So you may remember my lucky dream from last year.
I have recently been worried because I haven't had any dreams about the outcome of the super bowl. But then I remembered that last year I had the dream the night before the game. That would be tonight!
I need to hurry up and go to sleep so I can start dreaming.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Come wit' it.
I was watching Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew on MTV tonight. I was watching last week's episode (episode 2) because I missed it, and I really like the first and third performances, and I think you should check it out. Also, I think the second dance crew is lame, so feel free not to like them.
Also, I died laughing when Lil' Mama gave a shout-out to President Obama, which is really the whole reason for this post.
Also, I died laughing when Lil' Mama gave a shout-out to President Obama, which is really the whole reason for this post.
Ky to the 25th power, or something...
Happy birthday, Kylie!
Oh, hey us in Provo, outside the Regency! I checked the date on this photo and it is January 5, 2005, as close to your birthday as I could get! 2005 was a long time ago, man. Nutso! Hmm... I got that jacket that season, I think. It's still going strong, even now...But anyway, happy birthday Dahling, here's to your 25th year!
Wicka wicka woot!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
In the black!
Somehow, I'm exhausted. I've been tired for a few days now, so I've concluded my body is trying to fight something off. I've been trying to help by getting a lot of rest, fluids, a balanced diet, and Emergen-C.
But really what it comes down to is that I haven't been able to read as much as I usually do, I'm behind on two Netflix movies (Mary has already watched Finding Forrester and Willow, whereas I've only completed 20 minutes of Willow) and I've been meaning to paint my nails black, and then after a week paint them bright blue. Tonight I looked over at Mary and saw she had painted her nails black! And she plans on doing a bright color next! I'm so behind! I had the great idea, but I haven't been able to accomplish it! Mary is going to be onto her bright nail color, and I'm going to still be in the black!
Sigh. I'm exhausted. I haven't even had time to finish eating a little bowl of jello I started on Saturday.
But the good news is that I got to play with a puppy today.
He misses you, Elizabeth.
But really what it comes down to is that I haven't been able to read as much as I usually do, I'm behind on two Netflix movies (Mary has already watched Finding Forrester and Willow, whereas I've only completed 20 minutes of Willow) and I've been meaning to paint my nails black, and then after a week paint them bright blue. Tonight I looked over at Mary and saw she had painted her nails black! And she plans on doing a bright color next! I'm so behind! I had the great idea, but I haven't been able to accomplish it! Mary is going to be onto her bright nail color, and I'm going to still be in the black!
Sigh. I'm exhausted. I haven't even had time to finish eating a little bowl of jello I started on Saturday.
But the good news is that I got to play with a puppy today.
He misses you, Elizabeth.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Pink Star
I opened up one of those mini packs of Starbursts, you know the kind with two fruit flavored chews, and I got two pinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This means I'm bound to have a great night.
This means I'm bound to have a great night.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Rain, the Beach, and a Cousin
That last post was a bit depressing, so I figured I should post about something good: It rained today!
Oh man, we desperately needed rain. I hope it continues to rain. Now, as much as I enjoy being able to go to the beach in January and work on my tan, I do understand that our area needs rain, and I am grateful we've got some now.
By the way, I was reading an old journal of mine and I had commented that it had been a great year because my first beach excursion was in January, and the last of that year was in October. January through October, not bad, eh? (That "eh" was for my Canadian audience.)
Also, tonight I'm having a slumber party with my 13 year old cousin. I'm excited. I need to go pack. I probably need to pack work clothes, as I will probably need to help feed the horses. Ohh... maybe I'll take some pictures and post them for you! Oh! This sounds like a great idea.
I'm also anticipating eating food (what, I don't know. Perhaps I will just find something to make, and make it. I do love their kitchen, even though they have a corner sink.) and we will watch a movie, and play Rodeopoly, probably do make-overs and hello, DANCE PARTY! The Jonas Brothers are our favorite!
Oh man, we desperately needed rain. I hope it continues to rain. Now, as much as I enjoy being able to go to the beach in January and work on my tan, I do understand that our area needs rain, and I am grateful we've got some now.
