1 nasty infection =
4 surgeries
2 life flights
4 ER visits
2 ICU stays
1 ventilator
3 PICC lines
5 MRIs
3 Cat Scans
3 hosptial admittances
3 rehab admittances
5 blood transfusions
1 bone graft
2 rods
8 screws
30 pounds lost
endless pain killers
... 10+ weeks of hell
I hate you, MRSA.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sandy Cay
I used to travel to this island with my family when I we lived in Honduras. It was our favorite place to go on vacation. Go figure, right?! It was beautiful. Off the north coast of Honduras was this little piece of heaven...Sandy Cay.
Sandy Cay was a small island. It was a little more isolated than the other the cays at the Bay Islands, and it was surrounded by spectacular corral reef. Sting rays, sea turtles, flounders, urchins, barracudas, sharks, angel fish, blow fish and every other fish in Finding Nemo. Other than the obvious amounts of swimming and snorkeling we did, we did other things too.
One thing Larry and I loved to do was hunt for and collect hermit crabs. We were fascinated by them. We would hope that during one of our 5-day visits that maybe one of them would outgrow its shell and seek another. I am sad to report that we never were so lucky as to witness a hermit crab out of its shell. We'd even put extra pretty and empty shells in there just to tempt them. It didn't work. Anyway, I was surprised to discover this photo tonight of one such collection. It made me laugh when I saw it. :)
Other activities we did were walk around the island and discover everything about it. We'd visit the other islands—all offering something unique and special. Fish. Eat sea food. Play games. Lay in the sun. At night we would laugh till we cried. Have bonfires, then count the stars in the Milky Way.
I'm thinking a lot about Sandy Cay lately. I have been thinking how I want to go back to feel the wind in my face we approach the island. To walk around and squish the sand in my toes. To swim in the ocean and taste the salt water splash up into my snorkel. And to listen to the lulling waves hit the shore as I fall asleep. Relaxation and isolation. You know, just check out for a while. Yeah, I could do that again.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Office (inspried by true events)
THE OFFICE - APRIL 19
Everyone
is working quietly. MICHAEL SCOTT is in his office, bored (as usual). He
stands up and paces in his office. He is mumbling to himself and thinking. He
stands outside his door and addresses the office.
MICHAEL
Tomorrow we are going to have an Easter Egg Hunt!
Tomorrow we are going to have an Easter Egg Hunt!
PHYLLIS
(confused)
But Easter was three weeks ago.
(confused)
But Easter was three weeks ago.
MICHAEL
So, what! It will be fun. Not everyone got to find Easter eggs, and I want to make sure everyone of you gets a chance to participate in this holiday whether you're Catholic, Jewish, Indian ... or gay (looks at OSCAR).
So, what! It will be fun. Not everyone got to find Easter eggs, and I want to make sure everyone of you gets a chance to participate in this holiday whether you're Catholic, Jewish, Indian ... or gay (looks at OSCAR).
Silence.
MICHAEL
(to ANGELA)
Angela! Go buy 500 plastic eggs and come here at 4:00 AM to hide them.
(to ANGELA)
Angela! Go buy 500 plastic eggs and come here at 4:00 AM to hide them.
ANGELA
500, Michael? Isn’t that excessive?
500, Michael? Isn’t that excessive?
MICHAEL
(ignores ANGELA)
(ignores ANGELA)
(to EVERYONE)
Everyone can only get one egg before 11:00. Then it's fair game. Oh! And there will be prizes. Candy, Money and (pause) a grand prize!
Everyone can only get one egg before 11:00. Then it's fair game. Oh! And there will be prizes. Candy, Money and (pause) a grand prize!
MICHAEL SCOTT goes back into his office and shuts the
door.
DWIGHT
(sitting back in his chair, smiling)
I wonder what the grand prize will be. I bet it's going to be AWESOME. Like an African safari
(sitting back in his chair, smiling)
I wonder what the grand prize will be. I bet it's going to be AWESOME. Like an African safari
ANGELA rolls
her eyes.
________
THE OFFICE - APRIL 20
EVERYONE is
working. There are eggs "hidden" visibly all over the office.
DWIGHT is the last to the office, and he walks in the door. He spies an egg
on the floor and races over to it and grabs it. EVERYONE is watching
him. He looks up then spies another one a few feet away and starts to go for
it.
ANGELA
(yelling at DWIGHT)
No! You can't take more than one egg until 11:00. Don't touch it!
(yelling at DWIGHT)
No! You can't take more than one egg until 11:00. Don't touch it!
DWIGHT
(frustrated)
Fine!
(frustrated)
Fine!
DWIGHT goes to his desk and sits down.
JIM
(to DWIGHT)
Why are you so late?
(to DWIGHT)
Why are you so late?
DWIGHT
(not looking at JIM)
I slept in ... CRAP!
(not looking at JIM)
I slept in ... CRAP!
JIM smiles. DWIGHT opens his egg. He inspects
the contents and starts eating the jelly beans.
DWIGHT
(to JIM)
Hey, what did you get in your egg?
(to JIM)
Hey, what did you get in your egg?
JIM
(to DWIGHT)
I didn't get an egg yet.
(to DWIGHT)
I didn't get an egg yet.
DWIGHT
(to JIM)
What!? Why not? They're all over the place. Look! There's one (he points to an egg). Look! There's another one (he points to another one). Man, whoever hid these did a terrible job.
(to JIM)
What!? Why not? They're all over the place. Look! There's one (he points to an egg). Look! There's another one (he points to another one). Man, whoever hid these did a terrible job.
ANGELA huffs and walks to the break room.
JIM
Oh look. Here's one. Right by my desk. (he picks up a blue Easter egg and opens it)
Oh look. Here's one. Right by my desk. (he picks up a blue Easter egg and opens it)
DWIGHT
(to JIM)
So, what did you get?
(to JIM)
So, what did you get?
JIM
(to DWIGHT)
Just some candy. Jelly beans and a Krackle.
(to DWIGHT)
Just some candy. Jelly beans and a Krackle.
(to PAM)
What did you get, Pam?
What did you get, Pam?
PAM
(to JIM looking inside her orange Easter egg)
Well, I got some candy too. Some chocolate, some jelly beans and this weird gummy thing.
(to JIM looking inside her orange Easter egg)
Well, I got some candy too. Some chocolate, some jelly beans and this weird gummy thing.
DWIGHT
(to EVERYONE)
Did anyone get anything other than candy?
(to EVERYONE)
Did anyone get anything other than candy?
RYAN
(to DWIGHT holding a check card)
I got a $50 check card.
(to DWIGHT holding a check card)
I got a $50 check card.
DWIGHT
What!? That's not fair. Why did you get that?! Is that the grand prize?
What!? That's not fair. Why did you get that?! Is that the grand prize?
ANGELA
(she had walked back in the room. Annoyed)
No. That is NOT the grand prize. The grand prize is still unclaimed.
(she had walked back in the room. Annoyed)
No. That is NOT the grand prize. The grand prize is still unclaimed.
DWIGHT Talking to the camera by the window.
DWIGHT
(to the camera)
I'm going to find that grand prize. I have to. I'm sure Michael thought of the best prize ever, and he intended me to find it. So everyone else can stick it, cause it's mine!
(to the camera)
I'm going to find that grand prize. I have to. I'm sure Michael thought of the best prize ever, and he intended me to find it. So everyone else can stick it, cause it's mine!
The day
continues. Everyone is working. DWIGHT is impatiently watching the clock
for 11:00 to come. Finally, it is 11:00. DWIGHT races out of his chair
and collects as many Easter eggs as he can, as fast as he can. EVERYONE
else stays seated in their chairs and watches him.
JIM
(to DWIGHT)
You think you're going to find something real great?
(to DWIGHT)
You think you're going to find something real great?
DWIGHT
Yes! Of course I am. I am going to win the grand prize.
Yes! Of course I am. I am going to win the grand prize.
PAM Talking to the camera by the window.
PAM
(to the camera)
So, I have this really unclever idea. I'm going to write a note, stick it in my orange Easter egg, and then put it on Jim's desk as a joke. What should it say? Oh, I know! (pause) It'll make him laugh, but yeah—he'll totally know it was from me.
