simplylacy

Choir Concert

2011-06-25T00:39:00.000-07:00

If you squint and turn your head 47 degrees to the left, you can see her smiling.

On top of Old Smokey

2011-06-21T22:47:00.001-07:00

I hiked up to the top of Roxyann with the Young Women from 4th ward that stayed at our house during Youth Conference. Taryn was having no part of it. It was a struggle to get up that hill but we got down a heck of a lot faster.

365 reasons to Stop dieting #51-75

2011-03-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

75. Keeps you off drugs.

74. You'll have a better chance to get a job as a French pastry Chef.

73. If yoga uses up 200 calories an hour, doesn't stretching in bed use up about the same?

72. There are more important things to think about then dieting.

71. Getting a makeover will make everyone think you've lost weight.

70. An order of bouillabaisse at a French restaurant is diet food compared to the quiche.

69. It's the defective three way mirrors in the store.

68. You were too thin 20 years ago.

67. Hot chocolate with peppermint Ice cream.

66. Your shoes are still the same size.

65. Too many girls put too much emphasis on being thin. Show them the error of their ways.

64. There's a reason that its not over til the Fat Lady sings.

63. Brushing your teeth uses up to 30 calories a day

62. Who can watch Napoleon Dynamite without eating tater tots?

61. How many salads can you eat in one lifetime?

60. Weight Watchers would go out of business, and you don't want to hurt the economy.

59. Experts say to eat peanut butter. I just dip it in chocolate to help it go down.

58. Fifty thousand women who went on a low fat diet for three years lost on average, 2 pounds. So what?

57. Dieting brings out wrinkles

56. Banana bread without butter is gross.

55. Romance novels have started to feature large, beautiful women as heroines.

54. You just need a nap, not a diet.

53. You've come to love your "before" picture.

52. Vacuum and dusting burns 200 calories a hour.

51. You got rid of all your toxic friends who made you want to eat all the time.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #38-50

2011-03-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

50. You can wear flat-front pants instead of pleated pants and look thin-- and stylish.

49. "Women who are too thin look so haggard. Are you getting enough sleep?"

48. Life is too short to go without chocolate.

47. Cooking for a dinner party uses up 120 calories an hour, which cancels out all the tasting.

46. Your mother won't look hurt anymore when you refuse her coconut cream pie.

45. You don't smoke.

44. Ninety-five percent of all dieters never lose weight.

43. Does anyone really thing half a cup of anything is enough?

42. You're going on vacation and you'll lose 10 pounds thanks to Montezuma's revenge.

41. If you play video games while your children are in school, you'll occupy both eating hands and the adrenalin rush will burn some calories.

40. Food tastes so good.

39. Santa Claus makes millions of children happy every Christmas and he never diets.

38. My jeans are so cute and you can't tell on a small butt.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #37

2011-02-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

"You'll never need to diet if you look in the mirror every morning and say, You are beautiful just the way you are and I like you a lot"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #36

2011-02-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

You look glamorous in long, loose scarves, which also detract attention from any fat you might have hanging around.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #35

2011-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

The very act of eating uses of 85 calories a hour.

(I need to add a few meals to my day)

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #34

2011-02-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

Early-bird dinners of lamb chops and baked potatoes with butter and sour cream are a great way to fuel up for an evening on the town.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #33

2011-02-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

You can invest in some cozy cotton sweatsuits, which are incredibly comfortable and also hide arm jiggles.

I still haven't found the perfect sweatsuit, I usually don't wear them but I found some great pants at Old Navy. Target also has some cute sweater style sweatsuit things. In gray and purplish!

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #32

2011-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

"Sure, hypnosis helps you diet, but your arm keeps jerking up whenever you hear the word "freezer"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #31

2011-01-31T22:39:00.000-08:00

"Your friends will start to cross the street to avoid you. No silly 'what have you been up to?' conversations."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #30

2011-01-30T22:38:00.000-08:00

"Only 5 percent of the population has the genes to look like a model anyway."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #29

2011-01-29T22:37:00.000-08:00

"If a friend brings you a homemade pan of brownies, what are you supposed to do? Throw it out?"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #28

2011-01-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

"You won't have to do without warm doughnuts and cider at the farm on a Sunday morning"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #27

2011-01-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

Life wasn't meant to be lived without pastries.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #26

2011-01-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

"Your grandmother always says. 'Eat, eat--you're too thin' And she's old and wise."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #25

2011-01-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

"Without the calcium in all that cream cheese, ice cream and butter, your bones will get weak."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #24

2011-01-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

"When you went to your 20th high school reunion, the cheerleader who married the football captain was fatter than you were-and so was he."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #23

2011-01-23T22:26:00.000-08:00

"Diet drinks are like Chinese food, one hour later you're hungry again"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #22

2011-01-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

"Life is too short to deprive yourself of all that good food."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #21

2011-01-21T22:24:00.000-08:00

"You can finish all the leftovers on your dieting friends' plates"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #20

2011-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/

Sorry, I can't get the link to work! But go to this website and you will realize why dieting is a bad idea.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #19

2011-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

"Everyone loves whales and they've got a whole layer of blubber."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #18

2011-01-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

"Think about the thousands of workers in the plus-size garment industry whose job are on the line."

I spent the last couple of days looking for a pair of jeans that I saw someone else wearing. They are fabulous and I found them but they don't come in my size. I am thinking of lobbying the company to make the size rather than lose the weight to wear them once or twice.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #17

2011-01-17T23:04:00.000-08:00

"Fat free cottage cheese tastes like old towels"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #16

2011-01-16T20:31:00.002-08:00

"Do you think Winston Churchill ever said, I'm going on a diet? Of course not, and he was pretty successful!"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #15

2011-01-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

"Children will love to sit on your lap"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #14

2011-01-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

They say that TV adds 10 pounds, so just by not being on TV, I've lost 10 pounds.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #13

2011-01-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

"My husband thinks I'm Gorgeous. By the way, are you still single?"

365 reasons to stop dieting # 12

2011-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

"People have died taking diet aids to increase metabolism"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #10 & 11

2011-01-11T12:39:00.001-08:00

"Chocolate Fudge and Making Love cancel each other out."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #9

2011-01-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

"How are you going to start Belly Dancing if you don't have a belly?"

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #8

2011-01-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

"You're eating for two. (you and your inner child)"

This excuse is not just for you prego's anymore!

