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. =)