Christmas Ornament - Our First Christmas

I forgot to post on Saturday.
This has been a really good exercise for me. Today's ornament I had first thought we purchased at Disneyland but as soon as I started typing I remembered, this is from my aunt!
This is our only ornament that says "Our First Christmas" It doesn't have the year but that is all good. It does have a little hole on the bottom so we put a light inside of it and it illuminates from the inside.
I am happy we have a First Christmas Together ornament.

Christmas Ornaments

A few weeks ago I came across a blog where someone was writing about their Christmas ornaments. I thought that would be a fun thing to blog about so for the next few weeks, leading up to Christmas, I am going to blog about my ornaments.
Rick and I were married on December 14th 2006. We headed to Disneyland the next day. We came back a few days before Christmas. We had a wonderful time there and were able to buy LOTS of ornaments. Today I am going to post photos of the first two I decided to buy.
I was unable to find any that had the date on them or said First Christmas so the above one had to do when it came to "First Christmas."

They did however, have an ornament that was all weddingy. I could have put in a photo from our wedding but decided on us at Disneyland. Techinically it was outside California Adventure but we all get the point. My ornaments all mean something to me but these being from our first Christmas being married mean something extra to me.

Happy Birthday Rick ~ Happy Thanksgiving

As most of you know, Rick's birthday was on Thanksgiving this year. I made a chocolate pudding pie from scratch...which for those of you that don't know it means I mixed sugar and starch and egg yolks to make my own pudding then added melted chocolate. It was incredible. I am not a rich chocolate fan and that is what this was. But those who are, told me it was incredible. I also made a cake. A turkey cake.
Notice the arm trying to hold back the wild hoard from blowing out the candles themselves? This was actually only the second thing I have ever decorated using icing tips and all that. I am very proud of how it turned out.
We went to Rick's sister's for dinner and had a great time. We had our 3 nieces, their husbands and their wild bunch of boys and one princess, each and every one we love! I was able to spend some time with the 2 year old and practice putting on lip gloss. When then went by Rick's parents house and hung out with them for a bit. Actually it is more like sitting and chatting with them. 85 year olds don't really hang out.
My aunt and cousin drove in from Kansas and we will probably see her along with my cousin who is going to BYU tonight.
Rick and I hope that everyone had a fun and happy Thanksgiving!

Draper Temple

Last night the lights were on on the Draper Temple. There has only been one other night we are aware of that they have been on. I was so excited I told Rick I needed to drive up there and take some photos. These are untouched up.
As for the Open House and Dedication:

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, January 15 to Saturday, March 14, 2009 (excluding Sundays)
Tickets are available starting December 1st

RESERVATION CENTER:
801-240-7932 (Salt Lake area)
1-800-537-6181 (Toll free)
http://www.lds.org/reservations/


DEDICATION
Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2009 (in 12 sessions)

TEMPLE OPENS
Monday, March 23, 2009

A Funny Thanksgiving Story ~ Well I Think It Is

Many many many moons ago I had a boyfriend I thought I was in love with. (I probably was at the time.) A few days before Thanksgiving he broke up with me. We had been dating for almost a year and he told me that he needed space and time to be with his buddies and space to study for finals. I thought, what a jerk but he broke my heart. He decided to go up to Idaho Falls, where he grew up, to spend Thanksgiving with his friends up there.
One night while there they were at a bar and he ended up "hooking up" with some girl. I know she hung out with him and his friends over the weekend. When he came back, we did get back together, with some conditions but still we were "together" and that is what mattered to me at the time. BUT I needed to know more about this girl. I learned that he had kissed her on her doorstep. I was pissed! I also learned that he kept her phone number in his wallet.
One evening I was at his place and he was in the other room or something, I grabbed his wallet, pulled out the number and took care of it. (This is the funny part.) There was no way I was going to let some IF hussy get to my boyfriend.
I don't think he ever noticed. He never mentioned it to me if he did.

Why do I tell you this story? I was in the kitchen thinking about Thanksgiving and what I have done on Thanksgiving in the past. This Thanksgiving happened to pop into my head and I thought I would just share that story with you all. Basically I am very protective and can be sneaky sneaky if needed.
I am contemplating writing down other Thanksgiving stories but not sure that I feel like taking the time. I have things to do, places to go, people to see...ok not really...sometimes I really do get tired of the computer.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Looking for Employment

Many of you who read my blog already know this but many don't; Rick was laid off last week. I have decided to help him with networking as much as I can that they is what I am doing on here. If you have a good head hunter or know of any jobs out there related to Human Resources, or Operations Management. (I can always send you Rick's resume if you would like.) Any thoughts or connections you might have would be greatly appreciated and we do pray that all of you continue to have employment in your homes.

Do You Bleed Red?

Last Saturday was the big Utah/BYU game. We were invited to a party are our friend Darci's. We didn't know anyone besides Darci and her husband and we had an awesome time! I haven't uploaded the photos I took yet so I just stole these from Darci's blog. Besides, I am not in the ones I took!
We had people rooting for both sides and it was so much fun. I just can't get over what a great time it was.
THANK YOU DARCI and FAMILY!!!

