Alison for the Everyday

Park City Extravaganza!

2011-02-02T22:55:00.004-07:00

It was the best ever sister's shopping trip with representatives from four states. We had tons of fun laughing, shopping, eating, and chatting. Thanks to Brenda for bringing the famous Helm Cheese Ball (for what's shopping without a cheese ball I ask you), and to everyone for participating in a successful Park City Secret Pal Program.

Holiday Makeover

2011-02-02T22:47:00.002-07:00

Karin and I both got new Christmas hair cuts over the break.

Alison before.

Karin before.

Mary working her magic.

Karin after.

Alison after.

Ladies of PCP Luncheon

2011-02-02T22:38:00.002-07:00

Christmas was the perfect time to meet up with the fabulous ladies of PCP to catch up and pig out.

Christmas Part One

2011-01-16T20:07:00.003-07:00

Paul and I got to go to Logan to spend Christmas. It was so fun we did not want to leave! Here are some fun christmas photos from our trip.

Mistletoe and Holly

2010-12-04T19:47:00.002-07:00

Since we're not having a Christmas tree this year I've been doing some holiday decorating with lights and ornaments in different ways. The ceiling garland is courtesy of Megan (she's in a bit of a garlandy mood this season.) Happy Holidays!

The First Thanksgiving

2010-12-04T19:37:00.002-07:00

This was the first Thanksgiving we had in Moscow (and the first one I ever cooked from top to bottom.) Daniel's family came from Missoula and we had a good time watching the parade, catching up, and eating of course.

The kids all dressed up for dinner (even pepper put on some argyle.)

Vance and Miles in their new christmas socks.

Daniel and Paul eating appetizers.

Playing Thanksgiving bingo.

Paul and Miles.

A Missoula Halloween

2010-11-13T15:39:00.005-07:00

Well, Moscow was far too exciting over Halloween weekend, so Paul and I decided we'd relax and take a trip to the huge metropolis of Missoula. It was so great to be able to see Daniel's family and spend some time relaxing with the kids.

Paul, Vance, and McKinley on the carousel.

Cherisse observing to make sure we all behaved ourselves.

Daniel and Miles.

Vance and McKinley.

Alison and McKinely

Paul and the boys in the book store.

Vance and Miles at lunch in the sandwich shop.

The sandwiches were great, but these two were better.

Paul and the kids in the old phone booths downtown. I half expected to see Audrey Hepburn step out of one of them!

Cute pumpkins! The melons are ok too.

Paul helped Miles carve his pumpkin. As he carved Miles kept saying "Paul, I approve."

We skipped the pumpkins and went straight for the sugar cookies...

By the end of two days we had so much fun that Vance was exhausted and decided to retreat to the bat cave for a nap. Funny thing was that when we got home Paul did the same thing... just kidding. Thanks to Daniel and Cherisse for letting us stay and for a fantastic time.

Murder Mystery!

2010-11-13T15:27:00.003-07:00

A few weeks before Halloween some couples in the ward came over and, thanks to the creativity of Sara, we had a murder mystery dinner. Paul was dressed up as a foreign secret agent in the forties and I was a perfume heiress. It was really a great time. Below are some photos of the fantastic costumes.

Sara and Brandon

Lacey and Curt

Rebekah and Matthew

(Don't be fooled by her innocent look.

She is a murderer at heart.)

Alison and Paul

(I would like to thank my mom, Megan, and Staci

for all the great decorations and decoration ideas.)

Everyone eating dessert and solving the crime of the century!

Just Like Old Times

2010-09-16T22:05:00.004-06:00

After five weeks Curt and Megan finally made their second pilgrimage to Moscow and Paul and I couldn't have been more excited about it! We got them some University of Idaho paraphernalia so they could be "vandalized" and set about playing games, watching movies, and laughing it up just like old times. If I closed my eyes I could pretend we were back in Logan and they would be just down the street forever.

You know it's old times when Curt and Paul just have to be in the picture.

Two BFFs and their new mascot Joe Vandal.

Curt and Paul downtown.

Megan and I at the farmer's market... eating of course.

Curt and Paul at the farmer's market before they headed off to the library!

Megan found the perfect Moscow souvenir, a plant (I think it was called campfire... or something.)

Megan and I decided to get crafty and painted my white table purple! It's the perfect fall color. This is it half way done.

The finished product... Ta Da!

Curt and Paul: Masters of the Grill!

Curt was really enjoying his ribs.

The Fab Four on movie night! We really thought Monday wouldn't come.

But come it did. Monday was too sad to post any pictures... they'll be back soon. We miss you guys.

Ambassadors to the Middle of Nowhere

2010-09-07T19:23:00.005-06:00

Mom and Dad finally came as ambassadors to the tiny town of Moscow and brought back with them definitive proof that there is, indeed, absolutely nothing to do here.

Alison & Paul, Mom & Dad BEFORE eating at the local mexican restaurant. See how happy we were?... it didn't last. (I guess what can you expect from a mexican restaurant in a tiny town a few hours away from the Canadian border?)

All of us outside the administration building at the university. The university tour was the highlight of the tourist experience, believe it or not.

We spent a lot of time driving around looking for something that was open... Moscow is the kind of town everyone leaves on a holiday. Only mom and dad actually arrived there for Labor Day.

A couple of stores in the tiny mall were open so mom and I got a mini-shopping fix!

At the arboretum we had our most successful wildlife sighting yet. A baby rabbit.

Just thought these two snail shells made a cool picture. If only Vance and Miles had been there they could have taken home a great souvenir!

Nature photo!

More Nature...

A Paul in his natural environment... the University.

Mom and Dad by the pond.

Alison and Dad at the arboretum.

Alison and Mom on a bench at the arboretum.

If you look closely there is a tiny speck in the lawn behind mom... it's a baby rabbit.

At least the day ended on a good note! We finally found a satisfactory food establishment and had a very yummy dinner! Maybe there are some good things about Moscow after all. Thanks mom and dad!

Stay tuned for the next post when Curt and Megan come to confirm the findings of Mom and Dad's exploratory mission.

Update from the Middle of Nowhere

2010-08-29T16:15:00.007-06:00

Hello. It's been a bit since I posted anything, so I've got a few little tidbits on what we've been doing in Moscow. It's not much, but I'll try to make it sound as exciting as possible:

(drum roll please)

THE FARMER'S MARKET

Every Saturday from April through October there is a farmer's market in the little downtown square. It's a legitimate market in that most of what's available to buy is produce, and lots of it. There are a few jewelry vendors and such, but not many. There is live music, though, and a few non/produce vendors. What you see here is me defending myself against a breakfast burrito.

(I just realized I post an unusual number of pictures of me eating.)

