Just Another Day In Paradise

Kenya 2011

2011-07-30T13:51:00.005-04:00

I'm going to Kenya.

It's a short trip, really. An opportunity to do some wonderful humanitarian work in some villages on the eastern coast of Kenya.

In September (as in a little over a month from now) I will be traveling with about 50 other volunteers to assist with building structures, providing teacher development training, medical and dental training and clinics, and economic development training. The local organization that I am involved with, Singular Humanitarian experience (SHe), is working together with CHOICE Humanitarian, a 501(c)(3) organization whose sole mission is to end poverty by focusing on sustainable development.

Over the next month, as we gather supplies and develop programs, I will be fundraising for this project. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to this great cause -- even the smallest contribution will help.

You may donate online by clicking on the following link, click on donate and then follow instructions for donating to a specific SHe volunteer (that's me!!)

http://www.singularhumanitarian.org/

Thank you so much!!!

2010-09-10T13:38:00.006-04:00

We finally made it to the lunch spot with our dear friends. Our reunion was rushed, as we frantically had to divide our packs into 12 kilos per person. Since my pack currently weighed at least double that, there was a lot that had to be sent back to the hostel, which our kind drivers took care of for us.

We were introduced to our guide, Edwin, and another couple from Spain who were in our group. They had all rested and eaten lunch. We, again frantically, had to eat as Edwin reminded us, "You need your strength."

I was amazed by the food, all prepared by our resident cooks, Juan and Margarita. Creamy asparagus soup, chicken and vegetables, with all the garlic bread you could want.

The air was thin and freezing and though we had only been there for 30 minutes, I could feel the affects on my body. We started hiking straight up. Within minutes my heart was pounding faster than I can ever remember. We were moving at a very slow pace and each step was very deliberate for me. My body warmed up, but it was still a slow and steady process.

The Salkantay

We continued for 3 hours, back and forth up some very challenging switchbacks. The view of the nearby Salkantay was breathtaking. The altitude was also breathtaking, and my head and heart were struggling. But then, like my knight in dusty hiking boots, R carried my day pack until we reached our campsite for the night. A hiking stud, that's what he is.

Our campsite was set up by our rock star sherpa, Francisco. The cooks were busily preparing our dinner. We changed into our warmest clothes possible and tried to stay warm. Edwin announced it was "chocolate time." We didn't know what that meant, but we liked the sounds of it. So, we gathered in the food tent to find hot chocolate to warm our soul and stove popped popcorn.

Are you kidding me?? Popcorn at the top of the Andes. It was like my personal heaven. Not even my Whirley Pop could compare in deliciousness. I was on top of the world.

Francisco

A blurry shot of "chocolate time." The outside air was freezing and the inside of the tent was warm. Hence, a foggy lens.

Our cooks...not sure how they cooked such amazing things in such conditions!

Hello gorgeous campsite!!

And then.....

This is the part where things get graphic, and can best be understood by anyone who has experienced altitude sickness. Your body starts shaking uncontrollably, though you don't feel cold. And the nausea won't quit. And one minute your fine, enjoying "chocolate time" with your friends, and the next minute your puking next to a pile of horse manure. Hey, I warned you it was graphic.

I wasn't the only one who got sick, but I was certainly the most wimpy. Thank goodness for good friends that stand by you in your worst possible moments! I'm talking champion friends for life, these people. And Edwin, he continuously filled my sleeping bag with hot water bottles to keep me toasty through the night.

S and Edwin

I didn't sleep much that first night, but I survived and that was enough.

2010-08-25T21:09:00.008-04:00

We arrived in Lima just in time for breakfast at McDonald's. Ah, those universal golden arches. But you know what's not so universal? That peaches and coconut parfait. So tasty!

Another quick flight and we finally reached our destination of Cusco. We walked off the plane and stretched our arms open wide, basking in the sun and the joy of finally arriving.

Talk about service, Raul, from our trek company, was waiting to receive us. Yes, he even had our names printed out on a sign. He loaded our bags into the van and introduced us to our driver, Jesus. They were the best. Since we had arrived a day late and our group had started hiking at 6 that morning, they were going to drive us to the lunch site. They were the friendliest people. As we started our drive, Raul pointed across to the snowy mountain way in the distance and said, "That's where we were going." We had so much fun on our drive, chatting and listening to a mixture of 90s American tunes and every type of salsa. They promised to take us to the discoteque after our long hike.

Jesus and Raul

We drove for nearly 3 hours, through windy and bumpy roads. But, I was in awe at the beauty of the mountains. Every so often we'd drive through small little towns with so much to see. Peruvian men and women with loads larger than their whole bodies on their back, hiking to the market. Little children doing the same. We stopped to pick up bottled water and use the bathroom.

Our first bathroom

Then a little while later stopped to pick up coca leaves, which is a supposed cure for altitude sickness. You can chew them or drink them in tea. (Actually, I saw the leaves in most everything including chocolate). S was the first one to dive in. She was also one of the few that did not get altitude sickness when we reached the highest peak. And that's when I became a believer of the coca.

2010-08-16T13:33:00.006-04:00

S and I woke up Friday morning, laughing. The situation was altogether humorous on such little sleep. I peeked out the blinds, and made up some ditty about how good it was to wake up in America. Then we laughed some more.

If you do have to be stuck somewhere, may I recommend Connecticut. It is gorgeous. C's house is situated on a small lake with foot bridges and tall trees. It was lovely. C made us french toast and we ate on the back deck with her family.

The rest of the morning was spent on the phone, where I was able to convince American Airlines to reissue our ticket at no additional cost. The excitement was back as if we had just got a ticket for the first time.

"We're going to Peru!"

We also got in contact with our friends who had safely arrived in Peru via email and g-chat. I do love technology. They had not yet met with our trek company, but were hopefully going to be able to arrange it so that we did not miss it.

After a quick nap and some lunch, C's parents drove us to JFK. It took us 2 hours in traffic, but don't worry, we still arrived 7 hours early. We were taking no chances. Check-in lasted all of ten minutes. Which left us with 6 hours and 50 minutes to do whatever we pleased. Our activities included: shopping for Toblerone, eating Toblerone, lots of good girl talk, and dancing. Wait? Are we at a slumber party or the airport?

I think we were there so long we kind of forgot.

Finally, the time came to board our flight. 11:45 pm. We popped some sleeping pills in hopes of a decent night's sleep. I scored a seat next to a beautiful man who only spoke Spanish. Why did I take French in high school??? I also scored a window seat, so I propped my new thermarest pillow (best $20 bucks I've ever spent) against it, snuggled in my blanket and woke up just in time to land in Lima, Peru.

2010-08-16T12:34:00.005-04:00

By Thursday night our excitement was bursting.

I was so prepared. You could tell by the 70 pound hiking pack towering above my head.

We were given two rules. Number one: Don't die. Number two: Don't go to jail. With that wisdom safely tucked in our minds, we set off for our adventure.

We had a few minor delays to the airport. Our ride was stuck in traffic, then there was a motorcade, then I thought I saw a double rainbow. My excitement forced our driver off course. The fates were on our side, or so we thought, because we still made it with plenty of time.

We met up with C, who had taken the bus to DC from NY so she could fly with us. Coincidentally, our flight took us straight to NY where we were supposed to catch a connection to Lima. As is customary at JFK, things did not go as planned. More appropriately I should say, as is customary with American Airlines, things did not go as planned.

In DC we were given one boarding pass. When we inquired as to where the others were for our 2 connecting flights we were told that we would get them in New York. Foolishly, we believed. Our flight to New York was a little delayed, but we landed in time to make our flight to Lima.

Now, if only there were some way to get a boarding pass! Can anyone help us? LAN airlines can't give us one. American Airlines can't give us one. Who will help us get to Peru?

The answer is no one.

We frantically call M, who was boarding our flight to Lima. She had taken a bus from DC to NY and checked in hours ago, patiently waiting for us to join her. We shared the bad news that we weren't making that flight. I frantically gave her all the information I could about the hostel, the trek, our other friend's flights and then she was gone. Off on the adventure without us.

Since it was after midnight, there was not much we could do until the morning. Luckily C's parents live an hour outside New York. We called C's friend SS. I wonder if her middle initial is O because she came and rescued us from our distress as fast as she could.

In the meantime, we consoled ourselves with bananas and dry blueberry muffins and vowed to never again book a flight with a company called CheapOAir. We ended the night fast asleep in C's house, ironically where C had began that morning.

Though definitely not as we had planned, I was thankful that we had a comfortable and safe place to sleep and that I was with people who certainly make lemonade out of life's lemons!

2010-08-16T12:08:00.005-04:00

The week before my Peru trip was much like I expected. Lots of prepping, packing and shopping for last minute supplies. If I've got the time, I actually love this part of it. Thankfully, my roommate and I had the whole week to prepare. We spent hours at Target and $90 later had the best looking first-aid kit you've ever seen. We also spent hours at REI, where I acquired two nice big blisters on my pinky fingers from tying so many hiking boots. We pranced around the store in at least 50 different pairs of hiking pants to make sure they felt just right, then tried to mask their masculinity with some bright feminine-colored tees. There were rain jackets and bug sprays and electrolyte jelly beans, oh my! Until even the sales associate at REI said, "You two look like you are having a lot of fun."

We certainly were. And the trip hadn't even begun!

But, even all that shopping gets to be exhausting, so we took a break in the pool, because after all it's summertime and spontaneous pool breaks are required. We coupled it with homemade chicken alfredo pizza and I thought life couldn't get much better.

And then I went to Peru.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

2010-08-09T08:13:00.003-04:00

9 days and 45 kilometers of hiking later, I am back from one of my new favorite spots and one of the best vacations.

Cusco, Peru and Machu Picchu.

This picture pretty much sums up how I feel about the entire trip, but I have about 2000 more pictures to organize and through {a few of} them can hopefully share the little slice of heaven I found waiting for me in the Andes mountains!

Needing A Little Magic

2010-06-14T23:52:00.000-04:00

I heard this song on the way home from work today.

I'm pretty sure I'm that young girl he's singing about.

2010-06-10T16:52:00.007-04:00

I appreciate simplicity, even though I seem to make things unnecessarily complicated.

I appreciate quiet moments, even though I seem to be so busy that the silence is rarely near.

I appreciate reminders of what I know, even though sometimes my mind tries to convince my heart otherwise.

It's easy to cling to what was good once. But what was good once isn't necessarily good always.

It was a simple, quiet moment today that reminded me of this lesson I've learned over and over the past few years.

And as I seek the answer of what is good to come, I must not forget to seek the means by which such an answer is given.

We Really Need You!

2010-05-16T23:17:00.002-04:00

My heart is singing with these fine Clevelanders.

EMBED-We Are Lebron Video - Watch more free videos

My Motherhood

2010-05-10T18:02:00.006-04:00

With the recent celebration of motherhood, I've been thinking a lot about myself as a mother.

This past year I've spent a lot of time with children, 17 of them to be exact, none of them technically mine, though by this point they feel like they are. And in this privileged, yet challenging environment, I have felt in just a small way what it's like to be a mother.

One time my mom had just gotten home from the grocery store. We were outside helping her unload the car. In the rush, my mom dropped a 2 liter bottle of pop. You can imagine the explosion. I laughed and laughed 'til I was near tears. And then I noticed my mom was in real tears.

"It's just a bottle of pop," I reminded her, not understanding her emotion.

It's like that expression, "No use crying over spilled milk."

Well, logically speaking yes. But, try telling that to someone who has dealt with spilled milk at least once a week for the past 9 months, even after endless reminders to "be very careful with your milk so that it won't spill." Or what if that spilled milk occurs after you've already cleaned up spilled orange juice or the remains of a raspberry churro that didn't sit quite right in one child's stomach.

These are not dramatic representations. This is real life. It's been my real life for 9 months.

And while we're on cliche sayings, how about "I couldn't hear myself think." Can you all really need something right at this moment? Can you all really be calling my name from opposite ends of the room? Yes, I do want to listen, but if you tell me one more time that he said he's not your friend, I might lose it. What was it that I was trying to finish again? "Ms. FLOOOORY" I guess I'll just finish it tomorrow.

One night I was crying with exhaustion. It's so tiring. It takes so much energy. How can I possibly solve all their needs? And take care of myself at the same time? I don't feel like a woman. I feel like a frump covered in snot and Elmer's glue. Forget about hair and make-up or pretty clothes, I feel lucky just to be clean. Did I exercise this month?? I can't remember.

And all of sudden I knew why my mom was crying that night in the driveway.

If these feelings can come to me as a teacher, when I send my children home at 2, then I don't know what it will be like as a full-time mother.

Is it ironic to say I can't wait?

Because even though the above is all true, sometimes painfully so, there is glory in motherhood.

It comes in bouquets of dandelions after recess or a big hug around the neck when you bend down to tie a shoe. It's in those lint-covered grapes that were stored in a pocket just for you. It's definitely in the moment you realize scribbles have turned into letters and those letters now spell your name.

And don't forget the laughter. There is so much joy in a child's laughter. How's that for cliche? But, I couldn't mean it anymore if I had coined it myself.

Motherhood is sacrifice. It's forgiveness. It's love, pure and complete.

My practicum for motherhood began this year, but these lessons of motherhood I've been learning from day 1, from my own mother. She loves me all the time. She always has. She always will. She loves my dad. She loves my siblings. And everything that she does is evidence of that love.

And only she can cut toast exactly the way I like it.

That's because she's my mom.

Welcome Spring

2010-03-24T22:21:00.004-04:00

It was lovely spending my afternoon with you!

2010-02-03T11:23:00.009-05:00

Growing up in Ohio provided me with a healthy appreciation for snow. It's fun, it's beautiful and if we were lucky, it provided a day off of school. As time went on, snow no longer delivered it's same excitement, what with it's snowmen and angels and days to do nothing but bundle up for a an hour (Moooooom, where are my snow boots??? or I can't find my other mitten ... seriously every time) only to go outside for 10 minutes until our mittens were sufficiently soggy, followed up with drying out by the furnace while mom whipped us up some hot soup.

In college, it still provided some fun, but school went on with or without snow and working full time proved just the same! Commuting takes triple the time and no one at work offers to make you hot soup!

Then there's the car issue. Bless my good dad and brothers for always scraping off my windshield and warming up my car on those early, blustery days. They always shoveled the steps, and created a clear path down the driveway. Then they'd drive to grandma's house to do the very same. I always just thought they liked it, until I had to do it myself. Turns out it's HARD. Do you know how heavy snow is to move with just a shovel? Do you know how long it takes to shovel a driveway with 3 feet of snow? Yeah, approximately 6 hours.

Yes, the beauty of snowfall has somewhat been masked in recent history because it creates such a hassle.

But not this year. My appreciation for snow has returned, maybe even to a higher level than before. And gratefully so because the DC area has received record breaking amounts. It turns out that I really like being snowed in. It's so cozy and fun!! We've played outside, watched movies, cleaned the house, taken walks, played games and even had a slumber party, dance party included. It forces life to slow down, which is perfect because I hate to be rushed.

And as an added bonus, SNOW DAYS!

I thought I liked snow days as a student, but I find them even sweeter now that I'm a teacher (I feel the same way about weekends). Here I sit, enjoying the 4th snow day of the year. Nothing beats waking up at 5:30 only to find you can go right back to bed.

