Valentine's Countdown13

People who think January is boring don't have a birthday that they get to celebrate for two weeks. I'm going out today with Valene and Kathy. And I have a few more celebrations this week. This past weekend was wonderful. Friday morning was art, then Lynda Raddon, Bertie Wardle, Debbie Stowell, Cathy and I went to Stella's for lunch. Love my friends. Friday night my kids all came (without kiddos) and we had dinner, then played games. Just a fun, relaxing time together. Gifts, gifts and more gifts. Saturday night we picked up dinner and went to Kirk and Cathy's home. Watched the BYU/Utah game (go Blue!) (they won) then played hand and foot. David and I had never played before and we're hooked! We had such a fun night and played waaaay too late.


Last night David said, "January is already over." He was saying that wistfully but I thought, "Valentine's Day, hurray!" So dang excited already! I've decided to post a Valentine's idea every day until then to get you excited as well.




This fun little gift box is a free download on a site I recently visited. I am definitely making some of these for Valentine's....and for Creative Cooking. Check out the site below for further info. Make your own pies with pre-made pie crust, fruit filling of choice. I'm planning on putting mine in waxed paper before putting them in the box.

http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/02/diy-sweetie-pie/

We heart Torah!

The Olympics are almost here!!! Yeah!!! Can't wait!

Of course we're prejudice for the halfpipe women's event. That's Torah in the pictures above and below. Torah Bright is from Australia...and won 5th in the last Olympics, and gold in last year's Winter X Games. We watched some of the Winter X Games last night during my birthday celebration. Torah actually withdrew from the competition (which is the last big hurrah before the Olympics in Vancouver) because she has recently sustained several concussions. You can watch her last year's x-game gold here:

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/torah-bright-s-winning-run-at-winter-x-games-11/E58C42606B145623B2AFE58C42606B145623B2AF

She's one of the most photographed women's snowboarders in the world and has her own outdoor clothing line at Roxy. And she's amazingly nice.


Really, really nice. Nice is BIG in my book.

And she is my DIL Tenillie's little brother Jake's tru luv.

Nothing we love more than tru luv........

So, cheer her on. Wish that she can do her best despite her injuries going into the games. Let's get this fan club going!!!

Headband Winner!

We had lots of comments this week (birthdays tend to do that. THANK YOU for all your good wishes!).......and the winner this week for a darling headband is





Ashley Sanderson!!!





My new relative! (laughing...really, how weird is that? Good weird. Wonderful weird.)





Ashley, go to Lizzie's site (see it below) ...and check out her headbands then let me know which style you like. She does about any color. I think it will be a week or so. Let me know and we'll get it ordered!



We will have one more headband drawing next Saturday morning. If you comment during the week, you'll be entered. It's that easy.


www.cuteheadbands.blogspot.com

Birthday Time

"Time marches on and sooner or later you realize it is marchin' across your face." (Truvy from Steel Magnolias)





Love that line. Love that movie.





Although I'm not anxious to turn another year older, I'm actually quite excited for the coming year. I think it is going to be a year of exciting possibilities.



This has been a wonderful week...and the partying goes on.



-Yesterday Penny took me out for an early dinner. She had to work later and David was gone to Scouts. Penny and I were next door neighbors for 11 years and raised our kids together. She's like the sister I never had. She drove me (and my mom) to the hospital when I had Tanner....and stayed with me until he was safely born. On the card she gave me, she listed lots of memories that we share. One she forgot to mention....one year, a million light years ago, she threw me a surprise birthday luncheon. It was during my "Pic N'Sav" phase. (Do you remember that old store?) At the party, she passed around an old cigar box and everyone dug in their pockets and purses to find any loose change to throw in the box. The box was labeled "An All-Expenses Paid Trip to Pic N' Sav." That was my present from everyone. I loved it!

- I have a cousin, Sharon, from Washington that I grew up without knowing. My mom told me that she had recently married (she lost her husband 3 years ago) and moved to Draper (close by me.) I called her up today and we talked forever. I didn't make the connection until we hung up....that now I'm related to Ashley and Taylor! Wahoo!!! (This won't make sense to anyone who doesn't know Ashley and Taylor!) It is such a crazy small world. But I'm so excited to have a new cousin in my life. I can tell we are going to be wonderful friends! It was a gift today talking with her.


- lunch today with Elsa and Gail. Fabulous. I love these women.


-are you wondering how many butters I'm going to lose this week? Never fear....

-tomorrow, the big day, I'm going to lunch with 4 other friends

- then tomorrow night my kids are all coming for dinner and we're playing games all evening. I told Brandi to make chocolate cake.

-then I think we're going out with Kirk and Cathy Saturday night.

-then I'm going out to lunch on Monday with two more friends.

-then Tuesday we have Bucket group and LUNCH again (although our activity is learning about healthy eating! Ha!)

My goal this week doesn't really include losing butters....I'm trying hard to not add any. But really, a birthday only comes once a year and I really think the law should be that no calories (in this case, carbs) should count on your birthday. I think they should just vanish in thin air. I wish. I think the scales are going to be moaning!




Some employees bought their boss a gift for his birthday. Before opening the gift, the boss shook it slightly, and noticed that it was wet in the corner. Touching his finger to the wet spot and tasting it, he asked, "A bottle of wine?"

His employees replied, "No."

Again, he touched his finger to the box and tasted the liquid. "A bottle of scotch?"

"His employees replied again, "No."

Finally the boss asked, "I give up. What is it?"


His workers responded, "A puppy."

Lucky Ducky

I know I am one. I have a plethora (Kim....that word is for you....for John really. Remind him of the time he used it (many years ago) and I said I had never heard that word before. I thought he was showing off. Of course, then, I heard the dang word every other day. I had just never paid attention) of blessings.





Birthday time is always a time when my heart bursts with love. I have a wonderful family that I adore, a husband that makes my heart go pit-a-pat...and more friends that I could ever possibly go out to lunch with (although I am trying!)





I always get emotional around this time because I really do count my blessings. All the people I love (and there are thousands) throughout my life come to mind. I think of them individually and the richness they have brought to my life. I love my kids and kiddos individually and, wow! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for them being "mine"...and in our life.