This is Paul in front of what he called The White Stag of motorcycles.

Me downtown.

THE ARBORETUM

Next on our list of must-see sights of Moscow is the university arboretum. It's a large park with gravel walk ways through different "regions" of gardens. For example one area has plants found in China and another has plants found in England. There are ponds and little wild creatures and benches. We went on a really hot day, I'd recommend going in the spring or fall... since I know you're all jotting Moscow down as your next vacation destination.

Paul in front of a pond.

Me on a bench.

The fiercest of the wild creatures we encountered... the dragonflies were a close second.

This has nothing to do with the Arboretum, but Paul made ribs on the same day and they were VERY tasty, although he's still working up to the level of Burt's Grill.

Tune in next week for another update on things to do in Moscow when we will have special guests Mom and Dad!

Happy Hour!

2010-08-07T17:36:00.003-06:00

Last week Carol took the billing office to "Happy Hour" at Ruby Tuesday's. We all enjoyed our non-alcoholic drinks (though by the look on Nan's face you wouldn't know it) and had a great time laughing. Thanks for the fun ladies!

Bon Voyage!

2010-08-07T15:59:00.003-06:00

Although it is a sad idea to move 10 hours away, Paul and I received quite a sendoff thanks to Curt and Megan. What a really, really fun back yard patio party we had! Thanks to everyone for coming and making it great.

People chatting in the outside sitting room. Doesn't it look fantastic?

Paul and his family.

Curt and Paul singing their hearts out!

The dancing and patio karaoke went on well into the night! Hi Stace!

Cute decorations!

Megan, Emily, and Alison. My, how I miss those two. (Funniest part of the night: Megan I hope you don't mind that I share this. We got up to take this photo and when Megan sat back down she got an uncomfortable look on her face. "I think I sat on my food," she said. Emily asked "Is it hot or cold?" Megan said, a little sadly, "Cold." Good thing we were at her house!)

Megan and Alison drinking Nan's famous lemonade... we coordinated our outfits.

Two BFFs.

More shots of the decorations... I can't get over them!

The treat table.

And, for those of you who are sad you missed the wild patio dance... a taste of what transpired. Thanks for coming Snooze.

Desk

2010-08-07T15:45:00.003-06:00

The fame of Dad's woodworking skills have obviously preceeded him. To answer the many requests for photos of his most recent project (dubbed simply, "The Desk") I have posted a compilation of the finished product, and rare images of the master at work.

Personally, I think I might start wearing safety glasses as a permanent look.

Dad measuring and clamping.... I'd like to say I was an essential assistant, but I mainly held things and tried to be encouraging.

Detail of the legs and top. Paul would like it noted that he found the very cute knob.

The finished product! Ta Da! (We were painting it in about 100 degree heat in the garage. The paint was drying faster than we could spread it around! The top looks a little blotchy in this photo, but in person it's just adorable.)

What a fun fun project. Thanks Dad.

The finished product is, in a word, perfect. It's just the right size and fits everything nicely. I am enjoying publishing this post from the very desk you see above.

I Love A Parade!

2010-08-07T15:18:00.004-06:00

A few blog posts ago I said that the one and only time anyone would stop traffic for me was for graduation... I was wrong. Over the 24th of July weekend Curt, Meg, Paul, & I entered the Bear River Annual 24th Parade as a Cruiser Bike Club (Now an award winning cruiser bike club, though it has yet to be officially confirmed). We lined up bright and early in the church parking lot and proudly paraded past screaming fans lining the two blocks to the park. The actual line of emergency vehicles from Honeyville alone was longer than the entire parade route, but we didn't care. Our fans loved us.

Megan getting Bluesy ready for the big Parade!

Curt and Paul sprucing up Woody and Major.

Me getting Honey ready for the big parade.

Curt and Meg at the end of the parade route.

Paul and I at the end of the parade route.

Honey in the sunshine streaming forth in unparalleled glory!

The fab four and their fearless steeds at the start of the parade route.

Redfish 2010

2010-08-07T14:37:00.004-06:00

Once again Curt, Meg, Paul, & I set off to Redfish lake as a final hurrah before Paul and I moved to law school. We spent most of the time riding our cruisers around the lake, stopping at the general store for ice cream, and having fun around the camp fire. We spent a few days at the lake, but the water was FREEZING. I only dared to jump in to wash off.

Curt and Meg on Secret Beach

Me at the Lake

Paul on Secret Beach

The trees in the woods surrounding the lake were so beautiful.

The Fab four!

Wildlife close up.

Megan and I had glitter toes that matched our cruiser bikes. Thanks Kylie!

Paul on the fallen logs across the river.

Curt and Meg at the river.

Paul and I at the river.

Cruiser Club Is Here

2010-04-25T20:27:00.004-06:00

This Sunday marked the first time that the Cruiser Club met with its two newest members. Curt and his bike Woody were there, as well as Paul and his bike Major. Also pictured are Megan and her bike Bluesy, and Alison with her bike Honey. It was a fantastic ride around downtown.

Three for a Dollar

2010-04-20T20:33:00.004-06:00

Last weekend Paul and I were on a cruiser bike ride and a girl on our street was selling daffodils three for a dollar. Well, of course we had to buy some (and it wasn't the only road side purchase we made that weekend either I might add)! I'm no photographer, but I must say I think they add some color to our totally white entry. Welcome Spring!

Baby Animal Day Reprise

2010-04-20T20:28:00.003-06:00

Back by popular demand Susan and I attended another wildly successful Baby Animal Day a few weeks ago. There was lots of fur, lots of poop, lots of fun, and lots of hand sanitizer... what more could you want, really?

DISNEYLAND!...as promised.

2010-03-20T19:36:00.006-06:00

This February Megan, Curt, Paul, and I took a much needed excursion to the happiest place on earth (BIG BIG BIG THANKS to Curt and Meg) and the many posts to follow will try to do justice to the magic filled days and nights spent at Disneyland. Here's to good food, fun rides, sore feet, and lots and lots of laughs...

Food, food, and more food! I love Disneyland food without prejudice, with the exception of cotton candy. I hear it's magical, but I still can't bring myself to eat it. Examples of crave-worthy Disneyland food are:
Pooh Treats, Dole Whips, Blue Bayou Rolls, Frozen Apples, Churros, Plaza Inn Fried Chicken, Golden Horse Shoe Corn Dogs, Hungry Bear Hamburgers, and Bengal Barbecue Skewers, (not to mention THE best hot chocolate ever to be found just outside the park in Downtown Disney at the Catal Restaurant and Grape Jelly Bar).