Oh snow, you glisten and sparkle in the sunshine out my window. You adorn the roof, the trees picturesque with your touch. You are lovely to me.

2010-01-18T14:01:00.002-05:00

When you're my size having a good tailor is very important. Clothes are made for the average sized woman, which I am anything but. Thus, having a tailor is not only a good idea, it's a necessity.

When I lived in Ohio I went to a woman that I liked who charged me barely anything. Maybe that's why I liked her.

Then I moved to DC and I was appalled at the prices!! But seeing as my legs didn't get any longer, I paid them anyway.

Once I moved to Maryland, I found a guy that was reasonably priced and did a good job. Except for that one time when he hemmed one leg shorter than the other, but no one's perfect.

Then, I met Jerry.

Jerry puts all other tailors to shame. Walking in his quaint little house is like a step back in time. A time where local services reigned and the owner of such local services knew each customer by name. A time where you didn't rush in or rush out, but actually spent a few moments visiting and exchanging good news. A time where you were invited to the back garden to grab some of the overflowing bounty.

That's our Jerry.

If that wasn't enough, Jerry makes you feel like a million bucks the minute you walk through the door. He raves about the many wonderful things about you until you can't believe he likes any customer better than you. Then when you leave, he stands at the door and waves good-bye as if you were family.

The last time I went to see Jerry was simply to pick up a pair of pants. We talked for forty-five minutes. He told me about his love for potatoes and his hometown in Peru. He asked about the "men that come to call on me" until I assured him I would not make any decisions without first consulting with him. He told me how he met his wife, stories of their travels together and showed me pictures of his beautiful granddaughters. We shared his lifetime of experiences, my life of hopes and dreams and there was understanding.

Before I left, he said, "Remember this:" then he spouted off a beautiful message in Spanish which I wish I could have understood. I waited for his translation.

"If you want to cross the river, you have to be willing to get wet."

I've thought a lot about those few words in the past month, and the many ways it applies to my life right at this moment. It's given me a new perspective and is shaping the decisions I make every day, big and small.

And so it goes. Anyone can hem your pants. But there's only one Jerry.

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

Once upon a time I was a blogger.

Or at least I was a girl who sometimes posted on a blog.

And then one day, I became a girl who teaches.

And no longer a girl who posts on blogs.

It's not that I've forgotten, nor that I've lost my desire.

But you see, right now I'm a girl who is very, very tired.

And I keep waiting for my energy to return to normal levels.

In my dreams I have energy. My lessons are perfectly planned. My class assignments are done weeks in advance. I never miss a day of exercise and I always have fresh, home-cooked, healthful meals. I have extra time to read classic novels and study deep doctrinal truths, practice the piano and fiddle around with my camera. I don't forget to buy stamps for 5 consecutive days and that check on my desk actually made it to the bank. I don't fall alseep on my knees. I make it to the temple once a week. I make time for the people who matter the most and keep in good touch with all those I care about. Yes, in that dream my hair is perfectly coifed and my clothes neatly pressed and I most certainly don't have dark circles under my eyes.

Now if only I could wake up.

Mama, you know I love you!

2009-05-10T13:42:00.003-04:00

I have the best mother around.

And I'm lucky to get to spend Mother's Day with her (and the rest of my wonderful family).

In honor of her, I'm posting a video, taken last Thanksgiving during an intense game of "Would You Rather." Mom would apparently rather rap, so here she is, rapping her heart out. Just a small preview of exactly how awesome she is...

Happy Mother's Day!

Checkin' It Twice

2009-04-21T20:08:00.008-04:00

Not to take away from the Earth Day celebrations, but today is also another very important day.

Today is my half-birthday. So, in honor of turning 26 and 1/2 I am checking in with my list of 26 things to do this year.

1. visit somewhere new, outside the United States

Not yet! Oh, I do hope I can squeeze this in somewhere. Anyone up for a little trip?

2. get back to my college weight (and maintain it)

Pretty darn close, though not completely at my goal. However, I feel more energized and healthy than I have in ... well, maybe ever. It feels so great!

3. buy a digital SLR camera

Not yet, but soon. My 3 year old point and shoot just isn't cutting it anymore.

4. get those glasses/contacts the eye dr. said I needed

Really, really close to checking this off the list. And let me tell you, it has not been easy. Did you know glasses are expensive? And, it is really hard to find ones that look super hot! But, with some help from Kristy, I was able to find an awesome pair....now I just have to wait for them to be delivered. Be anxiously awaiting photos of my sophisticated side.

5. run a marathon

This has not happened. And I'm not sure that it will before my next birthday, though it is still a goal. I have, however, maintained an active running schedule since the beginning of the year (going along with number 2) and it has been fantastic. I have worked really hard and now am very comfortable at a ten minute mile. To some, this is very slow. To me, this is a great accomplishment. A few weeks ago I ran in our ward Fun Run and completed the 5K in 30:12. It obviously doesn't compare to completing a marathon, but I was happy about it.

6. read my scriptures every day

This is an ongoing one, but so far I'm doing well. I know I've missed a few days here and there, but overall I'm learning a lot!

7. watch the 6 hour version of Pride and Prejudice

Done! Finally! I'm not sure how I put this off for so long, especially considering how many females I've lived with who adore this movie. And now, I finally understand, as I too adore this movie. Granted, it took me at least 5 days to get through the whole thing, but I was strangely disappointed when it was over b/c I loved watching every part. I then watched the newer version with Kiera Knightly and ugh!!! I know these version are so different so I shouldn't even compare, but her rendition of Elizabeth Bennett was disappointing at best. I will be sticking with the 6 hour version.

8. plant my own herbs

I probably should get on this....but who am I kidding? My thumb is the opposite of green...

9. take a dance class

My little sister Abbie willingly taught me some stuff from her dance classes, so I got a little start. But, it only whet my appetite...I should get on this too.

10. learn how to use photoshop

I forgot this was on my list. I guess I've got something to look forward to in the next 6 months

11. visit Nashville (perhaps while doing number 5)

I really really really really really still want to do this....not sure when I'm going to make it, but seriously, I really want to go. Lori and Jackie...I'm coming for real!

12. get married

uh......maybe this was put here for positive thinking, but as of now I'm currently accepting offers

13. continue my education

Yes, in a way that I hadn't originally planned. I will be completing a teaching fellowship starting this summer/fall. I am going to be teaching elementary school and it will definitely be a daily education. More updates on this soon.

14. learn and perfect one challenging piano piece

Man, I need a piano...

15. give away a Book of Mormon

Yes, I did this. Actually I did this twice. Both were very positive experiences.

16. try out for American Idol (just once)

No, but there's still time to meet Simon Cowell...

17. learn to make homemade ravioli

Yes....see here. Can't wait to continue this tradition

18. give up resetting my alarm in the morning

I plead the 5th

19. see a need, fill it, repeat

Trying

20. start the personal history of my mom and dad

Briefly started....and it looks like it is going to be a major project but one I am looking forward to working on

21. learn italian (at least start)

Briefly started....by listening to some cds in the car. Maybe in a few more years I'll get the hang of it :)

22. give up wasting time

Depends on the day...am I wasting time right now?

23. go parasailing

Not yet

24. hug and kiss more often

Wouldn't you all like to know :)

25. sacrifice

The more I learn about sacrifice, the more I realize how completely selfish I am. This is a lifelong lesson, but one that I'm really trying to implement on a daily basis.

26. live my life

I'm doing it!

I feel pretty good about my list, and I'm looking forward to another great 6 months.

Happy 1/2 birthday to me.

Today

2009-04-14T00:52:00.005-04:00

Tonight our ward had an open mic night. I had originally signed up and then forgot to prepare anything. Yesterday at church I was reminded and encouraged to still perform, so today I put something together and did just that. It's the first time I've performed the guitar in front of people besides my family and close friends so I was a little bit nervous as clearly my guitar playing needs some work, but it was fun anyway. We have some great talent in our ward and it was a great activity.

Thank you Ginette for the lovely video.

Two Weeks Without You

2009-04-13T23:22:00.007-04:00

I've been on a blogging hiatus. Actually, I've been on a media hiatus. I have an extreme love/hate relationship with the "instantaneous information at our fingertips" age. I've recently become aware of the many ways in which the media sucks up my time and I have also felt that I am incredibly desensitized to the messages of the media in a way where I have a hard time distinguishing the effects.

This I did not like. And so I took a break, or tried to anyway. It was a lot harder than I expected but I have learned some valuable lessons about myself and the positive uses of the media in my life. I hope knowing the positive will help me eliminate the negative.

My rules for my "media fast" was to consume no media that wasn't spiritual in content. No movies, no TV, no radio, no magazines, no books, no blogs, no facebook, no nothing....oh wait, except email. I was allowed to use email because it would basically be impossible for me to get the things done that I need to do without it.

Here are some lessons that I learned

#1 Unnecessary media forms and choices breed laziness and a lack of productivity.

#2 Media choices that add useful knowledge (not just spiritual) create within me a productive mindset.

#3 I cannot run without pumping music. Thus, the ban on music was lifted much sooner than other forms of media.

#4 My focusing problem is so much better when I have a productive mindset.

#5 Wholesome yet useless media choices, when shared in a social setting, serve a good purpose for me.

# 6 I don't spend nearly enough time each day contemplating and learning spiritual truths.

I want to hone in on how to best use the media in my life and how to eliminate the unnecessary things. As of now, blogging remains on the best uses list, or maybe just the good uses list...

Either way, I think I'll continue writing.

Courtin' in the Kitchen

2009-03-17T10:45:00.008-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

From my kitchen to yours...

The Shepherd's Pie I can take credit. The giant shamrock is compliments of Eliza at our St. Patrick's Day Party last night.

Here is the recipe for the Shepherd's pie....a little healthful twist on an old Irish favorite. It is so good!

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/3 c. buttermilk

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 cup onion, chopped

2 medium garlic cloves

1 c. frozen corn

1 c. frozen peas

20 oz. ground turkey

1 egg

1/2 packet of Italian herb marinade mix

10 3/4 canned tomato soup, made with milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and pour in enough water to cover. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil; boil until fork-tender, about 8 minutes. Drain potatoes and return to pan. Mash potatoes with buttermilk and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet; set aside.

Mix ground turkey with 1 egg and Italian herb marinade mix (can also use a variety of Italian seasonings if you don't have a mix). Add the ground turkey to skillet and brown the meat. Return the onion/garlic mix to the skillet. Add soup; simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed and mixture is thick, about 5 minutes (can still be a little bit soupy). Spoon mixture into 9-inch pie plate.

Layer corn and peas on top of the meat mixture. Spoon mashed potatoes over the corn and the peas in an even layer.

Bake until filling is bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Slice into six pieces and let your belly enjoy.

V is Very Very Extraordinary

2009-02-15T00:12:00.007-05:00

This year for Valentine's I was introduced to the "Sing - a - gram." Not sure, given my love for music and all things cheesy, how I have not participated in this before. Stephanie use to do them in high school as a fund raiser, which sure beats the candy hearts that we used to sell.

2 days before Valentine's, we dressed up in pink and red, with hints of purple - the more outrageous the better. Then we went and sang to various friends....Stand By Me, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You are My Sunshine...just to name a few. I pulled out some dance moves that I haven't used since the days of May Show back at GOHS.

Oh, it was carefree and fun! I just might have found my newest tradition...

Baby, I Love You

2009-02-14T13:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXOXO

And So the Feeling Goes

2009-02-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

Romance is....

A Power Outage

That may sound like a scene from a movie, but think of it. Nothing causes you to slow down and enjoy the people your with better than when the power goes out and you have nothing else to focus on except the people around you. I like that. It helps that your usually surrounded by candles.

I would also add

Thunderstorms

to the romance list. There is something cozy about being inside, away from the storm yet still feeling the excitement of its power.

Give me a booming thunderstorm with torrential rains and a night without power and I'm butter.

It's so romantic.

Everywhere I Look Around

2009-02-09T20:44:00.003-05:00

Tis the season for love and romance and all things pink and red. Cupid, draw back your bow!

I'm a romantic at heart. Romance is classic; it's a feeling; it's an ideal; it's fluttering hearts and moments too good to be true.

Romance is not about having everything align perfectly to create endless happiness. It's about finding the perfection in simple moments and treasured relationships. It has less to do with expecting, and everything to do with creating.

Let's celebrate romance. For the next week, this blog will be dedicated to all things romantic (from my perspective of course). Feel free to add your romantic thoughts to mine and let's fall in love shall we?

Twilight

Heavens no, I am not talking about the book series.

I'm talking about that moment right after the sun sets, before the night falls. The sky is a bluish gray and the lights in the city start to twinkle in the sky, but the contrast is not yet blinding.

Give me that sky, warm air with just a soft breeze and I'm butter.

It's so romantic.

Old Blue Jeans On

2009-02-06T13:12:00.006-05:00

I'm depressed.

Really depressed.

The "can't find any cute jeans that fit even after trying on every pair at the mall and even though I really need new jeans" kind of depressed.

Yep, I've got a fever for jeans and absolutely no cure.

I've never loved my body, but most days I can accept it for what it is. Most days I can pick out a few things that are redeeming. But shopping for jeans is unlike most days. In fact, they rank among my worst days.

My legs are short and my rear is round. And no one out there decided to make jeans that would flatter such little valued characteristics.

I'm depressed.

Thankfully the weather is beautiful and it's almost 40 degrees today, or else I would be inconsolable.

I'll Make You Banana Pancakes

2009-01-27T19:02:00.004-05:00

I really love to cook. I don't know how long it took me to get to this point, but I could spend all day in the kitchen these days. I love preparing healthful foods that taste scrumptious.

The other day I made whole wheat banana pancakes with my overripe bananas. I made a large batch so I could throw them in the freezer for convenience sake (thanks to my sister for that idea). I felt domestic in every sense of the word. The best thing about these pancakes is that they have no sugar or oil and lots of good things including whole wheat, oats and of course bananas. They turned out very tasty. I have in the past been buying the Kashi brand of frozen waffles but at $4 for a box of 6, this is turning out to be much more economical.

I topped them with some low-fat yogurt for additional health benefits but they would also be good with fruit. DO NOT ruin by saturating with lots of syrup. If you must use syrup, please use in small doses.

Here's the recipe. I take no credit. I found it online at recipezaar.com

1 1/4 C. Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 C. Oatmeal (uncooked)

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1/4 tsp. Salt

1 1/2 C. Skim Milk (or dairy free milk)

2 Egg Whites (or 1 large egg)

2 mashed bananas (ripe)

Cinnamon to taste

1. Mix all the ingredients with mixer or with a wire wisk.

2. Cook on a non-stick pan, or use a small amount of cooking spray for each pancake.

Easy as pie. Or pancakes. I doubled the recipe b/c I had a lot of bananas and it made about 2 dozen.

Where At Least I Know I'm Free

2009-01-22T09:58:00.011-05:00

January 20, 2009

It is a day that will go down in history, a "where were you when" kind of event, a moment long anticipated and not soon to be forgotten.

The inauguration of President Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States of America.

I'll add my story to millions of other Americans and I feel extremely lucky to have been here in Washington, DC for the event. All politics aside, the chance to witness as Senator Feinstein mentioned, "the peaceful transition of power," is an American tradition. It defined this nation from the beginning and will continue on as willing leaders sacrifice 4 years to serve this nation. The office of President is one that I respect.

