Never Mess with a Nantie

Thoughts in a Hotel Room

2008-06-26T18:17:00.002-07:00

I think I may be secretly aspiring to be a pirate. A few weeks ago I bought a new eye liner. I really like it. It goes on smoothly and evenly. There really is not much need for me to shape or smudge the line at all because it turns out so well. OK, here is what is going on that has me contemplating this.

I am currently in California at a genealogy conference. my co-workers and I came in early this morning so that we could have some time to play in Southern California before we get down to the work of helping people with their genealogy. I was blessed in high school to have some amazing friends. Since graduating we've all gone our separate ways. Some are married, some aren't. Some are married to others from our group of friends, some aren't. Strangely enough three of my five best friends from high school now live in SoCal, and we are going to play this weekend. I haven't seen JessieAnna since Jenni's wedding almost 2 years ago, and I haven't seen Matt and Tricia since I lived in the Riviera over 4 years ago. They have 2 kids now, and I haven't even met their youngest yet. It is with this in mind that I really want to put my best face forward, and not look like a total scrub when I see them this weekend.

I knew coming into this trip that there would be quite a bit of down time. I haven't been able to straighten everything out yet so that I can remote in to work from here, so I brought a bunch of books and DVDs and genealogy projects to work on when I am not actually working at the conference. I brought a good mix of chick flicks, westerns, Shakespeare, Disney, fantasy and sports movies so that I am sure to have something that will fit my mood. (Also, I can let my co-workers borrow DVDs if they so choose) Among the DVDs are the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Tonight I am going to play with JessieAnna and meet her new roommates. I decided I was in the mood to listen to two strikingly good looking men exchange piratey Banter while engaging in some fierce swashbuckling. So I turned on Pirates 1 on in the background while I got ready. It was while I was putting on my eyeliner that I realized my subconscious ambition to be a pirate. As it turns out my new eyeliner, which I love because of it's black, iridescent pearly glow goes by the name of "Black Pearl".

Hmmm. I did see Johnny Depp's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. I wonder what my future holds if I suddenly decided to cruise the Caribbean searching for booty.

Well, Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are certainly something to think about. That's for sure.

Some things I have learned from my family

2007-12-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

I love my family. And there are somethings that I have learned that need to be shared.

1. Laugh often, often until you cry.

2. No one else has your back like your brother.

3. You get silly in pictures when you are young.

4. You never grow out of that.

5. Mom and Dad like to get silly too.

6. Nothing is as funny as reading the ingredients on the back of the salad dressing bottle when your sister is trying to be a serious baby sitter. Sorry I don't have a picture for that.

7. Card Games=Good times, Late night=Better times and more crying.

8. Olives on the fingers is a trait of nature and not nurture, it is the natural thing to do.

9. When you go to Zoo Montana, the dirt is sometimes more interesting than the animals.

10. Naps are always a good thing.

2007-11-05T16:28:00.001-07:00

Oh, and we also won "Best Overall" in the decorating contest.

Halloween at a company that really gets into the holiday Part 2

2007-11-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Team, goofing off on Halloween

Caroline and the Food table

Chillin in the elevator

Glinda and Dorothy aka Me and Betsy

Me, as a cupcake

Glinda and the Cowardly Lion, Aka me and Trisha

The Cowardly Lion striking a couple of poses

Well, there you have it! That is what I've been up to lately. Maybe I'll start blogging again. We'll see what happens.

Halloween at a company that really gets into the holiday Part 1

2007-11-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

So, my company really likes Halloween. There is a costume contest, an area decorating contest, and a bunch of other fun things. For the last part of the afternoon on Halloween everyone brings in their children and they go trick-or-treating among all the desks in the buildings. Here are some pictures of what my area looked like this year. We went for a Wizard of Oz Theme. So without further ado, here is my office as seen on Oct 31, 2007.

This was near the door to our area

This was on the door to our area

This is the view as you enter the area into Munchkinland

Welcome to Munchkinland

Dorothy's House on the Wicked Witch of the East

A few of the residents of Munchkinland

Signpost at the cross-roads

The Haunted Forest

Green hills with Poppies

Welcome to the Emerald City

Emerald City Castle

Hot Air Balloon with Basket, Dorothy was supposed to fly home in this

Here is the whole crew in our costumes

The Next Post will be of my co-coworkers and I. Stay tuned!

My day was made by a bunch of red heads.

2007-06-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy lately, and it seems like I am constantly running from meeting to meeting, and am never ever home. Tonight as I was driving to a meeting from a different meeting, I was passed several times by a Suburban carrying a large family of red headed children. Mom was driving and the oldest kid in the car looked to be about 12. The youngest of the 5 children looked to be about 5. I first noticed them when they pulled up next to me at a stop light. The 5 year old was making ridiculous faces and crossing his eyes. I couldn't help but laugh. The kids saw me laughing, and I could hear them getting more and more excited. I drove a little further down the road, and looked in my sideview mirror, when they came up next to me again. This time all 5 kids were making faces. This went on for about 3 miles. And it was just a fantastic time.

Thanks kids, it was just what I needed!

I love my haircut.

2007-06-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

The Only problem is that if I comb my bangs just right I look an awful lot like someone else.

Pie, Brits, and Oral Hygiene

2007-06-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

So some people would like to post ways to spice up your love life. Given recent circumstances, I am really not a good source of those types of recommendations. So today I would like to give you some fun ways to spice up girls night out.

1. Find a good chick-flick type movie to see at the dollar theater. (Becky and I saw Miss Potter, the biography of Beatrix Potter, Excellently done, and I highly recommend it)

2. Buy some taco bell and sneak it in using your smuggling purse. eat said tacos during the previews.

3. When going to Village Inn for pie after the movie, pick an accent and commit to use it for the rest of the evening.

4. When the waitress says "Oh, your accent is so beautiful", smile in a politely abashed way and say "Oh, Thank you!"

5. Eat Pie.

6. on the drive home, discuss with your sister how you honed your british accent to the perfection that it is today. Mine for instance was developed when I met a highly attractive Englishman while living in Texas. He was in town visiting with his brother's family and he was lovely. We spent a week together playing games, staying up until all hours, going to Wendy's and Wal-mart. We went to Wal-mart on one of his last days because he had some things he needed to pick up. I was in the market for a new mouthwash. He suggested Tom's of Maine. Before thinking twice I was taking advice on oral hygiene from a Brit. (not really a great thing to do considering the entire nation is often mocked for having poor oral hygiene.) The mouthwash was excellent, although it did taste like spearmint. (bleeech!)

7. Pick an odd, somewhat obnoxious laugh. Use this laugh as much as possible until you either a. cry, b. pee your pants, or c. both.

8. Go home and send an e-mail to the very hot British man under the pretense that you were just going through your e-mail and found his address. (When really you are just wondering if he is married yet).

9. After sending an e-mail, blog the whole stupid affair.

I like my sisters.

2007-05-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

They make me laugh. The DYM and I have been playing phone tag for the last few days. This is the message I got last night:

We are as ships in the night,

passing but never touching,

reaching out to each other across the sea of plains and mountains.

I miss thee.

Fare thee well.

If you take some kids to the beach...

2007-05-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

they will probably throw rocks into the water...

But throwing the rocks in the water will make them want to throw rocks in a tide pool.

And throwing rocks in a tide pool will make them want to sit in a tide pool.

But sitting in a tide pool will make their shoes and socks ridiculously sandy.

And when their shoes and socks are ridiculously sandy, you will take their shoes and socks off so as to not spread it all over the car. One child in particular will then stuff his wet, sandy sock down your shirt, because hey, where else is it supposed to go?