(to the camera)
So, I have this really unclever idea. I'm going to write a note, stick it in my orange Easter egg, and then put it on Jim's desk as a joke. What should it say? Oh, I know! (pause) It'll make him laugh, but yeah—he'll totally know it was from me.
JIM and
DWIGHT left for lunch. PAM takes a blue sticky note and with a
sharpie writes a note on it. She stuffs it in the egg, places it by Jim's
computer, and leaves for lunch. Turns out DWIGHT was hiding in the
bathroom. He comes back into the office and starts scouring the office for
unclaimed eggs. He sees the orange egg on Jim's desk. He looks around. JIM
and PAM are gone, and no one else is watching him. DWIGHT sneaks
over, picks up the egg and opens it. Suddenly his eyes get really big. He is so
excited, and an evil mischievous smile creeps across his face. Making sure no
one else is looking; he quickly swaps the orange egg with a little shiny green
one. DWIGHT puts the orange Easter egg in his pocket, walks into the
break room—still grinning—to eat.
PAM returns
to the office and sits at her desk. She notices the orange egg is gone. JIM
walks in the door, sits at his desk. He sees the green Easter egg, opens it,
and starts eating the Hershey Kisses.
PAM
(to JIM)
Did you get the Easter egg from me?
(to JIM)
Did you get the Easter egg from me?
JIM
(to PAM)
Oh, these are from you? Thanks!
(to PAM)
Oh, these are from you? Thanks!
PAM
(to JIM sounding a little confused)
No, those aren't from me. Did you get the orange Easter egg with the note in it?
(to JIM sounding a little confused)
No, those aren't from me. Did you get the orange Easter egg with the note in it?
JIM
(to PAM now he is looking confused)
Uh...no.
(to PAM now he is looking confused)
Uh...no.
PAM
(to JIM surprised)
You didn't? (Her jaw drops. She smiles and she starts laughing.) Oh my gosh! (still laughing. JIM looks at her like something is wrong with her) I have to tell you what I did!
(to JIM surprised)
You didn't? (Her jaw drops. She smiles and she starts laughing.) Oh my gosh! (still laughing. JIM looks at her like something is wrong with her) I have to tell you what I did!
JIM
(to PAM)
Okay...
(to PAM)
Okay...
PAM
(to JIM whispering)
I wrote a note and put it in my orange Easter egg, then put it on your desk.
(to JIM whispering)
I wrote a note and put it in my orange Easter egg, then put it on your desk.
JIM
(to PAM smiling)
What did it say?
(to PAM smiling)
What did it say?
PAM
(to JIM)
I wrote... (she whispers what it said to JIM)
(to JIM)
I wrote... (she whispers what it said to JIM)
JIM
(to PAM laughing)
Oh my goodness. (pause) I wonder who took it...
(to PAM laughing)
Oh my goodness. (pause) I wonder who took it...
JIM and PAM
look over to the break room, and see DWIGHT smiling a little more than
usual. JIM and PAM start laughing.
PAM
(to JIM)
Should we tell him?
(to JIM)
Should we tell him?
JIM
(to PAM)
No way. Let's see how long it takes him to talk to Michael.
(to PAM)
No way. Let's see how long it takes him to talk to Michael.
JIM
and PAM start laughing. They eventually return to their seats. DWIGHT
comes in and sits down at his desk, still grinning.
JIM
(to DWIGHT)
What's up? Why are you so happy?
(to DWIGHT)
What's up? Why are you so happy?
DWIGHT
(to JIM)
Not telling.
(to JIM)
Not telling.
JIM
(to DWIGHT)
(shrugs) Okay. (He turns his head over to PAM and they smile.)
(to DWIGHT)
(shrugs) Okay. (He turns his head over to PAM and they smile.)
A while later MICHAEL walks in the door happy and smiling.
MICHAEL
(to EVERYONE)
How's the Easter egg hunt coming?! Everyone having F-U-N!? Finding eggs, anyone?
(to OSCAR)
Oscar?
(to EVERYONE)
How's the Easter egg hunt coming?! Everyone having F-U-N!? Finding eggs, anyone?
(to OSCAR)
Oscar?
OSCAR gives him a courtesy smile.
DWIGHT bombards him all ecstatic and happy. He is holding up the orange
Easter egg in MICHAEL's face.
DWIGHT
(to MICHAEL)
I found it! I found it! I found the grand prize. I knew you wanted me to have it, Michael.
(to EVERYONE announces)
Just so everyone knows, I found the grand prize. (He holds up the note and reads it out loud.) "You won the Grand Prize of becoming ... the new Assistant Manager! See Michael Scott to claim your prize!"
(to MICHAEL)
I found it! I found it! I found the grand prize. I knew you wanted me to have it, Michael.
(to EVERYONE announces)
Just so everyone knows, I found the grand prize. (He holds up the note and reads it out loud.) "You won the Grand Prize of becoming ... the new Assistant Manager! See Michael Scott to claim your prize!"
DWIGHT is so excited, looking around, and everyone is
staring at him. There is a pause.
MICHAEL
(to DWIGHT quietly)
That is not the grand prize.
(to DWIGHT quietly)
That is not the grand prize.
DWIGHT
(to MICHAEL)
What!?
(to MICHAEL)
What!?
(to ANGELA)
Angela?
Angela?
ANGELA
(to DWIGHT)
He's right. That is NOT the grand prize. The grand prize is a tent.
(to DWIGHT)
He's right. That is NOT the grand prize. The grand prize is a tent.
KEVIN
(to EVERYONE)
Hey, I won the grand prize. Look! That's what my egg says. (nodding his head) Awesome.
(to EVERYONE)
Hey, I won the grand prize. Look! That's what my egg says. (nodding his head) Awesome.
DWIGHT looks
dejected and disappointed. He scans the room for any insight, but EVERYONE
has gone back to work. Both JIM and PAM maintain straight faces.
He looks at MICHAEL. MICHAEL shrugs and walks into his office and shuts
the door. DWIGHT returns to his chair with his head down. JIM and
PAM both smile.
The End.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
What's Your Purpose?
Every once in a great while there comes along a movie that takes my breath away. I'm not a movie critic by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I like. I watched "Hugo" last night. What a spectacular movie! Especially in a time when spectacular movies are few and far between. How much garbage is out there? It is so refreshing to watch something that is just good, beautiful and with substance. I would consider it a must see for, well, everyone!
My favorite quote from the movie comes from this determined boy, Hugo: "Right after my father died, I would come up here a lot. I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured, if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason too."
The movie centers around this theme: finding your purpose. Perfect! It has made me reflect on what my purpose is. Like Hugo, I agree. We all have a purpose on earth. We're all here for a reason with specific things to accomplish, peoples' lives to touch, ways to grow and evolve into the person we are truly meant to be. Sometimes we forget how we fit in and are supposed to work. Sometimes we may get rusty and need some attention and care. Sometimes we just brake and need to be fixed.
...Sometimes that is someone's purpose.
I suggest to get a bowl of popcorn, a blanket, lots of fluffy pillows, a Pepsi (of course) and watch this film.
Then think: what part of this masterful machine am I?
My favorite quote from the movie comes from this determined boy, Hugo: "Right after my father died, I would come up here a lot. I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured, if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that means you have to be here for some reason too."
The movie centers around this theme: finding your purpose. Perfect! It has made me reflect on what my purpose is. Like Hugo, I agree. We all have a purpose on earth. We're all here for a reason with specific things to accomplish, peoples' lives to touch, ways to grow and evolve into the person we are truly meant to be. Sometimes we forget how we fit in and are supposed to work. Sometimes we may get rusty and need some attention and care. Sometimes we just brake and need to be fixed.
...Sometimes that is someone's purpose.
I suggest to get a bowl of popcorn, a blanket, lots of fluffy pillows, a Pepsi (of course) and watch this film.
Then think: what part of this masterful machine am I?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
No Soup for You
What do you write when you feel like you have nothing to write about?
uh...Broccoli Cheese Soup, of course! (didn't you know that?!)
So I am being very "un"clever today and posting a pic of my dinner like every other blogger out there. However, I am actually quite proud that I even made dinner. See, I'm alone tonight. No kids. Just me. So, what do I do? I make a ginormous pot of broccoli cheese soup. I guess the idea is to take some to work for my lunch (I'm obviously NOT counting calories right now), and feed my kids tomorrow night (again, I am not counting calories). I think it is safe to say I have enough to freeze for a couple future meals too. (sigh) I am so thrifty sometimes. It's amazing.
Sooooooo... have a look at my luscious meal, and remember NO SOUP FOR YOU!
:)
"I don't want soup. I can make my own soup."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJyGJQx2Fgk
uh...Broccoli Cheese Soup, of course! (didn't you know that?!)
So I am being very "un"clever today and posting a pic of my dinner like every other blogger out there. However, I am actually quite proud that I even made dinner. See, I'm alone tonight. No kids. Just me. So, what do I do? I make a ginormous pot of broccoli cheese soup. I guess the idea is to take some to work for my lunch (I'm obviously NOT counting calories right now), and feed my kids tomorrow night (again, I am not counting calories). I think it is safe to say I have enough to freeze for a couple future meals too. (sigh) I am so thrifty sometimes. It's amazing.
Sooooooo... have a look at my luscious meal, and remember NO SOUP FOR YOU!
:)
"I don't want soup. I can make my own soup."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJyGJQx2Fgk
Sunday, January 22, 2012
How about some prose...
(by yours truly)
Freshly fallen snow lay soft and beautiful
sparkling, shimmering and dancing in the sunlight.
Once darkness and shadows lingered here,
But with the morning comes new hope.
Pure light permeates the room and soaks into my skin.
I am lifted.
My Spirit feels free.
I rush through the house to allow every room to transform.
Transform me.
This feeling is cherished,
Where for a moment I feel peace, serenity and light touch my soul.
Freshly fallen snow lay soft and beautiful
sparkling, shimmering and dancing in the sunlight.
Once darkness and shadows lingered here,
But with the morning comes new hope.
Pure light permeates the room and soaks into my skin.
I am lifted.
My Spirit feels free.
I rush through the house to allow every room to transform.
Transform me.
This feeling is cherished,
Where for a moment I feel peace, serenity and light touch my soul.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
for the love of brownies
Besides my unfailing love for Pepsi (as you read last week), those who really know me know that I have another true love. It's brownies. Especially "my" brownies, which I of course make from scratch. I have a killer recipe that is pretty much unbeatable.
However, I have been known to mess them up a time or two. Tonight was one of those times. Bummer. I was really looking forward to overindulging myself in the yumminess of brownies. Really, I have made these loads of times, so you would think that I would never break the cardinal commandments of brownie making:
#1
Thou shalt not use a box. Some box brownies are "alright," but the best ones are from scratch.
#2
Thou shalt not melt your butter in the microwave. It can't be frozen, but it also can't be accidentally melted in the microwave either.
#3
Thou shalt use the best cocoa. Sorry, but Hershey's is the best.
#4
Thou shalt not over mix. Overmixing brownie batter makes the brownies cakey. Not fudgey and ooey-gooey, like they ought to be.
#5
Thou shalt use a Pampered Chef stone. I know, I'm a Pampered Chef brat, but they really bake the best.
#6
Thou shalt not overbake. The center can't be batter, but it has to be a little wiggly.
#7
Thou shalt use frosting. Of course brownies need frosting! The only time a brownie doesn't need it is when you are eating one with ice cream and hot fudge.
#8
Thou shalt not put the frosting on prematurely. I don't know why. Trust me. It just makes them weird. Make sure the brownies are completely cooled.
#9
Thou shalt lick the brownie batter clean off the bowl...and spatula...and Kitchen Aid mixer thing. Salmonella? psh. I think someone made that up.
and finally...
#10
Thou shalt not let Danny cut out his own brownie. If you do, then this is what will happen - see photo below. (Actually, I'm a little proud—at least he used a spatula, and furthermore, he knows the center is the best part. I taught him well.)
However, I have been known to mess them up a time or two. Tonight was one of those times. Bummer. I was really looking forward to overindulging myself in the yumminess of brownies. Really, I have made these loads of times, so you would think that I would never break the cardinal commandments of brownie making:
#1
Thou shalt not use a box. Some box brownies are "alright," but the best ones are from scratch.
#2
Thou shalt not melt your butter in the microwave. It can't be frozen, but it also can't be accidentally melted in the microwave either.
#3
Thou shalt use the best cocoa. Sorry, but Hershey's is the best.
#4
Thou shalt not over mix. Overmixing brownie batter makes the brownies cakey. Not fudgey and ooey-gooey, like they ought to be.
#5
Thou shalt use a Pampered Chef stone. I know, I'm a Pampered Chef brat, but they really bake the best.
#6
Thou shalt not overbake. The center can't be batter, but it has to be a little wiggly.
#7
Thou shalt use frosting. Of course brownies need frosting! The only time a brownie doesn't need it is when you are eating one with ice cream and hot fudge.
#8
Thou shalt not put the frosting on prematurely. I don't know why. Trust me. It just makes them weird. Make sure the brownies are completely cooled.
#9
Thou shalt lick the brownie batter clean off the bowl...and spatula...and Kitchen Aid mixer thing. Salmonella? psh. I think someone made that up.
and finally...
#10
Thou shalt not let Danny cut out his own brownie. If you do, then this is what will happen - see photo below. (Actually, I'm a little proud—at least he used a spatula, and furthermore, he knows the center is the best part. I taught him well.)
Friday, December 30, 2011
Dear Pepsi
Dear Pepsi,We've been seeing each other for a long time now. It started when I was young, and it's been quite the love affair ever since. I know there have been times when I have hurt you. I have chosen to be "on a break," but I always come back to you. There is something about you that I just can't get enough of. I can't imagine life without you in it.
I wanted to take a minute and tell you some of the ways you have changed my life. You lift me up. You know those really crappy days when you're sad, tired, worn down, sad, frustrated and did I mention sad? Yeah, I have had quite a few of those. When I bring you into my life on those days, you can lift my spirits and help me cope with the crap. I love you for that! Your bubbles. There is something about the way it feels when your bubbles slide down my throat. It's euphoric. Come on, everyone—you know what I'm talking about! You taste so good. I don't know what special ingredients make you tick, but whatever they are...it's totally working for you! And me too ;)
BUT...
As most love affairs do—ours has moments. Moments when I am mad at you. Moments when I want to flush you down the toilet. It's not always bliss (despite what you may think). Sometimes you make me feel like crap. Like yesterday. I bought a 32 oz. fountain of my secret dirty combination of Wild Cherry and Diet. So good. Then I go to dinner and order more. I'm sorry. Too much of a good thing isn't good. I felt terrible when I left the restaurant. Thanks for that. You drain my wallet. A little here, a little there. If I could, I would count all the money I have spent on you. I could probably go buy a car. You are an expensive relationship! You make me bloat. It's true. My stomach is always flatter when I'm "on a break." I care about my body, yet you don't help me maintain it. Don't you care about me?
What's a girl to do?
After much deliberation I have come to my present conclusion. Despite the things about you that drive me crazy, I can't leave you...yet! I love you too much!
So, here's to our love-hate relationship! Cheers!
Love Always, B-la
PS. Now where can I find me a Max?
Sunday, December 18, 2011
What is Christmas Spirit?
I've never struggled so much in getting into the Christmas spirit as I have this year. Christmas is only one week away, and I am still struggling to find it. I think it's just not going to happen this year. Maybe there is a reason for this. Maybe not. Regardless, this is not normal.
Usually I am super fussy about getting the Christmas tree just right. I let the kids help, but when they aren't looking, I move things around until I am perfectly happy with the tree. This year I didn't get out my favorite ornaments, I let the kids put all the ornaments on the tree, and I didn't adjust anything. I also usually put out the Christmas village. I didn't do that either. Lights on the house. No. Stockings hung. Nope. Christmas music. Not a chance. Garland. You guessed it. I didn't do any of that. It was all I could do to get out a few decorations.
The one thing I have done (that I haven't forced myself to do) is my holiday candy making. Go figure. Suckers, fudge and caramels. And trust me—I have eaten my fair share.
One of my favorite things about Christmas is giving gifts to my family and friends. Despite my lack of spirit, I have wanted to keep giving. However, I have felt like I have had little time to buy anything. My mom's been staying with me for the last few days and will be here through the holidays. Since I had done very little shopping, my mom practically forced me to shop ALL DAY LONG yesterday. It was good to have her push me along, because I think it is the only way I would've finished my shopping—for teachers, friends, family, the people I care about most. So, thanks mom, for kicking my butt in gear!
Maybe I don't have all the decorations out like I usually do. Maybe I am not really feeling it like I usually do. Maybe I didn't throw my annual all-out-super-awesome-ladies-night Christmas party like I have for the last six years…but I still think it can be a great Christmas. I can't wait to see my kids on that morning, and I hope the gifts I will have given to everyone will be meaningful. After all, that's all I have to offer this year!
Usually I am super fussy about getting the Christmas tree just right. I let the kids help, but when they aren't looking, I move things around until I am perfectly happy with the tree. This year I didn't get out my favorite ornaments, I let the kids put all the ornaments on the tree, and I didn't adjust anything. I also usually put out the Christmas village. I didn't do that either. Lights on the house. No. Stockings hung. Nope. Christmas music. Not a chance. Garland. You guessed it. I didn't do any of that. It was all I could do to get out a few decorations.
The one thing I have done (that I haven't forced myself to do) is my holiday candy making. Go figure. Suckers, fudge and caramels. And trust me—I have eaten my fair share.
One of my favorite things about Christmas is giving gifts to my family and friends. Despite my lack of spirit, I have wanted to keep giving. However, I have felt like I have had little time to buy anything. My mom's been staying with me for the last few days and will be here through the holidays. Since I had done very little shopping, my mom practically forced me to shop ALL DAY LONG yesterday. It was good to have her push me along, because I think it is the only way I would've finished my shopping—for teachers, friends, family, the people I care about most. So, thanks mom, for kicking my butt in gear!
Maybe I don't have all the decorations out like I usually do. Maybe I am not really feeling it like I usually do. Maybe I didn't throw my annual all-out-super-awesome-ladies-night Christmas party like I have for the last six years…but I still think it can be a great Christmas. I can't wait to see my kids on that morning, and I hope the gifts I will have given to everyone will be meaningful. After all, that's all I have to offer this year!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
MIA
Here I am...three weeks without a post. This was not part of the plan. (But when does anything go according to plan?) I promise I have a good explanation. I just can't write about it. Maybe someday, but not today. Emotions are running raw, and I simply don't trust myself not to write something I would regret later.
Honestly, I shoudn't write today. I think I am going to stop.
Honestly, I shoudn't write today. I think I am going to stop.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
CHICAGO
London. Barcelona. Zurich. Jerusalem. Cairo. Sydney. New Delhi. Bangkok. To name a few. I have been around the world and visited amazing cities with rich history and culture. Funny thing is I have not been to most of the great cities in the United States. In September I had the opportunity to visit Chicago. My work took me to the burbs, but I had a couple hours one morning to visit the city.
I missed the train. Being entirely unfamiliar with the area and the way things are done, I missed the express train into the city. I had to wait about an hour for the "slow" train. This cut into my precious Chicago-time in a big way. Luckily, I had conversation with a nice local man who taught me how to ride the train, how to get a cab, and how to get back to the train station where I had parked my rental.
I arrived in Chicago and was immediately overcome by the buildings and excitement of being in a city. However, I was on a mission. My boat tour was leaving in T minus 5 minutes. I grabbed a cab, and he promised we could make it to the Pier on time. Well, my driver was dutiful in getting there no matter the cost (to me or others around us). I jumped out of the cab, and they held the boat for me while they looked up my reservation. PHEW!
The boat tour was AWESOME! A few people had suggested that was the one thing I should do while in the city. They were right (even though it was cold and overcast). The tour took us through the rivers and around the buildings to teach us history and architecture of this great city. I knew nothing about Chicago but left enriched and educated. It was well worth the cost and time.
After the tour I only had one more hour. Since the dock was next to Navy Pier, I decided to walk around there and have some lunch. I bought a few souvenirs for my kids and ate at Bubba Gumps. I ate shrimp, of course! My server was friendly and flirty and addressed me as "baby" and "mama" the whole time. He sat down with me and quizzed me on Forrest Gump trivia and kept my Pepsi full :) I grabbed another cab and headed back to Union Station. My cab driver from Djibouti took me on the underground roads, which was super cool. He also was mumbling to himself the whole time (...unless he had a bluetooth in, and I couldn't see it).
Do you know what happened next? I missed my train. Again. I quickly walked up to it, but the doors has just shut. I swear like 3 seconds before that moment. The guy inside was looking at me through the door window, shrugged, and was like, "sorry." WTFreak! I swear it left 4 minutes early. I was so mad. I had a plane to catch, and the next train didn't leave for another hour. So, I cried in a corner.
Just kidding. I enjoyed the little extra time I was given. I left the station and walked around a bit. I discovered I was a block from the Sears Tower (oh sorry, Willis Tower). I walked into the lobby, sat on a bench for about two minutes, and walked back to the station. I wasn't going to miss another train.
I came back to a parking ticket on my rental. Are you kidding me! The parking instructions were awful, and I didn't understand how I was supposed to pre-pay for my parking...not pay when I left. Whatever. Turns out I would have made my plane by only about 7 minutes. Luck was a little on my side though, and my flight was delayed an hour.
Overall, it was a crazy and whirlwind of a day I spent in Chicago, but I loved every minute. I love cities. I love them! I am convinced I would have a flat somewhere in some great city if I weren't a mom. Maybe someday when I get older and my kids are on their own, I will buy myself a one. I can't wait to go back to Chicago and really get to explore and see more things, because 3-4 hours was not enough.
I had a "view" from my hotel room
CHICAGO!
I'm pretty sure this is the Trump Tower
Some building I though was cool
Navy Pier
This is one of the only pics on me in Chicago (I took it myself!)
Heck Ya! My meal at Bubba's. Delish!
Random shot in the river (one of my favorites, for some reason)
The Willis Tower
I like this photo because of the shapes and space the buildings make next to each other
I had to add this video for fun! Holy cow! These are awesome! I love that I don't have to touch a thing, and I know my butt is sitting on something clean. These were in the train station and at the airport in Chicago! I need one at home :)
I missed the train. Being entirely unfamiliar with the area and the way things are done, I missed the express train into the city. I had to wait about an hour for the "slow" train. This cut into my precious Chicago-time in a big way. Luckily, I had conversation with a nice local man who taught me how to ride the train, how to get a cab, and how to get back to the train station where I had parked my rental.
I arrived in Chicago and was immediately overcome by the buildings and excitement of being in a city. However, I was on a mission. My boat tour was leaving in T minus 5 minutes. I grabbed a cab, and he promised we could make it to the Pier on time. Well, my driver was dutiful in getting there no matter the cost (to me or others around us). I jumped out of the cab, and they held the boat for me while they looked up my reservation. PHEW!
The boat tour was AWESOME! A few people had suggested that was the one thing I should do while in the city. They were right (even though it was cold and overcast). The tour took us through the rivers and around the buildings to teach us history and architecture of this great city. I knew nothing about Chicago but left enriched and educated. It was well worth the cost and time.
After the tour I only had one more hour. Since the dock was next to Navy Pier, I decided to walk around there and have some lunch. I bought a few souvenirs for my kids and ate at Bubba Gumps. I ate shrimp, of course! My server was friendly and flirty and addressed me as "baby" and "mama" the whole time. He sat down with me and quizzed me on Forrest Gump trivia and kept my Pepsi full :) I grabbed another cab and headed back to Union Station. My cab driver from Djibouti took me on the underground roads, which was super cool. He also was mumbling to himself the whole time (...unless he had a bluetooth in, and I couldn't see it).
Do you know what happened next? I missed my train. Again. I quickly walked up to it, but the doors has just shut. I swear like 3 seconds before that moment. The guy inside was looking at me through the door window, shrugged, and was like, "sorry." WTFreak! I swear it left 4 minutes early. I was so mad. I had a plane to catch, and the next train didn't leave for another hour. So, I cried in a corner.
Just kidding. I enjoyed the little extra time I was given. I left the station and walked around a bit. I discovered I was a block from the Sears Tower (oh sorry, Willis Tower). I walked into the lobby, sat on a bench for about two minutes, and walked back to the station. I wasn't going to miss another train.
I came back to a parking ticket on my rental. Are you kidding me! The parking instructions were awful, and I didn't understand how I was supposed to pre-pay for my parking...not pay when I left. Whatever. Turns out I would have made my plane by only about 7 minutes. Luck was a little on my side though, and my flight was delayed an hour.
Overall, it was a crazy and whirlwind of a day I spent in Chicago, but I loved every minute. I love cities. I love them! I am convinced I would have a flat somewhere in some great city if I weren't a mom. Maybe someday when I get older and my kids are on their own, I will buy myself a one. I can't wait to go back to Chicago and really get to explore and see more things, because 3-4 hours was not enough.
I had a "view" from my hotel room
CHICAGO!
I'm pretty sure this is the Trump Tower
Some building I though was cool
Navy Pier
This is one of the only pics on me in Chicago (I took it myself!)
Heck Ya! My meal at Bubba's. Delish!
Random shot in the river (one of my favorites, for some reason)
The Willis Tower
I like this photo because of the shapes and space the buildings make next to each other
I had to add this video for fun! Holy cow! These are awesome! I love that I don't have to touch a thing, and I know my butt is sitting on something clean. These were in the train station and at the airport in Chicago! I need one at home :)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I did it. I joined Twitter.
Yes. It's true. I am now a tweep. I have resisted for quite some time now. It seems like I am on a 5-year delay in social media. Facebook launched February of 2004. I joined in 2009. Twitter was launched for public use in July 2006. I just joined. My only exception is Google+. I actually beat the public launch in September of this year. (However, at this point, it is the social media tool I use the least, and it might die anyway.)
So what made me cave and join yet another social media network?
Peer Pressure. I have always been able to stand strong under immense peer pressure throughout my life. So, why would I cave? I don't know. Partly because of my industry. It's pretty expected for a designer/writer/marketing "expert" to belong to almost every social network. I would get all the time, "You're not on Twitter?!" Followed by strange and unnerving looks. I guess I care about my image and don't want to be considered a weird-o. Now I can say, "Yeah, I'm on Twitter. Follow me, dude." That makes me super cool.
Help Clients. How can I teach businesses and clients how to use Twitter if I didn't even know how the heck to use it. Yeah, that's been a problem. However, it is like other social media networks - if you're not going to use it and maintain it, then don't bother. Be cool and update your tweets.
I'm Getting More Informed. Turns out Twitter is much more than a massive whine session, like I thought it would be. Unlike Facebook, people generally share valuable information. People are mostly posting and sharing links to articles and sites. And the great thing is you only have to follow what you want. I'm getting my news headlines tweeted to me, getting updates on my favorite brands, design blogs, and I'm following my friends (oh, sorry...tweeps). Pretty freakin cool.
Sure. It's a game. But at least this one is a little fun!
So, follow me on Twitter, because now I'm cool. Like Travis.
So what made me cave and join yet another social media network?
Peer Pressure. I have always been able to stand strong under immense peer pressure throughout my life. So, why would I cave? I don't know. Partly because of my industry. It's pretty expected for a designer/writer/marketing "expert" to belong to almost every social network. I would get all the time, "You're not on Twitter?!" Followed by strange and unnerving looks. I guess I care about my image and don't want to be considered a weird-o. Now I can say, "Yeah, I'm on Twitter. Follow me, dude." That makes me super cool.
Help Clients. How can I teach businesses and clients how to use Twitter if I didn't even know how the heck to use it. Yeah, that's been a problem. However, it is like other social media networks - if you're not going to use it and maintain it, then don't bother. Be cool and update your tweets.
I'm Getting More Informed. Turns out Twitter is much more than a massive whine session, like I thought it would be. Unlike Facebook, people generally share valuable information. People are mostly posting and sharing links to articles and sites. And the great thing is you only have to follow what you want. I'm getting my news headlines tweeted to me, getting updates on my favorite brands, design blogs, and I'm following my friends (oh, sorry...tweeps). Pretty freakin cool.
Sure. It's a game. But at least this one is a little fun!
So, follow me on Twitter, because now I'm cool. Like Travis.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween is full of tricks
Trick #1
As I poured over 12,700 grams of sugar into a large bowl to evenly distribute among the wild neighborhood kids, I thought to myself...who really thought this was a good idea? Honestly. Do you know what this means? That's right! Each of my children will come home with their own "jackpot" of nearly 12,700 grams of sugar. OMGoodness! No, thank you. Are we really trying to make our children stupid?
Trick #2
For those of you unaware, today is a Monday. Most normal people send their kids to school on Monday. I was refused that privilege when the Davis County School District decided to make Halloween a "Professional Day." Are you freakin kidding?! What do my kids now think? You got it! Halloween is a national holiday. That's just B.S. I'm sure they were thinking, "oh, how fun for the kids to have Halloween off, and oh, bonus! ...how convenient for us, too." I don't know about you, but I want smart children, and giving them Halloween off (justified by some lame excuse) is just flat out stupid.
Trick #3
As an adult, I cannot get into dressing up. I've dressed up once in the last 14+ years. Personally, it doesn't appeal all that much. For some I guess there could be some motivation behind it. Being creative. I am pro-creativity. Maybe you want to win a costume contest. Why not? But then there's the occasional longing to be something you're not. Really? You want to be a dead bride, a slutty house maid, or a giant red M&M? Whatever. Some of us just think that's stupid.
Despite what you may think I truly can see some value in the fun and excitement Halloween can bring. I just hope I'm not the only one who thinks it really is just kind of ... can you guess?
Stupid.
As I poured over 12,700 grams of sugar into a large bowl to evenly distribute among the wild neighborhood kids, I thought to myself...who really thought this was a good idea? Honestly. Do you know what this means? That's right! Each of my children will come home with their own "jackpot" of nearly 12,700 grams of sugar. OMGoodness! No, thank you. Are we really trying to make our children stupid?
Trick #2
For those of you unaware, today is a Monday. Most normal people send their kids to school on Monday. I was refused that privilege when the Davis County School District decided to make Halloween a "Professional Day." Are you freakin kidding?! What do my kids now think? You got it! Halloween is a national holiday. That's just B.S. I'm sure they were thinking, "oh, how fun for the kids to have Halloween off, and oh, bonus! ...how convenient for us, too." I don't know about you, but I want smart children, and giving them Halloween off (justified by some lame excuse) is just flat out stupid.
Trick #3
As an adult, I cannot get into dressing up. I've dressed up once in the last 14+ years. Personally, it doesn't appeal all that much. For some I guess there could be some motivation behind it. Being creative. I am pro-creativity. Maybe you want to win a costume contest. Why not? But then there's the occasional longing to be something you're not. Really? You want to be a dead bride, a slutty house maid, or a giant red M&M? Whatever. Some of us just think that's stupid.
Despite what you may think I truly can see some value in the fun and excitement Halloween can bring. I just hope I'm not the only one who thinks it really is just kind of ... can you guess?
Stupid.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
I'm back.
It's been a long time since I have written. A lot has happened in this last year. The most significant change is I am now working full time. I got a job at a company called MarketStar as a Senior Technical Writer. It's kind of a funny thing to me being that 1. I jumped into a "senior" position 2. I'm not that "technical," and 3. I have never considered myself much as a "writer."
My background is in visual communications, and that is what really helped me get this job. Another major contributing factor, is I worked as a contractor on a short-term project for MarketStar for about 6 weeks at the end of the summer. I got to know a lot of people in the company (including the "right" people). I impressed enough of them with the way I managed that project, they sent me to Chicago for a business trip. Upon my return they had this new permanent position waiting for me. Go ahead and call it what you want: a blessing, fate, providence, luck, or shear human effort (that one's for you, Tracy). I have no doubt in my mind this is changing my life. I have been doing it for about 6 weeks now. I am learning a lot along the way, and blazing some new trails for myself.
This has led me to think (something I do a lot of but rarely record)…now that I am an official writer, I should probably write more often. Wow! That's a crazy idea. I am making a commitment right now to maintain my blog regularly. It will be clearly beneficial for my career to practice writing. Yes, this is selfish. I write for no one but myself. I suppose I really don't care if no one ever reads what I write.
Now the question to myself is: What do I blog about? Oh man! That's a tricky one. I have NO idea!! A coworker of mine suggested I blog about training for a triathlon. I think that is a swell idea, and I might morph in that direction, but this triathlon isn't until June. Hmm. Yeah, that's what I was thinking… I think for now I am just going to wing it.
So, brace yourselves. I'm ready to unleash my super ninja writing skills at least once a week. Yes, you can roll your eyes now.
Peace and Love, Brenda
My background is in visual communications, and that is what really helped me get this job. Another major contributing factor, is I worked as a contractor on a short-term project for MarketStar for about 6 weeks at the end of the summer. I got to know a lot of people in the company (including the "right" people). I impressed enough of them with the way I managed that project, they sent me to Chicago for a business trip. Upon my return they had this new permanent position waiting for me. Go ahead and call it what you want: a blessing, fate, providence, luck, or shear human effort (that one's for you, Tracy). I have no doubt in my mind this is changing my life. I have been doing it for about 6 weeks now. I am learning a lot along the way, and blazing some new trails for myself.
This has led me to think (something I do a lot of but rarely record)…now that I am an official writer, I should probably write more often. Wow! That's a crazy idea. I am making a commitment right now to maintain my blog regularly. It will be clearly beneficial for my career to practice writing. Yes, this is selfish. I write for no one but myself. I suppose I really don't care if no one ever reads what I write.
Now the question to myself is: What do I blog about? Oh man! That's a tricky one. I have NO idea!! A coworker of mine suggested I blog about training for a triathlon. I think that is a swell idea, and I might morph in that direction, but this triathlon isn't until June. Hmm. Yeah, that's what I was thinking… I think for now I am just going to wing it.
So, brace yourselves. I'm ready to unleash my super ninja writing skills at least once a week. Yes, you can roll your eyes now.
Peace and Love, Brenda
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Entry Project
Sometimes it is just time for a little change.
Not a drastic one. Just a little one. I had a cream-colored berry garland at the base of my candle holders forever. I guess I just decided it was not for me anymore. However, the candle holders are black and my table is dark dark brown. At least the cream berries broke up that space. What to do???
(I know I am suppose to have a "before" photo, but I didn't take one, and I didn't want to set up the old entry, so deal with it :)
I am having a fabric fascination lately. Naturally, a pretty little runner would be the perfect solution. I went to JoAnns to go hunting. I needed some color, because everything else in the entry is so neutral. I also needed something light and not too heavy. I really tried to find something I wouldn't normally pick...break out of the box a little. This is what I picked! I love it. I chose something in the reds to coordinate with the living room. Do you like it too?
Oh and yes! Of course some bead action had to be included along the edges.
I feel like I need some help with my bottom shelf? I had this rooster deco (see the first photo) in my old house when this table was in the kitchen area. Now it isn't, and I don't have anything else to put there right now. What would you do with that space?
Not a drastic one. Just a little one. I had a cream-colored berry garland at the base of my candle holders forever. I guess I just decided it was not for me anymore. However, the candle holders are black and my table is dark dark brown. At least the cream berries broke up that space. What to do???
(I know I am suppose to have a "before" photo, but I didn't take one, and I didn't want to set up the old entry, so deal with it :)
I am having a fabric fascination lately. Naturally, a pretty little runner would be the perfect solution. I went to JoAnns to go hunting. I needed some color, because everything else in the entry is so neutral. I also needed something light and not too heavy. I really tried to find something I wouldn't normally pick...break out of the box a little. This is what I picked! I love it. I chose something in the reds to coordinate with the living room. Do you like it too?
Oh and yes! Of course some bead action had to be included along the edges.
I feel like I need some help with my bottom shelf? I had this rooster deco (see the first photo) in my old house when this table was in the kitchen area. Now it isn't, and I don't have anything else to put there right now. What would you do with that space?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
On Turning 30
Today is my birthday, and now I am 30. I'm okay with this. Really, I am. I actually look forward to my thirties. Not that my twenties completely sucked, but they certainly weren't exploding with everything grand and brilliant. There were definitely moments when life seemed perfect and beautiful. There were also times when I would have rather been someone else, doing something else, feeling something different. Don't we all feel that way sometimes? (Please tell me this is so.)
So, I am excited to face another decade and this next phase in life. Jon will finally be done with school soon…forever. Yesss. My kids are growing fast, and I have always been excited to be a mom of school-aged boys. In other words, I am glad the baby and toddler stages are behind me! Those weren't so easy for me. As for myself, I hope for a better attitude, more patience, and a lot more love.
Maybe I am disillusioned. Maybe my thirties won't be what I expect. Maybe they'll be worse. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at you. However, I do believe that I am an in control of my destiny. It might be because I just watched Invictus for the first time last week, but I love the poetry "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." That really sings to me. So come what may…it's all up to me.
I thought it quite poignant, but I heard a song this morning that has inevitably become my theme song…for at least toady. If you're 13, 30 or 63, enjoy.
Live Like Your Dying by Lenka
One of these days you'll be under the covers
You'll be under the table and you'll realize
That all of your days are numbered, all of them one to one hundred
All of them millions, all of them trillions
So what are you gonna do with them all?
You can not trade them in for more, no, no
Take every moment, you know that you own them
It's all you can do, use what's been given to you
Gimme a reason to fight the feeling
That there's nothing here for me
'Cause none of it's easy, I know it wasn't meant to be
I know it's all up to me, it's all up to me
So what am I gonna do with my time?
I'll take every moment, I know that I own them
It's all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you're dying and never stop trying
It's all you can do, use what's been given to you
All of the moments you didn't notice gone in the blink of an eye
And all of the feelings you can't help feeling no matter how you try
Take every moment, you know that you own them
It's all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you're dying and never stop trying
It's all you can do, use what's been given to you
Live like you're dying and never stop trying
It's all up to you, use what's been given to you
So, I am excited to face another decade and this next phase in life. Jon will finally be done with school soon…forever. Yesss. My kids are growing fast, and I have always been excited to be a mom of school-aged boys. In other words, I am glad the baby and toddler stages are behind me! Those weren't so easy for me. As for myself, I hope for a better attitude, more patience, and a lot more love.
Maybe I am disillusioned. Maybe my thirties won't be what I expect. Maybe they'll be worse. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at you. However, I do believe that I am an in control of my destiny. It might be because I just watched Invictus for the first time last week, but I love the poetry "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." That really sings to me. So come what may…it's all up to me.
I thought it quite poignant, but I heard a song this morning that has inevitably become my theme song…for at least toady. If you're 13, 30 or 63, enjoy.
Live Like Your Dying by Lenka
One of these days you'll be under the covers
You'll be under the table and you'll realize
That all of your days are numbered, all of them one to one hundred
All of them millions, all of them trillions
So what are you gonna do with them all?
You can not trade them in for more, no, no
Take every moment, you know that you own them
It's all you can do, use what's been given to you
Gimme a reason to fight the feeling
That there's nothing here for me
'Cause none of it's easy, I know it wasn't meant to be
I know it's all up to me, it's all up to me
So what am I gonna do with my time?
I'll take every moment, I know that I own them
It's all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you're dying and never stop trying
It's all you can do, use what's been given to you
All of the moments you didn't notice gone in the blink of an eye
And all of the feelings you can't help feeling no matter how you try
Take every moment, you know that you own them
It's all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you're dying and never stop trying
It's all you can do, use what's been given to you
Live like you're dying and never stop trying
It's all up to you, use what's been given to you
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Reuniting in Vegas
Las Vegas was a perfect venue for old friends to get together after 14 years! A few weekends ago, I met with former classmates from AIS/D (American International School/Dhaka). I lived in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 1992-1996. (Ten points to those who know where that is - without looking at a map!) That was 7th through 10th grades for me. I complained a lot when I lived there. We all did. There was "nothing to do!" Social life consisted mostly of school, school-related activities, the American Club, and each others' houses. That's about it.
This is the view of the Strip form me and Elizabeth's room.
Our class was the biggest in the school, and we had about 40 students. What made it extraordinary was that we came from all over the world. I had classmates from the US, Canada, Costa Rica, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France, Italy, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, India, Bangladesh, and more. We were incredibly diverse. And because it was so small, we really got to know just about everyone. It doesn't mean we were all best friends. In fact, there were a lot of people who - dare I say - hated each other. But we knew everyone in the school, and we shared a special bond. The bond of living and experiencing middle and high school together in one of the poorest and most densely populated nations in the world. Looking back, those were my best adolescent years. I had great friends, tremendous memories, a fantastic education, and lots of opportunity to travel.
Now that we are adults, we figured it was about bloody time to meet up again. After reuniting on Facebook, we decided on a date and Treasure Island Las Vegas. It wouldn't have mattered who decided to show up. I think we all feel that despite any history, skeletons or indifference, we would've loved to see anyone from Dhaka. I would have! I wish more people would've come to the mini-reunion, but we ended up with 5 classmates meeting in Vegas. Hey, that's about a whopping 12%! It was a great group of friends…me, Elizabeth Nach, Rizwan Sattar, Hangil (AKA Samuel) Jung, and Genna Garrett. Genna brought her husband James, so there was really 6 of us. Apparently Hangil now is called Samuel. That's just weird to us who knew him as Hangil, so we kept calling him Hangil. Sorry dude.
Genna, me, Elizabeth, James, Rizwan and Hangil
It was great to see each other again. Everyone looks so amazing and is doing well! I saw Elizabeth 1 year ago in DC where she lives. I also saw Rizwan 1 year after I left Dhaka. Other than that, I have not seen these people since 1996. It is so crazy to me to see how everyone has changed so much, but really we are all just the same as we always have been… Elizabeth is mellow, smart and sweet as ever. Riz is still the techie brainiac and has maintained his super crazy contagious laugh. Hangil is calm, philosophical and quite the physical Marine machine. Genna is fun and carefree. To me, we're all the same people with more experiences to our credit and maybe different perspectives on life. To me it confirmed people don't really change all that much. (At least that's been my experience.)
We met on a Friday afternoon/evening. We had a late dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant in our hotel called "Pho." Since Elizabeth is half Vietnamese, we wanted her to order for all of us, but she refused. We were on our own! After dinner, we hit the strip and walked to a casino/bar. Gambled a little. (I won $3.20!) Drank a little. (Don't worry, I had water!) Hangil had is palms read for a mere $40. I guess he is going to meet "someone" by the end of the year. Yay! After this, Genna and James split, and the rest of us went to piano bar. I had never done this before. It was so amazing. Two performers take tips and requests to sing and play any song you want. Super talented. We enjoyed a little blast from the past music (Journey, Guns n Roses, Queen, etc) and didn't enjoy some random country music. Luckily there were only a few of those. Phew! After that we went to our hotel casino and played some Black Jack. I won $5. I'm not generally a gambler, but I do like that game.
The next morning, Elizabeth and I worked out in the hotel gym. It was quite impressive for a hotel gym. Then we talked and met the guys for lunch at the buffet. Had some yum food and amazing desserts. Since each meal we had seemed to take at least 2 hours due to chatting it up, we didn't go out again until about 3 o'clock. We headed toward Paris. There we gambled some more (I lost $30), walked down the shops of Paris, and then met Genna and James again to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Since I gambled and lost my $10 to go to the top of the tower, Riz gambled to win me $10 back. Good thing he was lucky! At least there was a breeze up there (however hot it was), so it felt good. I tried to find a good Elvis to have my photo with, but I could only find super creepy old ones, so maybe next time! We had dinner at Kahunaville in our hotel. Our waiter, it turns out, was Mr. Las Vegas 2000. That's a body building competition. Since I was so impressed with his biceps, we posed in a photo together, and he gave me his card with his number on the back. haha. Nice. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the Mystere Cirque du Soleil show at our hotel that evening. It was amazing. Definitely worth the money to see something like that. It is so incredible what people can do. I enjoyed every minute of it, but I was tense in my seat the entire time. I was so afraid someone would fall or something. Of course, everyone performed brilliantly!
Me and Nery, Mr. Las Vegas 2000. Impressive (him, not me)!
Hangil's room was double-booked when he arrived in Las Vegas. Luckily, they upgraded him to a pretty sweet suite to make up for it. So since we were tired after the show, instead of partying more we spent the next 6 hours until 4:30 am in Hangil's suite talking about Dhaka, our friends there, and other experiences that we have had since then. This was great. We watched YouTube videos, like Ninja Cat, David after Dentist, some Bollywood music video with English subtitles (haha - "I put a papaya there!"), and some "really funny" Captain Planet thing. Anyway, we had a ton of laughs, and Elizabeth took a little nap. Then she woke up, and we laughed more. It was a memorable night.
We slept in until 11:15 the next morning. I NEVER sleep that late! Good thing cause check-out was at noon. We met for lunch and went to the Mirage. We took our time eating. The night before Riz and I were talking about how much we LOVE Nutella. So ironically this restaurant had a Nutella milkshake! Yessss! Riz and I each ordered one. It was damn good! That was by far the best thing I ate on the trip! A good thing to end the trip with, because it was then time to leave. I was so sad about it. It's hard to let a good thing go, I guess, and I cried like a big fat baby. I hate that, but I guess I should accept the fact that I am an emotional girl, and I wear it all on my sleeve. So, there it is! I MISS YOU GUYS!
I can't wait to have another reunion. More laughs. More memories. More secrets revealed. But you're never going to know, because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Here's me with each of my friends.
We were really good at being crazy, as you can see. I think that's the best part of being with friends!
I thought I should share an old photo. This one is from 10th grade prom. I know Elizabeth's not in this (she moved after 9th), but it's the only one I have with ALMOST all of us in it. Except 9th grade class photo - which I can't share because a few peoples' faces are destroyed (don't worry, none of you from the trip!!), and now I am feeling bad about it. lol.
This is the view of the Strip form me and Elizabeth's room.
Our class was the biggest in the school, and we had about 40 students. What made it extraordinary was that we came from all over the world. I had classmates from the US, Canada, Costa Rica, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France, Italy, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, India, Bangladesh, and more. We were incredibly diverse. And because it was so small, we really got to know just about everyone. It doesn't mean we were all best friends. In fact, there were a lot of people who - dare I say - hated each other. But we knew everyone in the school, and we shared a special bond. The bond of living and experiencing middle and high school together in one of the poorest and most densely populated nations in the world. Looking back, those were my best adolescent years. I had great friends, tremendous memories, a fantastic education, and lots of opportunity to travel.
Now that we are adults, we figured it was about bloody time to meet up again. After reuniting on Facebook, we decided on a date and Treasure Island Las Vegas. It wouldn't have mattered who decided to show up. I think we all feel that despite any history, skeletons or indifference, we would've loved to see anyone from Dhaka. I would have! I wish more people would've come to the mini-reunion, but we ended up with 5 classmates meeting in Vegas. Hey, that's about a whopping 12%! It was a great group of friends…me, Elizabeth Nach, Rizwan Sattar, Hangil (AKA Samuel) Jung, and Genna Garrett. Genna brought her husband James, so there was really 6 of us. Apparently Hangil now is called Samuel. That's just weird to us who knew him as Hangil, so we kept calling him Hangil. Sorry dude.
Genna, me, Elizabeth, James, Rizwan and Hangil
It was great to see each other again. Everyone looks so amazing and is doing well! I saw Elizabeth 1 year ago in DC where she lives. I also saw Rizwan 1 year after I left Dhaka. Other than that, I have not seen these people since 1996. It is so crazy to me to see how everyone has changed so much, but really we are all just the same as we always have been… Elizabeth is mellow, smart and sweet as ever. Riz is still the techie brainiac and has maintained his super crazy contagious laugh. Hangil is calm, philosophical and quite the physical Marine machine. Genna is fun and carefree. To me, we're all the same people with more experiences to our credit and maybe different perspectives on life. To me it confirmed people don't really change all that much. (At least that's been my experience.)