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #7

2011-01-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

"You'll gain in all back plus 20"

It's a never-ending battle. I ate way too many Red Robin fries today! Thanks tons, (literally TONS) Happy Birthday, Julie!

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #6

2011-01-06T00:34:00.000-08:00

Zsa Zsa Gabor says, "At a certain age, dahling, you have to choose the body or the face. Choose the face."

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #5

2011-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

"One of the main rules of dieting is to never go shopping while you are hungry."

But a girl has got to shop!

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #4

2011-01-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

"Dancing is more fun than dieting and it burns more calories"

We got a WII for Christmas this year and and Just Dance game. In an effort to show Taryn that you had to go all out and dance your best to get a high score, I gave myself whiplash dancing to "Proud Mary". I was really harnessing my inner Tina Turner. I had to spend the rest of the night in a horizontal position with some drugs and moaning. Dieting would have just given me a headache!

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #3

2011-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

"Marilyn Monroe was a size 12."

And we all know that we secretly aspire to Marilyn Monroe status! That skinny Jackie Kennedy couldn't sing "Happy Birthday" and make history!

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #2

2011-01-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

"You're boring everyone else to death by talking about it."

Ok, I am actually changing a few things like more exercise or not eating fast food. But I vow not to discuss it every twenty seconds.

365 reasons to Stop Dieting #1

2011-01-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

Diets don't work.

If you know of a diet that works and it fabulous, please share. So far the only thing that has worked for me is getting my jaw wired shut.

A Romantic Novel

2010-12-29T14:36:00.001-08:00

He grasped me firmly, but gently, just above my elbow and guided me into a
room, his room. Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone.

He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring
voice, close to my ear.

"Just relax. . . "

Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands
start at my ankles, gently probing and moving upward along my calves,
slowly, but steadily. My breath caught in my throat.

I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care. His touch was so
experienced, so sure.

When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and I
partly closed my eyes. My pulse was pounding. I felt his knowing
fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage. And then, as he cupped my firm,
full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply.

Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my
shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine and into my panties.

Although I knew nothing about this man, I felt oddly trusting and
expectant. This is a man, I thought. A man used to taking charge. A man not used
to taking "no" for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man
who would look into my soul and say . . . . .

"Okay, ma'am," said a voice. "All done."

My eyes snapped open and he was standing in front of me, smiling, holding
out my purse. "You can board your flight now."

2010-12-03T00:35:00.000-08:00

TC Carlson

2010-11-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Darwin Awards

2010-11-23T09:13:00.001-08:00

8th Place
In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of water
after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide storm sewer grate to
retrieve his car keys.

7th Place
A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who "totally zoned when
he ran", accidentally, jogged off a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.

6th Place
While at the beach, Daniel Jones, 21, dug an 8 foot hole for protection
from the wind and had been sitting in a beach chair at the bottom,
when it collapsed, burying him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the
beach used their hands and shovels trying to get him out but could
not reach him. It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost
an hour to free him. Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.

5th Place
Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed as he fell through the ceiling of a
bicycle shop he was robbing. Death was caused when the long torch
he had placed in his mouth to keep his hands free, rammed into the
base of his skull when he hit the floor.

4th Place
Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed as he won a bet with friends
who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four bullets into
his mouth and pull the trigger.

3rd Place
After walking around a marked police patrol car parked at the front
door, a man walked into H&J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing
the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer
was standing at the counter.. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be
robber announced a hold-up and fired a few wild shots from a target
pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire and several
customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was
pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. Crime scene
investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop.
The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics
identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt.

HONORABLE MENTION
Paul Stiller, 47, and his wife Bonnie were bored just driving
around at 2 a.m. So they lit a stick of dynamite to toss out the
window to see what would happen. Apparently they failed to
notice the window was closed.

RUNNER UP
Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when one
of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from a
local bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation grew more
heated and at least 10 men trooped along the walkway of the bridge
at 4:30 a.m. Upon arrival at the midpoint of the bridge they
discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bingham,who
had continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of
lineman's cable lay nearby. They secured one end around
Bingham's leg and then tied the other (!) to the bridge. His fall lasted
40 feet before the cable tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle.
He miraculously survived his fall into the icy water and was rescued
by two nearby fishermen. Bingham's foot was never located.

AND THE WINNER IS...
Zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt (Paderborn, Germany) fed his
constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a
bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up
pachyderm finally got relief. Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich,
46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema
when the relieved beast unloaded. The sheer force of the elephant's
unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where
he struck his head on a rock as the elephant continued to evacuate
200 pounds of dung on top of him. It seems to be just one of those
freak accidents that proves.... 'shit happens'

Funny stuff for my sister

2010-11-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

26 Puns for Educated Minds

1. The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

15. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

16. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

17. A backward poet writes inverse.

18. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

19. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

20. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris, you'd be in Seine.

21. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'

22. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says 'Dam!'

23. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

24. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.'

25. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication

I wish I could apologize

2010-11-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

There is no way to fully apologize or give excuses for my absence. I used to look forward to blogging about something everyday. So that will become my goal for the new year. To blog each day. Not that I will wait that long to do it but I will try to be more consistent until then.

As for now, School, Primary and work. and Taryn. this is what my life consists of. For your viewing pleasure. A picture of my super model.

Overheard in my ward today!

2010-05-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

I am a child of god. Witch blessings are in store.

Me: It's Rich not Witch.

Adam T: But a Witch is Rich.

Me: What?

Adam T: Witches are Rich.

Me: You'd think they would dress better.

Adam T: You don't understand.

California Adventure Day 2

2010-05-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

Disneyland Day 1

2010-05-08T00:55:00.001-07:00

Way Behind

2010-05-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while and it was even a longer while before that! So I am catching up. We all know I started school in January. I made the Honor roll the first semester. I am now in the middle of the second semester. So far, I have three A's and two C's. My first aid class has come and gone. So that is one credit hour down!

Work is going well, I am only working 4 hours a day but it works out great because I can study during the morning.

I was playing volleyball in the mornings but due to a little basketball mishap, I have been skipping. My finger is still double it's size and I can't bend it or extend it out straight yet. Those are the fun things you've missed!

I had my birthday but nothing exciting except we went to Disneyland. The next post will give you all that experience!

Church Ball

2010-03-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Party

2010-03-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Festival Photos

2010-03-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

The 2nd annual Chocolate Obsession Extravaganza to concide with the 10th Annual Chocolate Festival

2010-02-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 12, 2010

7pm

Julie Harris' House.
1716 Magnolia Ave.

