Cat Chat

where is love?

2012-02-14T10:35:00.004-05:00

Today is the day that we extraly express to our friends and family how much we love them. For boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, and partners they have a little extra pressure to either send flowers or get that something special. Unless otherwise specified, flowers, chocolates, and presents are ALWAYS acceptable!!! Also I think it's sweet when children (or dogs) get things for their parents, even if it's a hand-made Valentine.

I was thinking in bed this morning about how I don't really have a Valentine (which I'm okay with, bee-tee-dubs) and how I could sulk all day about this. But then on the way to work I decided to direct my thoughts to the love which I see all around me. So I asked myself, where is love? (And then I hummed the song from Oliver! to myself, which is actually a sad kind-of song, but I don't care.)

For me, today I saw love in letting someone turn left during a heap of traffic. I stopped my car in the middle of the road hoping that a driver in the right lane would follow suit and stop. It only took one car to realize what we were doing and then left-turner happily got to their destination without having to beg for mercy at the incoming traffic and wait that much longer. Then further down the road, the stupid people driving three cars in front of me decided to stop short, creating a domino effect and making it so that I almost rear-ended someone and then got rear-ended myself. I saw the love when I decided to quickly get in the median lane (thankfully just yellow lines and not concrete/grass) to avoid this collision. I was grateful that at that point in the road there was a way for me to turn off and not get in an accident.

When I got to work I continued to smile (smiling really does help). Instead of remembering what I don't have, I smiled at what I do have. And then I came to my office and found the sweetest card from my BFF Becka. It's like it was made for me. The perfect message and fully of daises! And she found it and wrote the nicest thing. Even before I was married, then during, and now that I'm not, Becka always makes sure to tell me that we are true Valentines. I love her for that. This year she even got me a giant Reese's heart. That girl knows me so well. (Peanut butter & chocolate...yum!!)

The head of our department at work also brought in donuts too. And she took the time to express her thanks and love of working with us. I mean, who does that? Not everyone. And actually, I know that she means it too. She is a great person and a great boss. She even told me personally that she loved me. Love that!

I also am filled with great love for my family and also my nieces and nephews. Also I call my nieces and nephews my babies. I love seeing my babies. I love playing with them, kissing them, laughing with them, and tickling them. Today I see the love in being an auntie. I've said it before and I'll say it again, being an auntie is my favorite thing ever!!!!

I also have to mention my love for being a dog-mommy. Little Sydney is one of my best friends. She's such a good little pup (when she's not being a rascal). She's so soft and cuddly. This morning before I said my usual thing before I go ("Mommy loves you. Be a good girl, Buh-bye") I also made sure to tell her that I loved her and wished her a Happy Valentine's Day. She is my Valentine forever!! I feel the need to state that I do not consider my dog to be my baby. She is my family and I love her, but human family rules over dog family.

So now, I ask, where is the love in your life?

True Confessions: I have depression

2012-02-10T10:08:00.000-05:00

When someone gets hurt you can see a cast, a bandage, or even the wound. When someone has a disease or condition, it may be quite apparent. You may see someone who has had a stroke's face sag on one side. You can obviously see a person's arthritic knuckles. Then there are handicaps. One can see another's disability merely by seeing the wheelchair that provides mobility.

I suffer from depression and anxiety. I say suffer because many times this condition is as debilitating as the effects as a broken arm. The problem is that you can't tell by looking at me. You don't see a bandage on me or think that something may be wrong. This is how it is for a lot of people who suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Now, I don't claim to be an expert on either condition, please understand, but I want to share with you my own experience.

The earliest memories I have of being sad were in middle school. The sadness wasn't just because I got in trouble, did poorly on a test I thought I aced, or a boy didn't know I was alive. It was a deeper sadness, possibly with some worry behind it. I remember distinctly staying up one night feeling very sad and just wanting to be around someone. My mother was painting her bedroom in our house in Cary and I can remember just talking to her and feeling comforted.

I don't have much recollection about high school except the usual drama associated with being in high school. I will mention that I probably was happy because I had (have) an amazing best friend. She was my other half and made sure that I was always ok. She helped me through things and we thankfully didn't fight. (I can really only remember two or three during that time.) I probably complicated things when I got a boyfriend my senior year of high school who was not a member of my church. When I say probably, I really mean definitely. But those experienced shaped who I am so I don't have negative things to say about them anymore.

College came and I was unhappy. It was very much due to the poor decisions I was making. Ultimately I also didn't feel like I fit in or even wanted to fit in so I left and came home. I missed my family and the familiarity with the area. I started working at the company in which I currently am employed and things looked up. In 2003, the year of the sickness, things changed for me. I was increasingly in pain and also became unable to cope with it. I think this is when the true depression symptoms started to manifest more frequently. Because of all the tests I was having and doctors' visits I was attending I became so discouraged. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I have a vivid memory of walking around the office slowly down a hallway, hunched over and looking down. I still remember feeling so so sad. Pathetic really.

Enter the world of prescription anti-depressants. This was a battle in and of itself. I tried so many to see what would help. Then I had effects from some of them that weren't favorable or bearable. I finally found a drug that would help me. It was a very potent and strong anti-depressant. I was taking the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) because of the severity of my symptoms. I found out that my nor-epinephrine and serotonin levels were almost depleted. These two, along with dopamine, are the hormones in your body that help you feel happy. Take away the hormones, and its bad news. One time I neglected to fill my prescription and experienced a pretty bad withdrawal from the meds because they had been out of my system for so long. I was crying uncontrollably in my dark office and shaking. I was taken to my doctor, given meds and examined for other possible indicators. Needless to say, I never wanted to experience that again. In addition, it was unfair of me to put my friends and family through that.

When I first got married I wanted to stop taking anti-depressants. I felt that I was in a place where I could really control my thoughts and replace bad with good. Being in love is a natural high that I loved experiencing too. As the years went on I found myself slipping back to being sad, crying a little too much, and a little too often. Finally I came to the conclusion that it wasn't fair for my husband or anyone else that I was trying to be stable on my own. It was a hard decision but I opted to try another anti-depressant again. I found success too. And I like to think that I was a little easier to live with. When my ex and I decided we wanted to start trying to have children I made the decision with my doctor to stop taking anti-depressants. I was fully educated that there were some safe drugs to take while trying and even being pregnant, but I wanted to do it on my own again. And I was happy too, during that time of trying. (Who wouldn't be during all the attempts...am I right?)

This was also a time that I didn't know of my infertility issues. Once I found them out I fell apart. I guess it was little before then. I went back on the drugs. When we opted to go to a fertility specialist and the attempts were failed things went spiraling down for me emotionally and in my marriage. Once I was separated from my ex the anxiety attacks started happening, for obvious reasons. Separation is a hard time, especially when it's a rollercoaster of emotions like I went through. Trying to find happiness during that time was hard, but I did it. After I knew the fate of my marriage, anxiety crept in further in addition to the major depressive episodes at my failed marriage.

2010 was a rough year for me. I think it's too soon for me at this point to feel comfortable sharing the ups and downs I felt. 2011 was a new year full of what I hoped to be healing. Last year I didn't cry as much. I replaced fear with faith and I chose happiness. Yes, I still took all the prescribed medications too. And I continue to do this today. I continue to have anxiety too. It's something I know might not ever go away. I learned a long time ago that none of these hormone imbalances are my fault. Something is just wrong with my chemical make-up. It's the part of being human and the load I must carry.

I think today many people try to hide their depression. And sometimes people don't know how hard having this condition can be. I try to be a positive person. I try to smile through the pain. But some days are really really hard for me. Last Sunday I had such a mixture of emotions that I felt paralyzed. I couldn't think straight, I was crying a lot, and I felt numb. I took Monday off because I just wanted to hide. And I did, in fact. I stayed in bed till 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I think its okay to take a moment to regroup. But I think that for me, a moment is what is needed. I can't let myself let the moment take over my life. By 5:30 on Monday I was feeling like I could handle my life again. I am grateful for this. I know that this is because I have a loving Father in Heaven who brings the Holy Spirit to comfort and lift me. I didn't get any special phone calls or drop-bys from anyone that day. No one brought me dinner or cookies. I don't even think I read my scriptures. But during that particular day, I found the strength I needed to keep going.

I haven't had a depression episode like that in a long time. It completely side-swiped me. Usually if I feel myself feeling sad I can do some breathing techniques, pray, be around people, or just count my blessings. I still feel like I'm recovering. I feel disoriented and not myself still. But I know that I'm better than I was. I'm choosing happiness again, though it's not coming as fast I would want it to. You don't see me wear my depression or anxiety like I would a cast. I don't think I'd want to display it anyway. But I have this and if you do, you're not alone. For me taking a moment to get to a point where I can feel like moving forward is what I need. Most importantly I have to choose to be happy after that. Remember that when our Savior was in Gethsemane He not only suffered for our sins, but he bore our grief and sorrows. Find what works for you, but never forget that you have choice to be happy and that the Atonement is an amazing gift to us letting us know that we are not alone.

New Foods: 4 & 5

2012-02-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

I did it! I tried new things, ya'll!

So mostly I don't think of myself of as a vegetable girl, but there are some veggies that I actually like. I rather enjoy broccoli (raw or steamed). I also enjoy broccoli's cousin: cauliflower. And let's be serious in that most of the time it's just a vehicle for ranch dip. Nevertheless, it's eating healthy, right? On Saturday I had the pleasure of having a very Harry Potter birthday party at my house for my dear friend Amanda. She is a BIG HP fan! Her fun husband, John, is an amazing cook too. He took care of all the food. So really I just had to clean my house and let people party there. I'll take that kind of party any day!! For the veggie platter he decided on the typical veggies: broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, peppers. And this time {and he says just for me} he chose purple cauliflower. (As you know, purple is my favorite color! It's the little things, I tell ya, folks.) This purple vegetable did not disappoint. The next day he steamed some up with the leftover broccoli, added some butter (yes please!) and salt and pepper and we had it for lunch. Dee-lish! Bottom line: choose purple cause purple is better!

In keeping with the HP theme, of course we had to have the best beverage in all of Hogwarts: butterbeer. I admit I was skeptical. Cream soda and butterscotch are not my favorite. But add them together with some vanilla ice cream and omigoodness deliciousness. The beer of roots is still my favorite, but now I can add beer that I like. The beer of butter. Yum! I'm so glad to be opened to this whole new world of treats!! Bottom line: pass the butterbeer!

It's Groundhog time

2012-02-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

"Once a year the eyes of the nation turn to this tiny hamlet in western Pennsylvania to watch a master at work. The master? Punxsutawney Phil, the word's most famous weatherman. The groundhog, who, as legend has it can predict the coming of an early spring. So I guess the question we have to ask ourselves today is: Does Phil feel lucky?

"This February second at 7:20 and thirty seconds, Punxsutawney Phil, the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, emerged reluctantly but alertly in Punxsutawney, P-A and stated in Groundhogese, "'I definitely see a shadow.'"

Happy Groundhog Day (#GHD) to you and yours!

Countdown to Les Mis: 15 days!

2012-02-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

My dad always says, "I grew up on a stead diet of musicals." I like to think (and quote) the same thing. I LOVE MUSICALS! My life is a musical. True story. There is always music in my head. And many times I sing it out...to my own tune. It's just how I do's it. Also I dance. A lot. By myself. And I get caught sometimes. I don't even care at this point. My mother always had this quote in our house growing up: "Life is a song; love is the music." I think about this all the time too. So many feelings can be expressed through music, but most of all love. While I skip some love songs, in general I can't get enough of them. [I feel like I'm just rambling, so I'll move on.]

Two years ago my sister and I decided that we wouldn't get each other Christmas presents. We decided that we would enjoy a girl's weekend, kid free (for her). Nothing makes me more happy then spending time with my sister. She is my best friend. She keeps me sane. She also made an auntie, which is the second best thing that makes me happy. We decided that we really wanted to see Les Miserables. Unfortunately the show was not coming to North Carolina in 2011. Around the end of February last year I started searching to see where it was playing. I found that there were some shows in Canada and Baltimore. I had no problem flying or driving to Baltimore to see this amazing show. Only thing was that my sister was 8 months pregnant with little Clarkie. While she has made the trip to D.C. before being 8 months pregnant (to attend a sealing at the D.C. temple of a friend), I didn't know how up for it she would be. Plus, the weekend that it happen to be playing was the very weekend that we had planned her baby shower. So it was a no-go.

Fast forward to later in the year when I got my weekly/monthly emails from ticketmaster that Les Mis was coming to the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in 2012. I knew we had to JUMP at that chance. So I forwarded the email to my sister and soon called after. Tickets were purchased and our date was set. February seemed too long away from the time when we bought the tickets, but our sister weekend was planned. Now the new "thing" was that she is breastfeeding Clarkie so technically she couldn't be kid-free if she came. But we were not about to let that spoil our plans. Plus, breastfeeding is the BEST thing for your kids (if you can do it - please no hate comments about the pros and cons of breastfeeding) so I'm glad she's on it still. (P.S. Sorry if I'm sharing too much, Elizabeth!) Also we decided again in 2011 that we wouldn't do Christmas presents because THIS was our present.

Anyway, NOW IT'S FEBRUARY!!! It's the first of February and that means in just 15 days, on February 16th we'll be dressing up and enjoying the show. Neither of us have actually seen the full show of Les Mis before. We saw a production of high school kids from around the county perform most of it when we were in high school, but this is the full blown thing!!! I am literally peeing my pants with excitement. (Ok, not literally.) And what's more fun is that we get to share the evening with Christian, Mary, and Daniel. Daniel is always a great musical-going buddy. As you recall, we saw Wicked together and had a super awesome time. Christian and Mary are going because apparently he was offered tickets when they were dating but he didn't take them only to find out that Mary would have LOVED to have gone. (Something, like that, right Mary?) So an evening out with some of my best pals is something that I am so excited about.

I will never forget the summer that I got to visit my sister at Ricks Collage. I stayed for a weekend with her and her roommates. One of her most awesomest ones, Charlotte, (for whom Elizabeth loved the name for her own daughter) sat me down that Sunday afternoon and guided me through the music and story of Les Mis. Ever since then I've been hooked. I love every minute of the show. And now getting experience it will be so much fun. Fifteen days! Fifteen days! Fifteen days!

Can't wait to report back on the evening...

New Foods: 1-3

2012-01-23T11:27:00.000-05:00

So this is the part where I tell you about the new slash previously not liked foods but I'm trying again foods that I've tried/retried so far.

It is a family tradition that every New Years Day we partake in what can only be described the greatest hot wings on the planet. My mom has crafted these puppies down to an art of perfection. My family goes nuts crazy for them. Mom makes about a thousand of them and we feast on them. And when I say "we" I really mean, everyone except me. They are gross to me. All that work for a little tiny wing? Or so I thought. In my efforts to expand my taste buds I decided it was high time that I re-explored these tiny appendages. As I said before, I did not dowse my wings with the super hot and spicy sauce. But I did enjoy them in all their "these have got some kick" glory. I'm proud of myself for this. I'm usually not one to go spicy because I'd rather taste my food than have my mouth on fire. And I didn't mind so much getting the meat off and enjoying it. Bottom line: I'll be enjoying these with the rest of the fam for years to come.

I have a love/hate relationship with tomatoes. It's really quite ridiculous. I love marinara sauce. I love spaghetti. I LURVE salsa. But for some reason, I cannot do tomatoes by themselves...sometimes. Also I don't care for ketchup. Listen, if it already comes on a burger, I'll eat it. But if I have to add it, no thank you. I am a mustard girl through and through. When it comes to sliced tomatoes on a sandwich I can't handle it. Usually I am a "hold the tomato" girl. If a tomato comes on a sandwich I don't mind it for the first half, but I don't really like to deal with it for the last half and end up taking it off. So when the opportunity arose for a delicious sammie from Jimmy Johns, I chose keep the tomato. After a few bites, it was confirmed that really I don't mind these, but they are not my favorite. Bottom line: hold the tomato, but BRING ON THE SALSA por favor!!!

I consider myself a southern girl. I was raised in North Carolina (proudly!) and even in the southern (Fayetteville) and eastern parts (Goldsboro). I've been to my share of pig pickin's and mmmboy I LOVE me some barbecue. Oftentimes the perfect accompaniment to North Carolina barbecue has long-since been the baked bean. These squishy beans in a tomatoy sauce have never ever been my favorite. I never really tolerated them even. When I got married to a nice Fayettevillian boy I knew I'd get to go to my fair share of southern gatherings. Ain't nobody can gather like my ex-husband's people. They know how to do it right. (Yes I miss that - and them.) And most assuredly this staple side-dish was present. Now I knew I needed to be polite and try things and I did. I even tried things more than once a couple of times. But this one, I just can't do. I really want to fit in, ya'll (ya'll - see? I'm southern!) and eat all the local foods. A couple weeks ago I went to a hot dog party with my "other family" the Crenshaw clan. (Side note: I heart my family more than words, but if I had any other family it would be the Crenshaw's. They are so good to me!!!) When fixing my plate (fixing - see? I'm southern!) I saw this side dish. Instead of passing as per the norm, I took probably about six beans. I was determined that my taste buds were changed and I could blend in with other southerners finally. To much sadness I must regretfully say that I did not like them...again. Darnit! Bottom line: these kind of beans are not my kind of beans.

I'm branching out!! Three new or re-tried foods down, seventeen to go!!! Feel free to provide suggestions.

These are not resolutions

2012-01-17T11:20:00.002-05:00

You might be confused because I'm going to tell you some of my goals for the year, but let me clarify. I made these goals for while I am 30, not because it's a new year. It just so happens that I'm sharing these in the beginning of the new year. Also I am just super slow in typing these out and making them known to the blog world.

So when I turned 30 (wha-hoo!) I decided I want to make some goals that I could accomplish while in this year. Because I like themes, I decided to center the goals around the number 30. Here goes:

Loose 30 pounds. In 12 months, I think this is entirely doable. At my physical last year my blood pressure was not high but the numbers were close to it. So I made a commitment to do something about it. I have not been making good on this promise, so I decided that setting this goal would help. Hopefully by the time my physical comes this November, my doctor will be happier. And I will too, I guess. For about 6 years I have decided to embrace my body as my own, not looking at imperfections or the extra weight that I gained. I love my body. I love dressing it. I feel comfortable in my own skin. And ultimately, I feel confident. While I know that I can always improve, I never wanted my size to hinder me in any way. Now that health is a factor, I know that this is the best thing for me.

Run 3 miles in 30 minutes. This should help with the loosing weight thing, huh? Back in 2010 I started training for a half marathon with the best running partner a gal could have asked for. Sadly, my back and sciatica weren't complying so off to the doctor I went. At that point I found out I had osteoarthritis in my lower back. The doctor and chiropractor recommended my training to come to a halt. So I took a year off and now am gearing myself into getting into the running thing again. While I'm not training for a half marathon, every year my family participates in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (a 5k) and I want to be able to possibly run it come June.

Try or revisit 30 new foods. I'm talking to you sweet potatoes! There are some things that just look gross to me so I avoid them. There are also some things that I've tried and just can't do. So I'm branching out and not avoiding foods just because I thought they were gross or looked gross before. I am pleased to say that I've already checked three off my list. But more on that later.