By the way, I was reading an old journal of mine and I had commented that it had been a great year because my first beach excursion was in January, and the last of that year was in October. January through October, not bad, eh? (That "eh" was for my Canadian audience.)
Also, tonight I'm having a slumber party with my 13 year old cousin. I'm excited. I need to go pack. I probably need to pack work clothes, as I will probably need to help feed the horses. Ohh... maybe I'll take some pictures and post them for you! Oh! This sounds like a great idea.
I'm also anticipating eating food (what, I don't know. Perhaps I will just find something to make, and make it. I do love their kitchen, even though they have a corner sink.) and we will watch a movie, and play Rodeopoly, probably do make-overs and hello, DANCE PARTY! The Jonas Brothers are our favorite!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"We'll pray for you."
Well, today was crappy.
No, I take that back a bit. The inauguration was excellent. And my home teachers came over and they are splendid, and brought the Spirit. I needed the Spirit, because the rest of the day was crappy.
I went to the dentist.
I take good care of my teeth. I brush and floss all the time. But I've come away from a check up at the dentist only once without having a cavity. My average is about 2.5, but my highest is 6.
So, when I got kicked off of my parents insurance, I didn't go to the dentist. That would require cash money that I didn't have. Well, I had a filling fall out, and after about 10 months I found myself in the dentist's chair. He was poking around it there, and when he got to the side of my mouth that had been hurting, he hit something, pain shot from my tooth and tears rolled out of my eyes.
Yes, I cried.
He felt terrible and apologized profusely. Then he proceeded to tell me that I have 5 cavities.
No big deal, that didn't beat the record.
Then he tells me that all but one cavity are on two teeth that are already patched up pretty good. He says he doesn't feel comfortable just patching me up, he wants to put crowns on two of my teeth. So, the diagnosis is two crowns, one filling. Then I remembered I was a cash pay patient. They said each crown is $865. American dollars. I don't know where I'm going to find those dollars. I am beginning to think they don't actually exist.
So, I went home and cried.
Then, when I was leaving tutoring, I heard something squeaky happening with the wheels of my car. I went home, asked Dad to take a look, and he wants to take it to the shop tomorrow. Thankfully there is another car I can use for the day, but I'm worried that "squeaky" will cost a lot of money. A lot of money I don't have. A lot of money that needs to go in my mouth.
Ben Mallett is one of my home teachers and he asked if there is anything they could do. I said, "Yes, raise a lot of money, and then put it in my mouth, 'cause that's where I need it." Ben responded, "Um, we'll pray for you."
So, that was my day. It was rather lame and depressing. Although one good and funny thing did happen in my personal personal life, so I was glad about that. If you want to know what it is, you can call me.
No, I take that back a bit. The inauguration was excellent. And my home teachers came over and they are splendid, and brought the Spirit. I needed the Spirit, because the rest of the day was crappy.
I went to the dentist.
I take good care of my teeth. I brush and floss all the time. But I've come away from a check up at the dentist only once without having a cavity. My average is about 2.5, but my highest is 6.
So, when I got kicked off of my parents insurance, I didn't go to the dentist. That would require cash money that I didn't have. Well, I had a filling fall out, and after about 10 months I found myself in the dentist's chair. He was poking around it there, and when he got to the side of my mouth that had been hurting, he hit something, pain shot from my tooth and tears rolled out of my eyes.
Yes, I cried.
He felt terrible and apologized profusely. Then he proceeded to tell me that I have 5 cavities.
No big deal, that didn't beat the record.
Then he tells me that all but one cavity are on two teeth that are already patched up pretty good. He says he doesn't feel comfortable just patching me up, he wants to put crowns on two of my teeth. So, the diagnosis is two crowns, one filling. Then I remembered I was a cash pay patient. They said each crown is $865. American dollars. I don't know where I'm going to find those dollars. I am beginning to think they don't actually exist.
So, I went home and cried.