Join the fun at the 2nd Annual Chocolate Obsession Extravaganza beginning on the Weekend of March 5-6th at the Ashland Springs Hotel for the 10th Annual Chocolate Festival. Continuing the abundance to Julie's House on Friday, March 12th. This is our 2nd annual Extravaganza, so I know you don't want to miss this one.

There will be a Chocolate Tasting competition to start off the night. Bring one chocolate confection to share. There will be several different categories:

Truffle
Milk Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
Baked Goods
Artisans Chocolate (open category)
EVERYTHING BUT.....
(this category includes anything excluding chocolate. Mostly to appease those of you that don't like chocolate. The disgusting, despicable creatures that you are.)

There will be open judging for each category. I recommend that you submit enough for at least 10 judges to try your chocolate.

Judging Criteria:

Taste
Texture
Aroma
Appearance

There will be some fun and wonderful coveted prizes for the winners of this Chocolate Extravaganza Competition. You will not be disappointed. Feel free to invite all that want to attend.

If you have questions or need directions to Julie's home please email me back at lacytease@msn.com.

Apparently...I'm boring

2010-02-07T22:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry to have bored everyone with my academic pursues. I will not do this again... (Nancy said you were all bored)

So here is my remedy... Taryn. Check out the new do.

Isn't she a babe? How am I going to deal with this?

Could I do something more?

2010-02-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

On of the things that I am encouraged to do for my writing class is to blog about my writings. It's supposed to help me be more creative. I had to tell about my writing style. You all know my writing style but I thought I could share with you anyway. This is what I wrote on our discussion post the first week.

I don't know if I have written enough in any sort of forum to be able to tell exactly 'How I write'. I have had a blog for 2 years. I write every couple of days and never anything serious. I love to make lists and have humor involved with almost everything that I share with others. Finding the funny sides of events and experiences allow me to not take myself too seriously and helps me find a better way to deal. Instead of freewriting, I may find something funny and expand on that or I will treat the situation as a journalist and report on the experience as a non associated third party.

Sadly, my life is pretty mundane and uneventful. So, I have to make things up as I go along. Not out and out lying mind you, but embellishing some facts. I can't call this brainstorming or mapping either since that could be construed as premeditated embellishing. I will have to find a new writing term for this writing style I have adopted. For now I will called, "Creative Enhancements". Sounds good right?

I will share my next story with you soon.

There has to be an easier way?

2010-01-13T00:04:00.000-08:00

I need movie ideas. I can't learn all this history stuff just by reading and listening. I need to watch a dramatized version. So who knows?

Ottoman and Turkish Empire stuff?

East Indian Trade?

Louis XIV?

Peter and Catherine the Great?

I am off to google now but if anyone has any good ideas, I am ready...

And I need to come up with a philosopher that I can write a paper about. Someone that I might identify with? Why did I do this to myself?

Starting over.

2010-01-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of a year we reevaluate our lives and set new goals. That is exactly what I have chosen to do with this year.

On Tuesday, January 5th, I start school at the local community college. I have decided to get a degree in Paralegal studies and pursue a career in that field. Anyone who knows, knows that I have always had an interest in law and research. I loved Mock Trial in High School and the legal work that I got to do in the Army. Sadly that was over 10+ years ago, so I am starting over. Luckily, I have options for work in that area and I will be starting a new job in a couple of weeks. I will have more information on that later too.

We are also moving this week. After leaving up on hill, it has made the decision easier to move closer to town, also not working and having less money has made it easier to find something cheaper. I was only looking at saving a hundred or so but now after paying utilities this winter, I realize I will be paying a lot more.

The photography stuff is going really well. Before Christmas I was really full, after Christmas I am still able to get a couple families done a week. I plan to take more for Senior Pictures and really love those. I have a few more families coming up this month and I hope to get a few more before the month is over. I enjoy the outdoor photos that best, I am going to take a Photoshop class next term too. I like taking the photos and then enhancing to get the best picture. If you hear about anyone needing photos pass along my other blog...timefliesphotography.blogspot.com, it's on my blog roll.

The bookstore should be up and kicking in a few weeks or so. I think I have an idea of what I want to do and where I want things to go. Once the move is complete, then I will have the website up and going too. There are several Online Book Clubs to chose from if you would like to participate in the site's Book Clubs. There is the 100 Books a Year club, 12 Classics, Chick Lit, and ReRead Book Clubs. Let me know if you have any interest in these clubs. We will be choosing books for the year next week!

Volleyball starts next week too. I was released from my Stake Sports calling today so now I just get to play. Yayyyyyyyyy! Sorry, Jody...really it's a great calling. I don't get to play City League this season so I am looking forward to some good volleyball and playing with the girls.

On the last note, the biggest change....I started paying tithing again. It was hard and I have struggled over the last couple years but I have realized that this is something I need to do. So I have. I plan to get back to the temple in a few months and get "my House" in order. I hope this helps make other things in life go better too. I have been so blessed during my employment stress that I knew this was a wakeup call to figure it out.

This is it...

2009-12-25T21:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over. Almost...except for the lack of a WII and a pony, Taryn is mostly satisfied. We did our Traditional Christmas Adam festivities. We went shopping for each other while hiding from each other in the store. We tried Walmart this year. Since I start school in January, I was surprised with lots of school supplies. And a great sweatshirt that I am wearing at this moment. I got some sort of flu bug on Wednesday and Taryn nursed me through. Christmas Eve was spent mainly laying in bed, poor Taryn, had to do everything I asked. She finally went upstairs were she knew, she couldn't hear me yelling and I was too tired to climb the stairs. One smart Cookie.

Christmas Morning brought a late get up. 1030am to be exact. And she didn't even want to open presents yet. So we opened stockings first. Finished making lunch and then went back downstairs to open gifts. Grandparents showed up around 11am, and friends followed around 12pm. We ate until stuffed and then played Scene Movie 2nd edition. And I thought I watched a lot of movies. I was wrong. After company left, I went back to bed where I stayed until around 6pm. Then we continued our tradition of going to the Movies on Christmas and we saw "The Squeakual" The Chipmuck movie. Now back at home and tired and stomach is still upset.

I give up chocolate for a while starting tomorrow. Sadly, I can't even muster up the will to eat some now to get my fill in before. Oh, well. Wish me luck.