Write 30 thank you notes. The words "thank you" are some of the simplest but nicest words. Everyone loves to hear thank you. And I enjoy expressing gratitude. I also enjoy stationary. Like a lot, so I really need to put it to use and want to thank people that have made an impact in my life. I feel good sending the note and the other person feels good for receiving the note. Win/Win!

Save $30 a month. This may sound small, but I don't care. It's something. I have a 401k, I also have a savings account that I actively contribute to, but this one is for something else. I don't know what. Maybe a "just in case" stash. And while $30 a month doesn't sound like much, I'll just be happier with $360 at the end of the year.

Spend (at least) 30 minutes a day reading. Even though I read now I still don't consider myself a reader. Maybe it's because I know the girls in my book club have read so much and know so many books and authors that I don't think I can catch up. For me this goal is about turning off the TV (which I LOVE), stopping everything else, and taking some time to use my imagination and cuddle with Sydney. And the reading doesn't have to be a book from the library. I've also taken to reading the Ensign and the scriptures. This is a big thing for me. (And P.S. I'm super thrilled about the Ensign reading because Mom and Dad got me a 2-year subscription for my birthday!)

Go to the temple 30 times this year. This one is not only good for me but for those for whom I'm doing the work. Everyone needs to up their temple-going! It is the place I feel so happy and amazing. I feel love every time I go. During the calamity of the past two years the temple is one of a few places that was always a safe and happy place. I want to go there and feel that all the time. Also, if this is my goal, it means that I live my life worthily to go.

Perform (at least) 30 acts of service. I really want to be more like the Savior. I want to make sure that I am helping out because I choose to and not because I have to. I love serving people. I love helping out whenever I can. Maybe to a fault sometimes. But I still want this one my goal list. Providing service to others is the ultimate way to lose yourself and be a light in some one's world. I think many of us forget that smiling at a stranger or opening a door for a mother with her hands full are just simple says to show love and kindness. I don't know that I'll actually count the acts of service, but I want to look back on this year and know that I did my part to help out.

So there you have it. I think it's a good mixture of spiritual and temporal goals. Being 30 is a new chapter for me. I couldn't be more excited. I love the idea of gaining wisdom with age. I hope this year is full of that as I meet the goals. I'll be checking in with you about some of these too. Don't forget to ask me how they're going too!

the name game

2012-01-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

I get asked this question a lot: why didn't you change your last name back after your divorce? I thought I'd give you some insight and the answer to your query.

Around the time I was to be married [for SOME reason] I wasn't sure what I wanted my legal name to be. I think I came up with about six different combos. I thought of hyphenating my first and middle name: Catherine-Leigh. Or hyphenating my two last names: Plautz-Ratledge. I thought of having all four names too: Catherine Leigh Plautz Ratledge. When it came down to it, I remembered that I am very traditional, so dropping my last name seemed to be the best route for me. Also I remembered that I have six brothers to carry on the Plautz name. And yes (in case you're wondering), it already has been carried on...HURRAY!

I immediately took to my new name. I love the idea of having my husband's name too. (Again, this is just my opinion for myself.) I also had the great task of changing everything over to my new last name. Since I was an adult-ish working with real live bills to pay, it meant changing a lot over. I did the smart thing and changed my social security card first, then went to the DMV to get my new license. Good times. I also really liked the ring to my new name. Catherine Ratledge always sounded very traditional and British to me. Ratledge, of course, is British; the name stems from the Red Cliffs of Dover in the United Kingdom. (Red Cliff::Radcliff::Ratcliff::a cliff is a ledge::Ratledge - that's how I always imagined the conversion. Also I'm pretty sure this means I'm related to Daniel Radcliff.) I didn't know how super long my name would be to write over and over again. Back in the early days we signed approval documents at work with "wet signatures," sometimes 200 plus in 4 hours. Writing a 9-letter first name and an 8-lettter last name that many times can seriously cramp, ya'll. I will also mention that I was a little relieved to obtain a name that no one could screw up as much as my maiden name. Or so I thought. But I happily spell it out for those who'll let me. (Side bar: "R" "A" "T" as in Tom, "L" "E" as in Edward, "D" as in dog, "G" as in "Gary" "E" Still long, but whatevs, I'm okay with it.)

Don't ask me why but I always thought that I keep my last name forever no matter what. Yes, even in the small (I thought/hoped) chance that things went sour and I was not married to my (then) sweetheart anymore. I grew up a Plautz, but I really became an adult as a Ratledge. I guess I identify with my last name more because I've had the most life-changing experiences with it. The experiences I've had that have shaped who I am have come as I was Catherine Ratledge. Though I've had this last name a shorter time than my maiden name, it just feels right to me to have it.

When I knew divorce was upon me, I came to the same dilemma I had before: should I change my name back? Once again, I thought about hyphens and such. There is also that small hassle of changing all legal documents over if I was to change my name back. Not to mention professionally I've used this name and changing feels like more of an inconvenience for my clients. Most days, now that I'm divorced I don't even think about how when I give my last name it's my ex-husband's last name. It just feels like me. There are those off-days where I hate the reminder and it's all I can do to plot in my head changing it back. But for the most part I am happy with my decision. Yes, I still answer to the last name Plautz, because I was born a Plautz and that will never change. I just became the woman I am today as a Ratledge, so it's here to stay (for now).

And in case you want to know, if I were ever to get married again, of course I'd take my new husband's name. I told you, I'm traditional at heart! And all that stuff about it being a hassle and professional junk. It gets thrown out the window at that point.

Fwd: Stress Management

2012-01-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

So I typically don't do forwards, but I really liked this one, so I'm sharing. Deal with it. And also, no need to forward on! Ha! (Thanks to my co-worker Nina for sharing this!!)

A young lady confidently walked around a room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience. With a raised glass of water, everyone just knew she was going to ask the ultimate question: 'half empty or half full?' She fooled them all. "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 ounces to 20 ounces. She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter; it depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "And that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night; pick them up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax. Then pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"

Some helpful hints:

Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them!
Drive carefully; it's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it!
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on!
Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance!
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have the longer you live.
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate on it!

good eats

2012-01-04T09:00:00.011-05:00

Yesterday (or maybe the day before) my mom said, "I love traditions that involve food" or something like that. I echo this sentiment completely. It has been a tradition since we were wee children that Grandma and Grandpa Barney give us gift certificates to McDonalds for Christmas. And us children were so excited to use them that we began cashing in the suckers on New Years Eve. It was a great way to end the Christmas week and the year. Also it meant that mom didn't have to cook! After a few years it was decided somehow (smirk) that the tradition was that we ate at McDonalds for Christmas Eve too. Mom says that it's because she didn't want to cook on Christmas Eve and it was easier to haul us all to the local eatery. Or maybe it was something. I can't remember. Nevertheless, McDonalds twice in one week was born. The tradition still goes on too. Last year (ues just 4 days ago) all the fam met at the Holly Springs McDonalds eating deliciously gross food and playing in the Playplace. Now I will stipulate that sometimes people just can't do Mickey-Dee's and we opt to go to Bojangles, Wendy's, or even Waffle House. The point is that we don't eat at home because we don't want to do the cleaning.

Fast forward to about 10 years ago when Mom also decided she didn't want the typical Christmas dinner. Instead of Thanksgiving part 2 or a Ham (Yuck! It's fine on a sandwhich, but not for dinner), she'd tickle our senses with delicious baby-back ribs. Holla!!!!! This is the kind of tradition I LOVE having in my family. You are guaranteed an amazing dinner on Christmas. And Mom's rub and sauce is seriously the best I've ever had. No one has ever come close! Exactly one week later on New Years Day Mom started another food tradition: Wings! While I'm not a huge, or even a medium fan of wings, the rest of my family goes nuts for this one. She makes what seems like hundreds of wings and the family goes wild. I will admit that I decided to partake of the wing-fest last Sunday. While I didn't add heaps of sauce to mine, the tiny kick they had from marinating all night was just enough. And they were goooooood! And P.S., that is all we have for dinner. Just wings. And celery. See? A vegetable...it counts!

I can't end this post without talking about the holiday treats that mom makes. These have been a standard since I can't even remember. Being a native Ohioan I can't do Christmas without the delectable buckeye candy. The delicious peanut buttery goodness dipped in sinfully sweet chocolate with just a little PB showing is breakfast, lunch, and dinner anytime during December! Also we cannot have the holidays without Mom's caramel. It is so buttery and amazing. It literally melts in your mouth. Last and definitely not least let's talk Roca. Almond Roca. This stuff is heaven in a candy. I loved my mother's English toffee, but I'd go to Vermont and have a commitment ceremony with that Roca. These candies alone are all I need in the month of December. The first year that I was married I went to my in-law's house for Christmas. While I did have a great time, I seriously could not get buckeye's out of my head. As soon as we got to my parent's house that night, I ran to the buckeyes and indulged! That was Christmas to me.

My poor little Sydney whimpers and begs for all of the above-mentioned food. She can't help herself and who can blame her? But also I didn't teach that whole not begging thing as good as I could have. So my dear sister found the most hilarious dog toys that Sydney absolutely loves.

Behold...

This is probably one of my most favorite presents of all from Christmas! It makes me laugh every time I see the stuff around my house. A whole turkey dinner of toys just for her. Everything can be played with down to the "platter" which is actually a frisbee. Genius.

[Update: I wrote this post yesterday with a timed posting of this morning. Last night around 5:30 my mom calls and invites me to dinner. I asked, "what are you making?" You'll never guess...HAM! Yes I totally ate it and yes I admit that it was good.]

To Be a Pioneer a.k.a. These Boots Were NOT Made for Walking

2012-01-03T08:47:00.001-05:00

First of all, Happy New Year!

Now I will get straight to the point: I locked myself out of my house this morning. I'll leave some time for your laughter or awwws. Okay, done? Great. See what had happen was...I went to put some library books in my car so I could have them then to return after I got back into town after work today. (stupid library books!!!) When I got into the laundry room I saw that the door to my garage was not closed all the way. All.night.long. I hate that crappy door! So I went in to the garage to put the books in my car I made totally sure to close it all the way so no more cold could get into my nice, warm house. Bad idea. As soon as I put the books in my car I went for the door. It was locked. You see, at the end of the night I lock all my doors. It's apart of my nightly routine in addition to turning off the lights, checking for the Bogey man, and monsters under my bed. In this instance I locked the door, but did not close it all the way. Then when I closed it all the way when in the garage I neglected to unlock it. Thus I was locked out. I was fully dressed and ready for work. This is on the plus side. I tried the door a couple of times and even thought, "I could bust this down like in the movies." But to no avail, the door would not budge. I had the slight thought that maybe my two other doors were unlocked. But it was a fleeting thought because I knew good and well that they were indeed locked. So I had no other choice.

I became extremely grateful that my parents only live 0.8 miles away from my house. Also I am grateful that I keep an extra blanket in my car. Because remember I was ready for work (had my clothes and shoes on) but no jacket, no keys, no phone...NOTHING! So I set out in the 28 degree weather to my parent's house. During the walk I was grateful for that blanket. It kept me warm. My legs, ears, and lips were frozen, though. I also got to reflect about how the pioneers had it much worse than me. In fact, I kept thinking, "the pioneers did this; the pioneers did this." Probably their shoes were just as uncomfortable. I was lamenting the fact that I put on boots, but so happy that I didn't decide on higher ones with a heel, and instead I wore the Aerosoles wedges. My feet still hurt when I finally got to my parents, but I know they could have hurt a lot worse. Also I could have just gone to the garage in my socks with no shoes, therefore causing me to have to walk without shoes. The wind blew and I was tired and in pain. My wonderful brother Daniel brought me back to my house lickity-split. I'm so glad he was still home!!!

I talk a lot about moments that can define you or set your course. I really wanted to let this moment define my day. I was tired and in pain already, why not make this incident be the crowing moment that determined that this day would suck?! I kept thinking that I would be laughing at this soon too. Well, I haven't laughed yet. But I can tell you that I'm not crying over it. I'm not letting my day be bad just because I made an idiotic move. Besides, I'm sure there is something else that could make it a bad day instead. Okay, just kidding (or am I?), I know that I'll still try and make it a good day. I'll just remember that I got my exercise in already, and take the lessons learned that I need to keep a spare key in the garage. And maybe a spare jacket. And spare comfortable shoes. Or maybe just remember not to close a locked door behind me when it's freezing outside.

What did you learn today?

ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same...

2011-12-30T10:06:00.000-05:00

Love this video!

keep holding on

2011-12-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

As the days grow closer to the magic that is Christmas day I find myself wishing for a few more days, maybe a week tops, of the season. I know it doesn't end after Christmas. I know we get to enjoy everything for like a week afterward too. I really just want to enjoy the anticipation a little longer. I want to listen to the Christmas songs more, and I want to look at the Christmas lights in the neighborhoods and reminisce of Christmas pasts.

I love giving presents. I love the whole process. The thinking about the perfect thing (or things), the purchasing the thing (or things) (And maybe something for myself...what? Don't tell me you don't do that!) I love the anticipation of giving the gift and then the actual moment when it's unwrapped. My list of people to get presents for has slimmed down (sadly) since hoping on the D-train, but I am still savoring those for whom I do get to purchase items. I think it's most exciting to get things for my parents nowadays. They worked for so many years - and still do - to get us things and so now that I can do something, I'm happy to get things for them.

My dad does not accept presents very well. (He'll freely admit this.) I think I got some of this, but I'm slowly getting over it. But I still like thinking of things to get him. Even if it's a trash can on Father's Day for the whole family to enjoy. I'm excited for him to open the presents I get him on Christmas, his birthday, or Father's Day. If nothing else, to get him to continually work on experiencing gift receiving.

I love giving my mom presents too. She's the one who really puts the thought and effort into presents. She knows her kids too. She does so well. So it's only natural for me to want to get something she'll love. And lucky for me, her birthday is today (Happy Birthday, Mom!) so she gets presents within a couple days.

Now that I have nieces and nephews I also LOVE...no LURVE giving them presents. And I do not limit this to Christmas and birthdays.

The point is, I want more time to get things. (I am all done shopping btw) I want more time to take a while and think about the perfect thing and enjoy the process. And I want to listen to Christmas music on the way to the store, while wrapping presents, or just in general. I suppose I'll just savor it while I can and enjoy the last couple of days before the BIG day. And of course, there's always next year, and then year after that, and the year after that, and the year after that....

crash...bang...boom

2011-12-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

Eight years ago today I woke up like I did every other morning and got ready for work. I wore my favorite dark wash Express jeans and my favorite hot pink long-sleeved favorite tee from the good ol' G-A-P. I happened to wear glasses that morning also. I put on my black puffy coat, went outside to leave for work when I noticed that a small film of ice was on my wind shield. Thinking nothing of it, I scrapped it off using my debit card, as I had often done before. But that's all I remember from the morning. The next few days were a haze, a blur. I don't even remember waking up in the hospital. I remember little from the three days I spent there.

I learned later that I had a terrible accident, one that nearly killed me. My car was totaled, my clothes cut off of me, and my identity unknown for a short time. It was only a couple miles from my house that my Ford Explorer slipped on black ice, skid and ended up running into a telephone pole (on the drivers side) before stopping. I was told a person from either a nearby car or the nearby neighborhood had to come and stop the car. My spleen was bruised, my left shoulder's ACL was torn, and I somehow ended up with two staples in my head.

This day haunts me. Sometimes I want to remember exactly what happened, but most times I'm glad I don't know. The doctors were sure that if I had be conscience that I would have tensed up too much and not been able to as freely move with the car while it took its blows. Regardless I am certain that I had angels with me that day. I can still feel the dents in my scalp where though staples were. I remember the agonizing physical therapy that I had to undergo weeks afterward. I even remember a bone in my shoulder sticking out.

I am grateful that in the hospital I remember those that came to visit me. My brother's former roommate and I were supposed to hang out one of the days I was there. I had to call him to tell him what happened. Before we hung up he was insistent on coming to the hospital. Yeah, he's a good guy. My sister and her husband came; Makenzie and David came; Becka and Scott were there also; and my friend Lizzie. Of course my parents were there. Mom says that I'd wake up moaning, "it hurts, it hurts" in the night. I remember also being sad that my favorite jeans, shirt, and bra had to be cut off from me. Elizabeth made up for it by buying me the exact outfit for Christmas. I love her for that!

At work it was unusual that I was not on time. No one knew anything. I think my mom finally had to call Becka. My mom also had to find out the hard way. She came to the door of her house that morning finding a policeman there. He first had to confirm that she had a daughter and who knows what she was thinking!? I hate that I had to put her through that.

Today I am grateful to be alive. I'm am grateful for that car too. (I miss that explorer. It was the first car that I bought.) But I am not grateful for ice and snow. This single accident has left a bad taste in my mouth for frozen parcipitation. This morning I looked at the temperature gauge on my car. It said 45 degrees. I had to smile.

During my recovery all of my family and many of my friends were so good to be. I remember slipping and falling down the stairs one evening. I think a week afterward my dad insisted on walking me up and down the stairs. I love him for that! My home teachers were incredibly amazing too. Jeremy Miller & Sam Huff were very new to home teaching me, but they understood what it meant to take care of those over which they had steward. I was super lucky because they also worked at Whole Foods too, and I benefited from the delicious baked goods they brought. My co-workers sent me cards and a bouquet of flowers. And my Auntie Jo Ann send the most gorgeous sunflowers to me too. After such a traumatic experience I'm grateful to remember the good from it.

a poem to my 20's

2011-12-07T21:37:00.001-05:00

To my dear 20's, it was never meant to be;

For in a very short time I'll be trading the "2" for a "3."

It's nothing against you; ten years you did provide;

And I'm certainly grateful to be alive.

I bought four cars, a dog, and a home.

And found that if necessary, I can do it on my own.

I experienced marriage, but found I was not happy;

But I don't want to get in to all that - no need to be sappy.

I got two new sisters, and a brother-in-law

Who all provided babies and a puppy niece - awwww!

I've grown closer to my sister, my mama, and my dad.

And special moments with all six brothers I've had.

I've experienced the temple; such peace I find there.

And my testimony has grown, I am happy to share.

I've worked at the same place all during my 20's;

And more than doubled my salary, if we're going to talk money.

And then there are my friends who inspire me each day.

They love me, make me laugh, and help me be okay.

I embraced, then loved all the purple stuff;

But more importantly loved myself for who I am, soft or rough.

I've learned to take compliments and smile even when I'm sad;

And that faith is the only thing needed when crises are to be had.

And so with you 20's, bittersweet memories I'll retain;

But I'll never be sorry for the knowledge I've gained.

Picture Proof

2011-12-01T11:39:00.001-05:00

10 years down...[fill in the blank] more to go!

caving in

2011-11-30T08:28:00.000-05:00

Since most other people are sharing what they did for Thanksgiving (or T-giving as I like to call it) on their blogs, I decided I'd join the masses. But I'm only going so far. I decided that I'd give a recall of T-giving 2011 in pictures. And thanks to one of my favorite apps Instagram, I took pictures of every thing that day.

The day after I went to visit my sister for an extended weekend. I loved every bit of it! (Oh, I brought purses for my sis to choose from to borrow, and the girls had fun trying them on.)

thoughts

2011-11-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog it was originally called "Thoughts" because that's what this was for: to write down my random thoughts (as so indicated in my blog byline). Today I go back to my "roots" and share some thoughts I've been thinking about (in no particular order).