Then, when I was leaving tutoring, I heard something squeaky happening with the wheels of my car. I went home, asked Dad to take a look, and he wants to take it to the shop tomorrow. Thankfully there is another car I can use for the day, but I'm worried that "squeaky" will cost a lot of money. A lot of money I don't have. A lot of money that needs to go in my mouth.
Ben Mallett is one of my home teachers and he asked if there is anything they could do. I said, "Yes, raise a lot of money, and then put it in my mouth, 'cause that's where I need it." Ben responded, "Um, we'll pray for you."
So, that was my day. It was rather lame and depressing. Although one good and funny thing did happen in my personal personal life, so I was glad about that. If you want to know what it is, you can call me.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I went Green, like, a million years ago.
Since we are on the topic, let me just say that I am tired of all this Green business. I hate that going green is the cool and innovative thing to do. I went green years ago because my parents (and my public school education) brought me up to respect the earth and it's resources. I think that "going green" in my realm is very simple. Don't use as many lights. Watch your water usage. Walk somewhere. Grow a garden. Recycle where possible. (I live in California. We recycle everything.) But by recycle, I don't just mean waste, I mean reusing things. I sewed a quilt using old jeans. The jeans now have a second life, and that quilt is so heavy it keeps me plenty warm at night without needing to blast the heater.
The other "Green" influence in my life was the across the street neighbors. I would see her walking everywhere with a bag when she would go out shopping. When I was very young, I thought her bringing her own bag to the store was silly. Around 1996 I realized this was a good idea. How come it took the rest of America until now to understand this? My neighbor knew about the bag thing long ago, it hit me in '96, and the light is just dawning on some people. What is that about?
Anyway, my neighbor was a bit more hard-core in her environment stuff than I am, for example, I do not abide by the rule, "If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down." But, I am a believer in compost piles and growing your own food.
A family of one of my friends always used a clothes line instead of a dryer to dry their clothes. I met this family in the 4th(?) grade, and they have always been doing this line drying thing. They are just another example of people who have "gone green" and didn't brag about it or try to make it cool. They just did what they thought was right. I like them for it.
Sigh.
I suppose that little rant is finished. I'm glad it's out. It had been inside me a very long time.
The other "Green" influence in my life was the across the street neighbors. I would see her walking everywhere with a bag when she would go out shopping. When I was very young, I thought her bringing her own bag to the store was silly. Around 1996 I realized this was a good idea. How come it took the rest of America until now to understand this? My neighbor knew about the bag thing long ago, it hit me in '96, and the light is just dawning on some people. What is that about?
Anyway, my neighbor was a bit more hard-core in her environment stuff than I am, for example, I do not abide by the rule, "If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down." But, I am a believer in compost piles and growing your own food.
A family of one of my friends always used a clothes line instead of a dryer to dry their clothes. I met this family in the 4th(?) grade, and they have always been doing this line drying thing. They are just another example of people who have "gone green" and didn't brag about it or try to make it cool. They just did what they thought was right. I like them for it.
Sigh.
I suppose that little rant is finished. I'm glad it's out. It had been inside me a very long time.
Going Green
I got a calendar for Christmas. I'm pretty stoked about this. It's a "Go Green!" desktop calendar.
It's the kind that has a page for each day. At the end of the day, you get to tear off the page. I love this because I love finishing things and then being through with them. I love to polish off a chapstick, I love to run out of ink in a pen, I love to turn my conditioner upside down for days to get the last bit out of it. Tear-off calendars are right up my alley. I've never had a tear-off calendar before, and the only thing I'm not a fan of is the fact that it creates a lot of waste. This is interesting because this calendar will tell you a different way you can "Go Green!" every day. I have yet to find the advice, "Support products that create less waste." Instead, I read Friday's tid-bit, "Start a community walking group."
I don't get it.
Anyway, the first page gives a brief synopsis of what you will find in the days to come. It says some stuff, and then at the very bottom, in italics, it says, "Share your calendar pages with family, friends, and coworkers."
Ha. Yeah right. This is as far as it goes, calendar. I like how they threw that idea on there at the last minute. A higher pass-along rate would make them look more eco friendly, I am sure.