I know I've shared this story before but that is the beauty of old age. It is a classic in our family history. Brandi used it when she spoke at her graduation from Alta High School. I told it when I spoke at BYU's Women's Conf. The story is of my ski-boy, when he was little, when he had an obsession with the video Annie. He had to have it on constantly! Our family room held the t.v. downstairs and Annie was always singing and dancing down there. Even if Ben were playing the other room, he would freak out if anyone turned off his video to watch something else. One day, that scenario was going on downstairs....and my oldest son, Ryan (about 10 at the time) said:

"You know, it's kind of funny how Ben freaks out when someone changes the channel even if he's not watching it."






"Uh-huh" was my reply.






He paused for a minute...then said, "I guess it is kind of like these mountains around us."







(I pause...thinking, "What????")







He continued, "You know, some days I don't even notice them....but it is just nice knowing that they are there."







Sigh.





So profound.







So, when I read this quote today, it went hand in hand with my lucky ducky attitude. I have friends that I don't have to even talk to often...but I hold them near and dear in my heart. And even though it is cloudy and smoggy with inversion outside on this winter day, I feel a daffodil heart. Birthdays always do that to me...





The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us, and though distant, is close to us in spirit - this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden. Goethe

Italian Chicken

When I went to Addi's little birthday celebration on Monday night, they were just cleaning up from dinner. Brandi had made Addison's favorite meal, which I heard was Italian chicken. I had a leftover piece and it is so yummy and easy! Fabulous flavor. Brandi's kids all love it.


Italian Chicken

marinade chicken tenders or halved chicken breasts in Italian dressing at least one hour.

When ready to cook, drain off the dressing and put the chicken into a baking dish. Cover with a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 1 hr. (I'm assuming covered, at 350 degrees. Is that right, Brandi?)


I'm craving it as I type.

Butter this week

Fun Facts of Aquarius

This week on my MSN page, there was an article about being an Aquarius. Since this is my birthday week, let's see how accurate it is:



1. Aquarians present themselves in one of two ways. On one hand, you'll see someone who is shy and quiet. On the other, an Aquarius can be boisterous, eccentric, and energetic. (Hmmm...this one is a hard one? Shy and quiet? I don't think so although I'm not good in crowds. Boisterous and eccentric, absolutely!)




2. Both are deep thinkers with a love of helping others. (Well, I am a thinker but I don't know how deep. But helping others is one of my greatest loves.)



3. Highly intellectual, this is a fiercely independent sign that prizes intuition tempered with logic. Both personality types have an uncanny ability to see both sides of an argument without prejudice, making them excellent problem solvers.


(Laughing on this one. WRONG! Apparently my elementary teacher didn't know this about me when she wrote "she is retarded in her reading skills." And I have no uncanny abilities... And I am NOT a great problem solver. Too often I am the problem!)



4. While very much attuned to the energies around them, Aquarians have a deep need to take time out alone and away to rejuvenate themselves. (Bingo, bingo! Time out and rejuvenate. Need both.)



5. The keyword for this sign is imagination. The Aquarian can see a world of possibilities even when there appears to be none.


(Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner here. Imagination is my middle name!)



6. Even though Aquarians are great with groups of people, it takes a bit when it comes to making close friends. Deeply sensitive and cautious, closeness means vulnerability to an Aquarius, and this is not something to be taken lightly.


(Although I'm not good with groups of people, I actually bond quite quickly with people and love easily. But I am selective with my closest 100 best friends.)




7. Aquarians' direct, no-nonsense approach in combination with their strong values can make it challenging to get to know the inner person. Yet those who are able to do so will discover a friendship that lasts through the years. An Aquarius will go the distance for a loved one to the point of self-sacrifice if necessary. They look for creativity, intellect, and honesty in their friends. (Well, I am not a let-ter go-er of people so I do have close friends from every stage of my life that are still in my life. And they are funny, creative, wonderful women. And of course, intelligent. Kathy with a K quite often reminds us that she had the highest IQ in her school. She usually reminds us of that point right after she has done something extremely stupid...)



8. When it comes to family, the expectations are no less. Although dedicated to a sense of duty to relatives, the Aquarius isn't one for developing close bonds unless the same qualities they expect in their friendships are there. (I'm not sure I'm following this one. If they are family, I love them. But I guess I do demand "kind" and "honest.")




9. Aquarians bring enthusiasm to the work they do, especially when it involves expression. They have an exceptionally high ability to put their imaginative qualities to the task and to think outside the box. (Outside the box. That would be me.)



10. When it comes to money, this sign really has a knack for keeping a healthy balance between having the things that they need and putting money away. When they are out shopping, the shiny, glittery, and extravagant will catch their attention even though their homes are generally decorated with great taste.


(No healthy balance. No putting money away. I was starting to believe them for a minute...)




11. It's not uncommon to find the Aquarius turning heads dressed in daring, brightly colored outfits. Most are well-attuned to their individual sense of style and aren't afraid to show it. (If people are turning their heads, nowadays that usually means I'm missing an essential clothing item or they are thinking, "What in the heck is that woman wearing??? More like shaking their heads.)



12. Careers that suit the Aquarius are acting, writing, teaching, photography, or piloting. The best environment is one that gives the freedom to tackle the task without a lot of strict guidelines. The Aquarius is unconventional, and given the opportunity to show their true talents, they can perform amazing feats. (Now this one is better. I'm totally liking it. Except for the piloting. I wouldn't EVER trust someone like me to do something like that. But no guidelines and unconventional- wow!)



Just as a little tidbit, I share my birthday with (dead) Pres. McKinley and (not dead) Oprah Winfrey. I also share it with a neighbor named Marilyn as well. Actually her last name isn't as well.



And, just so you know, I as an Aquarian, am a water carrier. But now that I don't drink carbonation, I am less of a water carrier!


I know, totally more information that you ever wanted.

Meme

What's your weather like today: cold and dreary looking. Hard snow on the ground. It looks like it would like to cut loose again outside. That's okay...we need it. I never get tired of it snowing. I just don't like the "dreary skies" part or when the snow gets dirty.