Item 1: My boss started her maternity leave on Monday (no baby yet) and I am anxious because I know that people will extra be looking to me and my other colleague for guidance. I have no problems with leadership, but I feel the weight of responsibility

Item 2: I want to paint my house. I'm finally at that point. I want to get rid of all the warm colors and introduce icy silvers, blues, and purples. I just need to go to Lowes or Home Depot and get swatches. Also I want to make sure the I have a good color scheme since my living space is pretty open with lots of walls.

Item 3: I love being an aunt. Being with my nieces and nephews is pretty much what I'd like to do all the time. I wish my sister lived closer because I would be at her house almost every day. And now I try to find excuses to go to my brother & sister-in-law's house to see the twins. I am the luckiest aunt ever to have my nieces and nephews close enough that I get to see them on a regular basis. And I will count myself (at the present) also lucky that I don't have anything or anyone tying me down so that I can go at a moment's notice. (Okay, I have Sydney, but she comes along every once in a while.)

Item 4: I recently cleaned out my 3rd bedroom in my house "the office." While it's definitely not complete, I at least got the same things together. Also this means that I finally collected the last of X's stuff. This equals that I need to give them to him. I've been trying to contact X for like 2 weeks now with no response. I just want him to get his stuff. Nothing more. This equals frustrating to me.

Item 5: Lately with the weather change my arthritis has been acting up. I sound like an old woman when I say this. I hate that part. But some times my back hurts so bad all I want to do is lay down and not move forever. I guess getting a back transplant is out of the question. But actually I like my back, it's just the nerves in it. Note to self: invent new nerves for back...become rich off of it, but take care of loved ones with monies earned.

Item 6: I think I need a haircut. I found myself cutting split ends with scissors yesterday in my office. I guess my norm is to grow out my hair and then donate it to Locks of Love. While I'm not at the point where I can donate, I think that a haircut would be good so that I can donate healthy hair. But also, I don't want to go to a salon and pay 50$ just for a trim. But also also, maybe I want a new style. I don't know. I have a hard time trusting stylists.

Item 7: I watched the original Footloose on Saturday night with my brothers Daniel & Eric. They loved it. And once again I loved it. I quoted practically the whole movie. It was glorious. I do want to see the new one just to see how it compares, but the old one is such a classic. It was funny showing Eric & Daniel this movie for the first time. It made me think how much older I really am than they are (8 & 10 years). I was watching this movie when I was little and then pretty much constantly with Makenzie. So soon I will see the new movie. Who's with me?

Item 8: I want french fries.

Homage to Tim Burton

2011-11-03T08:24:00.000-04:00

What is it about fall and Halloween that just spells out Tim Burton? I have been a fan since my brother Michael was watching Edward Scissorhands every day when he was 5 or 6. And I've been a Pee Wee fan from the very beginning. Pee Wee's Big Adventure was the first VHS tape I ever owned. I just saw this amazing video of all of Tim Burton's films pieced together that epically epitomize him. Even in just 2 minutes and 34 seconds you'll get the feel of just about every film he did. The music from ES is still haunting!! Enjoy and party on TB!!!

10 years in the making

2011-10-31T13:25:00.000-04:00

Saturday I celebrated my 10th anniversary at my company. Seriously I didn't think I could do it sometimes. Okay, after year 7 I thought I could...maybe. Leading up to this red-letter day, I have reflected a lot about these past 10 years and all that has gone down. So many things have happened - too many to name - but one thing has remained constant: my work. While I have had a total of FIVE positions in the company and met some incredible people (and some not fit to be in public), being at my job has always been a source of my love/hate relationship with the job(s), friendships, laughter, tears, joy, and um, income. (Can't forget that!)

One thing that has always brought me so much joy is each year's chance to dress up for Halloween. Since I joined the company (as a 19-year old) in 2001, only days prior to Halloween, I have loved the company's participation in this fun day! And, I have seriously had the best time coming up with what I was going to be each year and then playing the part. I will say that my McDreamy of 2006 will always remain a fan (and my) favorite and go down in CGIRB history as legendary. (Let's just call a spade a spade, folks.) But I'm getting ahead of myself. It is without further ado that I present to you a historical journey though 10 years of Halloween costumes. I want to thank Makenzie first who has always inspired my love for Halloween with her own love of this day of fantasy and candy. Second, my co-workers are the BEST! They are so encouraging and always accepting when it comes to my costumes. Third, every one else - ya'll are amazing. I love you all!

We begin our journey in 2001. I started out as a temporary document processor. I wasn't sure about the upcoming Halloween holiday. I had no ideas and no idea that this new company that I joined enjoyed the day or even dressed up. I was a wee teenager so unfamiliar with "the office" atmosphere. That year I opted to wear a cape made by my lovely sister. She appropriately called it the Halloween cap as it was made out of Halloween-y fabric. That year I met Becka. She dressed up as "Bubba" the unibrowed car mechanic. We became instant friends. Sorry no picture from 2001.

In 2002 I became a full-time employee. The newest Administrative Assistant for the company of only about 20 people. I loved that job. I still have the fondest memories of it. It is one of my favorite jobs I ever did. That year I won a trip on G105 to Las Vegas. I won airfare and hotel accommodations, including food vouchers for two. I just had to listen out for a song and be the 15th caller. Lucky me, I won. So being only 20 and not interested in gambling, not to mention the fact that I'm Mormon, to Las Vegas I went. I had the best time with my sister. One of my favorite parts was seeing a look-alike concert of performers. The Michael Jackson was easily my favorite and became the inspiration for my first costume at CGIRB.

The year 2003 was a trying year for me. I found myself in a predicament with unexpected pains, diseases, emotions, and conditions. I didn't have any idea why things were happening to me! That Halloween I hadn't a clue what I could be. But being the creative soul that I am (thanks to my parents for that trait), the morning of, I pulled a pleated skirt out of my closet, took a blazer from one of my brothers, wore glasses and went as one of my favorite SNL characters Mary Katherine Gallagher. People went crazy for this costume. And the best part was that I had just thought of it that morning!

Ah, the year 2004. That year I was busy making out with my boyfriend, who then became my husband. I guess I was a loser and decided that being married was more important than dressing up, so I opted out of that year. I have no regrets.

In 2005 I became increasingly obsessed with America's Next Top Model. And who wasn't? It was totally awesome!!! It had been a fairly new show that not a lot of people knew about. Mostly because it was on the little known network UPN. That year I decided to go as it's show's fierce host Tyra Banks. Oh man, people loved this one too. I loved doing the "8 models stand before me, but I only have 7 photos and these photos represent the models that are still in the running to become 'America's Next Top Model'" line with my get-up.

Okay, hold on to your socks, kiddies. It's the year you've been waiting for. It was 2006 and a popularity for a medical show called Grey's Anatomy had risen from zero to hero that year. How I made this happen is still nothing short of a miracle. But that year I was determined to be Derek Sheppard, aka Dr. McDreamy. This is still when Derek and Mer were on again/off again. Before Addison came along, before Izzy went crazy after cancer, George got mangled, Callie was a lez, before the post-it note, and the delicious Owen found Cristina. To this day I still get comments from my co-workers about this costume. One lady stopped by my office at least every hour to stare at me because she couldn't believe it. Have I hyped it up enough for you yet? Here it is:

See, told ya...(this one freaked my ex-husband when I kissed him goodbye that year)

Oh dear! In 2007 we suffered the unfortunate experience of watching Miss Teen South Carolina, Lauren Caitlin Upton botch answering the question, "Recent polls have shown a fifth of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is?" I admit that I didn't put a lot of effort into this costume. I more played the part, so I suppose "you had to be there."

In case you forgot, here's her uncanny response: "I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps, and uh, I believe that our, uh education like such as in South Africa and uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and, I believe that they should, our education over HERE in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, or, uh, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future, for our children." Sweet, sweet Lauren. I forgive you.

In general, I like to channel pop culture for my costumes. In 2008 Miley Cyrus didn't break our achy breaky heart (or did she?) when she showed up not as Hannah Montana, but a singer/songwriter, and "serious" actress.

I don't know if you heard of a little show called Jon & Kate Plus Eight but it was pretty popular. In 2009 Jon went haywire and crazy and TLC had no choice but to drop him. My costume says it all:

Many thanks to my ex-husband for borrowing his clothes. (He didn't know it at the time, though.)

Wow! We're at 2010 already! Last year was rough. I'm not kidding you. And to make matters worse, some clients decided to schedule an audit for that day. This equalled no dressing up. Did I enjoy the break? Yes, perhaps. I did dress up for our ward's trunk or treat as a flower with Sydney has my bumble bee sidekick. Somehow I couldn't find that picture, though. I'll hafta look again. But here I am at our Halloween celebration at work. I managed to wear some Halloween footies my friend had got me weeks earlier. I still love those footies.

And here were are at the present. And as my gift to you, I present my 10th (ish) costume for your enjoyment. Last Friday I only had an idea of what I wanted to be. It didn't really pan out over the weekend because I decided that if I didn't have a costume on Monday, so be it. I had dressed up and done my fair share, it would be nice to have a break (again). Then I heard about my brothers going to an YSA activity on Friday and pretending to be Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. And a light bulb went off. I could pull it off. I will also tell you that the light bulb went off yesterday afternoon. I turned the wheels in my head and schemed my outfit and hair. By 10:30 last night I was finished. I actually cut up my wig worn in my Miss Teen SC costume. (What a mess!) This year I decided to pay tribute to a favorite comedian, talk show host, and dancer: Ellen DeGeneres.

I got the blond hair, the vest, and most importantly the tennis shoes. I even do a little dance! I'd say it's another winner and another successful year!

So hit me up in the comments and let me know what you think? What's been the most constant thing in your past 10 years?

I dreamed a dream...

2011-10-20T08:48:00.003-04:00

This morning I had the great opportunity and privilege to teach seminary for my brother's class (Alex, or Benjamin, if you prefer). Last week when I was asked, I weighed my options very briefly before agreeing to it. I knew it would be hard for me to get up extra early and then survive the day, but really it came down to this: it's a great way to start the morning. I have substituted in the past when my dad taught seminary when my brother Daniel was in high school. And of course, I attended seminary when I was in high school. Both were very positive experiences. And today didn't disappoint. It's not like the children were super enthused about being there or there was an intense Spirit felt. But the preparation and the take-home messages ring true to me. Of course yesterday my preparation begin with thinking that I could just play the soundtrack to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and be done with it. Hey, it could have worked!

Today we talked about Genesis 40-41. Here we find our hero, Joseph, in prison - wrongfully accused because he wouldn't give in to temptation from Potipher's wife. He served Potipher and became the equivalent of a prison guard, even though he was imprisoned himself. But that's the amazing part to me. He's thrust into prison, but continues to serve, and never cursing God. Then he makes friends with the Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, also imprisoned. They have some crazy dreams one night and Joseph "looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad" (Gen 40:6) because they didn't know the meaning of the dreams. At this point Joseph has been in prison for a while. He serves, continues to pray, and finds his prison mates sad. What else can he do? Of course he decides to help. But not without confirming that "interpretations belong to God." (Gen 40:8) I am grateful for the example of Joseph, for him reminding us that God is the source of all things. From the Institute Manual: "He still trusted in the Lord, although he must have felt doomed to spend his life in prison. If any person had cause for discouragement and bitterness, it was Joseph, but he never faltered in his faith. Truly, Joseph is a model to be emulated." The moral of this story is definitely to endure your trials well. (Extra Credit: Doctrine and Covenants 122:5-9)

In chapter 41 we see that two years have passed since the chief butler has been restored to his occupation and the chief baker was sentenced to death. Another two years?!?! That's how long Joseph has to wait until the Pharaoh wakes up with one crazy dream himself with fat cows coming out of the river and skinny cows eating the fat cows. Seems pretty weird to me. The Pharaoh decides to go back to sleep and has another dream, this time with delicious corn being devoured by disgusting corn. I don't know about you, but those seem pretty disturbing. So Pharaoh decides to gather all his super smart people, magicians and wise men alike. And darned if they don't know what it means. These guys know a thing or two about dream interpretations. They have studied symbolism, sacred arts and sciences, the hieroglyphic writings, the whole shebang. And yet they could not interpret. (Incidentally, cows were the symbol of Isis, the goddess of the all-sustaining earth, and in the hieroglyphics it represented the earth, agriculture, and food; and the Nile, by its overflowing, was the source of the fertility of the land.) I asked the class why they thought these men couldn't interpret the dreams. My (super smart) brother concluded that there had to be a way that Joseph was taken out of prison, so these guys had to basically be confounded. Indeed. The Lord has plans for each and every one of us. "For it belongs to the government of God to close the lips of the eloquent, and take away the understanding of the aged. (Job xii.20)" (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 1:1:349)

You know the rest of the story, and the interpretations of the Pharaoh's dreams. Seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. And Pharaoh is so impressed with Joseph that he makes him his right hand man. He gives him a wife (Asenath) and a job. Manasseh and Ephraim are also born in the last two years of plenty. Blessings!! And, during the seven years of plenty, Joseph is in charge of the most aggressive food storage program in Egypt ever known. Moral of this story: continue to acknowledge God in all things and prepare yourself temporally and spiritually.

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "I ask you earnestly, have you provided for your family a year's supply of food, clothing, and, when possible, fuel? The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." (Oct 1987 Conference Report) If physical preparation is so vital, how important is our spiritual preparation? (Hint: Think the parable of the 10 Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13)

President Spencer W. Kimball said, "How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself." (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255-56)

I'm so grateful to be reminded of these things, and in simple terms. Now come about 2:30 today I'll mostly likely be slapping myself to stay awake, but I am always grateful for a little spiritual pick-me-up to get the day going. (And in case you were wondering, no, I did not take a shower.)

Summer of...?

2011-10-04T15:57:00.005-04:00

Now that it's fall I feel the need to tell you what I did last summer. You know like when you get back to grade school and you hafta write an essay about it? It's kinda like that. [Sidebar: I was always so jealous of people that actually DID stuff in the summer. Meanwhile my essay was about two lines all about either visiting my grandma's pool or watch lots of TV. Don't be jealous of my childhood!)

The summer of '11 was a different one for me, I'm not gonna lie. I found myself in places that I thought I'd never be in.

Item One: Summer of...first dates
Okay so if you don't know that I'm divorced by now, where have you been? I don't come right out and say it a lot and I don't talk about it much, but it is a fact. It's been 6 months. I hate it. It's still hard too. In order to keep myself going I made myself go on dates. I know you're thinking, "Big sacrifice, Catherine." But seriously when your heart is broken and you still love someone else, it is a sacrifice. I don't how or why I decided it, but I chose to do the online dating thing and joined match.com first. I talked to so many boys. Like seriously a lot. One time I wrote down all the boys that I had emailed, talked on the phone, or been out with and there were 10. Juggling boys is hard. And here you would say, "Cry me a river, Catherine." But still it was a tough thing. In the beginning I gave chances to everyone. My criteria was really strict (it still is, but in a different way). I was way to free to email the minute I got an email or give out my number so I could talk and then subsequently text. Now I am very cautious about it. I'm not ready to give just anyone my number anymore. And I even set up an email address exclusively for my potential beaus. Probably a month later I joined ldssingles.com. Maybe I just latched on to match a little too easy, but ldssingles wasn't my favorite. Plus practically everyone lives in Utah. And I want to be like, seriously?!?!?! Go to church, go to a college, and there you will find out of the million people that are doing the same thing and want a good mate.

So I went on 5 first dates this summer. Only one resulted in a second date. Not that I was discouraged or mad. I'm actually still in contact with two of the guys. (Not too bad, right?) And I'm way more interested in one of them than the other. But I probably talked to about 25 guys. Before you go calling me a word that rhymes with door or butt, let me just say that there were only about 3-5 at one time. And that's what dating is...until you find that you just want to see/talk to one guy. I'm sure those guys were keeping their options open too. Let's be real.

I will tell you that nothing boosts your confidence like boys telling you that you are pretty. But nothing drags you down like the boys only saying that to take things further than you'd like to go. There was one boy with whom I went on two dates. We went to dinner and then a movie. In the movie he held my hand. It was sweet. Then he hugged me goodbye and then stuck his tongue in my mouth! Wha...What?!?! I was NOT expecting that. On the next date we went to Lake Johnson and walked the trails. We then got ice cream. Afterwards [STOP READING IF YOU'RE NOT READY FOR THIS] we made out. I have to say that this reconfirms my love of making out. People forget to do this when they get married. Or rather, it can seem not as fun when you can do something a little bit more fun. And this boy was a good kisser. Confession: I'm not happy with myself that we went straight to making out. It took me back to the days where that's really what I was interested in. (Not that I was making out all the time!) And here's another confession: I felt nothing. And I felt bad for that. I kept kissing but it's not cause I liked him. It's cause I liked kissing. Also I had to redirect his hands a couple of times. I came out of that thinking two things: #1 I CANNOT do that anymore. It was way too soon! #2 I felt so good to stand up for what I believe. I didn't let it go further or longer. I made sure that everything stayed PG too. We talked a little more after the make out sesh, but once he got the idea I was not all about that (and more) I let him off the hook.

So here I am now after my summer of dates embarking on my autumn of (more?) dates. Here's the truth: I miss my (ex) husband still. I still think about him every day. I still want to work things out. But because it's only the way I feel, I have no choice but to move forward. I can't dwell on it. My dear friend Jada gave me such a profound quote that I keep up in my office now.

Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang on to the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?

Jada and I have talked about offering advice but not really taking our own. This is something I know I've said to a thousand people during difficult times. But this past summer and even more recently I've really tried to release the hurt and refuse to entertain the old pain. And I have to say, I'm happier because of it. When I get in my car my mind starts to wander. And that's when I start to cry. Lately I've been straight up talking to myself, telling myself to release the hurt. Most times it really does work. I focus on something good or happy too. Now, I'm still human and I still hurt, but I decided that I'm not going to let it hold me back. I'm taking my foot off the break so I can keep going. When given the choice, I'm always going to choose happiness over sadness.

Item Two: Summer of...shows!
Omigosh I had the best time watching shows this summer. I will preface with the fact that I do not have cable nor a beloved DVR. So with the pick of about 10 channels, 2 of which include a Spanish channel, country music channel, and one channel called "Cool TV" that mostly plays old unheard of music videos, is not much. Instead I used the trusty Netflix and Hulu plus. Can I just say...I loved it!! The first show that was recommended to me was Ally McBeal. If you follow me on twitter you'd know that I was drooling over Peter MacNichol every other episode. Seriously gals, there is something I love about that man. Or perhaps it was just the character of John Cage. I don't care; if I saw him on the street I'd still profess my love. You best believe that!

I also watched the most awesome Arrested Development. I had only seen an episode here or there in the past. But I knew that my brother Christian loved it. Plus I was on the whole Portia de Rossi kick and needed more of her. (Aside: I also read Unbearable Lightness by de Rossi and fell even more in love with her. It's such an amazing and powerful book that really inspires you to love who you are.) AD is one of those shows that gets better every time and every episode too. Thank goodness they are in talks to do a few episodes and then a movie! I need more Bluth family!!! Then I got some U.K. recommendations from Heather. So I got down with Downton Abbey and then laughed through Coupling. Please please if you watch any other show, watch Downton Abbey. That is all.

