My Extra Ordinary Life

read

2012-02-11T10:50:00.001-08:00

My favorite book i've read this year so far is Girl In Translation. It was an easy read and left me feeling grateful for my upbringing and my blankets and sweaters. I recommend.

I am currently reading The Year Of the Flood by Margaret Atwood. It's a sequel to one of my FAVORITE books ever called Oryx and Crake. Atwood is brilliant.

I wish I could quit my job and stay home and read and write all day.

I need

2012-02-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

An adventure.

I missed you

2012-02-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Things i've been doing:

reading

laughing

coloring

eating, a lot

baking

sharing

reading

writing

day dreaming

brain storming

petting cats

brushing cats

cleaning up cat puke

learning

making new friends

adoring my old friends

hip hop abs

counting my blessings

reading

thrifting

working

and meowing.

Pesto

2011-12-20T08:16:00.001-08:00

I could eat pesto 3 times a day. I shouldn't, but I could. It's rich and bright and gives you really bad breath. Traditional pesto includes basil, pine nuts, and pecorino romano cheese, just to name a few ingredients. Do you know how expensive pine nuts are? What about basil when it isn't in season? I do, and its more than a girl like me can afford but I refuse to live without pesto so I compromise and improvise. I learned that you can use other greens in lieu of basil and less expensive nuts to replace the pine nuts. I usually make it vegan which also saves me some money but i'll offer both versions of the recipe here.

Vegan Pesto, Improvised
3 packed cups of spinach or arugula, or a combination of both
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup walnut pieces
roughly 2 tablespoons of olive oil to bring it all together
2 heaping tablespoons of nutritional yeast

In a strong blender or food processor pulse together the greens, garlic, and nuts. Add the nutritional yeast and olive oil and blend until its a consistency that you like. I like mine less chunky and more smooth. If you like chunks, that's cool. Taste- adjust with salt and pepper if you desire.

If you eat dairy or just don't know what the hell nutritional yeast is then use this version.

Pesto, Improvised
3 packed cups of spinach or arugula, or a combination of both
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/4 C parmesan cheese (shaved or shredded is fine)
roughly 2 tablespoons of olive oil to bring it all together

In a strong blender or food processor pulse together the greens, garlic, and nuts. Add the cheese and olive oil and blend until its a consistency that you like. Taste- adjust with salt and pepper.

Eat this on crackers, toss with pasta, dip carrots in it, dip your finger in it.
Enjoy!

ABC

2011-08-25T10:10:00.001-07:00

Age: 24 (almost 25)

Bed Size: Queen. Thanks Meg and Quinn!!

Chore you hate: cleaning the blinds. WORST.

Dogs: Lizzies.

Essential start of your day: stretch and fuzzy

Favorite Color: Purple..Blue.. Orange... Rainbow?

Gold or silver: Silver

Height: 5'7

Instruments I play (or have played): Tried to play piano. FAIL.

Job Title: Porting Specialist/ SIP Relay Local Number Team Leader

Kids: I like other peoples kids until they scream or shit themselves.

Live: SLC, always
Mom's Name: Paula

Nickname: Candy, Candyass, Cand, The Great One (I made that up)

Overnight hospital stays: None! I've been lucky

Pet Peeve: Chewing with mouth open, lying, negative perspectives

Quote from a movie: You taste like a burger, I don't like you anymore.

Right: Wrong-o

Siblings: two beautiful older sisters and one handsome younger brother

Time you wake up: 6-7

Underwear: My mom makes me wear it.

Vegetables you dislike: Onion. Damn the onion!!!

What makes you run late: Kitten snuggles.

X-rays you've had done: None that I remember?

Yummy food you make: sandwiches. I make sandwiches. people seem to like them. also my potato salad.

Zoo animal: Monkeys are bad ass.

YOUR TURN!

OMG!!!

2011-08-05T08:50:00.001-07:00

HE'S COMING HOME!!
I can't believe its been two years already. Some parts of it felt like they were passing painfully slow. Now that we've reached the end I feel like it went by so fast! I wonder if he is ready to come home. I hope he isn't too weird for too long.... I love you little brother boy.

what my dreams look like pt 2

2011-07-11T14:23:00.001-07:00

Someday.
Yesterday my mother was showing me all the magical things she acquired when she and her sisters were cleaning out part of Grandmas sewing room. Zippers, lace, ric rac, fabrics, patterns, buttons, needles, beads, and doo dads of all sorts. My Grandma made everything at home! I know she sewed most of my aunts clothes and taught them how to sew too. I'm so grateful that my mom has tried to pass that on to me. I'm terrible at it but I can do straight lines and I want to learn more! I would love to make my own clothes and be as handy as my mom and her mom are.
Someday.

Want.

2011-06-14T16:38:00.001-07:00

This is what my dreams are made of.

this too shall pass

2011-06-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

If you followed the link in my last post to my mothers blog then I'm sure you read all about my Grandma Jean passing away. I was feeling too messy to write about it but my mom is stronger and braver and she wrote it all down, honestly and sincerely. The past month has been intense and emotional and overwhelming. But we made it through! I have the most incredible family and friends. I felt so much lighter and peaceful once my sisters got here. I need them so much more than they know. I am extremely fortunate. I miss Jean. She made things so simple, I want to be more like her. I could talk forever about the funeral and all the people who supported us and all my memories of Jean but it's still a little too tender and I'm going to keep it to myself for a while still.

Mom and I at the funeral luncheon.

The cats and I have moved out of my tiny one bedroom apartment at the Oxford Place. We are setting up shop and getting cozy in a big (bigger than I've ever lived in besides my parents) blue house by the capitol. I have my own freaking backyard with space to plant vegetables. The house has great potential and I'm excited to fix it up and make it beautiful. My life long friend Mikayle is going to move in with me pretty soon here. We lived together once before and it seemed to work out pretty well and I think we'll make a good team again. The house needs work but I've got permission to paint pretty much anything I want (turquoise kitchen here I come) and since the landlord is my best friends husband, I think any projects I want to do will be approved. Moving was stressful and emotional (why am I such a baby?) but with my mom and dad and my amazing boyfriends (curtis I adore you) help we got it all done. Lisa is a saint and helped me sanitize the kitchen. I do not know what I would do without her, she is a fabulous friend indeed. Did I mention I have a white picket fence now? Dreamy.

Quinn and Megan- Making my new house possible for me. I love them so much. So blessed to have her as my sister soul mate. You can kinda see the white picket fence way back in the background!