How was your weekend: Fun and relaxing. Well, Chuck E. Cheese wasn't relaxing...it was TOTAL chaos! Saturday at Chuck E. Cheese is NOT the place to be! I skipped out on the major mayhem. Saturday night David and I and Kirk and Cathy went out for dinner then went back to their place (sigh...our old home....) and relaxed before the fire. David and Kirk played pool while Cathy and I watched some t.v. while surfing the Internet, trying to (unsuccessfully) do some trip planning. Old friends are the best.




What fun things are on your agenda this week:
1. Addi's REAL birthday is today so cake and ice dream tonight. Well, except for me. No cake, no ice cream. Just celery. Or a chicken tender. I have celery and chicken tenders coming out my ears....


2. Class on Tuesday (Articles of Faith.) My uplift of the week. I love the discussions...discussions that carry on long after class, calling and emailing each other. I love these women. I love their minds.


3. Wednesday is weigh-ins. I don't even want to talk about it....
I have been faithful and good and nothing. Nada. Frustrated.


4. Thursday is V.T-ing lunch. Always fun.



5. Friday is birthday time! Yeah! Can't WAIT to be another year closer to 100! Can't wait to get another letter from Social Security telling me I am worth nothing. (that is what you get when you haven't spent your life in the work force.) But I do get a wonderful lunch again. Celebrating! And painting all morning. Heaven. I am actually painting a still life. A bowl of fruit. I NEVER thought I would be a fruit bowl painter. Fruit bowls were always something OLD people painted. Well, there you go!



Any trips planned in the future:
David and I are going to Midway (the Swiss village) and staying in a lovely getaway. Just because.... haven't picked the date.


Yesterday I bought tickets for Brandi and I to fly to Washington to see my parents and family next month. This will be the first time they haven't lived in their home while we are visiting. It will be strange. But they are getting into the social life of their retirement center. Mom called last week because she got her "Wii bowling shirt." I asked her if she bought it and she said no, that she had won it. They had a bowling tournament and she won! It is no wonder...she seldom gets less than 200. I bet the old time residents were growling!



And we are working on our Italy trip for the fall. If anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them!



Things you are looking forward to:
Besides the things already mentioned, I have creative cooking on Feb. 11th that I've been mulling over in my mind. I think I have the menu almost there. We are going to do restaurant knock-off recipes. Mexican this time. And then I'm thinking Valentine favors. It gets me going.



Not only that, but I'm already thinking St. Patrick's Day. I host GNO and I'm thinking green. Got great things planned! Nothing I love more than party planning!



What's on your playlist:
I have a million playlists but seem to get fixated on a few and listen to them constantly. I'll do a playlist, then burn it for the car- where I do most of my listening. The one I'm obsessed with now has "Closer to Love" (Matt Keary)- "For You I Will" (Teddy Gieger)- "Half of My Heart" (John Mayer/Taylor Swift) on it....but two favorites I play over and over are "Love" by Matt White and the song "Keep You" by Sugarland (the chorus is amazing!) When I'm not listening to that, I'm listening to Kris Allen's newest or the Brooke White cd I just got.


T.V shows you've gotta see:
None really. I do watch some television just because I'm bored or need to relax. David would say "Ghost Whisperer" since I usually crash before he gets home from work and that is on a re-run channel. He always says, "That AGAIN?" As far as other shows, I like movies and I've also kind of like "Project Runway." The whole process of clothes design is fascinating.


Who do you email:
my art class and my GNO group for class,get-together updates, my mom, occasionally my family


Who do you IM:
Sophia and Cousin Casey (not my cousin)


Who do you text the most:
No one. I've never text in my life. I know. I'm soooo outdated!

Just a reminder that there will be another crocheted headband give-away on Saturday. Anyone who comments this week will be entered into the drawing. I loved hearing your resolutions. Horsegirl, just so you know, yesterday sitting in the foyer at church, I saw these people in the hallway from the other Ward. I kept looking at one of the women...and thought she looked familiar until I realized it must be Heidi S.'s sister. The family kept growing and then your grandma came out as well. All beautiful and Scandinavian looking!


So, if you can't think of anything to comment about, tell me what your fantasy birthday would be. You know me and imagination!

Lull

Okay, this eating correctly is starting to take a little toll. I've been so in the zone but all of a sudden I'm a little antsy and fidgety and bored and.......

so I will change gears and look with gratitude with all the things I DO have. Things I am thankful for this week:


1. Yesterday BFFFC Peggy (Best Forever Friend from College) (and owner of Jenny the Dog) was in town. Her baby girl is getting married and so they were picking out wedding dresses and all that fun stuff. I got to meet her at Akia (no wedding dresses there) with one of her daughter-in-laws that I immediately loved...and we walked the miles around Akia (if you have ever been in one, you know what I'm talking about)....then lunch at Zupa's, then a little shop at Gateway Mall. Loved every minute of friendship.

2. Bought the new Brooke White cd (High Hopes and Heartbreak.) I got her single (Hold Up My Heart) (on all my playlists) on Itunes months ago....then didn't realize when her cd came out. It is FABULOUS, amazing and refreshing.

3. My bone scan came back and, yahoo, my bones look good. When you are almost 100, the bones are the first to go after the brain. Happy be to alive and almost kicking although with a partial brain....

4. Treadmill isn't broken. It just needed David's magic finger.

5. We got our much needed snow last night. I heard that Alta and Snowbird got like 18 inches during the night. That means, of course, that David and son Travis headed out for the slopes today. Next month I might be able to fit in my ski clothes so I could actually SKI!!!!! Dang exciting!


6. Next Monday is Addi's birthday so today is a little family party at Chuck E. Cheese (yum) (kidding.) Addi is just a bitty (turning 4 with attitude) so she doesn't really have friends to invite but she presented a guest list to Brandi with several imaginary friends on it. These friends are REAL to her....and she's expecting gifts! I asked Brandi if she was a little concerned and Brandi exclaimed, "For Pete's Sake! She's YOUR granddaughter...you have a TON of imaginary friends!"

Oh, I guess she is right......





Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.

And The Cute Headband Winner is......

Mallory- from Idaho........you are the headband winner! Go to Lizzie's site...and choose your headband. I love the ones with the little rim and I especially love the ones with tulle. Check them out. Email me with your choice! We will have another drawing next Saturday morning. Next Saturday I will have already turned ANOTHER year older which means I'll hardly be able to pick a name out of a bowl. THAT old!!!!! I just hope I'll get able to get out of bed!

Headband Contest

Just a reminder that all posts until in the morning (9:00 Mountain Standard Time) will be entered into a drawing for a cute crocheted headband. (see pictures two posts ago.) We will also do a drawing next week and the next week.

If you can't think of anything to comment about, share
3 resolutions that you have made this year. I love to hear about resolutions. Not that I keep them (usually not) but I like to have goals in mind or I am like a ballon that you let go of- just shooting around the room uncontrollably.

The Difference

Here's the difference:



For breakfast, I normally have a bowl of cereal and maybe a slice of buttered toast



or two slices of buttered toast and a cup of cocoa



This week, for breakfast I have had either two eggs scrambled or some cottage cheese. One morning I had a lean hamburger pattie.





This week I ate an orange everyday at 10. Normally I ate fruit only on my salad or a half a banana at breakfast.



When I go out for lunch at Porcupine, I normally order breaded baby rock shrimp, a salad with goodies on it served with a Bacci roll with butter. This week I had the salad with all the goodies, added chicken, ate two little rock shrimp off a friend's plate. No roll. No soda. Good friends can do that....



Normally I would drink about 5-10 carbonated drinks a week. This week, instead, I drank at least 50 oz. or more of water a day.





Normally I eat a handful of chips while talking on the phone. Then I need something sugary and I'll hit the leftover Christmas candy. Then , then, then. This week I've tried only talking on the phone when I'm in the bathtub. I'm looking like a prune.....



If I get hungry in the afternoon, I have an orange, or celery stuffed with non-fat cream cheese or a grilled chicken tender or an apple. All those are game when I'm hungry. Protein and celery burn more calories than they possess.



Normally, for dinner, if it is an ordinary day, I'll grill a panini with meat and cheese, two slices of bread. Or eat pasta and chicken with a salad. Now I'm eating a serving of meat (except pork) with salad (I've been using an oil/vinaigrette dressing) and lots of steamed vegetables. With a titch of butter.


No breads.





Normally when I go to Cafe Rio or Bajios, I order a chicken salad. It is lined with a huge tortilla, then filled with rice and beans, chicken, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream and deep-fried tortilla strips on the top and a creamy dressing. This week I had chicken on top of the mixed greens with pico de gallo and a little tomatillo dressing. It was delicious and BFF Cathy asked me why I didn't finish all my food....it was enough.





For Sunday dinner, I fixed roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted carrots, salad, warm bread, and mixed steamed vegetables. Dessert was frozen peppermint pie with hot fudge sauce. I filled myself up on roast,carrots, salad and steamed vegetables. No potatoes, no gravy, no bread. I wasn't even tempted by dessert.



Monday I made creamy chicken noodle soup to take to my neighbor who just came home from the hospital. I also made their dinner of roast beef with all the vegetables, blueberry muffins and for dessert- lemon cheesecake bars. I wasn't even tempted to nibble. Not one taste of the cheesecake bars. I am IN THE ZONE.





Normally I graze all evening. Not healthy foods but bad, bad foods. Whatever sounds good. This week I didn't eat anything after 6:00. I'm hoping to help my insides to heal. We will see if this does it....



Last night I had for dinner a turkey sausage patty (large), salad and grilled mushrooms. Turkey sausage (mild and sweet) is my new favorite thing. Rachel Ray had just showed me on t.v. about taking the link (it is larger than a hot dog) and splitting the casing and then making patties. I heart you,Rachel. Patties are so much easier to cook....






And I didn't have pop all week. Did you grow up calling soft drinks pop or soda? When I went away to college, it seemed the people I met from back East called it soda. We definitely used the word pop. And now, rather than say, "let's go get a drink" (which would be easily be misconstrued in other States as well!) we say, "let's go get a Big Gulp" (drink at a convenience store.)

Eating good stuff. Never starving. Just not eating breads, sugars, processed food. I also get a Vitamin B complex shot once a week. It has made a difference!

"After my husband asked me to help him shed some unwanted pounds, I stopped serving fattening TV snacks and substituted crisp celery. While he was unenthusiastically munching on a stalk one night, a commercial caught his attention. As he watched longingly, a woman spread gooey chocolate frosting over a freshly baked cake. When it was over, my husband turned to me. "Did you ever notice," he asked, "that they never advertise celery on TV?"

Yahoo!!!!!!

Here's the riddle:

Yahoo!!!!!!!!

Headbands! Headbands!

Lizzie, one of Brandi's best friends, has starting making these darling headbands which are the rage right now. My kiddos look so darling in them (middle row, first and fourth are mine!). Lizzie has a website now...check it out.



And for anyone that comments between now and Saturday, I'll do a drawing and send the winner one of these! You say the color and the size. And we'll do another next week. And the week after. So, just say hi. Nothing profound although I love profound. Or silly. You KNOW I love silly. Or chitchat about the weather. I don't love weather but I'll listen. And check out Lizzie's creations!

Busy

I can't believe that it has been days since I've written. My life is in a swirlie....not a bad swirlie but a busy one. This is what has been/is going on:



~Company this weekend. Cousin Casey (not my cousin) (my nephew) came Friday night to stay since he had a date. Love this boy even though he drives me crazy! He knows what I'm talking about. But I do love every minute we get to talk. Also, niece Mallory came with two high school friends from Idaho. They were checking out colleges for next year (but mainly came to play and shop.) I love Mal and her friends. They've been here often. We played a ton of aggravation....in a close battle to the end of our tournament, Mallory and Brittany beat Courtney and me. Grrrrr! You just don't sit down and play with these girls.....you have to keep saying, "Please quit TEXTING" the entire time we are playing! Really! To have three phones buzzing the entire weekend! (Mallory, are you laughing? I adore you, you know that girl!) Mallory is going to live with us this summer probably so I had better get used to it....


