Twenty-ten

I turned 30 on Thursday the 21st of February. So many thoughts on turning 30, but I'll save that for another post. I believe that birthday celebrations should last at least one week. This year was no exception. Here are some of the highlights:

Weekend with the family in Idaho doing nothing but relaxing and becoming a climbing wall for Syden and Avry Shae.

Dinner at Kyoto on my actual birthday. We also had shakes from Iceberg where I learned from the cashier that I am an indecisive person. As if I didn't know that already.

Benihana. Where myself and 30+ of my closest friends celebrated.

Dinner and Karaoke at Jamie and Bruce's. I was hesitant to sing and then once I was given the microphone, there was no stopping me. What can I say? I'm an incredible singer. I believe a certain person made reference to the fact that I was like a juke box someone kept putting quarters in. I think that was meant as a compliment. They would have taken the microphone away if I was horrible right?

A few other things I did to celebrate include attending a Utah Jazz game, eating at Brick Oven in Provo, receiving a facial and a pedicure(pampering is very important), and watching BYU men's basketball beat Utah...again.

Cyberchondriac

Warning: The following may contain material that has been slightly exaggerated to prove my point, but is mostly true. Maybe my next blog will discuss the importance of being honest. Back to the topic at hand-my issue with certain textures and food. I decided to ask the worldwide web, and sure enough, my problem has a name-Sensory Integration Dysfunction. The following are my SID symptoms.
Let's start with foods:
I really enjoy frozen go-gurts. What a nice taste treat. I bought the generic brand and I should have stuck with yoplait. Last night, I decided to try the watermelon flavored one and then I saw what color the go-gurt is-green. I can't eat green yogurt even in frozen form. It tasted fine so I didn't look at the go-gurt while eating and I gave myself a pep-talk. "Shelley, it's okay to eat green yogurt. You can do this."
Nachos. I love nachos, but I would like the chips on one plate and all the toppings on another. Who likes soggy chips? Or soggy anything for that matter? Speaking of sogginess. Cake and ice cream do not belong in the same bowl together nor should they ever be touching.
Moving onto textures:
I put a sweater on this morning after I spent 2 minutes convincing myself I could wear it because I knew my skin didn't like the fabric. My body became tense and stiff and I thought I was going to hyperventilate so I quickly took the sweater off and resolved to try again another day. Sure, I could wear a long sleeve shirt under the sweater, but part of the sweater might touch my skin at some point during the day and I'm not willing to take that chance.
I don't know why sheets were invented. In addition, some blankets should never be sold to the general public. Who wants to cuddle up with a wool blanket that will leave you itching, kicking, and screaming? Let the search commence for the perfect blanket. Socks. I hate socks. More specifically, I hate when the socks bunch up by my toes. I have to take my shoe off, adjust the sock, and then put my shoe on again. It's even worst when I am working out and my sock is bothering me or I get a small rock in my shoe. So frustrating.
I think that's enough disclosing for one day. I'm late for my therapy session.

Decisions Schmecisions

A group of friends are trying to make plans on a Friday night. What do you want to do? I don't know, what do you want to do? What do I want to do? Shoot myself in the head. Options are discussed for some time, until one person commands the attention of all in the room and makes a decision. They may pick an option previously mentioned or they may come up with a completely new idea and everyone looks happy or they fake it well. My personal opinion is that everyone is relieved that someone finally took charge and it only took 2 hours.
I can make decisions at work. I assist clients in making decisions everyday. What doctor to see, which toothpaste to buy, how their funds are distributed, and the list goes on and on. Then last week my supervisor asked me to choose the restaurant for our February birthday lunch. Panic hit and I've yet to make a decision. Why? Most likely because I don't want to pick a place someone will dislike and, well, because for the most part, I don't care where we eat.
Let's delve deeper into my indecisive life.
According to my brother-in-law Travista, I rarely make decisions because my dad does everything for me. Oh how I wish he could see me in a setting away from the family. Wait, maybe he would still think I can't make decisions. Let me get my dad's opinion on that.
How can I make decisions on behalf of the individuals I work with, but struggle making decisions in my own life? I'd like to think it's not due to the fact that I don't care enough about anything to make a decision, but I'm beginning to wonder.

