Twelve years ago I became a mother. There I sat, in my hospital bed, holding my pink little bundle wondering how I was going to be able to handle this new stage of life. The fears and anxieties were weighing heavily on me and I felt so inadequate and unprepared.
And, here I am, again with many of those same feelings, wondering how I'm going to handle life as she prepares to leave the nest and make a life of her own. Have I taught her enough? Have I given her enough of the tools she'll need to make it in the world? I'm throwing my daughter to the sharks... is she protected enough? Teenage girls can be so mean and unforgiving... which side of the fence will she be on?
She had an interview for advancement with the bishop today. When they were finished he walked out of the office with her and, with a smile, said to me, "She is growing up beautifully." The comment bolstered me up a bit, thinking that maybe I did okay as a mother and that she'll be fine. Though, Ithink I'll always worry. That's my job. I'm a mom.
Happy Birthday, Skins.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Universe is Out to Get Me!!
It's happened again.
Just like with Lime Pepsi, Queso/Jalepeno Kettle Chips, Bounty Bars (not sold in U.S.) Bernstein's Italian Dressing... and now with the most fabulous, delicious, mintiest little candy ever made... Mint Crisp M&Ms.
http://www.m-ms.com/us/about/products/mint/
I was shopping for a gift for my mom on Mother's Day when I came across a green bag of M&Ms with Indiana Jones on the packaging. Intrigued, I bought a bag. It was love at first taste. I went to get more and stock up and THEY ARE GONE!!
I know the package says: Limited Edition, but I didn't expect it to last a WEEK. Grrrrrrr.
What the heck? Why is the universe out to get me?
I'm fearful of ever saying I love another product ever again because inevitably it will be immediately discontinued. I'm jinxed, I tell ya!! :o(
Just like with Lime Pepsi, Queso/Jalepeno Kettle Chips, Bounty Bars (not sold in U.S.) Bernstein's Italian Dressing... and now with the most fabulous, delicious, mintiest little candy ever made... Mint Crisp M&Ms.
http://www.m-ms.com/us/about/products/mint/
I was shopping for a gift for my mom on Mother's Day when I came across a green bag of M&Ms with Indiana Jones on the packaging. Intrigued, I bought a bag. It was love at first taste. I went to get more and stock up and THEY ARE GONE!!
I know the package says: Limited Edition, but I didn't expect it to last a WEEK. Grrrrrrr.
What the heck? Why is the universe out to get me?
I'm fearful of ever saying I love another product ever again because inevitably it will be immediately discontinued. I'm jinxed, I tell ya!! :o(
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Harsh Disappointment
On Saturday Squeaker, age 7, had an audition to be in a DVD production that the Foundation I work for is producing. She has practiced her part for weeks and had it down-pat. The audition was at a studio downtown and when we arrived the room was packed with other kids who were also auditioning (some for her part, and some for other parts). I'm sure I was more nervous than Squeaker was, and I asked the producer if I would be able to go into the room with her when she went in. I was told no. I worried that without my presence there that she would freeze up and act shy.
I needn't have worried. She walked in without looking back at me and the door closed. I could hear her voice through the door and with confidence she said her name and jumped right in - exuding all the personality she has (which is quite a lot!) into the lines.
She came out of the room all smiles, confident that she did a good job. I caught the looks of the producers and they too were smiling. I felt that she had the part in the bag.
Earlier this morning I got word that she was in the final 2 for deciding - the other kids auditioning for her part were cut. She was as good as in!!
But, I just got off the phone with the producers. They went with the other kid. They didn't choose Squeaker. I graciously thanked them for the opportunity and hung up the phone.
Because I am doing work for the Foundation who is sponsoring this DVD, I called my boss to talk to him about the audition and to see if he could give me some inside information on why Squeaker wasn't chosen. When he heard the news he was just as disappointed as I am, but he gave me a possible explanation: They needed a boy. The other child was a boy and the DVD needs an equal mix of boys and girls. The boys who auditioned for the older parts weren't very good, meaning that it came down to needing a younger boy. Bam! The Squeak gets bumped.
She is going to be so sad when she gets home from school today and I tell her. Dangit.