This is the first year we rode King Arthur's Carousel in Fantasy Land and I LOVE LOVE LOVED it! Megan, who does not have a fondness for being astride spinning things, sat this ride out and filmed our race.

That's all I have time for now, but there will be more to come including, but not limited to, our VIP ride on the Lilly Belle train car, our exploits in Tarzan's Treehouse, and before-and-after images of the carnage of Splash Mountain. Stay Tuned.

That Shoe Thing

2010-03-02T10:34:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I have to re-tie one of my sneakers during the day and it always ends up feeling tighter than the other, which is bothersome for a bit. Stay tuned for pictures from our recent trip to DISNEYLAND... which will not be laced with shoe commentary, I promise.

CGSS Second Anniversary!

2010-02-14T14:24:00.005-07:00

This Valentine's day the Cary Grant Swooning Society* had it's 2nd Anniversary Celebration Gala. It was two years ago this weekend that Alison introduced Megan to Cary Grant via "An Affair to Remember" at the old Utah theater. It was swoon at first sight and since then the society has had countless meetings dedicated to enjoying enchanting movies of decades gone by. This weekend, to commemorate this historic event, Megan and Alison donned their official CGSS Member Buttons (pictured below) and headed to the Dasante theater for a big screen showing of, you guessed it, "An Affair to Remember." It was just like the first time... (sigh).

*Note: Despite the name, the CGSS swoons over a number of actors from the golden days of Hollywood including, but not limited to, Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck, Ricardo Montalban, Gene Kelly, and Frank Sinatra to name a few.
PS. Curt is the official media designer of CGSS.

Cottage Monkey Tassel

2010-01-18T22:03:00.003-07:00

That's right, you read correctly. What you see pictured before you was officially dubbed by the manufacturer a "Cottage Monkey Tassel". How did it come to reside in my kitchen you say? Funny you should ask. When Megan and I go to TJ Maxx we always end up playing a retail version of "would you rather" where one of us picks two ugly, ridiculous, and generally undesirable items for sale and asks the other which they'd rather purchase. The item chosen is discarded and the more repulsive item stays in the game to be compared to another object. Thus, by the process of elimination, we find the most hideous item in the store. Last week Megan and Curtis were left unsupervised at TJ Maxx. They took the "would you rather" game one step further to the actual check out stand, resulting in the useless and repugnant ornament you see above. It now has a permanent place on a random hook next to the stove at the cottage. I had no choice. It was the only sensible place to put it since it is a Cottage Monkey Tassel... right?

One Memory

2010-01-18T16:40:00.004-07:00

One Spring/Summer my sister, Karin, and I ran around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC almost every Saturday. It was a short run, but we loved it. (After we got over the wheezing and cramping, of course.) Here's to the good old days of Remedial PE!

Colorless World

2010-01-16T15:40:00.004-07:00

Contrary to what you may be thinking from the title, this is not a social commentary on race. It is more an environmental commentary on trees. For those of you familiar with the Wasatch Front, you will understand what I mean when I say we are experiencing the usual January inversion. For those of you unfamiliar with the Wasatch Front let me explain: the inversion is when cooler air close to the earth's surface is trapped in a valley by warmer air high above the earth's surface. Consequently, it plunges the residents of said valley into a swirling grey vortex of frozen pollution for days or weeks at a time. The sun sometimes doesn't even penetrate the haze and the temperatures are always below freezing. The only, (and I mean that quite literally), upside to this real life throwback to a black-and-white movie is how the pollution fog freezes in a beautiful crystallized layer to every little twig and blade of grass exposed to the moisture. When the sun fails to burn through the haze the crystal casing builds layer upon layer until the trees look fuzzy with the whiteness. This presents a singular opportunity for me. Those of you familiar with Megan's blog may know that I have an affinity for photographing trees. Nothing professional, mind you, but for some reason I get a kick out of trees in all their seasons and putting them in colorful splendor on my computer wallpaper. Below are some photos I took of the aforementioned inversion effects. They don't do justice to the complete void of color created by this little trick of nature, but I like them, and thus force them upon you to enjoy as well...

Word

2010-01-11T13:49:00.003-07:00

I enter into (and often fail at) goals all year long, so New Year's resolutions have been nothing spectacular in the past. This year, I have a new approach. I got this idea from my friend, Katie, who got it from somewhere else, so it's been around. Instead of outlining a list of goals, she picks one word that she applies to everything in her life throughout the year from projects to relationships to how she spends her free time. I like this approach for three reasons:

1. One word, so it's easy to remember.

2. Broadly applicable, so it has a good chance of improving at least one aspect of my life.

3. And an ambiguous, arbitrary measurement of success, so the possibility of complete failure to improve is minimal.

Sounds like my kind of resolution. The word of 2010 is... get ready... Perspective. (insert symbols crashing and fireworks here) For the last eleven days it has proven to be an appropriate choice and a handy reminder to have floating around my head. I find that I actually think about it a lot and believe it to be the most effective New Year's technique yet. It still has to be proven in the long run, but I'm optimistic. So, what's your word of 2010?

Officially Christmas

2009-12-01T10:51:00.007-07:00

Earlier this morning, in a ceremony of great pomp and much ado, the Historic Office Christmas tree was erected in the annex as an official sign of the holiday season. The 11 inch sparkly synthetic fir towers over the silver plated alarm clock and glass jar of candy as the most prominent desk adornment. This tree has proudly graced Alison's work space for the past four years and will continue to provide Christmas cheer for many more. Live viewings of this magnificent piece of history will be granted by appointment only.

Your Dreams Come True!

2009-11-28T20:04:00.013-07:00

As you can see, it was sad to leave the magic to come home. We had a wonderful trip and look forward to the next time we can take Disneyland by storm! Thanks to Mom and Susan for a fabulous vacation.

When You Wish Upon A Star...

2009-11-17T21:13:00.009-07:00

Last Thursday Susan, Mom, and I left today and entered the worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy! You guessed it... Disneyland! The Happiest Place on Earth! We spent three glorious days basking in the glow of Disney Magic. My camera pooped out on me during day two, so the photos you see below are only the first installment of the series. Once I can procure the remaining photos from Susan I will share those too. More to come...

Top 5 Disneyland Experiences:
1. Susan and I went on Splash Mountain but didn't want to get wet. We borrowed a poncho from mom and when we got to the top of chickapin hill (right before the big plunge) I yanked it over my head and Susan took it from me and pulled it over her too as she snuggled up behind me. We were saved from the water, but in the souvenir photo at the end of the ride, our log showed four smiling people in the front and two yellow bumps at the back. We were the yellow bumps.
2. Mom got very wet sitting on the left side of the Pirates of the Carribean boat the first time we went... that is not in my top five. The top five is when we went the second time and i was on the left and I almost crawled into her lap as we went over the hill to try and keep from getting wet.
3. FANTASMIC! Twice! It is a great show... I still get a little misty eyed when the characters all come out on the Mark Twain riverboat at the end.
4. Soarin' Over California was the first ride we went on. It is the best way to start off at Disneyland... once we even got to sit front and center.
5. I beat mom and Susan on the Toy Story Mania carnival games and won a Pooh treat!

