/or model to explain that changes in the angle at which light from the sun strikes Earth, and the length of daylight, determine seasonal differences in the amount of energy received. "
I have NO idea what that MEANS, much less how to teach it. Ah, well, thank goodness for google and wikipedia.
AAH! I almost forgot! I have to sing a solo in Vocal today. Fun, fun. I also am missing two comments on my Teaching Experience for Marriage Prep (thanks, mommy and daddy. I asked you for them three times!), so I'll have to talk to him and explain it. NOT fun. At least he seems fairly nice.
Anyways, got to get doing other stuff!

What a day!

2007-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was CRAZY!
Dance class was fun. We reviewed a few dances and learned a new dance that is mostly stepping and jumping, including a lot of one step who's name starts with a B (bolero or something like that). You basically cross one leg over the other, jump out (like jumping jacks), and then jump feet together. It was fun. I love dance class!
Then in New Testament we had a raging debate about whether or not Christ was married. In that class, we have assigned seats. I've decided that I like that because it eliminates all the worry about where you will sit if you are a minute or so late (which I usually am, because I'm coming all the way from the WSC).
At work, it was CRAZY. EVERYTHING was broken down. We seriously considered putting up a sign that said something to the effect of "Everything's broken today, so we are not taking walk-in orders." We had THREE priority jobs to do on 1 machine (the slowest machine there), and we kept having to interrupt it for people who just couldn't wait. It was insane.
Today in Marriage Prep we learned that nobody's perfect. Meh, there goes all my dreams (^_^). The two boys on either side of me were VERY friendly.
(To be continued...possibly)

1/24/07

2007-01-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Today I have a horrible throatache. You know, the kind where your throat feels raw like you've been shouting all day? The kind that make you gain weight because the only time it feels better is when eating? Yeah. Anyway, it kept me up all night. Literally every 3 hours I would have to get up to try and fix it. So, I'm tired and in pain. Meh, whatever, enough complaining.
We studied igneous rocks in Physical Science lab today. I came up with some fun sayings to help remember what anaritic, phanaritic, and porphorytic rocks are. Anaritic rocks get an "A" because they are so "fine" (they are fine-grained in texture). Phanaritic rocks need a "fan" because they cool so slowly (phanaritic rocks usually form in the magma chamber, and have large grains due to slow cooling). Lastly, porphorytic rocks are "poor" because they are neither fine nor large-grained (they have a mixture of both), so none of the other rocks will play with them. Problem is, I'm having trouble. Everything I look at looks porphorytic!
In marriage prep we talked about the Marriage Trends of society. A lot of them STINK. Did you know that in places like France they sell "sex suits," where...no, I won't tell you. The name itself says it all. Suffice it to say they hook up to the internet for those "long distance relationships." DISGUSTING.
Next I have World Music Cultures. I'm trying to learn how to tell the difference between a sitar, a sarod, and a vina by sound. A tambura is easy to recognize because it only has four strings, and is only used for a drone. However, look what I learned: In Indian music there are usually four sections: Alap, which is introduction of the raga (musical scale) and improvisation, Jor and Jhalla (I don't remember much about these...I think one is free rhythm and one is steady), and the Got. The Got has a set rhythm, drums are added, and it usually has a set tune. Hey, did you know in South India they echo what the vina plays with a violin? They hold the violin between their chest and foot, and slide their fingers up and down the fingerboard to get the notes. I couldn't imagine putting my violin on my FEET. Blegh. Think of all the stuff that foot has touched, especially in India!
Then I have vocal class. We're supposed to be soloing "Shenandoah" today, but I am going to ask for an extension because my voice is really gone.
After that, I had work. Nothing really to say about that, it was a slow day. Oh! One of my coworkers did a cartwheel because she thought nobody was watching. Turns out somebody was on the computers. She blushed and said, "Oh, I didn't know you were there!" I clapped and laughed and she said, "Did you see that?" I nodded yes RIGHT as our manager walked in clapping. HE had seen it! It was classic!

Kara, my crazy coworker (not the one that did the cartwheel)

I'm going to try to get to bed EARLY today, although if my throat keeps me up like last night, I don't see what good it'll do me.
Ah, well, tomorrow is Folk Dance, which will be way fun!

Learning to Fly

Book Review: Bad Girls Don't Die

Book Review: Sweet Venom

I Love Robin Moses!

10 pts if you remember his name without looking!

Consideration

10 (or however many) Things I've Learned From Teaching Kindergarten.

MyGlam?

Beauty Review: Blinc Mascara

Beauty reviews...Yep, I'm doin' 'em!

First Week

Playing Catsup.

Fourth of July

She's in Georgia!!!!

Time for another post! Questions 342, 332, 161

Jar Questions 86, 4, 288

No Jar Questions Today

Personal History Jar Questions 150, 441, 324

Personal History Jar Questions 1, 2, 3

formspring.me

formspring.me

formspring.me

formspring.me

Whew!

Last Weekend and Iowa Fujas

UPDATE 7/15/09: Iowa Fujas, Andrew's "Farewell," Oregonians, and 4th of July!

To Everyone.

Oh, BROTHER! Or rather...UNCLE.

Keep Zi's House!

Blah

So Blessed (ha)

El Ed Majors

Busy, busy, BUSY!

Do I like Ike?

Chocolate Cake for Breakfast

Hack Hack Hack

C'est La Vie!

Life Lately

Homecoming!

Tender Thoughts

Andrew Update

Depressing Day

Zonked

Recovery

In Again

Hot, Hot, HOT!

Update: Andrew's Appendicitis

Triumph...and an inferiority complex

Marshmallows? *sniff...*

"Yesterday"

My Pierced Ears Story

Major craziness!

Drowzzzzzziness

Happy Time

IMMA SAP

Place holder in case I can't come up with something witty.

Happiness

Stiffneckedness

Sweet Iowa Corn!

I made it!

Wyoming Fun!

How to be a good Lab Partner

I feel very productive!

Feeling Depressed...

Saturday's Over Already?!

Talk About Stress!

IT'S SNOWING!!!

What NEVER to do...

Monday, Monday!

What a day!

1/24/07

Marshmallows? sniff...