We really need some good news around here... anyone got any??
I needn't have worried. She walked in without looking back at me and the door closed. I could hear her voice through the door and with confidence she said her name and jumped right in - exuding all the personality she has (which is quite a lot!) into the lines.
She came out of the room all smiles, confident that she did a good job. I caught the looks of the producers and they too were smiling. I felt that she had the part in the bag.
Earlier this morning I got word that she was in the final 2 for deciding - the other kids auditioning for her part were cut. She was as good as in!!
But, I just got off the phone with the producers. They went with the other kid. They didn't choose Squeaker. I graciously thanked them for the opportunity and hung up the phone.
Because I am doing work for the Foundation who is sponsoring this DVD, I called my boss to talk to him about the audition and to see if he could give me some inside information on why Squeaker wasn't chosen. When he heard the news he was just as disappointed as I am, but he gave me a possible explanation: They needed a boy. The other child was a boy and the DVD needs an equal mix of boys and girls. The boys who auditioned for the older parts weren't very good, meaning that it came down to needing a younger boy. Bam! The Squeak gets bumped.
She is going to be so sad when she gets home from school today and I tell her. Dangit.
We really need some good news around here... anyone got any??
Friday, May 09, 2008
The Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Week
Yeah, that's what I had - a terrible horrible no good very bad week. The kind that can only come with emotional turmoil.
Hopefully, with faith, everything is on the upswing.
Next week will bring smiles and happy blogging. So, until then....
Sigh.
Hopefully, with faith, everything is on the upswing.
Next week will bring smiles and happy blogging. So, until then....
Sigh.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
It's Cinco de Mayo, so in commemoration I decided to make a Mexican dinner. I made chicken enchiliadas, mexican rice and pina coladas (without the rum, of course). I intended to also make churros for dessert, but I'm tuckered out from cooking and then cleaning the kitchen. I'm done for tonight.
In the past, I've always made mexican rice from a box (Rica-A-Roni is decent as a side dish) but tonight I wanted to do it as authentic as I could. My husband served a mission in Mexico, so he holds a special place in his heart for the food (as long as it's not rice and beans 24/7). I am including the rice recipe with my blog tonight because it is just so yummy. Even my kids liked it. My 7-year-old commented that this was "the best dinner ever" and that I'm a "really good cooker." It wasn't THAT good of a meal, but I'll take a compliment when I can. :)
Mexican (Spanish) Rice
2 T vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 cups water (chicken broth is better)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes w/green chilies
2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium heat. Saute bell pepper, onion, and garlic until tender, add rice and saute until the rice is turning brown.
2. Stir in water (broth) and tomatoes. Season with chili powder and salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
It's better than what you buy in a box, and you can make a lot more. I wish I would have doubled this recipe so that I would have some for lunch tomorrow!! Mmmmmm.
Sabrosa!
In the past, I've always made mexican rice from a box (Rica-A-Roni is decent as a side dish) but tonight I wanted to do it as authentic as I could. My husband served a mission in Mexico, so he holds a special place in his heart for the food (as long as it's not rice and beans 24/7). I am including the rice recipe with my blog tonight because it is just so yummy. Even my kids liked it. My 7-year-old commented that this was "the best dinner ever" and that I'm a "really good cooker." It wasn't THAT good of a meal, but I'll take a compliment when I can. :)
Mexican (Spanish) Rice
2 T vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 cups water (chicken broth is better)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes w/green chilies
2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium heat. Saute bell pepper, onion, and garlic until tender, add rice and saute until the rice is turning brown.
2. Stir in water (broth) and tomatoes. Season with chili powder and salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
It's better than what you buy in a box, and you can make a lot more. I wish I would have doubled this recipe so that I would have some for lunch tomorrow!! Mmmmmm.
Sabrosa!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Just One of Those Days
Have you ever had one of those days when everything you do seems to fall apart? Well, if you have, then you can certainly have sympathy for me.