The Tale of Mr Wow

Most of you don't know the old Michele. You really only know the married Michele. Prior to dating Rick, heck even the first few months of dating Rick, Michele dated and she not only dated but she dated a lot. There were weeks where she would go on a date with 3 different guys. Granted there were times in Michele's life where she didn't date. She could go months without a date but when it rained, it poured.
So there was a time when Michele was dating a guy, let's call him Mr Wow because that is what Michele thought at the time and even called him. This guy was smart, seemed down to earth, came from a similar background and heck his family even had money. (He too like Rick when to Cottonwood, just at a different time.) So Michele would hang out with Mr Wow on and off for probably 18 months. A few times here and there. Michele couldn't really figure things out with him so she just did her own thing too. He wasn't ashamed of her, he did take her out in public and introduce her to his friends but he never committed. (Don't worry he wasn't married or anything like that. He just had a commitment problem.)
As time went on Michele got tired of this...even though she still thought he was seriously hot and had great intellectual conversations with him, but seriously, the making out was great. Michele isn't even sure what happened and why they stopped talking but they did. But life went on and fortunately Michele was able to get over him without much heartache. (She also learned at some point that about half the time they were hanging out Mr Wow was high on pot. He admitted to this at some point because he thought of himself being so smart that he "had to smoke pot just to bring himself down to the level of other people. I think this really helped Michele in getting over him.)
Mr Wow had a nephew who happened to be good friends Michele's youngest sister. Michele heard that he had decided to go back to school for his Doctorate in psychology. (We won't even go into the psycho analysis he did of Michele.) She also heard he was getting married. Michele was a bit shocked at this but thought, wow this chick must have something to get him to commit. Good for her. Then Michele forgot all about him.
Years later for some reason Michele happened to have Mr Wow cross her mind. At one point she thought he might be, "the one that got away". One this specific Sunday, Michele was REALLY bored so she decided to google his name. It was ALL over the place. This guy had gone back to school, had taught at this Blue school and had since moved to Florida and was teaching there. Not only did Michele find information from students rating him, which were highly entertaining because people actually mentioned how good looking he was....seriously ~ Who says that their college professor is hot in a public forum? But she also came across his wife's blog which was NOT private. (One more reason to be private, crazy x girlfriends, or boyfriends in my case who want to stalk me.) She had some photos on there as they happened to have had a baby not that long ago. Michele was able to find a photo of Mr Wow on there, but here's the thing...she had to look at more photos just to make sure it was him!
Michele knows that she has gained weight since dating him...like 40 pounds but she also knows she basically looks the same in the face. Not so for him. Mr Wow isn't Mr Wow he's hot any more. He is now Mr Wow has gained a ton of weight and aged! Michele almost felt sorry for him. She thought that maybe he carried all the baby weight for his wife.

The moral of our story...
Stalking can produce great fruits for our labors
Mr Wow isn't always going to be Mr Wow in a good way
Michele's current Mr Wow, has never been Mr Wow, he has always been Mr Perfect for her (And yes he knows about this story and laughed as he know that Michele used to be all over the place)

A Tastee Treat - Chewy Caramel Popcorn

I came across this recipe today and made it for the football party I attended. It was quick easy and mighty tasty.

CHEWY CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
1/2 of 14 oz. pkg. vanilla caramels 1 tbsp. water 2 tsp. butter 7 c. popped popcorn Combine caramels, water and butter in 4 cups liquid measuring cup. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cook popcorn in microwave oven then pour melted caramel over popcorn; mix well. Then shape into balls.

I didn't make balls...just left it all in a big bowl and it worked out well.
Just remember, GO UTES!

Giving Thanks

I have several friends who are really cool and have been writing every day for some time now what they are grateful for in their lives. I thought that this was something really nice to do but rather than doing it everyday I am just going to post this one time. (They are just nicer people that I am I suppose hehehe)

Family
I am grateful for family. My siblings mean the world to me. I am so grateful I have a relationship with my brother where we can just sit and chat. I must admit, I actually talk with him on the phone. (I guess I know I can tell him I am tired of the phone and he doesn't get offended when I want to stop talking.)
Anyway, my point is that I sure love my siblings. I am so very attached to them and don't know what I would do without them.
Extended Family
I have the most incredible extended family ever. They have accepted me as part of the family from day one. I was called Aunt Shel from the very first time I met the nieces. There are so many different family members (Rick is the next to the youngest of 6) and his parents...they are awesome. I am so grateful to be completely accepted and loved by my extended family.

The Gospel
I am grateful for the Gospel for being in my life. It has helped me become who I am. It has helped me over come so many trials and helped me understand why I have trials. I am so grateful that Rick and I were able to be sealed for time and eternity in the Temple.
I could go one and on with specifics but I think one gets the picture.