More top five and photos will follow...

The First Snow!

2009-11-02T21:34:00.002-07:00

Party at the Compound!

2009-11-02T21:18:00.003-07:00

This year Curt and Megan threw yet another successful Halloween extravaganza titled Halloween Monster Mash at their house. There were art contests, carnival games, a cake walk, dancing, and an impromptu pinball competition. Although there were official winners of the judged dance contests, Megan, Emily, and Alison won the unofficial award for best endurance. The following are some fun photos of the festivities.

Halloween Traditions

2009-10-25T18:50:00.004-06:00

Saturday was the annual pumpkin carving party at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Everyone carved pumpkins that Dad grew from seedlings in his own garden. Dad and Daniel had to fill in as pinch pumpkin carvers when Vance and Miles gave up after gutting their pumpkins. Mom made taco soup for dinner and then we decorated home made sugar cookies. Vance and Miles had fun creating belly buttons on their ghosts with squeezable gel frosting decor and Curt and Paul had a headstone decorating contest. All in all, it was a fun night for everyone.
P.S. The unauthorized photo of Susan is evidence that she left her sick bed to make an appearance at the party and the publishers would like to add the disclaimer that she doesn't usually venture out in public like that.

Toast Some Seedlings

2009-10-08T10:50:00.003-06:00

Nothing kicks off the Halloween holiday like selecting the perfect pumpkin to hack into and subsequently set on fire outside your front door. If you were Martha Stewart you could even string the pumpkin innards around a wire form to create a sort of wreath for your door as an example to future pumpkins who dare tresspass on your property. Not having Martha's dark creativity, I usually just throw the slimey stuff away. Boring right? Well, not this year! Although I won't go so far as to create a pumpkin seedling shrine, I am planning on trying to toast the little buggers in the oven. I have read that they are very tasty and nutritious to boot. In case you care to try it out too, I have included 2 methods I got online:

Regular Toasted Seeds
Rinse seeds under cold water and pick out pulp. Place seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees F until toasted (about 25 min) stirring after 10 min. Store in airtight container.

Sweet Toasted Seeds
1 C. Raw pumpkin seeds rinsed and dried
6 Tbsp white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Spread seeds in single layer on baking sheet coated with non stick spray. Bake at 250 degrees F for 45 min, stirring occasionally. In large bowl, stir together 2 Tbsp of the sugar, salt, and spice. Set aside. Heat the oil in large skillet. Add the pumpkin seeds and sprinkle remaining 4 Tbsp sugar over them. Stir with wooden spoon until sugar melts. Pour seeds into the bowl with the spiced sugar and stir until coated. Cool. Store in airtight container.

Well, good luck everyone and pumpkins beware!

31 Days of Halloween

2009-10-04T19:58:00.003-06:00

On October 1 Paul and I came home to find that some Halloween Elves (not to be confused with the Christmas Variety), likely named Curt and Meg, had left the us quite a surprise. We opened the envelope marked "Day 1" and now have a cute Halloween banner hanging over the fireplace. We're excited to see what comes during the rest of the month! Happy Halloween Everyone.

This is a halloween garland Megan and I made. Paul wanted to model it, but I thought it looked better on the banister.

The Great Wall

2009-10-04T19:52:00.003-06:00

To be added to such notable structures as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids at Giza we submit for your vote the "Wall of Vance and Miles." They built it all by themselves (practically) and it towers over the landscape at an impressive three feet high (at least). It looks like we have some future engineers on our hands.

Park City Exodus

2009-10-04T19:21:00.003-06:00

Last weekend six lucky women made a trip to Park City where they competed for the coveted P Bunny Best Deal award. Mom, Susan, Karin, Brenda, Alison , and Charisse participated in a celebrity photo shoot, received celebrity gift bags from noted designers, and stayed at the prestigious Yellow House Hotel of Buelah. It was a heated competition, but by unanimous vote Charisse won the P Bunny Best Deal award for her $11 pants. Brenda won honorable mention for a free pair of socks. Susan won the coveted lime green diva sunglasses for her vocal stylings during the sing along song competition. All in all, it was a fantastic weekend and some great memories.
Charisse and Karin had to share the small upstairs bedroom they lovingly dubbed the Naughty Box.

Everyone modeling their park city club shirts (complements of Karin) and celebrity gift bags (complements of Mom).

Karin, Alison, and Charisse at the kick-off breakfast.

Susan and Dad at the kick-off breakfast.

Mom and Grandma at the kick-off breakfast. Grandma was the guest of honor.

Banana Bonanza!

2009-09-14T20:32:00.002-06:00

This is for Katie because she requested it and I don't have her e-mail address. It's also for anyone else who wants a really good banana bread recipe (although, I can't take credit because it's my mom's).

1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Butter (softened)
2 Eggs
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
2 Cup Flour
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
3 Very Ripe Bananas

Cream sugar, butter and eggs in a bowl. Add dry ingredients and mix. Mash up bananas and vanilla in separate bowl. Add banana mixture to dough. Mix until blended thoroughly. Grease loaf pan well (not the spray stuff, get real shortening and grease it so some white is still visible, get the corners really good). Bake @ 300 for 45 min - 1 hour. The best way to tell is to touch the top and see if it sponges back up. If it's too soggy leave it in for 5 more min. This recipe usually makes one big loaf and one small loaf or a dozen normal sized muffins.

Redfish Excursion

2009-09-05T16:25:00.005-06:00

Paul and I spent our summer vacation at Redfish Lake last week with Curt and Megan. We had a blast biking to the lake and playing games and (in curt and paul and megan's case) jumping off the dock. The following are snap shots of endless summer fun.

Beyond A Crush

2009-09-05T15:41:00.005-06:00

Ok, so I've had a KitchenAid for eight years and have had a crush on it the whole time. How could you not?! They come in all different cute colors, they're so sleek and stylish looking, and just the presence of one on your counter top gives you added credibility in the culinary world. Unfortunately, a crush is all is ever was because the one time I actually tried to use this masterpiece of machinery was a disaster that ended in blobs of egg-soaked butter and sugar all over the place. Since then the KitchenAid and I have had a strained relationship where I sigh and stare from afar and it squats cold and beautiful in its corner, unwilling to compromise.