I should have known it would be one of those days for me because it started going downhill from the start. We've been having such nice weather lately that I decided to get my toesies ready for sandals by painting my toenails. So, I get out of the shower, get halfway dressed and sit on my bedroom floor to create some foot art. I picked a pretty color and started shaking the bottle. Suddenly, I feel something wet but I disregard it as I give the bottle a few more good shakes. That's when I look down and see my hand completely covered in nail polish. Somehow, the little shaker ball inside the bottle caused the glass to break, thus leaking polish everywhere: all over my hand, my arm, the floor, my clothes (brand new, first time worn, btw) and in my hair. I uttered a few choice words and went to the bathroom to clean up. An hour later, I have most of it off of my body, but my clothes are toast, and the carpet will have the pretty nail color spots for the rest of eternity (or until we get new carpet, whichever comes first).
Incidentally, my entire house now smells of polish and acetone, not a pretty combination. AND the weather decided to get all cold and gloomy so I can't even open my windows to help air the smell out. AND because of the cold weather, I couldn't wear sandals today anyway. Sheesh!
I made bread in my bread machine... the same recipe I've always used and it always comes out perfectly. I don't think I did anything different, but halfway through the first knead cycle I could hear the motor in the machine really straining. I checked the dough and it was a tough little ball, not smooth and elastic like usual. So, either I suck at bread making, or my machine is toast (no pun intended).
Frankly, I'm afraid to touch anything else. Maybe I'll just go to bed early. Nothing bad can happen to me there. If you need anything from me, it's probably best if you wait until tomorrow.
I should have known it would be one of those days for me because it started going downhill from the start. We've been having such nice weather lately that I decided to get my toesies ready for sandals by painting my toenails. So, I get out of the shower, get halfway dressed and sit on my bedroom floor to create some foot art. I picked a pretty color and started shaking the bottle. Suddenly, I feel something wet but I disregard it as I give the bottle a few more good shakes. That's when I look down and see my hand completely covered in nail polish. Somehow, the little shaker ball inside the bottle caused the glass to break, thus leaking polish everywhere: all over my hand, my arm, the floor, my clothes (brand new, first time worn, btw) and in my hair. I uttered a few choice words and went to the bathroom to clean up. An hour later, I have most of it off of my body, but my clothes are toast, and the carpet will have the pretty nail color spots for the rest of eternity (or until we get new carpet, whichever comes first).
Incidentally, my entire house now smells of polish and acetone, not a pretty combination. AND the weather decided to get all cold and gloomy so I can't even open my windows to help air the smell out. AND because of the cold weather, I couldn't wear sandals today anyway. Sheesh!
I made bread in my bread machine... the same recipe I've always used and it always comes out perfectly. I don't think I did anything different, but halfway through the first knead cycle I could hear the motor in the machine really straining. I checked the dough and it was a tough little ball, not smooth and elastic like usual. So, either I suck at bread making, or my machine is toast (no pun intended).
Frankly, I'm afraid to touch anything else. Maybe I'll just go to bed early. Nothing bad can happen to me there. If you need anything from me, it's probably best if you wait until tomorrow.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Be Ye Prepared
Just listening to the news these days is enough to send anyone under their covers never to resurface again. Each segment contains some form of doom and gloom... If you haven't heard already, there is a wheat and rice shortage here in the United States - the breadbasket of the world. For the first time ever we have to import those products, and other countries are keeping it for themselves, which leaves us empty-handed. I have to laugh a bit when the newscaster relates these messages with severe gravity only to follow it up with "don't hoard and don't panic." If that's not a contradiction in messages, I don't know what is!
I've never been great with food storage, even though we've been counselled to have a year's supply for as long as I can remember. I try to have a few cases of Mac-N-Cheese on hand, and a crate or two of Top Ramen, but that's about the extent of my supply. I think the whole "50 lbs of wheat" is intimidating to me. I mean, you have to USE what you store, right? What the heck do I do with wheat?
And, now, I couldn't even get any if I wanted to!!
My family is clearly not prepared, despite the fact that President Hinckley passionately urged us to get our affairs in order and BE PREPARED. We didn't listen. He knew what is to come, and we ignored it thinking that we have more time.