An open letter

2007-05-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Dear drivers in my Current State:

I've been driving around you for a few years now, and I can't help but notice a few things. Although many of you are excellent drivers, there are a few of you who cause me to resort to name calling and the occasional yelling of "OH COME ON!!!". I would like it if we could be friends. In order to move this friendship along I have complied a list of several things that will help us to avoid an accident and cut down on my current frustration. Some of the things are specific, others are just clarifications.

1. If the speed limit is 50, it's ok to go 50 (unless of course the weather or road conditions are horrible, then please go as slow as you see fit.) However, on a perfectly fine sunny summer morning, there is no need to go 35 just to be safe. Heck, I'll even be ok if you drove 52 or even 53!

2. The center/left turn lane is there to be used. Hey, it's practically begging you to pull into it when making your turn. and there's no reason to be shy about the turn lane. In fact, you should get nice and cozy with it. go ahead, pull your car all the way into the lane don't leave your bumper out in the left lane where another motorist might clip you and will in fact need to slam on their brakes to avoid doing so. Come on, love your whole car, not just the front end

3. I understand the allure of driving a truck. Trucks are fun. I drove a truck for about 6 months. It was a blast. I understand the need and longing to drive a large vehicle. However, before you hit the road in your new F-350, please be sure that you are aware of how to drive said pick-up, that you are able to park said pick up, and that you are able to keep your pick-up in the lane you are driving in. It is never ok to take up 2 lanes of traffic.

4. Kindly remove yourself from my bumper. I know that my car is cute and all, but if you like my car so much, you can get your own. Just head on down to a Honda dealership and pick one up. It's a really great car, and I don't blame you for wanting a better look. And I know the Canadian and American Flags near the license plate are very patriotic, and maybe you are trying to thank me for being so patriotic, but really, all you have to do is wave as you drive by. I'm a cuddly person, I understand the need for closeness, and in person I have a smaller space bubble than some others I know, but in my car, My space bubble is rather large.

5. If you don't know how to use your turn signals what makes you think you will be able to operate the rest of your vehicle. I have heard people complain that no one will let you merge on the highway, however, I think the lack of a signal on your part might be part of the problem. Let's look at it this way if you are on a date with a cute boy and you want him to hold your hand you don't sit with your arms folded and turn away from him all night and then complain that all you got at the end of the night was a good firm handshake. Use your blinkers, go for the "lean" (if you have any questions ask Jack or Joe Jr.), and who knows, you might be amazed at the politeness abounding on the freeway.

6. I have a really cute horn on my car. If pressed twice in rapid succession, it sounds exactly like the road runner. However when I was learning to drive I was under the impression that horns were meant to warn other motorists of impending danger. Like"Hey! Get out of my way the brakes are out and I might hit you so get out of my way, NOW!" or to make a motorist aware such as "I'm sorry sir, but it seems that the light has turned green. Please proceed, so that we can all be on our way" or occasionally to show anger or displeasure "Look mister I don't care if you are driving a hummer large enough for Hagrid, Madame Maxime, Aragog , Fluffy, and the Giant Squid to all have enough leg room, YOU DIDN'T USE YOUR BLINKER AND YOU ALMOST SQUASHED MY SMALL HONDA TO SMITHEREENS!!" So please while we are driving please don't feel the need to honk at hot girls, hot boys, mothers with young children, scooters, Men in Construction Zones, joggers, dogs, birds, and random dust mites you might see along your way. Because when you do, I tend to freak out a little looking for the thing I did wrong.

I really hope this list will help you and that we can continue to be friends. No hard feelings.

Cordially,

Nantie Meg

My famous sister.

2007-04-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

Yeah, She's so awesome they feature her on the Today show.

I am Meg, see me pedal.

2007-04-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so recently I have noticed the hike in gas prices. As a young single adult, this concerns me. I am living on a tight budget, and don't really make much money. Plus I am trying to save for number of things. I can't really tell you exactly what these things are, but there are options my friend. Lots of options. And as soon as I know which options I want to use my savings for, I'll let you know. All I do know right now is that I can't afford gas if it gets up to $4 a gallon. (It's almost at $3 in my area currently).

So, I, being the ambitious person that I am, have decided to bike to work this summer. I figure if it saves me filling up my car once a month it is totally worth it. I live about 5.5 miles from my office and have decided that this isn't so bad. I mean, On the bikes at the gym I can pedal about 6 miles in half an hour. and with traffic on my way to work it takes me about 15 minutes to drive there, constantly putting on my brakes and accelerating, and breaking for red lights, and accelerating, and braking for pedestrians, and accelerating, and braking for that slow city utility truck, that only does 35 mph in a 50, and accelerating to pass said truck, and breaking for another red light. Well, next to the road I take to work there is a lovely bike trail that I have always admired from afar (ok, from the drivers seat about 100 feet away). So a few weeks ago, I decided to try biking to work this summer. It was warming up nicely and I thought the ride would do me good, and will probably help me shed the extra pounds I've been toting around the last few years.

Anyway, today (Saturday), I decided to take a test run and see how extremely out of shape I really am. I said I'd make the ride one way in 30 mins. Buckley said 45 to an hour. Once I got on the bike this morning I was sure I could do it. Then I got on the road, at .5 miles I was starting to doubt myself. at 2 miles I was ready to turn around and call it quits. but I pushed through. by mile 3 I wanted to stop and walk my bike and take my sweet time getting there. but I pushed through, aided by the blaring ABBA, Bowling for Soup and Christina Aguilera on my mp3 player (this is the best birthday present ever!!! Thanks mom and dad! If you don't like working out, but enjoy music, get one. It'll revolutionize your workout!) OK, preaching over.

Anyway, after mile 3 I started to feel pretty good about it. And I made it to my office in about 50 minutes. This does mean I'll have to leave for work an hour earlier than normal so that I can get a shower in before I actually get to my desk, but I am so pumped. This is going to be an awesome summer. Wahoo!!

Oh, and by the way, I ROCK!!

Spring

2007-04-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

My room smells like spring time. Last night I fell asleep with the window open and woke up to the smell and sound of rain. Fantastic.

Also Spring means I get to go to visit the DYM, DYD, Magoo and Laylee. Woohoo!

Dad should be so proud.

2007-03-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

One Christmas tradition we had growing up was making homemade root beer. This comes from my dad's side of the family. We always had a fun time making the root beer. Even after we moved to the States and started buying root beer, there was always plenty to be found at our house especially at holiday time.

In college when I was feeling homesick I would drink root beer and eat smoked oysters because it was my comfort food. Today, after all that root beer, I finally know what my gift means. I went to a party for my friend "Tobey". Tobey's birthday was last week on St. Patrick's day, so he had an Irish themed party. We played Riverdance/DDR. And we also played a drinking game. ok, so it was just a root beer chugging contest. And I kicked everyone else's TRASH!!! Yes I won the coveted king sized snickers bar. And I owe it all to my many years of training.

Thanks Dad!

But how?

2007-03-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that my 4 year old neice has little hope in my getting married. This is a conversation we had on my recent birthday.
Laylee: Nantie Meg, when you have a baby, that baby will be my cousin!
Me: Well, yeah, but it might be a while before I have a baby because I need to get married before that happens. But when I do get married my husband will be your new uncle.
Laylee: But how are you going to find a husband?
Me: Well, I'm going to talk to boys and go on dates.
Laylee: But what if there aren't any boys who aren't already married to girls?!?!?
Me: There are plenty of boys who aren't already married.
Laylee: But how many?
Me: At least a (I was interrupted at this point)
Laylee: Like 4? or 5? or 7?
Me: I was thinking more like a hundred.
Laylee: Wow! but how are you going to meet one and get married?

Excellent question, Laylee. Excellent question.

YAY YAY YAY!!!

2007-03-14T07:24:00.001-07:00

I'm getting a new nephew or niece!!!

Check it out!!!

High Five Uncle Meg.

