First things first.
It may be a little premature for this, but, I'm wearing my first pair of flip-flops of the year today. (Christi is too) Now... I wear flip-flops at the end of the year right up until the point that my toes start being covered with snow. And then they get covered up throughout the winter. Depending on where you get your weather reports, today should be between 51-58 degrees. (10-14 Celsius) Not too warm. But... when it's your FIRST 50 degree day, it feels like a warm summer breeze compared to frigid winter temps. Plus... I'm trying to make sure my new flip flops are comfy, which brings me to my Last.
Last day of work for 10 days. That's a lot of days. I get to miss 2 Mondays, which is pretty exciting. I'm not quite sure how often I'll get to a computer, and I'm fairly certain I won't be able to upload pics, so you'll probably get quite a bit from me when we get back.
Before you send hate mail to me ranting and raving your extreme jealousy that I'm going to a fancy resort in Mexico right on the beach with 85 degrees and sunny... I just want you to know how incredibly hectic it will be at work when I return. I'm not sure if hectic even comes close to describing the chaos that usually awaits caseworkers after they are gone for more that 4 days. I'm not sure what causes it, but, even if you don't tell ANY of your clients you're leaving... everything seems to fall apart at the seams when you're gone. Which leaves your poor co-workers and supervisor forced to hold things together JUST until you walk back into the office to deal with it. So... that first Tuesday back, will most likely be worse than 5 Mondays.
Just in case you want to feel sorry for me.
Which you won't.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
First Update
I took these pictures a while ago but didn't post them because I wasn't sure anyone would care.
I still don't think most of you are incredibly interested by the progress of our new home, but I am.
Plus, by the time we get back from warm and sunny Mexico it's going to look REALLY different, so I thought I would post them now.
Justin standing in the doorway. The den is to the left and the living room to the right. 
View from the den to the entryway.
Living room
Kitchen/Dining Area
More kitchen
One of the Upstairs bedrooms
That's all for now. We're still planning on the middle of May. If anyone wants to help me box stuff up I could use it! (I hate moving)
Friday, February 22, 2008
One Year
Well... we made it.
Our first anniversary.
We've been to Paris, London, California and St. George (it counts as a vacation because it was warm).
A family reunion and a couple sittings of family pictures.
The start of a blog and several church callings.
The Red Sox won the World Series.
I lost my dog, Charlie.
We lost a pregnancy.
Justin graduated (walked) with his MBA from Westminster.
We've been to a couple of concerts and a LOT of movies and plays.
We bought a business.
I started cuting your hair (gulp)
And we're buying a house.
I can't wait to see what the next year brings!
Justin bought the 2nd diamond band for my ring and then brought home these beautiful orange roses last night. I pretended to be a photographer and took a picture of both. Thanks, honey!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
No Pressure
I don't care what Punxsutawney Phil said. Spring is on it's way.
Even if the snow isn't melting yet, Red Sox spring training has started.
"We'll see if we can win another World Series," Ortiz said. "That would be kind of fun."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A Box of Kleenex
I just finished a box of Kleenex, half a bottle of Mucinex, a handfull of Tylenol, and the rest of my Zicam swabs. Not to mention the tube of Airborne I consumed trying NOT to get this cold/flu that EVERYONE has. Too little, too late. 
Monday, February 18, 2008
10 Crazy things
My friend Jen tagged me... as always, I'm not passing it on, but here it is.
Actually this is pretty hard for me. After trying to come up with 101 things about myself, it's nearly impossible to come up with 10 new things that you don't know... so there might be some stuff that isn't so crazy.
1. I don't listen to the words of the songs. There's a select few that I know the words to... but even then, I'm not sure if I could tell what they mean. It might be because of the type of music I listen to (and it never makes sense) but I just don't normally LISTEN to the words.
2. I have an irrational fear of falling/tripping and hitting my front teeth on the ground. It makes me cringe just thinking about it.
3. I'm right handed and I wear my watch on my hand. I've always loved watches and just figured (when I started wearing them) that if you were right handed you wore them on your right hand. Makes sense, doesn't it? It's too late to change now.
4. If I could pick a superhero power I would want to be invisible. I've wanted that at least since I was in first grade. I think it has something to do with wanting to be invisible so I could inflict pain on my first grade teacher, Mrs. Talbot. I really, really didn't like her.