~I have decided to take my medical boards. I have spent enough time at each kind of Dr., I feel qualified that I could pass. I have had every part of my body probed and discussed. Last week it was the internist. Today I get a bone scan and a mammo. (Think squish!) Tomorrow is a general. Last week was the gynecologist. Thursday is the podiatrist. It would be laughable if it weren't so sad! But I'm still alive and kicking!


~Getting on top of "it" (i.e. dieting) is going well. Today is my 7th day and tomorrow is weigh-ins. I've decided I would announce with stacks of butter. If anyone wants to share, I will share your success as well. I have a couple of people who are doing their own thing, but we'll do weigh-ins on the same day. Last week BFF Cathy had to take my BATHING SUIT pictures! VERY funny! She certainly has blackmail material now.....


~My BFF Cynthia, from Portland has been in town. Actually staying with her daughter in Clinton but David and I had lunch with Cynthia and Art on Saturday and then Cynthia and I and Allison (and baby Henry) got to spend time yesterday. Lunch at the Porcupine, then I took them to Dear Lizzies (hyperventilate) and Thanksgiving Point. The time is always too short but I'll take any minute I can with her. When she moved, honestly, I cried so hard you would have thought she had died. We were so close and on the same crazy make life a party craze so every day was fun. I know I have posted this poem I wrote about her before but I wrote it after one of my visits to Portland. It is called Girlfriends, Breathless and so you have to read it real fast, without taking breaths, because that it what it is like when we are together. (and it really wasn't Bawden street but I can't remember the number that the street is called...)





GIRLFRIENDS, BREATHLESS


That afternoon, squeezing out
one last adventure,
you raced through Bawden Street
saying, "See there. See there" and lucky!
We found a parking spot
and everything came at once.
The restaurant, painted like a Tai flag,
that featured Asian Blends,
the Dish n’ Dat--
a large layered wedding cake
with a 50's cardboard couple on the top
in the display window
and little wooden pushtoys
with a wiggling bride and groom.
And we bought
funky handmade bracelets
and laughed, because we knew
we had such good taste
but then you say, we need
to leave to catch my plane. But I begged to run
into one more store
and find hand-pressed paper
to make a collage in the colors of your room
and you run
into the corner delicatessen
because you know they have fabulous desserts.
And there isn’t time
to go into Two Monkeys,
Body Piercing and Jewelry, The Kite-eri
but it is enough to see
the psychic’s turquoise and yellow
painted door with moons and stars


and the droopy old man sitting
at the sidewalk table,
eating a wrap,
feeding pieces to a spotted dog,
the smell of curry blending
with the scent of patchouli coming
from that thin girl
with shiny black and purple hair,
and to see the sun bouncing off the shaved head
of the other one

and we laugh as we run
to the car, us at our age,
and you say "You need to come back soon" and
pull the car out in traffic, and we eat the dessert
from the white boxes with our fingers
(because you forgot the forks),
praying for a traffic jam or a missed plane.
Pleased with ourselves
that not everyone would do as we do,
eating one more bite,
laughing as we lick the last hurrah.




~ I do have some amazing sweet things to share if I can squeeze time in between becoming a brain surgeon. But I'm off to class and then off to more testing. I honestly didn't know that being closer to 100 than one could be so dang fun!

Resolution 4

Really, this is the most boring subject in the world, but since this is my journal, my journey, I have to include it. Please just skip over it but truly, it will not be interesting to anyone but myself.

I really dislike dieting because I hate talking about it, thinking about it, curtailing my social life, thinking about food choices, craving stuff. I don't even like to lose weight and then discuss with every person I meet how I lost it. And I hate to gain back each pound. I have dieted my entire life because no one is as thin as they think they should be. When I got closer to 100 than one, I realized that there were more important things to think about, stress about, discuss. So I haven't. Women are so hard on themselves and unconsciously on each other. (i.e. Think how often one of your friends, who weighs 10 or 20 or 30 pounds less than you talks about "how fat" she is.) After spending too many years worried about how I looked, who was looking and thinking those questions were really more important than how I was inside (although my lips would profess that...).....

I'm ready to get a little more fit. I'm going to help my feet be a little happier this year.

I am ready to be proactive about my health. This year has about done me in.

So....here is that stupid resolution that unfortunately has shown up on too many of my new year's resolution list.

I'm going to try and get "it" under control.

We will see how "it" goes.

I attended a nutrition class this week, that was required....fully anticipating crossing my arms and rolling my eyes back into my head since I have a vast knowledge of every diet plan on earth. Instead, I was shocked and informed and motivated and inspired. Because of this, I resolve to give up soda. Like in pop. Forever and ever. I know this is old hat to most healthy people....and truly, I'm not on first name basis with the gals at 7-11 (getting a big gulp each morning)...but I like a drink with lunch or movies or whenever. No more. I'm convinced that it is evil. That it is an enticement of the dark side. (kidding.) I'm just done.

So, if nothing else happens with "it"....this will be a good thing.

"A great way to lose weight is to eat naked in front of a mirror. Restaurants will almost always throw you out before you can eat too much."

Rollercoasters

Think of trying to write a blog on a roller coaster. I can't even read in the car or look at a map (motion sick!) so some days, when I'm seat-belted in emotion, I just have to recoup and regroup my scattered self. I haven't been writing consistently because there are some things I choose not to share in a public forum. I've been spending my time trying to stencil "Buck Up!" on my forehead.


With that said, this roller coaster weekend was one of a sorrow and then wonderful highs. I loved the book, The Secret Life of Bees. In it, one of the characters (I think her name was Marilyn) (not really) couldn't deal with the real world so when life was overbearing, she would go outside and write her sorrows on a piece of paper and stick it into a rock wall. It was her wailing wall. I actually have a wailing wall in my fireplace. At the top of my 8 ft. fireplace in my kitchen, (which is the only thing original to the main floor of the house since we remodeled when we bought it), there is a small vertical piece of mortar that has come out between the bricks. The perfect place to place your sorrows when you can't deal with them anymore. Everyone needs a wailing wall.