Elton and Coop stepping outside into their new yard. I hope they are brave and earn some street cred.

More to come, hopefully.

words

2011-05-09T11:27:00.001-07:00

There are certain things I just can't find words for.
Head on over to my moms blog to read about my Grandma, if you want.

http://pollywog-jensenfamily.blogspot.com/

Caturday

2011-05-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have a million things to do today.

But first, a nice yummy breakfast with Lisa. Sometimes I call her at 9am and wake her up and make her walk to my house so I can make tofu scramble and not eat it all alone. I won't say I never bribe her.

Green Tea, pancakes, and tofu scramble with bok choy.

Today is going to rule.

Chocolate Chip Cookies. The endless hunt.

2011-05-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

The smell of cookies baking is something I was raised on. My mom bakes all the time. I suspect it makes her feel good. She baked for us, for family, for neighbors. All of our friends knew that when they came to play there would be cookies. Paula = baked goods, it's a fact. My dad has one cookie recipe in his head and he bakes them often. I've never seen it written down. He has it memorized. He always burns them, on purpose I think.

I have tried at least ten different vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes and I can't seem to find the right one. These are okay but not my favorite. Recipe comes from Vegan with a Vengeance by Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Ingredients:

1 C margarine

1 1/4 C sugar

1 T molasses

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 C flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350

Cream together the margarine and sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

They're ok. Share your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe with me! I'm comfortable replacing up to two eggs but not more than that.

I gave up.

2011-04-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Clearly I have given up on the 30 day photo challenge. It was fun for a minute but I just can't blog every single day.

I have a lot going on right now. This semester is coming to an end and even though my workload is light it still stresses me out beyond belief. I don't test well. I get so nervous and anxious and suddenly everything I learned is gone out the window. I am really grateful that I have the opportunity to continue learning though and I'm trying not to mess it up.

Grandma is still living at my moms house. I am enjoying Sunday visits even though they have become more and more saddening. I don't know how my mom does this every day. Camille and I have decided that none of us are going to get old, we're all just going to die in a freak gasoline fight. Since i'm not having kids it really worries me that i'm going to be old and no one will be there to take care of me. I guess we'll see what happens.

I'm moving out of my apartment at the end of May. I pray everything goes well and works out like i'm planning. Megans fiance owns a house and the people living in it now will be moving out so that is where I plan to go. The house has a great backyard and I would be able to plant a garden! Plus having your best friends husband as your landlord is probably nice.

Sarah is coming home at the end of May. Its going to be the best summer ever.

I have so much to look forward to and life is good.

day fourteen.

2011-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

14. A picture of you and your best friend

I have the best friends in the universe.

Lisa and I riding our bikes

Sarah and I at the only real party we ever had at our apartment.

Me and Megs.

I'd be lost without these three girls, no doubt.

day thirteen

2011-04-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

13. A picture of you hugging someone

This picture makes me laugh for reasons I could never explain.

day twelve. easiest day of all.

2011-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

12. A picture of you with your pets

day eleven

2011-04-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

11. A picture that your hair looks nice in

This is kind of a weird one. I like my hair in this photo. I'm trying to grow it out so I can curl it again.

day ten.

2011-04-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

10. A picture of you with family

This photo is kind of old. I can't believe Liv was ever that small and our new special Sammy isn't featured here but still this is one of my favorite pictures of us. Mostly because I remember how insanely hilarious it was to do this photo shoot. We probably took 25 different shots to make sure all of our eyes were open (kate).

day nine

2011-04-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

9. A picture of you with friends

day eight

2011-04-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

8. A picture with someone you love

My sisters and my mother are some of my best friends. And Olivia is an angel and she saved my life.

day seven

2011-03-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

7. A picture of you when you were little

I was cute.

day six

2011-03-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

6. A Picture of what you ate today - This was breakfast.

Banana nut bread!

What you need:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

What you do:
Preheat oven to 350.
Mash bananas together with oil.
Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Pumpkin Pie Spice, and walnuts. It will seem dry at first but just keep stirring and it'll come together.

Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.

I loved this recipe. It was simple. No eggs, no milk, no substitutes for either. Very little oil. Mother approved. Grandmother approved as well!

day five

2011-03-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

5. A photo of your Tumblr Crushes

http://everythingharrypotter.tumblr.com/

day four.

2011-03-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

4. A photo of your favorite musician/band

No surprises here, I was raised on Jimmy Buffett. I couldn't find a real video for this song but it is my favorite of his.

day three.

2011-03-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

3. A picture that makes you smile

Dancing with Olivia. No place i'd rather be.

day two.

2011-03-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

2. A picture of yourself a year ago

This was exactly one year ago. I had just made Kayla cut my bangs into the unfortunate shape you see below. The V bang. What was I thinking? I don't think my sisters will ever stop making fun of me. Anyway this was a nice day my uncles Chris and Kim came to visit with my Grandpa Lisle. I love my uncles very much and I hold a special place in my heart for each of them. I always know when my dad is talking to Chris on the phone because of the way he laughs. Their relationship is really tender.

Chris and I

Doin it.

2011-03-25T11:08:00.001-07:00

Just saw this 30 day challenge on Says blog and thought I'd jump on the train too.

So here we go:
1. Your current facebook picture

Sarah took this picture one evening at my apartment with some friends. Elton sits on my shoulder like that every morning. He likes to walk around with me but doesn't usually do this when others are there. A bit shy I guess but he comes out to play for Sarah because she is their long lost mother.

2. A picture of yourself a year ago

3. A picture that makes you smile

4. A photo of your favorite musician/band

5. A photo of your Tumblr Crushes

6. A Picture of what you ate today

7. A picture of you when you were little

8. A picture with someone you love

9. A picture of you with friends

10. A picture of you with family

11. A picture that your hair looks nice in

12. A picture of you with pets

13. A picture of you hugging someone

14. A picture of you and your best friend

15. A picture of you today

16. A picture from the last time you went out of town

17. A picture of your favorite movie

18. A picture of a celebrity you find attractive

19. A picture that means a lot to you but not many people will understand

20. A picture of your favorite meme

21. A picture of your favorite video game

22. A picture of someone from your favorite sports team

23. A picture of your city

24. A picture of your desktop

25. A picture of the weather

26. A picture of you doing something physical

27. A picture of you with beautiful scenery

28. A picture of something you despise

29. A picture of something you miss

30. Anything!

I'm back

2011-03-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

My oven has been out of commission for almost a month. When I noticed it was a definite fire hazard I stopped using it and called my landlord right away. He is usually very quick to fix any issues for me but 3 1/2 freaking weeks later I have my oven back. But its not my oven, its a new oven. Not a new new oven, I'm not that spoiled. But its new to me and clean and shiny and I can't wait to use it....

