get comfortable.

I've been reflecting a lot over the past couple of weeks, reading through old journals and whatnot...

It's insane how quickly time goes. I swear I was a junior at Utah State, like, yesterday. Of course, I have thousands of memories between USU and present time, but that's hardly the point not my entire point.

Time marches forward, and I've been thinking back on my life--the trials, the vacations, the day-to-day happenings--all of it. When I stop and think about it, I can hardly believe I'm 31 years old, you know? That I earned my Masters degree nearly eight years ago, that I've had my career for seven-and-a-half years...all of it. It's shocking!

But all this self-reflection has made me more aware of my blessings, you know? I'm working in a field I love. I've got an amazing family; my parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and nieces & nephews are the most supportive, loving people I know. My friends are fun and caring and they bless my life daily. The town-home in which I live is a comfortable and happy place. I see the hand of God at work in my life, and even though I'm still not quite where I thought I'd be at this point in my life, I like my life. I recognize that I am exactly where I need to be right now, and all is well...

Here are some pictures of what's been going down since my last catch-up:

The last several evenings have shown us overcast skies, but about a week and a half ago? GLORIOUS sunsets!

The mother of a client introduced me to cranberry crunch peanut butter.
I don't want to sound hyperbolic by saying it's life-changing, but it comes close...

I've been craving Lisa's Cambodian curry for weeks, and finally got around to making it on Sunday.

We had a "freezing fog" happen a few times at night last week,
which left the early-morning trees in a lovely frosted state.
(This picture does it no justice.)

Funny work story: a client was telling me about all the "hairy" things she owned (listed above);
when she talked about her hairy poster, I finally understood she was talking about Harry Styles.

I came across this quote yesterday and kind of fell in love with it. Well-said, Brother Lewis!

Also at work: I went in a bit early yesterday to look through my ottoman/storage box and my giant desk drawer,
when happily I discovered a bag of Halloween candy (from, I want to say, 2012). I had to throw away
the Laffy Taffy (hard enough to break teeth, I venture), but was thrilled to re-discover my long-lost,
long-forgotten stash of Nerds. Come to mama!

Aside from work (and the contemplation mentioned above), I've been looking (at thrift shops and online) for a kitchen table and chairs, as well as a TV stand for my brand new 40" flat screen TV. (I know, in this day and age, "flat screen" is kind of implied; also, 40" maybe isn't anything worth bragging about--but it's my first flat screen, and I'm quite happy with it, so there you go.)

My dear roommate, Michelle, is moving back to Shelley soon. It's kind of a bummer, but I'm coping alright, I think. Since Michelle is moving, she feels that it's appropriate for her to take all her things with her--including, but not limited to, her TV and TV stand, kitchen table and chairs, and her KitchenAid. ;)

And so I've been shopping.

Furniture can be expensive, you know, which is why I've taken to looking at thrift shops. I left the secondhand stores empty-handed and kind of depressed; I wanted to find something nice enough to justify a purchase, you know? Something gently-used that maybe just needed a little vision and refining. (No, I don't possess either of those qualities, but I have friends who do!)

After the bummer that was the thrift shops in town, I decided to look on Craigslist. It took a little bit lot of searching, but I found an old solid-wood table that will work nicely. Jami and JR went with me to check it out, and also to help me haul it away. To their house. (JR's got a truck,  and Jami's got the vision and skill to help me make this dining set something I can love. Also, they have an unfinished basement where we can work without freezing. Bless their hearts.) -Jami and I are going to meet up tomorrow to discuss plans, and I must say: I've never been more excited to try to be imaginative and crafty! (I'll take pictures along the way and post the process once it's done.)

One more quick story before I go: I found a TV stand on Craigslist that I didn't love, but I figured I could deal with it until finding something I could love, you know? I really, really didn't love it, but it was in town, and it was cheap. So I texted the guy and decided I'd go over after work on Monday, after he picked up his kids from day care.