Hopefully, I will have more to share in this upcoming year. I have been kind of boring for you all. Luckily, I have funny and smart bloggers to read in my blog roll. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Nothing

2009-12-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

Usually I have everything decorated and up for Christmas. This year, I haven't done a thing. I have purchased a few things or made some stuff but nothing in the decor department. It seems I spend all my time online. Doing nothing. I love all this free time but I get nothing done. I have a calendar now. Right next to my computer. But nothing important happens.

The bookstore is in a stale mate. I have a lot of books but nobody buying, of course, I don't have a website built yet either. The photography is doing really well. I had 4 sessions last week. I actually think I am getting better too. You'll have to look and tell me. Still looking for work but I am not in a big hurry to take anything cause I don't want to have to quit to find a better job later. School starts in January and I am really excited about that. So this is my life.

Funny stuff now. I went shopping of Black Friday. A first for me. Wal-mart will forever be banned from the Black Friday schedule due to the overload of Fat Ugly White Trash. I think I was surrounded. I actually got out of line to move further behind some people, because of the smell. Why on earth would someone need 3 cart fulls of Blanket sleepers?

After I banned Walmart, I had an appointment the next week at the VA hospital for register for VA medical benefits. Now you know where to go when you are feeling ugly and fat. They just go from the VA to Walmart back to their Trailers in Cave Junction.

Are you singing "Proud to be an American"? It helps the disbelief.

Finally some family photos

2009-11-26T20:13:00.001-08:00

All the changes

2009-11-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

So I don't have job. I can't seem to get anything done during the day. I have maybe 2 or 3 things scheduled to do each day but can't seem to get anything finished.

I registered for classes, VA benefits and started a bookstore in my living room. I am working on the website and started a blog for my photos. I am taking photos for extra money and to get experience. (timefliesphotography.blogspot.com link on the side).

Sorry for disappearing for a while but I am back. I will have some photos uploaded soon.

Beware!

2009-11-11T19:35:00.001-08:00

Whistle while you work.

2009-11-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

After a week of stress, confusion, fasting and prayer, I have decided to leave my job. It will be happening soon (like in the next couple of weeks). I don't have a definite idea of what I want to do except that I plan to go back to school.

An interesting opportunity has come up to buy a small used bookstore here in town. The business is profitable but not oozing money. The current owners are not trying to grow the business so I can see room for improvement. I don't know if I qualify by myself but hopefully I can or find someone to be a co signer for the loan. The location is good but not great. It is an established business with a good reputation and I can't see the down side yet. It will give me the chance to take online courses while I work and I could eventually expand or change venues.

I plan to study in the legal field since that was my plan when I was in the Army. I want to continue. I think I can slowly get there and progress, however, I may be moving into someone's home to get there.

Anyone need a impoverished technician and her 12 year-old sidekick?

Super Saturday

2009-11-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

50 or so crock pots of soups, stews, or chilis.
Rachelle making peppermint bath salts.
A large buttload of fudge. I know that is a bad word but how else do you describe it? A large butt in coming.
Dolly making the Countdown to Christmas blocks.
Jerilyn making her "House" plague.

I didn't come home with anything. I wasn't feeling to well and then still had a headache from earlier in the week. Lots of fun.

And...

2009-10-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

the dryer works. Now I have laundry to do and no time to blog.

Burnt Out

2009-10-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is the heating element that broke in my dryer. I had a load of jeans (the only ones that fit) in the dryer, and everything is still wet. UUUUUHGGGGHHHHH.
This is what my laundry room looks like right now. I pulled everything out and now have to head to Sears to get a new part.
My living room is a drying room. Crinkled jeans and shirts for work. They are a bit dryer but now its really hot in here.
While I was taking out the heating element, I burnt the dinner. At least something works in this house.

In the Net

2009-10-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

The match up is North Grants Pass Middle School vs. McLoughlin Middle School. What makes this such a tense competition is that Scott and Dena's daughter Candice is on North's Team and Taryn is on Mac's. You can see by the score that it's going to be close. Candice is the last girl on the left.
Taryn's powerful serve. She is one of the better servers on her team.
Playing middle blocker.
Rachel and Taryn share in a moment after one of Taryn's good hits.
She was on her toes for this one. I wasn't. I am taking pictures instead of Sideline Coaching, which she really hates.

She is older than me

2009-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

It is that time again when we celebrate the birth of one of our most beloved treasures. That's right. Today is the day we have all waited for. It is Nancy's birthday. And for the 5Th time in 34 years she is older than me too. I stopped having birthday's at 29. Fortunately, she has not chosen this same course of action and therefore must now be the older sister. Hooray!

It's like she gives me the gifts on her birthday. But do not be dismayed. She is making out in the end. I have decided to go all out this year and give the gift that keeps on giving. (get your head out of the gutter, they have pills for that now) Nancy will soon be the reciever of 12 brand spanking new magazines each delivered over the course of the year. She will never have to leave the love and comfort of her home or children in order to find out what new dishwasher fluid is available or google Bradgelia's kids names ever again. All the information will be right at her fingertips whether she wants it or not.

And if you are thinking this is just because Taryn is selling magazines for a school fundraiser this year and you think I am avoiding doing some real shopping and shipping for my wonderful OLDER sister...then you are wrong. Dead Wrong!

Happy Birthday, Nancy.

Wild and Total Abandonment

2009-09-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

The Maliboomer was a lot of fun. See Brett throwing his head back at how funny I am? This was the pairless ride. Everyone's other decided that they didn't want to ride this right after Screamin' California. Crazy talk, I tell you.

Vince cracked me up with his "TTTOOOOWWWEERRR OFFFFF TTERRRRRROORRRRRR"

Steve and Vince were the best Disneyland Companions. Kept me laughing 3 days straight. Great fun.

Screamin' California. But doyou see the girl in the lower right hand corner? What's up with that? Makes you think we just took a picture and were not in fear for our lives.

A little punk'd on Scott. He was all excited to have us take our picture with the glasses on until we all took them off when the picture was taken. All Brett's idea, btw, and Scott didn't even realize until he had the photos on a bigger screen. Hilarious stuff.

The Toy Story Roundup Game. Steve's lowest score on the left and my highest on the right. It took 3 times to break a hundred. Next year.

How often do you just see Mary Poppins tooling around Main Street. So we had to have a picture. Actually, Steve just had to have a picture. I was still looking for Tarzan.