I don't think I've ever seen so many people in my life; literally millions showed up to support, even in the freezing weather. I found it good to see so many people ready to believe in something new and ready to embrace change. I hope that the hope they feel in Obama will translate into better actions on their part (perhaps I should include myself in that statement but I have yet to measure my hope). America does need a lot of "fixing," but it can't be done solely by a change in government. Each American must change too; we must better our values, better our work ethic, see "America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions," to quote from Obama's speech.

The difference between former President Bush and President Obama was white and black, not just in the literal sense. One is loved with as much passion and as the other was hated. One deserved to be cheered, but the other did not deserve to be practically booed off the stage, and for that I was disappointed. I may very well have been one in a million who cheered for the former, but I appreciate and respect his service of the past 8 years.

Yes, it was a historic day. And I am glad I was there.

I was also really glad to have spent the day with some great friends. I hosted an inauguration sleepover at my old office on 16th Street. We got there on Monday night so as to avoid the pandemonium on Tuesday. It was really fun. We woke up on Tuesday, steps away from the National Mall and the main event. I created a video to document the MANY pictures we took (a big thanks to Stephanie for taking the pictures as my fingers were too cold to move). I hope it captures feeling of the event. I will certainly never forget it.

*Side note - I have tried three times to take away the blurry quality of this video. It has been unsuccessful. Sorry, I am not a master, but I hope you enjoy regardless (It helps if you double click to go to the youtube page so that it's a little larger).

A Ball? Oh, That Would Be Fun!

2009-01-21T10:42:00.008-05:00

What do you do when you have the chance to go to the Lincoln Inaugural Ball in celebration of Barack Obama's inauguration?

You buy a new dress, and you go!

That's what happened this weekend. I became aware of some small volunteer opportunities for an inaugural ball that would get us into the ball for free. My contribution of service - driving Anita Baker's musicians to their sound check. Easy Peasy! My reward - a spectacular night at the Smithsonian American Museum of Art/National Portrait Gallery at an inaugural ball with some wonderful friends.

The food: Mashed sweet potatoes, succotash, turkey, ham, mac and cheese, au gratin potatoes, chocolate raspberry tarts, carrot cake - all with a gourmet flair that was divine. The music: Victorian, Jazz and some soul. The atmosphere: inaugural. It seriously was like a scene from a movie and I was so glad I got to experience the ball as part of this historic weekend.

Here's a video trying to capture the ambiance.

You'll Freeze to the Bone Out There

2009-01-13T15:25:00.002-05:00

New Year's 2009 was a night for me to remember. I spent it in New York City with some good friends, not with Dick Clark, but in Central Park for the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run. It was a quick trip, but incredibly fun and even more cold. Seriously, I have a new definition for chilled to the bone. Here's the trip in review.

Dec. 31, 2008

9:30 am - make sack lunches

10:00 am - depart Philly for a quick drive to NYC

12:13 - park on the Upper West Side, close to the start/finish of the race

12:15 - Bundle up, the wind is blowing hard and it's starting to snow

12:35 - Meet up with other car, forge through wind across Central Park to get to race registration

1:07 - Arrive at race registration, buy $10 socks to replace the wet ones on my feet

1:30 - Take the subway to Staten Island ferry

2:14 - Eat sack lunches while waiting for the ferry with the added benefit of free entertainment - a lively piece on the cello, and a passerby doing a lively jig

2:47 - Get on the WARM ferry and ride to Staten Island while finishing up lunches and basking in the warmth!

3:32 - Pass Lady Liberty on ferry ride back to Manhattan

3:45 - Rejuvinated and warm, happy to continue onto Soho

4:11 - Shopping in Soho, buy some Bacon and Cheese flavored crickets at Evolution

4:21 - Pose for picture on a very picturesque street

4:26 - Stop in darling boutique, opt to not purchase the $104 sweater that I'm still in love with

4:48- Very large Anthropologie store, very happy

5:30 - Purchase some extra leggings for the race as the wind continues to bite harder!

6:25 - Stop at Rockefellar Center, see the beautiful large Christmas tree, opt not to skate but to watch the skaters from a warm spot inside, Staci treats all to Starbucks hot chocolate and cider, relax and enjoy each other's company

8:36 - Increasingly biting wind as we walk to Swagat, a charming Indian restaurant on the Upper West Side

9:00 - Wait for food, warm but hungry

9:15 - Still waiting for food

9:32 - Stuffing self with very, very tasty Indian eats

10:10 - Stroke of luck, we stop for warmth at Carrie's friends house 3 blocks from the restaurant

10:55 - Walk very fast to the car, questioning the sanity of whoever decided this run would be a good idea

11:12 - Change into running clothes in the car, opt for 3 layers of pants, 4 layers of shirts plus sweatshirt, 2 pairs of socks, 1 muff, 1 scarf, 1 beanie, 1 pair of gloves, 1 pair of mittens, 1 ipod for needed motivation

11:45 - Arrive at Central Park, excitement in the air, pre-race dancing and screaming and New Year's celebrating

11:59 - Countdown begins

12:00 am - Lots of fireworks and race begins

12:07 am - Feeling energized, fireworks still going,

12:15 am - Thinking this is a pretty awesome race

12:20 am - Reach a water stop, grab a cup but it's frozen to the table. Grab another cup. Take a sip but the water is frozen solid. Continue running, a little thirsty.

12:22 am - Feeling that Indian food come back with a vengeance

12:32 am - Legs feeling like lead, wishing I didn't have 3 pairs of pants on, stripping off hat and gloves and for the first time that day, really thankful for the chill in the air

12:50 am - Cross the finish line hand in hand with Dallas and Matt

1:01 am - Meet up with friends that braved the wind to come support

1:12 am - Start drive back to Philadelphia

1: 23 am - Stop for gas and Dr. Pepper for Matt, learn that it is illegal to pump your own gas in New Jersey

3:32 am - Arrive in Philadelphia

3:37 am - Change into warm pajamas and brush teeth, late night talks around the kitchen island

4:06 am - Lay down in bed, very comfortable, another New Year has come

It's gonna be a good one folks!

Here's a video of the countdown to 2009!!!

*Sorry for the length of this post, but I like details!

Tradition....Tradition!

2009-01-11T23:33:00.004-05:00

Number 17 on my list of "26 things to do while 26" was to learn how to make homemade raviolis. My mother is full italian and every year her mom, Grandma Carmel to me, made homemade raviolis for Christmas Eve dinner. They are ridiculously good and I have always wanted to learn how to make them as it is a tradition too tasty to lose. For the past few Christmases, Grandma Carmel has been too sick and we have opted for the frozen variety, a poor substitute if you ask me. So this year, to stick with my goals and also to bring back that loving Christmas dinner, my mom and my sisters and I made the raviolis.

It was a very fun day. Mom knew how to make them, though it had been years since she had actually done it. Amy had once spent a day making them with Grandma and the rest of us were clueless. It must be our italian blood, because as it turned out, we were naturals. They turned out delicious and I'm so excited to continue this tradition with my mom and my sisters.

Here's a little peak at the process.

And Give Good Cheer of the Season

2009-01-06T20:51:00.016-05:00

The magic of Christmas (and Christmas break)

Here's what made mine so great.

Making our family's traditional homemade raviolis with my mom and sisters. Chad and I running our own little "reindeer trot" in preparation to eat a lot of raviolis. Talking to Tod serving faithfully in Arizona. Hitting all the major after-Christmas sales. Aunt Jackie's lifesaver books and rice krispy treats. My nephew Ammon telling me he was going to marry me. Santa wrapped our bananas and oranges. Singing our favorite Christmas songs on Christmas Eve. Cozying up in my parent's bed with my sisters for nightly reading (and falling in love with Jane Eyre all over again). Singing It Doesn't Snow in L.A. with Chad. Opening gifts with Grandma Carmel at the nursing home. My Christmas present to LeBron - new brake pads and rear drums. Kicking bum in Monopoly, building hotels on 3 different corners and forcing everyone into bankruptcy. Gingerbread spice tea. Sharing the Dom Deluise cookbook. Sunday night with Grandma Ruby and Grandpa Larry and three gallons of ice cream. Christmas day karaoke and dance party with the children. Rook. Catching up on Friday Night Lights. A trip to Malvern and an amazing cream cheese pumpkin roll. A new favorite blanket. Watching and quoting To Grandmother's House We Go.

May Be a Hundred Different Things

2008-12-28T14:04:00.002-05:00

The phone rang and my dad picked it up. It was my brother in-law, Art. He was looking for my sister as he hadn't been able to get ahold of her.

"Let me ask April," I hear my dad say. "Do you know what your sister was up to tonight?"

"Well, she was making the kids pancakes for dinner and then she was going to put them to bed early and probably do some laundry while watching A Very Brady Christmas," I told him.

"She wasn't going anywhere," my dad told Art.

The difference between men and women....

It's in the details!

Like a Perfect Scene from a Movie Screen

2008-12-10T22:00:00.006-05:00

I try to live my life like a movie if at all possible. Some might think this is unrealistic. But I think it's a romantic way to liven up most any situation. And I often think, "this will make a very funny/dramatic/magical/scary/romantic/heart-wrenching scene to the movie of my life."

So imagine my delight when I found myself stuck on the BW parkway in the worst traffic jam on my way to the airport. Sure, at first I was a little nervous that I would miss my 5:15 flight. And I chided myself for getting caught up at work and not leaving earlier. But when the clock hit 4:30 and I still wasn't moving, my mind turned to "movie mode"and sitting there I went through, in detail, how I would miraculously make my flight.

First, I'd start honking in order to move through the traffic. When that proved useless, I'd take it to the shoulder, speeding past all the cars, off-roading if I had to, finding a little shortcut to take me right to the terminal. I'd forgo the long-term parking lot as that would take too much time, instead driving straight to the "departing flight zone." Nearly in tears I'd explain to the kind old man at the desk how I couldn't miss one of my best friends wedding. Lucky for me he's the kind of employee who believes cusomter service to be the most important part of his job. He worked for Southwest for 30 years and in that time never had a customer miss a flight. He'd take it personally upon himself to help me make my flight and he'd enlist the help of all his buddies so that in a matter of moments the whole Southwest team is cheering me on. One guy would take my car and park it safely in long-term parking. My kind buddy would escort me to the front of the security line, explain my plight to the TSA and they wouldn't even make me take off my shoes. The woman at the front would call the gate and tell them to hold the plane. Then I'd run full-speed down through the terminal, giving a final wave to my helpful crew. I'd laugh at the irony of my gate being the furtherst away, but I'd make it in the nick of time. The whole plane would cheer when I made it onboard. And I would be one lucky woman.

Do you want to know how my movie scene actually played out? After some banging on the steering wheel and a few hundred, "come on, come on, come on, come on," traffic finally let up. I sped very fast (sorry dad) and booked it to long-term parking where I then rushed with my heavy bags to catch the shuttle. Then I nervously jumped up and down waiting for the bus driver to let me off the shuttle and rudely cut everyone in line at the curb-side check-in. The woman at curb-side did not rally around me to assist, but she was quite dramatic in her response:

"M,am, it is way too late. I can't even check you in out here. You have to go inside."

I ran inside, thankful for no line and asked the woman at the desk if she thought I could make it. She didn't rush to my aid either.

"You're flight leaves in 10 minutes. There is no way you are going to make it. " Apparently she didn't realize who I was.

"Can I try?" I asked her.

"Sure, you can try."

And that's when I started running. I ran to security and begged my way to the front of the line (thank you again kind folks). I still had to take off my shoes, and I didn't even bother to put them back on as I ran to the gate, down the escalator and wait....A3??? That wasn't as long of a run as I had anticipated. No one cheered at my arrival. In fact, there were still lines of people waiting to board.

It didn't work out exactly as planned, but I still made my flight. There was a brief moment of panic when the flight attendant announced our departure for St. Louis and I thought in my haste I had accidentally boarded the wrong plane. I started to imagine the scene it would cause to have to bring the plane back, while all the passengers moaned and groaned.

"Where is this plane going?" I asked the man next to me.

"St. Louis."

I gave him a look of horror before he assured me that the plane would then head to Salt Lake. We laughed and laughed at my confusion. I think I'll give him a part in my movie.

Little Man

2008-12-03T18:43:00.003-05:00

Remember when I saw this little nugget enter the world?

We've bonded. He loves me!

No Fear, No Fences, No Reins

2008-12-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

* While reviewing some of my past posts that I never published, I found this which was written while still living at the Flanders house. I never finished writing it, but upon reading it felt it was an accurate description of my current mood.

I woke up this morning around 4 am for my routine bathroom break. I love looking at my clock and realizing I still have a couple of hours to sleep. Except this morning I couldn't fall back asleep as normal, which was quite frustrating. It was too noisy.

4 am seems like an odd time for the house to be noisy, but if you think about it, the quieter things are, the more actual noise is apparent. House noises never used to bother me much. But the older I get, the more fearful I am about monsters under the bed or hiding in the laundry room. Except my monsters usually take the form of scary men.

This morning I heard someone walking around upstairs and in my sleepy state I convinced myself that it had to be a "monster." Who else would be up and about walking around. It should have been very easy for me to hop out of bed, go upstairs and realize that no one was there, or find one of my roommates up for an early morning bathroom break like myself. But instead I just laid there in fear, thankful that my room is in the bottom far corner of the house, convinced that the cops would be on there way before he realized my room even existed. And I prayed that he wouldn't find my roommates either.

It wasn't long before I had worked myself into a frenzy, and each additional noise was evidence that the "monster" was still there. I heard the laundry room open and quickly hid under my covers for that meant he had found his way to the basement.

Even as I write this, I know it sounds very silly. But darkness and a half night's sleep often trump logic. And recent experiences have shown that sometimes your worst fear really is possible.

Fear is a debilitating thing. People hide behind it, use it as an excuse and if they aren't careful, spend their whole life in submission to what they fear most. I used to think I wasn't one of those people. But lately, I've been a lot more content to hide under my covers and hope that the monster doesn't come get me, rather than just getting up and destroying the monster myself. Fear is paralyzing.

I go through cycles of fear, most often around periods of great change in my life. About a year and a half ago, I was about to move, a move that brought nothing but positive things into my life, but prior to I could not see these positive things, I simply saw fear. One of my dear friends came over and amidst our conversation he taught me a great lesson he had learned about fear. Sometimes the adversary uses fear in our life to keep us from things that will bring the greatest good in our lives. It's a tool of discouragement, it keeps us from reaching our potential, it tries to stop us from developing greatness. I was blessed to learn this lesson at that time and it helped me take the leap I so desperately wanted to make.

Now, on the brink of more change, I find the same fear and I struggle to remember the lesson I once thought I had learned. And I can't seem to believe that things will work out, even though experience has proved it to me time and again. I've never been good at closing doors and looking for that window. Once when I was a lot younger, I shared a room with my oldest sister. And then a physical wall was put up and the rooms were alone and separate. I couldn't sleep I was so torn about my new surroundings.

It's very easy to only see the walls and to qualify them as limiting. The hard part comes in learning to see past the things we fear are holding us back and to not focus on the walls we fear are keeping us from what we want. I made a goal when I turned 26 that I no longer wanted to live my life this way. I would move forward and not be held back.