Technology
This is a very broad range...I am grateful to live in the day and age of modern medicine, (painkillers, anesthesia etc) the age of furnaces and refrigeration. I am grateful for computers and the ability to reconnect with old friends and stay in touch with family and current friends along with the ability to make new friends.

Friends
I am thankful to have the friends who care about me and my well being. I am some incredible friends from my ward and from high school. It is amazing again how technology has made things possible for me to reconnect with these old friends.

My Job
I am thankful to have the job I do. I am blessed to work with wonderful people who want to do what is right in this world. I have been blessed to have the freedom to do the things I have needed to do, such as bed rest, as much as I have needed and be told, Take care of yourself and not once, you need to get back here. (even though I did get the, you are missed and things aren't the same without you here.)

Rick
Yeah I know it is cheesy but it is true. I am very grateful to have Rick in my life. He is a blessing that was worth waiting for. I can't imagine being married to anyone else. He is the most perfect guy out there for me.

Aladdin

I just wanted to share with the world...I sure like the movie Aladdin. Since getting married I don't watch it like I used to. Marissa and I would watch it ALL the time since it is her favorite Disney movie. Whoa ~ Just had a flash back of the first time I saw it. It was kind of a date with a guy from high school. (hehehe NO I didn't make out with him.) His siblings were with us and he was my best friend. We went to the theater that is no longer a theater on Highland and almost 3300 south. You know the one that now has rugs for sale? hahaha I guess that is fitting.

Thank you Disney for having such a great movie on tonight.

Finding a Doctor

A few weeks ago when I had my viability scan and found out that I was not pregnant I had a very interesting aka bad experience with the scan tech and the doctor. I had been going to my dr for 14 years...ok not him personally but that clinic (I saw him once when I was 18 and have been going to the nurse practioner since I was 19). He took so little time and seemed to care so little that Rick decided along with me, that I would no longer be going there. (Don't even get me started on the tech. She was a total Bitch!)
So I need to have an annual done in January and have decided to start it off with a totally new doctor. My what a quest that has been. I asked the fertility clinic to give me their recommendations...
#1. High Rick patients only - I am not high risk
#2. Not taking new patients unless they are already pregnant...well that ain't me
#3. Some guy who has been practicing for 30ish years - he is the only one I found a comment on...overall it was good BUT it did comment that he does not take lots of one on one time and does not seem very thorough. The one on one and taking time...that is part of the issue of the doctor I am leaving.
#4. Not on my insurance

I asked for additional doctors at a different hospital since this list wasn't working. Fortunately one of the doctors listed is the doctor of a good friend of mine. (Thanks D!) I plan to call tomorrow~let's hope they are taking new patients.
I had no idea what a chore this would be. Maddy has been going through the same thing in Oregon. I now feel her pain.
I would like to make it known...my cousin ended up having a really bad time with the same doctor as me and has also changed doctors so it isn't just me being moody. I had no idea how lucky I was to have the same primary care physician since I was 16 and the same ob/gyn since I was 18. Also for the record, I do have a completely awesome dentist!

Up Date on Husband Tag

I was asked...when I first told Rick I loved him...gotta admit, I don't remember. I am thinking it was 3 weeks later. I will have to ask him cause he remembers that kind of stuff. We have a "dispute" about our first kiss. I will tell you this, I totally remember when and where he proposed to me. I think he remembers the exact time though.
As for color blindness...yeah it is cool and sad...my sisters and I used to tease him. One would say the correct color while the other two didn't. Thing is that he never knew which one of us was telling the truth. He can see light and dark. He knows when something is yellow. My favorite is this though...when I am wearing pink he thinks, hmm that looks grey, then the thinks, Michele doesn't wear grey therefore, it is pink.
He LOVES patterns. He picks them out better than anyone I have ever known. It is really rare that you will see Rick in a shirt that is NOT a pattern...

The Husband Tag

1. Where did we meet? While working at CR England

2. How long did we date before we got married? Long time...from Valentine's Day 2005 until December 14th 2006

3. How long have we been married? 2 years next month...have any ideas for our anniversary?

4. What is your favorite feature of his? His butt

5. What is your favorite quality of his? He is SO patient with me

6. Does he have a nickname for you? Shelly Belly Button

7. What is his favorite color? HAHAHA Are you serious? Whatever I tell him his favorite color is! (Rick is TOTALLY color blind, not just this red and green stuff)

8. What is his favorite food? He likes pasta but NOT with creamy sauce

9. When and where was your first kiss? At his apartment

10. What is his favorite sport? NASCAR, Green Bay, Ute Football, whatever is on... To play...Tennis

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Hang out and have Rick make me giggle

12. Do you have any children? Nope

13. Does he have a hidden talent? Rick is very good at reading people and knowing how to deal with them

14. How old is he? I plea the 5th on his behalf but his birthday is coming up on Thanksgiving!

15. Who said "I love you" first? Totally Rick...I told him I wish I could say it back but I can't.

16. What is his favorite type of music? Classic Rock, NO Country

17. What do you admire most about him? His ability to access the situation and make the best of it while keeping me happy.