The Grizzly River Run. One of the best rides. Everyone was soaked even after Dena strategically placed herself in what she thought was the driest spot. Scott had a theory that didn't quite pan out and he got it too. Karma, it's a .....you know.

Teacups. For someone that wanted to ride this, Steve sure wasn't looking so hot after the 4 minutes. Too much tea?

Big Thunder Mountain. We took this ride alot. Great fun but Indiana Jones is still my favorite.

It was all in good fun and the best time with friends that I abandoned my daughter. But it's not like she hasn't left me all by my lonesome for 3 days. I think it was more fun without children.

It warms my heart.

2009-09-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

In my defense, I am not the meanest mom in the world nor the nicest either. I range somewhere in the middle between strangling her in her sleep and beating her with wire hangers. Like many of the rest of you, I am sure.

So I did go to Disneyland without my child and I had the best time and she would have been miserable and hated it. I really just saved her life by letting her stay home to enjoy her movies and pizza. Really. That is my justification.

So when I get the call on Monday afternoon, that the hillside below my house is on fire...I was feeling a bit guilty. First thought? Did she start the fire? (you just can't leave 12 year olds at home anymore) Second thought? Why isn't she answering the phone? After realizing the power is out cause the machine isn't picking up, I start to call some close-by neighbors. They're not answering either. I call my wonderful friend Margie. She just lives down the hill and luckily her daughter answered. On her end of the phone call, she only hears me say "Taryn". She figured out in that second that Taryn was home by herself and I wasn't there. She got in her car and went to pick her up. The power was out up there and the roads were blocked so she had to go up the back way. The view from my home and for Taryn was just of Smoke and Helicopters dumping water on the hillside. She didn't know what was happening. Taryn says now that she wasn't scared and was reading a book cause she couldn't watch TV. But the internal drama, that I was having was awful.

For the next couple of hours, I received phone calls and text messages from all my family and friends making sure we were okay and that I knew what was happening. My dad even drove to pick up Taryn when she didn't answer the phone. I can't believe how blessed I am to have friends and family that were so caring to think of me during all the craziness. Thanks to everybody that called and sent me messages. You really warmed my heart and made me realize how important friendship is to us.

And on a lighter note. The power was not off long enough to cause my ice cream to melt, however, Taryn did eat all the Goo Goo Cluster and she was beaten with a hanger for it too!

The Fire Below

2009-09-22T21:01:00.001-07:00

Fire in Medford that started Monday Afternoon. There was another fire in Ashland so crews were really stretched. I wasn't home but Taryn was and her view was just of smoke and Helicopters.

Looking across the valley. Our home is just right and over the ridge. Doesn't seem too close til you can drive home that way.

This was the view on the way to school this morning. Just grey. Really sad.

Don't cry for me...

2009-09-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

I have had these photos on my camera for a while but sadly, my wonderful camera broke and I have to hold it together with tape til I get the new part from the shop. It was too sad to upload photos so I waited. But here are the pictures from the first day of school.

Up top: Kamry and Taryn outside Wendy's house. All first day photos have been taken from this spot every year. Only 5 more to go!
Taryn's first period class with Mr Wheeler. Her homeroom teacher. Right in the front row.
Kamry in her first class. Orchestra!
Branden, usually on time, had to wait for his mother to get it together. He looks a little shellshocked!

We have to be at school at 6:45 to get Taryn to Volleyball each morning. She made the Varsity 7th grade Girls team and has her first game next week. Can't wait to start this chapter of life!

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T19:35:00.001-07:00

Warning. Beware of hiking Teenagers. We went to Mill Creek Falls to hike down to the falls and see the Avenue of the Boulders.

A cool hole in the middle of the rock. What you can't see it the jumping from rock to rock to get out to this rock. Trying to keep from falling into the freezing cold water from Crater Lake.

The beautiful waterfall at the Mill Creek Falls.

It was a hike to get down there at the rivers edge. But well worth the steep climb.

The girls climbed all over the boulders. They just waited there til I was ready to take pictures. Every few minutes, I heard "Tana, I'm ready" Hilarious.

Hiking over to the rope leading down to the waterfalls end.

Taryn out on the tube. When Randy asked her if she wanted to flip, she said "That's what your supposed to do." She flipped twice and wanted to head back for more. DareDevil.

At the top of the Avenue of the Boulders. This is about 1/2 mile above the falls and the water is right under our feet. Mind Numbingly Freezing.

The Daredevil herself. Taryn in one of her rare moments of not rolling her eyes.

Randy on one Ski at Lost Creek Lake.

Another reason dating sucks....

2009-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

And it wasn't even a blind date.

Police say Terrance Dejuan McCoy, 23, had dinner with a woman, 27, on April 24 at Buffalo Wild Wings in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale. The two met a week earlier at a Detroit casino (Greektown) and the woman knew McCoy only as "Chris." It was their first date. After dinner, McCoy told the woman he had left his wallet in her car and asked for the keys. He then sped away in her 2000 Chevrolet Impala, sticking her with the bill as well. Still worse, the woman had a backpack in the car containing $300 in cash, a laptop, iPod and camera. Ferndale police Detective Sgt. Patrick Jones described the incident:
"She gave him her keys and he went out the door. From where she was sitting she saw him get in her car and he drove off at a high rate of speed. It sounds like a bad date to me. She picked him up that night at his apartment, then he stole her car and didn't even settle up the bill for dinner."
Fortunately for the woman, and police, the two had talked on their cell phones several times and McCoy had sent her a picture of himself that she kept on her cell phone, with which the police were able to ID him. McCoy waived a preliminary hearing Thursday and was ordered to stand trial in Oakland County Circuit Court.

First of all, Who meets people at a Casino and thinks "Here's a winner" and What kind of guy steals an Impala? Hello? The 80's are calling....

I really think we should ban dating. Maybe some sort of Governmental HelplessCare Plan. We could tax the successful and productive married people so that all the poor helpless losers won't fall victims to these obvious hate crimes.

Priest/Laurel Activity

2009-08-30T14:04:00.001-07:00

I went with the Stake YM/YW Presidency over to the coast this weekend. I drove 4 boys from my ward and made them listen to Disco on the way over. I love being annoying!

It took a while for the Sun to come out but when it did, they all got in. Lots of fun waves and surf.

I think some of the participants were looking for love this weekend. I was written in the sand.