The question is... what do I bake first?

pumpkin oatmeal cookies?

risotto and roasted asparagus?

enchiladas?

sweet potato fries?

Infinite possibilities!!!

secret pleasure with dill

2011-03-19T08:07:00.001-07:00

I don't know if anyone else would enjoy this sandwich type thing but I absolutely drool over it. Something about the dill and cream cheese combined with the refreshing crisp crunch of the cucumber just makes my mouth water.

What you need (for one serving. use common sense for more than one serving):

2 slices wheat bread of your choice, TOASTED

2 Tbsp tofutti better than cream cheese

1 heaping Tbsp fresh chopped dill or a good tsp. dried dill

1/2 cucumber sliced thin

salt to taste

What you do:

Toast bread

In small bowl combine cream cheese and dill and salt to taste.

Spread mixture on toasted bread. Top with sliced cucumber. Voila!

Easy as 123 and you'll be satisfied I assure you.

Red Lentil Delight

2011-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday I drive out to my parents house to spend time with them. I try to use the time wisely for laundry and homework but most the time I end up eating and napping with Grandma. I have learned that unless I come prepared with something from my own pantry, my dinner wont be as satisfying. Not to say that my parents don't cook well, quite the opposite actually. They're the best cooks I know! Always whipping up tamales and Chile verde or a big pan of enchiladas. (we are way too gringo to eat this much Mexican food) The meals aren't exactly meatless though so I know I have to bring something for myself to compliment whatever they've got going on. Anyway, I brought red lentils. I wanted soup. It's still pretty chilly outside and I think rainy March weather is perfect for good hearty soups. I knew my mom would have everything else I needed so I got to work.

Red Lentil Soup

What you'll need:
1 T. olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped (I used about 10 baby carrots)
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 1/2 C red lentils
4 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. thyme leaves
1 tsp. chili garlic sauce (optional)
1 tsp. "poultry" seasoning (I found this amazing seasoning at smiths and its basically just rubbed sage, thyme, rosemary)
salt and pepper to taste

What you'll do:

Heat olive oil in a good sized pot on medium high heat and add onion, carrot, and celery. Saute for about 5 minutes. I'm a firm believer that 90% of good soups should start this way. (mirepoix)

Add the rest of the ingredients. Lentils, broth, bay leaf, thyme, chili garlic sauce if using, "poultry" seasoning, salt and pepper.

Stir everything together, turn heat down to medium, cover with a lid and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 or so minutes. Taste and season as you wish with more salt or pepper or any spices you see fit.

It magically turns into a creamy lentil delight. It is filling and good for you! It isn't the most attractive looking soup though...

Sorta looks like baby food?

Aren't my parents cute? Making gravy for their mashed potatoes. My dad is a gravy genius.

Tofu Scramble: My version

2011-03-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

A recipe for this isn't really necessary. These are more like guidelines. I've been enjoying tofu scramble for a few years, long before I gave up eggs. It is a high protein, low fat, low cholesterol meal that you can pack full of veggies. Basically cook it up just like you would your scrambled eggs.

What you need:

1 tsp olive oil

1 package firm tofu, crumbled

1 clove garlic, diced
1 jalapeno, chopped
1 carrot, chopped

1 tsp turmeric (this turns it yellow like scrambled eggs)

soy sauce- few good squirts

salt and pepper to taste

Thats my friend bok choy hiding back there. I like to add a green to mine but its optional.

What you do:

Heat oil in good size skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic, jalapeno, carrot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add crumbled tofu.
Add turmeric, salt and pepper and stir to combine everything.
Add soy sauce and let it all cook for about 5 minutes stirring here and there. This is the step where i'd also add any optional fast cooking veggies like mushrooms and spinach or bok choy or tomatoes.

The whole thing should take about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Pretty purple flowers from Lisa.

I enjoy mine on wheat toast usually with a few slices of avocado and tomato on top. A good hot sauce always spices things up too.

things I love

2011-02-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

In no particular order:

Little Cheeto and his mother

Quinn, Meg, and I at the Gabba Gabba show!

My beautiful mother

Say McAnderson

My father and his brothers.

Lisa Lobes Lynn

My family.

These furry beasts.

My ladies.

This boy.

Lizzy

my Kate

to be continued

also

2011-02-07T07:46:00.001-08:00

Did I mention that Sarah came home for a visit too? She is here for some family stuff so I am just taking every opportunity I get to visit with her even if its just for a bowl of spaghetti.

soup or bowl

2011-02-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Rather than bore you with why I havent blogged i'll just dive right in to what i'm up to.

Camille has been in town for almost a month and she's staying for another couple weeks. It is so wonderful to have her and her kids here. Olivia is the sweetest little girl I ever met. Sam is so amazing. He is perfect. The miracle of baby making will never cease to blow my mind. He is so miniature it scares me sometimes. Holding a baby might seem like fun to most of you but its a huge responsibility to me. Ok ok its fun too. I love to feed him and rock him and smell his baby smell. I have successfully avoided changing his diapers too. I've seen him crap or pee on everyone but me. He must love me. Kellen and Camille are really good parents and you can see it in Olivia every time she says please and thank you and sits quietly and eats her broccoli. Sam will be just as good I have no doubt.

School is going really well. I'm only taking two classes again this semester. I don't know how people work full time jobs and go to school and balance everything else in their lives. I'll figure it out. Can anyone suggest a career path that does not require any math classes other than 1010? Let me know.

Grandma came to live with us (when I say us I mean my mom but hey I live there too sorta not really but you know what I mean) and its been very up and down. On the upside I get to see my Grandma every day. Sometimes I feel like because we lived so far away from them growing up that I didnt get to spend a ton of time with my moms parents. I have a lot of incredible memories of Grandma reading stories to me and Grandpa and his stilts and how I was never brave enough to play on the rope swing in the backyard. We're making many more memories now that she is with us too. Just yesterday I got to explain to her what I burrito is. Something that I eat once or twice a week and she had never even heard of it. On the downside I also have to watch my mom take care of her mom and I know it isn't easy. My mom is the bravest most patient person that I have ever known. Its safe to say that the ugly elephant in the room is that my Grandma is really old and slowly deteriorating and she probably wont live for that much longer. It scares me and it makes me uncomfortable and its real and raw but its life and eventually we all meet our end. I'm happy we can provide her with good company and little things in life that mean a lot to her. She thinks we have all the luxuries. We can flush our toilet paper!!