With fall shows approaching I delved into Parks and Recreation. And shut the front door! I loved every minute of it again. I only started watching it starting in season 2 around episode 5, so it was a treat to watch from the beginning. I don't care what anyone says, I still loved the early shows. And now that it's on again, I get so excited for each week! I heart Adam Scott to the millionth power.

Item Three: Summer of...reading
What the what? Am I for real? Reading?? I actually read 3 or 4 books FOR FUN! I am in the bestest book club ever, folks. These girls have opened me up to a whole other world. And then they inspired me to pick up some books that were not for our monthly gathering. And I loved it. I am completely smitten by Sarah Addison Allen, thanks again to Heather. I read Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, and am working on The Girl Who Chased the Moon. I can't wait to read The Peach Keeper, but that will mean that I'm done with The Girl Who Chase the Moon and I'm not quite ready for that yet. As mentioned before I also read Unbearable Lightness. I'll just plug it again. READ IT! READ IT! READ IT! It was so interesting reading it and watching Ally McBeal at the same time.

Item Four: Summer of...work
I took on a second job starting in May in a children center at a local gym. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. My last day was last Thursday. It was completely bittersweet. I met some amazing ladies there and got to know some ladies that I didn't know very well from church. They are all so wonderful and I will miss seeing them. My full-time job (which for some reason I always wanted to call it my "real" job but corrected myself saying "full-time") got so much busier. Like butt-crazy busy. It was not my favorite thing. This in turn made me have to spend the month of August fasting and praying to know if I should keep the job at the gym. I did not want to quit, but I knew I had to.

So you can see my summer was pretty full of everything. What did you do?

my to do list

2011-09-13T11:04:00.001-04:00

First I must say that I have been thoroughly enjoying every body's posts. Seriously guys, they really entertain me when I'm at work. (Note: if you are a co-worker of mine reading this, it's on a break...I promise!) So today I thought that its not fair that I get to read every one's updates - ya'll are blogging machines! - when I have been so lack of posts lately. And since I really didn't want to do yet another post without a picture, I will let you enjoy this little picture of my little Sydney girl.

Lately I feel like Sydney in this picture. She looks pooped, dazed, and tired. That's me. After a long 6 weeks I found that I had a free weekend. Pretty much that always equals that I visit my sister and her family at the beautiful Crystal Coast. If I didn't have my sister's house to escape to, I might just go crazy for realsies. Her house is one of my happy places. I feel at home, safe, loved, and have a great time doing nothing. I love entertaining and being entertained by my nieces and nephew and just love hanging out with my sis and her hubbes. So right as I pull up to her house (this was 3 weeks ago btw) I get a phone call from a member of our bishopric. "Sister Ratledge, we are making a few changes to...the Primary Presidency." Um, great, thanks for letting me know..."We'd like to call you to be the 2nd counselor." What the what?!? I did NOT see that coming. Like at all. (DISCLAIMER: For those of you who think it wrong or awkward to be given a calling over the phone, I just want to say that I gave permission to him to talk to me about it. So don't judge him, judge me for not wanting to wait till I got back in town.) Ok, so world turned into a different direction in a matter of minutes. Even though I knew I would accept the calling [People: accept callings! They'll give you blessings!!] I still wanted time to think about it. I called the next day and did, don't worry. So there you have it. It's been three weeks and I'm running around doing a bunch of stuff I didn't even know about.

Then there's the fact that my full-time job has been so super busy. I feel like my #1 client decided to rain work on me. Scratch that, they wanted to flood me with it. Not that the company is complaining. Revenue is a good thing. I have a mortgage to pay now. So here I am try to keep a full workload and a new calling. Oh yes, then factor in time at my part-time job (at the gym). For the whole month prior to this post I have gone back and forth about staying there. I love the people I work with. I mostly love the children. It's a great place to go to at the end of the day every so often. But with it being so busy during the day, it's all I can do to stay upright. Thus, after lots of fasting and prayer and receiving the answer I already knew would come, I turned in my resignation. I am so seriously sad about this. I'm working through the rest of September so the schedule isn't turned completely upside down. Every other time I go in there I think, "Wait, I can do this." But on the every other time of the every other time I think, "I can't do this; I'm barely making it though. I need rest. I need time to breathe." So until the end of the month this little picture (below) describes exactly what I need to do.

Am I the only one?

2011-08-17T08:15:00.000-04:00

Everyone has their quirks, right? Well I have one that seems to get quite a shock when I divulge it. I hate taking showers. Are you shocked? I'll let it sink in. It's true, I repeat, I hate taking showers. It's not that I don't like being clean. I just really hate the taking time out to spend time in one place standing while being wet thing. I don't like being wet either. I mean, it's not my favorite. But then after the shower is done, you feel all balmy and damp. I don't like that either. Then there's the getting ready part. And if you're like me, you hafta lotion up, deodorize, and take measures to make sure your hair can look half way decent if you decide to even let it air dry.

If I had my druthers, I'd be clean all the time. Like it would be magic and I'd wake up clean every day. Oh that would be nice. But honestly some mornings I wake up and think, "Meh, no shower today." Do you think I'm gross? It doesn't matter, I'll probably still do it. So yes, I work in the professional world, and sometimes even go to my second job completely dirty. I don't smell or anything (I guess that's debatable). I just really rather not go through the whole modus operandi that is shower taking. Call me gross; call me a stinker, but like I said, it probably wouldn't matter. I guess mostly you could say that I'm lazy. In simplifying my life, I decided that daily showers were not necessary. Now I get that some of ya'll feel way this too. But that's out of time constraints or what-have-you. My decision is solely based on the fact that I don't like taking showers.

So I recognize the need for showers. And I also agree that a shower can be the perfect thing when you've spent a long day at the beach and you'd rather dump the sand down the drain that have it remain on you. Those showers I don't mind. And I also recognize the need for showers when you're straight up funky. I get it. But that still doesn't mean I hafta LIKE them! So answer me this: am I the only one?

An August Post - what's up with me?

2011-08-05T11:11:00.001-04:00

So basically I've been working my brains out. I wish I had some other glamorous distraction like a vacation, but sadly, it's just work. Work at the day job; work at the night job. But in between working, I find myself doing something that I've never really done before. I'm a reader now. I read. I am not, nor have ever claim to have been a reader. I still feel like I'm not qualified to call myself as such yet either. A couple a weeks ago...no wait, let me back up further. Last year I received an invitation to join a new up and coming book club (our book club name is yet to be determined, but we're getting there!). I was hesitant because I'd rather read a magazine or watch a show. Reading requires concentration, sometimes using your imagination, and the use of context clues to look for irony, foreshadowing and a host of other literary terms. Plus, I'll be honest. When I tried to read in the past, it only made me fall asleep.

In comes the book club. Our first selection was The Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan. I renewed my library card after a very long hiatus. (Seriously I don't even think I drove past a library let alone step foot in one for at least 10 years. Should I be embarrassed? Maybe, but at least I watched a lot of great shows during that time. And I kept up to date on the bible: Glamour Magazine. Can I get an AMEN?!?) I even requested the book. Did you know you can request a book? And did you know you get put on a waiting list for when its ready? And further, did you know that you can get the book sent to your local library so you don't hafta drive all around the county for your book? Well I didn't. I got the book and instantly felt daunted. It was thick. Thick to me. When you're used to magazines, anything is thicker. C'mon, stop laughing at me!!!!

I picked it up and dove in. And something surprising (to me) happened. I LOVED it. I found myself cheering for characters, laughing with them, crying with them, and everything in between. Each month after, I requested my book (the months I could attend our gatherings). And each month as I approached the book request shelf and search for my book I prayed it'd be that nice skinny book next to the chunky monkey fatty book. Now Ima tellya sumthin', it NEVER was! It was always the chunky fat book. ("Not so fat to me!") And I'll admit that I felt anxious that I wouldn't finish on time.

Now here's my shout out to my book club: You girls have been so patient with me as I get into this reading thing! And ya'll are so good to me finding real stories too. I love you girls so much!!! (By the by, I found that I am totes interested in true stories that happened to real people. Now, every once in a while a fictional book comes in, but guess what? I'm okay with it. And thanks to a certain member, we've already read the book that's all about sex. (We didn't know it at the time, slow down there, folks!) Thank you Like Water for Chocolate! (This was a skinny book bee-tee-dubs.) But I think a light when off when I read Amy Tan's The Kitchen God's Wife based on her mother's struggles growing up in China during World Ward II (We HATE Wen Foo!!!). Yes a lot of these stores are downers, but they teach valuable lessons. And I guess because they are real people, it makes it more real to me.)

So I was ready for more beyond the book club. I received my first book "for fun" from my dearest Heather M. She knew that I'd love one of her fav authors Sarah Addison Allen, who is a local NC author. And guess what? I did! I loved every minute of it. It was the perfect thing to begin my reading "for fun" adventure. Garden Spells is SAA's first novel. It is mesmerizing and magical. I got her second book from my dearest Heather M, The Sugar Queen. I was hesitant because I really missed Sydney and Claire. But guess what? I fell more in love with Josey and Chloe. And I really feel like my Adam is out there...I'm wishing, anyway.

Before I could finish The Sugar Queen, I needed to take a quick break to read The Help. See, a while back our book club read this book. But I couldn't go to the gathering, so I didn't bother to read the book. Um, my loss...BIG TIME! Then when our book club found out about the movie, we decided to see the movie together. It just so happens that this month I am hosting book club, the month the movie comes out. Well, if we're going to see the movie, I need to read the book. There is like long list of a thousand requests for the books at the library, so I downloaded it on my iPhone (love love love iBooks!). I started last Sunday and finished it on Wednesday night. Ah---wait for it---mazing! I'm probably telling you exactly what you already know. You probably already read it twice, but yes, I loved it. I wanted to keep reading and see the story unfold. I literally couldn't put it down. I found any free time I had to read it. And it was oh so convenient that it was on my phone. So here's my plug for iBooks. Get it - it's free! And buy books!!!

Yesterday I finished The Sugar Queen. Even though I read only 2 of SAA's books (and I'm starting the third one after I finish our book club book: Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making it Work by Tim Gunn - don't be jealous!) I crave to see these stories come to life. So please producers, screenwriters, actors, whoever, make the movie!!!!!! Make it! Do it! End of story. These kinds of RomCom movies my tender little heart can handle.

I talked to my best friend Becka a couple days ago. She said it was amazing that a year ago I wouldn't even care about this book stuff, but now I'm saying things like, "I couldn't put it down." And my dearest, most fabulous sister, who is an avid book reader said, "My little girl is all growed up." Thanks sis! I'm sorry it took me this long to realize how much I do enjoy reading. Now, let's not go overboard. I still love watching my shows, and I can't miss out on my magazines, but now I have another lovely way to distract myself.

Thanks to all those who have helped me along in this journey. I'm nowhere near your awesome, love of reading, but I'm inching my way up.

In conclusion, once again...I'm a reader. I read. Who woulda thunk?

self-incriminating

2011-07-25T10:15:00.001-04:00

Saturday I spent the evening dancing away at my company's 15th anniversary party. Instead of being all embarassed about the whole thing, I'm doing myself a favor and just showing a slide show of me in all my dancing glory. That's right, I'm not afraid to say that I busted several moves on the dance floor. And.I.liked.it.

HBTY

2011-07-20T09:05:00.001-04:00

Well, were did time go? I don't think I was this busy last year! When it comes to the summertime, there are a few things that I get very excited about. Five of which are celebrating the birthdays of my dear brothers. Sunday we celebrated Mark (July 4th) and Christian's (July 17th) birthday. A two in one type of deal. Lucky for us mom didn't make them share presents or a cake. We did only hafta sing "happy birthday" once in our terribly wonderfully awful way!

"One year older and wiser too, Happy Birthday...to you!"

We raced for the Cure (again)

2011-06-27T08:41:00.030-04:00

Saturday, June 11th our family participated in our 2nd annual tradition at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k. Let me tell you something, we did this in October last year in Charlotte and this year we did this in JUNE. It was H-O-T, hot. I kid you not. And I'm not really a fan of being hot and sweaty (except for the right reasons {wink, wink}). What's more is that we got the three little two-month old babies out there. But they were troopers! Everyone was, in fact!!! Last year we missed the Lewis family & Mark, so it was great to have them participate this year. (We missed Michael & Kristin, though.) We also walked along with Dad's BFF Tom, Eric's girlfriend Samantha (she's practically a Plautz!), and my co-worker Nikki and her son Valentino. We were grateful to be apart of my company's team this year too.

I was again amazed and felt privledged to be apart of something bigger than myself. We're a couple months shy of Mom's 2nd anniversary of her diagnosis of breast cancer. To see how long she's come is nothing short of a miracle. I continue to see how the Lord has blessed her and our family as recovery continues too. After the race, we were all pooped, so we spent the remainder of the day sleeping and lounging. It was a fabulous reward. Oh, let's not forget our annual after the race lunch celebration too. We totally carbed out at Chilis (more chips & salsa please!).

This year we also made shirts and onsies for the grandchildren. We let Amelia & Charlotte decorate their own and Elizabeth was genius in adding the pink feathering. I got them crowns, fake sparkly hair, and tu-tus to don as well. Purple, of course, for Amelia and pink for Charlotte. Elizabeth and Mary were so creative creating their onsies for Clark, Max, & Maggie. Seriously they were the most adorable babies evah! I wish we had gotten a close up of the onsies that Mary made. They looked exactly like our shirts. And Clark's "Crying for the Cure" onsies was adorable. Bonus points for even getting him smiling in the picture!!! It will be fun (or interesting - you choose) next year when the little ones are a year old and doing the race.

Thanks again to family and friends for being apart of this! We do this all in honor and celebration of Mom. She is the glue that holds our family together. She is an amazing example of enduring through trials and keeping the faith. Love you, mom!

P.S. This year they gave pink carnations instead of balloons for every year of survival.
And now the pictures...

Double Bonus Baby Blessings

2011-06-22T09:15:00.003-04:00

Two weeks ago we celebrated another great DOUBLE baby blessing for Maggie Elaine Plautz and Captain Maxwell Plautz. I feel so blessed that we can be together forever as more little ones come into our growing family.

we're going to need a wider lens

2011-06-07T10:34:00.004-04:00

Many words come to mind when I think of how I feel about my family. Love. Unconditional Love. Friends. Laughter. Forever. Support.

What a wonderful day to be together for the baby blessing of Clark Arlen Lewis. Next week we'll do it all again for Max and Maggie. Can't wait!

I'll take that T-shirt

2011-05-24T08:58:00.005-04:00

When my best friend Becka went on a cruise for her honeymoon with her 2nd husband, she told me about this large woman with rather large bosoms who would walk around on the boat with a t-shirt that said, "Too Blessed to be Stressed." For a while after that we would say this during frustrating times (especially at work) or remind ourselves of the imagery of this lady walking around. Now I find myself trying to remember this phrase more often than not lately. And this morning my co-worker and friend Jada reminded me again of my blessings and the love and support of so many people that I have. I'm trying to do some breathing exercises when I find myself getting sad about something. Then I talk to myself and say, "You're alright, Catherine." Then I start listing the things for which I'm grateful. It's really easy to turn something back around again and think about my problems or the past. REALLY EASY! But again I breathe and talk to myself. And don't even pretend that you don't talk to youself!

Since working 2 jobs I have had very long days sometimes. It's all I can do to get outta there and come home to one of my favorite blessings. My Sydney girl. She is not my baby, to be clear. But she is my family. I have learned so much more to appreciate her living with just her and having full days away from her. She is so loyal. She is really smart and maybe a little too smart. (Like she'll know exactly what do I when I tell her its time to come inside, but she'll take the most round about route to get there making sure to sniff and eat things on the way.) She is one of the best cuddlers too. I got so lucky with this! And I love it when her fur is short because it makes her so soft. I am also super lucky that my family loves her too. They recognize that she's a royal pain, but four years later someone will still tell me that Sydney is the best dog. She is the best dog for me.

For those of you who follow me on Twitter (which if you're not, you should because #1 I'm hilarious and #2 Twitter is WAY awesome) you know that I have a little obsession with taking pictures of Sydney sleeping. First of all, I think that she's darn cute. Second, I find her in the funniest positions that do not look comfortable, but there she'll be snoring away! Even her little snores are adorable!

Every morning I wake up and get in the shower she gets up from where's she's laying and automatically goes under the covers. Obviously she is NOT ready to get up yet. And then when I tell her its time to get up, I still have to coax her several times before she wiggles her way out from under those covers. It's quite amusing slash annoying when I'm running late every morning.

I love how she is so excited to see me that in trying to leap into my arms she'll slip on the hardwood and fall down. And I love that she just wants to be near me. (Except when I don't love it.) Yes, I am too blessed with my Sydney dog to be stressed today. I'm gonna keep this in mind when those sad feelings come today.

Answer: this!

2011-05-19T09:50:00.003-04:00

It's no secret that I love to moonlight as a fashion-blog reader. It's fun to be inspired by people's clothes and figure out if I can pull of the look or cry because I'm not cool enough for it. In my blog-hopping I stumbled upon a great treasure: What Would Emma Pilsbury Wear DOT COM (aka: http://www.wwepw.com/). Sometimes there are posts about what Jayma Mayes wore in the latest episode and links to find the same thing! So, I feel like I like a mix of what Rachel Berry, Emma Pilsbury, & Quinn Fabray wears more than one style in particular. By the by, I AM talking about fictional Glee characters for those not keeping up. So yesterday coming down from a most triumphant Glee episode Tuesday night (no, I didn't cry, but almost) I went to the website. So I decided today I would answer the question: what would Emma Pilsbury wear? And here's the answer...this:

Turquoise Sweater: Target; Peach Skirt: Target; Belt: I found it unpacking (score!); necklace: Forever 21; flower: Old Navy; shoes: Kohls

Obvi that this is my own twist on it. So what inspired your outfit today (or this week)?

this is me

2011-05-17T08:10:00.002-04:00

off the radar

2011-05-02T13:32:00.009-04:00

I don't know whether it was on purpose or just by accident, but somehow I've fallen off the radar with my chat fans. I really appreciate the two of you and my mom being so patient. It's not cause I don't love you...I promise!

Since starting my new life, the following has occurred:

I have been the recipient of a divorce, this act alone started my new life. To answer your questions, I'm okay, but every day is still hard.

During said dissolution of my marriage I decided that I'd like to put down some roots. I found so many places in my little town and my realtor was AMAZING to show them to me me two and three times. It's not like I saw 25 houses, people. But there were probably about 10. And just before I was set on a place, my REAL house showed up on the market. Three days later I put in an offer and three hours after that the offer was accepted.

Then I played the waiting game. It seemed like it took forever, but I maintained that I could be patient. I decided that everything you hafta to do and give in order to buy a home is just a way to continuously confirm that, yes, this is what I want. Closing was set for March 30th. But before we move on to that, I must mention three wonderful miracles.

I became an Aunt for the third, fourth, and fifth time in a matter of three days. Maggie popped her little head out first and her twin brother, Max, came second. These sweet little peas decided that they no longer wanted to stay inside of mommy and that they were ready for the world. Mary (my super amazing fabulous sister-in-law) was a CHAMP! I couldn't be more happy with these two little sweeties joining their family. They are growing healthy and strong at 5 weeks now. And yes, they are ADORABLE!!