2007-02-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently I've changed genders and didn't know it.

Thanks Margaret!

2007-02-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		70%
Superman		65%
Robin		62%
Spider-Man		60%
Hulk		55%
Green Lantern		45%
Supergirl		45%
Iron Man		30%
The Flash		30%
Catwoman		20%
Batman		10%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

NERTS!!!

2007-02-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

OK, so super fun game. Margaret taught me how to play Nerts yesterday. So much fun. We were playing for a slightly sad reason, my friend K, Margaret's roommate decided to move out of state recently. We were having a goodbye party. So overall reasons for getting together sad - playing and eating together, so fun!

Explaining it is a little hard, but next time we are together, we can learn to play.

I'm going on a date of some sort tonight. My brother-in-law talked to me last night and asked me to go on a date with him and my sister tonight. I told him no, that Valentines should be a night just for them. I was going to stay home and read, watch movies, play with the dog, etc. But he and Buckley said they were going out on a date on the 13th. So in the long run we are all going on a "date" tonight. I love that I have sweet family.

Snow flurries or hockey Flurey's

2007-01-21T00:28:00.000-07:00

Here in my town we have recently had a record breaking cold snap. It started with our initial snow dumping, then it just got really cold, and stayed that way. I don't mind the cold, yes it is a pain scraping off my car in the morning, but in exchange here are some things I like about the colder weather:

-I like the feeling of piling extra blankets on my bed.

-Wearing my super duper fuzzy socks that my mom and dad gave me for Christmas.

-Feeling like I am actually Canadian, and my body is able to maintain it's normal temperature of 97.8 degrees (yes, my body runs colder than others)

-Wearing warm fuzzy polar-fleece jackets

-Calgary Flames beating the socks off of the Edmonton Oilers 4-0!!!

-Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.

OK, so mostly what brings up this random post is that my weather tracker says that snow flurries are expected in the area. Flurries got me thinking about my Hockey Team, the above mentioned Calgary Flames, I think when I was younger there was a hockey player by the name of Flurey (I have no clue how to spell that). This always makes me happy. Also, Doug Flutie, and Patrick Roy (It's pronounced WAHHH). I could be completely out to lunch with Flurey and Flutie. But I know about Patrick Roy. I watched him play goalie for the Colorado Avalanche (my other team).

My mom always said that she felt a little schizophrenic during Flames - Flyers games because she always felt like cheering for all good plays. (Mom learned about Hockey with her Dad in Philadelphia, watching Flyers games).

Anyway, just some random hockey thoughts. Love you!

Merry Christmas to All, and to all some fanastic leftovers

2006-12-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas, if you hadn't noticed already. Another reason that I love Christmas is the fact that there are always leftovers. On Christmas Eve we traditionally eat ham. On Christmas day we eat turkey. All of which are fantastic foods to make sandwiches later. SO far today, much chocolate, cheesecake, and oysters have been consumed. Mmmmmmmmmm!

On the gift front, I always have more fun planning what to give that actually getting gifts, but the giving it my favorite part. This year, I started work on my presents for the family about 8 months ago. My project was to make a soundtrack of our family's life together. it worked pretty well, the hardest part was taking the soundtrack down to one disc per person. It was really fun.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, from me and mine.

2006-12-19T15:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks Margaret! Mine Too!

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Ironic by Alanis Morisette

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought ... it figures

What's Your 1996 Theme Song?

Raw Chicken, Dancing, Prizes and Drunk Jeff

2006-12-16T00:20:00.000-07:00

Christmas brings a lot of things. One new thing that I have experienced this year is the Corporate Company Christmas Party. I may have already mentioned that I love my company. I love the people I work with and the perks that I get working there. (We are completely decked out for Christmas). One of the big selling points for the party this year was that there would be an open bar. This wasn't really a perk for most of the people who work there because most of us don't drink. The night was fun, other than the hellish driving conditions (the drive that normally takes 45 mins to 1 hour took 2 hours 15 mins.)

It was at the nicest hotel in the state, with the option for fantastic door prizes. By the time we got there dinner was being served, but luckily the girls who sit with me had saved me and Buckley seats at their table. Yes, my sister Buckley went as my "date". By the time we finished driving I was so grateful that she was in the passenger seat, and not some guy I didn't really know that well and would've needed to make small talk with. Dinner was nice, however after about 4 bites of my Chicken Picata, I started to realize that it was still pretty pink, it was difficult to tell because the Ballroom was so dim. So far, food poisoning hasn't set in, but I am on the watch for it.

The door prizes were fun, we won a $25 gift certificate to Best Buy, and danced like crazy. While we were dancing a guy by the name of "Jeff" came over and introduced himself, and started trying to dance with me. To be more specific, "Jeff", who had been taking advantage of the open bar, was trying to "Get up on it". It being me. I dodged it rather adeptly by walking away and clearly giving him the message to "get up off it". My supervisor's wife noticed this little interchange (along with everyother person dancing with us) and mentioned that if it happened again she would grab my hands and drag me to the bathroom immediately. So much fun. I really feel like I've reached a mile stone in my life. I remember about hearing about company Christmas party antics which are induced by that flighty temptress, alcohol, and now I feel like I have been a part of it. Today I am almost ready to admit that I am a grown up, but not quite.

Curses on Finals Week.

2006-12-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah, you heard me. Curses on finals.

Why yes, now that you ask, I did finish with school in August. And yes, now that you ask, I have been working at my job with the very predictable schedule for the last 4 months. Yes, I have been trying to get to bed before 11, so that I can be to work by 9 the following morning. The problem is that no one told my body that I do not need to resort to the finals survival sleeping patterns. You know, as little sleep as possible, and at most only in 4 hour increments. I swear, my sleeping patterns have been on the same calendar for the last 5 years (maybe longer, I don't really remember my sleeping habits from high school). Which means that this week and next week the insomnia is going to be in full swing. Say it with me folks, Hooray!

Thus the middle of the night posting.

Overall, life is good. I feel like I am finally getting to know people in my new ward at church, work is going well (we are off the mandatory overtime, and I got a raise for all the extra work I put in). It's funny, I thought that as soon as I finished school I would have so much time to spend being a nantie and sister, doing crafts, reading for pleasure, and other fun things like that. And while I admit that I do have more time now, I definitely have no idea where it all goes.

oh and one more thing:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I love Christmas, it is my favorite time of year. Buckley, Pandrew and I have been decorating the house, and I must say it looks pretty good. There is just something about coming home at night and seeing the lights glowing that makes the whole world seem a little bit warmer. And the thought that we are now celebrating such a monumental time the history of the world is an awesome thing to think about. I am so thankful to know and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Everyday I am reminded of the great sacrafice which was made for us. It seems like this Season I have been thinking alot about Mary. I was at my ward Christmas program tonight (which was fantastic, Thanks Margaret, if you are reading this) And I started thinking about how Mary must have felt, looking down on this perfect, holy child. I was suddenly hit by the gravity of it all. Mary knew that He was the Son of God. Mary knew that He would teach great truths. Mary knew that He would perform miracles, heal the sick and weary, bind up the broken. And Mary knew that He would then be rejected, despised, mocked, beaten and bruised. Mary knew that He would offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Mary knew that He would be the one to break the bonds of death and would rise again.

One of my favorite Christmas carols is Mary's Lullaby. Here are the words:

All mine in your loveliness baby, all mine.
All mine in your holiness baby divine.
Sing on herald angels in chorus sublime;
Sing on and adore, for tonight you are mine.

The wise men are coming to worship their King,
The shepherds are kneeling their homage to bring.
Out yonder the star over Judah will keep.
No harm will befall thee, then sleep baby sleep.

O let me enfold thee, my baby tonight,
While legions are singing in joyous delight.
A new star has risen to hail thee divine,
For you are a king, but tonight you are mine.