Life is good and i'm just trying to live it fully.

He isnt great at keeping his eyes open for the camera but I looooove him.

Olivia and I

Megan and Camille thinking they're funny.

Silly face with Ryder.

hey

2010-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Remember how Neville got really good looking?

P.S.

2010-11-14T00:04:00.001-08:00

I am alive- Picture proof

2010-11-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

My Camera is old and falling apart. We've been through some stuff together so I don't blame it at all for wanting to be laid to rest. Anyway its all i've got in the way of capturing the places and people I spend my time at/with.

I went camping with Aaron for his birthday a while ago. We spent time in Zion and there were a million people there and I can't stop laughing when I think of how we had to collapse the tent on us one night. It was nice to just be with him.

We came across this little guy who was stuck in the dumpster. He tried to go in but his belly was too big and he was just sitting there all sad like, until we rescued him. I made Aaron pull him out. :)

My mom and dad went out of town a couple of times in October so I spent lots of time there playing with Lizzy and using her lovely kitchen to bake in. She left some old bananas for me so I made some bread. Can't remember what recipe I used but it turned out good. Still looking for that perfect (egg free) nanner bread recipe that I can call my go-to.

I got crafty.

My cats still win. Elton is kind of a jerk and he always tries to steal the treats from Coop. They go nuts for the treats I get them.

Megan played a fun outdoor show. She did so good and it was so fun to see her singing her own songs, and with a band behind her!

I got to see my sweet friend Mikol.

I was grapes for halloween and I won the award for best costume at our work party. I beat out Gumbi for the trophy (the trophy that Paula helped me make for the winner).

Life is good.

you can too

2010-10-08T13:56:00.001-07:00

If you know me well you can testify that I'm sort of cuckoo about my hair. I tend to go from one extreme to another without warning just because I needed a change.

So I cut it all off and colored it brown. Well, no, Kayla cut it all off and colored it brown for me. She's the best. If you need a fantastic fun hairdresser you should holler at Kayla.

Kayla Morley
Just Perfect Salon
801-277-8444

5 things

2010-10-08T13:53:00.001-07:00

Five things I plan to do this weekend:

1- Make dinner for friends
2- Go to farmers market
3- Finish my craft project and start the next in line
4- Attempt making my own pumpkin spice latte at home and save myself the 6 dollars
5- Keep Lizzy company while my family is having fun together without me :(

September!!

2010-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

September is a wild month with lots of fantastic things to celebrate. My sister Camille and her husband have their wedding anniversary, his birthday, then her birthday all in a week span. They don't live here but it was still on my mind and I sent them a (late, sorry) package.

After that we have Megans birthday which was AWESOME. She had a gangster themed party and insisted that everyone dress up. Any type of gangster from any time period or culture. Since I had just finished reading Tough Jews, my idea of what a true legit gangster was had changed. So Aaron and I went as old fashion mobsters. He being the mobster and me being the mobsters lady. Bonnie and Clyde style except for the part where we dress better. We had a great time. I gave Meg a scarf that I never would have even dreamed of finishing if it weren't for Paulas help. She crochets about 75 hooks per minute without even looking. Anyway, Megs party was great and Aaron got to meet a lot of my friends that he probably never would have otherwise.

Then came Aarons birthday! We decided to go camping and after a night in Mesquite at his grandmas we went to Zion. I knew I had been there once when I was really little (and I hated hiking) but I didn't remember it so I count this as my first time going there. It is incredibly beautiful and we did a bunch of little hikes. It was pretty touristy in comparison with the other places i've camped and hiked at but it didn't matter. I could be down in a mine shaft with aaron and it wouldn't matter. I just enjoy his company.

In between all of that fun stuff i've still been working at Sorenson and going to school. I love school. I get A's on my math tests even though i'm horrible at math. Granted, it is only pre algebra, but fractions aren't my friends!!

Sarah and Mike are settled in London. Notting Hill to be exact. I try to email her every day and we keep in touch via the internet. I'm hoping to skype with her tonight. She seems to be having an alright time. What would you do if you got to live in London for 9 months and not even have to work? I hope she takes advantage of the time she has and really taps into her creative side. She has an eye for beauty like no one else I know and is capable of taking beautiful photos and painting wonderous things.

Life is good.

mostly

2010-09-17T18:56:00.001-07:00

I miss Sarah.

Oh, Albus...

2010-09-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.

life happens

2010-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Thing that are new in my life:

School! I am attending SLCC and I couldn't be more excited about it. I'm thrilled to be learning and using my brain again. I've been out of high school for 6 years and that large gap of time coupled with a few mind altering substances have left me starting out in a 7th grade level math. Hello Pre-Algebra. It's ok though. If that is where my level of knowledge is at, then that is the class I should be in. I'm also taking geography (earths surfaces and environments) and i'm so freaking jazzed about that!! I love the Earth and mother nature. Even though natural disasters like volcanos and earthquakes and tsunamis terrify me I can not wait to learn about them. I'm so happy that my parents are giving me the opportunity to return to school and learn more and get out of my dead end job. As my dad says "This is a means to an end" and I find comfort in that.
Also new is the part where every Monday when i'm driving to work I start to cry and wish that I could quit and work on a farm taking care of animals instead.
I just finished the book Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about what they're putting in their bodies or the environmental effects of factory farming. Or just to anyone who likes a good read. I am starting The Hunger Games next as per the Northrups suggestion.

Things that are the same in my life:

Cats are fat and happy. As lovable as ever.
I'm over summer. I've been over it since the day it started. I need to live somewhere that has light jacket weather all year long. And no wind. Where might that be?

Life is good. Here are some photos of the recent times.

better late than never?

2010-08-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to the coolest parents in the world.

Thirty-Two years is a long ass time. Both my mother and father are the most patient, genuine kind hearted people I've met in my short life. If you know them, you know this to be fact.

I am so grateful for the example of unconditional love they set for us. I hope someday someone will love me that much!!

hey guys, remember?

2010-08-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Miss him!

One year ago....

2010-07-20T06:35:00.001-07:00

... on this very day, I went to Arizona to hangout with my sister and go to the American Idol concert. I probably haven't laughed that hard since then.

One down, one to go.