Three short days later my sister blessed me with another chance to witness the miracle of life when Clark was born. Now I don't know about the rest of yous guys, but my sister is seriously the most bestest person ever. She is strong and confident and gives birth like a winner every time. I am in awe each time I have been privileged to witness this. And it makes me cry tears of joy each time too. Seeing my sister be so strong and bear through this all makes her pretty much the best thing since sliced bread. I am so proud of her! And Clark is ADORABLE too. His big sisters were so much fun to watch with little Clarkie. And now there's even more fun to be had when I visit.

I thought my week of births could conclude with my major life-changing event of buying a house, but nope. Things got moved. So about a week later (it felt like an eternity), I became a home owner (read: mortgage holder). I couldn't be happier either! And when I tell you how blessed I am, it really is an understatement. My dearest family helped all along the way. For those that don't know, I started my house-hunting back in October (2010). I don't even think I would have done this without the encouragement of my mom. She is always such a tremendous cheerleader for her kids! I'm very lucky. My family (read: the menfolk) helped me move so lickity-split that I closed on a Friday morning at 11:30 and was basically all moved in (read: my junk & boxes were everywhere in the house) by that evening. The next day mom and the boys came over and helped even more. I want to cry every time I think about the hard work they helped with. I am so grateful for them.

As soon as I got in my house it was time to take "my usual time off to stay with my sister and help out after she has a baby." That's the official title of it, I promise. My trip was shorter than I wanted it to be (it always seems to do this), but it was another great time to bond with my nieces and new nephew. Also, sister time is always needed and appreciated! She is my absolute ultimate number one bestest friend forever!!!

Then back to work I went. A few short days from me being back my super cool bestie Susy and I were talking and she talked about how there were some openings at her work. I thought I could swing it, so I decided to go for it. So now in addition to being a mortgage holder, I've also taken on a second job at a local gym (think: Hanz & Franz - We're going to pump you up!). Relax, I am not personal trainer there. Unless they had a position where I could train them to watch TV while eating a candy bar and call it exercise. That's some psychological stuff, man! I'll be working at the facility's child care center in the evenings and on some Saturdays. The hours are perfect and I'll get to do what I love: watch kids. Plus the free membership, which includes a pool for the summertime, ain't a bad perk either! I've met a lot of the other people that work there too and they are so super sweet and nice. I hope this will be a good thing!

So there you have it. New life started and a good bit of plate-filling experiences to start me off. Seriously I don't even know if I deserve all these blessings. I have been humbled when I start to really think about them. More importantly when I am feeling sad, I try and focus on them. I know this sounds gushy but I just want to thank my family and friends again for being so good to me.

sealed with a kiss

2011-04-08T10:44:00.006-04:00

Dear Fuquay Varina,

When I was young and growing up in (ahem) Cary, I thought you were the boonies. Who could ever live in Fuquay? It was just so far out there. Then my parents bought a house there. And while it stilled seemed so far away, it was quicker and quicker every time I made the trip. Then something tragic happened. My life changed forever. And I came to live in Fuquay. I thought, "this will be temporary" but then it wasn't, and tragedy struck again. You helped me, though. You showed me that living there is actually wonderful. You showed me how quaint you are and how living in a small town is ideal. And now you're not so far away. Now most of my family lives there. Now, my dearest friends live there. Now, I think that I will call you home. It's about time I put down some roots. So today I will begin my new life as a (potentially?) long-term resident of the little town with two names that no one can ever say. Thank you for sticking by me and thank you for letting me come live there now. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.

Most sincerely,

speaking of happily ever after...

2011-03-04T10:48:00.004-05:00

My amazing friend Emily asked my mom to speak at their Relief Society meeting last night. The theme was "Happily Ever After" based on a talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Read it; it's amazing!) I was glad that I went along to see mom speak. She did a most excellent job reminding us that our 'happily ever after' is right now if we so choose. She was followed by a wonderful lady whom I've had the pleasure of knowing since my teenage years, Gail Gertsch. Sister Gertsch gave us tools to achieve our happily ever after. Amazing talks...AH-wait for it-MAZING!

All ladies from the Cary 2nd Ward were allowed to dress up in their fairytale best too. And Emily and her crew did a fantastic job decorating and helping those who forgot feel special. One of the fun parts for me was finding my royal fairytale name. This is how you can come up with yours:

Descriptive (The last digit of your phone number):
1. Her Excellency
2. Regal
3. Grand
4. Noble
5. Imperial
6. Exalted
7. Her Majesty
8. Royal
9. Esteemed
10. Her Grace

Title (The month you were born):
January: Princess
February: Dowager
March: Lady
April: Queen
May: Duchess
June: Principessa
July: Empress
August: Contessa
September: Viscountess
October: Baroness
November: Countess
December: Marquess

Add one of these before or after your Last Name:
A La
De
Du
-ington
-ess

Pick an Extra:
House of
The Land of
The castle of
The Royal Court of

The (descriptive), (title) (your last name), from (extra) (childhood street name)

Now put it all together, rearrange a little bit until it has a nice ring to it, and voila! You are royalty!

Last night I became:

The Esteemed, Marquess DuRatledge from the House of Laurie

Thanks Emily for making it a great night! I needed it in more ways than one!!

Alright, I told you mine, now you tell me yours!

a different kind of story

2011-02-17T11:23:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time there was a girl who thought that she knew what she wanted. She even thought she got it from time to time. Then things went horribly wrong. So finds herself in a situation that she thought would never be hers. Now she has decided that despite this situation, she'll try and move forward. She again is thinking about what she wants and how she'll go about getting it. And so her once upon a time is starting all over again...

take your pick

2011-02-14T13:50:00.010-05:00

Whether it's this:

This:

Or this:

Hope it's a good Valentines Day!

I always feel like somebody's watching me...

2011-02-11T09:43:00.006-05:00

Ok, I admit that I love a good blog. I love seeing what my friends, family, and acquaintances are up to. I love reading blogs to pass the time at work (um, on breaks, for those of you from my office who might be reading this). My super amazing SIL Mary introduced me to a whole new world of blogs when she started her Wishlist blog. (She's on a break from it, but you can still read the archives.) The new world: other fashion blogs. These are regular girls like you and me - well they are mostly younger - who make their life all about fashion and gettin' the deals. They are actually very clever too. And entertaining. For a million years, well maybe a KAbillion, I've just perused them now and then. But now, it's turned into something deeper. I am full-on blog-stalking them. I read them, but never comment; I follow them, but do not click the "follow" button. I am a blog-stalker. I am here to admit this. It's the first step to recovery after all.

So while you will probably not see these blogs on my list of Chat Buddies, I am here to proudly admit to following (very regularly) the following blogs - in no particular order:

http://plussizedpretty.blogspot.com/

http://www.wwepw.com/

(fellow Gleeks will love this)

It's Groundhog Time

2011-02-02T15:58:00.016-05:00

Pictures from Groundhog Day 2010 at Plautz Manor (as you know, it's kind of a big day for us) - can't believe how far we've come! The one pictures I got of dad was blurry (sad face). This year we get to celebrate with Eric!

(Crazy fact: While looking through the pictures I realized that I was wearing the exact same sweater I'm wearing today!)

To the Groundhog...er, World Peace

2011-02-02T07:54:00.004-05:00

Today we celebrate the momentous occasion where we pay homage to a tradition set in the little town of Puxsutawney, PA. Let's toast this day today and forever! And then get back to our French lessons.

Do you think it's gonna be an early spring? Well, I'm predicting March 21st.

what's yours?

2011-01-12T18:07:00.006-05:00

For the longest time when someone would ask what my favorite color was, I would immediately respond that it was yellow, but I also loved pink and purple. But hands down, my absolute favorite was yellow. Yes, it probably, no definitely, has something to do with the fact that my baby blanket that my Grandma B and mom made me is yellow. It's just so sunshiney that I can't NOT smile when I see it.

(in case you didn't know)

Then after my brief stay in college and after seeing Legally Blonde one too many times, I began the pink explosion. Everything was pink! Pink shirts, pink skirts (I will never forget you hot pink Calvin Klein pencil skirt), pink tights, pink pants, pink purses, pink wallets, pink steering wheel cover, pink pens, pink paper, pink nail polish, pink phone covers, etc. You get the idea....and then some! Back in 2003 I then decided that it was time to love another girly color. It was time to embrace purple. And I did. For three years. My love affair started slowly. My total BFF helped that year by bringing me back an amethyst necklace from her trip to Ecuador. (Yep, I still have it, Kenz!) My sister (my #1 BFF) even gave a purple-themed present for my birthday. She's so good like that. And then here and there I incorporated purple everywhere. By June 2006, when I was in Washington, D.C. on business, my totes awesome boss said to me, "Catherine, you've been embracing purple for a while; don't you think you could just say that you like it now." Um, YESSSS! I guess it never occurred to me that instead of all of this embracing, I could just say that it was a color that I enjoyed.

And then the infatuation began. Seriously I have a problem. I love purple everything. I can't help it anymore. It's the color that I'm most drawn to in everything. I need purple shirts, dresses, socks, cell phone covers, backgrounds, nail polish, eye shadow (oh, the eye shadow!), jewelry, bedding, notebooks, twitter page, all of the above. Now it is four and a half years later from liking purple. And once again I needed someone to state the obvious. This time it's my sister, who in the 14 months wiser that she is, pointed out a month ago, "Catherine, I think your favorite color really is purple." {or something like that} So simple, yet so profound. And so it is on this day when asked what my favorite color is, I shall undoubtedly and without hesitation say, PURPLE...but I really like yellow and pink too.

*Yes I have ALL of these things pictured!!

You're Out...Auf Wiedersehen

2011-01-05T09:03:00.002-05:00

Before I go on and write down my goals for this year, I feel the need to take a moment to jot down the things I learned in 2010. Here they are in no particular order:

The only person I can change is myself. I learned this after this year especially knowing how I like to control different things (or people). It was a good lesson for me. And now I have come to look at situations and myself differently. I'm trying to change my attitude before thinking it's all someone else's problem that they don't think like me. This is something I have to do on a daily basis.

Cars built in this century are better than cars built last century. My dear Protege took me on a some great rides. I didn't know what to do when it was time for a new car. Should I keep the Protege? Should I sell it? Should I trade it? Eventually fate (or my own poor judgement) stepped in and I totaled my car. This lead to my purchase of Rhonda the Hybrid Honda. She was built in 2008. Having driven both cars, I can now say that I can see major differences between them. For instance, Rhonda heats up ten times faster than Mikey ever did. Heat is good. Especially in this very cold NC winter.

I can read. Okay, I already knew this, and probably you did too. This year I decided to do something out of the ordinary for myself. I joined a book club. When asked if I read, my immediate reply is always, "I'm not a reader" or "Um, yes, magazines." I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended two book club meetings. With much delight I found the books enjoyable and the company of my fellow book-clubbers even more fun. To my book club: thanks for taking it easy on me, ushering me in to this great world of reading. I used to say that I don't like reading, but I actually found out that I do. It's not the first thing I think of to do when I have free time, but I'm getting there.

I have to forgive in order to be forgiven. Most of the time when you hear the word 'repentance' you think of saying "I'm sorry." This past year I have come to realize through many amazing talks with my wonderful bishop, the phenomenal RS lessons, and the talks in General Conference that forgiveness is required of everyone. Forgiving someone means that Heavenly Father will be more quick to forgive you when you've done something wrong. I've been hurt and I've done things to hurt others. Even if I never hear the words, "I'm sorry" I still need to forgive.

Loosing two grandparents in one year makes you grateful for them even more and grateful for the ones you have left. It was so sad to loose Grandpa Barney in March 2010. After battling Alzheimer's for so long and seeing him whither away, it was clear that his time was short on this Earth. When he passed, our family mourned, but we also found comfort that he was able to walk, talk, and tell all his funny jokes again. This left Grandma Barney deeply sad to loose her eternal companion and feel as if she had no purpose without him. That's love. The doctors say that even after Grandpa died, Grandma started dying. We had no idea. Then after her fall in October she didn't recover. The month of October I saw my grandmother in more pain than I have ever experienced. I wished the pain would lesson or even go away. But I also saw her faith increase. I saw her testimony grow. I am grateful that I was there with her when she passed. So many times I told her that it was okay to go, but when it did happen, I still felt the loss. Now I bring my thoughts to my last living grandparent, my Grandma Plautz. While it's been an on and off relationship, I still take the time to tell her in each card that I love her. I am grateful to her for raising my dad. I have taken more time this past year to become more in contact with her and to find opportunities to send a note even when just I'm thinking of her.

The Facebook is good for some things. As you might be aware, I was opposed to all of the social networking even when it first came. I've read and heard about how it can consume your time. Plus the fact that people can know what's going on with you. That's weird. But after a while I finally was convinced that blogging is the same thing (Thanks Elizabeth). Then I decided to join Twitter so that I could read an article that my co-worker's sister wrote. I was opened up to a whole new world of my celebufriends. Now I love to tweet! And I also love that my SIL Mary is on there so I feel connected to her. Being on Twitter lead me to the Facebook. While I only have about 50 friends, I'm cool with that. They are mostly family too. This is the good part. Since my grandparents passed away, this meant that I would see my aunts, uncles, and cousins less. The Facebook is a great way to see what's up with them and still keep in touch. Thanks Mark Zuckerberg.

Chemotherapy, double mastectomies, other surgeries, and ultimately seeing my mom suffer SUCKS! Like really sucks, ya'll. Even though it's been 15 months since my mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer and (we hope) the worst is over, I still look at the beginning of last year as hellacious. What my mother had to go through I wouldn't wish on anyone. Experiencing it makes me appreciate all those who have gone before or will ever have this horrible disease. But one day I know it will be cured. I will look forward to a world without breast cancer. My mom is my hero because despite what she had to go through, she kept her faith. She was in a lot of pain. She still is. But she keeps going. This inspires me to do the same. I pray Genevieve never returns. I never want my mom to go through that again.

I have to choose faith over fear. I have been tested this year, without a doubt. But knowing that I have lots of good in my life and lots of people on my side helps. I had a terrible dream last year and I woke up crying. I was so afraid. I didn't know if I could handle what was coming. But I prayed. I prayed hard. Then I realized that I wasn't doing the exact thing that I had been telling a friend all along to do: choose faith over fear. And I was comforted. Through it all, I kept telling myself that Heavenly Father thinks I can do all this. One time I told my sister that. She said, "No, Heavenly Father knows you can do it." I have learned to trust in the Lord and lean not to my own understanding. So, I am choosing to have faith that even though I don't know how or when, I know I'll be okay.

So, even if you've already made your goals or resolutions, what is it that you have learned this past year? You can't change the past, but you can learn from it and choose to act differently in the future.

Greetings!

2010-12-25T16:58:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas from the Crystal Coast

Baked Potato Soup

2010-12-22T13:45:00.003-05:00

Why is this blog turning into a recipe box? Maybe it's cause I've been in the kitchen more this month. Whatever the reason, I still want to share this delicious soup recipe. I felt like soup, so I made some. Drool...

4 large baking potatoes*

2/3 cup butter

1/3 cup flour**

6 cups milk

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

4 green onions, chopped***

12 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled****

1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4-8 oz sour cream

Wash potatoes and prick with fork; bake at 400 degrees for 1 hours or until done. Let cool. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, then scoop out pulp and set aside. Discard skins. Melt butter in heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add potato pulp, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of onions, 1/2 cup bacon and 1 cup cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated; stir in sour cream. Add extra milk if necessary, for desired thickness. For extra rich flavor, add chicken both/stock (this will also thin it out). Serve with remaining onion, bacon, and cheese

ENJOY!!!

*I used 6 smaller potatoes

**Add more if you want thicker soup

***I substituted 1/4 of a vidalia onion

****Save time & buy the pre-cooked bacon & cut bits using scissors

yummy in my tummy

2010-12-14T23:11:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to my sister for sending me the recipe for Rolo Cookies. I'm making them for our Cookie Exchange tomorrow at work. Just wanted to share the joy! They are oh so yummy!

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

30 to 36 rolos, unwrapped

Mix sugars, butter, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Add flour, cocoa, and baking soda and mix well. Chill dough 30 minutes. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and shape around a rolo candy. Roll each ball in sugar*. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on pan for one minute and then remove to cooling rack.

*You can substitute rolling each cookie in sugar and instead dust the cookies with powdered sugar when they come out of the oven.

Enjoy!

See? It did happen!

2010-12-14T08:41:00.013-05:00

Member that time that I was like, "I have lots of photos and lots of stuff to talk about"? Well, I finally got some of the photos. (Hurray for you) And because I feel the need to be brief (mostly because working is my top priority this morning), I'll just put up some pictures up of Eric's homecoming - which was on Thanksgiving Day. Besides, that's really what you'll look at instead of reading a long post. Having him coming home around 1 o'clock equaled that we ate later in the day. That was not the fun part. But, it was great to have all eight Plautz kiddies together again. Eric got right back to being Uncle Eric with Amelia & Charlotte. He was also surprised to find out that Elizabeth's having a little boy and Christian and Mary are having twins!!! Good surprises!!! (Omigosh, I just realized that there are only two more missionaries to go in the fam!!)

lots to say

2010-11-30T15:57:00.004-05:00

About a kathousand things have happened. I have tons of post ideas in my head. Tons of pictures to back them up. But never a computer at the right time. Plus insert the fact that my camera memory card & computer adapter went missing. Soon the stars will align themselves again and I will catch up and provide photographical evidence. Hurray. Until then, please note that my birthday is exactly 8 days away. I will also tell you that my birthday is no big deal to me. I even decided that my favorite holiday is other people's birthdays. That and Christmas. Which is why I am excited for the sites and smells and the feelings that come with this time of year. Soon the tree will be up (we're still recovering from Thanksgiving & my brother's mission homecoming) and candy will be made. But before the big day, I can be excited about my sweet little niece's birthday (December 19th) and my mama's birthday (December 22nd). Now those are something to get excited about!

wasn't she a betty?

2010-11-17T18:10:00.004-05:00

this is my grandma's engagement photo

In loving memory of my grandmother, Ruth Eleanore Barney. Here's my favorite bit from her obituary (that my mother wrote): Eleanore's faith in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. She constantly showed examples of Christ-like service to her family, friends, church, and community. She served two full-time missions with her husband. She truly embodied the example of one endured to the end. {I'm totally getting choked up all over again writing this.}

I can't get enough of this!!!

2010-11-12T14:27:00.002-05:00

I am so totally pumped for Gwynie on Glee next week!

{Update: I've already watched it twice and I will probably sneak in a 3rd time! I LOVED the ep! Your thoughts?}

buzzzzzzz

2010-10-31T17:22:00.008-04:00

Usually Halloween is a big deal to me. I spend months scheming to come up with a great costume. I choose to be someone (boy or girl) that is relevant to pop culture and especially one who has been popular in the past year. Then at work we have a fun day laughing at everyone's creations and enjoying the Halloween spirit. It's then followed by a parade where we hafta get our picture taken and later it is posted on the company's internal website for all to mock. And we also have a party. Less work and more play equals Halloween at la Copernicus. It's a nice break. But this year was different. This year we had to have our celebration for one hour simultaneously with a baby and congratulations on your recent wedding shower. I was happy to participate in these celebrations of my co-workers, but sad that the Halloween portion was so small. Plus that day I had two appointments in which I don't think it was appropriate to wear my costume. It would have been great. I will not divulge it because I might do it in the future. Those of you who knew, please keep it to yourselves.