Michele and Babies

I was hanging out with some friends last night...one of which has the cutest little 5 month old. He has all sorts of hair and looks so serious. He also appeared to be a cuddle bug. I wouldn't know...I didn't hold him. It isn't that I am afraid of babies or any of that...I remembered when we got home that in reality I haven't head a child under the age of one (other than my niece Katie) in more than a year now. It isn't that I really don't want to BUT they don't like me!
Seriously...it started last year at church one day. I asked to hold a child who was 6 months old. His mom was sitting next to me and instantly - I am not talking 5 or 10 second but INSTANTLY the child started to cry. This then happened again with the next 4 or 5 babies. I don't know what it is. I used to hold babies all the time and they liked me.
Here is the thing, it isn't that these children have to be with their mommies. They go to Rick just fine. Seriously...kids love Rick. It doesn't matter what age either. They all love him. Katie would smile at Rick LONG before she smiled at me. Little Jimmy her big brother always says, HI Shel, Where's Rick? It is the standard greeting.
I really don't mind. I actually think it is kinda funny now. I know someday when I have children that I won't have problems afterall I will be the cafeteria. They will have to like me but until then, if you have children and I don't hold them, just know that it is for the well being of the child and all around...I just don't want them to start crying!

The Telephone

A day or two ago I wrote a comment on a friends blog about texting. I thought I would expand and actually write a blog about it. She was mentioning that her young teenager texts all the time and commenting that it is what most teenagers do.
I have learned that the only way to communicate with my early 20's sister to to text her. It also has been very helpful to me in the last few weeks when I wanted to get info out to my nieces and others but didn't want to actually talk to any of them.
Over the years my use of the phone has changed. When I was in Jr High and High School I LOVED the phone. I was on it all the time. We didn't have the internet back then. By the time my siblings were in J.H and HS we had 4 phone lines in my house. Yes 4 for a total of 5 people. My brother and sister each had their own phone line. Most of the time if I remember correctly it was because they both had computers but my mom needed one for business and one for home. In reality I was usually on the business line at night and she on the home line. My sister's number is what was listed on her school registration. That meant that when she ditched school and they called home to say she had missed classes that it went to her line. The younger sister wasn't so fortunate.
I had a cell phone by 1996. (The included phone is the actual phone I had.) This was just barely after the brick era. I remember my bf at the time teasing me about it. I couldn't live without a phone. My dad had a car phone back in the 80's. I grew up with phones all around me.
Here we are 12 years later. Granted I couldn't live without a cell phone BUT it is not for talking anymore. I talk with Rick on it and my brother calls me but beyond that I really don't like the phone. I would MUCH rather use the internet. Email I think was the best thing invented. It makes it so I can write to someone, think about what I am saying and edit if needed. Then I can send it and they can get back to me when they are free. I am also given that freedom. If I don't want to talk with someone, I can just ignore their email...or phone call...Oh yes I LOVE caller id. I remember a guy I dated back when caller id was first coming around. He didn't think it would last long that it was too invasive. I don't know what I would do without. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without it. Yes I screen every call that comes into my house, if I am home. Rick doesn't even answer the phone unless it is his mom or sister at home.

Sorry this blog has been a rambling season but in the end here it is....I don't like the phone. I prefer to not talk on it if I can help it. I think that email and text messages are wonderful and when I don't answer your call...don't take it personally...I just don't take calls!

8 Things...Because I Need Something to Blog About

8 Things... this was actually really hard for me to do. I had a hard time coming up with 8 things on every question. Anyone who wants to do this tag is more than welcome to take it. (I added pictures because I have the time and because I like pretty pictures.)

8 T.V. Shows that I like to watch

1. CSI: Las Vegas, THE only CSI worth watching. Man George Eads is hot. Rick always refers to him as my boyfriend. I even have Rick watching it with me now

2. Samantha Who?: This is the cutest show. I highly recommend checking it out

3. Sports Center: Yes I watch this pretty much every day. I need to see what is going on in the world of sports but now that basketball is starting, and NASCAR is ending this will be watched less and less (I really dislike basketball! It is like putting pins under my finger nails to watch it.)

4. That 70's Show: I never watched it when it was on but now I sure think it is funny. I like to think that is what it was like for Rick growing up. He said that it was minus the drugs and sex ...his brother MORE than made up for the drugs and sex part

5. Two and a Half Men: This show cracks me up. Rick can be in the other room and he knows what I am watching by the way I am laughing

6. QVC: I am really into their Christmas Decor and Gifts lately. I bought Rick's birthday present, a digital frame from there. (No he doesn't read my blog. It would take more effort on the cpu that he is willing to put out.)

7. Seriously, there are no other shows I really enjoy watching. I just watch whatever seems to be on that isn't as boring as everything else. I do watch the military channel more and more lately. Since doing genealogy and knowing which relatives where in which wars it is interesting to see what type of things happened in these wars and what monstrous places are now available.