And so it continued until this weekend when, with the help of my personal Kitchen Appliance Counselor and Mediator Extraordinaire, Diane, the KitchenAid and I finally progressed into the next stage of our relationship. I had my first successful encounter with the KitchenAid and actually made one normal sized and two tiny loaves of bread. Will we continue along the path into a full-blown culinary affair? Well, I'm pretty sure we'll never share the love that I harbor for my Chi Blow Dryer, but now I can bake easy in the knowledge that we are at least friends. I no longer have to exist in the uncomfortable situation of having an unrequited crush on an appliance.

Curt Crosses to the Dark Side

2009-08-22T17:44:00.004-06:00

It was our pleasure to host a wild Star-Wars-themed extravaganza in honor of Paul's BFF, Curtis, who crossed over into his fourth decade of life (aka, the dark side) last week. Curt's family was in on the scheme and lured him to Logan with fake plans so Paul, Megan, and I could surprise him with his very own intergalactic party. It was Paul's first-ever viewing of the original Star Wars trilogy and Curt was kind enough to keep us informed and answer our questions on Star Wars culture. Happy Birthday Bo-Burtis! May the force be with you.

Welcome to the Cottage

2009-08-22T16:40:00.020-06:00

After a month of preparing and waiting (and a few long days of moving) we have officially unpacked the last box and have almost hung the last picture on the wall of our new home we affectionately call the cottage. The following are pictures of the house, along with some before and after photos of our handiwork.

The Cottage: With the help of a whole team we cleaned the lights trimmed the bushes, painted the window trim, and painted the front door. Dad made the sign for the house numbers. Ron and SueZan also excavated a serious grove of mini-maple trees that had taken residence right in front of the windows.

Before Shots of the kitchen. Notice the countertops are two different colors.

After shots of the kitchen. We redid the countertops, painted and distressed the cabinets, and painted the walls. Now all we need is some hardware...

Before shot of the bathroom. The bathroom with the shower in it is downstairs and through the kitchen... it's also the only way to get to the laundry room.

After shot of the bathroom. Susan and I vanquished the wallpaper and mom made a cute black and white curtain for the window.

The entryway looking into the living room.

This house used to be a log cabin and the living room is where the original room was. We are told the fireplace grate is from the 1800's. The ceiling is curved and the floors are the original wood from when the rest of the house was built.

This is my desk under the stairs where I sat to post this very blog. In order to get electricity to these outlets the light in the dungeon room on the other side of the kitchen has to be switched on. We are still getting used to the nuances of an old house, but isn't this desk cute! I will never put a closet under the stairs as long as I live.

View of the dining room from the kitchen. We love the stained glass chandelier. That's paul reading at his desk complete with green banker's lamp.

Our bedroom and another room is upstairs. Off the bedroom there is a small room that used to be a nursery that has since been converted into a closet. There is also a small half bath upstairs that would rival the bathrooms in a cruise ship. You can't even open the door without hitting the toilet. Vance and Miles call it teeny tiny. (And THAT'S small.)

These are some pictures of everyone helping to fix the place up before we moved in. We REALLY appreciate our friends and family and all the work they did.

The Fray!

2009-08-22T16:31:00.003-06:00

Back by popular demand, two hot chicks hit the town one Saturday night and went to the Fray concert. I can't speak for everyone there, but I thought it was awesome. Although the entire crowd didn't give the band the welcome we thought they deserved, Natasha and I did our best to carry our cheering section. It was a really fun night and a good concert. The following photo is the actual band as seen from our great seats... you're gong to have to trust me on that one.

Goodbye Leonard

2009-07-21T10:54:00.004-06:00

Leonard, a loyal beta fish, passed peacefully to that great bowl in the sky last night between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am. Leonard was a loving fish, always excited to see his food jar and fiercely protective of his purple plastic plant. Leonard was preceeded in death by Milton and is survived by a fish yet to come. His owner, Alison, said that the death came as a surprise, but looking back, he had been staring longingly at photos of the ocean lately and eating very little. Although Leonard was ready to go, he left behind a little fish-shaped hole in her heart. Goodbye Leonard... remember all drains lead to the ocean.

Summer Cookout

2009-06-24T16:53:00.016-06:00

Last Monday Kenneth & Heidi's family was here so we all went to Second Dam for a hot-dog roast and some good old fashioned fishing.

This is Audrey feeding the ducks. Kenneth said the fish wouldn't bite because the kids probably threw a collective loaf of bread into the river.

Paul helping to set up the chairs.

Action shot of Kenneth fishing.

Mom and Paul cooking their hot dogs.

Daniel in his new Father's day hat.

A bird sent a poopy surprise from above right onto Heidi's jacket! Yuck.

Charisse cutting hot dogs.

Dad's persistence finally paid off, he was the first one to catch a fish.

Vance and Miles were very excited about Dad's fish. He entered the camp site to shouts of "Hooray for Grandpa!"

Kaitlyn caught the second and only other fish of the day!

Evidence that I was actually at the party.

McKinley and Audrey found lots of shells to take home in a plastic hot dog bun bag.

Tanner showed Vance and Miles how to stake the fish in the river so they wouldn't swim away.

Mom, Vance, and Kaitlyn enjoyed some smores by the fire.

Master Johnson

2009-05-01T16:30:00.008-06:00

Today was the first, and probably only, time in my life anyone will ever stop traffic for me. It was graduation day for Masters and PhD students at Utah State University. We started at the Field House and paraded in a straggling line down to the Spectrum where we were properly hooded in assembly-line fashion and received our diplomas. The best part of the graduation was when the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies asked us to stand so he could confer our degrees upon us and the way he said it was very confusing. Instead of standing we all just sat there and looked around like sheep, not like people who are supposed to be intelligent. He had to ask us again. It was pretty funny. The following are some photos of the event. I just want to say a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to everyone receiving a diploma this year and a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the friends and family who supported them. Stay tuned for photos of Paul's commencement, which will take place tomorrow.

Baby Animal Day

2009-04-14T18:22:00.008-06:00

Last Friday, after four years of failed attempts, my Easter dream was realized. Susan and I showed up bright and early to the Jensen Historical Farm for their annual Baby Animal Day! The highlight of the excursion was petting an actual four week old lamb. The low point was the dead skunk whose lingering stench haunted our wagon ride. Ultimately, no one was pooped on and we got some great photos, so it was a good day.

That's What It's All About

2009-03-19T17:25:00.002-06:00

Today I did a solo Hokey Pokey in front of my Cost Management Systems class for a $10 gift card to Walmart. It's been a weird week. I'm glad there are only 5 left until graduation.