5. I would love to hang out on a movie set. Actually it goes further than that. I would love to follow the director around from start (story boards and location scouting) to finish (through the editing and premiere's). It has less to do with the celebrity part of the movies, and more to do with the actual making of a movie. There is so much that goes into really making a movie and it's always fascinated me.
6. My current favorite song is "Nine in the Afternoon" by Panic at the Disco. I have no idea what that means. I think even if I listened to the words I couldn't figure that one out.
7. I can wiggle my ears.
8. I drive a lot (in the Salt Lake Valley) for work. I'm surprisingly accurate when estimating how much time it will take me to get places around town. I think this used to annoy Justin, but he usually believes me now.
9. I drove to school on my 16th birthday. I had a test in my 2nd period history class, so I drove myself to school (illegally) went home and picked up my mom, drove to the DMV and got my license.
10. I never let myself read books for fun during school. I would usually read one on spring break and christmas break, but never during school because I wouldn't do my school work. Since graduating I have never not been in the middle of a book. And, I always finish books I'm reading. Even if I lose interest.
Actually this is pretty hard for me. After trying to come up with 101 things about myself, it's nearly impossible to come up with 10 new things that you don't know... so there might be some stuff that isn't so crazy.
1. I don't listen to the words of the songs. There's a select few that I know the words to... but even then, I'm not sure if I could tell what they mean. It might be because of the type of music I listen to (and it never makes sense) but I just don't normally LISTEN to the words.
2. I have an irrational fear of falling/tripping and hitting my front teeth on the ground. It makes me cringe just thinking about it.
3. I'm right handed and I wear my watch on my hand. I've always loved watches and just figured (when I started wearing them) that if you were right handed you wore them on your right hand. Makes sense, doesn't it? It's too late to change now.
4. If I could pick a superhero power I would want to be invisible. I've wanted that at least since I was in first grade. I think it has something to do with wanting to be invisible so I could inflict pain on my first grade teacher, Mrs. Talbot. I really, really didn't like her.
5. I would love to hang out on a movie set. Actually it goes further than that. I would love to follow the director around from start (story boards and location scouting) to finish (through the editing and premiere's). It has less to do with the celebrity part of the movies, and more to do with the actual making of a movie. There is so much that goes into really making a movie and it's always fascinated me.
6. My current favorite song is "Nine in the Afternoon" by Panic at the Disco. I have no idea what that means. I think even if I listened to the words I couldn't figure that one out.
7. I can wiggle my ears.
8. I drive a lot (in the Salt Lake Valley) for work. I'm surprisingly accurate when estimating how much time it will take me to get places around town. I think this used to annoy Justin, but he usually believes me now.
9. I drove to school on my 16th birthday. I had a test in my 2nd period history class, so I drove myself to school (illegally) went home and picked up my mom, drove to the DMV and got my license.
10. I never let myself read books for fun during school. I would usually read one on spring break and christmas break, but never during school because I wouldn't do my school work. Since graduating I have never not been in the middle of a book. And, I always finish books I'm reading. Even if I lose interest.
Two weeks from today
Where will you be? If you're a fellow American, you'll probably be enduring yet another week of freezing temperatures hoping the snow has stopped and aching for a spring day that reaches 50 degrees... or mabye even 55.
Not me. I'll be in in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. (zee-wataneho) The average temperature's are in the high 80's (that's 29 degree's Celius) and it seems to never rain. I am getting pretty excited and looking forward to a break from work and the cold. Mostly just the cold.
Just in case you're not jealous now... here's just a couple of pictures.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Former Singles Awareness Day
I've decided that it's a lot easier to think of Valentine's Day when you have an eternal valentine. Of course, I won't bore you with all of the mushy details of how I love my wife and how wonderful she is, and how grateful I am for her.
Happy Sugar Overload Day
Hmm... Valentines Day. I have no emotion (positive or negative) regarding this holiday. I never
felt particulary bad when I wasn't with someone (which up until now, was just about every year) and I have to say... I don't think it's made a big difference since Justin and I have been together. Our anniversary is a week later... so I think we'll just kind of combine the two (just like my parents always did -they were married on February 15th). Justin did send me flowers at work today -which is always nice.
And, thanks again for the flowers, Justin.
felt particulary bad when I wasn't with someone (which up until now, was just about every year) and I have to say... I don't think it's made a big difference since Justin and I have been together. Our anniversary is a week later... so I think we'll just kind of combine the two (just like my parents always did -they were married on February 15th). Justin did send me flowers at work today -which is always nice.They look like the picture, except that they are white.