No fear, another mantra.

2008-12-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

A few more Mormon misconceptions.

I was laughing with my brother over the question I received at work.

Turns out, he's had a few funny encounters himself.

Here are two of my favorites:

Friend #1: Chad, I didn't know you drove a car.
Chad: Yeah, my horse and buggy are in the shop.

Friend #2: Do you guys believe in Thanksgiving?
Chad: No, we have nothing to be thankful for.

That Chad, always a jokester.

Wrapped Around Her Finger

2008-11-26T08:57:00.005-05:00

I wear a ring on my right-hand ring finger. I've worn it for 10 years. It used to be on my left-hand ring finger, but at the airport on my way to attend BYU for the very first time, my wise older sister advised me to switch it to my right-hand. "You wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea." So, I did. And it's been on my right-hand ever since.

It's a blue star sapphire and it once belonged to mom. She gave it to me when I was a young teenager. I wore it every so often, but it didn't become a permanent fixture on my hand until I was 16. I was visiting Utah for the first time, there to see a friend, see my sister (& her new fiance) and attend the ever popular EFY. I was gone for an entire month, which was the longest I had ever been away from home, ever. Those who know me should not be surprised when I say that I was extremely homesick.

One day I pulled out the ring - classic, simple and beautiful, just like my mother. I put it on and each time I looked at my hand, I was reminded of her and I was comforted. I have worn it ever since. I've come to love this ring. I love the hidden star that shines clearly in bright light. I love the simplistic setting of the stone. I love the rich blue color that never fades. I love that it reminds me of my mother.

So, imagine my horror when the other night I lost this ring which has become so dear to me. We were playing a game, a somewhat silly game, where the knocking of my ring on the table was an interference. So, I took it off and stuck it in my pocket. Right before I was about to leave, I reached in my pocket to find that the ring was no longer there. I searched every pocket on my person...three times. I searched the floor, and then frantically enlisted others for their help. I was almost in tears as our search proved futile. But, I wouldn't stop looking. And finally, Victoria saved the day when she found it hiding behind the stand-up poster of Steve Young. I was very happy.

I wear a ring that reminds me of my mother because every day I try to be like her. I don't know if she knows that. I don't think I've ever told her the story of why I first put her ring on so many years ago as a shy and unsure 16 year old, feeling scared and alone. The past 10 years I've had many similar moments, and each time it's my mother who helps me through. And though it's a simple piece of jewelry, it paints a beautiful image in my mind of the wonderful woman who has shaped my life, and the kind of woman I want to be.

2008-11-20T17:26:00.005-05:00

A true Mormon mis-"conception."

Today at work a client asked me the following question:

"So, how do Mormons believe that babies are conceived?"

I'm sure I gave a confused look as I explained that Mormons believe that babies are conceived exactly the way babies are conceived. Then to make sure he understood, but without being too graphic, I added, "Physically there is only one way. We know that just like the rest of the world."

"Oh, okay."

He walked away content.

I walked away giggling. Really?

Li La Li (Pshhh) Li La Li Li Li La Li

2008-11-04T13:02:00.001-05:00

Step 1: Fight for the song book
Step 2: Pick the perfect song
Step 3: Belt it out
Step 4: Add a few dance moves
Step 5: Repeat

I had a great birthday party this year ... a karaoke party, an "April-oke" party as my dear friends dubbed it. Kristy and Brittany were kind enough to host it at their Georgetown crib and it was a really great party. There was a good showing of friends and a fair amount of karaoke going on. They sang HB to me, I made a perfect wish and blew out the candle on my personal cheesecake (which I didn't eat due to goal #2 on the 26 things to do this year). I was then urged to karaoke the next song on cue, which happened to be "Takin' Care of Business," but I happen to hardly know that song, so it was not my finest hour. After the main party died down, we kept rockin' into the night...literally we didn't stop til 2 am. I'm talking show tunes, S&G and kick lines to New York, NY. It was absolutely a riot and I had a blast!

A big thanks to everyone who came and especially B & K for throwing such a fab affair!

This is How We Do It

2008-11-03T12:55:00.006-05:00

I had the most fun this year with our Halloween costumes. Perhaps you remember our Christmas greeting from last year. Pure inspiration and one week of intense paper mache-ing and a Halloween miracle took place. We debuted our costumes at the annual barn dance. I danced the night away as best I could with no arms in a big, giant ball. I had myself a Halloween to remember.

October...but you go on

2008-11-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

I love October. It is my favorite month. And sadly, it is now over. But it was just as good as it always is. That's why I love October.

I also love Halloween, at least most things about Halloween. I don't like haunted houses with people running after me with chain saws or 7 foot gorillas ready to pounce. You gotta wonder about people who CHOOSE to work there.

But here are the things I do love about Halloween, October, and the beginning of Fall.

pumpkins

costumes

picking apples

crisp air

football season

homemade cider

festive parties

colorful leaves

I got a headstart on celebrations at the Brick House halloween party. I used to live at the Brick House for a year and half when I first moved to DC. I loved that house so it was fun to be there remembering exact memories.

The party was fantastic. Emme and I dressed up in her old tu-tus from when she was 14. I never was a dancer, though secretly I always did want to prance around in those little outfits. The Brick House is a perfect setting and was decorated with spider webs in all the right places. They even had a photographer doing photo shoots of everyone's costume. It quickly turned into a dance party and since I love to shake it, I spent the rest of the night on the dance floor. I even played DJ for a bit (Africa and Buddy Holly...too classic to pass up).

Here are the photo highlights:

At the gas station - of all the rotten times for the credit card machine to say "see attendant." Lucky for me, he loved the tu-tu.

My favorite stop light

The amazing hosts at the Brick House.

The photo shoot

Shakin' it

Emme is a real dancer. I am a fake dancer.

This might be my favorite picture of all time. So much for looking tough.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2008-10-28T11:03:00.004-04:00

The other day I was going through my "trash" on my computer to permanently delete some items. I found some hilarious pictures of my two little sisters, Becca and Abbie. It seems they were using photobooth and tried to hide the evidence in the trash. Caught!!! Red-handed! It definitely brightened my day to find their goofy pictures. I love you Beck and Abbikins!

The Next Thing on My List

2008-10-21T16:48:00.010-04:00

The votes are in. They have been counted and recounted.

And the winning list is "26 things to do while I'm 26." And to my darling sister Abbie....someday I will tell you 26 things you don't know about me.

I've thought a lot about this list today as there are many things that I hope to accomplish. Some things I can't define completely at this time. Some can be accomplished by fulfilling a skill. Others may require more than just this year to master. Some things I was hesitant to put on the list, as if I was saving it for some special reason, the same way I'd save a new outfit, waiting to unveil it at just the right event. But sometimes in saving things, I miss out. So, I came up with a list that includes things I've wanted to do, things I want to continue to do and things that will challenge me in every way. I think Toby Keith said it best: "Why put off for tomorrow, what I could get done today."

1. visit somewhere new, outside the United States

2. get back to my college weight (and maintain it)

3. buy a digital SLR camera

4. get those glasses/contacts the eye dr. said I needed

5. run a marathon

6. read my scriptures every day

7. watch the 6 hour version of Pride and Prejudice

8. plant my own herbs

9. take a dance class

10. learn how to use photoshop

11. visit Nashville (perhaps while doing number 5)

12. get married

13. continue my education

14. learn and perfect one challenging piano piece

15. give away a Book of Mormon

16. try out for American Idol (just once)

17. learn to make homemade ravioli

18. give up resetting my alarm in the morning

19. see a need, fill it, repeat

20. start the personal history of my mom and dad

21. learn italian (at least start)

22. give up wasting time

23. go parasailing

24. hug and kiss more often

25. sacrifice

26. live my life

Yes, it's gonna be a good year after all.

Sixteen (+10) Candles Make a Lovely Light

2008-10-21T11:42:00.008-04:00

I'm turning 26 tomorrow.

In celebration, I was going to do a special blog post, but I started writing and the list ideas overflowed so that I couldn't decide which list to make.

The choice is now up to you.

On my birthday, I will post a list, comprising of 26 items. What would you like the list to... well, list.

26 things you don't know about me
26 things I want to do while I'm 26
26 things I've learned in 26 years
26 reasons I've enjoyed being 25
26 reasons I hate getting older
26.......fill in the blank!

So, time for a vote, since it is voting season. Let me know which list you want to see.

And for a little Tuesday treat, here's a quick "Cartwheel experiment" update. Things were going pretty well. I even included some of my co-workers and clients, which has resulted in a few inter-office cartwheel contests. Life was good. Then I sprained my ankle last week playing tennis. Honestly, it was the first time I've ever sprained my ankle. I may have thought in the past that I had sprained my ankle, but now I know those were mere twists. Suffice it to say that the "cartwheel a day" has been suspended while my left ankle returns to a normal size. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to bringing back "The Sprain," a dance made popular by Lisa Turtle and Screech, at this year's Halloween barn dance. You won't want to miss it.

Broken, Yet Moving Still

2008-10-12T23:57:00.003-04:00

It's amazing the power that music has in my life and the powerful memories and feelings that flood into my life from one simple melody. Sometimes it creates energy, helping me finish an 8 mile race. Other times is brings the spirit, helping me worship with conviction. It makes me laugh and cry. Every song a memory, every playlist a connected event, every lyric capturing how I felt, how I feel, what I hope to one day...

The other night I was with some good friends. We had a fun cook out, then we sat around the patio sharing parts of ourselves, answering questions - how dorky were you as a child? what's your favorite birthday memory? what movie makes you cry? what's your theme song? what song makes your heart hurt?

Tonight in the process of organizing my itunes music (maybe the question should be how dorky am I now?) I came across a song I hadn't heard since it was first introduced to me...and it made my heart hurt, really hurt. I'm still listening to it, like perhaps overplaying it will make it just another song, disconnecting it from the memory that is bringing the pain. It's a happy moment, maybe one of the best, and perhaps that's why it hurts.

It's hard to know that certain moments will never be the same. It's aches to remember moments where I was at my best, where I was who I wanted to be and wonder if I'll ever be there again. Will I be awakened and alive the way I was at that moment? Will I feel such certainty? Will it finally be right?

I hope in that moment a new song will be playing.

And the difference will be I won't have to replay it alone.

Baby Love, my Baby Love

2008-10-03T12:39:00.007-04:00

Life doesn't get much cuter than this, folks. Here's baby Jack, on his blessing day, looking so handsome. He's growing fast, but still little enough that he likes to snuggle up close and not wiggle around. I love that.

Runnin' runnin' and runnin' runnin'

2008-09-29T16:39:00.009-04:00

This weekend was the annual Akron Marathon in the great city of Akron, OH. This was my second year to participate in the event. Last year I ran my very first half-marathon with my sister Nikki. This year, we both joined a relay team and ran the 12k anchor leg.

It was a fun day. It started out perfect with homemade whole wheat pumpkin pancakes by my wonderful mom. Then we met a very friendly fellow on the shuttle to our starting point. Then we stood in a 2 mile long line for the bathroom. The weather was very nice for a 7.6 mile run, with only a mild chill in the air. The worst part of the race was waiting for my team member to come through so I could start. There was no way to tell when she would come so my nerves were getting the best of me. Plus my muscles were getting cold which added to my anxiousness. They were calling out numbers over the speaker, but the numbers were coming so fast, it was hard to tell if my number was one of them. Thankfully, I noticed her right away.

The first mile was rough, I think because I was so nervous and my legs felt shaky. The beginning of a long race is mentally tough for me, to remind myself not to think of how many miles I have to go and to just enjoy the run. I stuck by my motto: "slow and steady finishes the race." I was able to run the whole thing and didn't even stop during the water stations...just hurriedly tilted the cup towards my mouth hoping to get a good enough drink. I love that all of the neighbors sit outside to cheer on the runners. The course was a little different than the 1/2 marathon course and I actually liked it a lot better. We got to run through the grounds of Stan Hywett Hall. There's also a great downhill stretch with about 2 miles left where you run into downtown Akron past many of the shops and restaurants. It was then that I understood what "runner's high" meant. But, to assure my humility, the last mile kicked my bum. Still, nothing beats running into a stadium full of people shouting your name. Okay, so maybe it was only my family screaming my name, but it still felt good and I'm really glad they came to support me. In an effort to keep up with my "cartwheel experiment," I told my family I would try to cartwheel down the homestretch, but when the time came I could not follow through due to shaky ankles and a desire to not fall flat on my face. Maybe next time...

Other highlights include: Getting my Michelob Ultra with my beer ticket after the race. I ran just as hard as everyone so I though I should cash in on the goods. I wasn't actually going to drink it, maybe just marinate some brats in it or something...but my mom threw it away. Our matching orange shirts - combined with my black shorts and bright green shoes, I looked like I was dressed for Halloween. The neighborhood folks passing out cut up apples to the runners...gotta love those friendly neighbors. Having my ipod for the whole race, even though technically you are not supposed to use them. But technically, it helps me! More pumpkin pancakes after the race. Having my whole family (minus a few key members) with me after the race.

It was a good run. A good run indeed.

You Can Do It (Put Your Back into It)

2008-09-10T09:19:00.010-04:00

I was incredibly glued to the Olympics this year, especially the women's gymnastics. Like most, it has been one of my favorite events. One night, after hours of sitting in front of the TV watching gymnastics, we got inspired that we could actually do some of those moves. So out to the hallway we went to fulfill our secret gymnastic desires. My floor routine consisted of a simple cartwheel, followed by the more advanced round-off. We were having a great time, until Sutton's jeans ripped. Oops! Perhaps we should have changed into our red, white and blue velvet body suits before we started.

This got me to thinking - at 25 it is still relatively easy to do a cartwheel, though it had been years since I had last attempted and I know my form was not as graceful as it was when I was 8. And then I thought, how sad if one day I wake up and I can no longer do a cartwheel. What is it that causes our bodies to not be able to do things we once could? Part of it is our bodies grow old and they deteriorate and aren't as strong as they once were. But, if we keep working our muscles and stay active, we can slow down this process right?

So, I submit to you April's Cartwheel experiment. My hypothesis is this: If I do a cartwheel every day of my life, then I will always be able to do a cartwheel. I will be an 80 year cartwheeling woman. Obviously, this is a very longitudinal study and the actual results will not be conclusive for another 55 years. But, I'm going to test it out. If you want to join me, please do. If you want to share in your findings - is it getting easier, is your form improving, are you doing it every day, have you cartwheeled anywhere exotic - please do! Take pictures and share!

As for me, I will be cartwheeling through life from now on. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This

2008-09-09T21:52:00.004-04:00

What do you like least about this kiss?

1. The excess saliva around her mouth
2. The single tear
3. The way her eyes go cross as she looks from his eyes to his mouth
4. The number of times she kisses the air before actually making contact with his lips

5. All of thee above

Didn't I tell you...worst kiss EVER!!

Some Beach, Somwhere....

2008-09-06T14:50:00.024-04:00

We spent the weekend at the beach for Labor Day. In one word, it was lovely. And sunny. And hilarious. Okay, that was three words, but it's really hard to sum up a fantastic weekend in just one word.

Friday night we were anticipating rain, but Heather willed it away, and by mid-morning Saturday, the sun was shining brightly over Ocean City and we were basking away, one last effort for a golden glow before the end of the summer. I spent a good amount of time swimming in the ocean to cool off, even though the waves were wild.