2010-07-15T08:09:00.001-07:00

KC Has been gone for one year exactly! I remember very well driving to the MTC with everyone in the car. Sitting next to him and leaning my head on his shoulder, knowing it would be two long years before i'd see him again. Why is saying goodbye so hard? It's not like he was walking into torture and misery.... He is happy and healthy and doing quite well. I miss him every day and often just want to send him a text and remind him of something funny that happened.

One year down, One year to go. Can't wait to see him again.

tuesday wednesday heart attack

2010-07-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

I love The Cure.

Someday I want to open up an all cure all the time dance club. Things might get sad sometimes but it would be ok.

craftastic

2010-06-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely weekend and it ended perfectly. Sundays are my family day. I know that no matter how hectic my week gets with work or friends or errands or life in general that I can go to my parents house on Sunday and relax. We catch up and tell stories and laugh and eat. It's wonderful, i'm so lucky.

So this last Sunday I started the day by making breakfast with Sarah. We were feeling crafty and decided to go to JoAnns to browse the fabrics. I found this really adorable bright red fabric with blue sailboats on it. In love at first sight.

Sarah helped me find a really cute pattern for a high-waisted skirt with pockets.
So I packed up my things and drove out to taylorsville for the day. I started my laundry, Talked my mom into helping me make foccacia bread while she made tortillas, and then got busy cutting out the pieces.

Paula is a big fan of "pinning properly" and after much resistance I have to agree with her. I'm lazy and pinning takes time and effort. After sewing air bubbles into the waist band I decided I liked pinning too. Sorry Mom, sometimes I have to learn the hard way.

Lizzy likes to hang out with us and get in on the action. That is clearly an action shot of the two of us. She gets fur all over everything so we have to kick her out. She steps out into the hallway and sits there, just a few feet away, watching us. To be honest, the fabric is going to get fur all over it anyway when I go home so I didn't mind.

My mom is an amazing teacher. Endless patience is necessary when working with a kid like me. I'd be a fool not to take advantage of everything she knows how to do though. I can't wait to learn more and get better at sewing. Hopefully I'll finish the skirt this week.

For more photos you can visit my moms blog.

missing you...

2010-06-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Missing the pink bars of soap and cereal with cream and sugar and brushing my hair in front of her vanity.

(photo courtesy of dusty kenyon)

little rascals

2010-06-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Just enjoying Sarah in the Salt Lake City while I can :)

And my cats of course.

life on mars

2010-06-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Puppy dog paws.

My quick jaunt to Arizona was awesome. Not nearly enough time to accomplish everything we wanted. I love my sister and her husband. Thanks for letting us stay!

in the eye....

2010-06-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

So much beauty in the world.

We just view it differently.

word to the wise part two

2010-06-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have the best family and friends ever. I know that I can call a long list of people at any given moment and all of them will be at my side right away.

Word to the wise. You mess with me, you mess with all of us! Ha!

for better

2010-06-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today I am praying in my own special way for the following:

the ability to accept parts of my life that I can't change
patience
patience
patience
a calm heart
peaceful mind
happy thoughts
kind feelings for everyone around me
KC to be safe

Thats all.

thanks to my mother

2010-05-19T10:27:00.001-07:00

I can sort of sew! Mostly straight lines and stuff but still... I make the machine go vroom and its really cool. My mother is a wealth of knowledge. Things that she learned from her mother, I am learning from her. Its the circle of life man! Maybe I will have a kid just so I can make it be really bad ass, like me.

I've made curtains for my bedroom and for my kitchen. I plan to do some in my living room as well. I received a sewing machine for Christmas and, like a true procrastinator, it remains in the box. I was waiting until a found the perfect table to set it up on because I didn't want to set it up on my kitchen table and have to take it down and set it up every time I wanted to use it. If anyone deserves a new one its my mom for sure. I'm pretty positive hers is from 1986.

Here are a few photos of what I've done with my moms help.

Meet my moms sewing machine. It gets the job done. That there is the fabric I used for my curtains. I believe it belonged to my grandma.

That there is Lisa, posing by the curtains. She helped me put them up... it was harder than you might think.

Crappy picture but those are my bedroom curtains. They have pretty elephants on them. Kitties approve.

Dont you love it when you catch them with their tongues out?

So.. if you know me, then you know that I collect cookbooks. Its a favorite hobby of mine for many reasons. Not only do I love to cook but I love to read, and I always read them cover to cover. I love finding slightly older cookbooks (like from the 60s, not that thats old... dad...) because I know that once upon a time, in land far far away, an old lady loved that book. I know this because they scribble notes in the margins and write down additions or suggestions for serving. I especially love it when they leave bookmarks or articles in the pages. Like this:

Its a gosh darn treasure guys.

and then we golfed

2010-05-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

My cousin Brian got married to the most fun beautiful woman this past weekend. Everything was gorgeous and perfect for their day. Fortunately for us, they had it at La Caille so we had the opportunity to golf, chase peacocks, and dance. For more details you can visit my mothers blog here.

May is a busy month!! I have my dads, sarahs, and seths birthday. Mothers day. Weddings. And overall springtime madness. Staying busy is good though when you're a basket case like me.

If you were wondering my cat Coop, who was recently very sick, is doing much better now. He is eating on his own, drinking on his own, slowly gaining weight, and is no longer yellow.

Here he is, putting out the vibe.

Sarah is finally here for the summer. My sister Camille has been visiting for the past few weeks and I never want her to go home. Katie was here too for the weddings and I just wish they could stay forever. I miss having my sweet siblings here to party with me. I'll take what I can get and live it up every single day.

Also I've been baking and getting crafty lately. I have a food blog and i'm going to incorporate my crafts into it... we'll see how that goes.

x's and o's.

never slow down

2010-05-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

(most attractive photo ever)

Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you. You are the biggest source of laughter and joy in my life.

word to the wise

2010-05-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time we were trying to take a cute family photo while dining at Chili's and Olivia wouldn't look at the camera so I said, "Look Olivia! Its a sparkly pink Unicorn!" and she got really excited and then very quickly disappointed.

Word to the wise. Don't promise sparkly pink mythical creatures to little girls if you can't deliver.

happy birthday KC

2010-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

I miss you.

new fav

2010-04-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

My new favorite thing to eat is mashed sweet potatoes. I'd rather have them than russet or baby red or yukon gold.

Last night I sauteed garlic, spinach, and crimini mushrooms and mashed them into my taters.

Divine. Try it.

peeing fire

2010-04-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

The other day I stayed home sick from work.
Some of you might think I lead a pretty exciting life but i'm here to show you that I do not.
Instead of relaxing and napping, I got bored. Real bored.