It's the kind that has a page for each day. At the end of the day, you get to tear off the page. I love this because I love finishing things and then being through with them. I love to polish off a chapstick, I love to run out of ink in a pen, I love to turn my conditioner upside down for days to get the last bit out of it. Tear-off calendars are right up my alley. I've never had a tear-off calendar before, and the only thing I'm not a fan of is the fact that it creates a lot of waste. This is interesting because this calendar will tell you a different way you can "Go Green!" every day. I have yet to find the advice, "Support products that create less waste." Instead, I read Friday's tid-bit, "Start a community walking group."
I don't get it.
Anyway, the first page gives a brief synopsis of what you will find in the days to come. It says some stuff, and then at the very bottom, in italics, it says, "Share your calendar pages with family, friends, and coworkers."
Ha. Yeah right. This is as far as it goes, calendar. I like how they threw that idea on there at the last minute. A higher pass-along rate would make them look more eco friendly, I am sure.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Variations on Ticket to Ride
So, as many of you know, the family and I are obsessed with Ticket to Ride.
Awhile ago I had come up with some rough rules on how to play with teams. I had the chance to try it out when Paul and Marissa visited and this is what we came up with:
TEAMS
You and your partner share trains. You can work off of what your partner lays down, just as if they were your trains. In the beginning of standard play, each person is dealt three destination tickets and must keep two. In Team play, you only have to keep one.
We also introduced the concept of The Peek. Everyone starts out with one peek available. On your turn you may choose to peek at your partner's destination tickets. This is all you may do on your turn. If your partner chooses to take more destination tickets on his or her turn, you are then allowed another peek if you wish to use another turn. I wanted to be "reimbursed" if I didn't use my peek, say three points at the end of the game, but this was vetoed. So, we haven't played that way so I don't know how it would work. Currently, if you do or don't use your peek there is no consequence.
The rules for table talk between partners is unclear. Only mind reading was deemed appropriate, although Paul feels that winking and setting your trains down "with especial purpose" is allowed as well.
The most people we've played with is 6, although I suppose up to 10 could play.
ALL OUT (not for team play)
The next variation I have just named "All Out" and I'm not sure if I like it. We have yet to play All Out. The concept is to deal all of the destination tickets at the beginning. You must keep all that you are dealt. Of course, you probably won't be able to get to all of them, so you must decide which tickets you won't accomplish and take the hit.
I got the idea for "All Out" when I successfully accomplished ten destinations in one game. That game was a 3 player game. I think to play All Out you must have at least 3 people. A 2 person game would need a variation on the variation, and I think I'm going to try that out today.
Anyway, I do love Ticket to Ride. Have fun playing. Let me know how the variations work for you.
Wait... do any of you actually have the game?
Awhile ago I had come up with some rough rules on how to play with teams. I had the chance to try it out when Paul and Marissa visited and this is what we came up with:
TEAMS
You and your partner share trains. You can work off of what your partner lays down, just as if they were your trains. In the beginning of standard play, each person is dealt three destination tickets and must keep two. In Team play, you only have to keep one.
We also introduced the concept of The Peek. Everyone starts out with one peek available. On your turn you may choose to peek at your partner's destination tickets. This is all you may do on your turn. If your partner chooses to take more destination tickets on his or her turn, you are then allowed another peek if you wish to use another turn. I wanted to be "reimbursed" if I didn't use my peek, say three points at the end of the game, but this was vetoed. So, we haven't played that way so I don't know how it would work. Currently, if you do or don't use your peek there is no consequence.
The rules for table talk between partners is unclear. Only mind reading was deemed appropriate, although Paul feels that winking and setting your trains down "with especial purpose" is allowed as well.
The most people we've played with is 6, although I suppose up to 10 could play.
ALL OUT (not for team play)
The next variation I have just named "All Out" and I'm not sure if I like it. We have yet to play All Out. The concept is to deal all of the destination tickets at the beginning. You must keep all that you are dealt. Of course, you probably won't be able to get to all of them, so you must decide which tickets you won't accomplish and take the hit.
I got the idea for "All Out" when I successfully accomplished ten destinations in one game. That game was a 3 player game. I think to play All Out you must have at least 3 people. A 2 person game would need a variation on the variation, and I think I'm going to try that out today.
Anyway, I do love Ticket to Ride. Have fun playing. Let me know how the variations work for you.
Wait... do any of you actually have the game?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Tight Pants
I was minding my own business, checking out some posts that were still in draft, and I came across this picture from a Thanksgiving walk around the lake. I like it. It's pretty.
I wasn't the only person to recognize a good photo op, just out of sight of this photo is a couple taking romantic shots in the leaves.
Naturally I thought this was funny so I grabbed a shot of them and all their romance, but after looking at the picture I decided not to post it because the guy's pants were way too tight and it made me uncomfortable.
So, below you will find a nice picture free from tight pants.
I wasn't the only person to recognize a good photo op, just out of sight of this photo is a couple taking romantic shots in the leaves.
Naturally I thought this was funny so I grabbed a shot of them and all their romance, but after looking at the picture I decided not to post it because the guy's pants were way too tight and it made me uncomfortable.
So, below you will find a nice picture free from tight pants.
Sound Advice
So I was chillin' at Curves and I noticed the white board had a new message on it. It said, "Write your New Year's resolution." There were things up there that said, "Love my body," "Work out more," "Be a better friend."
I picked up a pen and wrote, "Give more free advice."
So, to honor my New Year's resolution just a little bit, here it goes:
If you are a jerk, stop being a jerk. If you are lame, stop being lame.
But maybe I should have said that to the person who needs to hear it.
I picked up a pen and wrote, "Give more free advice."
So, to honor my New Year's resolution just a little bit, here it goes:
If you are a jerk, stop being a jerk. If you are lame, stop being lame.
But maybe I should have said that to the person who needs to hear it.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cabbage
I hate coleslaw. I just do. I only like cabbage if it is cooked or in fish tacos.
Tonight we had fish tacos. They were delicious.
Tonight we had fish tacos. They were delicious.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
January 6, 2009
Today was a sweet awesome day. Thank you January 6, 2009. And thank you God.
Today we went to Montana de Oro and it was splendid.
Mom and Pops enjoying the view:
And then I joined them!
So, Mary's birthday is tomorrow, and her dear mother was able to fly in to celebrate. You can tell this is Mary and her mother by the matching amount of hair.
Hey wait a minute! Check out those awesome boots!
For Christmas I got some new hiking boots and this was their first adventure. I hadn't even really worn them around the house since I got them, so I thought a trip along the bluffs would be a good first outing. I was right. It was a great outing, and my feet love my boots, and my boots love my feet. Not a blister in sight! I even did a little jogging in them! Wicka wicka!
Okay, so the whole experience was wonderful. I love the calming effect the ocean has on me. I love the sea breeze as it brings the ocean spray up to my face. You walk out on some of the bluffs and it feels like you are all alone, in the middle of the sea, experiencing the glory and majesty of this earth. When I'm out there, I feel calmer. I feel safe. I feel my soul searching and reaching out to God. It's automatic. This always happens when I'm in nature. I love that.
I need more nature.
So, while we were out there, we saw a few surfers. I thought they were crazy, as I view all the rocks at Montana de Oro a deathtrap, but whatev.
So the first video was his longest ride, although I was busy watching him in real life that my camera was a little ahead of him.
We moved along the bluff a little and had better lighting for his second, shorter ride. You'll notice his buddy joining him in the end.
Today we went to Montana de Oro and it was splendid.
Mom and Pops enjoying the view:
And then I joined them!
So, Mary's birthday is tomorrow, and her dear mother was able to fly in to celebrate. You can tell this is Mary and her mother by the matching amount of hair.
Hey wait a minute! Check out those awesome boots!
For Christmas I got some new hiking boots and this was their first adventure. I hadn't even really worn them around the house since I got them, so I thought a trip along the bluffs would be a good first outing. I was right. It was a great outing, and my feet love my boots, and my boots love my feet. Not a blister in sight! I even did a little jogging in them! Wicka wicka!
Okay, so the whole experience was wonderful. I love the calming effect the ocean has on me. I love the sea breeze as it brings the ocean spray up to my face. You walk out on some of the bluffs and it feels like you are all alone, in the middle of the sea, experiencing the glory and majesty of this earth. When I'm out there, I feel calmer. I feel safe. I feel my soul searching and reaching out to God. It's automatic. This always happens when I'm in nature. I love that.I need more nature.
So, while we were out there, we saw a few surfers. I thought they were crazy, as I view all the rocks at Montana de Oro a deathtrap, but whatev.
So the first video was his longest ride, although I was busy watching him in real life that my camera was a little ahead of him.
We moved along the bluff a little and had better lighting for his second, shorter ride. You'll notice his buddy joining him in the end.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
House Elves
Where do house elves come from?
They are magical creatures, sure, but I don't know anything about how they reproduce. Most house elves lead solitary existences. They are bound to their wizard families, and don't leave to go date other house elves, as far as I know.
BUT-if I am remembering correctly, the Most Noble House of Black has had many house elves in the same line over the generations. How is that possible?
This has been bothering me for a long time.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Christmas Cheer
I had a very good Christmas season this year. One of the things that helped to make Christmas good was going to Vine Street. Vine Street is a street in Paso with mostly Victorian homes, all dressed in their holiday finery. You walk up and down looking at the lights, eating free popcorn, hot cider, and cotton candy. There are performers along the street, and many musical groups. As we came upon a choir, I had to do a double take. My heart quickened as I recognized one of the singers. Could it be? Is my life really that wonderful?
Yes, yes it is.
Sitting in the corner of this photo in the green sweater, white hair, and glasses is my very own Donn, two n's.
Donn. He was the cherry on top of a wonderful evening.
So as I was writing this post, I thought I would go back and remember Donn. I had forgotten how funny he is.
Yes, yes it is.
Sitting in the corner of this photo in the green sweater, white hair, and glasses is my very own Donn, two n's.
Donn. He was the cherry on top of a wonderful evening.
So as I was writing this post, I thought I would go back and remember Donn. I had forgotten how funny he is.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2nd Annual Canaan Christmas Party at the Cohen's
I had a Christmas party last year. Apparently it was a hit because I had about 4 people ask me (all in one Sunday) if I was planning another party for this year.
I am rather self conscious of my parties, and wasn't sure if I wanted to open myself up to vulnerability again, but hey, four people want to come to a party I haven't even planned yet, so I decided to do it.
So, a few weeks ago we had The Second Annual Canaan Christmas Party at the Cohen's.
A very good account of this party can be found on Tara's blog.
The party included a snowflake making competition of course.
Mother was the judge, and she gave out many prizes. She had an all around favorite, but also "most like an ink blot," "most like fire," "most friendly," and not pictured is "most like knives."
This was one of the prizes for the snowflake making competition:
Please note those capsules were suppose to be dinosaurs, but I see a rabbit.
Now, as you may recall, last year we roasted chestnuts.
Because chestnuts are disgusting, I did not wish to have them again. BUT, I love fire, so I decided we needed to pop popcorn over an open flame. It was a great decision.
I am rather self conscious of my parties, and wasn't sure if I wanted to open myself up to vulnerability again, but hey, four people want to come to a party I haven't even planned yet, so I decided to do it.
So, a few weeks ago we had The Second Annual Canaan Christmas Party at the Cohen's.
A very good account of this party can be found on Tara's blog.
The party included a snowflake making competition of course.
Mother was the judge, and she gave out many prizes. She had an all around favorite, but also "most like an ink blot," "most like fire," "most friendly," and not pictured is "most like knives."
This was one of the prizes for the snowflake making competition:
Please note those capsules were suppose to be dinosaurs, but I see a rabbit.
Now, as you may recall, last year we roasted chestnuts.
Because chestnuts are disgusting, I did not wish to have them again. BUT, I love fire, so I decided we needed to pop popcorn over an open flame. It was a great decision.
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