8. Saved By The Bell: Sometimes this in on the N channel. It used to be on every night at 9 but I am usually in bed by then and it isn't on at that time anymore


Favorite Restaurants: (Most of these happen to be right by my home which is great for the nights I don't want to cook)

1. Zupas: Mushroom Bisque has become my comfort food. When we were coming home after my D&C I told Rick this is the only thing I wanted to eat. Mind you by then I was starving and could have eaten everything in the place or any place for that matter.

2. Costa Vida: I personally think that their chicken has more flavor than Cafe Rio. Gotta love the kick of their ranch

3. Chili's: I could go and just eat chips and salsa. Before I was married I used to stop by and pick this up on the way home almost every Friday and my sister and I would sit in front of hte tv and have a picnic for dinner. (I know it is no wonder I have weight issues.)

4. Baja Cantina: Chicken Floutas, Nachos, Burritos....mmmmmmmmm

5. Jamba Juice: Yes we have this as a meal, especially in the summer after playing tennis.

6. Quizno's: I sure enjoy the Turkey, Ranch and Swiss on Rosemarry Parmesean bread

7. The Pie Pizzaria: Cheese please!

8. In N Out Burger: No I have not driven to St George since it opened there. If my grandparents were still alive they lived at the same exit at this fine restaurant. Ok really I just want the strawberry shakes and fries because I don't eat hamburgers but still...If I am eating at an In N Out, it means I am out of town, where it is warm

8 Things I did Today

1. Woke up early enough I was able to do some reading while taking my morning bath

2. Thought, this is going to be a great day, my desk area is warm when I first walked in. Since then the meetings have begun which are in the conference room behind my desk where the thermostat is and therefore I am now freezing!

3. Thought that I really need to lose 10-15 pounds because there are a lot of clothes I can't wear right now.

4. Came to work...sometimes this is a feat in itself

5. Been writing this blog

6. Gave out flair on facebook (Yes I am starting to grasp for things I have done today)

7. Already been irritated by one of the guys I work with. He is just so presumptuous and it pisses me off some days more than others...today being one of those bad days and NO he is NOT my boss yet he likes to tell me what to do

8. Prayed with Rick this morning

8 Things that I Look Forward To:

1. SUMMER and being warm again

2. Thanksgiving -which also happens to be Rick's birthday this year. We are going to his sister's house for dinner which means no putting up with crap from my mom

3. SUMMER

4. The day I can talk with my mom and have a normal adult conversation...probably won't happen until we are both dead. (Yes I have issues with the way my mom treats me)

5. Building our own home and moving in...this is on the docket for 2009!!!

6. SUMMER - Just in case you had forgotten

7. Weekends....I like being home with Rick when we don't have to do anything

8. Being done teaching primary...I love the kids but this year they have burned me out. Rick told me that he LOVES our calling. He then admitted that he doesn't do anything beyond crowd control. I don't even do anything anymore. I literally read the lesson as we go (6 year olds don't care) I am still burned out on it though. I am tired of having to deal with other people's brats who refuse to listen to me or Rick. (Ok so there really is only one of these in our class this year but he more than makes up for the others.) Maybe I shouldn't have children....(Good thing I know it is different with your own children.)

8 Things on my Wishlist (now you get to see my greedy, worldly side)

1. Building a house and moving into it!

2. A new car, preferably a Subaru Tribeca - I would like Rick to also have a new car

3. Not having to work but having enough money to travel - Oh yeah, Rick not having to work either so he can go play with me

4. Being skinny (I guess this would just take some hard work on my part. I have done it before and just haven't felt like doing it again. I got rid of all my skinny clothes so that they aren't in my closet taunting me anymore.)

5. I wish I could go to Disneyland every year. Maybe I would get tired of it then but since I didnt' go until my honeymoon, I am totally entralled with it. California Adventure too! You gotta love Tower of Terror!

6. Ok since this is a wishlist...I wish I were out of debt including our wished for cars and home. I would be fine living on just enough money to take care of my regular needs if we had no debt

7. I wish I had smaller boobs! (Even when I loose weight they are too big for what I personally would like)

8. I wish I lived where it was warmer and didn't snow!

Finally Feeling Better

I figure that most everyone who reads this since I went private knows that I had a D&C done last Monday. I would like to announce that today I am starting to feel well again....Emotionally, physically and mentally.
I had an interesting experience at work which made me know how true this really is...
There is a guy named Peter who really bugs me at work. He is a nice guy but is a total air head and bugs the crap out of me most of the time, even though he means well. So today I was in the back (my desk is up front totally away from everyone so I have Michele space) and Peter asked...SO how are you feeling? I asked back, Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? He said, Intellectually. Well I am the only girl so I had to point out that I am always great that way. He said how about physically. I said, well I spent all weekend in bed from about 4:00 Friday on because of cramps but I seem to be doing much better. He asked if I had much nausea. I said, well no, I haven't had any. He said, wow you are lucky but that isn't good you are hurting. I said, Peter, you know I had a miscarriage and had a D&C last Monday right? He just stood there shocked. One of the other guys at work who has been a great strength to me (he had a premi die and also a 3 month old of SIDS) said, Peter doesn't ever come to work he doesn't keep up on these things.
I didn't tear up or anything. I was able to present things very clearly and didn't tear up. I was SO proud of myself. Especially after Sunday when I pretty much cried the entire day. I also made it through the day with no pain killers today.
I do believe I am past the worst and I know that it is because of the prayers of not only myself but my friends. Thank you so much for loving me as you do and that you have all prayed for me.