I actually really liked Valentines Day in elementary school. I loved making the big valentines box or envelope out of contruction paper and passing out cheesy commercial Be Mine cards with those disgusting candy hearts that had sayings on them. Man... those are gross. I'm not sure why I liked valentines day.
And, thanks again for the flowers, Justin.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
When you buy quality, you only cry once
Justin and I saw this sign (the blog title) in Wood Revival -a locally owned, custom-made desk store. That's a motto that I think (to some extent) we have followed, and will continue to follow througout our lives together.
This was true for the last few weeks of (more intense) house hunting. We've looked at hundreds of homes online, spent countless hours driving around neighborhoods, and walked through a couple. Everything in our comfortable price range (isn't it amazing what the bank is willing to give two people with good credit??) and in an area that we want to live, needs work and isn't the greatest workmanship to update anyway. And... being married to someone who accustomed to quality homes... it just wasn't sitting well with us.
So... we've made a decision. Dave (Justin's step-dad) started a new project of luxury townhomes in Midvale. (Only about 5 miles South and a little west of where we live now). So, take a look at this...
Yes... we put earnest money down on a townhome this week that will be completed in a couple of months, end of April or first part of May. I think the two of us go between being really, really excited about a new house and picking paint, and options, and furnture... to feeling scared and overwhelmed about the "M" word. Mortgage.
I haven't felt any regret with the decision we've made, and in fact, most days I find things out that make me feel better. I'm planning on getting in once a week and taking pictures, so I'll be sure to update everyone. They're hanging sheetrock (jiff board to all you kiwi's) for the next 3 weeks, so after that, it'll move quickly!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
And the addiction deepens
I just recently mentioned how often and easily I find myself getting to addicted to certain things. TV shows, certain movie actors and directors, sport teams , games... etc. Well, blogging is no different. I think my friend Kim had this link on her blog a few months ago and I took it. I didn't post it because it was around 40%. I noticed it on my sisters sidebar today and thought it'd try it again. And low and behold... I'm even MORE addicted now!
77%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?
77%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A weekend of culture
I would consider Justin and I a bit 'cultured'. We have season tickets to the Utah symphony, saw Les Miserables on our honeymoon, Justin is currently chairing a community theatre board,etc
.
This weekend was no exception.
My cousins Annie and Ross gave Justin tickets to see A Midsummer Nights Dream at byu. I'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of Shakespear. I think I 'get it'... but it takes a little bit to kind of get into the language. I've read a few of his works... all of which were forced upon me in high school. (Perhaps that is why I have not sought out a lot of his books). But after an extremely difficult time to actually find the theatre (neither of us are familiar to provo or byu's campus and map quest didn't help us out much) we both really enjoyed the preformance.
Last night Justin and I went to see Draper Historical Theatre's current show... Singin' in the Rain. We've seen all of their shows in the last year, and some are better than others. This was one of the better ones. The 3 main characters were great -the character of Cosmo had AWESOME physical comedy parts. I enjoyed it -even though I thought it was a little long. If any of you are in the area I'd recommend seeing it!
.
This weekend was no exception.
My cousins Annie and Ross gave Justin tickets to see A Midsummer Nights Dream at byu. I'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of Shakespear. I think I 'get it'... but it takes a little bit to kind of get into the language. I've read a few of his works... all of which were forced upon me in high school. (Perhaps that is why I have not sought out a lot of his books). But after an extremely difficult time to actually find the theatre (neither of us are familiar to provo or byu's campus and map quest didn't help us out much) we both really enjoyed the preformance.
Last night Justin and I went to see Draper Historical Theatre's current show... Singin' in the Rain. We've seen all of their shows in the last year, and some are better than others. This was one of the better ones. The 3 main characters were great -the character of Cosmo had AWESOME physical comedy parts. I enjoyed it -even though I thought it was a little long. If any of you are in the area I'd recommend seeing it!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Work Woes
My coworker Christi went into great detail explaining the week we've all had. In a nut shell... we have one BIG review of our cases a year... and we just finished it. I've lucked out the last 3 years and have never had a case pulled. Some might say (like my supervisor) I was due. I think I was actually annoyed more than anything. The case was a pretty difficult one (because of some significant safety issues and lack of parental invovlement) but the other professionals (community partners) work great together. So... I could take a step back and say, If it doesn't pass, it's not because of lack of trying, it's just factors that I had no control over. And that was enough for me.