Later that day, we checked into our condo to find that it was perfect. It was on the top floor, a block from the beach with lots of natural light. We played numerous rounds of Catch Phrase while we waited for all 13 of us to de-sand and shower. There were only 2 showers, so you can imagine how long we were playing. But, I haven't laughed that hard in that game, ever! "It's a full moon. You're a grown boy who turns into a feral animal..." I'm not laughing as hard right now, but trust me it was funny! And a big shout out to Micah who assisted me in my time(s) of need. No, we weren't cheating. He was just being a good friend.

Watching the sunset from our balcony

Once we had our fill of Skittles and Peanut M&Ms, we headed out on the town for some delectable seafood - crabs, of course. YUM! Jon and I opted to split the dozen crabs and I'm glad we did...I could have never finished them all on my own. Maria, master crab opener, showed me the tricks of the crab mallet, and we felt like little scavengers as we pounded, cracked and peeled out that delectable meat! Another big shout out to Steph for pulling my hair back when my hands were crab covered, and allowing me to more effectively dive into that seafood goodness.

Beach Goers (minus E-rock...I don't know how he missed this)

Crab Feast

The rest of the evening went as follows: watching the worst movie kiss, actually the worst kiss of all time in Jane Austen's Pesuasion. Watch it for a hearty laugh and then do the exact opposite when you actually kiss someone. Contemplating whether to wake up Stephanie peacefully sleeping on the couch to get us some laffy taffy. I finally retrieved the bucket and luckily Steph woke up in time to enjoy some taffy thats laffy! A little pillow talk then off to dreamland.

Entertaining Pillow Talk

Sunday we took a leisurely drive to church. It was beautiful weather and we listened to Christmas music on the way home while making plans to dance with someone we love to "Christmas Time is Here" under the Christmas lights with the lingering scent of pine. Doesn't that sound delightful? We had a nice discussion on relationships and learned more about what not to do when kissing.

We crowded in the kitchen after church and it felt much like every Sunday at home - reaching for the nearest snack and then trading with the person next to you until you've all consumed unknown amounts of skittles, sun chips, popcorn, peanut m&m's, bagels and frozen fruit cups. We walked to the beach and I tried to nap on the sand, but it was a bit hard as the wind kept blowing up my Sunday best, not to mention it was HOT! So, we stood with our feet in the water instead.

Notice anything funny about this?

We prepared a delicious Sunday dinner together and it felt much like we lived in a musical, the musical being Mamma Mia! I like that I have friends who burst out into song, and I like that everyone joins in. Our tacos and rice were so good and a nice change to the loads of sugar I had been consuming.

After dinner entertainment consisted of NERTZ, lots and lots of rounds of NERTZ. Turns out this card game brings out hidden sides of everyone. Actual quotes include"I'll put out" and "What the eff?" We'll leave those as anonymous to protect the innocent. Let's just say Maria and I developed a nice system that put us hundreds of points above our competition. And for that I give a big shout out to Maria.

NERTZ champions!

We went to Seacrets that evening to watch some fireworks, then took an enchanting stroll on the beach. The tide was very high so we rolled up our pants, kicked off our flops (which almost got swept away during a cartwheel contest) and strolled along. It was so relaxing.

Back at the condo we munched some more - leftover tacos, cereal and chocolate chip cookies. We sat around and tried to play the sign game, but it didn't work out too well as certain players were sending out multiple signs. We opted for Catch Phrase and perhaps the best answer was given as I was trying to describe "Red China." Heather chimed in with "Beijing Pink." Close enough! Steph treated me to a massage and we giggled into the night. Or laughed hysterically. It was real fun.

Monday, our last day of fun in the sun was spent appropriately at the beach. The waves were vicious, stronger than I've ever experienced. But I couldn't resist them and though I was getting thrashed, I kept going back for more. More than a few times I was knocked over and was twisted in multiple directions under the water. The water is very powerful. I took a long "laying out" break. Some played bocce, some read, some stayed in the water...it was a very relaxed day. Nikki treated us to fresh made grilled cheese and the best milkshake. A tasty shout out to Nikki for the best beach lunch ever (I think Maria helped). I spent some more time in the waves, but was too nervous to try boogie boarding. The waves were too crazy and then the lifeguard told us we were going to get swept by the rip tide. It was definitely time to head in for the day.

Showered and clean we all headed out around 5:00. One quick stop at The Candy Kitchen which is almost like Candyland in real life and we were on the road. It was definitely a much needed vacation and a final shout out to Nikki, Brittany, Kristy, Claire, Heather, Micah, Mark, Joseph, Jon, Stephanie, Maria, Zach, Andrew and Eric. Thanks for a great weekend!

Trying to Make a Move

2008-08-29T18:00:00.005-04:00

I'm huddled in the corner of our living room right now, literally in the only piece of remaining furniture in our house. All around me, this is what I see.

Normally such a mess would be causing me anxiety, but right now it doesn't even make me flinch. I'm just so glad to be sitting. We've been in moving mode for the past two weeks, but the past two days have been non-stop packing, cleaning and loading and my whole body is aching.

It's not that I hate moving, in fact I tend to enjoy the process of going through everything I own and ridding myself of unnecessary things. There is something satisfying about organizing all my belongings in plastic tubs. And then comes the even more rewarding task of decorating a new space and setting up everything just perfectly.

Unfortunately for me, this move is not quite normal, nor rewarding. I don't get to decorate a new space just yet, unless you count the very aesthetic row of boxes that I piled in my 5 by 10 storage unit. I must say, the bright blue garage-like door really does wonders with my plastic tubs. Yes, there are decisions up in the air right now that are forcing me to be living out of a few suitcases for an indefinite amount of time. And there are unknowns in my life making it hard for me to feel settled. I am anticipating a few hard weeks at least.

Were it just living out of boxes, I'm sure I could manage. But the worst part comes in leaving the Flanders house where I have felt so much happiness and joy. I have lived with three remarkable women. I have found daily joy in sharing the events of their lives. I am thankful for their example in my life and will miss their energy and spirit.

My chair is no longer here as it had to be taken to Goodwill and I am now sitting on the bare wooden floor. Life is hard.

That Kind of Music Just Soothes the Soul

2008-08-13T10:17:00.005-04:00

My summer concert series just keeps getting better. American Idol...on TOUR. My friend won tickets from 107.3 FM and I was lucky enough to come along. We loved it. I wasn't a faithful watcher of the show this season as last year's results left me questioning America's ability to choose the best idol (I don't know Jordin, how are you supposed to breathe with no air?).

Anyway, I feel my limited idol knowledge made me a pretty fair judge of the performers, so here's my recap of Season 7 top 10 idol performances.

Chikezie - looked smokin' in his purple velvet blazer. Energetic and alive on stage. Always on key. Not sure why he got kicked off at number 10.

Ramiele - She was so not memorable that I had to look up her name just so I could write this. Blah!!! That's all I have to say about her.

Michael - Loved him! Sounded amazing. Performed well. Plus he sang We are the Champions, and it was one of the highlights of the evening.

Kristy Lee Cook - Sure, she can look good in a tight top and white pants, and that is admirable, but this is about singing and I know she didn't get to number 6 because of her singing abilities. She's probably a good person, but I'm only saying that because I feel bad saying her singing stinks.

Carly - Her 3 songs were 3 too many. Good song choice. Poor execution. And she told lame jokes.

Brooke - She's cute and she has a pretty voice, but I don't think her song choices were right for the event. Regardless, she performed them well and is very talented. I hope she has future success.

Jason - He's folky. I like folky

Syesha - She's got style and she's good. Real good. Too bad real good leaves you in third place.

David Archuleta - It was hard to tell over the pre-pubescent screaming, but I think he really is worth all the hype. The kid can sing. His voice is beautiful. He was a little awkward on stage, but I guess that adds to his endearing nature. I really did love him.

David Cook - Really enjoyed him. He seemed natural on stage and he has a great voice. He might try a teensy bit too hard with his rock star image. His shirt said BAD, but I have a hard time believing that...he seemed too nice to be bad. He was great.

We had a great time, but I only wish Simon Cowell would have been there. I took lots of videos and pictures, but this one is the best. The girls were seriously out of control when David Archuleta took the stage. It was amazing.

This next video is for my sister Nikki. She loves David Cook so I took it specifically for her, but I really like this song too. David Cook was also well loved by the ladies.

Sweet Dreams Little Man

2008-08-07T12:40:00.010-04:00

This past weekend I had the chance to be with my sister Amy while she delivered her new baby boy, Jack. I've been joking that I would be at the delivery for this baby (and her last one too) in an effort to prepare me for the unknowns of motherhood, but wasn't sure I was actually going to make it. A week before my scheduled vacation she called and told me I should start driving because she was dialated to a 4. I prayed the baby would hold out...and he did. He didn't arrive until the following Saturday, extending my Ohio trip 2 days. But, it was worth it.

I wasn't sure what to expect and thought I would be quite grossed out, but actually I was fascinated by the whole process and truly witnessed a miracle. I am glad I got to see everything and I'm glad that Amy and Art let me share in their moment as they became parents for the 4th time. Amy had a midwife, Sue, who will deliver my children because she was amazing. The whole day was great...minus watching my sister in intense, uncontrollable pain.

After Jack was born, my 3 nieces came in to meet their new brother. When 3 year old Ava looked up at Amy and in her sweetest voice asked, "Mommy, are you going to bring home our baby brudder?" I knew for certain that the all the pain I had just witnessed was worth it.

I made a video documenting the event. It's my first one so please forgive any rough transitions. But, I like how it turned out. I only wish I could have done this for all of my nieces and nephews.

Goodbye Earl

2008-08-05T18:15:00.004-04:00

I'll be back to my regularly scheduled blogging soon, but for now please enjoy this video. All I can say is when you are stuck in traffic for over an hour, you will find some way to entertain yourself.

Doin a Little East Coast Song!

2008-07-21T10:32:00.007-04:00

One of the first cds I ever owned was "II" by Boyz II Men. I LOVED that album (I still have it actually) and I loved Boyz II Men. So imagine my excitement when I found out that the original (minus one) Boyz II Men would be performing a concert at Six Flags. One ticket into the park would get you into this show plus all the rollercoasters you could stand. I was in!!!

Definitely it fulfilled all my junior high dreams. I loved this concert. SO. MUCH.

Saturday was the hottest day of the decade. Ask anyone and they will tell you I'm not exaggerating. We stood dripping in the sun, waiting to get into the theater, a little disappointed because we were running late and word on the street was they had already played Motown Phillly. But as soon as we got inside I realized that this concert was not going to disappoint. They did an energetic Motown mix before taking us on a Boyz II Men rewind with all of the classics: I'll Make Love to You, Water Runs Dry, End of the Road...just to name a few. I was loving every minute.

So, their choreography is a little cheesy and they were singing to recorded tracks which definitely brought them back to their original decade, but seriously? I don't know why they aren't still popular. They sounded so good and put on a very entertaining show.

And, to make the night even more fulfilling, they finished the show out with another round of Motown Philly so we got to hear it after all and you better believe it never skipped a beat, na!

I took a lot of videos at the show, but unfortunately the sound quality decreased with each video, and the only reason I can think of is because I was running out of memory. But I'll post a couple anyway just so you can see. The first one is part of the Motown mix - please enjoy the dancing!! The second one is I'll Make Love to You. It's a little shaky because I was trying to zoom in too close and also because there was a woman in front of me who kept waving her hand in front of my camera, but you'll be able to see them wooing the crowds with their roses. And yes, that's me that says, "I am so in love right now."

It's true!

And With a Little Luck

2008-07-11T09:59:00.006-04:00

Last year I got to see Brad Paisley in concert for the first time. It was extremely spontaneous and a little miraculous that it fell into place just so.

It was Friday morning and I had a flight scheduled to fly home to Ohio that evening after work, around 8:30 pm. My sister Amy called me at work and said she had a great idea but that I would need to be a little flexible. Brad Paisley was performing at Blossom that night and they were having last minute deals on a 4 pack of tickets.

"So, if you leave right now, we can all make it to the concert in time," she told me.

I'm not sure why I didn't tell her that was a crazy idea, probably because I do love Brad Paisley. Instead I said, "Let me see what I can do and I'll call you back."

Within 10 minutes I had called the airline and switched my flight to leave earlier at no charge (I love Southwest) and convinced my boss to let me leave the office basically right then. I grabbed my bags, headed to BWI, had no flight problems and was in Cleveland by 6. My other sister Nikki was waiting to pick me up and we headed straight to blossom. I changed from my work clothes in the back of her van and we were smooth sailing. We did hit a little traffic, causing us to miss Taylor Swift's performance, but we were ready when Brad came out playing his paisley guitar. It was a really fun concert!

Amy, Nikki and me at the concert

I'm thinking about this because tomorrow night I get to go see Brad Paisley again, although I've had my ticket for at least 3 months. Even though it won't be spontaneous, it is going to be super fun. Chuck Wicks - my new found love - is opening, along with country's newest singer Jewel??? I don't know about that one. I will be sure to post pictures of our smokin' outfits. Really, I can't wait!

There Ain't No Doubt, I Love this Land

2008-07-05T22:00:00.003-04:00

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Really really it is!

I can't think of a better place to spend it than here in our nation's capitol, and this is the 3rd year in a row that I've had that privilege. It is grand.

I started my All American week off on Monday by attending an Oriole's game. It's been my goal to get to Camden Yards since I've been in the DC area and I finally made it! It helps that I now have friends in Baltimore. The Stadium actually reminds me a lot of "The Jake" and yes I know that it is now called Progressive Field, but really? Who is going to call it that? Jacobs Field is a much better name and that's how it will remain to me. Unfortunately, the Oriole's lost, to the Royals no less. They were one strike away from winning the whole thing, but in that pitch the Royals hit a home run and tied up the game. Two extra innings later, their momentum was gone and the Royals walked away with the win. I remember in one of my marketing classes talking about sporting events. We were told that the goal of the stadium is to make sure that the fans have fun, so even if the home team loses, they walk away with a good memory. Well, it would have been a much better memory if I would have got on the "Kiss Cam" but for the most part, Camden Yards succeeded and I had a great time.

Tuesday I had the chance to see the show 'Mamma Mia.' Some could argue that a show written by a British playwright featuring music from a Swedish pop group is not necessarily All American, but we did see it at the National Theater so I'm counting it. I met up with friends where we grabbed a bite from the Corner Bakery. I had the Chicken Poblano on sourdough - chicken, jicama, avacado, touch of lime - mmm, I'm still thinking about its tastiness. The show was incredibly fun. Sophie, the main character had a beautiful voice, and the music kept me dancing in my seat. It definitely made me excited to see the movie which will be coming to theaters near you very shortly.