High School and Facebook

I had a dream about high school last night. I had to go back. Not only did i have to go back it had been about 5 years since I had graduated, others I went to school with were all there and the Jr's and Sophomores were all 5 and 6 years younger. One thing I remember was sitting on the bleachers on the west side of the football field. This was the home side. One girl who I always thought was pretty and yet nice (Josie Gay for those I went to high school with) had to do some gymnastics type thing. I don't know if she could do this in real life back then but in my dream she was struggling and I remember thinking, yeah 5 years will make us all soft. I never could do any gymnastics though. I was lucky to do a cartwheel or a somersault.
This brought back all sorts of memories this morning I thought I would share...
When I was in HS I SO wanted to be a cheerleader. Heck I wanted to be any sort of officer. I ran for office each year and never won. I could have tried out for Pep Club and probably would have made it, but I was too chicken. I wanted to be on dance company, and back then I really could dance but I was too chicken. Seriously about 10 minutes before it was my turn to try out, I went home. Just grabbed all my stuff and walked home.
My senior year I did try out for cheerleader. I made it through primaries...probably because and only because there were exactly the right amount of people trying out to make it to the finals. When we were paired up I was paired with the tallest guy. I was still one of the shorter girls but I suspect it was because I was the heaviest. Man I think back now what I thought heavy was and what I would do to weigh that little again...anyway...I didn't make it. I know that so much of this had to do with me not being able to physically do any gymnastics but I know it also had to do with popularity. I could have turned around and run for Song Leader but for some reason I decided to run for some other office and lost. My dreams of being an officer in school never happened.
My senior year I was so ticked I didn't go to anything that entire year. Not a single football game nor dance. Oh wait, I did go to homecoming, I had been asked then was stood up. I called a friend from another high school and asked him to take me since I had never been to homecoming and it was my last chance. He was cool like that.
So anyway...As some if not all of you know, I am on facebook. I have developed some awesome friendships from people from high school. I notice though, they have lots of friends on facebook from high school that I don't have. For awhile I was trying to add people I knew, but they never wrote to me or anything. I thought, maybe they really don't remember me so I stopped adding people. Since then only 2 people have asked to add me as friends.
I am wondering what people really thought in high school now. I thought I was fairly popular and well liked. That most people knew who I was. I knew who most people were and I tried to be friends but I am thinking that fewer people actually knew who I was. (This is easier to swallow than to think that people really didn't like me...and this really probably is the case.)
I realize that high school was 15 years ago and heck I don't really care what happened in my life 5 years ago let alone 15 but facebook has caused me to think about these things. I am glad I am on there because of the friendships I have from it BUT man it brings up some bad memories from time to time. I am sure glad we don't have to go back in our lives and re-live parts! That is one part I sure would skip. (I was just thinking as I tagged this of the movie Never Been Kissed. That would seriously be my biggest nightmare. I didn't get teased to my face as Josie Grosie did BUT I know people talked about me behind my back. I had one friend who actually told me some of the stuff. The point is, I sure was a lot like her in high school.)

Dear Jake

Dear Jake~ I do so enjoy your whit. I am sorry you moved to Logan and the land of the frozen tundra. I miss our days of being able to hang out...since I am obviously too dang lazy to drive that far north. (Not that it isn't pretty up there. It is gorgeous but just so dang cold.) My blood is too thin for it now. - I had to get in a Keith comment.
Thank you for commenting on my blog. I do so hope you are able to do so often.

Love from your cousin,

Michele

PS...Tell Monica that her comments are great too!

Not Sure What to Call This

Last week while I was home I received a call from Church Headquarters. They called at 8:30 in the morning which #1 I thought as odd. They were trying to locate the address of Rick's x-wife. She has been inactive for 30+ years. The odd thing is that she had just moved the week before and we were trying to find out her address anyway. The timing of it was just odd.
So I got their number to call them back and did a few days later when I had her address. While talking with the membership clerk I found out the name of the bishop for where she lives, with Rick's 2 boys, who are not members. I called him and spoke with him...telling him that not only is she now in his ward so are 2 non-members and to feel free to try and get the missionaries to them.
The sad this is that the younger might actually be interested in learning about the Church but as long as he lives with his mom, it isn't going to happen because she won't allow it. (He is 20 years old!)
I feel all tricky tricky for giving out her address to the Church, someone she obviously did NOT want to know where she lived. I also know it was the right thing to do. =)

Private Investigator

Does anyone know a PI that would do some stalking for a decent price? Or does anyone want to do some stalking for me? This is the real deal type stalking too...