"Blog Loser"

2009-03-12T15:27:00.004-06:00

In case the lingering "happy new year background" didn't tip you off, before you proceed perusing this site let me be clear that this blog is the home of a blog loser. What, you may be asking yourself, is a blog loser? Well, it's not someone who misplaces thier blog (which I recently found out actually happened to a friend of mine. She created a blog and now can't figure out how to get back into it, so she is immortalized in a single, lone entry forever... but I digress.) A blog loser is someone who is so delayed at posting that it's almost uncomfortable. A blog loser gets moved from people's check-once-a-week list to the she's-probably-dead list based on the frequency of new posts. A blog loser is someone who doesn't necessarily have a loserish life (at least I'd like to think so), but who has absolutely nothing of interest to leak to the general populous on a regular basis.

So, for anyone who may still check this blog now and then let me assure you that I am still alive (so tell your friends to take me off their she's-probably-dead list) and give you an update on what you've missed since the new year turned:
1. go to class
2. do homework
3. go to work
4. sleep...

usually in that order, except sometimes "go to class" and "sleep" occur simultaniously. Ta Da! You are now up to speed. Please check again in another three months or so... just to make sure I'm not dead.

Festival of Trees

2008-12-03T18:33:00.014-07:00

Last Tuesday Susan and I tagged along with Mom and Dad to the annual Festival of Trees in Salt Lake City. The collection of trees and other Christmas decorations are donated by people and get auctioned off throughout the night to benefit Primary Children's Hospital.

This tree and the presents around it were made of glass. They lit up in time to Christmas music. Needless to say, it was an amazing presentation. The minimum bid for this magnificent piece of art was a mere $25,000. I was thinking about getting it, but ended up not because I couldn't figure out where to put it in our huge apartment.

Susan loved the Pooh and Friends tree.

There were also gingerbread houses for people to bid on. I say nuts to bidding on it, I want to live in it!

This was dad's favorite tree. It was all made of wood and had tiny billiard balls that rolled through mechanisms from top to bottom. Once the balls reached the bottom they were blown back to the top through the trunk of the tree. We think it could be dad's next wooden project.

We all had a great time walking around and looking at the trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and gingerbread houses. It's definitely a great family tradition... although next time I think Susan will bring a more comfortable pair of shoes (that's her leaning on the giant nutcracker to rub her aching feet.)

Piglet Moment

2008-11-21T12:45:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I had a Piglet moment, and by that I don't mean eating all the Ben & Jerry's. I was walking on campus by the canyon and the wind was so strong that as I went to take a step forward a gust poofed up over the side of the hill and sent me staggering backwards a little. It took a little extra umph of energy (which is somewhere between a heave and a heft) to lean forward and get myself going again through the swirling leaves. I was reminded, by this harrowing little scene, of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day when Piglet is fighting agianst the wind and eventually gets blown away. Only in my version Paul was not holding onto me by my unravelling scarf and flying me like a kite because, let's face it, that would have been a spectacle. Happy Wind-sday Everyone!

Cupcake Walk Tips

2008-11-11T16:05:00.004-07:00

We've all felt that familiar fear of being at a prestigious party when a cupcake walk is about to take place. You are afraid to participate in front of your friends and co-workers because you aren't sure if you can win an elusive cupcake, right? Watch the videos below for some great tips from two professional cupcake walkers to ease your anxieties at your next office party.

Give the People What They Want!

2008-11-06T19:35:00.003-07:00

Ok, rabid readers, you asked for it. The Armstrong Halloween Carnival was graced with the presence of two celebrities, Kriss and Kross (of Kriss Kross) and Action 3 News was even fortunate enough to get a personalized rap just for us! Watch the video below and you won't be able to keep yourself from singing along...

Action 3 News Behind the Scenes

2008-11-06T17:38:00.004-07:00

You always knew Action 3 news was action packed, but take a look at the behind-the-scenes controversy between the camera man and the mime when things start to get heated...
For the record, I had no idea my face would look like this when the video was not started. Shocking to say the least.

Halloween Alter Egos

2008-11-06T17:10:00.005-07:00

Wow I just want to thank Curt and Meg (aka Mime and Disney Tourist) for an awesome Halloween Party! My limited bloggie skills inhibit me from posting all the wacky fun that was recorded by Action 3 News (aka, Paul and Alison) but I have included, for your viewing pleasure, one sampling of Alison, Susan, and Stace slipping into their Halloween alter egos. Although, Stace's absentminded act wasn't entirely far from the truth. (Just Kidding Stace! We love you.) Keep your eyes riveted to this blog for future episodes from Action 3 News including appearances by Kris Kross and David Beckham. I also want to give a big thanks to Paul for being such an amazing camera man.

Black Cat Lore According to Paul

2008-10-31T10:06:00.006-06:00

Now this is sound advice for anyone interested in avoiding the uncommonly bad luck, possibly resulting in death or dismemberment, brought on this season by the legendary black cat crossing one's path. Two days ago Paul and I were walking through the school parking lot at an hour too early to relate when a black cat slinked (yes, it slinked) from between some parked cars in front of us and walked directly across our path so boldly and broadly that there was no avoiding the cursed trail he left in his wake. I was, naturally, frozen in superstitious fear, but Paul immediately sprang into action. He took my hand and led me in sort of a wobbly circle which eventually rejoined our original course toward the business building.

"There" he looked triumphant, "we are now safe."
"How?" I asked confused, and a little dizzy. "We still have to cross it's path."
"No," he insisted confidently, "we have negated his powers by curving our path into his path but still away from it..." and then I think there was something about a trajectory and the healing powers of spinning in a circle. Needless to say I was a bit skeptical with regard to Paul's certain knowledge of black cat lore that seemed to come out of nowhere, but the prospect of being late to class eventually drove all thoughts of cats, black or otherwise, out of our minds and we speed-walked directly through the ominous path of said cat on to class.

Due to the fact that I am still alive and in possession of all my limbs one or more assertions can be drawn from this scientific experience. First Paul's take on counteracting black cat powers must be accurate. I have also considered the possibility that the cat was actually not black and it was just too dark outside. In the event that Paul's little cat dance actually worked, the scientific method would also dictate that handstands deter werewolves and leeches hate loud music. You are welcome to use this powerful information to your advantage. Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone!

The Return of the Butterfinger

2008-10-30T11:39:00.005-06:00

When I was young and in my trick-or-treating phase of life (let's face it, if it was socially acceptable I still probably would be trick or treating), the Butterfinger Bar was considered the payload of trick-or-treat candy. Not being bold enough to actually rifle through an outstretched bowl of candy for my favourite bar, I had trained my eyes to search out even the tiniest speck of characteristic orange wrapper poking up among other, lesser-quality, offerings. The night's take was pretty much valued by the pile of Butterfingers lovingly separated from the evening's regular revenue.