Before the show

After 2 late nights during the work week, I decided Wednesday was a good day to follow in another All American tradition: being completely lazy. I got home from work, slipped into something more comfortable and turned on a movie Hitch. I have a serious crush on Kevin James

Thursday was a beautiful night. The weather cooperated perfectly so that we could attend the dress rehearsal for "A Capitol Fourth." They have a great show every year on the Capitol and I've learned it's MUCH less crowded to attend the dress rehearsal on the 3rd. It definitely put me in the patriotic spirit with cannons, rousing music by the National Symphony Orchestra and appearances from members of the U.S. Olympic teams. Huey Lewis and the News, Taylor Hicks and Jerry Lee Lewis were a few of the other main performers. Seeing Jerry Lee Lewis perform 'Great Balls of Fire' was absolutely legendary. And pizza from UNO at Union Station topped the night off perfectly. There is one thing I really wish would happen at 4th of July events, which is this: for the emcee to ask everyone to join in singing America, the Beautiful or better yet God Bless the USA! The symphony could accompany and the singing would fill the whole national mall. It would be incredible. I wonder why logistically we don't do that?

With friends at the Capitol

Imagine if all these people were singing...

The actual 4th was a long and wonderful day. It started with the annual breakfast at our bishop's home, complete with pancakes, watermelon and 60 pounds of bacon (no joke!). There is always a lot going on - tennis, swimming, a few softball games and soccer. This year there was even some boccie ball. I got to spend time with some great friends. I went home to slip into something a bit more patriotic before heading downtown for the fireworks. Not long into our walk from the metro to the Jefferson memorial, it started to pour. Thankfully, P had an extra poncho which kept me relatively dry. We met up with some friends at the Jefferson and morale was still high despite the weather. The rain stopped in time for the fireworks show, which was awesome. Fireworks significantly enhance an already amazing holiday. It was really fun. There is another thing that I hope for at the end of all firework shows and that is this: for fireworks to spell out God Bless America! or Happy 4th of July! in the sky at the very end of the show. It's never happened yet, but someday maybe it will. Probably the same year we all sing together at Independence day events.

Independance day beauties!

P was saluting b/c we look like the American flag - minus the stars!

It was a little wet!

I have tall friends, some who suggest that the poncho made me look like a smurf (accuser is not pictured).

We walked from the Jefferson to a friends house in Chinatown...it was a trek and really I lost track of how much time we were walking, but I'm sure the blisters on my feet remember. There was a rooftop party of which we caught the tail end. We took the metro home and as we were all starving made a late night Wendy's run, finishing off my All American week with an All-American Classic single with cheese.

Happy Fourth of July!

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily

2008-06-30T11:02:00.001-04:00

My family came to visit me in the middle of June and we had a really nice trip. We had perfect weather for site seeing, much better than the humid mess we had when they came last June. One of my favorite activities we did was the pedal boats at the Tidal Basin. It was so much fun, and quite the leg workout. Mom sat out so she wouldn't get motion sickness. And Abbie sat out because she didn't think it looked as fun as the rest of us. We did sing "Row, row, row your boat" in a round to keep us entertained. But I guess we should have changed it to "Pedal, pedal, pedal your boat..."

I Found it on EBAY

2008-06-26T14:52:00.008-04:00

Does anyone else find this shot glass a little ironic?

BYU - rated the #1 Stone Cold Sober School in the Princeton Review (also took #1 spot in the "Got Milk?" and "Scotch and Soda, Hold the Scotch" categories).

Thank you Ebay. My shot glass collection is officially complete.

Monday, Monday

2008-06-23T16:40:00.005-04:00

Awhile back I mentioned some of my favorite things. But today, in the spirit of Monday (my least favorite day of the entire week), I've been thinking of some of my unfavorite things, my list of dislikes.

So here it is, the world would be a better place without the following things:

Alarms. Bumper Stickers. Carrots. Doing dishes. Earwax. Freezing Weather. Good-byes. Hot Dogs. Ironing. Jellyfish. Kool-aid. Losing Things. Mosquitos. Nylons. Overeating. Public restrooms. Queasiness. Rodents. Shaving. Tiredness. UTI's. Velour. Whiskers on Kittens. Xyster. Yelling. Zits.

When You Think Tim McGraw

2008-06-19T10:08:00.005-04:00

There is something about a man in tight pants and a cowboy hat...especially if that man is Tim McGraw.

We went to his concert this weekend and it was so fun. We got stuck in a little bit of traffic and then went past our exit by a good 20 miles. When we finally got to Nissan I was feeling a bit ansty so I skipped our planned tailgate and went straight inside to meet up with a few other friends. Jason Aldean opened and gave a great performance. Of course Tim brought the heat and the crowd went wild for him.

I love Tim's music, but he only played a few of my favorites. And he definitely didn't play some of the classics that I was hoping for, which was a little disappointing. But then again, watching Tim on stage is never disappointing.

Highlights of the concert include -
1. Having a half-naked drunk man offer to give me a proper dance lesson because he "reckoned" I never had one.
2. Where the Green Grass Grows - enough said!
3. A tasty cheeseburger with Swedish Fish for dessert. Yum.
4. Throwing cherry seeds into some country guys mouth to entertain ourselves while we were caught in traffic.
5. Did I mention Tim was wearing tight pants?

Running Just As Fast As We Can

2008-06-10T16:25:00.008-04:00

Saturday was the annual Race for the Cure on the National Mall. I ran it last year and had so much fun that I couldn't wait to run it again this year.

That was until my alarm clock went off at 6:30 am on Saturday morning. I laid in bed almost convincing myself to Sleep in for the Cure. But knowing that my friends would be waiting for me at the metro, I got my bum in gear and headed downtown even earlier than I do on a normal work day.

The metro was buzzing and everyone was wearing their new race t-shirts (except Micah. I suppose it was because the pink and purple breast cancer symbols didn't match his red hat). Once there, I was immediately glad that I didn't sleep in. Races are so fun and energizing.

The weather was ridiculously hot and the air was barely breathable it was so thick. Once downtown, we could barely see the base of the Washington monument. The rest was covered in thick, humid air. Lucky for us, Condoleeza Rice was there with her personal trainer, leading us in stretches that made us forget we were sweating profusely.

It was a great race. My running buddies - Stephanie, Hilary and Micah - kept me energized to the very end. Yoplait provided us with fizzy gogurt which proved to be a better cold pack than as an edible substance. There were no breast cancer hats for which we were all very sad. But we didn't run into the creepy Ronald McDonald for which we were all very grateful.

I went straight home and rewarded myself with a little Nap for the Cure. No more breast cancer!

I missed the pretend phone memo

Early Metro Smiles

Ready to Run

Hot and sweaty but feeling good after the race

"B" for breast cancer

2008-06-06T11:26:00.012-04:00

I'm sure as loyal readers you've diligently been checking my blog only to be disappointed as you've wondered where I've been.

Well, be disappointed no more. Here's a photo highlight of what I've been up to the past two weeks.

Driving to the Outerbanks

Poolside Cookouts

4 wheeling on the dunes

Sea Kayaking

Playing Tambourine with the Caribbean Steel Drum Band

Poolside Parties

Marathon nights of Rock Band

Relaxing at the beach with some of my favorites

Visiting some of my best friends from BYU

Attending Brent and Stephanie's wedding

Spending quality time with my best friends

Visiting the fabulous Las Vegas

Lots of dancing

Receiving balloon gifts from crazy man on the Strip

Cruising down the Strip in the Party Bus

Watching my favorite - the Bellagio water show

Excuse me, Mr. Officer

2008-05-17T14:38:00.003-04:00

The first time I ever heard about DuPont Circle was in the movie The American President. I'm tempted to digress to tell you about why this is one of my favorite chick flicks, but I'll save you the spoilers so you can watch it yourself, if you have not already seen it.

However, there's a running joke in the movie about the traffic in DuPont Circle. "Just stay away from DuPont Circle. I hear it's murder this time of day." When I first moved to DC, that quote went through my head whenever I was near DuPont, and I quickly learned the movie was not far off from the truth. DuPont Circle is a highly congested area, especially during rush hour.

But, it's also one of the most charming and energetic parts of town. Last night, my roommates and I decided to go to dinner at Lauriol Plaza in DuPont and for some reason, I decided to drive rather than walk the 10 blocks that it is from my office. Big Mistake! I spent 30 minutes driving around looking for parking. Once I finally found a spot, I became incredibly flustered. A man in a big white truck pulled up beside me, trying to convince me I was about to take his spot. Are you kidding? This is my spot. I found it. I'm taking it. That's what I told him and the smile in his eye made me realize he was actually just teasing me, but I wasn't in the mood for jokes.

We had a lovely dinner and we stuffed ourselves full of Lauriol goodness. But, as we walked to my car, I became increasingly nervous because I could not remember where I parked my car. I know that I walked down Riggs so we started there, but an hour and a half later we were still walking and my car was nowhere to be found. My patient roommates were so helpful and encouraging, not complaining at all, even reminding me that at least we got to walk around and see all the beautiful houses (and walk off our dinner too)!

We decided we needed to make a decision on what to do. We could metro home and drive back down to cover more ground faster in a car, but that would take a lot of time. We could hail a taxi and hope we found the car before the fare became too outrageous. Or better yet, we could ask the cop that was driving by. I quickly flagged him down. At first I wasn't sure he was going to help, but after explaining my desperate plight, he told me he had to respond to a call 2 blocks away, but if we waited he would come back and help us.

We laughed on the corner about the whole situation until he returned. I explained more of the details to him and then we all popped in the car, me in the front and my three roommates in the back. My favorite part was when he reported in on his radio: "On the corner of New Hampshire and R. Flagged down by a citizen. Helping to locate vehicle."

That's me - citizen in need.

Thank you Officer Martinez.

Stranded at the Drive - In

2008-05-08T16:32:00.005-04:00

I've spent the past 25 years, wanting to go to a drive - in movie. They are hard to come by these days. According to www.driveintheaters.com, there are only 2 drive-in theaters in the whole state of Maryland. One of them happens to be the historic Bengies located in Baltimore, just a quick 45 minute drive from my house. I went with some friends in hopes of seeing the main feature, Iron Man.

From the minute we arrived, there was something odd about this place. Maybe it was the man at the gate that firmly reminded us the speed limit was 5 mph. Or, maybe it was the brightly painted signs, explaining their extensive rules everywhere you turned. And if you somehow missed the signs, they made sure each car had a copy of the rules.

"No obscene language will EVER be tolerated." "No outside food permitted unless you have a food permit. If you do have a food permit do not share the food with those who do not have a food permit. No audiovisual equipment, recording devices or cameras of any kind are permitted on the premises EVER. If so, law enforcement may be involved."

These are just a few of the extensive list of rules, the breaking of such would result in expulsion from the park. We joked from the very beginning that there was no way we were going to remember all of these rules. I lamented that I left my rule list in the car on our walk to join another group of friends at their car.

We caught the tail end of The Spiderwick Chronicles, leaving me little desire to see the full movie. During intermission we took a food/bathroom break. More weirdness. 40 cents to add pickles to your hamburger. Aren't pickles standard these days?

We tried to take a group picture, but immediately after the flash, a theater worker bee-lined his way over to where we were. The conversation went something like this:

Worker that takes himself too seriously: Do you have a camera?
Us: Uh, yes
Worker that takes himself too seriously: Did you just take a picture?
Us: Yes
Worker that takes himself too seriously: Delete it!! Delete it right now!! It is a federal offense to have a camera on this property.

Well, we deleted the picture, but that didn't stop him from taking down our license plate number and calling for back up, at which point we were told to leave. We didn't put up much of a fight, though we did express our disbelief in being kicked out for taking one picture. Preston and I had to walk back to his car, and were noticeably followed by Worker that takes himself too seriously. We walked around for 15 minutes, trying to steer him off course so we could get inside the car and actually watch the movie. But when we got in the car, he was right behind us, ever so politely directing us with his mini lightsaber of power.

All in all, it was a hilarious night that ended up not as we intended, but more entertaining than we could have hoped. I don't blame Bengies, after all, we did break the rule. Who knew they were such sticklers! Sticklers or not, I'd go to their drive-in again.

Because it's been 25 years and I still have not really been to a drive-in.

Summertime, and the Livin is Easy

2008-05-02T12:24:00.006-04:00

Reason I love the summertime # 27: Cook outs

My last post got me thinking about all the other reasons that I love the summertime. Many of my favorite summertime memories, spanning from when I was a child up through college and beyond, involve a good cook out, or as I've learned can also be referred to as a Barbeque.

But we (the Flory clan) always called it a Cook Out, which I feel is a very fitting name. After all, the main event consists of cooking out. So why not call it a Cook Out?

It wasn't until I moved away from home that I learned differently. I said Cook Out and people gave me blank stares. You know, where you grill hamburgers and hot dogs and your grandma brings the macaroni salad? Oh, you mean a BBQ? No, I mean a Cook Out.

Well, as it turns out, they're exactly the same thing. Of course I'm partial to Cook Out as it's what I grew up using, but BBQ is also a fitting name and so I also may at times use it when trying to describe the goodness that is grilled meat and corn on the cob on a hot summer night.

But never, no never will you catch me calling an Elephant Ear a Scone. People may try to convince you otherwise, but they are definitely NOT the same thing.

Boy, I love semantics.

Play You Like a Record

2008-04-30T20:54:00.015-04:00

Reason I love the Summertime #62: Summer Concerts

I know it's not quite summer, but I've already got a head start on my concert going, and I have quite a few more scheduled in the upcoming months.

A few weeks ago, I went to the "Music Inspires Health" tour, featuring April Smith, Ari Hest & Ingrid Michaelson - all amazing artists. I was blown away at their talent and have been singing their songs in my head ever since. It was a really fun show and afterwards we stuck around and got to meet all of them. It was very relaxed and fun and I am happy to have new music playing in my head.

Me with April Smith

The gang in Charlottesville

Feist

Last weekend I took a last minute trip to Charlottesville with a group of good friends to see the Feist concert. They had been planning on going since Easter, however I regretedly did not buy a ticket. At the last minute, Brittany wasn't able to attend and so I bought her ticket. I am glad I did. Charlottesville is about a 2 hour drive, but that made it even better because it felt like a mini-vacation. Nikki even rented a mini-van so we could all drive down in the same car (very good choice Nikki). It poured on the drive down, but it was a beautiful drive and even better to spend the time with some great friends. Road trips are by far my favorite. You always make great memories that would never have occurred otherwise.

Like having Micah ask for tots at the drive thru of Taco Bell and Wendy's. Turns out they don't have them, which was a bummer because he and Kristy sure do love those tots.

Or Claire, making goofy faces in every single picture that was taken.

Or having an amazing car ride karaoke session to the music of Hairspray.

Or learning that Heather makes THE best peanut butter bars. Ever.

Yes, road trips are incredible.

And Feist was amazing.

2008-04-16T16:11:00.005-04:00

It's been a beautiful day today and thanks to Pope Benedict XVI, I got to spend a portion of it outside in the sun. The Pope was in Washington, DC today and in a unique and possibly once in a lifetime moment, I got to see him ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in his pope mobile.

He started the day at a welcoming ceremony at the White House, where he addressed around 13,500 people. Unfortunately I was not one of them, but thanks to many up- to-date news sources I have heard bits of what he said. Most touching to me was his remark that he hoped his presence would bring renewal and hope for the United States.

Among the masses on Pennslyvania Avenue this afternoon, I think I saw a bit of that hope. There was excitement, full congregations celebrating in dance and song, believers waiting for the chance to see this great man. I too found myself anxious for the opportunity to catch a glimpse and was glad for the brief moment as I saw him ride along. I was impressed with the thousands and thousands of people, all there for the same brief experience, to pay tribute and respect to the pope.