That being said, life is also good. David and my MIL went to St.George this weekend. David to trade horses with his brother, Mom to clean and go through her home there. I didn't go because I was teaching on Sunday. My plan was to go to the temple on Saturday, then come home and prepare my lesson leisurely during the day. But Sat. morning I got a phone call that the Stake was coming in to do a special presentation on Sunday so I wouldn't need to teach. Well, that changed my whole days plan. I did go to the temple alone. I needed some personal time with the Lord. I worked on putting Christmas away (not much success) and then watched kiddos in the evening. After all the emotions of Friday, I was pretty well spent. Sunday morning I arose and got ready for church...and the phone rang. There was an error and I WAS suppose to teach.


Now, if this was my 3-year-olds in Primary I could wing it. If it was a class on journal writing or food storage or poetry or art or any one of my favorite scripture topics, I could wing it.


But you don't (I mean I can't) wing Gospel Doctrine. I usually spend at least 5 hours each week in preparation. At least. But teach I did. Well, kind of.


One of my very favorite stories in the Old Testament is the story of Deborah. If you haven't read it in awhile, read it again. What it tells is that although you can have a huge army coming at you or you feel small and inadequate, you need to rely on the arm of the Lord instead of the flesh (or mind) of man. And I did. So basically, He taught the lesson, I just got to be the mouthpiece. I felt so loved by him. I also had a tender mercy in the temple. For me it was a little (!) manifestation of God's awareness of me. Too sacred to share here but a great testimony that God is aware of us individually and by His presence he lifts and sustains us in our sorrows.



What is the saying? "True Joy isn't the lack of sorrow but the presence of God."



Here it is, Tuesday morning. You know how I love Tuesday mornings. But this one (and all Tuesday mornings forever hence) is different. Last week friend Jan and I talked....and she is going to retire from helping me clean. After 15 years or so. It isn't just about cleaning (and Jan trying to corral my scatteredness) but after all these years, it is our therapy. I view my world each week through Jan's eyes and she through mine. She is a sister to me and one of my dearest friends. Already we got out our lunch calendars....


So, by now, the guest room and bath would be done. I washed the sheets yesterday and right now, Jan and I would be fluffing them on the bed. Just waiting for the next guest (more this weekend.) By now, I would have all the things on the kitchen counter sorted and put away so she could wipe it all down, sparkling and shiny. Instead, the aftermath of watching kiddos yesterday and un-put-away groceries remain. Rylee asked me why I still had Christmas decorations stacked on my dining room table. The trees standing bare in the living room. Well, because I'm not organized like her mother, Tenille....and without Jan to spur me on........and.... and....I'm already hyperventilating........


So I will have to make a commitment here. I WILL get the sheets on the guest bed and vacuum and dust. I will clean the guest bath. Before I go to class in 1 hour. (you have to read the last three sentences verrrrry slowwwwly as if you were speaking to a small child that doesn't comprehend very well.....) I won't even mention the rest of the house. Suddenly it looks like a giant. When you are attention-def. you have to take baby steps. Baby steps.


I think it would be really hard to be Robin Williams. It is hard enough to be me. I exhaust myself doing nothing....




“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?”
Robin Williams

Valentine's Downloadables

I love vintage anything....and especially free vintage anythings! I'm trying to figure out some fun things to do for Valentine's Day..... and this adorable little girl might be in my plans. Check out this site for free downloadables.

http://tipnut.com/vintage-valentines/

My Word For The Year

I've pondered and decided on the word. Felicity. The plural is felicities. It is a noun but one filled with action.


It means:

1. happiness or contentment



2. something producing happiness: something that creates happiness



3. appropriateness: an appropriate or pleasing manner



4. something appropriate: something appropriate or pleasing




Synonyms: happiness, contentment, joy, pleasure, fortunateness, luck, blessedness, timeliness, bliss, delight, ecstasy







or another dictionary defines it this way:

Noun
1.
felicity - pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)
felicitousness
appropriateness - the quality of being specially suitable
infelicity - inappropriate and unpleasing manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)
2.
felicity - state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
happiness
emotional state, spirit - the state of a person's emotions (especially with regard to pleasure or dejection); "his emotional state depended on her opinion"; "he was in good spirits"; "his spirit rose"
beatification, beatitude, blessedness - a state of supreme happiness
radiance - an attractive combination of good health and happiness; "the radiance of her countenance"

This word implies to me a state of seeking for happiness or contentment through proper and appropriate means. This word and all the definitions speak to me. I also realize that this state requires effort on my part. And the word appropriate stands out to me in more ways than one. I've had a few "ta-da's" recently reminding myself to "not" speak in certain situtions. I'm learning that I have to earn my own trust. I'm trying to "tame" myself. I know this makes no sense to no one but myself....

but then again.....I chose my word for me. It matters to me. What's your word?

Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can pretty much change your life forever. (actually, this is a quote from a television show. A show called "Felicity".....)

Bucket Journals

Tuesday was once again a most amazing Bucket activity. After a fabulous lunch, Kathy started our journal reading. Each person was asked to bring a journal entry to be shared.

I wish you could have heard each and every one. This is just a brief summary of some:



Kathy actually read a journal entry from her father (who is now dead.) It wasn't found until after he died but detailed, how as a young man, he had lied about his age (age 17) to join the Navy during World War II. He was actually stationed in Pearl Harbor...their ship had dismantled all their guns for an inspection in the morning before they could go out on liberty. We listened, mesmerized as he described what happened, as he climbed on deck to throw out a pan of water from mess hall duty.....and saw a fleet of planes flying in, flying low. The sirens were blaring....he thought it was a drill and was annoyed that a "drill" would interfere with their liberty time. He said the planes were flying so low that he could actually see the pilot in one, goggles, helmet and white scarf trailing in the wind. And then the bombs began to drop....



Even though I had heard this story before, I-along with everyone else, was riveted by this first hand experience. The horror of being there at a critical moment of history. The Maryland only took two main hits....it was moored next to the Okalahoma that took so many, it turned on its side and started to sink. He saw the Arizona totally blow up. He described the smells and the fires and the burning water....blood coming out of everyone's ears from the noise level and explosions. No wonder he came home wounded physcologically.