We did a service project for a community outreach program. Our group went to the community garden and did some weeding. The Fourth ward conquered the Dirt mount and weeded it til there was nothing left. Christened Mount Sunflower.

Reinacting the flagraising at Iwo Jima. They are some funny boys! Very clever and I am glad that I got to know them better.

Attention: We are under Quarantine

2009-08-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Reader, Beware. We have been infested by RATS.

Okay, so not rats but close. Rodents....Small pig....Hamster....Whatever.....

It's called a Teddy Bear Hamster and Taryn has named him Einstein. Jana brought him home from her brother's house and now we have been contaminated. Whatever shall I do? I have to go buy a snake now.
Look at all that fur. Can't you see the vaccuum repair bill? To unclog all that stuff.
I actually heard Jana and Taryn discussing how to keep him out of the ball and the cage and him not falling down the stairs? Is this really happening? To me? In my own house? I have no control. The Rats are in control.

Singles Conference

2009-08-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

I truly believe that every couple that contimplates getting a divorce should have to attend a Singles Conference. This is a hidden gem that could keep the marriages together. One look at the life that could be led as a Single person and husbands and wives would be able to hammer out all their differences and resolve all issues. I am really on to something here.

I walk in on Friday night and the 12 tables are full and they are starting some games. It's looking good, and I see the Lady in charge, and she tells me that their are 58 people there. Wow. Then I count, men....wait for it.....7. Yep. 7 guys out of 58 people. Fun. These are the times that you realize that being Single is fun. I am going to get to go home tonight and eat Peppermint Ice Cream and watch stupid reality TV shows and I don't have to pretend that I like your Body Odor.

Saturday was classes, which I skipped, except for the dance class. Scott M. taught some couples dancing steps. 12 women with 4 guys. Great. I got really good at dancing by myself. We had a Luau for dinner and some entertainment. Some girls in my ward were the dancers. They did a great job. It makes my hip hurt just looking at the hip sway.

I also got to play with the Munroe boys. Cutest kids. I made Cole my date for the night. We danced and kissed and we were the talk of the table. At least the table, I was sitting down at.

The actual dance began around 8:30 and I wore my black high heels most of time, hince my need for medication the next day. I didn't meet my soulmate but as Jana told a room of people, "I didn't find my soulmate but I found my roommate"

My mornings...

2009-08-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Alarm goes off, but before I actually hear it...I can hear Martin Sheen as the President of the United States. Because I sleep with the TV on and West Wing is on in the morning from 5-6am. I get up. Get ready for work, figure out if I need breakfast and walk out the door. Listen to the radio, The Bob and Tom Show, usually. I always need a laugh in the morning to wake up. Sometimes I stop and get a hot chocolate...Then over the overpass and into the parking lot at work. I climb out of my non air-conditioned vehicle and take a deep breath. Why? Is it really that bad? Yes! Yes, it is....

You can just hear the dirty jokes coming right? Bad moods, backstabbing and childish tantrums. And that is all before I walk in the room. Who wants my job now?

Family Photos

2009-08-20T22:30:00.001-07:00

These are my wonderful and fun loving cousin who doesn't have Facebook so I am posting here in order for her to see them. Cute, huh?

The Pope and Nancy Pelosi

2009-08-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Pope and Nancy Pelosi are on the same stage in front of a large crowd.

The Speaker and His Holiness, however, have seen it all before. To make it a little more interesting, the Speaker says to the Pope, "Did you know that with one little wave of my hand I can make every democrat in the crowd go wild?"

He doubts it so she shows him. Sure enough, the wave elicits rapture and cheering from all the democrats in the crowd. Gradually the cheering subsides.

The Pope, not wanting to be outdone by such a level of arrogance, considers what he could do.

"That is impressive" The Pope says "But did you know that with just one little wave of my hand I can make EVERY person in the audience go crazy with joy? And joy would not be momentary display like that of your subjects, but will go deep into their hearts and they will forever speak of this day and rejoice."

The Speaker was doubtful.but she said "One wave of your hand and they will rejoice? Show me"

So the Pope slapped her.

Our First Year at Girl's Camp 2009

2009-08-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Rachelle had her birthday while at camp. She also had her Cousin Whitney with her. They were very funny.

The Bishopric came up on Thursday for a Skit. They used a bucket of Water and a wet rag to wash dirty feet and armpits and then Brother Tomlinson drank the water. It was so gross.

Grace and Amber during Cabin Wars. They beat two of the teams that were already in the water.

Taryn eating bubble gum out of Cool Whip.

The Archery Tournament with Tierza and Taryn shooting for our Cabins.

Taryn on the First Year hike.

The Lost Boys practicing their skit in Costume.

The entire cast before the actual skit was performed for the other cabins at the CampFire.

Taryn performing the Song "I won't grow up" as a Lost Boy. She actually sang and could be heard through out the entire area. It was amazing.

The Final Cast doing there dance and singing "This Little Light of Mine"

We had a great time and now that we are home it all looks like lots of fun. My feet are clean now, and I am warm. That is the best part so far.

Waterslides 2009

2009-08-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Rylie and Karley coming out of the Cyclone.
Olivia and Kamry coming out of the Cyclone.

Walking around the lazy lagoon. Rylie, Taryn and Kamry.
That's me.
Wendy, Lesley and me with a strategically placed double tube
All the girls and their tubes.
This was at the Waterworks park in Redding California.

Ding Dong, Colonel Clink is gone

2009-07-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you know...(those 2 of you that read this lame blog), I call my boss Colonel Clink. They have similities. Short, bald, military and idiots.

Well, we found out on Wednesday that he was being deployed to Iraq. Leaving us for a while and heading off to the desert. Oh the Joy and Rapture. I could explode into colorful bursts of Pink and Green happiness. Can you tell I like this guy?

Anyway. Life is looking good. The downside is that I am on vacation starting today and this is his last day. I won't be able to enjoy his first week of absence. The Heartaches. But the ulcers and headaches cease to exist.

Now sing the Song...

Ding, Ding, Colonel Clink is gone
Ding Dong the wicked boss is gone.

Bill and I spent the evening together...

2009-07-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

With a couple thousand other people, at the Jackson County Fairgrounds on Saturday night. I went to the concert with Kate, The Blaisdells and Kate's brother Andrew and his Wife Keely. We walked around for a bit and then went to the show, great fun except for not finding the Fried Snickers Bar.