Away spectered future of sorrow and plight,
Away to the years that must follow tonight.
The pangs of Gethsemane, let them be dim,
The red drops on Calvary, not Lord, for Him!

O let me enfold thee, my baby tonight,
While legions are singing in joyous delight.
A new star has risen to hail thee divine,
For you are a king, but tonight you are mine.

Sing on herald angels in chorus sublime;
Sing on and adore, for tonight you are mine.

Wow, I didn't really mean for this to be such a serious post, but I guess sometimes you just have things that need to be said.

Until next post, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Getting it under control...

2006-09-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

First of all- This is my 25th post. Woo Hoo!!

Second, life continues to go well. I moved in with Becky and Andy almost 3 weeks ago, and started my new job about 4 weeks ago. Thus far life is going really well. I am trying to be aware of the things that I can do to serve Becky and Andy, because I really want this living arrangement to work. So far I think it is going well. We've done some fun things, and some not so fun things. But honestly I really think this is going to be a good situation. There have already been some nights where I got great support from both of them.

OK- I just decided what this post is going to be about. My fantastical family. It has been a while since I posted about them.

First- My Parents:

Mom and Dad are gearing up for a big move. Even though I am a career woman now, and most likely will not be joining them in their new house, they still called me to ask which bedroom I wanted. I love that they find it important that I still have a place to call home, even if I've never lived there. This does however complicate the question "Where are you from?". The House in Texas sold less than 12 hours after going on the market. I don't blame them for swooping in and buying it, It's a great house. I love that my parents want me to belong, no matter where they go. In the last few years, I have learned that Home is definitely where the heart is. Mom and Dad taught me how to live a good life. They taught me how to love and serve my family and friends. And that we are required to love our family. But if we choose to like our family, it is an extra bonus for us. My siblings and parents are my best friends. I would take hanging out with them over my college friends any day of the week. My parents taught me how to be friends with my siblings, and the whole family has been stronger because of my two amazing, stable, loving parents.

Heather. My sister Heather had a birthday this month. A big birthday. She's my older sister and I have always looked up to her. When I was little I looked at her and admired how smart and determined she was. Now I look to her as a great mother and friend who has supported me and empathized with me, and trusted me with her honest, true and rawest feelings. I had always seen Heather as this amazing superstar. She made plans and rolled with the punches, stayed faithful in adversity. I remember the day that I realized Heather was a person with fears and hope, but also a wonderful woman of faith. She was getting ready to leave on her mission, and we went to have a talk near the Denver Temple. We had our first real heart to heart there, and I recognized her as one of my best friends. Heather married Cody. He is great, and balances Heather's personality. I love him to pieces. He is so concerned for me and my welfare. He is always there to listen, and has named himself as the president of my fan club. I can't imagine Heather marrying anyone better.

Kathryn. Kate was always to independent, free thinking sister. Kate was going to conquer the world, and do it all in one day. Kate is an amazing mother. I only hope that one day, when I have kids, that I will be able to measure up to who and what she has become. Kate is one who will do anything for you, even if it means she may fall behind in taking care of herself. The day she told me she was getting married I went home and cried. I didn't understand why she would want to stop being my sister and leave our family for this man she had just started dating a few months earlier. However, only a few days into the engagement, I learned that Kate wasn't leaving out family, just making it bigger. She brought Dan in. He is fantastic. Dan is a wonderful man. It was really through Kate and Dan that I learned about how marriage strengthens all three families. And that when you get married, you really do marry the whole family. I have spent multiple holidays with Dan's family. They are fantastic. Dan may not be a man of many words, but the words he does say are filled with love and support. He is always ready with a hug, and an encouraging word. I am really glad Kate picked him. And that he picked Kate.

Adam. Adam has always been my big brother. I know that he was disappointed when I turned out to be a girl instead of a boy. Hey, I don't blame him. I always looked up to Adam as my big brother. On the Playground at school, I always won the my brother could beat up your brother argument. It's not that my brother was always the biggest or strongest (even though he usually was) it was because I knew that my brother loved me and would do anything to protect me. I'm sure there were times when we would not get along, and there is still debate as to what happened on New Years Eve 1990. But my brother has always loved me. He was the first one to ask me to dance at my first Stake Dance when I turned 14. I was the last one to dance with him at his last Stake Dance before he went off to college. He wrote me an amazing letter when he was on his mission. I still cherish it to this day. It's just a great connection when he tells me why he loves me and what he sees in me. It's very rare for a 17 year old girl to get that sort of love and encouragement from an older brother. But He's just that special. Adam married Lisa. I first met Lisa on my 19th birthday. I knew as soon as I met her in the car on the way to the family dinner that there was something special about her. Lisa is one of my best friends. She is so supportive of Adam and of all the things our family is and loves. She has been a wonderful addition and is a great sister. I truly consider Lisa to be one of my sisters. I remember the first day that Lisa and I really sat and talked. I had just had my wisdom teeth out, and Lisa came over to spend the day with me. We sat and talked and I told her that if she wanted to marry my brother, the sisters and I were all ok with that. I think my mom always worried about the girl Adam would marry because it might be hard for her to fit in with the already tight-knit circle of sisters. Lisa has fit right in from day one. She is a blessing and an example.

Becky is my baby sister and best friend. We have definitely had our differences and even had fights before. Once we came out to college we learned to be better friends, and less selfish friends together. Becky and I lived together. There are so many examples of love that she has given me, and there are far to many to name. But one of my favorite bonding moments happened when she was engaged to he husband Andy. About a month before her wedding, I broke up with the man I thought I was going to marry. This was hard on many levels. But I remember the nights that followed, curling up in bed with my sister, knowing that she loved me and wanted me to be happy. I knew that even though she was getting married, she would always love me and support me. He husband Andrew is great. He is a great friend. We can sit and talk for hours. He is genuinely interested in me, and what I'm interested in. Becky and Andy were married young, and I have got to watch them grow, buy their first home, and learn lessons that must be learned during everyone's lives. A few weeks ago, I came home and was having a bad day. Becky and Andy Followed me up to my room, and sat with me. Andy slowly slipped out and ran me a hot bath while Becky went downstairs and made me some tea. They are so loving and caring.

It has been so great to write this post. I think that sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day, and sometimes I start to take the people I care for the most for granted. So, for all of my family members out there. I'm glad that we're stuck together for the long haul. I love you so much!!!

2006-08-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

Vader Of The Opera

One of the girls at work found this today. I like Star Wars and the Phantom of the Opera, but I really don't think the two should mix. ENJOY!

Somedays you just need a bubble bath

2006-08-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

That is all.

In the last two weeks, I have started a new job, finished my on campus courses, moved out of my apartment and into my sister and brother-in-law's house, and am now trying to figure out where to go to church. I can either go to a singles ward associated with the college, or to a singles ward full of non-students. I admit, I am a little wary of going to the non-student ward for fear of who might be in the ward. At least with the college ward, I am guaranteed somewhat concerning what age of people will be there. We'll see how it goes.

Life is good. I am finally starting to get things figured out. Sometimes you just need to mull things over in the hot water a bit. (Ten points if you can tell me what book talks about mulling things over in the tub.)

Things at the job are going alright, and I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Tomorrow I go in for advanced database training, so I will be able to help create the searches and things we use in the company and on Monday I get to go to Human Resources and learn about all the benefits I get for working for the company full time. Finally, blogging might still be few and far between as I will be working a lot of overtime and still haven't unpacked.

Buckley and I did hang a pole in my closet last night, so now all my clothes have a place to live and be happy, other than in a suit case in my corner. That's about all for now. I'm heading back to the bath.