S. described beautiful Africans they worked with while serving with her husband (mission president)....and the fear of a young man, scared to go back home and be exposed to the brutality/tradition of being taken into the bush, and circumcised by crude instruments, then left to heal....and later the girls being provided to help him "develop" into manhood. Heart wrenching.


C. shared with us the tender experience of losing her mother. D. shared when after her diagnosis of M.S.- and seeking to be healed....of the moment when she realized that her prayers were not going to be answered the way she hoped.....but that life continued to be amazing. In fact, she had brought a box of books she had just picked up from the publishers (which I will talk another time about) that she had authored.....and we were able to celebrate with her!



K.'s entry detailed the day when her hair fell out during chemotherapy. She spoke of her husband and daughter sitting on the bed, pulling out handfuls of her hair and their love and support. She spoke of her first outing to church...bald with a hat....and walking into Relief Society....to find every sister wearing a hat or scarf. I got goosebumps when she described making a conscious decision to meet her cancer with gratitude. No matter how difficult each day or treatment was, she concentrated on the things she was grateful for rather than the pain. I realized that had I heard some of the things she shared earlier, I would have lived this past year differently.




Wow. Honestly....it was just amazing. I could go on and on....



When I came home, I thought my heart would burst with gratitude. Somehow, through all these experiences, these women have come out as victors, rather than victims. I feel privileged to even be in their presence. We laughed, we cried.
There were journal entries of the humor/chaos of young motherhood, parent's love stories, the example of friends.



Girlfriends. How many times can I say, I am blessed?

Words

Yesterday was so wonderful....not to have a thing on my agenda that HAD to be done. After several months of holiday-ing, I needed some down time. I saw this beautiful blank day and knowing that David had things in the evening, I went to the video store and got a stack. I had visions of just curling up in jammies and a blanket and watching show after show. Actually I just got to see one show...because the phone kept ringing or something kept happening that I had to keep winding and rewinding. (I know, you'd think I would just use the pause button...) Last night when David got home, we talked about some cases of his, our kids, what's going on...but I told him of my wonderful day and I especially wanted to tell him about my amazing friends. One of the best things that happened was 3 phone calls from friends....where we could just talk and talk and talk. There wasn't a "I have to run" like usual. BFFFC Peggy called and I got to hear all about her trip to the Cayman Islands. She made her 50th scuba dive! Isn't that amazing? I'm so proud of her! (especially because I remember how the first one went! Think panic attack!)

Then Elaine returned my call and we spoke for an hour. Just like old times. Just like when I couldn't finish a sentence without her. It was amazing and our hearts (and tongues) were exploding. Man, I'm surrounded by good people.


I got a call from Voila! and as we talked, she reminded me of a technique for the new year she learned from the Tip Junkie.....choosing a "word" for the year that kind of directs your year. For instance, a friend has chosen the word "delight." For her motto for the year, she is going to find "delight" in everything she does. Another word was "learning." This person wanted to learn in every aspect of her life. I've actually chosen words for the past few years. but I'm already excited thinking of what my new word is going to be. Obviously I can't choose "eat" since apparently that was my word LAST year! So, if you were going to choose a word, what would it be? Here are some I am mulling over:


Look! (I miss so many important things because I'm not looking properly.)


With Peace. (Two words, I know, but you know me...)


Serendipitous. Okay, I'm not really thinking of this word, I just like to say it. But I feel, after this topsy turvy year, I don't really need surprises.


There are many other words I'm exploring but yikes! I'm out of time. I'm so excited because I have a date with my daughter today! 3 hours of her all to myself!!!!! She gave me a calendar with a place for a picture of us doing what we are doing each month on our monthly dates! What a wonderful gift! I have so much I want to share here but time is running so I'll chat later. Be thinking of a word that you want to focus on this year and share them with me.



"There have been joys too great to be described in words, and there have been griefs upon which I have not dared to dwell, and with these in mind I say, climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are naught without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end." — Edward Whymper

Resolutions- Day Two- Diet. What? Again?

Today is a wonderful day. I love Tuesdays. Today is cleaning with friend Jan, then our focus group (Articles of Faith is our newest read), then Bucket group at Kathy's with a K. Funny Kathy. For our activity, we are suppose to bring and share a journal entry from our past. Since I have 4 thousand plus journal entries, this was not an easy choice. But I decided that I would share my Inga and Izzie stories since I am always filled with loss this time of year....

I hate breaking up.

If you haven't read them, look over on the sidebar under topics. Read Inga first. Then Izzie.

Then shake your head in wonder.......

Resolution 2- Eating an elephant one bite at a time. Or rather, uneating an elephant one less bite at a time. Cathy and I debated the diet issue over lunch yesterday. She's committing to Weight Watchers. I'm committed to studying all options. I think this has been a resolution since I was 12. If anyone would like to go to lunch with me today and discuss it more, I'm willing...

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown

When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen

Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork. ~English Proverb

The cardiologist's diet: If it tastes good, spit it out. ~Author Unknown

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake. ~Author Unknown

In the Middle Ages, they had guillotines, stretch racks, whips and cahins. Nowadays, we have a much more effective torture device called the bathroom scale. ~Stephen Phillips

If nature had intended our skeletons to be visible it would have put them on the outside of our bodies. ~Elmer Rice

Avoid any diet that discourages the use of hot fudge. ~Don Kardong

Resolution- 3

Resolution 3- Reading List

Coming from one who used to read several novels a week, to one who finds it hard to find a good novel to read....it is always a dilimna. There is a quote that says, "To take refuge with an inferior is to betray one's self." And too many current novels make me cringe.....

so I'm always anxious to hear good suggestions.

I want to start the Mittford series, on recommendations by J. I'm excited! Has anyone else read them? Did you love them?

The Thirteenth Tale

Poisonwood Bible- I keep thinking I'm going to read it. I even have two copies. I get through 2 chapters and then.....
which is so strange since I love Barbara Kingsolver....