I typically hit red lights with alarming regularity, but sailed through green lights the entire way to his place; I got there much earlier than I had intended, so I had to sit in my car and wait for him to get home. As I approached, I noticed I was in a rather sketchy neighborhood. I locked my doors. And I waited.

About fifteen minutes had passed when I saw a guy in a station wagon drive by and pull into the parking lot behind the apartments, and figured this was my guy. I gave him a few minutes to get his kids inside, then I got out of my car and slowly walked toward his front door. As I approached, I wondered if the guy in the station wagon was the guy I was looking for. I was also thinking about what I would say to him; he seemed like he really wanted to make this sale, and I wasn't quite certain I wanted to buy it for sure.

I knocked on the door, and was overcome with an unsettled, anxious feeling. I looked around at the guys smoking several yards away, and I prayed that this guy wasn't home. I was tense and nervous, and I wanted to get out of there.

I backed away, still facing the front door, and when nobody answered, I rushed back to my car, locked the doors, and called my brother as I drove away.

Vance picked up and I told him my story, asking him for reassurance. I didn't want to upset the guy for bailing--he had my number, after all. Vance told me to shoot the guy a text and then forget about it.

I texted the guy, "Something came up and and I had to go home," which was kind of truthful; feelings of agitation and edginess came up, and I needed to remove myself from the situation.

I'm not sure what would have happened with Mr. TV Stand; I'm not saying he'd have turned out to be a Craigslist Killer or anything. And maybe it wasn't even Mr. TV Stand, but the two guys nearby who were watching me. Maybe it was nothing. But I'm glad I got out of there when I did. I think we get those "get-out-of-here-NOW" feelings for a reason, and I'm grateful for them.

What's that you say? Why did I go alone in the first place? Oh...I've got an answer for you. It's because I'm independent, you guys. And I'm trusting by nature; I think the best of people, and it didn't even cross my mind that I'd ever get a creepy vibe from anyone selling something on Craigslist. And although I'd consider myself to be a smart person, sometimes I'm just a dumb girl.

I took a "which Disney princess are you?" quiz this week and I got Snow White.
I was surprised, but the description is pretty accurate (except for the "friend to creatures" bit).

Lesson learned, okay?

several reasons the fourth twilight book (whatever it's called) is awful:

In the past month or so, I've had a few conversations with a few different people regarding the Twilight series. Specifically, book four. (I can't tell you the name of it without looking it up; they're all "Twilight" to me.)

I've read all the books, so I feel like I can dole out any review I see fit. And the way I see it is: the entire series is ri-dang-diculous.

I've only read them once (because reading them more than once seems like a horrible punishment). Also, I haven't read them since about a week after the last book was published. (How many years ago was that?)

I thought book one was a fun little escape from reality. Ridiculous, but entertaining.

Was it book two where Edward left and Bella became a teenage toddler? Whining and tantrumming and showing her truly obnoxious colors? (What did Edward and Jacob see in Bella, anyway? Not that either fellow was all that enticing, either.) I didn't care for book two...

Book three...I can't recall what the what happened in book three. Edward was back, right? Something about the Volturi? Or maybe something to do with a specific vampire wanting to suck Bella's blood because she smells so good? The only thing I remember about book three is that I didn't like it at all.

But did that stop me from buying book four? No, it did not. In fact, I remember rolling my eyes at myself when I stood in line to make my purchase, recalling with clarity how annoyed I was by the majority of the characters. I wasn't Team Edward or Team Jacob; I was Team Get-The-Heck-Away-From-Forks-Washington-And-Find-A-Mortal-And-Live-A-Normal-Happy-Life. 

But I bought book four the week it came out because I was morbidly curious  as to how on earth Stephenie Meyer was going to end this dang saga. 

I had no idea she would provide me with so many reasons to hate book four, but, boy, did she!

Remember, it's been a few years (four?) since I read it, so my memory is kinda spotty on some of the details. But here goes:

-Bella being a pout-face about Edward wanting to be old fashioned and wait until marriage before they consummate their relationship. 

-The fact that Edward is capable of reproducing. Seems like someone without a pulse ought not be able to reproduce, am I right?

-The way it was written, I always figured that the baby was demon spawn.

-Rosalie suddenly warming up to Bella because of said demon spawn.

-The pregnancy going so incredibly quickly; isn't it weird that the vampire sperm was the deciding factor in how quickly it went, and not Bella's mortal body? (I know this entire argument is dumb-dumb, but it annoyed me, so it's on the list.)

-Bella-the-human sucking down blood during her pregnancy. It grossed me out. Hard. Especially since, when the baby is born, they figure out baby can have regular people food or blood; seems like blood-during-pregnancy was completely unnecessary.

-Bella named her daughter Renesmee. I realize it's a combination of her mother and Edward's adopted vamp-mom, but come on. I figure if it had been a boy they should have named him Charlisle. (I know Bella had a name picked out for a boy, but I don't remember what it was. Plus, I'm funny.)

-Baby Renesmee grows, like, super fast. And I give Stephenie props for sticking to her super-fast-growing-spawn, but...I don't know. Maybe the part that annoyed me most was that Alice and Rosalie bought the kid tons of outfits for pictures to document it so that she seemed like a regular kid. Even though she's half-immortal and is anything but regular. I figure I'd document the fact that she's growing ridiculously fast, right? Because...I don't know; I've already talked about this point for way too long.

-Once Bella becomes a vampire, it's discovered that she's got ultra amazing self-control when it comes to smelling people blood and not going crazy.

-Re: the self-control: the Cullens wonder if it's Bella's new found super power.

-Why do all of the Cullens get super powers, anyway? It's supposed to be rare.

-Later we find out that it's not, in fact, her super power; she has another one! So the self-control came from her preparation? In knowing what she'd become before she turned? I don't buy it.

-Bella's real super power is a force field to protect all her loved ones. Pretty neat, huh? FORCE FIELD! My family and friends are safe from any hurtful thing that can happen to them! Yessss!

-Vampire sex is supposed to be, like, elevated from mere mortal sex. Humans just don't know.

-The entire book is anti-climactic. The Volturi come, ready to destroy the Cullens, the demon baby, and everyone who stands in their way; yet when they show up, NOTHING HAPPENS. They see that the demon baby is in fact half-immortal (not possible), which they think is pretty neat, and then they go on their merry way home. They might as well have held hands and skipped off into the twilight as they left, or flown home on unicorns. Great literature is supposed to have a climax and some sort of resolution, whether happy or sad. Heck, even crappy literature has a climax! I feel like Stephenie Meyer could’ve made this a less terrible book if she’d have even faked a climax, like they did in the movie version (Twilight four-point-two, as I like to call it. Yes, I’ve seen the movies, but that’s another story for another time).

Aaaaanyway. I'm quite certain that there are more reasons I hated the book, but, as I already told you, it's been years. And I refuse to read it again.

2014 so far: mostly mundane

Nothing exciting to report, so I'll fill you in on the mundane. (You're welcome.)

I've been trying to rid myself of a cold I caught from my baby brother over Christmas. It started out harmless enough, then morphed into  a nasty head-cold that left me feeling a bit like I was hovering just above my body. Weird. And uncomfortable. I drank lots of fluids and went to bed early, and skipped out on a fun ski trip, because the thought of snowboarding in my "hovering just above my body" condition was frightening unto me. 

What can I say? I'm old at heart, and "safety first" has been my motto for longer than I care to admit. 

In the meantime, I've cooked a few delicious meals (that end up feeding me for a week or so). I've been "catching up" on House MD (because I have all eight seasons, but had only watched through season six until last week; I've since finished season seven and will begin the final season this week, I'm sure). I've been trying to get to bed early in order to nurse myself back to full health. I've been reading: I finished HP and the Deathly Hallows, I've read The Tales of Beetle the Bard, I've read Divergent, I'll finish Insurgent after work, and start on Allegiant this evening. I made a Valentine's wreath, people: I crafted; it was my own idea and everything. I've been doing better at reading my scriptures. And I've thought about maybe starting some sort of exercise regime thingy. (Thinking about it is the first step!)

I've taken less pictures than usual, but here's what I've got so far:

I was sad to leave my family in Utah, but kinda loved this view welcoming me back to Idaho.

I can hardly believe that I crafted something without being forced into it.

Chicken pot pie pasta. Yum.

Snuggling up in the afghan I purchased from a sweet old lady at a craft fair last year whilst reading.

Last night's sunset as I left work. Stunning.

Basically, I'm not complaining about my mostly mundane life.

I visited my family for two weeks and dropped off the face of the earth

I had full intentions of blogging a time or two while I was visiting with my family in Utah over my long Christmas-break-from-reality. I really did. But my laptop had struggles connecting to my parents' wireless network. I mean, it would. not. connect.

So, instead of taking it to some computer guy who might've been able to fix the problem in a jiffer, I just ignored the laptop/internet conundrum, and I hung out with my family.

Feel free to infer that my long Christmas-break-from-reality was fantastic.

Because it was.

Being in the land of my inheritance with the people I love best (for something like thirteen days) was magical...

Also, I spent some time with Brooker for a little bit down in her new neck of the woods (Utah Valley) just before Christmas. And I also met up with Lisa and got to meet her little guy, Russell.

Meet Russell. I think he looks like an adorable little man!

This is how we look in Provo.

We had planned on going to Snowbird, but got distracted on the way...

These ponchos were super comfy. Too bad they were obnoxiously bright.

I desperately wish that this coat would've been available a size larger.
And the pants, a size (or two) smaller...

This top looked more ridiculous on the hanger.

Since we took too long shopping, we ended up going to Soldier's Hollow.
Allyson and her daughter Brooke came, too!

Soldier's Hollow is a tubing hill where you hitch a ride to the top on a pulley,
then fly down the mountain with a cluster of your friends. FUN!

I'm smiling because I didn't have to hike to the top of the hill.
Not. Even. Once.

I love this picture. You're cute, Brooker.

After Utah Valley fun with Brooker (thanks again, Brooker!), I stuck to my family like glue, basically. I visited Gramma with Mom and Brent (and met up with Aunt Karin) a couple of days before Christmas. Gramma's memory wasn't as good as I've seen it recently, but she was in a cute, silly mood, and it was fun watching her unwrap her Christmas gifties...

I think she looks sassy in her new striped sweater from Karin.

And on Christmas Eve, Aaron's and Ryan's families came to Mom & Dad's place for dinner, which was pretty fantastic.

These cuties melt my heart. Kaylee, Seth and Marshall.

Papa got Derek laughing hard. It was adorable.

Good grief, that face. That! Face!

Seth and I have a silly relationship. I took this picture after he smeared chocolate on my face,
and probably before he licked it off?

(The chocolates in question, made by Amy. Divine.)

Ah. There it is. The chocolate lick. Thank you, Seth.

Emmett is such a happy kid...

The "silly face" thin is always their idea, but what kind of aunt would I be if I didn't oblige?

Yep. I'm happiest when I'm with my family and snuggling with my nieces and nephews.

 I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but November and December rock my world; life goes by with ridiculous speed, most especially during those months, but it's always such a happy blur for me. Spending time in the kitchen making delicious meals; general goof-off-ery with my siblings and their offspring; twinkle lights; beautiful music; people being more thoughtful and generous; eating delicious meals with those I love best; continuing traditions I've enjoyed since the days of my youth...

Yes, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Every year.

And now it's January. Or, as I like to call it, The Month of Mondays. It's not actually been too bad thus far, and I'm working on being positive and treating January as if it's, like, the best month ever. (Happiness is better than misery, after all.)

I'll be back soon with something blogworthy, I'm sure.

In the meantime, I want to wish the happiest of birthdays to my sweet sister-in-law, Janel! I hope your day was amazing, lady! And to Mr. Sethington: I love you, bug! I can't wait to smear chocolate on your face next time I see you, and maybe discuss Harry Potter with you some more...