Since those days I have lost touch with Butterfinger. It may have had something to do with four years of braces or limited expendable income, but for some reason Butterfinger and I became estranged. I am pleased to report that his year, with the full support of Paul, Butterfinger and I have rekindled our affair. It was only last Sunday that my Grandma persuaded me to take home a handful candy bars and the spark of passion that had lain latent all these years was reignited into a candy-craving inferno. I'm not expecting this wild rendezvous to last long (most likely until Halloween is over) but I'm glad that for a few fun-sized bites every once in a while I get to relive my childhood. I encourage everyone to dig out the phone number of a favourite childhood treat from which you've grown apart and re-live a bit of the fun of the Halloween season.

Footage Revealed!

2008-10-29T21:01:00.005-06:00

Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the footage you are about to see from deep within the recesses of the famed Club 33 this blog must be posted anonymously in complete anonymity and under anonymous circumstances by yours truly, who shall not be named. That said, I think the music selection by the Club 33 Sound and Light crew is quite apropos.

Surprise Denial

2008-09-05T13:38:00.008-06:00

I am a little ashamed to admit that some things in this life still take me by surprise when there is absolutely no reason to be shocked. For example, yesterday the low fuel light in my car came on and I was, naturally, flabbergasted. Had I not been watching the little white needle creep toward the ominous orange hash mark for the past week and a half? This morning I opened the dishwasher and was blown away to find the dishes in it were not sparkly clean, although I don't know why I was so surprised because since I didn't start it last night the laws of physics dictate that the dishes would remain besmirched with remnants of the evening meal. My car registration bill came in the mail yesterday and I acted like it doesn't come each and every year. All those mornings that I settled on a black shirt I staggered backward with shock when I got to work and noticed a deodorant smear on one side. What I should be saying on the non-deodorant day is "Hey? This is a black shirt isn't it? Where's the white streak of shame?" Why do I go on like this? I'm not sure except that maybe I'm in denial about my lack of automobile fuel and the state of my wardrobe.

Life doesn't only take me by repeated surprise in negative ways. Sometimes these pseudo-surprises are really pleasant. For the past three weeks I have driven down the street gaping like an idiot at the trees and saying to Paul "Look at that one! Look at those amazing colors!" The trees change colors every year and yet they still amaze me. Every time the phone rings and I see it is a good friend calling I feel a pleasant twinge of startlement, and every year when Christmas comes around I get excited like it might not come again next year. To everyone else out there in surprise-denial, here's to enjoying the unexpected, or at least indulging in the life-affirming shock of what we probably should have expected.

How did this happen?

2008-06-16T11:35:00.005-06:00

Today I want to address something that has been on my mind... and stuck to my forehead, and poking me in the eye; in other words, my bangs. Bangs have been an interesting fashion development over the last seven or so years, and although they have been around since the pyramids (according to the Charleton Heston version of the Ten Commandments), the latest emergence of facial fringe has brought together past and future styles of bangs in an unprecedented display of follicular creativity. You all know what I'm talking about:

1. "Extreme Swoop" makes you legally blind in at least one eye, but very dramatic
2. "Black Ops Bangs" are grown so long and straight over the forehead that the eyelashes actually have to lift hair as the eyelid opens. Meant to camouflage the wearer in urban surroundings.
3. "Cold War Bangs" are worn short and bluntly straight, accompanied by arrestingly straight sides. Strikes fear into the heart of any opponent or fellow commuter.
4. "Uncommitted Bangs" I think those are supposed to be bangs aren't they? Does that person even KNOW they have bangs? who can tell.
5. "Feather Bangs" unusual hybrid of the late seventies and early eighties. Often accompanied by a mullet or hairspray wings. Have been observed to have mind controlling powers in that once you wear them, you can't seem to let go.
6. "The Tube" We all had it, some still do. You know, it's perfectly curled and sprayed so as to resemble a section of Slinky taped to one's forehead.
7. "Shag Bangs" Imagine Garth from Wayne's World.
8. "The Pyramid" This is a structural anomalie in which the wearer has expertly swept a section of bangs back and secured it with an arsenal of bobby pins, creating a dome so indestructable modern science is still trying to replicate it. This structure often gives rise to:
9. "The Alfalfa" an excapee of bangs intended to be swept back sticks straight up in the air and refuses to lay neither forward nor back.

The style I am currently sporting, and what led to this literary overture on bangs, is what I affectionately call the scarecrow look. It is characterized by scraggely bits of hair in so many varying shades of blond and brown and so many different lengths that it literally looks like I picked up pieces of straw off the ground and taped them to my forehead. Everywhere I go if someone's eyes stray to my forehead region I want to yell "I know! Scarecrow bangs right?" because I do know how unfortunate they are. It's not my fault! They sort of evolved over time and there is nothing I can do, short of setting my hair on fire, until July 3rd at which time I hope to pay a professional to get this thing under control. In the meantime can I borrow a weedwacker from someone?

Imposter M&M

2008-06-12T13:54:00.006-06:00

I don't want to fill my blog with negativity, but indulge me for a second while I get something off my chest. I hate when peanut M&Ms masquerade as almond M&Ms. They parade around in the almond bag showing off identical flashy colors and sporting the same basic shape as their almond counterparts, but inside they're just a peanut! I know, I know, it's a nut surrounded by chocolate right, why does it matter? But there is something about the way the almond cracks into fractal shards when you bite into it that makes it fun to crunch. The peanut simply doesn't measure up. (I extend my apologies to any solid peanut fans, but it's the truth.) When I bite into an almond M&M I expect to get an almond M&M and not a peanut in almond clothing. Tune in next time when I address the injustice of Coolaid that looks just like water...

Seattle Sentiments

2008-03-19T18:23:00.002-06:00

Our road trip to Seattle was amazing! We went to the Univeristy of Washington campus, the Space Needle, the Seattle LDS Temple, Pike's Place Market, and my personal favorite, the Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium was right on the water front and had a petting pool where you could touch (with one finger and one finger only, according to the staff) all kinds of starfish, sea cucumbers, and anemonies. Starfish are rough and not as spongy as they look, but sea cucumbers are slimey and very squishy. I felt quite invasive touching them. My favorite animals to watch were the otters and a giant puffer fish that floated around and bumped into things like he had special needs. All in all, our trip was a huge success and I would like to thank Anna, Eric, Curt, and Meg for sponsoring it. Below are some photos of our adventure!