So I took all the books off all the bookshelves and organized them by category and returned them to the shelf in a way that pleases me. No one else will ever notice that I did this but I delight in it.

I also found the patchouli incense i've been tearing the apartment apart for. Why do I hide things in books?

And then I loved my children.

HAMMERPANTS

2010-04-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

After days and days of extreme stress and worry and 25 packages of wet food and wasted cans of tuna and kitty antibiotics that smell like bubble gum and forcing water down Coops throat and giving him fresh Tilapia and Alaskan Salmon and holding him and letting him scratch anything he wants....

... He ate the dry food on his own today. He feels heavier. Acts feisty and lively.

LONG LIVE HAMMER PANTS

yeah!!

2010-04-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

My new favorite thing:

Blossoms. Pink and white. Buzzing bumble bees.

Birds drinking pollen outside.

hey yall, its spring.

ok come home now

2010-04-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

its not fun anymore.

kill them with kindness

2010-04-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

I had a conversation with my mom recently about being younger and experiences we both had with being picked on or being the picker on-er. Children can be brutal to each other. Girls especially.
I wish I knew then, what I know now.
My mom has always been an example (more like a shining beacon) of kindness and charity and what it really means to love your neighbor.

"Kill them with kindness"
And
"If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all"

Are just a few of the fun things she would (still does) say to us kids.

And she is right. You never know what is going on in someone elses personal life and rather than attack or judge or be critical, I want to try to always be nice and positive. Ask questions rather than assume. Express empathy. Be hopeful but not obnoxiously so.

Love you all.

alley cat

2010-04-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

cross your fingers for my dearly beloved.

we made it

2010-04-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

What a crazy place to visit. That city never sleeps.

I've talked to several people recently who are interested in making changes to their eating habits and overall lifestyle. I'm no saint and I wont ever claim to know it all but I do have some knowledge and I do my best to continue learning. My dear friends if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. The world is full of information, just waiting at your fingertips. Don't be a dud. Keep learning! You're never too old. You're never too stuck to change. You're never too powerless to improve.

P.s. I have a little food blog that I keep, its nothing special and I have very few posts on it but I plan to keep updating it and once its nifty I'll share.

xoxo.

guess what guys!!!

2010-03-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

I ate onions.

new orleans

2010-03-24T07:26:00.001-07:00

Here we come.

cats

2010-03-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to take in a third cat but the previous owner had her for four whole years and never got her fixed. She failed to mention this to me and brought the cat over anyway.

Enter Sushi.

She was so sweet and petite and loving. My cats didn't like her much and it was expected at first. Cats have a harder time adjusting to each other than dogs I believe. Elton was indifferent as usual but Coop was all up on poor Sushi. Batting at her and chasing her into corners and growling at her.

After about three days of this Sushi started to meow really loud, like a painful disgusting meow. I'm making the sound right now you just can't hear it. But if you've ever seen a cat in heat, you know what i'm talking about. Being around my two male cats made sweet Sushi go into heat. She was running around putting her icky ladybits on everything, including my leg, my purse, the wall, my feet. Ew!

I made the owner come back and get her and I kindly explained that she must be fixed before I take her in. Not fixing your pet is ownership FAIL. Unless you've got some fancy Burmese cat you can breed and make tons of money off. Even then.. I'm not a fan of anyone who fails to spay their pets.

I also feel bad for any kids who grew up without pets in their houses. Fish, hamsters, mice, lizards, birds, dogs cats. We had it all. It is so much fun for a kid to have a pet!

If (thats right mom) I have kids we will have a gosh darn zoo.

So pumped.

2010-03-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

Leslie Hall is coming to town. I only hope she wears her gold pants on stage. This is going to be so bad ass.

SAD

2010-03-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

“Once you become sensitized to these animals you want to save them,”

Save the whales.

That's right, I went there.

I love...

2010-03-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

broccoli
tiffany lamps
grapefruit juice
macaroni and cheez
the smell of rain
rainbows
watching rain fall on puddles
the sport button in my car
living next to a car wash
thrifted pyrex
finding the bottle of sriracha that I thought the janitors at work stole
zumba
cartwheels
ice cream
my dads laugh
the smell of a never opened magazine
sarahs perfect teeth
finding new music
holding hands
megans clammy hands
beastie boys
baking without eggs or dairy
when people enjoy eating what i've baked
golden hour
watching my mom type
the innocence of children
patchouli
brand new candles
bargains
watching squirrels eat
neil diamond
light jacket weather
the library
being kissed on the cheek
when someone tells me I look like my dad
my bike lock
the radiators in my house on douglas street
perfectly painted nails
the hokey pokey
laughing until I cry
making my cats stand on their back legs for treats
my cookbook collection
body movin
camilles obsession with laundry softener and dryer sheets
hand me down furniture
the smell of moth balls
spring time
trampolines
meeting new people who know all of the people I know
having a successful party
catopoly
the contingency plan
lemonade stands
the smell of mowed lawn
how KC totally had a mullet when he was little
sparkly things
riding my bike down hills
katies fingernails- they're nice
learning how to cook by watching my mom
ruby red squirt
rollercoasters
harry potter
using other peoples fancy perfume
fruit pectin gummy bears
gangster rap
pay day
fully charged phones, cameras, and computers
sunshine
mariah carey
cold sheets

and you.

people eating tasty animals

2010-02-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

“To supply one person with a meat habit for a year requires three-and-a-quarter acres of land. To supply one vegetarian with food for a year requires one half-acre. To supply a vegan requires only one-sixth of an acre. In other words, a given acreage can feed twenty times as many people eating a vegan diet as it could people eating a standard American diet.

Lester Brown of the Overseas Development Council has estimated that if Americans were to reduce their meat consumption by only 10 percent, it would free over 12 million tons of grain annually for human consumption. That, all by itself, would be enough to adequately feed every one of the 60 million human beings who will starve to death on the planet this year.” John Robbins, “Diet for a New America”. pg 352

Think about it. Make a change. For yourself AND your planet!!

Start one day a week. Paul McCartney's Meatless Monday is a brilliant idea.

Click here for meatless monday recipes!

If you have a dog or a cat or a pony for a pet think about the difference between their sweet souls and those of the pigs and cows in the massive factory farms we support every day!
Wait... there is no difference!

taste it!