I am often accused of being apathetic, or at least not a stressful person to say the least. That's not entirely true. I have decided that I enjoy appearing that I don't care much. I refer to it is Outward Apathy. (I won't claim that I've made that term up... but I didn't hear it from anywhere else). I don't like wearing my emotions on my sleave because I'm afraid that will give other people power over me. (Can you say 'control freak'??) Does that make me weird? It drives Justin nuts sometimes, although I think he's catching on.
I'm not sure how I went from the review week at work to my little personality traits... but there you have it. People... I actually DO care and I'm affected by my surroundings... but I'm probably keeping it to myself! It will make my eventual nervous break-down more exciting.
I am often accused of being apathetic, or at least not a stressful person to say the least. That's not entirely true. I have decided that I enjoy appearing that I don't care much. I refer to it is Outward Apathy. (I won't claim that I've made that term up... but I didn't hear it from anywhere else). I don't like wearing my emotions on my sleave because I'm afraid that will give other people power over me. (Can you say 'control freak'??) Does that make me weird? It drives Justin nuts sometimes, although I think he's catching on.
I'm not sure how I went from the review week at work to my little personality traits... but there you have it. People... I actually DO care and I'm affected by my surroundings... but I'm probably keeping it to myself! It will make my eventual nervous break-down more exciting.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
TAG
Jodi tagged me... I'm not writing the rules, or 'tagging' anyone else. But here it is...
10 yrs ago:
I was a senior in high school. What a great year. I'm not saying I'd want to be back in that place... but I enjoyed my senior year alot.
Seminary, hanging out in Candace's room, drive-ins, watching losing sports games, dances, after dance parties, sleeping out on the football field, being harrassed by police while sleeping out on the football field, food fights, police involvment and cleaning the cafateria after food fights, NOT going to classes, jamba juices, watching movies in the middle of the day at people's houses... good times. I wonder what the reunion will be like...
5 Things on my list of things to do today:
1. Get my January logs done at work
2. Answer all of my messages. I accidentally left my work cell phone at home yesterday so I have a lot of people to call back today.
3. Go home at lunch and finish dinner (I'm trying a recipe I found here for Cafe Rio pulled pork.
4. I have an exit interview for a review at 2 and then a home visit at 3 and at 4.
5. Finish laundry when I get home.
Things I would do if I suddenly was a Billionaire:
Hmm.... First... pay of our school loans. Second, buy a new car (Subaru). I would quit my job, and probably buy that book store. I'm pretty sure Justin would quit one of his jobs so he can focus on a few others. I would plan a couple of trips (New Zealand and probably Brazil). Buy (or build) a house we want in an area we want to live and... spend my money on worthy causes. Oh... and I could afford to be totally GREEN (environmentally friendly) and shop ONLY at local stores.
3 of my bad habits:
1. Eating. I'm great at working out... not so great at controlling my cravings all of the time.
2. Negativity. My husband will agree to this. I call myself a realist, but I'm usually looking at the bad side of things before I get excited about the good.
3. Tendency to get addicted easily. To ANYTHING. Sports teams (Go Red Sox), actors (Matt Damon), games on the internet (Bloons), radio stations (X96), TV shows... let's just say I'm very loyal to what and who I like!
Places I have lived:
In Utah I lived in Provo (don't judge me) Clearfield, Roy, Logan and Holladay. I've also lived in Nelson, Stokes Valley, Masterton and Flaxmere New Zealand.
Jobs I have had:
1. Theatre concession
2. Cleaner/runner/anything at a Carpet Store
3. Call Center out-bound and in-bound
4. ZCMI/Meirer & Frank/Dillards sales associate
5. Director of children's summer program
6. Director of children with disabilities summer program
7. Caseworker for Child and Family Services
8. Does Mary Kay 'consultant' count?
10 yrs ago:
I was a senior in high school. What a great year. I'm not saying I'd want to be back in that place... but I enjoyed my senior year alot.
Seminary, hanging out in Candace's room, drive-ins, watching losing sports games, dances, after dance parties, sleeping out on the football field, being harrassed by police while sleeping out on the football field, food fights, police involvment and cleaning the cafateria after food fights, NOT going to classes, jamba juices, watching movies in the middle of the day at people's houses... good times. I wonder what the reunion will be like...
5 Things on my list of things to do today:
1. Get my January logs done at work
2. Answer all of my messages. I accidentally left my work cell phone at home yesterday so I have a lot of people to call back today.
3. Go home at lunch and finish dinner (I'm trying a recipe I found here for Cafe Rio pulled pork.
4. I have an exit interview for a review at 2 and then a home visit at 3 and at 4.
5. Finish laundry when I get home.
Things I would do if I suddenly was a Billionaire:
Hmm.... First... pay of our school loans. Second, buy a new car (Subaru). I would quit my job, and probably buy that book store. I'm pretty sure Justin would quit one of his jobs so he can focus on a few others. I would plan a couple of trips (New Zealand and probably Brazil). Buy (or build) a house we want in an area we want to live and... spend my money on worthy causes. Oh... and I could afford to be totally GREEN (environmentally friendly) and shop ONLY at local stores.
3 of my bad habits:
1. Eating. I'm great at working out... not so great at controlling my cravings all of the time.
2. Negativity. My husband will agree to this. I call myself a realist, but I'm usually looking at the bad side of things before I get excited about the good.
3. Tendency to get addicted easily. To ANYTHING. Sports teams (Go Red Sox), actors (Matt Damon), games on the internet (Bloons), radio stations (X96), TV shows... let's just say I'm very loyal to what and who I like!
Places I have lived:
In Utah I lived in Provo (don't judge me) Clearfield, Roy, Logan and Holladay. I've also lived in Nelson, Stokes Valley, Masterton and Flaxmere New Zealand.
Jobs I have had:
1. Theatre concession
2. Cleaner/runner/anything at a Carpet Store
3. Call Center out-bound and in-bound
4. ZCMI/Meirer & Frank/Dillards sales associate
5. Director of children's summer program
6. Director of children with disabilities summer program
7. Caseworker for Child and Family Services
8. Does Mary Kay 'consultant' count?
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I was outed
Well... I made it almost a year without our neighbors finding out. I make a good impression when I first meet people, and have kept it a secret for a quite a while, until today.
I walked into the polling place today and the nice little old lady noticed that I was 'unaffiliated' and said I needed to affiliate to vote*. I responded, "No I don't, I want a democrat ticket, so I don't need to declare." She smiled and said, "Oh... that's right" and handed me the voter card. There were at least 3 neighbors/ward members in the room when this happened.
While I was voting I overheard an identical conversation with the lady that was behind me in line. She said, "Oh... I didn't want to declare a party", and I turned around and said (rather loudly) "You only need to to declare if you want to vote republican, you don't need it for a democrat ticket." Her husband and she just smiled at me, as if to say... Oh, you poor misguided liberal. You are in the wrong state!
So... I voted. I love to vote. It was kind of weird this time, I actually voted for someone that I want to be president. I'm not sure I'll get that chance in the general election, so I was happy to do it in the primary's. Even though Justin's vote will cancel mine out, I still enjoyed casting my ballot and maybe 'said' person will get a few delegates from Utah.
*In Utah, the Republican party is a`private club for members' and you have to affiliate with the party to vote in the primary.
I walked into the polling place today and the nice little old lady noticed that I was 'unaffiliated' and said I needed to affiliate to vote*. I responded, "No I don't, I want a democrat ticket, so I don't need to declare." She smiled and said, "Oh... that's right" and handed me the voter card. There were at least 3 neighbors/ward members in the room when this happened.
While I was voting I overheard an identical conversation with the lady that was behind me in line. She said, "Oh... I didn't want to declare a party", and I turned around and said (rather loudly) "You only need to to declare if you want to vote republican, you don't need it for a democrat ticket." Her husband and she just smiled at me, as if to say... Oh, you poor misguided liberal. You are in the wrong state!
So... I voted. I love to vote. It was kind of weird this time, I actually voted for someone that I want to be president. I'm not sure I'll get that chance in the general election, so I was happy to do it in the primary's. Even though Justin's vote will cancel mine out, I still enjoyed casting my ballot and maybe 'said' person will get a few delegates from Utah.
*In Utah, the Republican party is a`private club for members' and you have to affiliate with the party to vote in the primary.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Superbowl 42
There was food...
There was family 
There was Norman the Superbowl Snowman
And there was snow... oh, there was snow.
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