84 Charring Crossroad




Hallelujah- by J. Scott Featherstone. Every year this is on my list...a book about Handel that I really, really want to read. I just can't seem to get to it!



I need some new suggestions. Can you please tell me your favorite reads this past year or two? I need some new suggestions. I would love for people to share their top 3 reads this year.









I do have a good, lengthy spiritual reading list. David and I started reading "Jesus the Christ" Monday night together. I'm anxious to read it as our Family Home Evening each week.






Our focus group starts today....we are reading "The Articles of Faith." I know it will be a wonderful experience to do this together with great ladies.






I am teaching the Old Testament in Sunday School....I love the Old Testament so much so this is a joy.






I'm also reading the new James Ferrell book "The Hidden Christ" (he's so amazing) and am anxious to read Spiritual Lightening by M. Catherine Thomas (thanks, Suzanne, for the recommendation!)

Resolutions- a Day At a Time

Resolution One-

Exercise-

Slow but sure. (Since I keep hurting myself.) Cathy and I are going to lunch today (ha!) to plan our attack. I have several friends who walked 1,000 miles this past year. I won’t commit to that since I will fail (trust me, I'm a totally nonathletic person...) But I did do a little figuring. I think I could walk to Boise and to Nyssa, Oregon (and McCall, Idaho) I’m thinking up a plan which is better than walking straight there. I will walk 325 miles- that is between 25 and 30 miles a month, 6-8 miles a week. I think I can do that. But I’m rewarding myself along the way. Before I can have a "Meet Sophia in the Middle" date in Layton, I have to walk 36 miles. Layton is 36 miles from my home. I want to spend time with BFFFNW (Best Forever Friend from Newly Weds) Pretty Patty Petty (Boise) and then BFFFC (Best Forever Friend from College) -Peggy (and Jenny the dog!) But before I can do that, I have to walk about 300 miles. Okay, I want to visit before the end of the year so I may re-think that one! I need to walk almost that far to visit and paint with Cali. Okay, I’m already rethinking this resolution.....


Resolutions! You gotta love them!


p.s. after writing this post, I did get on the treadmill and walked one mile. That will get me to lunch with Cathy!

It is Going To Be a Wonderful New Year!

Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher

I'm excited! I'm happy! I'm sooooo moving on to 2010! But what do you call it? I'd call 2009 "o-9." Penny works at JetBlue and they call the new year 20-10. Maybe I'll call it "one-o." It really doesn't matter....I just like it already. I'm turning over a new leaf.....

The most wonderful party with friends last night. We hosted. Usually there are 6 couples and we've been together for over 25 years on New Year's. We tell the same stories over and over each year and laugh and laugh. We really think we are funny.

This year was different. 3 of the couples weren't here. The Olsen's are in California. The Talbot's daughter was sick so therefore they had sick grandkids. The Christensen's headed to their condo after Christmas for a much needed rest. Well, they didn't get it. They called before midnight to tell us all their mishaps. Roger already buried two snowmobiles and then a rescue vehicle. Digging out of the snow for 4 hours sounds dang fun....

I did a raclette party last night. It was new to everyone (except David) and so much fun.

Raclette is a pungent Swiss cheese dish....both the name of the cheese and the cooker. Hundreds of years ago, shepherds would move their herds up in the mountains for summer grazing and supplies had to be limited by what they could carry.Typically they would carry a wheel of cheese, some boiled potatoes, some pickles. They would build a big bonfire and set the wheel of cheese on a rock near the fire to "almost" melt. Then they would scrape the cheese onto their plates of potatoes and pickles. The word "Raclette" comes from the French word "racler" meaning "to scrape off." (I'm totally feeling like the Greek father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding...



) The above picture is the tail end picture of doing Raclette at my cousin's home for a Bucket luncheon. I didn't get pictures of our party last night but I'm kicking myself because all the bowls of chopped vegetables and sausages were so pretty. The raclette griddle is a double decker, with broiler coils under the first griddle. Each person has a raclette dish in which to put their cheese. The scraper is there as well. Below is my demonstation.

You put your cheese under the broiler to melt.

On the top griddle, we grilled two kinds of sliced sausages, chopped green,red and yellow peppers, mushrooms, green onions, zucchini. We passed a big bowl of boiled red potatoes and a basket of chunky bread, the pickles (because if sheepherders had pickles, we HAVE to have pickles as well.) When you cheese has melted you scrape it out of the raclette dish (hence the name "to scrape....") over your potatoes with toppings or bread. Yumo.

Raclette really originated in Switzerland but the first time I had it was in France with Voila! (Thank you Voila! I miss hearing about your life!) There it was much simpler meal..... a wonderful simple salad with greens and hazelnuts, good bread (bought at the market each day) and boiled potatoes with the cheese. Wonderful!

After dinner, we waddled into the other room and played Imaginiff. It was a game I forgot we had but we had a good time laughing over crazy questions and answers.

Then came the White Elephants. People were suppose to bring white elephants that symbolize something about our friendship/stories/events of our time being friends. They were so funny.


Brendalyn brought kitty slippers that David opened.

We were reminded (and laughed about again) (and I realize I've told this story before....like all my stories) the story of Karen and the kittens. Karen had just loaded up her little kids in the car and while backing out of the garage, ran over one of their new baby kittens. She and the kids were hysterical.....she slams on the brakes amidst all the sobbing going on, and runs into the house to get something to put kitty in. The cat and the other two kitties were beside themselves as well. When Karen came out the door, the wind sucked the door closed with a slam! One of the other kittens was in the doorway. Bam! One more down. Karen was totally hysterical and the kids inconsolable.....then Karen backed over another kitten. Or else the door slammed again. Anyway, all three kittens. We can't really remember the real story since we've told it so many times and Jim and Karen weren't there to set us straight but that was the jest of it.

That's the saddest kitty story I've ever heard.....

(Karen's husband was just elected as a city councilman in Farmington. For those of you who might live in the area, I would keep my kittens indoors if I were you. You know, in case Karen is driving...)

I would tell you the rest of the white elephants but honestly, we were up to 2:00 a.m. Too much good fun is exhausting!

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn