Huh?

And I was thinking that that Saturday Night Live writers were pretty funny... they didn't need to add much...

Peace Gardens and a Camera

Okay... so 2 weeks ago at a Young Womens Activity we had a photographer come and talk to us about... photography (of all things). He briefly went over some common options on all of our little point'n'shoot camera's and a few more advanced settings, as well as composition.

I walked away wanting a new camera, and promising my self to READ THE MANUEL when I get 'said' camera. I tried to tell Justin we need a new camera for the baby... but I still don't think we'll be getting a new one in the very near future.

This last week we decided to take the girls to the International Peace Gardens to practice some of our skills we were supposed to learn from our previous activity. It wasn't the BEST time to go to the gardens, it's a little late in the season, but there were plenty of good photo's to be had. I'm not sure how many I actually had... but here's my attempt about being artsy-fartsy with my pictures.

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Get your own

Jackson Hole Part II

Justin and I just got back from our second trip to Jackson Hole, WY for this summer. The first one was earlier on with his family and included river rafting. This one was with my dad's family (we actually ALL made it -all 25 of us) and included listening to the elk bugle, and has become a yearly family tradition.

It was pretty cold and rainy this weekend, which didn't stop this group from much. Friday night our little family (minus 2) went out to dinner and Matt only dumped 2 glasses over (he sometimes has issues).

Saturday morning we got up bright (it was still dark) and early to drive out to hear and watch the Elk. We didn't see any good fights, which is what my mom is always hoping for (I think she thinks it's a hockey game or something). But, we heard them and saw quite a few.

You can't see them, but I promise there is a bunch out there.

Afterwards we drove to a camp spot to cook breakfast. As I previously mentioned, this family is not easily swayed by the weather -good or bad. So, despite that fact that we had 3 condo's between us a few miles away, we stood out and cooked breakfast -in the rain. It actually wasn't as bad as it sounds, but there were a few moments that were pretty cold and wet.

The rest of the day, we just walked around town, a few people went on some hikes/walks (and got drenched) and then we all met up for dinner again.

We found a local ward to go to church this morning, and then headed home. We made pretty good time too -considering that I have to stop every 2 hours (or sooner) to use the bathroom. I think it's a good thing we're planning on staying pretty close to home for the remainder of my pregnancy.

6 things too many

Jodie tagged me on this one... I like reading other peoples 'things' but, I have such a hard time coming up with my own. I guess after you come up with 100 things about yourself, you figure there isn't much more to say, but I'll try.

1. I like researching things. I know this isn't new -but the tag isn't 6 things you don't know about me, it said 'quirky things'. Bryon is trying capitalize on this skill (obsession), although I'm not sure if anything could come of that. I like trying to find the best product, with the best reviews or ratings, for the best price. I often enjoy the researching part more than actually getting or using the product.

2. I'm a skeptic. This goes for just about everything. I don't really believe what I hear in the news (which may be why I don't watch it). I think everyone has their own agenda that they're pushing when they report or make any kind of claims. I don't really believe all of the 'history books' -especially ones in public schools. My favorite history book, which I've read several times is Howard Zinn's, A People's History of the United States. I don't know if it's any more 'true' than what we're used to being told, but it at least tells a different perspective, which is refreshing.

3. I don't like smelling things. (Boy, that was a random thought). I'll admit I'm a bit more sensitive to smells at the moment, but I don't normally like smelling things -just in case they're bad. If the date on the milk is off, I don't smell it, just throw it out. Same goes for any other perishable item. I don't breathe through my nose when I go into public restrooms. This obviously includes outhouses and such when you're camping, but even my work bathroom, I just don't want to risk smelling something I would rather not be.

4. I'm afraid of heights, but love roller coasters. To me, this has always seemed like an oxymoron, maybe it's not. I love roller coasters, as long as I feel strapped in and secure. I like the feeling you get in your stomach when you're in motion or looking down from a high point, but if I'm not strapped into something, I hate it. Hiking in high spots, or even being in really tall buildings and looking down makes me sick to my stomach.

5. I speed. All of the time. Maybe not when it's a 25 or 30 mph area, and especially not in school zones, but everywhere and every other time I'm driving, I have to be going at least 10 over. I've never been pulled over for speeding, a few other things, but never speeding. Apparently I inherited that trait from my mom.

6. I really want a dog (again). This might not be something 'quirky' about me, but I'm back on the dog 'kick'. It appeared early on when I was pregnant and reason overpowered my desire. I need to have this kid first and figure that out before we get a dog. But... it's back now, and I really want one. Seriously, look at these pictures and tell me you could resist?

Better Days

Last time I wrote this.

This time, I am without the Mucinex, Tylenol, and Zicam.

I'm not sure if I feel any worse without all of the drugs.

Having a baby doing jumping jacks on my stomach isn't helping much though.

This had better only last 24 hours.

*** 12 hour update***

Being sick while pregnant brings on it's own challenges I've decided. I probaby tried to drink more than I normally would, and eat a bit more than I normally would have -ya know, for the baby.

And how does my body thank me for that?

By giving it ALL back last night. Lovely.

If we all just work together...

Nope, I'm not venting about my job (although after the day I've had, I would have plenty to say).

It's not a plea for the two political sides to come together and stop arguing.

I'm not even asking for people to come to my house and help me sort through the ever-increasing number of boxes full of STUFF that is accumulating in my unfinished basement.

It's much, much easier than any of those things.

Bryon brought it to my attention yesterday that my 'wishlist' link on my profile was no more. Looks like froogle.com isn't up and running for some reason. I did some searching, and found that a 'shopping list' on google still existed and there was a public list, that could be given out as a wish list.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

My list is compiled of the most random, useful, although unnecessary list of items I've come across during my many hours of internet browsing for the past couple of years. Random, useful and unnecessary? 3 things that make GREAT Christmas presents.

So... I challenge you (especially all of you who normally receive gifts from me) to fill your wishlists and post the links so we can all get our shopping done a little early this year and not worry about whether or not you want our useful, random, unnecessary items this December.

Is everybody with me?

Please?

117

I'm not much of a bowler. I honestly don't think I've ever bowled over 100. Maybe in high school, we used to go alot, but I'm sure if I ever got over 100, I had someone bowl a couple of frames for me.

Apparently pregnancy does WONDERS for my bowling game. Maybe it's the center of gravity being off, and me not having great form to begin with. But I bowled a 98, 94 and a 117. Not too bad.

I also went to the greek festival yesterday. Good food, good company... and good entertainment. One of the groups wore this.

Yes, those are pleated skirts. And, just in case you were wondering (because we were) those are tights, and they go all the way up. (the skirts weren't very long.)

Did you know...

(I was tagged by Libby on this one)
-My favorite color is red and blue (Red Sox, I guess)
-My favorite dessert is ice cream.
-My favorite Sunday CD is... Probably one that I've burned with a bunch of different songs on it.
-My favorite anytime CD right now is... Again, one that I've burned. I like variety.
-My favorite show is... The Office, ER, and Rescue Me (whenever it comes back on)
-My favorite place to be is... usually at home, relaxing.
-My favorite time of day is when I'm sleeping. Or Friday morning, since I don't work on Fridays anymore.
-My least favorite thing to do is... clean the bathrooms or kitchen.
-My least favorite thing to wear is... any of my dress shoes. They don't fit anymore, but I'm too cheap to go and buy new ones.
-My least favorite place to be is... anywhere where I'm waiting for people.
-My secret obsession right now is... okay this is a weird one. My bellybutton. I'm just waiting for it to pop out, but it hasn't quite yet. When I'm standing up it's so tight and pulled that it just feels weird.
-I miss... quite a few people in New Zealand (Tracy).
-I have been terrible at... getting my 30 minutes of exercise in every day. I'm just too tired at the end of the day, but when I do exercise, it's always for more than an hour, so it should count!
-I have... to pee. Pretty typical.
-I look forward to... having this baby here with us.
-I love...sleep... and Justin. But, I do love sleep.

I could get used to this

I've never tried this... but I've had a bunch of random thoughts around my head lately, and haven't been able to think of any posts... so get ready for some bullet points.

• I think I've found a way to survive the new 10 hour work day. Working 3 days a week, and having 4 off. This week has been much better than any of the previous ones. The problem is, I'm not sure if I have enough annual to cover 10 hours a week for the next 3 months. Plus... I'm being stingy with my annual, because I want to be paid out when I finally quit next year. Guess I'll just have to get used to the 4 day work week.
• I absolutely LOVE Google Reader. I've seen it mentioned a few times on other peoples blogs, and I finally checked it out this weekend. There's only a couple of blogs without RSS feeds, so it's extremely convenient. Because, let's be honest, once I'm out of this place (yes, it's 7:29 am, I'm at work, AND I'm blogging) I won't spend as much time in front of a computer, I need to get my blog fix quickly and efficiently.
• I try not to get very political on the blog, if you know me and Justin, (or you happened to see Justin on the news last week at a certain candidates headquarters downtown) you know our views. This isn't really in reference to any of the 4 candidates that we have been and will continue to be inundated with useless and helpful information... it's in regards to those making comments about said candidates. JUST because someones state borders another country and shares a common sea with another... does NOT mean they have foreign policy experience. Seriously? Our lovely governor was one of the latest (although not the first) to jump on that bandwagon and (in my opinion) make a fool of himself by making that comment. There's much more where that came from, but I'll stop there.
• Can I tell you how excited I am about the weather cooling off a bit? To be honest, I haven't been miserable (Justin might catch a cold, because our bedroom stays so cool at night) but Tuesday was just amazing. I'm looking forward to colder temp's -and I'll still be wearing my flip-flops.
• I started my Christmas shopping. Yes, you read that correctly. I try to get things done earlier rather than later (before Thanksgiving) but this year it's a necessity. So... get your wish lists done early, because my goal this year is to be COMPLETELY finished by Halloween. (We'll see how that goes).