Things sure happen fast

2006-08-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

To quote Ferris Beuller:

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Well my life, it seems has been flying by. Summer term is nearly over. And today I got some absolutely fantastic, stupendous, serendipitous, Jesus-loves-me-this-I-know, Oh-what-a-beautiful-morning-oh-what-a-beautiful-day-I've-got-a-beautiful-feeling-everything's-going-my-way, news.

I got a job. A full time, career, benefits, vacation pay, 9-5 actual salaried career.

It is with my same genealogy firm I work part time for now. My internship ends tomorrow (Friday) and I start my full time job on Monday morning bright and early. The whole application/interview/offer process took less than 72 hours. My new manager got my name from my current manager, and wants me to start immediately. Life is wonderful, back to normal, and I am ready to start my life as a college graduate.

It's amazing how much I've learned about my life and about what I want to do with it. Firstly, I want to work towards being a fully accredited genealogist. I am hoping that I can be finished with the accreditation process in the next 18 months to 2 years. being accredited is basically like getting your masters in Genealogy, but it is endorsed by a private genealogy group instead of being an actual degree from a university. More than anything accreditation allows me to pass myself off as a true authority in genealogical research.

After my accreditation I think I want to get either my MLS, or an MBA. With the MBA I would be able to better start my own genealogy consulting company. Because let's face it I really don't know much about owning my own business. The beauty of having my own clients is that I would then be able to do a little more work from home. and since I hope to be able to stay at home with my kids, this seems like a pretty good deal if I will need to work while my kids are young. My company offers tuition reimbursement so when I do decide to go for my masters, I'm not going to be footing the whole bill. SWEET!

OK, I know that this wasn't a particularly funny post, but I am so excited about my future plans that I just wanted to share them with you. Maybe tomorrow I'll post about the other things that have been during the few months I was on hiatus.

But if you are still reading this, congrats, now go and bug Grammy and Papa to go and post about their news.

As a final note, check out this old picture of me and Bucky. I think it may be my favorite picture of all time.

And There was much Rejoicing . . .

2006-06-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

yay!!!

I got my grade back for spring term and I passed my killer class. This means I will be graduating for sure, and that I will be able to finish.

In other news, jobs seem to be opening up left and right. I haven't been offered any yet, but I've been applying like crazy. One that I applied for today is with my same company writing statistical reports on the genealogical data that we put out. I figured iout today that if I were to get this job I would actually be able to start working before graduation, just because of the way my classes are structured right now.

I'm going to continue on with my break, but I just wanted to keep you posted on what is goin on here.

I am still alive.
My Heavenly Father still loves me.
My Family Loves me too.
I will be graduating.
Life is looking up.

Taking a Break

2006-06-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hey things are still pretty crazy here is graduation land. I'm just posting to let you know that I'm going to be taking a break for a little while, just until I feel like things are a little more in control. And I can post about things other than the stress of graduation.

I'll still check your blogs out, but for now, I really need some time to work on the things that really matter, like papers etc.

You are all great, Be happy!!

Here's how I know . . .

2006-05-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

God loves me!

I am not used to the emotional rollercoaster that is graduation. I was doing fine for a few days, but once life calmed down a bit and I was feeling alright with letting life happen when it happens, and I started freaking out again. I feel like I'm 12 years old again and I don't know if I'm going to be laughing or crying at any moment.

Tonight was spent worrying about the future, the fact that I don't have a job, and that I only have 2 1/2 months left until "Go time". I came home from an evening of praying and reading my scriptures looking for some kind of resolution and my roommate Lis was sitting on the couch. We sat and talked for a while. She mentioned that sometimes when our faith is tested, it's only a little while before the Lord sends the blessings we need. Alot of times they aren't the blessings we are looking for, but they are definitely blessings.

I came back to my room to work on my paper, and check my e-mail. The only thing in my inbox was the monthly newsletter from my department at school, which I rarely read, and only briefly check out the employment section. Usually the jobs available are part time contracting work, which I would love to get involoved with once I start having kids and settling down. However, these jobs are supplemental in nature and are not meant to be a sole income.

Well, as I checked it today, there were a few jobs listed looking for full time genealogists, specifically genealogists working towards Acreditation, and who already have a degree in Genealogy. One of the companies is a molecular genealogy firm, they are working on a database of DNA samples and linking those people into pedigree charts using DNA and records. They are looking for people with my degree, and I would be able to stay in the area. There are a few more, and I will be sending out my resume as soon as I refine it a little more.

All this job talk got me excited, and I checked my job sites that I haven't looked at in about a week and half, and there are alot of exciting prospects on that website as well. It was just another way that I saw today that the Lord loves me and is going to help me get where I need to be, just so long as I keep close to Him, and I keep working on my faith.

In other news I have a new roommate. She showed up on my doorstep yesterday. I'm a little nervous because she is a brandspanking new freshnam. She graduated from highschool last Saturday and is from a very small town. So far she's been in her room quite a bit, and hasn't really come out to meet Lis and me, but I'll keep you informed of how it goes.

Have a fantastic day!!

On the upside

2006-05-27T01:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back, and life is still life, but it doesn't seem nearly as overwhelming as it has in the past. Thanks for all your prayers and support, they mean more than you know.

I don't have any funny stories or anything, but I've been thinking a lot about Memorial Day this weekend. Maybe it's because I am working for a genealogy company and so Memorial Day is a pretty big deal (I've had three e-mails about it in less than 24 hours). I've had three grandparents pass away, the one that I've been thinking of the most is my Grandpa Joe, my mom's dad. Grandpa passed away a few years before I was born, and the only way I've ever really known him is by the stories my parents and uncles tell about him.

The first time I remember hearing about him was when I taught myself how to whistle when I was about 3 or 4. My mom sat me down and told me about how Grandpa would whistle everywhere he went. The stories kept adding up, how he dipped his bananas in sugar, was the world's picky-est eater, how he would take the steps two at a time, and the way he cared for his children and his wife. My mom always told me that she thought he must have sent me to her and my dad. One aspect of this was that I was a right holy terror when I was really young, and Grandpa would have thought it was a good laugh, another aspect of this is that mom said I reminded her of him in many ways.

This has always made me wonder about the day when I will get to meet him. The closest I have ever come is when I was working on a paper for one of my genealogy classes and had a chance to listen to an oral history Grandpa made in 1978. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to hear my grandfather tell the story of his life, growing up a well-mannered-tennis-playing-garage-deconstructing-hyperactive-boy, falling in love with my grandmother (he was totally smitten, he proposed everyday for 3 months until she said yes, mostly to see what his reaction would be, he wanted to be married right away, but Grandma's mother thought she was too young to marry), and then the experiences he had as he became a father, lost children prematurely, and found his faith.

There are so many more thoughts I have about this wonderful man, but I don't have the time or space to share them all.

What are your favorite memories of your family?

Swinging

2006-05-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

There is a saying my mother taught me when I was younger.

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and Swing!!"

Well, It's not that I've been doing any swinging, but I've been feeling the need lately. Graduation is looming ever closer. I'm starting to realize what people mean when they say I have no idea about what the "real world" is. I've been desparately trying to do homework, and work, and still keep my head above water. I have to admit, I'm having a pretty hard time.

It seems like no matter what I do it just keeps adding up. The papers, reading, figuring out finances, insurance, and all the million other things when I don't have a job lined up after graduation. It's just really frustrating, and maybe it's because people have moved out, and my mom and dad aren't here, but more than anything it just feels lonely. My older sisters graduated from college together and moved into a house with their best friend. They had each other when they were faced with the black wall of graduation. At this point I am leaning towards staying where I am because I think the job field for my degree might be better than down in Texas, but I'm just so frustrated with not knowing.

It's times like this when I wish I knew my future husband. And it's not that I'm out actively looking for a husband right now (heck, I don't even have time for laundry!), but I just think it would be nice to have that partnership, someone in it for the long haul. Someone to hold me when I need to be held, to help make dinner and do the dishes afterward, someone who looks into my eyes and wonders what he did to be so blessed. Someone for me to serve and love, and to look at them and wonder why I have been so blessed. My faith is the most important thing in my life and I know that the family is central to our Heavenly Father's plan for us. And I know that marriage and family takes alot of work, but it also takes and returns a lot of love.

My parents and siblings are all wonderful examples to me of love and respect and service in marriages. I watch them all working in partnership with one another and with the Lord to make their homes safe havens, where love wins out, and everyone works for the better of the family. My parents have been married for over 30 years. When we would catch Mom and Dad kissing in the kitchen, we would run from the room screaming, and Dad would so lovingly remind us that the best gift a father can give his children is to show them that he loves their mother. I have four siblings. All of them are now married, and starting families of their own. It's not that I feel left out of the family, because all of my siblings, and my in-laws are so aware of me, and my feelings, and I know that I am so lucky to be loved by so many people.

Don't worry, it's not like I am going to rush into something that is not right. I know that when the time comes to make that decision, it will be made with a lot of prayer, and trust that the Lord will let me know that I am on the right track. I am just excited, and a little impatient for the day when I can pledge my heart and soul to the man who will love me forever.

I know that the Lord will help me in the coming months, and years, and will help to ease this uncertain time. Sorry if this had seemed like a depressing post, but I just needed to express some things. Putting it all into words has already helped more than you know.

Make New Friends But Keep the Old

2006-05-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

This summer term has been full of friends moving out and moving in. First to leave was my roomate and friend Kerry.

Kerry is amazing. She is completely loving and selfless. During the move that nearly cost me my blogging habit, We were all tired, we had just finished killing our selves with finals, and Kerry came down with a really bad cold the night before the move. Finally, on Friday morning when I wasn't sure if I would be done with cleaning before check out, Kerry got on her hands and knees and helped me scrub the kitchen floor. Kerry is fantastic, she's gone out of state for the summer, and I miss her like crazy.

Another good friend I will be missing is my dear friend Agis. He went home last week. We've called him several times, but it doesn't make it any easier to think that he is going to be gone for two years. We wanted to do something special to show him that we love him, so for his birthday we made a cardboard cut out of his head and took pictures. We threw a birthday party for him,

then things got a little crazy.

And finally, my roommate Elle Scorcho has decided to go home for the next two months. She is practically family, (she's planning to come to the family reunion in 4 years). I came home tonight and suddenly the apartment felt so incredibly empty. Life will go on, and I keep telling myself she will be back in a few months. Until then I will just have to talk to her almost constantly, and take lots of pictures while she is gone. This pic is from our totally awesome Cinco de Mayo party.

Basically we went and ate Mexican food. Then we came home and watched a movie. Not super festive, but good all the same.

On the bright side, I got a chance to meet Agis' older brother, Shayster, who just moved out here to go to school. I met him yesterday. So far, he's a pretty cool cat.

That's about all the news for now. I'll keep you posted on the sparsness of my friends and my new budding social life.

2006-05-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Flip Flop Mamma tagged me, so here goes:
The "I" List...
I want my whole family to live in one place.
I wish I could travel the whole world, and change someone's life for the better.
I hate people who are purposefully hurtful.
I am a little neurotic.
I miss my family, and Gelati's from Rita's "Wooder" Ice I hear my roommate screaming because I just hid the giant Legolas Cut Out in the shower again.
I wonder what I will end up doing in my life.
I can't see a chubby baby without wanting to zurb their tummies (when you lift up their shirt and blow on their stomach. Thanks to The Cosby Show for the technical name and to Papa for teaching the Tummy Gummer's poem by Mason Williams)
I regret not calling my Grandma more often.
I am not the most tactful person in the world. My bluntness has tapered off since highschool, but sometimes I still blurt things out when I should bite my tongue.
I sing loudly in the car, with my windows down.
I dance like a maniac. People think I know what I'm doing, but it's all just pretending.
I cry when I read my dad's blog, and during chick flicks. (Strangely enough 13 Going on 30 gets me everytime. There is one part where Jenna Rink's world is falling apart, and she climbs into bed with her mom in the middle of the night. I saw this movie for the first time when my world was falling apart, and there had been times when I curled up in bed with my mom. About my dad's blog, My mom has told me that I am alot like my dad, so sometimes he writes about things that may not seem to be super important, but they mean alot to me. That's my horn, my hopechest, and everything in the lavender room).I do my happy dance when things are going really well.
I would like to learn how to fix my car.
I make fish faces when I'm bored.
I am secretly shy about asking for help from people I don't know.
I write anonymous love notes and send them in the mail. Everyone like to get something nice to read sometimes.
I confuse the names of my sister and my niece.
I know that God loves me, and that prayer helps everything!
I should spend more time exercising.
I start panicing when I think of life after Graduation.

I'm going to tag anyone who reads this and thinks they can give me something entertaining to read.

Links

2006-05-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the sidebar, I finally got my links working!

I'm not dead yet!

2006-05-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been gone so long. The end of April brought a flurry of finals and a big weekend of moving. I've been in my new apartment for almost 2 weeks at this point and it's about time I got back into the habit. Here's what's been going on:

1. The move. We were told by our landlord that since we were switching apartments, but staying in the same complex we would need to have everything out of our old apartment by noon. We thought that this meant we would be able to start moving our things into our new apartment by about 12:30. the problem was that the girls who were in our new apartment didn't get out until about 3:30. Moving was a little nuts and I have come to the following conclusions:
- I hate moving.
- I want to marry the person who crafted this fine piece of hardware:

It may not look like much and it may not be fancy, but it gave me the best shower I have ever had in my life. Some people may argue that The shower merely seemed better because I was so tired and hot and sweaty after moving, but seriously, this is an amazing piece of Chrome.

In other news, Grades came out for last semester and I was really pleased. There was one big surprise when I managed to pull off a B+ in a class I was afraid I would have to retake

My new job is fantastic.

Old friends have moved away for the summer, but new friends are being made all the time. My new Apartment is alot more central to the complex, and my social life has increased exponentially. Hooray!

I'll post again in a day or two, I promise it won't be another 3 weeks again.

Be Happy!!

Freedom and Sushi

2006-04-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Well, that's it. Here's the final countdown:
Pages typed: 34
Tests taken: 1 (3 full hours of writing frantically and still not being able to say everything I wanted to)
Hours it took to get rid of massive writers cramp: about 3
Showers taken: enough to not feel like a complete slug, right now I am feeling squeaky clean.
Boxes packed for the move on Friday: 1
Celebrations with bargain sushi: 1

That's about it!

I'm finally done. It seems like this semester has gone soe quickly. It hasn't sunk in yet, but I'm sure it will.

About the bargain sushi: Demai is a restaurant in town that offers $3 sushi rolls on tuesday nights. I know what you're thinking, bargain sushi, why not just swallow rotten eggs and get the food poisening over with quickly. Actually the food is really great, and I've had friends eat there every Tuesday for about a year and they have never been sick from it. I've been planning to join Elle Scorcho aka Roomie #5 for Sushi night for quite a while, but something else always seems to come up. So tonight as a celebration for finishing, Elle, Nantie Buckley, Nuncle Candy, his brother Agis, our friend Mo, and I got sushi. I am a huge fan. It will probably become a regular tradition for us all to get together for sushi on Tuesdays from now on. Agis will only be here for another week or so, but he will be here next week, and that is the most fun.