You never really realize how many White Trash Rednecks live in your town until you show up at the Fair. The smell of beer and fat women wearing flowered tank tops in public. Bill was funny and I thought he had great comedic timing. I have seen his show a couple of times already and I have seen all the Blue Comedy Tour shows. He had some funny stories and I really liked the way he makes weaves family life into some great jokes. Lot of laughs.

Greenway Project Cleanup

2009-07-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, we got up early and went to Hawthorne Park to start a bi Stake wide cleanup project along the Bear Creek Greenway Project. Over 700 church members showed up along the 20 mile stretch of Trail. Our group was about 50 people.

The Primary challenged the other auxillaries to have the most members of their group attend the clean up and they would get to have a movie/popcorn party. I felt pretty confident that we could win this and we would get to have the popcorn party in Primary. Imagine my dismay, when we showed up to have about 20 High Priests and 7 primary children. Lucky High Priests get to watch Johnny Lingo and eat Popcorn.

And we hit the water again...

2009-07-18T20:34:00.001-07:00

Taryn and I went to the Upper Rogue with the Medford 2nd Ward. We rode in a raft with the Grethers. This is our 2nd trip with this ward and our 2nd trip down the river this summer. Lots of 2nd's.
She was not as miserable as she looks.
Taryn, David, Margie and me with a really happy Ethan. Jobe is taking the photo.
There were 7 total rafts full of 12-18 year old kids floating down the river. It was all out water war the entire trip.

Before we left the dam we took a few photos. We waited here for about an hour to later find out the our party had left before we got there. It was a nice wait and we still caught up with the group.

Taryn's First Youth Raft Trip (as an actual Youth)

2009-07-12T21:36:00.001-07:00

Taking the tahitis to the shuttle to head down to the river.

Afterwards at Phil's Frosty's. The fries aren't the best anymore but the ice cream is still great.

Do you like Taylor's expression behind us? She is a funny girl. I had a great time, and I am trying to get the YM to put me in as a deacon. I want to do all the fun stuff.

Hypothetical Situation

2009-07-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Lets just say that I have this Brother in Law. We will call him Rade Bowell. (Just because it's funny and I don't want him to think I am talking about him.) And lets also suppose that tomorrow is his 38th birthday and I didn't send him a gift. (Truly, this is just Hypothetical)

What do you do for the guy (or Girl, or hermaphrodite, as the case may be)? Usually, I find some trivial mundane book or something. But I wanted to do something special this year. So I have decided that I will not make fun of Rade Bowell until he is 38. Really, Can you believe that I would sacrifice myself like this? Shocker. So in an effort to get it all out now, (The one day of Bliss for W----Rade) I thought I would compile some photos that I think thoroughly represent the man he has become and now should avoid in a dark alley.

A little too much Egg Nog?

The Doofus on the right. Thaaaaattt'sss right. In the tights!

This is what is called the Tight Wad. I mean Wade. Oppss Rade. That's it.
After one of his Insane, Just going out for a Run Poses. He stays like this until all the chores are done and then miraculously, he rises and is ready to help out.

Happy Birthday, Wade. Enjoy your day of Bliss. It could always be worse. I found a new Survival's Guide Book.

Arise and Go Fourth

2009-07-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

We got up about 7:30 am and after yelling at Taryn 5 times, we left the house and headed to the B's house to go to the Oregon Caves. Kamry and Karley hadn't been there before and were excited to go. The drive over consisted of listening to Jonas Brothers and remakes of almost every annoying song I have every heard. Da Ba De, Da Ba Dee Da Ba Die, Da Ba De Da Ba Die.We had about an hour to spend before our tour started. We shopped and took some photos in front of the pool of water that runs through the cave. Very chilly water.

This path leaves up to the caves. We had a tour guide that liked to talk. A lot. I know it's there job but can't we have some placards to read instead? The girls all said that walking through the cave reminded them of the Indiana Jones Ride at Disneyland. Of course, at Disneyland, our tour guide would have looked and sounded like Harrison Ford. Oh well, I can't have everything I want. We are a spoiled society.
The Heart of the Oregon Caves. Created by a bacteria called Moon's Milk. The Guide said that it had healing properties like Neosporin. Interesting.
The Girls in front of Niagara Falls. Not "The Niagara Falls" but close. Just in a cave without a barrel.
The Paradise Lost Cavern. It wasn't my idea of paradise. Too cold and wet but doesn't it look like caramel dripping off of ice cream? Or a Root Beer Float? If it wasn't only 44 degrees inside the cave, it could be a new room in the Willy Wonka factory. And then we are talking a paradise.
We survived the 500+ steps and made it out the other side. The girls we hot, then cold and then hot again. Tired and Hungry.
We headed for DQ in Cave Junction and saw a few friends that we had met in the caves. Small town tourism.
Lake Selmac was the next stop. A slimy green lake but we needed a break and to cool off.
The girls swam across the boat ramp area to do some tricks.
3 cannonballs flying high. And they say that there are not weapons of mass destruction.
Cheesers. A bunch of posers.
The Big Showtime Firework that we have been holding on to for a year. We forgot to use it on New Years, so it survived til the following 4th.

Taryn and I watched the fireworks with the Campbells. The show didn't last too long but it was nice to see friends and chat before heading home to light up some more.

Taryn is a pyromaniac. She wanted to light all the sparkles and I had to talk her down to 2 in each hand. I get a grunt and an eye roll. I am so mean. Although when you see her without eyebrows and bangs, then you know she didn't listen anyway.

Good times. Still wish I was in Kentucky with Nancy and going to Palmyra with them and the Fosters. Some Girls have all the Luck.

And Sarah takes on Michael

2009-07-03T17:31:00.001-07:00

This week has been a serious trial for us all. First we lose Farah Fawcett. I was really excited to watch Charlie's Reruns but before they could even begin... The tragic death of Michael Jackson. Interesting that I haven't even thought about him for 10 years and haven't heard a song except of AI and Thirteen going on 30. But nevertheless, he is here or (gone) to stay! Thriller was played every twenty minutes but could we see a Charlie's episode? Are we discussing that he held his baby from a balcony or sleeps with little boys? No. Can we see something on 20/20 about the Energy Bill that passed the Senate? Can we see how Franklin took the 60 democratic seat in the Senate? No dice. But if you want to see Beat it performed by William Hung again. Turn on MTV.