Instead I attended our ward's first ever Trunk or Treat. (The ward was just formed this year!) And this year it was to be a park in town. A park in town? Swell. That equals I'm bringing Sydney. And yes, she'll be wearing a costume. As if you're surprised! I've dressed her up since the time she was a wee little puppy. I decided this year we'd go dressed as a theme. And I'd say it worked out quite nicely. Especially because I came up with the idea on the way home from work and about a half an hour before the social began. It looked a little ridiculous, but isn't that what Halloween is all about? Well, it is for me. Sydney was a hit with all the children in the ward and helped "clean up" a lot of spills from the chili cook-off. Hey, it's Halloween! She should get a treat for that too.

here's the 4-1-1

2010-10-28T13:41:00.015-04:00

This month's name should be changed to Crap-tober. But, I will recognize a couple of fun events so as to focus on the good. And as a semi-related topic, the first part of the month was fantastic with our family Komen for the Cure 5K.

To honor Christopher Columbus, I took a day off and Sydney got her hair cut. (This is a week later.) She continues to be my little snuggle-kins, but also the most annoying cutest doggie ever.

Also Miss Mills and Char Char came to visit Grammy & Grandpa for the week. One day we decided to visit Uncle Daniel at work. To our delight the moo-cow was also there to share in our dinner experience.

We celebrated Kristin and Elizabeth's birthdays. Why do I still love that one turned 20 and one turned 30? Can you guess which one is which? (P.S. I continue to be jealous of how photogenic everyone else is!) Mom made coconut chocolate chip cake with ganache filling (Kristin's favorite).

Then we went to the fair. I have not been to the fair since I was a teenager going on can food night for youth night, so I was a little apprehensive to go. I am not a fair lover by any means. But my sister asked me to come and said that I would have fun seeing her little sweeties enjoy the experience. She was totally right. They were super adorable and even got me to ride a couple rides with them.

Last but not least, my brother Eric comes home from his mission in 28 days!!! BUT, he gets home at noon on Thanksgiving. Don't know who thought that was a good idea.

I swear, really, there was crap in between. But right now reflecting on this makes me happy. Hurray for counting blessings!!

We Raced for the Cure

2010-10-04T09:27:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday was an amazing event!!!! I am grateful to have been apart of it. It was incredible to be apart of this important cause. I was touched each time someone came up to my mom during the race to hug her, high five her, and congratulate her for her journey. We were also very aware of the many that were walking "in memory of" and not "in celebration of." It was an emotional moment to go through the finish line as my brother Christian, my mom, my dad, and I walked hand in hand. Then later at the Survivor's Tribute all survivors received balloons for each year of survival. All together they let them go. The sea of pink balloons filled the gorgeous Carolina blue sky!! In its 14th year the Charlotte Komen for the Cure affiliate broke records with 20,000 participants and volunteers (14,000+ were racers) and collecting (I think they said) 1.2 million dollars. Of course, donations can still be collected through the end of this months! Our team is half way to our goal...(just sayin')

Don't forget to think pink during October to support Breast Cancer Awareness!!!

CANCER? MORE LIKE CAN'T-CER!

2010-09-22T11:30:00.009-04:00

Please consider donating to this most worthy cause!!!!

It has almost been ONE year since my mother was diagnosed with Stage IIIc breast cancer. To celebrate her and honor those who have been touched by breast cancer, my family is participating in the Komen for the Cure 5K race on Saturday, October 2, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Our Team: Team Can't-Cer* has a team gaol of raising $1000 to donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation. 75% of the donations will contribute to support education, screening, and treatment programs in the 9 counties surrounding the Charlotte area. 25% will help fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Award and Research Grant Program. If you are able to contribute to our goal, our team would be most appreciative.

*Can't take over our life; Can't make us weak; Can't hold us down!

CAN-CER? MORE LIKE CAN'T-CER!!!!

Don't forget that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

THANK YOU!!!!!!

You can make a donation through our team's website:
http://charlotte.info-komen.org/goto/Team_Cant-Cer

Simple Math

2010-09-16T08:56:00.005-04:00

This:

Plus this:

Equals, this:

I'm okay, the other person is okay; we're all fine. I suppose I'm more embarassed that I was such a dufus driver. Rest in Peace (pieces), Mikey. Shout out to Mark from Carmax who made my car-buying experience top notch! I couldn't be happier with my new (to me) 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Today is 9-02-10...you know what that means?

2010-09-02T16:57:00.005-04:00

Happy 90210 day! I thought this day would never come, but since all my celebufriends are tweeting about it, I too, had to acknowledge this most momentous occasion. Please enjoy this celebrative post. And all these tweets (you hafta be on Twitter to read them). And this article from the Huffington Post.

And please, for the love of the Peach Pit, view this video. It will warm your heart all over again.

Long live Beverly Hills, 90210!!!!

Post five: Miss Mills

2010-08-23T09:23:00.005-04:00

So Amelia stayed at Grammy & Grandpa's house for a whole week. After the week we would all meet up together for our family beach trip. During the week Amelia woke up early and stayed up late (not that late). She was absolutely a joy to have around. One day after visiting Great-Grandma Barney who presented her with a crown, she decided that she wanted to dress up like a princess. Problem was that we didn't really have dress up clothes. She said, "to be a princess, you hafta have a beautiful dress." What could an Auntie do? So off to Target we went. When we got there, we looked at several costumes until she was fixed on the Tinkerbell fairy one. She LOVED it. And she loved that there was a little Tinkerbell doll (sold separately) that she could play with too. Then she needed a wand and shoes. What fairy doesn't have a wand? The whole ensamble was so precious once finally put together. And everyday afterward she wanted to dress up in her Tinkerbell costume.

Tinkerbell Amelia (sorry it's so dark!)

Pretty hair for a pretty princess fairy!

Last Monday we prepared for the beachtrip. But not before one final trip to Target to get another costume for Charlotte. You can't get something for Amelia without getting something for Charlotte!! So we found another fairy costume (one of Tink's friends Rosetta) with the little matching doll, and then a Mermaid costume, and a princess costume. And then of, course, a wand for Charlee. Yes, it's true, I just couldn't help myself! We decided to stop for a little drink at the Starbucks too. I had them make a little teeny frapp for Miss Mills. She is so adorable in this pic and looks all growed up!

What a darling little girl!

Post four: a pick me up

2010-08-22T20:19:00.003-04:00

After resting and packing I went down to see my sister and her family. I really needed some sister time since it had been a while. I so desperately wanted to go the weekend before but had other engagements to attend to both Friday and Saturday. Also Amelia was set to spend a whole week with Grammy and Grandpa so it worked out that I went down there to pick her up to bring her back for the visit. Again I was determined to get my "runs" in. So Saturday morning I got dressed for it. Sweet Amelia asked to come too. So I said that I'd do a run by myself and then come back and we could run together. But by the time I was ready to go out she wanted to go right then. So I conceded and we went out together. We only did a mile. And it was mostly walking. After running for a little bit she asked to walk. Then it was, "can we walk slower, Cafrin?" At least I got out there. And with the most adorable running partner (sorry Susy). And that is not sweat on Amelia! I did not make her run if she didn't want to. It's water!!!

It was also so much fun to see Charlotte. She has grown up so much more even in the weeks that have gone by that I didn't see her. She's talking so much now too! It is adorable. She absolutely LOVES Dora the Explorer and absolutely HATES having her hair fixed, as indicated in the below video.

My sister was not feeling all that awesome, but we were able to get out and enjoy a lovely lunch at the newly opened Olive Garden in town. Then a much needed mani/pedi adventure. I felt so much better after leaving there on Sunday. And the ride back to Grammy and Grandpa's wasn't too bad at all. Amelia did great thanks to some Backyardigans episodes on my iPhone. Yet another reason why I love it! I also copied this super fab idea from Emily (at the end of the post) to put it up as a mini TV. Then I used my tape player thingy to plug the iPhone into the car system for surround sound. Perfect!!

Post three: Q-KAN or bust!

2010-08-22T19:40:00.002-04:00

Two days after getting my new teeth I had a great opportunity to travel for work....to Kansas. Sounds amazing, right? The trip was actually pretty fun. On the way to Kansas I sat between two Kansasians (that's what they're called, right?) and asked what was so great about Kansas. The guy to my right said that the University of Kansas was cool and a great place to party. It turns out that's where he went to college. Sorry Kansas boy, but in good ol' NC, we got soooooo much more awesome college action! The girl to my left said that she was surprised that "this many people" (it was a full flight) were going to Kansas. Me too, based on that comment.

I traveled with a co-worker, who was my former director. She is someone that I love so much. I LOVED working for her. In my early days at CGIRB, when I was an administrative assistant, she was my direct boss. And she was the best!!! So it was great to reconnect and see her in action in her new role. I was also eager to meet the clients. Since my manager had been promoted to Assistant Director at the company she needed to focus on her new responsibilities. That left one of our major clients in need of an administrator. Of course, I stepped up to the job! I knew it would be challenging and different. In beginning of my career as an administrator I had mostly focused on Phase I clinical research and I also took many of the, um, "weird" studies. These new clients submitted mostly Phase II and III studies involving a lot more advanced conditions and diseases. New challenge indeed!

Dawn and I stayed at the beautiful Hyatt Place in Overland Park, KS. The room was beautiful and complete with a king-sized bed separate living room with mini bar, and the all important free wireless. I highly recommend it if you're ever in that area. When we got in KS we dropped things off at the hotel and then were determined to eat a Kansas City steak. Kansas City is known for their steaks and barbecue. Dawn and I already determined that we like Carolina barbecue so we went straight to the steak. We found a great local restaurant called the Hereford House. And yes, it was AMAZING!!!! That night's special happened to be one of my favorite ways to prepare steak: Oscar style! It has crab meat and asparagus with an incredible Bearnaise sauce. Mouthwatering!!!!!! After walking off our dinner, I enjoyed a 50 minute workout. (See, I told you I wasn't gonna eat that money yet!)

Our meeting went great. I felt like I contributed to our meeting and brought up points that needed to be addressed, but in a friendly yet professional way. And I got to meet all those people with whom I emailed and talked to on the phone. One of the ladies even gave me a huge hug because we had spent so much time communicating. It could have been weird, but I felt like hugging her back. She is such a pleasure to work with!

After the meeting we were off to the airport. We got on our first flight and I was happy to get back to North Carolina. I totally overused to the phrase, "There's no place like home." But seriously how could I not when I was in Kansas?!?! We got to the Charlotte airport and raced to our next gate because we knew that upon landing our next flight was probably boarding. After going through the maze of people we got to our gate only to find out that the plane had not yet arrived. Grrrreeeeaaatt! We debated renting a car, but the plane soon landed. We boarded and backed away from the gate and waiting on the turmac for a few minutes when the captain came over the PA and announced that it would be about 30 minutes till take off because of the weather in Raleigh. Double awesome. Well about two hours and forty minutes later we took off for our 45 minute flight. Yes, if we had rented a car, we would have been home by that point. How were we supposed to know? But even though it was cramped, we were all hungry, and a little stuffy, it was actually okay. I had an amazing talk with Dawn. We talked about anything and everything. It was something I needed and I appreciated it. Oh, and at the end of the trip I said, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." Yessssssss! Cliche phrases complete.

I was super happy to finally get to bed around midnight. I worked for about 4 hours and went home and rested some more. Then I went on to visit Elizabeth and her family. (That's post four.)

Post two: Fully Dressed (again)

2010-08-22T19:12:00.003-04:00

Since the beginning of June I have been whitening my teeth. It has been PAAAAAIIIINNNFUL, to say the least. This was all leading up to my new (again) teeth. After receiving all my adult teeth it was quite clear that they were very pretty, very healthy, and pretty straight. I was content with them for a while. But I needless to say, I had trouble smiling (mostly in pictures) because of a slight gap between my two front teeth. I can't remember when, but my mom talked to the dentist who probably presented the idea of capping my teeth instead of the very expensive alternative: braces. Poor Elizabeth was suffering from braces already...in college...at only 17 years old. I kinda didn't want to go that route, although years later I would admit to my slight fetish with retainers. {I would go weak in the knees when Bryan would put his in. Don't know why, but I feel in love all over again when that happened! Add his geeky glasses from middle school and I was set!!!} Anyway, so instead of braces, I got my teeth capped. It was probably the best thing that I could have had done at that point in my life. I was then fully dressed with a smile and grinning from ear to ear afterwards. I loved my new teeth! At the time the total cost for four teeth (front four) was all of $600 that my parents (thankfully) paid and named it my graduation present. Thanks again for them mom and dad!!! The dentist also indicated that they would last approximately 6-7 years and gave a few parting rules regarding my new "fake" teeth. These are all I remember: #1 drink soda (especially dark sodas) from a straw otherwise the sugar and other stuff will erode the composite material and #2 only eat corn cut off from the cob and don't bite into apples otherwise the bonding (what it's called) will/could break. So I did just that. Now after 11 years I have been cutting my corn off the cob and cutting up apples into small pieces. I even enjoyed my favorite soda, Pepsi (so much better than Coke!), with a straw.

Cut to last year when I am noticing that my teeth are noticeably yellow and disgusting. I'm thinking "I've got to do something about these things." So I talk to the dentist and discuss options (bonding versus the more expensive route: porcelain verniers) and cost. After saving major moo-la I was determined to do this. So. I. Did. BUT!!! I knew I had to whiten my teeth first. I knew I wanted them to be professionally whitened to get the best possible results. So for about six weeks I had two different shades of teeth. I was not so much happy about smiling then. At the beginning of this month I was finally there and so happy to be done. I was trying to find a picture of my before (back in 1999) and after, but didn't really look that hard, so I don't have one. Whatev's! But I do have my before and after pictures from the dentist found below. The first two and the last one are the afters. After I had them done I didn't realize how much my teeth had worn away. And exactly how many freckles I have around my mouth. Now I love being fully dressed again with my new smile!

When you wait a week or so...

2010-08-22T19:08:00.001-04:00

For some reason these past week has been incredibly busy with some pretty interesting and sometimes cool things. (Well, I guess I know the reason now.) I will start with the Friday, July 30th and get you up to speed in multiple posts.

Post One: I did it! *gulp*

I took the leap and finally registered for the half marathon at Walt Disney World! I felt anxious for about an hour afterwards. There are no refunds and at the present time it doesn't feel good to eat the 135 dollars I forked out to not hafta do this thing. In 5 months and two weeks [I wrote this part on 8/9] I will be running a half marathon whether I like it or not. Heaven help me now! I was visiting one of my favorite websites Cafe Press and happened upon this shirt:

'Nuff said.

He's all mine!

2010-07-29T09:28:00.004-04:00

Last week I failed to recognize the fact that my darling car "Mikey D" is all mine! He's all paid for, for good...or for bad. I completely believe in giving cars names. Does your car have a name? Mikey D is named after my mom and my brother (middle names) because they were instrumental in me obtaining the car. I seriously could not have do it without them. Mikey has taken me on great trips to the beach and to visit all sorts of family. He is always the car of choice because he has the CD player to play CDs (duh!) and the tape player to plug in the iPod. While I was already thinking of getting a new car (but keeping Mike) two months ago, I'm gonna stick with him a few more months. Thanks for the past 4 years, Mikey. I hope you last four more!

Ummmm...

2010-07-28T08:40:00.005-04:00

My dad was cleaning out a box with old CDs and tapes sorting out what goes and stays. A couple hours later I found this tape on the table. Those of you who understand will know why it totally creeps me out. Finally after passing it a few times I just had to turn it over. (PS, this one stayed)

exactly what I needed yesterday

2010-07-26T11:21:00.002-04:00

Yesterday in Relief Society our lesson and discussion was surrounding this amazing talk by President Uchtdorf. If you get a chance, please read it. It was exactly what I needed yesterday.

FINE!!!!

2010-07-26T08:28:00.003-04:00

As you might have read I recently joined Twitter. I have enjoyed reading all sorts of tweets from my celebufriends. I have even enjoyed getting the updates from my SIL (because secretly I want to be like her when I grow up). So naturally enjoying it as much as I did I asked my sister to join. She refused. But then to make it interesting she said, "I will join Twitter when you join Facebook." I don't do the Facebook. I have NO desire to do the Facebook. I don't want to be found and I think the whole "requesting to be someone's friend" is ridiculous. I think updating your "status" or whatever is silly. I think "making anything official" on the Facebook is really dumb. If you're on the Facebook (which I'd be surprised if you weren't), it's okay. It's just not for me. HOWEVER!!! Saturday I joined the Facebook. But only (and I stress only) so my sister would join Twitter. So I only told my sister and then I talked about it to my SIL and now I'm getting all sorts of friend requests. Great. And now I'm going to feel bad if I don't "accept" because they are all from my family (extended too). Please, if you ask to be my friend, don't think that you'll get any sort of "update" or "status change" or "request to chat" or whatever. While I'm now on the Facebook, I want to stress that I won't be doing the Facebook. I think it's totally ridiculous. I'm sorry. It's just me. That is all.

Run, Catherine, Run!

2010-07-17T16:23:00.006-04:00

Today marks the third week of my running adventures. "Adventure" seems like it could be a fun word or one that you say with sarcasm and rolled eyes. I think the latter fits me better in this case. I'm still not the biggest fan of it. But I can say that I know it's probably the best thing I can do for myself. And while I alluded to a longer running venture a couple posts ago today I will be honest and real with my goal. Here goes...I'm training for a marathon. Yes, you heard (read) me right. I'll be picking up races along the way, but the ultimate goal is the 26 point (gulp) 2 miles. My great friend Susy decided she wanted to run a marathon. And she thought I might be a good running partner, so she asked. And I said yes. I must have been high that day. At the beginning I didn't really take it seriously. Well, I was in denial. I told myself that I would do my "best" and be along for the ride. I denied any suggestion at the marathon or the exact millage (which I still don't like to think about). Now I'm along for the ride. It's been three weeks and I'm going to keep on going. Even when I don't want to, I don't realize that I am till I have my running clothes on and I'm stretching. I'm running in the heat, the rain, the morning, and the night. I'm practicing my breathing and my heel-to-toe steps (it really is superbly better on the knees to run that way).

October 2nd there is a 5k in Charlotte sponsored by Komen for the Cure. I'm doing it. I'm hoping my family will do it with me. I'm inviting anyone to participate on our [yet to be named] team. I was sad to see that I missed the race in Raleigh, but my awesome co-worker Nikki found it in Charlotte. And we're doing it. We're racing for breast cancer. I believe whole-heartedly that there will be a cure someday. And I'm going to run for the cure in October. My half marathon will be with my great friend Susy in Walt Disney World. Because in Susy's words, "if you're gonna run a marathon [or half], you might as well do it in the happiest place on Earth. So there you have it. The cat's outta the bag. Now when you see me at the very least you can ask how the running thing is going. And since I'm not going to lie, I'll be forced to keep up with it so I can say, "Great!" or "It still sucks, but I'm still going." So that's it. Three weeks down and I'm going to keep on it. Now besides my great friend Susy, I have all of you to keep me accountable. What am I thinking??? My dad says that after four weeks of running it gets easier. While I'm still skeptical that in seven days time I will be Chipper Catherine, I will still keep doing it. Today my legs and my feet hate me for getting up early and running a little further. You'd think I'd stop, but I know that I'll feel too guilty to not keep going on Monday. I'll find myself in the same situation of not wanting to until I realize I'm out the door in the middle of it. Do I still wish everyday that I will break my leg? Yes. But until that happens (which I really don't...maybe), I'll will be out there. Please, no laughing at me as you drive past in your air conditioned car.

coming soon...