Agis is one of my favorite people. He is my brother-in-law's brother. He's not quite 19, but we get along so well. I refer to him as my brother-in-law, and he refers to me as his sister-in-law. HIs nickname is Agis, as given to him by the Bean. The other day Beanie needed to call someone. Grammy and Papa were out, Buckley and Candy were entrenched in a big project, and there were very few people who would be amused by a random almost 2 year old calling to chat. After a quick look through my phone book, I decided Agis was the perfect person to call. As with any college freshman, we called and he was out with friends. The best part came when he told his friends he need a minute because he needed to talk to his niece. He is awesome. He is getting ready to serve a two year mission for our church. He doesn't know where he's going yet, but I'm sure that where ever he goes, the people will all love him.

Anyway, enough with the fabuslousness of the Agis. This post was meant to show how excited I am to be done. And I am.

PS-I didn't get the job I wanted in Hawaii, but I did get a new Job working with a large genealogy firm. I'm starting part time next week, and I hope that after Graduation I will be able to switch to full time. I'll probably stay at electronics-R-us for at least one shift a week. I really like the people, and just in case the full time thing doesn't work out at the new place, I will still have an option to go full time when the mega-store opens a new location in October.

Let the countdown begin

2006-04-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

In honor of my last real finals week here is the countdown:

All nighters pulled: 1, still to go 2
Pages typed: 25, Pages to go: 10-15
Papers turned in: 2, Papers to go 1
Tests taken: 0, Tests to go: 1
Trips to the vending machine for another caffinated beverage: 2
Trips to go: 6
Showers taken: 0
Loads of laundry done: 1. Loads to go: 2 (the last 2 loads can wait until I'm done)
Games of minesweeper played: 12 or 13 (I play a quick game every time I finish 2 pages)
boxes packed to prepare to move next week: 0
Pictures taken by my crazy roommate: 1

# of Roommates trying to reach a zen like state: 1

# of People in my apartment actually studying: 3 (sorry I don't have a pic of me, but there was studying, I promise!

Random blog posts to avoid going to campus: 1

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Life after College

2006-04-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I'm getting ready to graduate! I am so excited. And freaked out of my mind. I know that in four months I will be thrown into the real world with things to worry about like insurance, car payments, having a "real job" as opposed to the Large electronics-mart I work for now. So these past few weeks have been filled with Job hunting. It is still a little too early to be interviewing for fulltime, career-type jobs, but I just want to know what it is that I'll be doing once I'm done in August.

Well, today I got a call from a company that I've been interested in, they want me to interview for a part time position that I would start now, before graduation. This position is in the field I want to concentrate on, and there are opportunities for advancement once I graduate, so YAY!

But at the same time I've been looking at job with the church. I figure if I am going to graduate from college I might as well take a chance to travel, or strike out on my own for once. So, this past week I've been looking into Jobs in Utah, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, and even Hawaii. I know I probably won't do them, but they all start out paying really well, and I am qualified for all of them. It's not something I'm really considering because they won't hire me four months ahead of time, but it's kind of nice to know that the option is there. Maybe if I move to Hawaii I'll learn how to surf for real. And maybe if I move to Washington I could see The Daring Young Family more than I do now.
We'll see how it all works out, but until then keep your fingers crossed about my interview in the morning!

How weird am I?

2006-04-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Gabriella who's "Livin' La Vida Loca" to list 6 wierd things about me. Here goes:

1. I have to sleep with my left foot uncovered. It doesn't matter if it's 40 below, that foot must be free!!

2. I answer rhetorical questions.

3. I eat my meals in segments. Example: Thanksgiving dinner goes a little something like this: Salad is the first thing off my plate. I won't start in on the mashed potatoes until every lettuce leaf is off my plate. Next comes mashed potatoes, crescent rolls, corn, stuffing, and finally the turkey. No food is started until the last item is gone.

4. My left shoe always goes on first. In fact, my left leg always goes first, putting on pants, socks, slippers, you name it. There really is such a thing as starting the day off on the wrong foot.

5. When I am bored, I make wierd faces. Seriously. Sometimes I'll be sitting alone in the library and realize that I've been making a fish face. I don't know how long I've been doing it, but I think I can trace it back to when my sisters started having kids. I used to make faces at Laylee, Magoo and the Bean, and pretty soon I just started making faces when I was bored or lost in thought. Go figure.

6. I have no idea where some of my words come from. I was born in Canada, with an American mother and moved to the States when I was about 11. Some words just mush together. Is it sneakers? runners? tennies? Trainers? Beats me, they're all athletic shoes right? Also, late at night, my Canadian accent comes out. My roommates like to mock me for it. When I try and do one normally it sounds forced, but late at night it all comes back and I suddenly start sounding like a hoser again. Meanwhile, a Texan drawl comes out when I'm stressed, angry, or offering someone more food. I think that part comes from being a waitress in Texas for several summers. And finally, I've watched and listened to too many Lord of the Rings Special Features and Commentaries that I can no longer do a British Accent. It always comes out sounding Australian or New Zealand-esque. (What is the right word for that?)

Anyway, that's me. Now I have to tag someone else:

1. Flip Flop Mamma
2. Elle Scorcho
3. Papa at PapaRocks
4. Grammy at Grammy Rules
5. Justin at Myveryownatheblog
6. Anyone else who might stumble upon this and want to participate.

An Open Letter to the Jerk who called at 2:30 AM

2006-04-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Sir:

Did you enjoy our conversation last night? I sure didn't. I don't know if your mother ever taught you this, but it is rude to call people at 2:30 am and ask them to help you with your psychology homework. My mother always taught me that you don't call someone after 9:00 at night unless you know for a fact that they will be up. Even in my college apartment, my roommates and I are thrown off if someone calls after 10:30. Yes, we are always up that late, but it is unusual to receive calls from people after those hours.

I understand that maybe you have been having trouble in this psychology class you told me about. And please know that I recognize how important extra credit work can be. But waking someone up in the middle of the night is never the best way to get them to cooperate with you.

Ive decided that since you didn't know what was going on at my end of the phone, I might help you out further and let you in on a few conclusions I have drawn. Maybe they will be of help in your final write-up.

Here are some things you should know about me:
1. I am an insomniac. I had only been asleep for about 15 minutes before your call. Because of our fantastic little conversation, I only got about 3 hours of sleep before I got up for church on Easter Sunday.
2. When the phone rings in the middle of the night my first thought is that something is wrong, and someone has died. When you called I was paniced that I might have to tell one of my roommies that their mother had died. Scaring people like that is not a nice thing to do.
3. When I do go into panic mode, it is very easy for my mind to wake up, thus taking me out of the relaxed state you had hoped for by calling in the middle of the night.
4. I am passive agressive, (thus the open ended letter that you will never read, instead of hanging up on you last night or should I say early this morning).
5. My mom always taught me that no one can have power over me, unless I let them. I'm sorry, but I don't let anyone put me in a situation like that. I've seen what hypnotists can do, and I'm not such a fan of being so relaxed that you can get me to do anything.

Here's what happened on my side of the conversation, When I woke up enough that I realized what was going on, I didn't want to tell you to go suck a lemon, because I know what it's like to need extra credit in order to save your final grade in class, so I thought if I just stayed silent you would think that I had fallen asleep. You didn't fall for that one, you tricky little snake. SO then, I pushed a bunch of buttons with my cheek to make you think I had let go of the phone. THat seemed to work a little better although you were very persistant in trying to get my attention back on the phone. Finally I won, and you gave up. It's good you gave up when you did, because I would have beaten you anyway, and it's better to have people defeated quickly than to draw out the process.

For future referance, you may want to avoid dialing random numbers in the future, you never know who you may get, and in the end, waking people from a sound sleep in the middle of the night to run psychological experiments over the phone is just a mean thing to do.

Please keep what I have told you in mind as you write your paper, and hey, maybe you can use some of it to include in a section on passive aggression.

Sincerely,
Meg

P.S.- Don't ever call me again. Thanks!

Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?