Time is clearly up. Unless the economy recovers in a big way, and fuel prices drop considerably, this is the way it's going to be. Scary thought, isn't it! You can believe I'll be doubling up on my Mac-N-Cheese/Top Ramen purchases... I still don't know what to do with wheat anyway.
How's your food storage situation?
I've never been great with food storage, even though we've been counselled to have a year's supply for as long as I can remember. I try to have a few cases of Mac-N-Cheese on hand, and a crate or two of Top Ramen, but that's about the extent of my supply. I think the whole "50 lbs of wheat" is intimidating to me. I mean, you have to USE what you store, right? What the heck do I do with wheat?
And, now, I couldn't even get any if I wanted to!!
My family is clearly not prepared, despite the fact that President Hinckley passionately urged us to get our affairs in order and BE PREPARED. We didn't listen. He knew what is to come, and we ignored it thinking that we have more time.
Time is clearly up. Unless the economy recovers in a big way, and fuel prices drop considerably, this is the way it's going to be. Scary thought, isn't it! You can believe I'll be doubling up on my Mac-N-Cheese/Top Ramen purchases... I still don't know what to do with wheat anyway.
How's your food storage situation?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
RIP
It is a sad day in our home... We lost a member of the household today. We knew it was coming, but when it finally happens, you find you can never truly prepare. It was a typical Sunday where we woke up, had breakfast, attended church, came home and had lunch, and that's when we realized the inevitable.
Please pause a moment with me in silence.
:: sniff sniff ::
Our 12-year old GE Profile refridgerator has gone the way that appliances must go - the big kitchen in the sky. It has been with us since we purchased our first home in 1996. I was pregnant with our first child at the time and I was so excited to be getting my own brand new refridgerator, with ice and water in the door (I made sure that it had crushed ice, since I couldn't get enough ice munching through my pregnancy). We loved it so much we took it with us when we moved to our new home in 2001. But, today, it gave up the ghost and we will have to say goodbye.
My husband suggested we go out and get a new one tonight, but I reminded him that this is not a case of the "ox in the mire" since we have a spare refridgerator in the basement which will hold our dairy and frozen meats until we can have a new fridge delivered.
The girls weren't disappointed, however, since they got to slurp all the melted ice cream they wanted - nothing like drinking a milkshake straight from the carton.
Thank goodness we got a tax refund this year. Sheesh!!
Please pause a moment with me in silence.
:: sniff sniff ::
Our 12-year old GE Profile refridgerator has gone the way that appliances must go - the big kitchen in the sky. It has been with us since we purchased our first home in 1996. I was pregnant with our first child at the time and I was so excited to be getting my own brand new refridgerator, with ice and water in the door (I made sure that it had crushed ice, since I couldn't get enough ice munching through my pregnancy). We loved it so much we took it with us when we moved to our new home in 2001. But, today, it gave up the ghost and we will have to say goodbye.
My husband suggested we go out and get a new one tonight, but I reminded him that this is not a case of the "ox in the mire" since we have a spare refridgerator in the basement which will hold our dairy and frozen meats until we can have a new fridge delivered.
The girls weren't disappointed, however, since they got to slurp all the melted ice cream they wanted - nothing like drinking a milkshake straight from the carton.
Thank goodness we got a tax refund this year. Sheesh!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
We're Back!
We are back from our week-long adventure to Disneyland!! We had a fantastic time. My husband and I didn't tell the kidlets about the trip until we were getting ready to get in the car to head to the airport. Let me tell you, that's the ONLY way to go. Since they didn't know we were going, they couldn't bombard us with questions on how many days were left, or talk nonstop about what they were going to do. It was difficult living with such a big secret, but it was fun pulling off such a fun surprise.
We spent five glorious days in the Happiest Place on Earth and it was a great time of bonding as a family. I'm so glad we went, and feel that it was money well spent. Thanks, Mr. Bush... I hope this was along your line of thinking for economic stimulus!!
The only downside was the crowds. Disney was definitely filled to capacity. With easter being so early, it threw off everyone's spring break scheduling. Thank heavens for the Fast Pass!!
Our kids are already talking about what they want to do next time we go, but unless an extra check comes from the government on a regular basis, they may be parents by then, and able to pay for their trip themselves. Yay them.
Now, I just need to take a week off to recover from our vacation. I'm beat!!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Conference Weekend
I love LDS General Conference. I love it for many reasons, including (but not limited to) the fact that we don't have to get up and get ready for church, and the fact that we get to have an abundance of the Spirit in our home as we listen to the messages delivered as a family. I love hunkering down on the couch cuddled up with my husband and kids, snacking and discussing what we are hearing.
This year, I found a packet of activities for children to do while they listen to Conference. It has really helped them to listen and try to figure out what the main topic is for each speaker and pay closer attention to the actual message being given and not merely listening for words to cross off on a Bingo game.
It is such a special time for Latter-day Saints, and especially this Conference since we were able to participate in a solemn assembly - the first time for our kids, and the first time when I really had a testimony strong enough to care. It's such a beautiful thing!!
My testimony has been strengthened, and there's nothing better than that.
This year, I found a packet of activities for children to do while they listen to Conference. It has really helped them to listen and try to figure out what the main topic is for each speaker and pay closer attention to the actual message being given and not merely listening for words to cross off on a Bingo game.
It is such a special time for Latter-day Saints, and especially this Conference since we were able to participate in a solemn assembly - the first time for our kids, and the first time when I really had a testimony strong enough to care. It's such a beautiful thing!!
My testimony has been strengthened, and there's nothing better than that.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Merry Unbirthday to Me!!
April Fools Day in our home means it's A Very Merry Unbirthday to Me!! We have had this tradition for many years and it's been very nice. Because my actual birthday falls so close to Christmas, and we are partied out and have no money to spend, we found a day later in the year where we don't have any other birthdays and when we usually have our tax returns back... Thus April 1st became MY day.
But, my husband - sweet man that he is - said we wouldn't be celebrating this year since he acknowledged my actual birthday. I reminded him about the four very special three-word-phrases and that I got to pick and choose the day, he doesn't get to UN-choose for me. So, hopefully, he'll get his act together before getting home from work tonight. Fingers crossed.
Now, all I have to do to complete the day is find something to trick the girls with, and all will be well!!
But, my husband - sweet man that he is - said we wouldn't be celebrating this year since he acknowledged my actual birthday. I reminded him about the four very special three-word-phrases and that I got to pick and choose the day, he doesn't get to UN-choose for me. So, hopefully, he'll get his act together before getting home from work tonight. Fingers crossed.
Now, all I have to do to complete the day is find something to trick the girls with, and all will be well!!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Rite of Passage
A significant event happened in the life of my 11-soon-to-be-12 year old daughter over the weekend... She babysat for the very first time. She's the oldest of three girls, so technically she's been our designated sitter for several years already, but this Saturday she was "hired" to watch other people's children.
She received the call on Friday and would be doing the job Saturday afternoon. In that short 24-some-odd-hour time period she repeatedly quizzed me on the children's names, running scenarios of activities past me for approval, and basically all-around obsessing over it. It was rather endearing.
When the time finally came I drove her over to the house about 7 minutes early (it was a compromise since she wanted to be 25 minutes early so that the mom didn't think she was irresponsible). There were two children, ages 4 and 2 (boy and girl respectively). Thankfully, it was only going to be for about 90 minutes because she hasn't quite mastered the art of changing a diaper...
When I picked her up later that afternoon she couldn't stop talking about her experience. She really enjoyed playing with the little girl and she was rather proud of herself for getting the little 2 year old boy to go down for a nap. Even the mom was impressed by that. All-in-all it was a good experience for her.
Her only worry is that she won't get asked to do it again since there are approximately 8 girls in our neighborhood who are slightly older and more experienced in the art of babytending who get all the calls. Hopefully, for her, that won't be the case.
My baby is growing up so quickly... First stop babysitting, next stop dating. AAAAGGGGGG!!!
She received the call on Friday and would be doing the job Saturday afternoon. In that short 24-some-odd-hour time period she repeatedly quizzed me on the children's names, running scenarios of activities past me for approval, and basically all-around obsessing over it. It was rather endearing.
When the time finally came I drove her over to the house about 7 minutes early (it was a compromise since she wanted to be 25 minutes early so that the mom didn't think she was irresponsible). There were two children, ages 4 and 2 (boy and girl respectively). Thankfully, it was only going to be for about 90 minutes because she hasn't quite mastered the art of changing a diaper...
When I picked her up later that afternoon she couldn't stop talking about her experience. She really enjoyed playing with the little girl and she was rather proud of herself for getting the little 2 year old boy to go down for a nap. Even the mom was impressed by that. All-in-all it was a good experience for her.
Her only worry is that she won't get asked to do it again since there are approximately 8 girls in our neighborhood who are slightly older and more experienced in the art of babytending who get all the calls. Hopefully, for her, that won't be the case.
My baby is growing up so quickly... First stop babysitting, next stop dating. AAAAGGGGGG!!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Kids Say...
Today I took my 9 year old daughter in to have an eye exam and get new glasses. This is only the third time in her short life that she's been to see an optometrist, but she's easy-going and takes everything in stride and treats it like an adventure.
When she was called in for the actual exam, my husband and I followed to sit in the back of the room. She climbed up into the big chair and the optometrist slid the eye contraption up to her face. He then proceeded to carry on a conversation with her about how she is probably chasing all the ugly boys around at recess because her prescription is so old... he was going to make sure that she could see well enough to chase all the good looking ones from now on. She blushed and giggled and said she was much too young to be chasing boys. My husband and I exchanged glances and smiled.
The exam proceeded, with the doc asking "Better, or Worse?" and "Number One or Number Two?" until a satisfactory prescription was found. He then asked our girl to read the bottom line of the chart.
She paused for a moment (long enough for me to think that she wasn't seeing clearly through the contraption) and then said, "Apneo." Clearly taken off guard, the optometrist was speechless. I wanted to clarify to my daughter that he meant to read out the LETTERS on the chart, not make a word out of them, but I was laughing so hard I couldn't form the words to speak. I looked over at my husband who had tears streaming down his cheeks from laughing as hard as I was. I admire the doc for not breaking composure and keeling over in giggles as well... ever the professional he asked her again to say the line, but just the letters this time.
My husband and I continued to giggle silently for the next 5 minutes - just long enough for the doc and our girl to finish up, at which time we were escorted out of the exam room, straight faced and semi-serious....
It was definitely a blogging moment!!
When she was called in for the actual exam, my husband and I followed to sit in the back of the room. She climbed up into the big chair and the optometrist slid the eye contraption up to her face. He then proceeded to carry on a conversation with her about how she is probably chasing all the ugly boys around at recess because her prescription is so old... he was going to make sure that she could see well enough to chase all the good looking ones from now on. She blushed and giggled and said she was much too young to be chasing boys. My husband and I exchanged glances and smiled.
The exam proceeded, with the doc asking "Better, or Worse?" and "Number One or Number Two?" until a satisfactory prescription was found. He then asked our girl to read the bottom line of the chart.
She paused for a moment (long enough for me to think that she wasn't seeing clearly through the contraption) and then said, "Apneo." Clearly taken off guard, the optometrist was speechless. I wanted to clarify to my daughter that he meant to read out the LETTERS on the chart, not make a word out of them, but I was laughing so hard I couldn't form the words to speak. I looked over at my husband who had tears streaming down his cheeks from laughing as hard as I was. I admire the doc for not breaking composure and keeling over in giggles as well... ever the professional he asked her again to say the line, but just the letters this time.
My husband and I continued to giggle silently for the next 5 minutes - just long enough for the doc and our girl to finish up, at which time we were escorted out of the exam room, straight faced and semi-serious....
It was definitely a blogging moment!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Best version ever
This is a fabulous "condensed" version of Star Wars... and you can't help but want to pinch the reviewers cheeks. She's adorable.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Underappreciated
Is it every woman's plight in life to go through stages of being loved and cherished by her family, to simply being the live-in maid?
It seems I've regressed from being the Cinderella at the ball to just plain scullery maid... bottom of the totem pole.
Christina says it best when she sings:
I feel underappreciated
Now girls help me out
'Cause you know what I'm talking about,
I sayI'm feeling underappreciated
For all the time and effort
I have put in this commitment
It seems I've regressed from being the Cinderella at the ball to just plain scullery maid... bottom of the totem pole.
Christina says it best when she sings:
I feel underappreciated
Now girls help me out
'Cause you know what I'm talking about,
I sayI'm feeling underappreciated
For all the time and effort
I have put in this commitment
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Those Three Little Words
Every woman loves to hear those three little words from her man. Nothing can melt a heart faster... So, what are they? Let's say them together girls...
"You Are Right"
Awwww, you men out there thought I was going to say "I Love You" weren't you... sweet spirits. Nope, while we love hearing "I Love You," there are other phrases we love to hear more.
So, guys, when you are floundering for just the right words to say, you know you can always fall back on... Memorize them:
I Love You
You Are Right
Let's Go Out
Here's a Present
Use them alone or together. Either way, you'll come out on top!! Trust me.
"You Are Right"
Awwww, you men out there thought I was going to say "I Love You" weren't you... sweet spirits. Nope, while we love hearing "I Love You," there are other phrases we love to hear more.
So, guys, when you are floundering for just the right words to say, you know you can always fall back on... Memorize them:
I Love You
You Are Right
Let's Go Out
Here's a Present
Use them alone or together. Either way, you'll come out on top!! Trust me.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Things I Love
You know what I hate? I hate it when I fall in love with a product only to have the manufacturer discontinue said product....
For example, I may fall in love with a particular shade of eyeshadow only to use it all up and go to the store to get a new one only to have it NOT THERE. Thus, a quest across my city to several stores in hopes of finding said shade ensues, only to come home empty handed. It's gone.
Now, in the case of makeup, I'll admit that I have resorted to Ebay and have been fairly lucky in finding items there (though I have had to pay a premium for it). I've also been able to find perfumes, candles, and clothes on Ebay when my local stores no longer carry what I want.
Unfortunately, I have recently encountered a discontinuance that cannot be Ebay'ed away....
Pepsi Lime has been removed from the manufacturer's lineup and is no longer being sold. ::insert sad face here:: A few years ago I fell in love with an obscure product called Vanilla Coke only to have it yanked from my life when Coke felt it no longer served their bottom line. So, I turned to Pepsi for comfort. Their Vanilla version was rather putrid (IMHO) but I was intrigued by the Pepsi product on the shelf below the vanilla that came in a green can... I bought the product and was pleasantly surprised by the lime-y goodness of it. It has been a love affair ever since.
Well, until now.
It's gone. Gone, I tell ya!!
I've scoured the internet for information, but Pepsi.com still shows it in their product information. However, EVERY store I've been to no longer has it in stock. I've got some calls in to people who may know for sure, but I have yet to hear back. Until that time, I'm holding out hope that the shelves will once again --soon-- be stocking the beautiful green Pepsi cans.
Until then, I'll treasure the two I have left in the fridge, only to be consumed on a VERY special occasion...
And, no, squeezing lime juice into a regular Pepsi doesn't cut it...
For example, I may fall in love with a particular shade of eyeshadow only to use it all up and go to the store to get a new one only to have it NOT THERE. Thus, a quest across my city to several stores in hopes of finding said shade ensues, only to come home empty handed. It's gone.
Now, in the case of makeup, I'll admit that I have resorted to Ebay and have been fairly lucky in finding items there (though I have had to pay a premium for it). I've also been able to find perfumes, candles, and clothes on Ebay when my local stores no longer carry what I want.
Unfortunately, I have recently encountered a discontinuance that cannot be Ebay'ed away....
Pepsi Lime has been removed from the manufacturer's lineup and is no longer being sold. ::insert sad face here:: A few years ago I fell in love with an obscure product called Vanilla Coke only to have it yanked from my life when Coke felt it no longer served their bottom line. So, I turned to Pepsi for comfort. Their Vanilla version was rather putrid (IMHO) but I was intrigued by the Pepsi product on the shelf below the vanilla that came in a green can... I bought the product and was pleasantly surprised by the lime-y goodness of it. It has been a love affair ever since.
Well, until now.
It's gone. Gone, I tell ya!!
I've scoured the internet for information, but Pepsi.com still shows it in their product information. However, EVERY store I've been to no longer has it in stock. I've got some calls in to people who may know for sure, but I have yet to hear back. Until that time, I'm holding out hope that the shelves will once again --soon-- be stocking the beautiful green Pepsi cans.
Until then, I'll treasure the two I have left in the fridge, only to be consumed on a VERY special occasion...
And, no, squeezing lime juice into a regular Pepsi doesn't cut it...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Indecision
My day has been very much like song by The Clash: "Should I Stay or Should I Go." Such a question of indecision... like someone standing at a crossroads.
Yesterday was the orientation meeting for the 2008 Mrs. Utah Pageant. I didn't go. I've kept the idea of competing again in the back of my mind but never really gave it serious attention. Then, last night I get an email from my friend who is directing the pageant this year telling me that she really wants to see me compete and feels that I stand a good chance at winning. She offered me coaching and wardrobe if I just say "Yes."
What would compel me to try again in a competition I didn't even come close to winning last time? Is it maybe the possibility of doing better (the competitive side of my personality says I can get a better score)?... Is it that I get to glam myself up and feel like a princess for a day (even if I don't get to take the crown home)?... Is it that I enjoy stressing myself to the hilt and living in a state of constant anxiety? What is it?
Actually, I can't believe I even gave her email a second thought. I'd be crazy to compete again.
Wouldn't I?
Yesterday was the orientation meeting for the 2008 Mrs. Utah Pageant. I didn't go. I've kept the idea of competing again in the back of my mind but never really gave it serious attention. Then, last night I get an email from my friend who is directing the pageant this year telling me that she really wants to see me compete and feels that I stand a good chance at winning. She offered me coaching and wardrobe if I just say "Yes."
What would compel me to try again in a competition I didn't even come close to winning last time? Is it maybe the possibility of doing better (the competitive side of my personality says I can get a better score)?... Is it that I get to glam myself up and feel like a princess for a day (even if I don't get to take the crown home)?... Is it that I enjoy stressing myself to the hilt and living in a state of constant anxiety? What is it?
Actually, I can't believe I even gave her email a second thought. I'd be crazy to compete again.
Wouldn't I?
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Hinckley Challenge
Our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley always showed great love for the scriptures. He encouraged members of the Church to read the Book of Mormon often. I'll admit that I'm not the strongest scriptorian, nor do I claim to even be very knowlegable when it comes to the scriptures, but I have taken a BoM challenge once or twice in my lifetime.
The first time I ever actually read the book all the way through was during a 30-day challenge. It was rough, but let me tell you that I came to an understanding of the Book of Mormon like never before. I discovered there is a story there and it reads like a novel. I came to love Nephi and his people and received a better knowledge of the gospel.
The second time I took the BoM challenge was when President Hinckley encouraged us to finish by Joseph Smith's birthday (was that 2005 or 2006?). I believe I started in August and finished just one week late, on December 30. Again, a great experience.
So, now I am taking the 97-day challenge. As is typical for me, I'm jumping on the bandwagon a day late, but I'm determined to catch up and finish on time. I will chart my progress here in my blog, which should help keep me motivated since all of Blogosphere will be able to see if I'm slacking off.
I really hope you will all join me. It is a great book, and a great tribute to a man we all love.
The first time I ever actually read the book all the way through was during a 30-day challenge. It was rough, but let me tell you that I came to an understanding of the Book of Mormon like never before. I discovered there is a story there and it reads like a novel. I came to love Nephi and his people and received a better knowledge of the gospel.
The second time I took the BoM challenge was when President Hinckley encouraged us to finish by Joseph Smith's birthday (was that 2005 or 2006?). I believe I started in August and finished just one week late, on December 30. Again, a great experience.
So, now I am taking the 97-day challenge. As is typical for me, I'm jumping on the bandwagon a day late, but I'm determined to catch up and finish on time. I will chart my progress here in my blog, which should help keep me motivated since all of Blogosphere will be able to see if I'm slacking off.
I really hope you will all join me. It is a great book, and a great tribute to a man we all love.
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