24 Hours in a Car...

2008-03-18T19:23:00.007-06:00

Wow, there are road trips, and then there are ROAD TRIPS and what I am about to describe was the latter. Curtis, Megan, Paul, and Alison embarked on an epic adventure that would lead them through excitement, danger, and outrageous musical stylings unprecedented and irreplicable by modern science as of the date of this publication. I think one of the high points of the marathon car ride from Logan, Utah to Seattle, Washington was when Curt and Paul, overcome by Taco Time fumes, decided to cement their friendship in semi-permanent ink. The footage that follows may shock you... at least it does me.

Lost in a Book

2008-02-28T17:54:00.003-07:00

Once upon a time, when I had a two hour metro commute every day, I tended to want to avoid interacting with my fellow commuters, so I took to reading and I got a great chance to delve into those classic books I had always wanted to try, but never had the time. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and actually miss my commute just a little (not the smell, though... I don't miss that at all.)

Unfortunately, a recent edition of the Today Show and the "just in" rack at Borders have caused me to notice that the splashy descriptions on the front of literary entertainment marketed mainly to females is made up mostly of words such as "sizzeling, sexy, biting, and scandalous." In short, the must-read of the summer is most likely going to burn you, give you an STD, or get you arrested. What happened to the type of great novels I discovered deep beneath the streets of Washington DC? I am tired of the only thing rolling off the presses being ANOTHER story about a downtown working girl or updown socialite caught up in the world of gossip, fashion, and inappropriate behavior at the office. Two words... self destruction.

I propose that if you are really interested in a great summer read, you dive into one of the books listed on my Girly Book List (which is always taking additional suggestions) and get to know some of the real heroines of literature. These are characters you can really get behind and when the story is over you feel uplifted and inspired, instead of wishing you could take a shower.

There are antagonists who would argue that the great books I describe were actually the smut of yesteryear, and that they closely compare to the brainless drivel recently spread across your local book store shelves, but I defy that conjecture. Once any reader has experienced the wit of Elizabeth Bennett or the courage of Jane Eyre she will realize that these timeless classics will always stand out over the insipid novels of the here and now. Women of the metro, stand up and be counted as readers of real literature!

Back In Time

2008-02-26T19:46:00.002-07:00

So, I was at the supermarket today (I say supermarket because it is a word my grandma would have used) shopping for ingredients to invite my family over for a pancake dinner tomorrow and, as fate would have it, blueberries were on for a dollar a carton and there were only two perfectly tiny plastic containers left. What luck!

I finished my shopping and it was while I was in the checkout line unloading my cart that tragedy struck. Both of the poorly protected containers of beautiful blue berries slipped stealthily through a gap in the cart and landed in a quiet pile on my shoe. I felt it before I saw it (blueberries are softer than I had anticipated) and was almost afraid to look down at the little bits of juicy goodness rolling away from me forever across the grimy floor.

Time stood still as I looked from the cashier (who I happened to know personally) to the bagger and back again. "Do you want to get another one?" The bagger urged like I was hard of hearing. Yes! Another one... I snapped out of my trance. That is precisely what I need. I dodged displays of easter candy and salad dressing as I franticly speed-walked to the produce section. I spotted a worker stocking nectarines an zeroed in. "Do you have any more?" I implored pointing to the "Blueberries 99 cents!" sign as a little tear began to well in my right eye.

"We're out." He said with what I thought was a little less sympathy than what the situation required. Crestfallen, I turned and slowly dragged my feet back to the check out line, now vacant of any stray berries, and solemnly paid for my groceries. Oh, if only the force of my mind could will time to reverse the few precious seconds it would have required to change the destiny of those ill fated berries.

The drive home strung my mind to other times when, with all the force I could muster, I had willed time to reverse for only a few moments. I am sure you, dear reader, can remember the feeling of the moment directly after you flung out an insult that should have been withheld, or the silent seconds following the crunch of a fender bender after you backed up without looking. I suppose those times have happened to us all, and will probably happen a few more times before we die (maybe even as we die), but the important thing is to learn from them. I know that I vow next time to be a little more careful as to the placement of precious produce in my shopping cart... and think before I speak... and look before I back up... and point the mustard away before I squeeze... and wait to step on a bus until I've read where it's going...and...

Crazy Yellow

2008-02-23T18:28:00.003-07:00

I am not the kind of person prone to skitsophrenia or craziness, but I was christmas shopping two months ago when I saw a bright yellow grossgrain ribbon belt with a sparkely buckle hanging on a rack and something inside me awakened and said quite clearly "You would love that belt."

To which I immediately replied "it looks like an impulse buy to me that would end up forgotten and un-worn in the back of the closet."

"No," insisted the voice, "I promise you would wear it."

"Voice," I continued, "I know me. I have avoided yellow all my life for the washed-out, unflattering look it lends to my blonde hair and fair skin."

"Even so" the voice coerced, "it would look great on you." I held firm, but fortunately the voice had other methods and to my surprise I found the belt in my stocking on Christmas morning. Insane as it may sound, I LOVE IT. I never knew what I was missing by resigning myself to blues and pinks and greens all my life, which, I am happy to say, can now fulfill their potential when paired with the yellow.

Don't be alarmed; I still don't wear yellow pants or shirts etc. (I haven't gone THAT crazy) but I have found a happy medium of yellow accessories and I urge anyone reading this to take stock of the things you've been denying yourself just because you are used to it not working out. Now the yellow and I enjoy a symbiotic relationship that all started with the sparkely belt.

Speling Disklaymer...

2008-02-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

I can't spell. I know it, and even though these convenient text windows are equipped with a spell check button, sometimes I am too preoccupied to use it, or I just enjoy the colloquial asymmetry created by the look of my misspelled words too much to correct them. In any case, I am issuing a warning here and now that you will encounter poorly spelled words on this page, so if that type of flagrant disregard for proper literature (not to mention blatent over-use of commas) offends you I would suggest periodically averting your eyes. Safe journey.

Snow Night

2008-02-22T19:45:00.002-07:00

It was dark, it was late, it was cold. In short, it was just the kind of night an early-to-bed-home-body like me would have loved to stay inside. A heavy snowstorm was flopping fatty flakes onto anything that would stand still and, contrary to my hibernative nature, I was longing to be out in it. I forced my husband into his coat and boots and I donned my mittens and wellies and we headed out. We hiked through the drifts to the lawn of the nearby hospital. (Being appartment dwellers we are, sadly, without a yard.) The following is what eventually overcame us.

In the beginning...

2008-02-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here it is. It has begun. I always knew it would happen, and yet tried to stave off the inevitable for a reason unbeknownst to me. Maybe I thought I would ignore it and it would become obsolete... maybe I thought I'd love it and become an addict (a vice I abhore and try to avoid if I can help it)... or maybe I was just afraid of the term itself, but whatever the reason and however I overcame it I am, henceforth and officially, a blogger. Hmmm.