Mean Girls

Since I decided to already go private rather than waiting until the end of the week, I can already start positing things I wouldn't have posted before.
Today at church we took our usual bathroom break. Let me tell you, I need it as much as the kids do. So we were standing next to the drinking fountain waiting for the boys...they sure take a long time...when I overheard one little girl talking to the other. I missed the first part but I did catch, "And no body likes you so you." She then moved to be away from the girl she said this to.

Ok I remember the mean girls when I was in 5th and 6th grade but from 6 year olds...(Ok I probably was the mean girl at that age.) The girl that this was said to just took it. She didn't fight back or anything. The thing is, this is not the first time I have heard this at church! The time before though the little girl did end up crying. I think she actually had tears in her eyes once we got back to class today. I have never heard this girl say a mean thing.

Girl #1 Mean Girl
Girl #2 Other Girl

About 2 months ago I heard girl #1 tell girl #2, Stop bragging, no body cares about what you are going to do.
The sad thing is, I knot that Girl #1 has learned this from her mom. Her mom can be so nice and sweet yet she totally has a mean streak to her. (She once made one of those mean girl type comments to me...like in the movie where Regina says, Oh I love it. Then turns and starts ripping on the girls skirt.) I know she has scared me...

I just hope and pray that girl #2 knows that she is loved and that girl #1 someday learns that saying these things is not right.

Survey - It's Been Awhile

50 ODD Things about you! (Please excuse my brashness, I am in one of those moods)

1) Do you like bleu cheese?
NO it is mold. (Yes Rick eats it all the time and it grosses me out)

2) Have you ever smoked?
NEVER

3) Do you own a gun?
No, but only because Rick doesn't want one in our house. Our family members more than make up for us so if I need one, I know where to go.

4) Do you have a favorite drink at sonic?
It used to be the orange cream slushie but the sonic by my home can't make it so I don't go to sonic

5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointment?
depends on why I am there!

6) What do you think of hot dogs?
They are one of the most revolting foods invented. They should be banned from human consumption

7) Favorite Christmas song?
Fum, Fum, Fum done by Mannheim Steamroller

8) What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Skim milk and then my light Muscle Milk when I get to work so I get in my 20 grams of protein for the day

9) Can you do push ups?
Probably not

10) Do you live with your parents?
That goodness, NO

11) What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
my wedding rings

12) Favorite hobby?
Genealogy on the computer

13) Ever been in a car wreck?
yeah....

14) Do you have A.D.D.
no, I don't think ADD is real. I believe it is a made up disease for people who have no control over themselves and for people who don't want to let little boys be little boys because they are too lazy to take responsibility

15) What's one trait that you love about yourself?
I am really good at being a bitch? Oh wait, that isn't supposed to be a good thing....uh, I can play by myself?

16) Middle name?
Anastasia - Yes I am telling the truth

17) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment??
I need to go to the bathroom, my fingers are freezing, what the heck am I going to do when I am done with this for the rest of the day at work

18) Name 3 things you bought today?
nothing...yet

19) Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?
water, milk, muscle milk

20) How many children do you have?
Zilch =)

21) Current hate right now?
COLD, SNOW, COLD, did I mention, Cold?

22) What did you do on Valentines day?
Uh...went to work?

23) How did you bring in the New Year?
Sleeping in my nice warm bed

24) Where would you like to go?
Somewhere warm, like Cancun, where I can have Pablo the pool boy bring me pina coladas and chips with salsa

25) Name three people who will complete this?
uh...no one...most people don't have to waste time like I do

26) Do you own slippers?
Oh yeah!

27) What shirt are you wearing?
a white t-shirt, that actually has a big blue paint spot right on the boob cause I got too close to the wall when painting and I didn't have another white t-shirt that was clean to go under the Red front zip hooded sweater with snow flakes I am also wearing today.

28) Do you like sleeping?
Sure

29) Can you whistle?
well enough for me to be happy but not loud enough to do anything with it

30) Favorite color(s)?
PINK

31) Would you be a pirate?
lol nah, there are enough of those in my family already but then again, if I could live where it is warm like in Tortuga that would be cool.

32) What songs do you sing in the shower?
I don't sing in the shower. It takes a lot of concentration to wash this much hair

33) Do you believe in God?
I sure do!

34) What kind of car do you drive?
A Subarua wagon, even though I am not a tree hugger

35) Whats in your pocket?
probably some lint, I pulled these jeans out of the dryer this morning and they were still warm when I put them on

36) Last thing that made you laugh?
I don't know...

37) Favorite Sports?
NASCAR, football is alright, baseball is good in person. I don't waste my time on basketball. Oh heck what I am I saying, I watch all sports except boxing and ultimate fighting. I just don't like them all


38) Worst injury you've ever had?
I had a concusion in 4th grade

39) Do you love where you live?
Eh, I like my little world but I am sick of my apartment. I hate the cold of Utah, so I guess the answer is, not so much


40)How many tv's do you have in your house/apartment?
2 - The big screen in the family room and a regular tv by my computer

41) Who is your loudest friend?
Marissa

42) How many dogs do you have?
NONE, thank goodness - if needed I can point you to my blog about why I don't like pets....

43) Does someone have a crush on you?
hehehe

44) Favorite Boy's name?
I don't like boys names. If I even have a boy child his name will be Rusty...Rusty Nell

45) Favorite Girl's name?
As long as we have Rusty why not, Hammern...Hammerin Nell


46) What is your favorite candy?
Depends, sometimes I want fruity or tart or sometimes I want chocolate...I just like candy

47) Favorite Sports Team?
Which sport??? Pro Football - Green Bay Packers, Hockey - Chicago Blackhawks, Baseball - Atlanta Braves, College Football - U of U Utes, NASCAR - Hendrick Racing, even though Jimmy Johnson is a dick so he doesn't count

48) What song do you want played at your funeral?
Uh, nice music?


49) What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Sleeping, like a normal human being


50) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
Rick, why the heck did you have to wake me up for my snoring, now I will NEVER get back to sleep

Going Private

I have decided to go private. I told Rick when he first found out I was blogging that it was private. Well I need to honor that. Besides, I have decided that I have some things I want to say and I don't want the world to see them.
I am going to go private on Nov 15th so that gives you plenty of time to let me know if you want to be kept on my list or not. If you know I have your email, just leave me a comment so I know to add you. If I don't have your email, send it to me. If you don't have mine...we will figure it out.

By the way, homemade soft ginger cookies are a really good breakfast.

My World - Has Become Teeny Tiny

Since moving to Draper my world has shrunk. I lived until the age of 13 in Arlington Hills and the Avenues. Then we lived in Olympus Hills until I was married almost 2 years ago. Therefore, going downtown was not a big deal. I grew up hanging out at Crossroads Mall and I even went to an "inner city school". (I didn't know it was inner city at the time.) I worked out in West Valley for almost 5 years and knew my way around there as well. And while working there we often went to lunch downtown.
I had no issues going anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley. I didn't mind it one bit.
I have been working near Thanksgiving Point for about 18 months now and my world has drastically shrunk. There is one reason and one reason alone for me going north of 12300 South...to visit family. (Ok and maybe the occasional doctor's visit.) Since Harmon's opened on Bangerter (13800 south) I rarely even make it to 12300 South. I go up there for the library which is actually on 12400. Seriously, there are very few reasons for me to drive north of there.
Then there is Utah County. I go to Lehi/American Fork all the time. It is only 15 min away from my office, as is 12300 south. I never thought I would know Lehi as well as I do. Going to the Roller Mill to get brownie mix, a regular occurence.
I just googled the directions of Draper to Lehi. It is less than 15 miles!!! That's right, my world is down to approx 12.8 miles. The odd thing about all of this...I like it - even if Rick teases me now that I drive like a grandma when I do get into traffic compared to the aggressive maniac I used to be. So those of you who gave me suggestioned on places for pedicures, please don't take it personally but north of 12300 south, just too far north for me. (But I do appreciate the suggestions.)

Pedicure

I need a pedicure. I have needed one for a long time but I am REALLY picky on where I go. There are only 2 places I trust and they are just too far away for my lazy butt to drive there. Does anyone know of a good place in Draper? I don't want some school or place where people are just learning. I want somewhere that has the full ambiance and all that too.

White Chocolate Berry Pie

I think this is the recipe I used for my white chocolate raspberry pie. I know it is from the same place and sounds pretty much the same, but it has a different picture from the original. I guess things can change over 3 years.
I did a graham cracker crust. The thought of flaky tasteless crust made me think that it would detract from the tastiness of this wonderful pie.
If you decide to make this wonderful pie and it turns out...don't forget to share it with the one who introduced you to it. ;-)
(the link is in the title)

Ricky Sticky

I don't think Rick knows that everyone I know, knows his nick name is Ricky Sticky (Did you track that?) He probably wouldn't be so happy if he knew so for my safety, please don't call him Ricky Sticky to his face.
Rick pretty much does all the house work around here. I cook and that is about it. Tonight the Paparazzi caught him cleaning up dinner.I was thinking that it would be cool to do a blog with all the photos I have of Rick's hand in front of his face. The only problem is that they are on various discs. (I don't have an external hard drive and since my itunes takes up 37% of my hard drive, I have to put my photos on discs. Today I was down to 181MB on my hard drive...but this is all for another day. We are talking about Rick and the paparazzi.)
A few months ago my step mom asked me to get a photo of Rick without him making a face or putting his hand in it. She said, I don't think I have ever seen a normal photo of him. It sure made me laugh. Yes I have them, BUT they are few and far between. I wouldn't trade my camera shy house cleaning Rick for anyone!