Then the exciting, Billy Mays, died this week. Apparently, he had 3 hip replacements. I guess that the "Mighty Putty" doesn't really hold everything together. But he had that cleanest drapes in town.

Karl Malden left the earth this week. He was best known as the American Express Spokesman that coined the phase "Don't leave Home with out It". Do they take American Express in Heaven? I will have to ask my source "Elvis". He still speaks to me randomly.

But the biggest shocker I had all week was when Sarah Palin said she was stepping down as Governor of Alaska. What? I know that is what everyone is saying. She "tweeted" That it was a good thing.

So the Governor of South Carolina gets the boot from his wife for having an affair with a woman from Argentina and still keeps his job, but the Governor of Alaska is hit with so many Ethics violations that she has to quit her job so that she can afford to feed her family and fight the accusations with her own money.

The upside to all this is?

Sarah was the first story on the news tonight, and not Michael's funeral! Hallelujah

Just a bit emotional

2009-06-30T21:55:00.001-07:00

My wonderful and lovely daughter went to the Temple today. The Youth were doing baptisms.

We spent some of FHE talking about what to expect and things to look for. She said she was a little nervous, and then she told me she had a headache. After we got to the temple and it was time for her to go in, she said her stomach was upset. I waited outside while she was in there. She came out with a big smile on her face and when I asked how it was...

"It was Awesome" Just like a Utah Mormon. Heck by Golly, my girl is a Molly.

I am so proud.

I couldn't talk her into smuggling a camera in there so I have some shots outside that I will upload later.

Being Pimp'd out.

2009-06-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Dad! Stop reading right now.

So Nancy calls at 7am to tell me that she found me the perfect guy. She has already let him look at the blog and found me on Facebook. All well and good, except HELLO! Have you seen the pictures of me on my blog. Definately not Man-catching photos here. So what is a girl to do? I have had to compile some other photos which look surprisingly like me!

I think my best feature...Blue Eyes that you can see through. Well I can see through them, but I don't know about you. Everything is clear here, but they look blue to you right?
I have brown hair. And straight teeth. So just like Jennifer Garner or (Ben's First Wife).
I have shoulders and a long nose and some freckles too. Just like Angelina.
I have an impressive RACK of shoes. Lots of black and heels with a few tennies thrown in for good measure.
Rack cover. I don't really have one like this but if it gets me a boyfriend that will fix my car and figure out what is wrong with my bathroom sink then I will rethink my wardrobe.

Less than 24 hours but I have 200 photos

2009-06-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

We left Oregon, drove through California along the Smith River and then back into Oregon to Brookings. Curvy Scenic Drive. The girls were sick of my driving after an hour.
We got there just as the sun was setting. We stayed at the State Park in a Yurt. A year round Tent structure that has beds, table, futon, heater and electricity.

Got a little hike in before dark. Back to the campground for smores and jokes around the fire.
Windy day on the beach. The sand was blowing sideways. Very exfolliating.

During the decline from a very steep hill, you can see Kamry falling. Taryn is completely unfazed by this.
Up the hill.

The tide pools behind me were full of starfish.
Overlooking Harris Beach, the girls were a little scared of the edge.
At the Smith River, at Jedidiah Smith State Park.

Look at the short legs. Very weird photos. Funny though.

Huge Redwood Trees at the Park. The girls were done taking pictures about 4 hours before this. But I hit my limit and the battery was dead, so all in all. A good 24 hours!

feliz dia de los padres

2009-06-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Dad's Day!

He's old and grouchy but he's my dad!

He still tells the same old jokes and tries to get Taryn to laugh at me with his stories but she is on to him. She doesn't believe any of the lies. He always has the computer on so that I can use it when I take a work break. He knows all the important phone numbers and has all the right answers. He has to help a 92 year-old go to the laterine and make dinner for the wife. He builds structures to keep the birds from flying into the windows and gets dangerously close to raccoons. All in a days work. I guess he deserves Waffles.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

15 days

2009-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

That's how long I made it. It's a sad disappointing day when you can't even ignore Colonel Clink for at least a month. I will start anew tomorrow. Going for a record here.

Almost Paradise

2009-06-15T22:23:00.001-07:00

This is during a lightning storm, Saturday night. I missed the strike each time I took the picture. But the picture is beautiful.

The Pink hair is gone...

2009-06-15T22:05:00.001-07:00

Longer in the front with a A line in the back. This shot makes it look neon or something but it really wasn't that bad. Really. I got a few funny looks and some comments mostly from 4 year old girls that thought I was a princess. Seriously, Thanks Lexi.

This is the new do...

House Stuff

2009-06-15T21:04:00.001-07:00

I still don't have pictures downstairs or any idea of pictures that I want to put up but here is the product of 3 weeks of unpacking.
The Living Room Upstairs. Do you see all my books? I love this part.
The Kitchen obviously. And no peach colors in this granite.
My star in the stairwell.
The Living Room Downstairs. This is where I do most of my hanging out.
My bedroom. Okay, this is where I do most my hanging out. The TV is hidden and you can't see my pile of books next to the bed.

The Julia/Julia Project

2009-06-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

A woman named Julie Powell wrote a book about a year that she spend making all the recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. While she made these recipes, she wrote a blog of her experiences. The Book is called Julia and Julia, A year of Cooking dangerously. Soon to be a movie in a theater near you.

I have been reading the book and I really like the idea of doing something everyday or setting a goal and letting bleaders (blog readers) comment on your outcome. Julie Powell had never even met some of her readers and often friends would show up at her house to try her dishes. But I can't copy this idea because first, I don't cook and second, my butt is already too big to start cooking with real butter.

I read everyday, all the time and mostly sitting in my work truck between jobs. This allows me the luxury of trying to reach the goal of reading 100 books a year. I have done this for four years now and some I make and some I miss but I enjoy the challenge. The Julia and Julia book is 32 for this year, so I am a bit behind.

I will let you in on something that I have been trying everyday. I don't talk to people I don't like. I just ignore them. This has been a little difficult at work but I have gone 6 days without speaking an actual word to my boss. It's been kind of fun. He might say something to me but I just look confused or roll my eyes and he walks away. It's wonderful. I should have tried it in my teenage years with my parents, I probably would have been grounded a lot less. My big mouth gets me into lots of trouble.

It's a great goal and I almost look forward to going to work each day.

Until I can come up with a real goal and find a way to stick to it, you'll have to hear about my books and my boss.