We met on a Friday afternoon/evening. We had a late dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant in our hotel called "Pho." Since Elizabeth is half Vietnamese, we wanted her to order for all of us, but she refused. We were on our own! After dinner, we hit the strip and walked to a casino/bar. Gambled a little. (I won $3.20!) Drank a little. (Don't worry, I had water!) Hangil had is palms read for a mere $40. I guess he is going to meet "someone" by the end of the year. Yay! After this, Genna and James split, and the rest of us went to piano bar. I had never done this before. It was so amazing. Two performers take tips and requests to sing and play any song you want. Super talented. We enjoyed a little blast from the past music (Journey, Guns n Roses, Queen, etc) and didn't enjoy some random country music. Luckily there were only a few of those. Phew! After that we went to our hotel casino and played some Black Jack. I won $5. I'm not generally a gambler, but I do like that game.
The next morning, Elizabeth and I worked out in the hotel gym. It was quite impressive for a hotel gym. Then we talked and met the guys for lunch at the buffet. Had some yum food and amazing desserts. Since each meal we had seemed to take at least 2 hours due to chatting it up, we didn't go out again until about 3 o'clock. We headed toward Paris. There we gambled some more (I lost $30), walked down the shops of Paris, and then met Genna and James again to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Since I gambled and lost my $10 to go to the top of the tower, Riz gambled to win me $10 back. Good thing he was lucky! At least there was a breeze up there (however hot it was), so it felt good. I tried to find a good Elvis to have my photo with, but I could only find super creepy old ones, so maybe next time! We had dinner at Kahunaville in our hotel. Our waiter, it turns out, was Mr. Las Vegas 2000. That's a body building competition. Since I was so impressed with his biceps, we posed in a photo together, and he gave me his card with his number on the back. haha. Nice. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the Mystere Cirque du Soleil show at our hotel that evening. It was amazing. Definitely worth the money to see something like that. It is so incredible what people can do. I enjoyed every minute of it, but I was tense in my seat the entire time. I was so afraid someone would fall or something. Of course, everyone performed brilliantly!
Me and Nery, Mr. Las Vegas 2000. Impressive (him, not me)!
Hangil's room was double-booked when he arrived in Las Vegas. Luckily, they upgraded him to a pretty sweet suite to make up for it. So since we were tired after the show, instead of partying more we spent the next 6 hours until 4:30 am in Hangil's suite talking about Dhaka, our friends there, and other experiences that we have had since then. This was great. We watched YouTube videos, like Ninja Cat, David after Dentist, some Bollywood music video with English subtitles (haha - "I put a papaya there!"), and some "really funny" Captain Planet thing. Anyway, we had a ton of laughs, and Elizabeth took a little nap. Then she woke up, and we laughed more. It was a memorable night.
We slept in until 11:15 the next morning. I NEVER sleep that late! Good thing cause check-out was at noon. We met for lunch and went to the Mirage. We took our time eating. The night before Riz and I were talking about how much we LOVE Nutella. So ironically this restaurant had a Nutella milkshake! Yessss! Riz and I each ordered one. It was damn good! That was by far the best thing I ate on the trip! A good thing to end the trip with, because it was then time to leave. I was so sad about it. It's hard to let a good thing go, I guess, and I cried like a big fat baby. I hate that, but I guess I should accept the fact that I am an emotional girl, and I wear it all on my sleeve. So, there it is! I MISS YOU GUYS!
I can't wait to have another reunion. More laughs. More memories. More secrets revealed. But you're never going to know, because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Here's me with each of my friends.
We were really good at being crazy, as you can see. I think that's the best part of being with friends!
I thought I should share an old photo. This one is from 10th grade prom. I know Elizabeth's not in this (she moved after 9th), but it's the only one I have with ALMOST all of us in it. Except 9th grade class photo - which I can't share because a few peoples' faces are destroyed (don't worry, none of you from the trip!!), and now I am feeling bad about it. lol.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Primary Game
So I created a quick Primary "Choose the Right" game a few weeks ago to play in sharing time. The kids had a blast! I also acquired an over-sized foam cube and colored dots on it to make a real fun and bouncy dice. That was for extra fun, but any dice will do. All you need is the game, a dice, and markers for each player/team. My kids now want to play this every day for fun and for Family Home Evening. I decided to share it with you. This one fits on an 8.5x11 sheet. I printed an oversize one, so if you really feel like you need that file for a Primary room or something then email me for it. Enjoy!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Limonada! Ahhhhhh!
Lime is one of my favorite flavors ever. Love it. Since I have been so diligent in not eating sweets and drinking soda this last month, I had to get a little creative. I like to drink water, but sometimes you just need a little something else. I created a single size recipe for a lovely limeade (or lemonade, if you prefer lemons). I'm feeling pretty smart about it too! Here it is. Best part is it is under 10 kcals for a whopping glass!* Try it, and let me know if you love it as much as I do.
Limeade
2 cups cold water
2 ice cubes
1/2 lime
2 packets Stevia in the Raw* or 1 1/2 T sugar
Place the water, ice cubes and Stevia in your personal blender - magic bullet or whatever. (Note that if you use sugar it still tastes great and has less than 100 kcal for over 2 cups of limeade. That's not too bad.) Juice the lime into the blender and why not...throw the rind in there too for some added flavor. Blend all up. Strain into a clean glass. Oh yeah baby! It's that simple!
*I use Stevia because it is a natural sweetner that comes from the leaf of the stevia plant found in South America. It is 100% natural and calorie-free! A definite bonus. Better than the harmful effects of sugar, and definitely better than Aspartame.
Limeade
2 cups cold water
2 ice cubes
1/2 lime
2 packets Stevia in the Raw* or 1 1/2 T sugar
Place the water, ice cubes and Stevia in your personal blender - magic bullet or whatever. (Note that if you use sugar it still tastes great and has less than 100 kcal for over 2 cups of limeade. That's not too bad.) Juice the lime into the blender and why not...throw the rind in there too for some added flavor. Blend all up. Strain into a clean glass. Oh yeah baby! It's that simple!
*I use Stevia because it is a natural sweetner that comes from the leaf of the stevia plant found in South America. It is 100% natural and calorie-free! A definite bonus. Better than the harmful effects of sugar, and definitely better than Aspartame.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
oh, the questions......
Jacob has been asking lots of tough questions lately (FYI, I am not making these up!)...
Where would we live if our house burned down?
Do people still use swords in real life?
Would a blow dart kill you?
What does kidnapping really mean?
What do they do with kids?
Are those clouds rain clouds?
Would lightning break through our roof?
If there were a WWIII, would the bad guys bomb our house?
Are there guys around here that shoot kids?
Will that giant that David killed be resurrected too? (I answer: Yes.) Will he hurt me?
etc, etc, etc
Seriously! I don't know how to answer some of these questions. He appears to be emerging with paranoia big time! I don't know what to do about it. I try to be honest but careful in not scaring him to death. You know, tell the truth, but not say too much. I want him to be aware and prepared if something were to happen, but I don't want him completely insane with worry either. I also try to comfort him by explaining how important it is to live righteously, keep the commandments, and listen to the Spirit's promptings. When we do those things, we don't need to worry, because no matter what Heavenly Father loves us and we can be a family forever.
Am I doing this right? I'll tell you what... he has never hugged and told me and Jon how much he loves us so much. I love him to pieces too! Man, being a mom is tough stuff!
Where would we live if our house burned down?
Do people still use swords in real life?
Would a blow dart kill you?
What does kidnapping really mean?
What do they do with kids?
Are those clouds rain clouds?
Would lightning break through our roof?
If there were a WWIII, would the bad guys bomb our house?
Are there guys around here that shoot kids?
Will that giant that David killed be resurrected too? (I answer: Yes.) Will he hurt me?
etc, etc, etc
Seriously! I don't know how to answer some of these questions. He appears to be emerging with paranoia big time! I don't know what to do about it. I try to be honest but careful in not scaring him to death. You know, tell the truth, but not say too much. I want him to be aware and prepared if something were to happen, but I don't want him completely insane with worry either. I also try to comfort him by explaining how important it is to live righteously, keep the commandments, and listen to the Spirit's promptings. When we do those things, we don't need to worry, because no matter what Heavenly Father loves us and we can be a family forever.
Am I doing this right? I'll tell you what... he has never hugged and told me and Jon how much he loves us so much. I love him to pieces too! Man, being a mom is tough stuff!
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