2010-02-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Quite literally bursting with love today. The kind of love that makes me weep. The kind of love where your heart aches for someone who is mourning a loss. The kind of love where you are so worried about someone that you can't sleep at night. The kind of love that makes you do just about anything for someone. You can never say it enough.

My mother and father I love you! My sisters ohh sweet sisters I love you. Big little brother I miss you and I love you! Kellen and Olivia I love you! My love for Olivia gives me a glimpse of what it might be like to have a child and I love her probably only a fraction of how much her mother loves her. A fraction of how much my mother loves me, it's a beautiful but somewhat painful kind of love.

My cousins and aunts and uncles and dear neighbors and sweet friends I love you too!

The end.

I am a foul beast

2010-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

Last week, I think on Thursday actually, I made delicious incredible chickpea cutlets. You can find the recipe online. To be vague it consists of mashed up chickpeas, vital wheat gluten, spices. It is fun to make because you really have to get your hands in there. You knead it for quite some time until strings of gluten form. After you've got a good ball of glutenous yummy you separate them into patties and you can either pan fry or bake them. They go great on sandwiches, or smothered in gravy, or today I cut it up and served it over a spinach salad. Yum!

For the past several days i've been smelling something absolutely foul on my right hand. My middle finger to be exact. I wash my hands. Scrub scrub scrub. Hand sanatize. Put fancy lotions on. This smell would not go away. I became mildly obsessed with it. Sniffing my middle finger all day long trying to figure out what the hell I could possibly have put just this one finger in to cause such a rotten stench!!

I figured it out today! The mystery has been solved my friends. I am closing the file on the Stench Of The Middle Finger Mystery.

Are you ready?

Oh gosh...

I didn't take my rings off when I was kneading the chickpea cutlet dough. A giant glob of dough (garlic, onion powder, chickpeas) got jammed up in the hole in the back of one of my sterling silver rings. Its just been hanging out in there for ohh almost a week now.

Cool.

I suppose I can be thankful that I don't eat meat. Can you imagine having a piece of old raw meat jammed in your ring for a week? Holy Batman!

when I grow up

2010-02-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I just wanted to be your housewife
All i wanted was to be your housewife
I'll iron your clothes
I'll shine your shoes
I'll make your bed
And cook your food
I'll never cheat
I'll be the best girl you'd ever meet
And for a diamond ring
I'll do these kinds of things
I'll scrub your floor
Never be a bore
I'd tuck you in
I do not snore
I'd wear your black eyes
Bake you apple pies
I won't ask whys
And i try not to cry
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
And its nearly midnight
And all i want with my life
Is to be a housewife
Is to be a housewife
'Cause it's nearly midnight
And all i want with my life
Is to die a housewife

Feeling Inspired I suppose

2010-02-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Rummaging through my desk at work I came across a pile of burned CDs that had tons and tons (And tons) of old photos on them. It was pretty interesting to go through and see what I was doing 3 and 4 years ago and to see how much I have changed for the better (and probably for the worse too but we wont focus on that).

I basically look the same as I did in 2nd grade. Physically, other than expanding and shrinking in the waist line, I look the exact same. Its pretty funny.

This one made me laugh- I remember this night really well.

What is my hair? Dennis the Menace is buggin 'cause i'm stealing his combover glory.

I've been MIA from the blogosphere (thats right Kate I said that) but I've been actively living, I assure you.
I'll share some photos from my recent past.

Christine and I at rollerskating party. This was before I jumped on someones stupid scooter and crashed into a large group of people. Looks like i'm about to say something. Not sure what.

Meg and I at my work Christmas party. Not one bit of food for me to eat. Lame.

Ryder Turned three a little while ago and Jill made him the most adorable little train cake. Look! He absolutely loves the train. Meg brought him downtown recently and we all rode trax together and it was so freaking cute to see how excited he was. He's is such a little stud I can't wait to see how he turns out :) Plus he loves me, he really loves me and always runs right up to me and gives me big hugs. So cute.

Looooook how little they used to be!! These were taken almost 3 years ago when they were just brand new kitty babies. There is a surprise coming to my house soon. A few people know, but most of you don't. I'm not going to say anything until after the deal is done. I understand what i'm doing is going to be scrutinized severely. I'm doing it anyway. I guess thats just my nature.

the silver lining

2010-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

I love my mom and dad.
The end.

ch ch ch changes

2010-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

One year ago today Lisa and I moved in together.

Crazy how things change.

ragnar

2010-01-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

Things that inspire me...

how I feel

2010-01-11T09:42:00.001-08:00

It's tricky when
You feel someone
Has done something
On your behalf

It's slippery when
Your sense of justice
Murmurs underneath
And is asking you:

How am I going to make it right?

With a palm full of stars
I throw them like dice
Repeatedly
I shake them like dice
And throw them on the table
Repeatedly
Repeatedly
Until the desired constellation appears
And I ask myself:

How am I going to make it right?

Thanks Bjork.

sincerely me

2010-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Don't go!

newsies

2010-01-05T15:10:00.001-08:00

Just got some temporarily comforting news about a loved ones health and I couldn't be more full of gratitude. Health is something I've always taken for granted because I've never been really sick and i've never had to watch any of my closest friends and family (other than grandma J who was a champion and grandma B who is really old and still super bad ass) suffer or endure illness.

KC said he was homesick in his last letter. I vote that he isn't allowed to say things like that.

Confused by the mixture of melancholy and relief and fear and worry and gratefulness.

I think i'll have a good cry when I get off work.

I know i've shown you this before but I want to look at it some more :)

mama bear

2010-01-04T16:54:00.001-08:00

Happy day of birth to the best mom in the world. 51 years young.

FYI

2009-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

I just want everyone to know that I will not be riding the fun bus to Wendover again this year.
There will be no:

Fried chicken
Bingo
Slot Machines
Luggage Carts

Thank you.

not anymore

2009-12-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

When I was little I used to go through toy catalogs and circle things that I wanted Santa to buy me and then I would give the catalogs to my mom and sincerely expect that I would get every single thing I had circled.

Now that I'm sort of grown up and I have to pay my own bills and rent and food and what not, I can't imagine going through toy catalogs and demanding that my parents buy me everything I want. Gosh what a brat I was! Christmas has changed so much for me. I don't care much for lights or trees or treats. I only care that I get to be with my family. With Katie and Camille gone, and KC too now, it isn't easy being the only kid here. I miss them all the time. I absolutely treasure times like these when we are able to be together. Can't really think of anything much better than that.

Mom and I last Christmas:

dream

2009-12-18T11:20:00.001-08:00

I dreamed that I had age barnacles.