The picture below was taken by a co-worker. She had a much better view up above. I was down on the street level and in a rare moment - did NOT have my camera. I'm glad she got such a clear photo.

Dance, this is the way they'd love

2008-04-15T19:48:00.010-04:00

Perhaps I am biased, but I find these videos hilarious. This is my nephew Ian. He is known for always cracking a joke and making us all laugh. And he's pretty darn cute too!

Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight

2008-04-15T19:29:00.009-04:00

This was a video taken of my niece Nora at Christmas time (please don't mind the camera angle). She is quite the funny girl and I happened to catch her with a quick video. I found this the other day while going through some photos on my computer and it made me laugh really hard. I hope it does the same for you.

Nora Kate - we love you!

The Best Part of Waking Up

2008-04-10T10:09:00.005-04:00

You know it's going to be a long day when you arrive to work and the Starbucks machine is out of order. Since I don't drink coffee, this really shouldn't affect me. But, within 10 minutes of arriving at the office, 5 different clients had come to let me know that the machine was not working. I of course assured them that we would have a service person here as soon as possible. If you don't already know, people are not happy when they don't get their morning coffee.

Which adds to the reasons why I'm glad I don't drink the stuff. Though I once lamented to my mom that I felt everyone in the world had a competitive edge on me because they drink coffee and other caffinated beverages. My natural energy level just can't compete with that. And in a society where I feel pressure to complete more in a day than I have hours, it sure would be nice to have an extra boost.

But the biggest temptation comes from my favorite Folgers commercials...who doesn't want to have mornings like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmgdH8oAcG4

Popcorn Popping

2008-04-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Favorite salty snack: Popcorn *

I could eat it most all the time**

Today at work, I mentioned I was hungry. My coworker said, "There's microwave popcorn in the kitchen." She's only worked here for a month and already she knows me well. She graciously agreed to share it with me since I can't justify making a bag just for myself.

While digging through the bowl, as I'm prone to do, to find the half popped kernals, I remembered something my good friend Micah told me awhile back...something about someone selling only the half popped kernals.

I turned to my favorite search engine***, and sure enough in .30 seconds, I found what I was looking for; popnots!!!

Unfourtunately, their website is being upgraded and I cannot currently purchase online, and the closest store is in Scranton, PA. Looks like it's time for a road trip to the home of my favorite show. ****

http://www.popnots.com/

* Not exclusive and subject to change upon any given day, mood or time of the month.

** Not recommended while blogging.

*** Google

**** The Office

I Love to Laugh - Loud & Long & Clear

2008-03-30T22:22:00.000-04:00

My dreams of being a newscaster were fulfilled this weekend. Unfortunately, as evidenced by this video, it is not my true calling in life.

But, man did I have fun doing it.

My friend Eric and I went to the Newseum this weekend; it's a new museum downtown dedicated to news. It was amazing. The grand opening of the museum isn't until April 11th, but Saturday was friends and and family day, and thanks to my friend Doan, we were able to see the whole museum for free (it's going to cost $20 for admission once it opens to the public). There were some great exhibits, but we definitely had the most fun at the "Become a TV Reporter" section.

I laughed harder while watching this video than I have in a long long time. Kristy and Beau also got the chance to be at TV reporter and we've spent a good part of our Sunday evening watching our videos and being thoroughly entertained. There's nothing better than a good long laugh with friends. I love Sundays.

I Sing Because I'm Happy

2008-03-28T19:44:00.000-04:00

Out of Iraq

No Exit Strategy!

No Credibility!

This was what I read on a large cardboard stop sign draped around an older gentleman's neck, while standing in front of the White House. I was outside for a brief break from work, insistent that I would not spend ALL day inside when the weather was beautiful. I took a walk around Lafayette park and was immediately drawn closer to the White House because I heard a voice singing. It wasn't particularly beautiful, but it wasn't harsh either and it boomed across the park.

A crowd had formed around this gentleman as he sang his heart out, a continual smile on his face. Young kids and teenagers posed themselves next to him to take pictures, and he humored them with a peace sign for each flash, but never stopped his song.

The tune was unrecognizable, but the words were a familiar psalm; "Surely his goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Without skipping a beat, he moved on to an old gospel hymn; "I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me."

I've seen many displays of protest in this town, often against President Bush and the Iraq war, though the occasional immigration rally or circumcision protest (that's a whole other post) does arise. But, this man was different than the others - no shouting, no rehearsed chants, no anger or hate. He sang a true message, that the Lord, full of goodness and mercy, watches over each of us. It wasn't that he didn't want the same things as all the other protesters - an end to the war - but he chose to express himself in a different manner than all the rest. It was refreshing.

I'm sure those teenagers went back with their photos laughing about the crazy man who wouldn't stop singing, and I'll admit, the whole scene did make me chuckle. But, it also made me think of my Savior, the only one with the power to bring complete peace to the earth. Perhaps that was his point after all.

3 X 5s

2008-03-22T22:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted many pictures on this blog, which actually may be a surprise to those who know me and my love of photographs. I love taking pictures and even more going back and looking at those pictures over and over again. I love seeing the smiles and capturing a moment worth remembering.

The reason I don't post pictures is mostly because I haven't figured out how to successfully do it on the blog. It takes me FOREVER. Maybe there is some trick I am missing and perhaps you seasoned bloggers out there can share with me the secret, as I'd love to share my life through pictures. Goodness knows I have lots to share.

As a start to my new goal to post more pictures, here are a couple of shots I took the last time I was in Ohio. Stay tuned for more family profiles.

Madeline aka Maddie - 5 years old

Loves Full House, likes to play DJ

Favorite phrase: "Oh, pickles." Used when something is out of the ordinary, not right or downright funny.

Exceptional vocabulary and communication skills

Noah - 7 years old

Loves dogs

Likes to collect things

Great baseball player

Girls his age call him "handsome"

Under my Umbrella (Ella ella...)

2008-03-20T17:38:00.000-04:00

Spring in DC = torrential downpours.

I love torrential downpours. I don't love umbrellas.

Let's face it - in a real downpour, with wind and heavy rain, they don't really keep you that dry. And when you live in a heavy populated area such as DC, you have millions of people walking around with umbrellas; it's virtually impossible to get around with out getting an eye poked out. I have noticed that because of my height, I carry an umbrella right at most people's eye level. For the sake of my fellow citizens, I usually opt to not carry an umbrella. It's selfless, I know.

Actually, besides the danger factor, I don't really like carrying umbrellas around. They are bulky and they never go back nicely into the nylon case they came with, no matter how tightly you try to wrap it up.

Sometimes they have really cute patterns though, and I do enjoy seeing the sea of colors and patterns mixed with the dramatic black on a rainy day. And sometimes in the right setting, without thousands of people around, they can be very quaint. Or romantic. Sharing an umbrella means standing extra close with the one you love.

So, I guess you could say I don't hate umbrellas that much after all. I guess sometimes I like them.

End of rainy day thoughts.

It Might As Well Be Spring

2008-03-20T12:11:00.000-04:00

I think I've just discovered the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Trader Joe's Cilantro Salad Dressing.

Salad dressings are very hit and miss with me, more often than not a miss. So, usually I stick to the ones I know and love. Let's face it - at $3.00 plus a bottle, that's a pretty big risk to take if you're only going to use it once. But, I eat a salad almost every day for lunch, and sometimes, my old favorites are, well - boring.

Last night on a quick trip to Trader Joe's, I spotted the cilantro dressing and since I love cilantro, I figured I couldn't go wrong. I was right. This stuff is good! It is almost reminiscent of Cafe Rio's creamy tomatillo dressing, and by almost I mean slightly. But, it's the closest I can get being 2000 miles away. So I'll take it.

Another great thing about this dressing is its low caloric count - just 45 calories per serving (2 TBSP), even though it is creamy. It has no high fructose corn syrup and only 1 gram of sugar. That is very hard to find in a salad dressing - trust me, I've looked!

Better go get yourself a bottle today.

Raindrops on Roses

2008-03-11T15:08:00.000-04:00

And whiskers on kittens....I'm sure we all could finish the song.

Actually, I'm pretty indifferent to raindrops on roses, and I'm not all that fond of kittens or their whiskers.

But here is a list of a few of my favorite things in no particular order.

Autumn. Boggle. Cafe Rio. Dental Hygiene. Exercise. Family. Gift-giving. Home Sweet Home. Ice Cream. Jefferson Memorial. Kissing. Laughing. Massages. Nutrition. Oceans. Photographs. Quinoa. Rascal Flatts. Singing. Tennis. Utah. Vintage Art. Wicked. Xylophones. YouTube. Zach Morris.*

*This is not a comprehensive list. Check back for a few more of my favorite things.

I Need More Allowance

2008-03-11T14:17:00.000-04:00

$8.23

That's what I paid for an afternoon snack today. Outrageous!

The truth is, my afternoon snack was supposed to be an apple that I brought with me. But there was a mushy spot on it, which led me to believe the whole apple would be mushy; and I hate mushy apples.

So, I headed down to the Hampden Cafe* for a quick snack. A bag of mixed dried fruit and nuts looked delectable. But there were two problems - I had no cash and this place has a credit card limit of at least $5.00. I hate when places do that. My current total was only $1.99 so I had to frantically find something worth buying to make up the $3.01, emphasis on the worth! The chips, the candy, the fruit snacks, the cookies - no, no, no and no!

Then I notice a refrigerator section and I saw a small fruit salad. Ding, ding, ding! That would surely make up the difference but just in case I grabbed a pack of gum too.

When she rang it up, I was appalled at the amount - $4.95. What? For a few peices of cut up apple, melon and grapes? It's no wonder America is so obese. Why would you pay five dollars for fruit when you could pay one dollar for a candy bar?

So combined with my $1.99 fruit/nut mix and my $1.29 gum (hello, inflation?), there went $8.23.

Oh, what a waste. The fruit/nut mix wasn't quite as delectable as it seemed so I threw it away. I munched on the fruit instead, but wouldn't you know...the apples were mushy. At least you can't go wrong with gum.

* This post is in no way an attempt to turn you off of Hampden Cafe. In fact, I have eaten here numerous times and their sandwiches are some of the best I've had. And sadly, for less than my $8.23, I could have gotten one of those sandwiches. But, if your looking for a healthful snack, please look elsewhere.

Bring on the Rain

2008-03-07T15:11:00.000-05:00

My love affair with the weather is over. Yes, sorry to disappoint, but my poetry inspired excitement was nothing more than a few sunny days and warm weather. The bright days allowed me some much needed time in the sun to rejuvinate my spirits.

It almost is like being in love!

But today, there is no sun - only clouds and a whole lot of rain. I enjoy a good rainstorm and though it doesn't usually cause me to skip through the streets, it is a different sort of enjoyment. I love a good thunderstorm, especially if it's accompanied by a power outage. Nothing brings family togetherness like no electricity and I have fond memories of nights with booming thunder and no power.

It reminds me of a little life lesson that I try to remember. Even amid storms, we've been given great blessings to help us through. Sometimes those blessings are as simple as a candlelit scrabble game with the people that mean the most to you. When I take moments to reflect on simple blessings that remain the strong foundations in my life, I can even enjoy the storms.

This makes me think of a song. I don't have a recording of it, and I can only remember bits and pieces of it in my head. I actually don't even know the person who wrote it - it was the friend of a friend who was only referred to as "e money." He sang it on our beloved couch one summer night at the Riviera and then bam - he was gone, before I even got his real name. But his song stuck with me.

"Looks like we're in for stormy weather. But I don't mind the rain. Life is so much better, when you don't look at all the clouds."

Thank you "e money" ... wherever you are!

2008-03-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

l. o. v. e.

Today!

me.

shining sun. warm breeze. clear blue sky.

Skip in Step!

h. a. p. p. y.

me.

There Is No Arizona

2008-02-28T20:09:00.000-05:00

That's been the running joke I've had with my brother Tod ever since he received his mission call to the Arizona Phoenix Mission. He doesn't much listen to country music, although he does love that Keith Urban, but then again who doesn't? But a country song that was popular 10 years ago by a no-namer who hasn't come out with a new hit since, doesn't quite fall in his country music knowledge.

That is until I started singing it to him every chance I got. "Tod, don't you know there is no Arizona" and I'd belt it out as I'm prone to do and he would chuckle as if it was the first time I sang it to him. He's a good brother.

This past weekend I went to Ohio to see my family and give "one last toot for Tod," as my brother-in-law Dave put it, before he leaves to serve the Lord in Arizona for 2 years. I am very proud of him and his decision to serve. Life hasn't always been easy for him, but he has always stayed strong and been dedicated to the Lord. Because of this, I know he will be a great missionary.

The weekend was filled with good events, starting with a trip to the Columbus temple as one of the final, yet very important steps in preparation before Tod leaves. Sure, we had to eat at the Hometown Buffet afterward, but for some reason, it's Tod's favorite so I went along with no complaints. Okay, almost no complaints.

Sunday Tod gave an excellent talk on the covenants made at baptism. It was touching to see him speak with such confidence and grace. Mom wanted all the Flory children to sing and so we did, along with a few family friends. While the exact details of that moment can't be shared here, mom just may think twice before she signs us ALL up to sing. It will definitely go down in Flory family history.

With my amazing cooking skills, I made pork burritos, Cafe Rio style for the farewell feast. So, they weren't exactly like Cafe Rio, but they were pretty darn good.

"You're getting to be a pretty good cook for someone who used to never step foot in the kitchen." Clearly my mom was shocked. Cooking dinner was the least I could do to show her she didn't fail completely in domesticating me. "Remember in high school when you wouldn't even heat up your Lean Cuisine ?" Yes Mom, I remember. I also remember when I called you after moving to my first apartment in college because I didn't know how to make a baked potato.

And so it seems both Tod and I have come a long way.

It was definitely a fast trip, but I am glad I got to spend time with Tod before he departs to preach the gospel. As the song goes ... he's "headed for a new and better life, out in Arizona!"

Elder Tod Alan Flory

Amy, Nikki, Tod, Me at Columbus Ohio temple

From now on it's just me and my sweet potato pie

2008-02-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

If you would have asked me a few days ago how I felt about sweet potatoes, I would have looked at you and probably made a gagging face. Yes, sometimes I do still act like a teenager.

But ask me today how I feel about sweet potatoes.

Go on, ask me.

C'mon I double dog dare you.

Well, since you asked, I'll tell you how I feel about sweet potatoes. I love them with all my tastebuds!!! They are so delcious. Trust me, I'm as shocked about this as you. One might wonder how I never knew this until now.

The truth is, growing up we usually only ate them on holidays. It's true, my sweet tooth is never usually picky about the source of the sugar, but "candied yams" is where I draw the line. Every year they'd be there, as consistent as the Italian sausage. And every few years I'd take a small sample on my plate, just to be sure I wasn't missing something incredible - and nope, I wasn't.

But last night, I tried something different. I found a new salmon recipe, and although it contained sweet potatoes, I decided to try it anyway. And different it was - no brown sugar, no marshmallows - just a little olive oil, salt and rosemary. Divine!!!

And here's another reason to be excited about sweet potatoes. According to http://www.worldshealthiestfoods.com/ (practically my favorite website), sweet potatoes are "some of the most nutritious vegetables around." And while that statement may seem superlative, check out the chart below to see for yourself. (Chart also courtesy of http://www.worldshealthiestfoods.com/)

My delicious meal!