2010-07-14T10:19:00.004-04:00

Can you guess why I am loving my little town more and more? (Hint: two things that I can't live without are coming to FV!)

so grateful

2010-07-05T20:39:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Sunday. It was the day of rest. It has been a long time since I was so grateful for this day. I have started up running. I am trying to be better about it. I'm even anticipating a more long distance goal. But, we won't talk about that now. Last week I ran every single day. Six days a week. Now, lots of people can claim this victory. And good for them. But this is me, and I did it. I ran every single day. In the heat, in the rain, and when I didn't want to. I ran a mile a day. It sucked. But I did it. And I even got back on the proverbial horse and ran today. Yes, it helps that I have an amazing running partner. I definitely could not have done it without her. (Thanks Susy!!!)

those silly little girl squeals

2010-06-30T09:38:00.004-04:00

Yesterday evening I spent a good amount of time on the computer, updating my phone, getting more free apps, and listening/watching YouTube videos of some oldies but goodies from my high school days (and then some). This really all started when Daniel was singing LFO's ridiculous tune Summer Girls which is on a mix that his BFF Devin made. I thought the song was stupid then and I still do. But even more hilarious was when Daniel referred to it as "old school rap." I had to control myself from the laughter. Old school rap from 1999-2000? Really? I had to play some Run DMC, Coolio, Rob Base and introduce him to the real old school rap. But then I started surfing around for songs on YouTube that I loved. Then I remembered that I hadn't heard my favorite group New Kids on the Block lately. Their most "recent" single (from a couple years ago) Summertime is so catchy. I am still in love with them. I was getting so giddy over watching their dumb video. And then afterwards I went further back and watched the Step by Step video. Someone stop me!!! Every other second I was squealing with delight remembering my days when I'd dance around to my tapes (I'll explain what those are to those not familiar later) on my little purple boom box (same comment as before).

See for yourself and tell me if those same squeals come out:

I miss the guns!

2010-06-28T08:21:00.005-04:00

The majority of the weekend I spent sitting for three adorable little boys in my ward while their parents and the oldest (daughter) went on an impromptu trip to the beach. I got to the house Friday evening and spent the night until Saturday evening. I seriously had the best time hanging out with the little guys. They're 6, 8, & 10. I guess I'm partial to little boys having grown up with my brothers. It was always interesting! I couldn't help having little flashbacks of my own brothers at those ages and sitting for them as well. I especially have great memories of when I came back from college and lived with my parents. Daniel and Alex were the little ones in the house and I used to love to take them everywhere...mostly to the movies. I loved hearing them play (by themselves or together), watch their shows, or engaging in their own conversations. Those were fun times. These boys didn't disappoint either. They were so hilarious and fun to be around. And I hafta admit that I smiled more than once when they made gun and explosion noises with their toys. We also had to pick up cups for an upcoming Young Women's activity on Saturday afternoon and I gave the boys each 50 cents to get something out of the little machines. Well, they were just tickled with their little treasures and played with them for two solid hours. It was so fun to play solitaire on the computer and surf the web while they were playing and listen to them. After they played, we went to see Toy Story 3 (which was so cute, btw). Their conversations on the way to and from the theatre were so cute. On the way there, the oldest said, "So are we gonna talk about the movie after we see it on the way home?" Then it was fun hearing their favorite parts afterwards. So even though the mom kept thanking me, I really am so thankful for the opportunity because it was such a blast!

A little birdie...

2010-06-22T16:54:00.003-04:00

Confession: I joined Twitter a week or so ago. My co-worker sent me an article that her sister had written on a nutritional website (my co-worker's sister is a RD). Then it said that she had more to say on Twitter. So I went to the site but couldn't read what she had written unless I created an account. So I did it. I'm on Twitter now. I registered and then started finding my celebrity friends so I could keep up with them. Seriously I didn't realize how much people are tweeting. It's a lot; like a lahhht! Then I found the Twitter app on my phone...downloaded it...and started mobile-y following my friends. And then eventually I twat, um, I tweeted. (Doesn't that sound like something you need to call for clean up? "Clean up on isle 4. Someone twat again!")

Now in the beginning I wasn't going out of my way to catch up with my friends. Not every hour; not even every day. Just when I thought about it. But now, it's a fun way to pass time. The whole concept is beyond me. Who really wants a play by play of what I'm doing? Do I really need a play by play of my BFF, Tori Spelling? Well, yes, apparently I do. I love that I can reply to her tweets and that potentially she is reading them in real time. I love that I can retweet something hilarious or for a good cause. (Like when I was watching The Colbert Report and he asked viewers to retweet his tweet so that Comedy Central would donate to the oil spill relief.) It's ridiculous, but I like it at the same time. My sister says it's only a matter of time before I'm face-booking. Not hardly. Still no desire. And really, I just happened upon Twitter. I will never happen upon FB. (I have no desire to be found.)

So that's it. It's my mini guilty pleasure. Reading tweets and the occasional tweet myself. Don't judge. I promise it won't rule my life...

LOL*

2010-06-17T10:25:00.006-04:00

I'm such a slacker and am finally sending in my hair. Today makes my short hair is a little more worth it...

*Locks of Love

not so much today

2010-06-16T09:20:00.007-04:00

For the past two days, I've really hated my hair. It has not turned out so well. I seriously feel like I got that bad haircut that Faith Hill had a few years back. Remember that platinum blonde choppy look? Yeah, that's me.

Decide for yourself (and don't even try to make nice comments. Let's just call a spade a spade and get on with it).

fingers of fury

2010-06-11T08:50:00.005-04:00

So I'm helping my brother prepare his resume for the "real" world (not the TV show) and I was interested to see exactly how many words per minute the average person can type. I stumbled on this website and it's a super fast way to know where you stand. I'll be the first to admit that I randomly put 60 wpm on my resume. I knew I could type faster than normal, but I wasn't sure. So I took the test and it said I was about 65 wpm. Not a bad guess, huh? (Of course, I do owe all of that to my typing days in the beginning of my career at my company. I used to hafta type A LOT when I was an administrative assistant.) The site also has you enter demographic information to see where you rank too. It basis it on state, age, gender, occupation, etc. But my favorite is that it ranks you based on your astrological sign. I'm in the top 1200's of the 8000 Sagittarius'. Ha! Test your skills and let me know how you rank!

our town

2010-06-09T10:43:00.008-04:00

Last Saturday our little town held's annual festival celebrating, what else? Themselves. I used to think the Fuquay Varina (known hereafter as "FV") was a small po-dunk town that a short stop on the way to Fayetteville (no comment on my thoughts of that place). But now, NOW, it's my home. And I like it. So when driving around town in the previous weeks I spotted a sign announcing the Celebrate FV festival on June 5th. I put it on my calendar and made plans to attend. Saturday morning I asked Alex if he wanted to go with me that afternoon. Saturday's are mostly filled with Mom and Dad's cake deliveries. If it's only Mom, Dad, & Alex, Alex has to go with them. Imagine how completely enthralled he is with this. So, I've been trying to come up with activities (if I'm available) that I can take Alex on. He needs the social interaction and to get out! Some activities are more fun than others. (Sometimes he just rides along while I run my errands.)

We got downtown and made a plan: Eat first (think Fair-type foods), see the magician, see the BMX show, get dessert, and then look at the crafts.

Here were are eating our foot-long hot dogs. Oh, they were so good! I love just mustard on mine, but Alex choose onions and cheese. To each their own.

Next we saw the hilarious magician Michael Creech. Here he is in the middle of his magic trick. He did some pretty amazing stuff. And at the end he decided he'd teach us a trick, but then it turned out to be a trick in and of itself. That's tricky! For some of the video, which yes, does include shots from behind of me and Alex, you can click here. It's worth a couple laughs!

The "boy" think we did was see the King BMX Stunt Show. It was interesting and cool to see grown me on little BMX bikes doing flips and turns. At the end I got Alex a cool shirt and had the boys (er, men) sign it. They scribbled their names on the shirt so you can't even tell. But it was a fun souvenir.

Here are three of the boys doing the tricks on the ramps:

And here is the King himself - the BMX King - Keith King doing what is called flatland stunts:

At the craft portion (think Cary Lazy Days) I purchased necklace with a piece of agate stone. Very cool.

Three hours later, 2 foot long hot dogs, one large cheesy fries, a snow cone, a funnel cake, one autographed shirt, and one necklace later, we were done and had a super fun day celebrating our town. Can't wait till next year already!!!

to my fellow Gleeks

2010-06-07T10:56:00.005-04:00

Yes, I have all the Glee albums, and I bought every song on iTunes that are not on the albums too. They are spittin' out albums left and right and a new one is coming out tomorrow: Glee Journey to Regionals. But guess what? You can pre-listen to the whole thing on my new favorite website: www.gleethemusic.com. Click here and enjoy. Why do I love this so much?

it's shoooooort!

2010-06-01T15:24:00.006-04:00

Well here they are, pictures from my newly chopped hair. My brother Mark and I went to Beaufort to visit my sister and her family last weekend. I had the BEST time with my sister and the kiddies. {Uh, and Erik too. :)} On Saturday Elizabeth and I got to have a full-out sister day. It was glorious and exactly what I needed. It started with her getting her hair cut. Then somehow I found myself being agreeable to having my cut off! I knew I would donate to Locks of Love again, but I figured it would be later in the year. There's nothing like a little confidence boost from your sister for me to go for it. And now, it's short! I can't believe it's me when I look in the mirror. And for those inquiring, yes, I've already started to "grow" it out again. This short hair is great, but I like it just a wee bit longer. (Because it's for such a good cause, I had no hesitations and I was happy to do it.)

[EXTREME CLOSE-UP WOOOOA] Freshly done with the bangs pulled back

Me at work today (still getting used to my wings)

When the family gets together after evening work is done...

2010-05-24T10:19:00.006-04:00

So I finally finished the FHE* Chart that I've been meaning to make since I moved back in with my folks. It took me all day after church yesterday, and I am mostly pleased. The idea is to have a circle of everyone (in the family)'s name on it so that if they are present for FHE, then they can get an assignment. (I still have a few more to make.) And we can also double up on assignments too. Let's face it, the more that clean up, the better. And yes, that is an assignment in our house.

*Family Home Evening; read more about it here

It's another one of those weeks!!!

2010-05-18T16:31:00.004-04:00

(BUT, it comes to a grand conclusion when I see my favorite ballet, Sleeping Beauty, on Saturday night!)

It's my...collection

2010-05-07T13:02:00.007-04:00

About six or seven years ago I decided I needed to collect something. I didn't quite know it would be, either. I also decided that I didn't want it to be an animal-thing either. It's a southern thing to collect various pieces with a cow, a pig, a chicken, a frog. (Maybe it's an all over thing, but I see it in the south a lot.) I thought about collecting vases because I love flowers and I like to have options. But after just thinking out loud to some people that this could be my collection, and receiving some beautiful vases, I decided that while I enjoy vases, I did not think it would be my "thing" to collect. Cut to a couple months ago when my sister was visiting and she was looking through my jewelry (as she often does) for a piece(s) to wear. "Whatever Catherine," she says, "you already have a collection of something, you don't need to find one. You have a ton of flowered jewelry." And suddenly in a single instant, I felt complete. It is true, I have a pretty big haul of flower-themed jewels. I am drawn to them. I can't help it. So it turns out that even though I have a love for vases, I just wanted what was in them more. And now I have my very own collection. (Please feel free to add to it any time. I am so obviously lacking in the bracelet area.)

(clockwise: Rings, Necklaces & charms, pins, bracelets, earrings)

Wicked = Wicked Awesome!

2010-04-28T14:38:00.005-04:00

Last night Daniel and I saw A New Musical: Wicked The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. Stop and pinch me now! I was slow to get on the Wicked bandwagon, but I am a full fledged fan now! When I was searching for music to listen to I happened upon the soundtrack from the original musical production cast (a la Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel) and it only took a little over a month for me to become hooked (well probably shorter than that). The first time I listened to it I was mesmerized by the haunting and catchy tunes. Stephen Schwartz has such a great sense of composing. Then when I found out the show was coming to our very own DPAC, I knew I had to get tickets. One afternoon Daniel finally convinced me and we got tickets for last night - opening night. That was like three or four weeks ago and I felt like this day would never come. I waited in anticipation of the tickets coming and finally last week they arrived! Rapture! Dad also surprised Mom with tickets for today on their anniversary. And Christian and Mary are going in May. So, it's pretty exciting to share this with some family. I can't wait to compare notes!

So Daniel and I got to the auditorium not knowing what to expect only to find our AMAZING seats in the left orchestra section, facing stage right, two seats from the aisle. Hurray! Even the set surrounding the stage was beautiful. But seriously, what's the dragon at the top? Daniel and I couldn't quite wrap our head around that one.

"You know what would make this Wicked production more awesome?"

"Gee, I don't know what could top everything else. I mean, have you seen the Wizard and Glinda's bubble?"

"No, it needs...get ready for it...a big metal dragon in the center above the stage."

"Righteous! {pun intended} Let's do it!"

The curtain lifted into an even more beautiful set and amazing costumes. That flying monkeys freaked me out little, I must confess. I love love loved the characters. It was some much fun to fill in the acting to the music that I've been listening to non-stop and to hear the story unfold. The costumes and ensemble cast were so wonderful too. You could hear everything they were saying...um...singing! And the star of the show Elpheba was magnificent. She did a phenomenal job right to the very end. The Galinda - later Glinda - was just as perky, self-centered, and annoying as I had expected. She had great costume changes, sometimes very fast ones. But you really could see the change that came over her. The guy that played Boq was so adorable too. I will say that I expected more out of the Wizard. He sang beautifully - especially in "Sentimental Man" - but his facial expression bothered me like his body wasn't completely making me believe he was the wizard. That's just my opinion, mind you.

So it didn't even take a day for me to be tempted to buy more tickets to see it again while it's here for four weeks. Seriously, it was that good. Everything about it. I also enjoyed how everyone dressed to the nines in their chartreuse and black. Score! I decided on a LBD and bright green eye shadow. So, buy the CD, read the story on wikipedia, and go the show. It's totally worth and in the spirit of my favorite Bostonian phrase, it was totally "Wicked Awesome!"

A good Sunday afternoon activity?

2010-04-18T19:08:00.003-04:00

All afternoon while resting on this beautiful Sabbath Day, Daniel, Dad, Alex, and I have been sporcle-ing. Never heard of sporcle.com? It will change your life - for good and bad. If you have hours at a time to spend answering trivia questions about everything and anything, then sporcle is for you. Even if you don't have time, you will still find yourself navigating towards the page to do just one quiz (which will result in many quizes). Daniel's friend Greco introduced it to him. Daniel introduced it to Mary and Christian. Then when they'd come over they (mostly Mary) would play with us around. **Don't worry, Mary, that's not a bad thing!** I'd always want to join in or remember what it was called so I could browse around, but didn't. Then Mary posted about her recent Harry Potter conquest and provided the link to the website. And thus I became hooked, just as Matt Ramme wanted me to. And I introduced it to my coworkers on my team. And now it's the joke at work that we're working on "Project Sporcle"...every day.

So along the way, when it's been just Mom, Dad, Alex, Daniel, and I (yes I live at home - a story for another time), we've enjoyed a couple of casual rounds of sporcle categories. But today we hooked another follower. Today Dad asked, "can you create your own quizes?" So this lead me to creating an account for my family so we could enjoy creating quizes for the whole sporcle community. This all the while we were taking part in the quizes and enjoying coming up with our latest one.

Sporcle keeps it real. They clearly say that their goal, nay mission is to, and I quote, "actively and methodically search out new and innovative ways to prevent our users from getting any work done whatsoever." And that it does. There's a category for everyone. Even those who don't know where to begin can start with the "Just for Fun" or "Miscellaneous." So please, enjoy this site, but beware, you will want to come back. Again and again. And then you will think of quizes to create. It's really easy...anyone can do it. So Dad has already created two quizes, I think, and we're stewing up more. He even commented, "Now I'm really not gonna get any work done because I'm going to be coming up with more quizes." Mission accomplished, sporcle.

one lucky auntie

2010-04-13T11:14:00.004-04:00

I am so lucky that my sister produces beautiful children! (My brother-in-law, Erik, contributes too!) And even luckier that she comes up to visit every so often (or lucky that I get to come down to her place). This is at my parent's house after the funeral services for my Grandpa Barney. It was hot day and I couldn't resist buying a sprinkler for my nieces, and matching bathing suits. (sorry don't have a picture of Charlotte in hers) Amelia kept saying, "Do you want to go in the sprinkle, aunt Cafrin?" What a sweetie!

Spot the Syd

2010-04-12T11:02:00.004-04:00

I will admit that I do not make my bed every day. This mostly happens on the weekends when I have time and effort to put in to it. On the days that I work I'd rather use the extra minutes I'd use making it, sleeping in it. So Saturdays I often make the bed and then find a little surprise perching in the pile of plush pillows.

The "D" List

2010-04-06T09:45:00.007-04:00

Since there is another "d" word haunting me* right now, I decided to make a list of happy things that begin with the letter "d".

Daisies
Daffy Duck
Doggies (as in my adorable Sydney)
Dove Chocolate
Dancing
Delightful
Doily
Denver
Dad
Daniel
David Letterman
Dirty Dancing (the movie)
Daytime
Discussions
[missionary] Discussions
Dremcicles
Death by Chocolate
Daffodils
Driving
Details
The DPAC [and seeing Wicked there on April 27th with Daniel]
Dodgeball
Dancing with the Stars
Vitamin D [you might need more; read this]
Dresses
[Christian] Dior blush in 'Strawberry Sorbets'
Dedicates...ooh, la, la
Detergent [the one that my parents use smells so good]
Defying Gravity [both the Glee version and from Wicked]
Diamonds!!!!

*Please no comments/questions, unless you would like to add to the "d" list. I write this to document and not for any other purpose.

How ya doin'?

2010-03-31T11:31:00.005-04:00

Yesterday evening my mom's dad - my Grandpa Barney - passed away. On Monday we found out that he had not eaten anything for three days, would not drink, and remained in a quasi-comatose state. Seeing him for the last time was both sad and sweet. I wished so much that he'd be free from the pain, able to express himself and move around freely. But at the same time I wished I could hear his always charming opening when he'd see you, "How ya doin'?" Grandpa is now amongst the finest and now alongside his parents and my grandfathers that have gone before him. I am grateful for the knowledge that he has arrived home and I will see him once again in a perfect state. I have a testimony of the everlasting and true gospel. I am so grateful for the great plan of happiness that allows me to live with him and my whole family again.