2006-04-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Or Vanilla Cream Mini Spooners?

Because I do!

There was recently a big sale on cereal that was very near it's expiration date. I think my roommates may have purchased the entire stock.

OK, maybe not the entire stock, but this is only about half of the cereal stash.

In other news-

Ummm... Finals are almost here. Blaaahhh!
I'm still here. I'm still going to school. I'm still a nantie.

yup, that's about it.

If I ask nicely and give it a good build up, will you go see it please?

2006-04-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

My roommates and I skipped out on our Monday night FHE activity and went to see Chronicles of Narnia at the $1 movie last night. It was 50 cent night. (Not that 50 cent was part of the movie but that it only cost 2 quarters to get in).

Anyway I will say that this is the best movie I have seen in the last year. Generally when a movie comes out and it is based on a book, I try and read the book before seeing the movie. I finished the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe about a week ago. I was impressed and thought it was cute. I love CS Lewis, and I think he was really able to capture the Christian symbolism in a very moving manner. The book didn't make me cry. Yes I did feel a little choked up, but I didn't necessarily feel a great spiritual experience while reading the book.

Well, my roomies and I went to see it and it was excellent. It stayed relatively true to the original story, and did so much more to build on the characters and situations that in the book are generally covered in a sentence or two. I knew that I would probably need the tissues in my purse during one of the first scenes when Mrs. Pevensie puts her four children on a train to live with strangers in a different part of the country, in hopes that they would be safer there. I don't have any children of my own, but I was struck with the sudden realization that children were sent away. This moment did so much to remind me of how blessed I am to not need to make decisions like that. (Who knows if I will ever have to make a similar choice. Right now, I don't know who so many mothers did it during WWII.)

The movie was very well shot, with amazing cinematography, great sweeping vistas, seemless CGI, and excellent color temperatures and combinations. If I didn't already want to go after Lord of the Rings, I really want to go to New Zealand now. Overall an excellent job in film making. Way to go Andrew Adamson (writer, director, producer)!

Interesting thing my roommate pointed out to me. The White Witch showed a counterfeit for everything good in the world. She even tried to appear as a counterfeit Aslan in the final battle sequence. Her costume then consisted of mostly gold colored furs, with a great mane of golden fur around her neck to look like the mane of Aslan. Just and interesting tidbit Roommate #5 pointed out.

The part that moved me the most was the great poinancy with which the death of Aslan was portrayed. (I can just hear My highschool English teacher shuddering at the way that last sentence was formed). Maybe it is because of recent events that have occured since I finished the book, but it seems that now I have a much greater appreciation for the great significance. I knew that death was coming, I knew that the great king would be mocked, tortured and ultimately killed for another's wrong doing, but it still came as a shock how affected I really was by the great paralells to my faith.

Words really can't do justice to the great personal way in which I was moved. It is a great movie for anyone looking to be edified.

I can walk away from that film knowing that God loved us so much that he sent his son to be offered as a sacrifice in my place. With Easter approaching it is so amazing to know that God loves me and prepared a way for me to return and live with him, even though I am imperfect.

Go see it. It'll definitely be worth it.

(Just make sure and take some tissues, my little pack of tissues was passed down our little row of roommates and we all needed them)

In which Nanties and Nuncles are discussed

2006-03-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

I am a Nantie.

As many of you already know a Nantie is the fancy pants way of refering to what normal people might call an Aunt. But then, if you read any of my family members' blogs you probably are already aware that we are not exactly "normal" in the "normal" sense of the word. (When I was 12, I thought it was so deep to discuss normalcy, and pretend to be a free thinking philosopher, when really I was just being 12).

Anyway, back to Nanties and Nuncles. I think the "Nantie" thing started before Laylee knew how to talk, or maybe it started when she was still putting N's at the beginning of all her words. Either way, I got to be Nantie Meg, which is the coolest ever. Pretty soon the Nanties decided that the Uncles probably felt left out, so we started calling them Nuncles, and it all kind of goes from there.

My responsibilites as a Nantie include:
free babysitting
Reading Snuggle Puppy and other books approximately 12 million times in a row
Singing silly songs
Providing fun things, like my camera case, for teething Magoos to chew on

Making Fish Faces
Discussing matters of Court with Princesses
Encouraging Tickling between cousins Magoo and The Bean
And taking pictures of Grammy Tickling Laylee

Now it's time for a Sesame Street Sing-along "These are the Nanties in my neighborhood"
Most of the Code Names come from the inability of the children to say the actual names:
Nantie Thurwheat is married to Nuncle Buckwheat

Nantie Daring is married to Nuncle Daring

Nantie Sila is married to Nuncle Ace

Nantie Meg is ... ME!

Nantie Bucky (aka Buckley, Bucklintine, Bucklintino) is married to Nuncle Candy.

All in All, we have a pretty good time.

I'm getting older, so let's party!!

2006-03-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Well, It was my birthday. For any normal 23 year old, who's not Mormon, this would be an excuse to drink excessively. But not for me. My roomates made me massive amounts of cake. We consumed it and all was right in the world. Here are 5 of the 6 of us getting ready to leave. #3 was driving home to see her family for the weekend. In order of how were' standing, the roomies go like this #2, #6, #5, #4, then me, as #1. I get to be #1 because I am at least 3 years older than all of the other roomies.

Also present for the birthday festivities were Senor Lebowitz and Xander. Senor Lebowitz is the cute boy who's been hanging out lately. Xander is my brother-in-law, kind of. My younger sister is Nantie Bucky, her husband is Nuncle Candy. Xander is Nuncle Candy's little brother. He's alot like my little brother too, and he's really good friends with #5, so he spends a good portion of time at my apartment. Here is Xander giving me a good helping of brotherly love on my birthday.

On Sunday, I got together with the siblings still living in my same town for a family birthday dinner. Nantie Bucky, Nuncle Candy, Nantie Thurwheat, Nuncle Buckwheat and the Bean were all in attendance. Much Taco soup was eaten, and the Bean had alot of fun playing Peek-a-boo in my hat:

Overall a fantastic birthday. I did miss the rest of my family, but they all called and it was good. Maybe next post I'll share about what exactly Nanties and Nuncles are, and reveal the identies of all the Nanties and Nuncles in my family

June Cleaver's got nothing on us

2006-03-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

My roommate has been working on a film for our school's version of the oscars. The only rule, a can of Spam had to be included in the film at some point. Well after three nights of shooting and wearing way too much make up, it basically degenerated into taking a lot of narcissistic pictures. Here are some of the favorites from the night. Please notice the June Cleaver pearls.

Thank heaven for moms

2006-03-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

I love my mom (aka Grammy from Grammy Rules). I was having a hard day today, maybe it was because getting ready to graduate from college is an emotional time anyway, and maybe lack of sleep has something to do with it, and maybe it has to do with me being lazy, and maybe it has to do with crazy teenage girlish hormones, and maybe it has to do with the 20 page paper I've been procrastinating.

But no matter what it is I love that I can call my mom, cry for half an hour and leave feeling better and ready to conquer the world and my term paper once again.

I am so blessed to always have parents as supportive as mine. I know that if I need anything they will be here for me. I love that I can talk to them and consider them some of my best friends.

Yay for parents, sisters, brothers, and friends. (and also for a cute boy who has been spending some time at my apartment recently. to answer my family's question, yes I saw him today, yes he held my hand again, and yes we have a date on Friday.)

Let's try this again

2006-03-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Alright,
So after my last little blogging time, my sisters, Daring Young Mom and Heather at One Woman's World took down their links to my site after I stopped posting completely. Hopefully this time will be better. OK, so here I go again. (is it just me or do I sound like a horribly over played Whitesnake song?) I'll just go along and see what I can do to keep you posted.

Until later, Happy Blogging!