Where would we be without a little love?

2008-02-14T17:28:00.001-05:00

Ah, Valentine's Day. Or Single Awareness Day. Or Tod's Birthday (Happy Birthday Little Bro'!!!).

A day by any other name would be filled with just as many sweets.

It's true - I ate Lindt truffles this morning for breakfast. It's funny how we justify eating certain things just because it's a holiday. And what's even funnier is the way people justify it. "Calories don't count on your birthday." I've definitely heard that one every birthday of my adult life. Or "It's a holiday so go ahead and have another piece of pie." Or, "Your celebrating Valentine's Day alone so you deserve Lindt truffles for breakfast."

Well alone or not, I just love Lindt truffles. And thanks to my dear friend Elise, I can now successfully pull the dot out with my teeth without otherwise harming the smooth chocolate ball. Try it and trust me you'll never eat a Lindt truffle the same way again.

Besides all the sweets and the flowers and the cards and the Jimmy Choo shoes (seriously was the gift one of my clients gave his wife for V-day!!!), what is Valentine's day really about? Some would argue it's a fabricated holiday, shaped by Hallmark to feed our overly consumed society.

But, I would argue that Valentine's Day is exactly what it professes to be - a day to celebrate love. I may not be in love at the moment, but I do love a whole lot of people. And just as we celebrate Thanksgiving to remember to be grateful, I think Valentine's day is a great day to remember to be loving.

When I lived at home, my parents bought me a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. My sister greeted me this morning with a "What's up my Valentine?" Friends have sent me cards and left me little messages. All these things are done in an effort to let me know they love me. Who's my Valentine this year? That's like asking me who do I love this year. And the answer is many, many, many amazing people. I am blessed to have love in my life in so many ways.

Some Valentine's day I'll wake up really early and make heart shaped pancakes for the man of my dreams; and I'll serve them on these darling Valentine's plates that I got on major sale at Kohl's but I've yet to use. I'll serve him breakfast in bed and he'll buy me Jimmy Choo shoes (just kidding about that last part). It will be your picture of perfection romantic Valentine's Day.

But today, I recognize the people in my life that I love dearly (I hope you know who you are) and thank them for loving me unconditionally.

Happy Valentine's Day!

She Works Hard for Her Money

2008-01-22T16:56:00.000-05:00

Sundays are so much better when you don't have to go to work on Mondays. And when Tuesdays are the first day of the week, they aren't as blah as Mondays.

If I were President, the first thing I would do is create automatic 3 day weekends FOR EVERYONE!

Side note: this sounds like I'm running for Student Body President, promising things that are nowhere near my jurisdiction and upon my winning I could never fufill.

But, I digress.

I think that America is overworked. I think it's ridiculous the amount of work people have to put into their jobs to be considered successful. I think it's silly that to get ahead in a career, people have to sacrifice the majority of their time.

I believe in the principle of hard work. Laziness breeds all sorts of evil things and working develops character, creates a sense of self worth and keeps the mind active. Elder Maxwell, in a talk entitled "Put Your Shoulder the the Wheel" said, "Work is always a spiritual necessity even if, for some, work is not an economic necessity."

That being said, there are other areas in life, that require work besides a job. Amazingly enough, these areas can also develop all the good things aforementioned, and then some. Family relationships, talents and hobbies, service, spiritual growth, physical strengthening - all of these things require work to maintain.

Herein lies a very real problem - lack of balance. If so much time is being devoted to certain areas of our lives (and I recognize that such is required of us at many times in our various school and work responsibilites), it leaves little time for work within many other important areas. Quoting from Elder Maxwell again, "A balance of work needs to be orchestrated, because some forms of work tend to dominate other forms."

This is a theme I'd like to carry with me throughout the year. There are areas in my life I feel need to be developed greater and there are also things I have put to the back burner, convincing myself I'll get to it when I have less work and more time. In reality, that may never happen (unless of course you elect me as your President - FLORY '08), so the time to get to work is now.

You Are Beautiful, No Matter What They Say

2008-01-14T11:33:00.000-05:00

Some said I looked like Barney. Others said I looked like Grimace (the purple McDonald's character). A few said it was Dr. Suess - ish? Whatever it was, the result was UGLY.

Which was just what I was going for considering it was an UGLY sweater party. It seems ugly sweater themed parties are the new craze, but this was my first one and I was going to take full advantage of the fact that I was allowed to wear the most heinous thing I could find.

My roommates took to making their sweaters (think sock sweater vest, newspaper made tuxedo top, upholstered bows), and they were quite fabulous; however, my creativity only took me as far as the thrift store where I picked up a very large knitted bright green and purple sweater (see pictures below to get the full effect). The party was a huge success. I spent the day with Victoria cooking, cooking, decorating and cooking, although I can't take any credit for the amazing food. Her menu was well planned - peppered alfredo and broccoli pasta, sweet potato souffle, sweet meatballs and crabballs, chocolate zuchinni cupcakes - and it all tasted amazing.

The guests were dressed in all sorts of UGLY, well most of them anyway. It was incredibly funny to see the many things that designers once thought were a good idea to make and sell. To each his own in the world of fashion I suppose. There were a few sweaters that stood out among the rest, and I'm proud to say mine won the ugliest sweater in the female category.

Some say I should burn it now that the party is over, but I think I'll keep it. A prize winning sweater like this could come in handy.

Victoria - more sexy than ugly in her Santa Baby get up

Ginna in ugly Christmas vest

The winners circle

Joseph, Micah and full body of the UGLY that is my sweater

I Wanna Talk About Me, Wanna Talk About I

2008-01-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

Perhaps this blog was a bad idea. It's another thing to add to my list and another thing to feel bad about when I don't get around to doing it, even though I have every intention. I have been "inactive" for over a month, and certainly not for a lack of things to write about. I will hopefully catch up on all of the fun things that I did, but for now, just to get me back in the spirit of blogging...

I've been tagged. So here's 7 things you never knew, and if you did you'd never believe, about the one and only MOI.

1. I have no feeling in my lower lip, actually just half of my lower lip (the right half to be specific, or left if you are looking at me). I had my wisdom teeth pulled last February (yay for days off work, mashed potatoes and apple juice) and despite the ever so convincing oral surgeon, the feeling has never completely returned. I'm used to it by now so it doesn't bother me...much. Unless it's cold outside and then it's really sensitive. Or sometimes I don't notice if a piece of food gets stuck there, but hey that happens to people who have full feeling and besides - at least I find out who my true friends are (You know, the ones that will tell me about that food).

2. I really love the smell of coffee. Sometimes, and I know this is wasteful, I will make a cup in the morning at work just so I can have it on my desk to smell. It smells even better with 2 hazelnut creamers. I've never tasted the stuff, and perhaps would hate it, but I now have an answer when someone asks me how I like my coffee. 2 hazelnut creamers please, oh and no sugar.

3. If you have ever lived in P-town aka Happy Valley aka the Bubble or as I like to call it Provo, UT, you may be familiar with a very large water tower in between the Provo Temple and the MTC. Once, when I was a freshman (keep in mind I was 19) I climbed this tower with my boyfriend at the time. We brought up some blankets and spent the whole night up there...simply enjoying the city lights of course!

4. Did you know that carrots are harmful to your health? Proof is that all sick people have eaten carrots. 99 % of all people who die from cancer have eaten carrots. 99 % of people that die in car accidents ate carrots within 60 days of their death. All carrot eaters born between 1900 and 1920 suffer from wrinkled skin, brittle bones and failing eyesight.*** And that is why I don't eat carrots. Besides, they taste disgusting!

5. If given the opportunity, I would totally try out for American Idol. Not because I think I'm America's next greatest pop star/hearthrob, although I think I could croon my way past the first few rounds. I simply just love to sing and I have a mini-crush on Simon Cowell. There I said it!

6. I cried when I got my first C. I was a senior in HS and it was the 3rd nine weeks of my AP English class. I was so upset and went home and bawled to my parents! Since then, I have had a complex about my reading and writing and grammar skills. I had known that math was my stronger subject, but until then I had never had the report card talk with my dad about howI could do better than a C. And since I was bawling, my dad forwent the talk anyway. Thanks dad!

7. And the final thing you didn't know about me is I am in love with....

SIKE! Like I'd ever post such classified information for the whole world wide web.

***Carrot statistics provided by The Sentinel, Guelph Wellington Seniors Association Newsletter. Volume 20, Number 9, Page 11.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

2007-12-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

I Want to Thank You

2007-12-08T00:59:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without......

Fill in the blank!

Some people say it's the turkey, others insist it's the pumpkin pie and a rare few truly appreciate the cranberry sauce.

But the truth is, Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without something to be thankful for.

This year I have many, many things to be thankful for. I am especially thankful that I was able to spend the holiday with my amazing family. Here's a sneak peak of a holiday with the Flory

clan.

Happy Thanksgiving!

How Long Gone Are You Gonna Be?

2007-11-15T11:36:00.000-05:00

I know you are all wondering. The truth is, while I have enjoyed starting this blog, I have yet to start to view my life in terms of my next blog entry. Not to mention that I've been so busy experiencing things to blog about, I haven't had the time nor energy to do so.

But may this serve as a life lesson to all:

Anything good is worth waiting for!

West Virginia, Mountain Mama

2007-11-05T10:42:00.001-05:00

I had been looking forward to our camping trip to the Shenandoah Valley for a month. But the journey started out a little rough. With over 15 people going, we all had to leave at different times in order to accomodate everyone's schedules. Brittany was driving my group and right on schedule we left my house at 7 pm. We stopped at Papa John's to grab a pizza and curb our hunger, but ended up running over the curb and got a flat tire instead. David and Jason changed the flat tire and by the time the pizza was done, so were they. We headed back to my house to switch cars.

LeBron, my trusty cavalier, was ready for his first road trip with friends. We loaded up the car and were making good time until we hit Harper's Ferry and got stuck in a massive traffic jam due to a very bad accident. There were at least 7 emergency vehicles on site. We turned off the car and tried to keep warm with the blankets. It was chilly, but beautiful. Living in DC, I had forgotten that stars could shine so bright.

An hour and a half later, we started driving again. A couple wrong turns and a few deer in headlights later, we made it to the Big Meadows campsite. It was nearly 1 am! We bundled up quick and tried to stay warm as it was freezing outside. I was sad to have missed the Friday night campfire, but happy to climb into my sleeping bag as I was quite tired.

There was only one problem - I couldn't sleep. I was too cold. Layered and still shivering, I tossed and turned in order to find the warmest spot. It didn't exist. To the car was my next thought, but then I remembered that Jason had my keys and he looked so cozy, I didn't want to wake him. So I headed to the bathroom instead. The hand dryer saved me as I stood in front of it pushing the button over and over and over and over and over.....

Yes, I was that cold!!!

But lest you think the camping trip was a total bust, let me reassure you - I had so much fun! The fall colors of the leaves were spectacular. The hike to the Dark Hallow Falls was dangerously fabulous (see picture below). And most of all, getting away from the city with some of the greatest friends ever - PRICELESS!

View from our tent in the morning

Not wanting to get up in the morning

Warnings along the trail

Brittany, Stephanie, April and beautiful waterfalls.

All the girls

Some of the boys

I Am a Cereal Girl

2007-11-01T12:07:00.001-04:00

Anyone who knows me well can attest to my love for cold cereal. It's quick, easy and tastes so good. During college I lived on the stuff. Since then, I've dropped my addiction to one daily dose of breakfast and sometimes a few bites for an after-dinner snack (no milk included).

But recently, in an ongoing effort to healthify my diet, I came to the conclusion that cold cereal is not the best option for an energizing start to my day. So, I have given it up! Farewell Raisin Bran. So long Golden Grahams. Adios Cheerios.

All week I have been eating a brand new breakfast. 1 egg, spinach and a whole-wheat, no sugar, pumpkin muffin (recipe upon request). It takes just a little more time, but it is scrumptious.

The only problem I currently see is I am no longer getting my daily requirement of milk. I rarely drink milk by the glass, not because I don't like it, but mostly because I never think of it. So now I need to find a way to incorporate milk into my diet sans cereal.

When it's time to change

2007-10-30T08:46:00.000-04:00

You've got to rearrange!!!

As I'm new to this blogging thing, please be patient as I come up with the most asthetically pleasing format.

I most likely will playing around with the format for awhile until I find what fits best. I hope you're as excited for the finished product as I am!

Then again, is anything ever really finished? Ponder that for awhile!

That's What Friends are For

2007-10-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

Tarythe called me around 5:20.

"Where are you?"

"I have no idea," was my truthful reply. I was lost. I had been driving for 40 minutes, and was nowhere near where I needed to be; I knew that much. I had missed my exit, turned around and missed it again, forcing me to drive another 20 minutes in the wrong direction as there was no convenient turn-around spot. I finally exited somewhere in McLean, VA and took the first sign towards Washington, to hopefully put me in familiar territory.

Matt called around 5:45.

"I've called, not to tell you that we're all waiting for you, but just to calm you down."

By this point I had reached Northern, VA.

"You'll pass a Giant on the left," he said.

"Peeeuuuwww. I just passed the sewage plant," I told him

And finally, I saw Ted, standing on the side of the road holding a parking space for me right in front of his house. After an hour and a half of driving, I was happy to see some of my favorite people. Our friend Emilie was in town and it was cause to get together. Ted cooked a delicious dinner of roast and mashed potatoes that were so creamy. We sat for hours around the table, nearly eating 5 pounds of potatoes between the 6 of us. But, even better than the potatoes was the comfort of being with friends that I've known for many years. Ted and I realized that I met him when I was 20 and I have just turned 25. The others I have known for almost as long.

There is something to be said for the familiarity of good friends:
The kind of friends you can laugh with for hours on end and not get bored.
The kind of friends who remind you of good memories, and are always ready to create more.
The kind of friends who wait for you for over an hour so you don't have to miss the Sunday dinner.
The kind of friends who help you to get where your going.

Tarythe, Scott, Ted, Emilie, April, Matt

Friday, You're Late!

2007-10-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

I woke up feeling like I didn't want to get out of bed. That doesn't seem too far off from most days. But today was different. I turned on my side and thought, "I haven't heard my alarm, but it feels like it's almost time for it to go off. I could probably just re-set my alarm for a half an hour than what it's set for now, get just a little more sleep and still make it to work on time." I'm not a snooze person. If I'm not going to get up when I'm supposed to then I definitely don't want to be awakened over and over again, in 9 minute intervals where I have to keep convincing myself that it's okay if I sleep for just a little longer. This morning, after I was fully okay with my decision to sleep for one more half hour, I reached for the clock only to read 8:01. I stared at the clock for at least 30 seconds...did I really sleep until 8:00??

What's even more mind boggling is why I was debating how to get a few extra zzzz's when I had already slept for 2 hours longer than normal. I went to bed at 11:00 pm and slept straight through the night - not even the routine 2 am bathroom break. And I still wanted more sleep? My conclusion was this: last night we turned on the heat for the first time (after I noticed our house was at a chilly 66 degrees). The vent, being right by bed, was blowing out so much heat that it seemed unneccesary for my down comforter and second quilt. But it was so cozy, I couldn't resist. So there I slept, in a heat-induced, comatose state for 9 straight hours.

Turns out, I didn't make it to work on time after all.