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?

i fall for fall

I'm so grateful for the seasons. Each season is so unique and shares with us its individual beauty...

Winter, it's no lie, has been my least favorite season my entire life pretty much by default, because warm weather is more friendly and inviting. But even if you discount my newly acquired love of snowboarding, winter's got its perks.

Winter is sweater weather, and allows me to dress in layers (which is something I've always adored, but can't really justify in summer months). Although it's no fun to drive in, snow is absolutely beautiful and serene. Winter is baking weather, and oh, yeah, two words: hot chocolate. Also, snowboarding.

Spring is so wonderful, when the earth comes back to life. I love when the snow melts and the ice is finally off the streets. I adore waking up to the twittering of birds. And seeing nature rejuvenate--flowers in bloom, and budding trees--is simultaneously invigorating and soothing unto my soul.

Summer brings with it camping and hiking and swimming. Independence Day celebrations. Late nights, and bonfires with s'mores, and vacations, and sandals, and...yes, summer is good. Very, very good.

But nothing holds a candle to autumn time. Autumn time is heaven on earth. I admire watching the leaves change colors each day. I adore going for walks, hearing the fallen leaves crunch beneath my feet. I'm fond of wearing jackets and scarves and boots with tall socks. I get a kick out of watching Halloween movies. Making soups or casseroles. Breathing in the crisp air. Eating (Honeycrisp) apples. Baking with apples. Going for little drives to see further enjoy the autumn colors. Autumn time is harvest time, and that just makes me happy.

Yesterday was closing day for the 2013 Idaho Falls farmers market season, and I went to bid farewell; I didn't end up purchasing anything, but I walked by the river and took some pictures...

Wow. That reflection...

All the fall colors on one tree...

fallen leaves...

breathe it in...

water tower

I've been spending a lot of time alone lately, and although it's not typically my first choice (or second or third), it's not been so bad. Pretty good, even. I've had a fairly healthy self esteem (since early adulthood?), but recently I've relearned that I like myself. I'm fun. And I'm thoughtful and considerate and friendly and helpful. And I'm okay being alone. I mean, I love being with people, and it's still typically  my first choice (and second and third), but solitude--even if sometimes it feels forced--is okay. 

Here's to rediscovery. And hot apple cider, and leggings with long sweaters and boots, and bright vivid hues. And here's to whatever tomorrow brings.

We Are The Harry Potter Generation

I've been re-reading the Harry Potter books.

It's something I do every couple of years.

Because Harry Potter is awesome.

Last time I read the books (roughly 2 years ago), I made the discovery that I'm younger than Harry Potter. And it was a jarring revelation.

Yes, yes. I absolutely know that Harry is a fictional character. Zip it, you. I am well aware that Hogwarts isn't a real place, and that Albus Dumbledore is a figment of JK Rowling's imagination, and that Voldemort (thank heaven!) never existed. I KNOW ALL THAT. But I'm a Harry Potter nerd; I've embraced it, and you can either deal with it, or else come back when I've posted something else.

Where was I?

Oh yes; last time I read Deathly Hallows, I looked at the dates that HP was born, etc., etc., and I realized that I'm younger than Harry. In fact, Harry was already living in a crib under the Dursley's staircase by the time I was born.

I guess it was a weird realization, because I first read about Harry-the-11-year-old when I was 18. And Jo didn't publish Harry's final book until 2007, after I had finished my schooling and started living my life as a real adult with a real career. Et cetera.

Fictionally speaking, I would've gone to Hogwarts the same year as Collin Creevey (because, let's face it, in a fictional world, I'd have been born a witch in Scotland; probably my folks would've been a witch and wizard, although I think that each of their parents would've been muggles, with the possible exception of my mother's mother? Yes, Grandma Rigby would have some magical blood. Now you know).

Anyway. I've heard the phrase, "We are the Harry Potter Generation." And I can't help but think, "What is the time frame on this 'HP Generation'?"

