Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Grown Up

A wee bit of time ago, I needed to get my car battery checked (okay, so it wouldn't start while at a gas station in Elko, NV - a little guilty pleasure I've always wanted to have happen). Since I was on a road trip to Yosemite with the sister, and we talked most of the drive, it wasn't until a week later that I realized I didn't have any radio stations programmed.

Great.

I have lived in Utah for 3 years, and have had the same stations programmed the whole time...which means that actually I didn't know any of the stations, let alone the numbers. So I went through and tried my best to reprogram.

Not the best job.

I find myself "seeking" and "scanning." I am grateful for those buttons. The other day, I happened across talk radio. And it was a good while before I realized that I was enjoying it. And now, my radio has been on it every day. 105.7. I memorized the number so I could get to it easier. What happened to me that all of a sudden talk radio is fun? Did I really just become that boring? It took no effort at all! That's scary. I was assuming it would be a slippery slope. But no! It just happened!

Now I have things to talk about that are happening in the real world. And I might actually be able to make an informed vote next presidential election.

And, how weird that a church paid their members the other day to teach them that it's only through God that we can trust to save us, spiritually and economically, not the government? AND! The guy that invented Doritos, died at 97. At the gravesite, the members of the family threw in chips, instead of flowers before the dirt came on.

Super useful stuff :0)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Friends

I have started to say goodbye to people here in the Salt Lake area, and it's getting really sad. I'm getting really sentimental. I have really been blessed with phenomenal friends throughout my entire life.

A few weeks ago, I took the opportunity to drive to Boise to see some of my dearest friends. It was wonderful. Being with them just made me happy. These 2 particular ladies that I visited have been huge influencers in my life. One in high school, one in college. And I know my life wouldn't be the same without them. And even though it's been a lot of years without seeing them, I was transported to another tiem and place with them. Very fulfilling.

Yesterday, I said goodbye to a dear, close friend.



This was the second big purchase when I moved to Utah. Right behind a bed. I had wanted a bookshelf like this for years. Finally, I bought one, painted it, and used to it hold so many dear possessions. Isn't it the cutest thing ever? Taking everything down, and loading the shelf into the car was actually kind of sentimental. That bookshelf was a symbol of my life here. Something that belonged only to me. Now it's not mine. And I'm choosing to let it go. So I am fully responsible for what's happening.

Goodbye dear bookshelf friend. Thank you for the memories and making my room look so cute. For holding my books, and pictures, and junk. I'm glad you are in a good home (thanks to another dear friend for buying it from me).

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Couples Night



Last night the 4 of us (Julie-Ann, Jake, Brandon & I) went to dinner to celebrate birthdays. The 4 of us at dinner is not a new thing. But for the first time, of all the many dinners we've gone to, the lady asked us if we wanted the checks divided as couples. We all just looked at each other, stunned, and then some how communicated that we'd be fine with 2 checks. I am still entertained by this. Guess we should try to not get along so well with each other while in public.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Flirting Bible

My dear friend got this as a birthday present tonight. Luckily, a few of us squirreled it away and read it during the party.

Turns out, we've all been flirting the wrong way. This whole time. I guess that explains why we're all still single.

A few things I'd like to share:

1. If a guy stands with his hands on his hips (I imagine Peter Pan), that means he's interested and he wants me to come talk to him.
2. If a girl shows a guy her wrist, that means she's interested.
3. If a guy straightens his tie, or preens in any way...he's interested.
4. Look at their eyes.
5. Be careful with your winks. Example: don't wink, say "oh baby" and look them up and down.
6. Don't wink with both eyes.
7. Girls, let your shoes dangle. If this requires you untying your shoes, let it be.
8. If you look at your phone, you are disinterested (personally, I'm going to start calling everyone out on this one)
9. Smile.
10. If you feel uncomfortable, it's a tendency to stare at the person. Be careful that you don't do this.

It is great to finally learn some of these wonderful truths :0)
I'm excited to put some of them to use...especially the not staring one.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Some More Books

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Alan Bradley

I had nooooo idea what this book was going to be about, I figured it would be a lovey kind of story. Nope. It's a mystery. Figured out by an 11 year old. Kind of fun to read, and good writing. I am a sucker for the chapters that leave me hanging, and then I'll force another chapter to be read. This guy was classic with them. I wish I would've been this smart as an 11 year old. The author does a great job of pulling in masterfully the details of 1950 England. That was fun to read.

also...

What the Dog Saw. Malcom Gladwell

This book is a collection of essays about things seen from a different point of view. It was pretty entertaining. And it's odd how frequently the subjects he wrote about have come up in my everyday conversations. One of the fascinating subjects was "The Ketchup Conundrum." He focused on choices and how with some many things, we have so many choices. But when it comes to ketchup, there is only one flavor. And we like it like that. Very fun book. I'm excited to read his other books.

End of an Era

Today marks my re-entry to the adult-ish world. School started today, so now my life is filled with deadlines that frankly freak me out. Why did I decide to be a teacher? I'm excited for the classes though. Even though I don't have any of the books yet, I can fudge things for a while, right? Such a good attitude.

So with the end of my retirement here, I thought I'd just think about what a fantastic summer it's been.

And I was dorky, and figured out all the miles traveled in the last 5 months (I had to include my trip to Switzerland). According to "geobytes" and "as the crow flies", I have travelled roughly 27,550 miles. I think that's a little scrimpy on the actual number, but I'm grateful for that bird who helped me figure it out. I've never calculated something like this, and it was kind of fun. But goodness, that's a lot of miles!

I have seen a lot of amazing things, read a lot of books, visited with my stellar friends, made new friends, eaten a lot of food, consumed a lot of diet coke, took some great naps, increased my chances of skin cancer exponentially, made a book worth of memories, and loved every minute, except for maybe 15.

I am glad I got this retirement business out of my system. I am excited to have more of a schedule. Travelling was fun, but when I counted the nights I've spent in my residence of 2 months, and I only slept here 25 of those nights, that's a bit excessive. I don't feel like I have any roots right now, so now I get to! I'm excited to feel like I belong at church because I know people and they know me. And I haven't had a calling in 5 months. That makes a huge difference. I will miss the flexibility to do whatever I want, whenever I want...but that usually includes doing stuff with people, and everyone is busy all the time. Maybe I'll find some old people in Arizona that will fill that need in me :0)

And I want to give a shout out to my family. Almost every trip was based around them. Thanks for making my life fabulous! Thanks for always living cool places and letting me come and visit. There is nothing better than the reaction I get from those nieces and nephews when they see me. Very good for the soul.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Bouncing Around

Here are some thoughts that have been bouncing around my noggin:

1. it's been a long time since I've blogged. I wish I had something cool to write about.
2. Utah county really must be Zion because with all the blasted construction going on and no mass killings, they must live a higher law.
3. I'm moving to Arizona. Because I can.
4. I have a lot of really fantastic people in my life.
5. why are public libraries so ridiculous? You have to sign your life away to get a membership, you can't just use the computers, 10 cents for a printed page...and you expect me to pay on the honor system? (I did, don't worry), no fax or scanning capabilities?
6. I am grateful for covenants.
7. and Hawaiian Haystacks. Really.
8. 9/11 was a great tragedy. I really hope we don't forget how much that hurt us, and remain humble. It was surreal to watch the recap of how it all went down on tv tonight. Almost made it feel like it was happening again.
9. I am grateful I went to the CES fireside tonight.
10. mmm, pumpkin pie.