Tell me your life story

I stood in line at Cafe Rio with a couple friends and patiently waited to place my order. Pork tostada with black beans and shredded lettuce please. The lady in front of me turned around and stared at me. "You can have shredded lettuce?" Yes, yes you can and I will. She then proceeded to tell me her life story. I won't go into too much detail even though she didn't spare any details while talking to me. "I'm working for my husband right now and checking his year end books. I walked out of the house with his slippers on and they are way too big."
It was my turn to tell them the order was to go. I'd like a side of fresca please.
"You can have fresca? Is it good?"
It's great. You should try it and it's free.
"Oh no, it can't be free."
I smiled and let her try to pay for a side of fresca.

This is what happened last week at the store while paying for groceries.
Cashier: "Did you find everything you needed?"
Me: "Yes, thank you."
C: "Ooh, today is a rough day. I just found out I'm pregnant and I'm scared to tell my boyfriend."
M: "Do you have a friend or a doctor you can talk to about this?"
C: "Yes, I do have a doctor and I think I'll make an appointment to see her and maybe she can help me. Thanks for the advice."
M: "Good luck. I hope everything works out for you and the baby."
I left the store hoping she would see a doctor and that she would be able to talk to a close friend or family member about the pregnancy. Being told personal stories by complete strangers is something that happens to me frequently, and I'm not complaining. I really enjoy talking to people and hearing about life experiences. Everyone has a story to tell and I think we all long to find someone who will listen. There are times I think about telling a stranger about my life because for some reason it doesn't seem as scary as talking to my friends and family. Crazy? Probably. But there's something about telling someone about your life and knowing that you will probably never see them again.
Enough about that. I'm on my way to the store to meet some new people.

I knew you were going to call

I was sitting at work when the phone rang. I was in the middle of a CBIA (Comprehensive Brain Injury Assessment) and I was in the zone. I glanced at the phone and did a double take. WHAT?! You were calling me? After not speaking to me for about 4 months you decide to pick up the phone and 'chat' about life? I wasn't upset that you called. It was a surprise and it threw me off. You see, I moved on and the phone call didn't help with the healing. We chatted about your trips around the world, my trip to Spanish Fork, books I've read-books you've listened to. And the conversation was a good one, but why did it happen in the first place? You were the one who ended things, not me. So I may have been a hard one to date, but I tried-a little. And I'm getting better all the time. I recognize where I went wrong and I really am working on trusting others and letting them into my life. Back to you, my long lost, uh, friend? I wanted to ask why you called. To renew our friendship? You decided to give me another chance at love? You were bored? You made a New Years Resolution and decided to start the year out with a bang? Well, I applaud your efforts. I refuse to analyze the phone call anymore than I just did. But I will have you know that I knew you were you going to call. I'm not sure why, but for some reason I just knew. I liked being with you. I liked who I was when we were together. You made me feel smart. Beautiful. My opinions mattered. But that just wasn't enough. So thank you for calling, but next time, I don't think I'll answer the phone.

Man Cold

This is my brother. My brother with a cold. It may appear that this is merely a picture of a pink blanket on the couch, but I give you my word that my brother is under the blanket. Soon after arriving at my parents house, my brother sat on the couch and announced, "I don't feel well." My first thought? "Oh great, here we go. He's probably faking so he gets to sleep all day while we wrangle the children. His wife gets sick and she still cooks, takes care of the children, and does the laundry. Clay gets sick and it's the end of the world."
Well, fast forward to the next day and I knew that my brother must really be sick because he wasn't eating, watching TV, playing games, or working on the studies of the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Low-k ILD Materials by X-Ray Reflectivity.
Tennille, wake up Clay so he can read this next part. Clay, I apologize for thinking that you were faking your illness. BUT, I'd like to share a video with you. May you never get sick again.

I've been tagged

Thanks for tagging me Stef. Here is a list of 6 random facts about me:

1) I love going to the dentist. I'm sure it helps that I can watch movies while my teeth are being cleaned, but I loved going to the dentist before watching movies was an option. Oh how I love clean teeth.
2) I can't open a jar of peanut butter without dry heaving. For some reason, the smell of a newly opened jar of peanut butter makes me sick. Lohrs, do you think you can help me with this?
3) I wish I was an artist. My grandpa was an artist-he painted, made a wagon and a sleigh, made his own saddles, belts, built his house. I could go on, but won't. I loved watching him work in his studio. Don't tell me that anyone can draw because I don't believe it-I've tried. Maybe I should take lessons, but I'm not sure it would be worth it because I already think I'll fail.
4) I want to travel the world and a must see is Russia. Maybe I should have been born in Russia. Not really, but a guy did tell me I should have.
5) I got stuck in an elevator when I was 3 years old. According to my parents, I either didn't get off the elevator when everyone else did or I got on without anyone else, but the point is, I got stuck and it was scary.
6) I worked at a Monster Truck rally one weekend in high school. Pretty redneck huh? I even took a ride in a monster truck and have pictures to prove it.

Christmas Surprise

My parents and I were on our way to take Grandma Bingham home after the Christmas dinner we had at my aunt and uncle's house when I asked my dad to drop me off first. Dropping me off before taking grandma home wasn't out of the way so I felt fine about demanding, uh asking, my parents for this one little favor.
I was playing the piano when the doorbell rang. I looked through the peep hole and didn't see anyone. My first thought was "I hope I don't get shot when I answer the door." I must be watching way too many scary movies. I opened the door prepared to karate chop whoever dared come to the house on Christmas, but instead of a thief, I saw my niece Brinley with a bow on her head. She smiled at me and said Merry Christmas Shelley. I gave her a hug and we went into the house and of course I shut the door on my brother, sister-in-law, and niece Noelle. I didn't do it on purpose. I was so excited about seeing Brinley that I momentarily forgot that she probably didn't hitchhike to Blackfoot, ID. My brother parked their vehicle down the road so my parents would be surprised, but they saw Clay walking up the drive-way.
I think my sister and brother-in-laws reactions were the best. I rang the doorbell with Brinley by my side and Pip and Travista kept looking at Brinley and then at me. This is what I heard: "What?" "That looks like Brinley." "What?" "Wait. What's going on?" Finally my nephew Syden came into the room and said, "Hey, it's Brinney. I didn't think she was coming for Christmas. This is the best." My sister said she was trying to figure out where I had found a child and why I brought the child to their house. My sister must think I'm crazy.
Having my brother and sister and their family's home for the holidays was the best present of all.

Christmas is coming

Hi, my name is Shelley and I'm a Christmas shopping procrastinator. Admitting I have a problem is the first step right? I've made at least 2 kazillion lists of what I need to buy this year and I finally went shopping on Friday. My New Year's Resolutions for 2007 did not include delaying my shopping until the week before Christmas, but I'm up for the challenge.
The plan was to be finished with my shopping by the 1st of December, but that date has come and gone and I still haven't shipped the presents to my brother and his family in Oregon. Sorry Clay, Tennie, Brinners, and Noelle-a-belle. At the rate I'm going, you will receive a package from me on or before July 4, 2008. My intentions are good, in fact they are great. I'm trying to be more practical in my gift giving to family members and I know they will love that[insert 1/2 c of sarcasm here]. Shouldn't my time spent with each of them be gift enough?
I should stop before I sound like an even bigger Scrinch (Scrooge + Grinch). I love Christmas. I love the bright sky after a snow storm. Sledding. Hot chocolate. Walking like a Duckguin (Duck + Penguin) and becoming an ice skater even when I don't want to. Sleigh Rides. Christmas music. Time with family. Sugar Cookies. Adding random items to my mom's nativity. Singing with my dad and sister in church and at the State Hospital and Prison. Christmas lights. Family Talent Show on Christmas Eve. Ugly Sweater and White Elephant Parties. Shopping. I'm serious. I love shopping. I stop buying myself gifts at the beginning of December or else I'll open presents on Christmas morning and have to confess to my parents that I already own everything they bought for me.
It's too late to go back and change my procrastinating ways this year, but look out 2008. I'll be ready for you. In fact, maybe I'll start my 2008 Christmas shopping in January. Nah. Who am I kidding? Baby steps is what I need to keep in mind so I'll plan on starting my shopping next year on December 1st.
Merry Christmas!

Rio of the Cafe

I spent a lot of time at Cafe Rio on Friday. Nicki, Andrea, and I worked together at Tri Connections. Nicki was a support staff and eventually became a program manager over Supported Employment and Andrea was the program manager over Family Support and Supported Living. Andrea and I both work for the State, and Nicki is a stay at home mom living in Mississippi with her husband Joe and son Chase.
I forgot how much I loved working with Nicki and Andrea until we spent a couple hours reminiscing about our job working with individuals with a developmental disability. We supported and leaned on one another through: break-ups, a miscarriage, attempts to quit smoking, running a 5K, death of a co-worker, our office being closed, and a move across the country. Through it all, we have remained good friends and my life is blessed because of them. Nicki's son Chase was recently diagnosed with cortical visual impairment and he has multiple seizures everyday. Nicki knew there was something wrong months ago, but the doctor wouldn't listen to her. Andrea and I emailed and spoke to her on the phone encouraging her to keep fighting because she knew her child better than anyone and if she felt something was wrong, she was probably right. Chase now has a new doctor and Nicki is finally being heard and Chase is receiving the care he needs. Chase may not be able to see, but he knows the voice of his mother because whenever Nicki spoke, Chase would turn his head in her direction. So many life lessons shared during this lunch.

Friday night I ate at Rio with Chantelle, Meagan, Shannon, Kaydi, Sue, Suzy, and Becky. Kaydi was in town from Portland for 24 hours and I had to see her. I was so excited to see her that I couldn't stop myself from holding her hand while our picture was being taken. Kaydi tells the best stories so the next time you see her, be sure to ask her about the shark tooth and ask her to show you her camera case. I laughed so much during dinner and the rest of the night was just as entertaining. A few highlights from the white elephant party included: Chuck Norris t-shirts, inflatable guitars, a pregnancy test, a love machine robot that sings and dances, and an outhouse calendar.
Friday, December 14, 2007 is a day I will not forget.

You'll shoot your eye out

I was driving down the road with Emilee and Martha enjoying the Christmas lights when I saw something that made me smile. I did a double take to make sure my eyes weren't playing a trick on me. There in the window was a leg lamp and a red rider BB gun just like the ones in the movie A Christmas Story. I parked the car, got out my camera, left my purse on the hood of my car, and crossed the street with Emilee and Martha to get a better look and a picture. I expected the owner of the home to come to the window at any moment while we were gawking at the window, but no one came. I got my pictures and we were out of there. What a night.
My family watches this movie every year. It's a cheesy movie, but it's tradition to watch at least part of the 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TNT. Bless you TNT.

101 things to do with a potato(or maybe just 3)

So much talk of potatoes this week. I find myself becoming excited just talking about potatoes and the planting and harvesting of those starchy wonders. I love potatoes. There, I've said it. I'll have you know that Blackfoot, Idaho is the potato capital of the world. I don't know how the world decided that Blackfoot is the capital, but that's just how it is folks so deal with it or better yet, eat a potato.
Blackfoot even has a potato museum with a giant potato out front. It's not a real potato, but it's great place to bungee jump off of, it's that large of a potato. Being from Blackfoot, I felt it my civic or potato duty to work in a potato processing plant one summer. The pay was great for a college student and who knew I'd reconnect with so many friends from high school. No need to attend my class reunion, I saw them everyday at work. Maybe not everyday because I only lasted 12 hours. I'm getting ahead of myself. I was put to work in the scalloped potato room. The smell was awful and the potatoes danced by me on a conveyor belt. Watching the potatoes do the swing was enough to upset my stomach and send me straight to the garbage can. The best part was that it was all caught on video and soon my supervisor showed up with some peppermints. "Don't worry, a lot of people throw up on their first day. It'll get better." Better? Of course things will get better. I knew in that moment I would not be going back...ever again. I lasted the 12 hours with my best friend can, as in garbage can, and waited patiently for my ride. I got home and announced I wasn't going back and my parents knew I was serious. Oh the joy of potatoes.
Idaho cares about the education of the children of the future so much so that we had the best art supplies-a potato. I've never had a better stamp in my life. Try it. It's inexpensive and when you are finished with the art project, you can cut the potato into fries and eat them as a snack.
Speaking of eating potatoes, I have a huge bag of potatoes at my place, so stop by for some art lessons and fries. See you soon.

Attraction isn't a choice...

I had an interesting conversation with a guy a few weeks ago. He said: "Attraction isn't logical and it isn't a choice. What a person says they want and who they are actually attracted to are two different things. We aren't attracted to someone because it makes sense or the person is smart or rich."
After this conversation, I started conducting research on the subject of attraction. Now, you would think that I would ask family and friends who have been attracted to someone else, but instead I started my research on the internet. Wikipedia is one amazing site. With the click of the mouse, I can change history. Most of the information I found supported this guys thought that attraction isn't a choice. As I studied, I felt that every argument for their case(whoever they are) was a contradiction and seemed to support the notion that attraction is a choice.
Perhaps, attraction should be defined before one can decide if it is a choice. Merriam-webster defines attraction as "a force acting mutually between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation." After my research on the world wide web, I sat down and assessed attraction. Did I choose to be attracted to Griffin Bio from freshman biology in college? Was it his amazing blue eyes? His knowledge of biological terms or was I naturally and involuntarily attracted to him?
So I turn to you, my fellow bloggers. I'd love to hear what you think-Is attraction a choice? Person(s) with the best or most interesting answers may be rewarded.

Clean-up after yourself and your dog

Nancy and I had a wonderful wake-up smell Friday morning. We were heading to the clubhouse for a Pilates work-out when we noticed something by the door in the lobby. As we got closer, we both looked at the mess and then looked at each other and said SICK! Someone's dog threw up by the door and the owner didn't bother to clean up the mess.
I'm willing to cut the owner some slack if the following happened 1) he or she didn't know the dog threw up and/or 2) it was a stray dog that somehow opened the door to the lobby, threw up and then left.
I came home from work later that day and I held my breath as I entered the building. I entered the code and I heard a beeping sound that meant I entered the wrong code. I was trapped with the throw-up. I finally entered the right code and could breath again. This experience is testing my breath support. Another condo owner wrote a nice note and attached it to the window with band-aids thanking whoever decided to leave the mess.
Fast forward to Saturday morning and my executive decision. I was going to clean the mess if it hadn't been cleaned up. I exited the stairs and smelled the present that was left and knew that I quite possibly would be the one cleaning the mess. I came back from my errands and Stan was walking into the building with a now empty bottle of 409 and I knew he had saved the day, our noses, and the building. I took in a deep breath of the cleaner and thanked Stan for taking care of the mess.

Are you questioning my fanhood?

"You shouldn't talk about sports with guys. They'll never ask you out if they think you know more about sports than they do."
MJ walks into the office and starts talking to BT about a football game over the weekend. I pretend to be working on a project, but I'm really listening to the weekend sports update. I open and close my mouth many times and bite my lip to stop myself from saying anything until I can't take it anymore. "Did you see that touchdown pass?" I blurt out and then instantly regret my comment when I see 'the look.' It's the 'I'm a guy so I know sports, you're a girl which means you don't know anything look. I'm getting used to that look, but that doesn't mean I like it. I admit there are times when I pretend to not know much about a sport when I first meet someone. MJ goes back to discussing the great plays of the game, but BT interrupts him. "Shelley knows her stuff." MJ laughs and keeps talking, but I'm beginning to think that I was right when I thought MJ gets his sports information from the newspaper and not by actually watching a game once in awhile. "No, really, she knows sports" BJ exclaims. I feel like I'm in a glass box watching my life unravel before me and any moment now I will be laughed at or shunned. This is followed by MJ giving my other favorite look. It's the 'So you think you know sports? I'll be the judge of that look.' MJ quizzes me and I must have answered correctly because since that day MJ comes to the office every Monday to chat sports with BT...and me.
My sports knowledge isn't much, but it'll do for now. I have been known to spout off stats to guys who seem cocky just to let them know they don't know everything. Probably not the best way to handle those situations, but until I find a better solution, that's how it will be. I watch sports because I love the 'game', not so I can make someone feel stupid or to show how much I might know. Growing up, life was playing and watching sports with family and friends.
In college my guy friends thought it was fun to play Mascot Trivia. They would say the name of a college and I was supposed to know the mascot and a couple players from either their football or basketball team. I didn't always know the mascot or who played for a certain team, but it was a great game.
I have a friend who wants me to date a guy she knows. Why? Partly because he's a guy and I'm a girl, but also because she thinks we're the perfect sports match. The plan was to meet after a basketball game, but his team lost to my team and he didn't feel like meeting. Uh, okay. I'm not sure I want to date someone who is that passionate or zealous about a team. Still haven't met the guy, but maybe if his team ever beats my team, we can finally meet...unless I lock myself in my room after the loss.
There's something about sports that makes me happy. Seeing two teams who have prepared for competition battle for bragging rights and so much more is what I love. So the next time we talk about sports, understand that I am not trying to hurt your ego and most of the time I will let you think you know more-I'm that nice.

Year of the Constitution

During college I thought about being a lawyer, a constitutional lawyer to be more precise. I took many pre-law classes and was scared out of my mind. I remember looking around the classroom one day and thinking I would never make it as a lawyer. My Constitutional Law professor, Dr. C., was demanding and challenging. He is a Harvard graduate and one of the most brilliant people I have met. He had our names written on index cards and would randomly call on us to answer questions such as: Which amendment does Marbury v Madison discuss and which justices concurred with the decision and which justices dissented? The tests in his class were essays and I remember working so hard for that class and I am happy to say that I did pretty well in a class full of future lawyers and judges. I never went to law school, but I still have time right?

Cecil O. Samuelson, BYU's president, and his wife spoke on the Constitution at a forum in September. President Samuelson is calling this the Year of the Constitution and encouraged all students to read a book about the Constitution. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, chief justice of the Supreme Court, was the forum speaker in October and he also spoke on the the Constitution. He encouraged students to not only read a book about the Constitution, but to also read the Constitution.
After listening to both forum addresses, I have decided to follow the counsel given and read the Constitution and at least one book on the Constitution in the coming year. I started searching for a book when Chief Justice Roberts said that one of the best books to read is The Federalist Papers. Well, that solves the dilemma of choosing a book. I have much to learn about this document, how it came to be, and how it shapes our lives today. I can't wait to start reading.

Triple Yay

After work today I decided to run at Sugarhouse park rather than go to the gym and run on a treadmill while watching a movie and listening to music. My attention span while running on a treadmill is minimal, if not, non-existent unless I have many things to see and listen to.
I have an extra keyless entry remote for my car that I attach to my shoes or put in my pocket, if I have a pocket. I've attached the remote to my shoes hundreds of times before and I figured today would be much the same. I finished one lap, looked down, and realized the remote was gone. AHHHH! I was surprisingly calm and quickly ran back the way I came while looking for the remote. I watched people as I passed and wondered if they had picked up the remote. A couple times I panicked and kept praying and hoping I would either find the remote or someone else would find it and be waiting at my car for me to arrive. I sat at my car for a few minutes contemplating my options when a couple drove up in their pick-up. I decided to ask them if I could use their phone to call someone. I asked this particular couple to use their phone for a number of reasons which included: 1) she had a sticker on the pick-up that read 'Run like a girl' 2) he wore a Boston Red Sox jacket and 3) they had a dog. I explained the situation and they allowed me to call someone. Uh, do you think I have any numbers memorized? Of course not. I knew I could call my mom or Pip and they could call Yizz, but no one answered at either house. The lady whom we shall call Deb said she had AAA so she called and arranged for someone to come within 30-40 minutes. I sat around watching people, completed an ab workout, and listened to music. While waiting I laughed to myself because earlier in the day I couldn't figure out what to do between working out and going to a Simply Fun game party, and there I was sitting at the park not sure if I would make it to the party at all.
Eventually the yellow van showed up and the door was unlocked. I found the couple who had let me borrow their AAA card and thanked them over and over again.
Thank goodness for kind people who have AAA and use that to help others in need. Guess I'll be making copies of my key this weekend.

Open up your mind and through it let the wisdom pour

I write. I save. I delete. I write. I save. I delete. And the cycle continues. Maybe sometime within the next year I will actually post this on my blog.
The past month has been an interesting one to say(or write) the least. Much has happened in the life of those I love, including myself of course.
~Aching for a sick child
~Seeing potential in a loved one and holding on to the hope that they too will see what you see
~Realizing some things don't last forever
~Heartache after a break-up
~Feeling strength from those who matter most
~Fear of failure, but enjoying the journey wherever it may lead
~Publishing research in a national journal
~Worrying someone you love will be gone too soon
~ Cherishing every moment
~Road-tripping with the girls
~Sleep-overs and bedtime stories

Quick Trip, Great Stories

I went to the land of snow and wind this past weekend. Snow covered the mountains and several times while driving I wanted to stop and climb the mountain and look out over the land below. I didn't climb anything except the stairs to my parents home for many reasons: I was wearing flip flops, wasn't wearing a jacket, and I was tired.
Anxious to see Syden and Avy Shae, I called my sister Pip as soon as I unloaded the car and said hello to the parentals. Grandma Bingham, Pip, Travista, and the kids came for Sunday dinner and some free entertainment.

Let me tell you about the entertainment. Syden pulled out a tooth and 'played' the piano. Avy Shae insisted on playing the piano with her behind and laughing uncontrollably while doing so. This little girl doesn't like people to sing to her...unless they sing off-key, which I just happen to do professionally. It's difficult, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy, even if everyone else clears the room when I sing.
Pip, Syden, and I drove to grandma Bingham's house to see the snowman and to play in the backyard. My grandpa built a tree house when I was younger and I think it has shrunk a little.
On Monday morning Syden was worried I would make him miss the school bus. I was sitting in the living room and Syden said to me: "When are you going to be done with your face so we can go?" WHAT?! I laughed so hard. Kids these days.
My favorite part of the weekend was hearing my dad read to the kids and seeing Avy Shae follow my mom around the house giving her hugs and kisses. Doesn't get much better than that.

What's next?

I haven't blogged in awhile and I have a lot to say, so pay attention.
I'd like to start with a story and I know we all love story time. I thought the day was going rather well until I left work to buy milk. I couldn't decide what size milk to buy and the smaller containers were so far back I would have to climb into the freezer to get one or ask for assistance and who wants to ask for help? Not me. So I grab a gallon of milk and get everything else on my list. Okay, I didn't actually make a list, but I knew what I needed to buy. I decided at the last minute that I didn't want a whole gallon of milk so I went back and climbed into the freezer for a smaller container. I proceeded to the self check-out and the strap or handle on my purse breaks. You might be thinking that it could be worse, but it was. My bag wasn't zipped so most of my belongings fell onto the floor. I laughed and put everything back into the now broken bag. A few of the items wouldn't scan so that delayed my shopping experience as well. I made it home and had to figure out how to get everything up the stairs to the condo. I had a brilliant idea that I should pour my water out so the bottle would be lighter. Smart? That's what I thought...until I dropped one of the shopping bags and had to pick up the items. Then I picked up the bag with milk inside and the bottom of the bag was filled with milk. Of course some of the milk was on my seat and I didn't have any water to clean the spillage. I again laughed and wrapped the now soaked loaf of bread and popcorn in a poncho I had in the trunk of my car and made it to my home. What a day. Maybe I shouldn't go out in public for the rest of the week if this afternoon is a preview of what is to come.