I couldn't stop thinking about it.

SO I googled age barnacles.

Do not google seborrheic keratoses.

You will be sad.

the queen

2009-12-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Camille is the queen of cheese balls.

Katie is the queen of elaborate salad making.

My mother is the queen of the world.

because my mom would cry

2009-12-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

I was thinking...
Katie moved.
Camille moved.
The Boy left.
Sarah moved.
Megan only lives here half the time.

Maybe I could move?
Just a thought :)

5

2009-12-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

I miss the purple shampoo and the dippy eggs and brushing my hair in front of her vanity and how she would pray for the Jazz and how she called me her lamb and her wiggle worm.

Sincerely,

Little Lamb

well holy hannah montanna

2009-12-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

I had no idea guys! Ok I won't stop.

So thanksgiving was amazing! Katie was home for a few days and its always so nice and comforting to have her here. My mom and dad and I are all sort of wishy washy, do whatever, don't make solid plans kinds of people so when she comes she whips us into shape and makes us DO STUFF. I love seeing the look on her face when none of us can make a decision. Her eye kind of rolls a little (maybe not on purpose bahahaha) and she just laughs at us.
As far as the meal went... my tofurkey was fantastic. I ate it cold for 3 days straight it was so good. I tried to veganize my moms amazing corn dip but uhh.. it didn't go that great. I have a few ideas of how I can make it thicker and creamier but honestly i'm just discouraged. Its hard enough when my family thinks im doing something extremely crazy, but then when it doesnt turn out I just feel really embarrassed. I won't give up though guys! Its been almost 2 weeks and I feel great! I lost 5 pounds and plan to lose more. Obviously the fact that i've been unable to eat hot cheetos, nutty bars, mamas chocolate pretzels, rolls, and everything else is contributing to the small amount of weight lost. I want to do this healthy though I dont want to get sickly or weak looking. I'll probably go buy some vitamins and maybe even a supplement. I feel like I eat tons of veggies and an ass load of tofu though. I get lots of protein and nutrients. Anyway. I feel good about it.

We moved to a new area at work today. I have a window cubicle again. So much sunshine. Pretty decent view. Happy about it.

I want to paint my kitchen pink but my landlord wont let me. Daddy I hope you're ready to move me again in 6 months :)

Sarah comes home in 18 days and we have big plans to umm love one another and spend precious moments together. After that she'll be home for the summer and then off to London. I don't know how well we will be able to keep in touch but i'm sure it'll be fine. Its far away so I wont worry about that right now. Just glad shes coming home. I'd like to borrow that green dress and smell good like her and have her help me re arrange my living room. K thnx.

Could his kitty paws get any cuter?

over it

2009-11-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

The only person who reads this is my mother and I talk to her on a daily basis.

So i'm over the blog for a while. Maybe i'll be back around xmas to post some pictures.

Ta ta!

no mayo

2009-11-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

Five and a half months down!! I bet its real cold in Russia right now.

doing my part

2009-11-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

I just adopted Olive:

Save a turkey!

Again, happy thanksgiving yall.

news?

2009-11-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

THIS has been happening for years. 20? 30? 40 years?

And suddenly its news?

Happy thanksgiving guys.

I go places...

2009-11-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Like to the zoo with Liv and Camille:

The zoo in Arizona was really cool. It was a hot day though and I think we kind of rushed through it. Liv was dying to see the pink zebras and for some unknown reason that was the last animal we saw. "Mommy WAN SEE ZEBRATH NOW!". They have season passes to the zoo, cool huh? I guess that's just what you do in good ole' AZ.

I took some inappropriate pictures of the zebras and have chosen not to post them here. Camille... you remember. Heh. Heh. Heh.

When Camille was here we met up with Meg and Ryd for some good clean fun. We originally wanted to go to Corn Bellies. A giant maze in the shape of Larry H Millers head. There were several contributing factors to why we didn't go including the temperature, the price, and the hour. We decided instead to go to the Dinosaur Museum! SO COOL!

As you can see, the children loved it. As did the adults. We only had about 40 minutes to walk through the whole thing but I think I could have spent at least 2 hours there looking and learning. Really neat stuff. Ryd and Liv can get married, I give them permissions.
Meg has been going back and forth from here to Los Angeles and doing some really cool things I never would have imagined a year ago. She is recording an album guys! I've heard what she has done so far and I am so proud of her :) Yall get ready.

Why does the color of my fake mustache match the color of my real hair?

Riddle me this!

Also- I miss this person:

tofurkey

2009-11-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

To make one or... not to make one... that is the question....

Just Sayin'

2009-11-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

"It is the element of Love that makes Joy so much deeper and truly meaningful than superficial happiness.

Without love and the ability to combine it with happiness to get joy, we might as well be a grove of pine trees. Soaking up the world’s resources and living, but not relating. Relationships are the key.
For me, the meaning of life is the joy that is found in relationships with family, friends." - Random woman.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be in a satisfying healthy relationship. Obviously this is subjective to each individual; we all have different needs and desires to fulfill.

I was searching for some sort of text or blog or anything really where i could read about other peoples trials and accomplishments in this area. You can't have good without the bad, I know this much is true. I want to know what it means to really support someone in a relationship. What is the general consensus about how this is to be done?

What I found was surprising to me. If you google "support a loved one" you'll find tips and strategies on how to support someone with grief, someone with cancer, someone who suffered a loss, someone who lost a job, even someone who is bipolar. While I feel like that is fantastic and helpful I have to admit I was sorely disappointed.

Why don't we support people even when they are up? When their luck is good. When life is enjoyable don't you people still need support? I personally want it all day every damn day. Not just when i'm sad. I want to be with someone who will support me in every single thing I do, both happy and sad.

Its almost like at christmas time you know when people always say God bless you and happy holidays and be cheerful. Why do we do that only around the holidays? Should we not wish people well all the time? In July? In February? Should we not share love and joy all year long? I believe I should. I try to.

I want to be with someone who understands this concept. Someone who wants to encourage and support me even when i'm on top of my game. Doing things I love doing.

I don't know everything there is to know about love and relationships. I have a lot to learn. I think my parents probably still learn new things every day. I don't ever expect to know exactly how it works. I don't want to give up though.

As Conor Oberst said "i'd rather be working for a paycheck than waiting to win the lottery"

I'd rather be with the person I love the most and make mistakes and learn from them and support each other no matter what than sit here alone wondering what is the right or wrong thing to do.