The viewing will be at 6 o'clock on Friday, April 2nd at Apex Funeral Home. The funeral is at 10 am on Saturday at the Apex Stake Center. In lieu of flowers and arrangements, my grandmother has asked that donations be made to Hospice. Hospice took great care of my Grandpa in his last years. We are forever grateful for their kindness and truly caring about my Grandpa.

like you'd even notice

2010-03-30T10:48:00.005-04:00

In 2007 I first cut my hair for Locks of Love because I realized that (a) it was a good cause; (2) my hair grows back if I cut it; and (d) I have pretty awesome hair. So in November 07 I had it chopped off and sent in my banded pony tail. The following January, I had my already short hair cut into the popular Victoria Beckham style from that time. I SUPER loved it, as did every one else. What's not to love about Posh Spice? My husband loved my long hair so I promised that I would not do it again. Truthfully, I loved my long hair too. It's just shiny, long, do-nothing with hair. And in my early 20's it developed a little wave so I could create a "curly" look. Then an unwanted Genevieve came and I decided that it was time again to get a haircut. I remember the above reason that my hair grows back, so this made it okay again. Plus, for those that don't know, my hair grows super fast. Like faster-than-a-speeding-bullet fast.

For LOL, hair has to be at least 10 inches. I'm pretty sure in October last year my hair was around 11 or 12. I'm sure it would have been longer, but I had had trims in between. But I decided to hold true to my promise to keep long hair for my husband and grow my hair even longer so that when the time came to cut, the remaining hair could still be long. Fast forward to about two weeks ago when I'm maintaining my ridiculously long (for me) hair that is now 14 inches in a ponytail. I start getting excited about the possibility of shorter hair again and thumb through hair magazines too. Then I start examining my hair and there's a problem. The last couple inches are crap. Totally split ends galore. There are even some strands that have a three way split, which have split themselves. The ends were like gremlins, multiplying when wet. Craziness!!!

So sadly I came to my mom and told her the bad news: I would have to a have an "in between cut" to get rid of the nasty hair. I wasn't going to give crappy hair to LOL. That would be totally messed up. Anyway, so for the past two weeks I have been whining - mostly to myself - about how I need this hair cut. I was supposed to do it last weekend and did other things instead. Finally yesterday I decided it was my day! Only problem is that no good salon is open on Mondays! (Yes, I am a hair salon snob, I admit it.) I'd finally come to terms with going somewhere cheap like the Cuttin' Corale when I remembered my fabulous Garmin could take me wherever I wanted to go! I typed in "salon" and it lead me to Sharpest Edge Hair Salon. The name sounded cool and I crossed my fingers that they were open. To my delight they were. The girl there had a cute hair cut (which is a requirement for my stylists) and was pretty trendy, so I decided to give it a go. Three inches and 22$ later, I feel like a new woman! So now my hair is a whopping 11 inches again and in the coming months will grow beautifully for me to hand off to my friends at LOL. Hurray!

I like to play this game when I get a hair cut with my dad to see if he notices. At the dinner table I asked if he noticed anything "different" about me. It's always fun to see the look on his face! And you know what, he noticed. Mostly because it's quite obvious if you live in the same place to notice the straight cross cut of my hair now. To others, it may seem like the longest hair ever still, but for me I feel happier knowing that it's just a little bit healthier. I keep touching it like it's a drastic cut...but I love it.

Boom Boom Pow

2010-03-24T16:15:00.004-04:00

Today I slept in until 7. While it was great to lay in bed (mostly because I was in pain and forced myself to rest longer), the not-so-great part was the traffic. Traveling from Fuquay to Durham is a haul during the week. I pass through four city/towns between them, all in about 35 minutes. Fuquay Varina to Holly Springs to Apex to Cary to Morrisville to Durham. I guess I could get bonus points because my company claims it is in RTP (that's what our business cards say) but the sign near it says "Durham City Limits." So that would be five.

My current trouble is finding the perfect music to listen to in the car. My fall back is always one of the Glee Soundtracks. They are most entertaining and always make me feel happy. And when I'm not listening to that I am stuck to the classical station for easy listening. Now I find myself wanting more. The other radio choices are not appealing at the moment. So, I feel like I might want to go back to my roots a little and enjoy the rap and rock I so loved in my high school and early 20's years. I just found a CD my roommate from college made me with a bunch of rap/hip hop songs that my apartment listened to. It's definitely got that BOOM BOOM POW! That was not fun period for me, but I try to dwell on the happy times. And part of that is The Rap Mix. I played it on Saturday while cleaning my room with the volume way too loud. I mouthed the words and bumped and grinded. Good times. My dad made a comment later about my music too. So pretty much, I'm at that place again, only at 28. Ah, where to go from here!?!?

Anyway, so if you have suggestions for good car-riding music, that would be great. I will give a disclaimer that I do NOT want slow or lovey-dovey songs at the moment. Just music about nothing...or at least nothing that I can relate to.

Is this a new thing?

2010-03-16T07:58:00.003-04:00

When I'm driving in my car and not going the preferred speed of the driver behind me (albeit I am going a little past the speed limit, but not so much that I could get a ticket)they decided to flash their brights at me as if to say, "speed up or move over." Does this happen to anyone else? I have only experienced a handful of times over the past couple of years, but it is seriously making me crazy. And it happened this morning, which is why it's fresh on my mind, on my way to work when traffic was going at a steady pace. And this rude trucker behind me was tailing me and flashed his brights. He eventually ended up at the MacDonalds. Um, seriously? All this for an egg mcmuffin? In the infamous words of Stephanie Tanner, "How rude!"

DWTS - Season 10

2010-03-08T14:16:00.004-05:00

Well, it’s time for another season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) and I couldn’t be more excited. Except for the fact that I kinda hate and kinda love some of the new “stars”. (Yes, I will continue to accept comments and jokes about how some of the people are hardly more than a solar system away from being a star.) Here’s a rundown of the new 12 ladies and gents:

Aidren Turne – All My Children’s former Aiden Devane. I don’t watch soaps, but this one I will be watching. He’s from Brittan and that’s okay by me!

Buzz Aldrin – I just don’t know what to say about this. I guess all the old people were inspired by Cloris Leachman that they thought they could do it too? Because my husband is into space, I must respect Buzz Aldrin the scientist and astronaut, but I might not be able to say the same for Buzz Aldrin, the dancer.

Chad Ochocinco – Um, the first time Bryan told me about this guy was when we were watching a football game and I noticed his last name was his number. Instantly loved it. The fact that Chad (formerly Johnson) decided he loved his number that much makes me kind of giggle and love it at the same time. Let’s hope this Bangles wide receiver is well received as past football players have been.

Erin Andrews – the pretty girl. She’s an ESPN Sports Reporter, so we know that all the husbands are “watching to support their wives” when they’ll really be watching for themselves. Fun fact from the abc website: she was on the dance team for the Florida Gators. Chomp, Chomp!

Evan Lysacek – Well, except for last year, every Olympic Gold Medalist has won past DWTS seasons. He’s an ice skater too. Flashback to Kristi Yamaguchi? She was amazing, though.

Jake Pavelka – I don’t watch trashy shows like the Bachelor…only trashy shows like Denise Richards: It’s Complicated. I love it when ABC makes “stars” from one hit show into other “star” of another hit show!

Kate Gosselin – Um really…REALLY? Yes, I admit that I loved Jon & Kate plus Eight. Who didn’t when there was the regular family drama? Now I’m confused as to which team I’m really on. People are already commenting on her page at abc.com, “go Kate, you can do it” “Kate, I love your new hair” “Kate, who’s watching the kids while you’re at practice?”

Nicole Scherzinger – the name might sound familiar, but this sexy Pussy Cat Doll will be once you have their awfully popular “Don’t Cha” song stuck in your head. You’re singing it now, aren’t you? I still think she’ll go far. She’s way in shape and does fab in her videos.

Niecy Nash – Mayhem…Foolishness…and Whatnot! Niecy is easily my favorite. I am a Clean House fanatic. I have been watching this show forever. I love her grunts, flowers in her hair, and unlicensed therapy she gives to each family she helps. I want Niecy to go far. Love…love…love her!

Pamela Anderson – Has anyone ever run across the beach in slow motion while holding one of those orange floaty things better than Pam? Sweet CJ…I hope your boobies don’t get in the way like Holly’s did. Don’t forget her bring break as the Tool Time Girl! Maybe Tim Allen will come and support!

Shannen Doherty – well, I saved the best for last. I am not a Brenda fan. I never was. I try to be. Kelly, Donna, even Andrea (On-dree-uh) come before Brenda. (Well, maybe.) While Heathers and Mallrats were unforgettable, I can only hope this third 90210-alum can make it as far as Ian and Jennie. But when it comes down to it, nothing bad comes from 90210.

So, what do you think about the contenders? Any early favs? Do you even watch the show? Season 10 starts on Monday, March 22nd at 8 o'clock on ABC.

Listen...do you want to know a secret?

2010-03-04T13:43:00.006-05:00

When my brother Michael got married in December I decided that I would pamper myself and have both my hair and make-up done. Only when I got the Estee Lauder counter the girl with whom I had made the appointment was no where in sight. Then someone from the Clinique counter told me that my girl had diabetes and was just getting something to eat. I could handle that. My brother has diabetes, so I understand that things happen. But then it took 10 minutes...then 15 minutes...then 25 minutes..then 30 minutes. I was getting so frustrated because my hair appointment was soon after and I needed time to be okay with the job, buy the accompanying lip color/gloss, and drive over to the hair place. Finally the lady came, shopping bags in hand (arg!) and explained the whole situation again. I found out she was actually on break. But seriously? You have an appointment and then go on break at the same time? She admitted that she forgot and then started on my face. (So the question begs: did she fake low blood sugar to get shoes?) There was also a really old lady who wasn't very nice when I requested that I use my own foundation base and eye shadow base. I'm not gonna try out a new product the day I hafta get my pictures taken a million times! Anyway, it all worked out fine, the make-up lady and I became best friends, and I got to my hair appointment in plenty of time. Turns out my hair girl was running a little late too.

Anyway, the REAL reason for my post to confess. On that day I purchased the lip stick and lip gloss that they used on me. That's not my confession. My confession is that I am obsessed with the lip gloss. It's Estee Lauder's Pure Color Crystal Gloss in Praline (shown above). I can't help myself during the day at work from putting it on and on. I love putting it on, how it makes my lips shine, and smelling the sweet fragrance of it. I am addicted to wearing it. It makes my lips feels silky smooth. Oh, and I LOVE the applicator. It's the softest spongy thing that feel so good going on. I am such a nerd!!! It's about $18, but I'm gonna hafta say it's worth it. Try it out and lemme know what you think?

Everyone loves a giveaway!

2010-03-01T13:17:00.004-05:00

First of all I hafta give major snaps to my SIL Mary for my awesome blog design. She has quite the knack for this stuff. I simply adore my background and fonts. She does a fantastic job on both her blogs (blog 1, blog 2) so I was super happy that she agreed to do mine.

Second, the real reason for my quick post timing is that Mary has been asked by eShakti.com to review their website and products. So she got to pick something to review. How exciting is this? For many of you who don't know, Mary has a love, nay, a passion for clothes. There is one caveat: they must be affordable and modest. So in order for her to curb her desire to shop till she drops she started a wishlist blog to entertain herself (and unbeknownst to her, entertain me)! She is now doing her first giveaway. More excitement!! Check out her post here and enter to win. Everyone has eight chances! Become a follower and get extra bonus points.

I Wonder As [my mind] Wanders

2010-03-01T11:02:00.005-05:00

So basically I am back at work full time. I still will be taking Mom to various appointments as needed. Since I have not been to a full day's work in four weeks, my mind is wandering a little too much this morning. Here are my random thoughts:

My car was rear-ended on the way to work Thursday afternoon last week. I am having the damages assessed this afternoon by my insurance company. Then the other lady's insurance company will do this. Either way I'll get my car fixed with no money out of my pocket. Here's my thought: How much will the actual damages be?

The car was hit in the back bumper (mostly) and a little in the trunk area. When I first looked at the car (after the accident) I mostly saw the bumper damages. This is what I told both my and her insurance companies. Then upon examining further I saw some places on the trunk that were hit. Here's my thought: Will the insurance companies think that I changed my story if I call back and explain that I didn't get a good look at the car until the day after?

One of my colleagues is taking the CIP exam this month. Never mind what it is...for the purposes of this blog, it is a certification. If she passes, me and my other colleague will be the only ones without this certification. Since working at CGIRB as an IRB Administrator I have been requested to take this test. Each year something happens around the surrounding months at which the test takes place. (It only happens twice a year: March & September.) Here's my thought: Though I promised in my last annual review that I would take it in September, do I actually feel up to it? Or, do I continue not to really care about taking it. I'm just not a good test taker. Plus this test is super hard where they give you possible answers for every question. I hate when they do that! Also I forgot to say that I've worked at CGIRB the longest and still haven't done this. I am offically a loser!

When I was at home I got to sleep in. Usually I got up at 6 to go to work, and for the past weeks I've been getting up between 8 and 9. Yes, it was glorious! Here's my thought: Should I just ease myself into getting up early? Will the upcoming time change mess everything up? The only reason I say this is because on the way to work I seriously had to slap myself to keep awake. Is it really worth almost falling asleep to get to work early and leave at 4 at the end of the day? I've weighed the pros and cons on this one before.

Because of getting up late my meal schedule changed. Back then, I'd basically eat two meals and graze in between. Here's my thought: It's 11:15 and I'm starvin' Marvin! Also I want a big juicy burger. We'll see what I actually get. :)

What are your random thoughts that you feel the need to share?

God is Love

2010-02-16T09:37:00.005-05:00

My Mom was in the hospital from Wednesday to Sunday last week. She had a terrible reaction to the pain medication she was taking after her double mastectomy the Thursday before (Feb. 4th). The reaction manifested in a severe allergic reaction resulting in a rash that covered her entire body. When I say that last week was hell for her, it is an understatement. Around the clock Dad, Elizabeth, and I were there with Mom trying to comfort her. Finally Wednesday we took her to the emergency room.

Two Saturdays ago (the Saturday following my mother's surgery) I had a dream that it was my birthday. I was receiving phone calls from my family to wish me a happy day. On my phone I realized that I missed a call from my brother Eric, who is currently serving in the Georgia Macon Mission. This did not stop me from going back in my call history to try and find the number and call him back. Because after all, I love getting phone calls on my birthday from family (and friends). So I saw what I thought was his number and called it back. Instead of Eric picking up, I heard the voice of our Stake President (President Maxwell). He started asking me how I was doing and how things were going with Mom. I said that she wasn't doing so well and that I didn't know what else I could do for her. I then asked if there was anything he could do to help. He responded that he would see what he could do. I remember becoming aware that I was in a room with a large window that covered the wall on one side and seeing President Maxwell in a room in a circle of men dressed in suits. I could see them, but they couldn't see me. I remember having the thought that a meeting was going on, but he was taking the time to have this phone call.

The following morning my sister and I were talking with Mom who told us that Dad received a phone call from President Maxwell. That weekend was supposed to be our regional stake conference. One of the members of the presidency of the first quorum of the seventy was scheduled to visit. The stake conference was canceled due to the snow that came, but the elder was still coming. President Maxwell had received a phone call from Elder Taggart, another member of the seventy (from our area) stating that Elder Gonzalez was coming to town and had time for one visit and needed someone to visit. He asked Pres. M to think of someone. So, he told his dear wife Patti that he was thinking of having Elder Gonzalez visit my parents. Patti told us that she told him that it probably wasn't a good idea since Mom would be only a few days post surgery and not probably up to this. But Pres. M made the phone call and spoke to Dad and made the date.

And so it was that we were visited by dear Elder Gonzalez this past Saturday while my mother was still in the hospital. Elder Gonzalez and Pres. M came around 1:30 on Saturday and stayed only a short while. Mom gave a brief summary of the events that lead to her to the hospital and then they had a chat about where my parents were from, their membership in the church, and where they have lived. Both Mom and Dad spoke proudly about their son Eric currently serving his mission and how much he has grown since being in Georgia. After the chat Elder Gonzalez thanked them for their service in the church and said that there would be more opportunities to serve in their future. He also asked if there was anything he could do. My mother replied sweetly that she doesn't have a specific need, but requested counsel regarding one of her children that was struggling with their beliefs. She gave a short course of events surrounding my sibling's actions and how they got to this point. He gave a simple and profound reply. He said that as long as we remain faithful, there will be no empty chairs in the kingdom. He said, "Keep the faith." His words and stories were were so comforting and exactly what we needed to hear. Before leaving he asked my Dad if he could offer a prayer. My Dad, was like, "Um, of course!" You don't say no so such a request! Elder Gonzalez offered a sweet and humbling prayer. This was a man who knew God and spoke to him as his Heavenly Father. He prayed for my family and specifically for my sibling, calling him by his full name. He requested a blessing on our house and boldly and sincerely stated that, "Thy will be done in all things."

I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. It was been difficult seeing my mother in such pain and anguish. Each step of this journey has seen trials. This one was no exception. And the Lord came through and poured out his tender mercies to my family. I will be forever grateful for Him sending Elder Gonzalez to meet with my parents. It was no accident or coincident that I had my dream. It was a true desire of my heart that aid and relief be given to my mom. I've never had such a specific dream coincide with events of my life and the desires of my heart.

Heavenly Father is real and He loves us and will help. We all have struggles and trials. When Mom's rash came on, we all were so taken back. It was shock and disbelief and us repeatedly thinking, "REALLY?" As if she needed something else in her life! But this lead to a learning experience and confirmation of a loving Father who will provide comfort, that I will never forget.

Happy Valentines's Day!

2010-02-14T11:29:00.004-05:00

Eight Things - a tag from Mary

2010-02-04T22:32:00.005-05:00

Mary tagged me and as I do tagged stuff and my sister does not, I will proceed. But I only like to do them and not send them, so this stops here. Enjoy...

Eight Favorite Shows:

Glee
How I Met Your Mother
30 Rock
Modern Family
The Office
Project Runway
Design on a Dime
Will & Grace

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:

Found paint
Found amazing chairs for room decor
Ate at Moe's
Played with my nieces
Ate chocolate
Looked ugo all day (did not fix my hair; no make-up)
Took Sydney for a short walk
Gave my mom hugs

Eight Things I Look Forward to:

Mom coming home
Sleeping
Finishing room makeover
Cutting my hair again for Locks of Love
Getting a new hair style
Getting my nails did
Spending more time with my sister
Playing with my nieces more

Eight Favorite Restaurants:

Any Mexican one
Doc Greens
Firebirds
O'Charley's
Bojangles
Ted's Montana Grill
Nantuket Cafe
Chilli's

Eight Things On My Wishlist:

Genevieve being gone forever
A new bedspread & room decor
Painting my room
Brown boots that I love
A bigger closet
One big happy family
Springtime, then Summer
No back/sciatic problems ever

Eight People to Tag...uh, that I love:

Bryan
Sydney (the dog - she's people to me!)
Mom
Elizabeth
Becka
Makenzie
Mary
Zac Efron, just kidding...the rest of my family

Updates

2010-02-04T22:26:00.004-05:00

Hello to all: for updates regarding my mom's surgery, please visit her blog: http://the-powerislove.blogspot.com/

Today

2010-02-04T09:56:00.004-05:00

Today mom goes in for her surgery. Please pray for her safety and the surgeons. Don't know about my mom? See her blog for the back story and such.

Thanks & love to all!

Well, it's Groundhog's Day...again

2010-02-02T00:00:00.007-05:00

Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on its smiling face a dream...of spring. Ciao.

Done and Done!

2010-01-31T12:50:00.002-05:00