Does is start with the the kids who were roughly 11  years old when "The Sorcerer's Stone" book first came out? (11 is really a magical year when it comes to wizardom, after all.) If this is the case, that means the true HP Generation aren't much younger than me, maybe somewhere in their late twenties (since book one was published in '98 here in the States).

Or do we go by when the movies first went to theaters? My friend Katie was born the same week as Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry in the movies; if we follow this timeline, the true HP Generation is a bit younger, in their early- to mid-twenties.

I realize that this problem isn't really a problem; especially since a generation spans a handful of years. (Also, because it's a fictitious problem, right?)

But here's the rub: when it comes to Harry Potter, there is no such thing as "too old" to enjoy it.

My mother introduced me to Harry Potter just after I graduated high school in 2000. She told me the gist of it: "It's about a boy who finds out he's a wizard and he goes to a magical school!" (My mom totally said some version of that sentence with an exclamation point.) I (very likely rolled my eyes and) told her I'd rather not, but Mother would not relent; she insisted that I at least read the first few chapters, and I reluctantly agreed.

My mother is usually right. About most things. So I should've figured that she wasn't just yanking my chain when she told me it was a great book.

I devoured "Sorcerer's Stone" within a few days.

Dad ended up buying the first four books, because by that point Harry Potter Fever was running rampant, and, as a family of bookworms, we didn't want to wait in line to borrow the books from the library. Late summer/early fall of 2000...well, those nights were dedicated to reading the first four books of the Harry Potter series.

Which brings me back to my quandary: Harry Potter is technically children's literature. Eleven-year-olds were smitten with the books. I, as a young adult in 2000, was absolutely smitten. My folks, full-fledged adults, were totally smitten. Grandmas and grandpas were smitten.

As each of the next 3 books were released over the course of the next 7 years, I ended up buying my own copy the day they came out.

...Except for the year "Half Blood Prince" was released; I was in the middle of graduate school. I was taking a research class that summer, and the class didn't end until a week or two after the book was published. I gave money to my dad and had him buy me a copy. The book remained in my parents' home (in a whole other city) until I had finished my research class. Mom had a CEU class in Cache Valley the day I finished, and she ended up bringing my book to my apartment that very afternoon. I thanked her kindly and stayed up until 4:00 the next morning reading that book. I think that's the fastest I've ever read any book of any size.

Fast forward to January 2013: my nephew Seth had just turned 6 when his parents let him watch the first Harry Potter movie. Seth went gaga over it. I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with Seth regarding HP. Rather intelligent conversations they've been, too. (I tell you what, Seth has asked some excellent questions!) His parents are currently reading "Prisoner of Azkaban" to Seth. I'm not sure a kid could love Harry Potter more than Seth does at this time in his life. Can you guess who Seth is going to be for Halloween?

I know this has been a long-winded post, but here's my point: I believe that anyone who has read and enjoyed "Harry Potter" is part of the Harry Potter Generation. And that spans a lot of actual generations, be it Baby Boomers (like my folks), Gen X (that's me), Generation Y (a handful of my friends), Generation Z (Seth), and all the generations to come.

We are ALL the Harry Potter Generation.

Thank you, Joanne Rowling, for sharing such a magical story that can bridge generational gaps in its own way.

Deactivating the HP nerd in five...four...three...two...

*There will likely be another post, one day, about my favorite HP character of all, Severus Snape*

...one.

four and a half months later...

I really and truly had every intention of getting back on the wagon and blogging much more regularly after I got back from my vacation in May.

I'm not quite sure what happened.

A few things happened that I didn't necessarily want to share on such a public forum (although "public" is kind of a liberal term, since I probably don't have any followers any more)...

My summer wasn't even a particularly busy one, once I got back from my trip to sunny California.

I'm not quite sure why I neglected you so efficiently, blog. None of the excuses I might come up with are bound to be very good.

However, I really hope I can experience the personal joys of blogging once again. Not for the readers (that I don't have any more anyway), but for me. Blogging has been therapeutic in the past, and it's been a fun way for me to journal the happenings in my life.

Here goes. A new resolution I'm starting in October for no apparent reason, other than I think I miss blogging.

"Cool Facts"

I've got an app on my trusty iPod Touch. An app that I feel quite certain wasn't on my iPod when I bought it brand new a year and a half ago, but I also have no recollection of searching for and downloading in the app store. Weird.

Anyway, this application is called CoolFacts, and I must say, it has provided me with quite a bit of entertainment.

Who needs Angry Birds, anyway? (Read: I did, at one point. It's still here on my trusty iPod, but it's better if I just ignore that app, because it takes away years of my life in one stretch. Do you know what I mean?)

But I digress...

This app is wonderful, because you download it once, and you've got 10,00+ "cool facts" on your device, no internet necessary when you want to peruse said "cool facts." (I'm too cheap to buy an iPhone and pay for the 4G package deal, but that's another story for another time.)

CoolFacts is entertaining for a number of reasons, including but not limited to: the grammar is sometimes ridiculous, some of the facts seems so far-out that you have to Google said information to check its validity (thank heaven for Google, am I right?!), sometimes the wording is a smidge confusing, and...well, time just flies on by when you're slurping up all this knowledge on, say, your lunch break (for example).

Just the other day, I checked out CoolFacts during lunch, and here are a number of gems I deemed worthy of sharing:

According to Wikipedia (gospel truth, right?), it states that the tauatara "are...unusual in having a pronounced
photoreceptive eye dubbed the "third eye", whose current function is a subject of ongoing research,
but is thought to be involved in setting circadian and seasonal cycles."

Any fact regarding rodents (most especially mice and rats), I love.
Not because I like them (ick), but because Jami hates them more than anyone else I know.
So, naturally, I send directly to her iPhone.

Fact.

Here's anexample of CoolFact phrasing that annoys me.
"A freakishly athletic human being, who has no fins or gills, can only swim 4 mph.
Compare that to ridiculously fast fishes, that are, in fact, born swimmers:
they can out-swim the mere human by at least 64 mph."
Frankly, I think swimming one single mile might just kill me.
And I daresay it'd take me much longer than 15 minutes.
Just sayin'.

I wonder if the great state of Idaho saw any of that research money...?

Lucky John Quincy (and Louisa) Adams,eh?

Wow. Just...WOW. Six feet is taller than the average man, did you know?
That's a long drop, that's all I'm saying.

This is actually true! How appropriate is that?!

I didn't even bother to check if this was true.
Bachelors have three chances of me calling them MASTER,
and they are: slim, fat, and none.

Every time I read this, I can't help but imagine a human being
actually making the trek through a blue whale's aorta.
And it freaks me out a bit.

 Anyway, if you haven't already downloaded the CoolFacts app, it's something to consider....

Jami likes this app, too. This picture was taken yesterday
while she was waiting for a client to come.

You're welcome, I guess...

I Say It Best When I Say Nothing At All (but that's not gonna stop me from saying it anyway!)...

*I have a little crush on Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory. Don't ask, I don't quite understand it myself. (As Brent so eloquently put it, "He's like 5 feet tall. Like a particularly large hobbit.") Whatever,though. I have a mini crush on a mini nerd.

*It turns out that maybe I don't hate sewing as much as I've professed over the years. Seriously. Jami helped me make a super cute apron for my mama last week. (Don't worry, I'm not ruining her Mother's Day surprise by blogging about it; I gave it to her when I went to Utah last weekend, since I won't get to see her until after Mother's Day. Love you, Mom!) Anyhoo...I'm not saying that I'm all gung-ho about sewing, and I certainly don't want to take on any big and/or complex sewing projects, but I was surprised to discover I didn't actually hate sewing the apron. I even enjoyed it!

*Is it just me, or has this April seemed to drag on and on and on...? Don't get me wrong, I've had some really stellar days, but I swear, this April has lasted what's felt like 60 days or something like unto it. Yes? Maybe it's the two funerals, or all the cancellations/no-shows at work, or maybe all the cold, dreary days...I don't know. It's just seems to be lasting very-nearly-forever.

*On a positive note, it's Keri's birthday! Happy birthday, Keri! Love you to pieces!

And now: pictures!

keri's birthday cake
it was lemon-raspberry, and it was delicious
(thanks a mil, jami!)

a picture of emmett that i stole from janel's blog
(i just want to devour this little muffin,
in all his rotund glory!!!)

the apron (happy mother's day, ma!)


progress on the BC temple
(as of this afternoon)

Over and out.

Eight Days...

It's been a full eight days since my last post. Lots has happened, honestly, which is why I've been so...absent. Seriously, I've been a very busy girl.

Yet...I really don't have much I want to write about.

Last weekend I made a quick trip to Utah to meet up with a couple of my old college buddies; Jamie and Joey had a beautiful baby girl, Chloe, on April 15...and their sweet little Chloe passed away on April 20. I pretty much adore Jamie (so many memories!), and her husband Joey is pretty awesome himself, as is their cute little boy, Miles. Unfortunate circumstances brought us together once again this past Saturday, but I am so glad I was there for the sweet little graveside service for Chloe Mae. I needed for Jamie to know that even though I live far-ish from her, and we don't get to see each other often, she is still one of my favorite people, and I'll always be there for her. (ALWAYS!)

It was also wonderful to see Jamie's family. I love that clan a whole bunch!

Aaaand it was stellar to spend a bit of time with Julia too. Julia, Jamie and I were roommates together at USU for a couple of years, and I love those girls to pieces.

Julia pointed out that when she and I are together, silliness overtakes her, that she doesn't act that silly with anyone besides me. (So sad that not many people have had the pleasure of hearing her "grandpa laugh!")

Actually, it seems that I bring the silly out in a lot of people. I'm not quite sure if it's a good thing or bad...

As you can see, just on the ride to Logan and back, Julia and I toed the line of ridiculous:

Looking at this picture, one might wonder if
Julia is the sillier of the two of us...

It's not true, of course...
I win that contest, hands down.

Aaaand here's our rendition of "normal"

I took about a dozen pictures with my iPod touch, and was forced to delete most of them. ("Ridiculous" isn't even kind of the right adjective. "Sickly" seems more appropriate...)

Today I'm fighting a rotten mood, which is strange, because today is Tuesday. Rotten moods are supposed to land on Mondays by default; but yesterday was remarkably excellent for a Monday.

I'm blaming the weather. Behold:

The sky of Southeast Idaho...

The ground of Southeast Idaho...

It's the end of April, folks, which means that May is upon us. I love May!

But it's so darn dreary here lately that...yeah. Blaming my mood on the weather seems logical.

But guess what? We had a few glorious days last week. Well...two. Two GLORIOUS days. In Idaho!

I-15 to Utah last Friday...
(I call this one "Spring Happened One Time in Idaho")

Isn't it exactly what you might picture
a highway in Idaho to look like?

The other loveliest of days was Easter Sunday. So technically, we had one beautiful day last week, and one beautiful day this week. So far. I'm still hoping for spring to find us. Officially.

Anyway, kind of random, scattered thoughts, I know. I'll find something stupendous to blog about sooner than later. Perchance...

Love to you all (especially Jamie, Joey, Miles, et al; my thoughts and prayers are continuously with you!)

thinking foody thoughts...

looky what i had for brunch this morning:

so. dang. delicious:
old-fashioned oatmeal
a bit of brown sugar
slivered almonds
FRESH BLACKBERRIES

it was awesome. now you know.

on a totally unrelated note, i'm headed to nyc in june with a few friends, and for some reason i've been put in charge of finding out the best places to eat whilst there. (curious, eh?) i've already discovered where to go for pizza and awesome hot dogs. (yes, i know what i said: hot dogs aren't awesome, right? i've heard they're much better in nyc, and i feel like the experience won't be complete without eating a new york hot dog.) i've also got some notes on a couple of other places to try.

my real question is this: where does one go for an awesome bagel in nyc? help a girl out, please...

Scattered Thoughts in the Middle of Winter

Thoughts I've thunk this past week:

*I've been talking myself out of eating unhealthy snacks. Sometimes my willpower wins; other times my cravings do. (My willpower, when it comes to snacky-snacks this week, is mediocre at best. Humbug!)

*I've been making myself work out more than usual this past week. (Very likely because my dumb old willpower is all willy-nilly.) Praise me! I got up early to lift yesterday morning. And I worked hard enough that I'm rather sore today! Then I went to Zumba last night where I burned what felt like one zillion calories. I sweated buckets--likely because I'm not particularly watching my carbs. I love carbs. I daresay "carbs" is my favorite food.

*I've been thinking, of late, how it would be neat to have a husband, and the reasons are twofold. (Honestly, there are a lot of reasons marriage would be stellar, but these are the two reasons that got me wishing for one this week.) 1) I could think about having babies. (There. I said it. On the interweb, for all the world to read. Gah!) 2) We've gotten lots of snow this past week, and it seems like men are naturally good at shoveling snow. (I'm not wrong, am I?)

*I've been reading Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I read the first two (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire) in five days. Total. (I feel quite certain that President Snow is among the wickedest characters ever written, you know? He's bad news!) I'm roughly half-way through and will likely finish it this weekend.

*Lately I've been wondering about the size of my bladder. I estimate it to be perhaps the size of a walnut? (This next part is going to seem really off-topic, but hold tight; it all ties together in the end, I assure you.) Things get uncomfortable at work. For a handful of silly reasons, we moved out of our awesome building about 18 months ago and landed in...another building to pass the time. It's great, in that it has provided us a place to work with our clients...but I do not love said building, for a handful of silly reasons. And also because the bathrooms there are yucko. I avoid the restrooms at work if at all possible...which is why I've considered bladder-size of late; because these days, it seems, I've had to use the facilities at least once a day. We move back to OUR BUILDING (our lovely, glorious building!) in just over a week. My bladder and I are thrilled--for a handful of silly reasons. (TMI? Deepest apologies.)

*I've been watching LOST on DVD with the Brookes in my life. We're in season 4--and it seems that there's quite a bit I had forgotten since finishing off season 3 several months ago. But then I watched this clip and felt pretty up-to-speed. As I've been watching, I've thought (a number of times) that LOST is a terrific name for this show, because it doesn't answer questions so much as present new questions. Also, every time Jack's face appears onscreen, I think (aloud), "I want to make out with him." (Something about his rugged good looks?) Also! I've said it from the beginning when I started with season 1 sometime last year: There's not NEARLY enough hugging on that island! Of what I speak is true!

*Over the course of the past few weeks, I've pondered the awesomeness of gloves. It's no secret that I have crappy circulation and gloves/mittens are stellar little accessories.They warm up my fingers enough that frostbite & amputation aren't a real threat! (It's just too bad I've only remembered to grab a pair of gloves thrice in the past few weeks...)

*I'm still lovin' the Cheerios. Particularly the Cinnamon Burst, but also indulging in Chocolate Cheerios when the mood strikes.

It might be an obsession with me...

Over and out.

hello, monday...

This is the view from my office window:

It seems the elements are keeping my clients at home. I can't say I blame them...

It's all good, though. In two days I'll be in Zion chillin' with my family. And in three days, I'll be chillin' with my family and eating Thanksgiving dinner! And in four days, I'll be wingin' my way across the Pacific, where I'll perch my little self on lovely, sunny beaches in Happy Hawaii!

Bring it, Monday! (Famous last words...?)

Update (5:46pm)...
All of my clients canceled today.
Every. Last. One.
Because of the nastiness of the weather.
In the meantime, I worked on my "what to pack for HI" list.
Also, I went down into the crawlspace for Chris.
Because of the nastiness of the weather.
Chris is cold, and I found her winter gear.

BEHOLD:

I should've counted all her scarves...

(Can you tell Chris likes pink?)

ick...

I may or may not have a few irrational fears. Aaaand most of them deal with the animal kingdom in some variety or another...

Don't judge me or anything, but I have a very real fear of grasshoppers. I looked it up, and it's called acridophobia. I wouldn't call it a real phobia; it's not like I feel like I'll die in their presence, but still...I'd much rather avoid them, and I very nearly jump out of my skin if one jumps on me. (UGH!)

This pic makes me squirm 'cause it's on a human hand.
And also because it looks large enough to eat a small child.
(I call it "grosshopper." Isn't that clever of me, though?)

Also, I'm a bit skittish around moths. (And butterflies.) I looked this one up too; lepidopterophobia is the fear of butterflies, and mottephobia is the fear of moths. It's real, people. I can tell y'all are judging me, and I ask you to at least mock me in silence. I think butterflies are pretty, but I get jittery and nervous when they flutter nearby (especially around my head). Don't even get me started on moths. (Yuck!)

I said they're beautiful...
I just don't like them to be anywhere near me, thanks...

And then...this one was a recent revelation, but I was taking a gander at a new book I bought for work: My Very First Encyclopedia with Winnie the Pooh and Friends: ANIMALS. The book is fun, and my clients really seem to like it so far. But before I put it on my bookshelf, I looked through its pages. And you know what? I was totally disturbed when I came across this image on page 42:

Iiiit's a sloth...

(Somehow, because of Sid the Sloth from Ice Age, I thought they'd be...not so creepy)

Umm, so get over the fact that I'm 28 and have never seen a real live sloth before. That creature is freaky-deaky! And I'm not trying to knock any of God's creations or anything, really I'm not! But what the heck is that? He basically looks like something out of a nightmare. And why is his face all squished together surrounded by so much head?! (ICK!)

Here's what's really funny, though: on Monday, one of my clients was looking through this stellar animal encylcopedia, and when she came across the sloth, she said (and I quote!):"Awwww! Look at him! He's so cute!"

WHAT THE WHAT? I'm not a judgmental person, typically, but my initial reaction (albeit silently) was: "What is wrong with this child?"

To each his own, I suppose.

And who am I to talk, really? I'm afraid of butterflies...

olympic-sized thoughts...

Okay, my thoughts aren't exactly Olympic-sized, but I do have some thoughts about the Olympics. First, though, a song dedicated to the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, 2010:

Isn't it, like, terrific? Oh, I love Vancouver.
(I can say that with authority because I've totally been there.)

I sort of watched the Opening Ceremonies with my Ma and last week. I say sort of because we were flipping between the Opening Ceremonies and My Best Friend's Wedding. And mostly we watched the latter. (Sorry, but the Opening Ceremonies made me feel kind of bored.)

And you know what's sad? I haven't been able to watch the Olympics very much because I've been so busy in the evenings. Lately, though, I've been coming down with some sort of head cold or something, so I've been avoiding the crowds and babying my ailing self; so after taking a hot shower and bundling up into my warm jam-jams on Wed and Thurs, I totally plunked myself down on the couch with a warm blanket, and I watched me some Winter Olympics is what!

Here's my first thought: What the Shaun White?! I swear, what that fella can do, like...defies physics. It looks impossible, what that guy can do! He totally deserved to win, and I didn't even want to like him. (And the reasons are twofold: 1. I kinda don't love that the Olympics are made up primarily of professionals any more. That's one beef I had with Shaun in the beginning. But the real reason I didn't want to like him is this (#2): His hair is prettier than mine. Much, much prettier. And doesn't that just seem wrong to you?) Anyways, when he unearthed that last flippy thing (the last trick on his last run), I was utterly amazed. I stared at the TV, all sorts of amazed, and then I did a little victory dance (from the couch; I'm ill, after all). Shaun White is AMAZING. Just sayin'...

Also, before I forget, you know what's a weird word? Luger. It's like someone is saying "loser" with a Dutch accent. ("Izsn't that veird?" Name that movie!) Seriously, though, anytime I hear anybody talking about "lugers," I am confused for a few seconds. Every. Time.

I feel quite certain that I'd die if I tried Alpine Skiing. (Isn't that what it's called what Lindsey Vonn does? The one where they go insanely fast down a snowy slope on skis?) I watched that Anya what's-her-last-name totally biff it, and I'm convinced Alpine Skiing could be the death of me. And apparently Anya wasn't the only one who ate snow that day on the Alpine run. YIKES!

I'm mystified by men's figure skating. Frankly (now don't hate), if I see a guy in skates, I want him to be in full hockey gear, beating the snot out of every member of the opposing team, you know? Having said that, I'm amazed that men can be so graceful. Maybe it's bitterness talking, because I lack grace in so many ways. Anyway, I watched the long performances on Thursday night, and I was amazed at those dudes. (My heart went out to the cute little Japanese skater whose laces broke and he had no choice but to take a 2 point deduction in order to fix his problem in 3 minutes or less!) I thought Evan Lysocek did well enough to win the gold, even if the Russians disagree. (Go USA!) Also, Lysocek is kind of (really) handsome, and more masculine than the rest. (There. I said it.)

That's all she wrote...

can i just say...?

I watched UP for the first time yesterday as I supped on a delish dish of lasagna prepared by Brooker's momma. (Oh my heck, that was one delectable dinner! There was even dessert: caramel brownies! YUM!) And can I just say? UP is such a cute movie! Seriously, why didn't I go and see that one in the theater? There is so darn much to love about that movie. I think I'll buy it one day. I know there were some sad parts to it, but I totally laughed like a child on several occasions; and over all, the movie just made me feel good. Loved it.

If you read my previous post, you know that I think 2010 is over-rated. But honestly, I wasn't sure if it was the new year that I hated, or just the month of January. Because, can I just say? January is a horrible month. I think it has something to do with the winter-ness of the month; it gets dead cold North of Zion. Plus, it feels like an entire month full of Mondays; and January is one of the LONG months! Ugh! So glad it's over!

Having said that...can I just say? February ain't fabulous either. It's got its perks (which are twofold): 1-It marks the end of January, and 2-Groundhog Day. See, the only real good days in February are the first two. (I skipped Valentine's Day on purpose, okay? I'm sure I'll like that holiday okay when I find me a husband...and that annoys me about myself, so we're not gonna go there.)

Concerning Groundhog Day in North of Zion; it really doesn't mean Jack Squat. Up here, winter lasts until mid-April or so. But can I just say? I love Groundhog Day! Honestly, I think it's stellar to begin Thinking Spring, regardless of what the weather does to dampen one's spirits. Thinking Spring is so darn lovely! Plus, there's the classic movie, I think you've heard of it. It's called Groundhog Day. (I love that movie...)

I'm not a real fan of pomegranate ever since that fateful day after school when I was a wee lass. I mean, I don't hate it; I could eat a few seeds if it really meant something to someone I love. It just doesn't do it for me. But can I just say? I kind of love pomegranate/tangerine sherbet. I'm not quite sure what prompted me to buy it, but there I was at WinCo (pronounced wink-o, just so you're awares), walking with a purpose towards the frozen treats section (or whatever it's called) to find some raspberry sherbet. Because, can I just say? Sherbet makes me smile. Anyway...I completely planned on buying the raspberry variety; but when I opened the freezer door to grab the raspberry, my hands grabbed the pom/tanj. I looked at it, blinking, wondering how that happened, and then I proceeded to put the pom/tanj sherbet in my shopping cart. That was on, I think, Friday. And today I tasted it. And it's kind of scrumtrulescent. (Does disliking pomegranate but enjoying its sherbet make me a hypocrite? I wonder...)

Oh yeah...this stuff is delicious!
Even in a North of Zion dead of winter!

JUST SAYIN'...

smiling...

I finished reading The Screwtape Letters today on my lunch break. But I'm not done thinking about it. Oh, no. I seriously enjoyed that book. And guess what? When I get around to reading again today, I'll be starting Mere Christianity. And I'm very excited about it.

Today, it feels like Spring. Spring, people! When I walk outside, I can hear water trickling down rain gutters, because the snow is melting! When I ran to the store, I could swear that those huge mountains made entirely of snow (and a fair share of dirt), piled into ginormous masses in the corners of the parking lot...they look smaller! They really do!

Now, because of all this melting going on, the roads and sidewalks, where thick-ish layers of ice are thinning out, it's all sorts of slippery out there. And although I've slipped and nearly fallen a dozen times, I don't care. Because they skies are blue and the sun is shining!

I'm sure to be devastated when this little January thaw ends and winter comes back with a vengence...

I'm somehow surviving my battle against Coca Cola. I wanted it yesterday. I wanted it real bad. But I didn't give in. I think I'll somehow win this battle...

After today, my work week is half over. This makes me smile as brightly as the sun shineth today, it does.

I'm losing weight. Not enough that anybody can tell, but I can, and that's what matters. My pants feel a bit looser, and it's a truly liberating feeling.

This, I think, is all for now. Cheers...

looking up...

Typically I look forward to the end of daylight savings time. You know, because of the whole "fall back" thing; a whole extra hour of time, typically filled with the joy that is slumber. I forget about it getting darker earlier until I go back to work the next day, when I walk out of the office into the blackness of the night. And it's only 6pm.

It makes winter seem that much closer, and although I'm searching my soul to find some spark of excitement over winter, it still messes with me; it's a reminder that the dog days of summer are well behind me, and who knows when spring will spring this next year?

It makes me tired too. I get tireder earlier, all because the sun dips below the horizon earlier each and every day. Living an Alaskan winter might kill me. (You heard me right, Eskimo Bob.)

Maybe I should live the credo: "early to bed, early to rise...." That way I can enjoy the sun while it shows its lovely face. It's probably worth a shot, right?

Now I just gotta make myself GO TO BED before midnight. (Yes, I said I get tireder earlier, but that doesn't mean I hit the hay when I feel the first inklings of sleepiness.)

I'm not going for negative here, really. Let me prove it to you.

Find a happy place...

I came up with a few other things to love about winter (all by myself):

*Hot cocoa; whether coming in from playing in the snow, or coming in from work, hot cocoa is a pleasantry of the coldest season.
*Wearing slippers/booties. I love them, but they make my feet hot and sweaty any other time of year besides winter.
*I can pile on all the blankets I want at bedtime. I LOVE having my bedroom cool (very, very cool) with lots of heavy blankets piled on top of me when I sleep. I. Love. It.

Want some more good news? The weather has been lovely the past couple of days; it's still autumn here in Idaho Falls! Life is good.

Also, Goose and Janel get married this Friday, and I get to meet Janel's boy, Marshall; I'm the proud new owner of a nearly-3-year-old nephew! Nephews (and nieces, of course!) are spectacular! Hooray for me and my wonderful life!

Aaaand...Abby had her birthday yesterday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY, Ab!), and I get to chill with her Thursday evening. And I get to see my ENTIRE FAMILY this weekend because of the wedding. YAY! HOORAY!