This is My Town

Myself, Meags, and Simon traveled to B town so they could experience the best fair in the world. As we were nearing my parent's home, I announced that we needed to stop at the Walker's farm to buy corn. We approached the farm and found the following:

 The smaller sign says "the honor system works here" and it really does. 

Mmmm. The corn was delicious. 

A Gift

 Meeting this little guy was the highlight of my day. 

I love these ladies(and baby boy G). We first met while working for the state and as we transitioned to contract work, we have remained good friends. Gym days with Mindy(on hold until after Baby B arrives this fall). Craft days with Corrine. Dining at JCW's. My heart is full when I think of life one year ago as we shed tears with one another and pondered experiences that have changed us all. 

2nd Annual Sweatin For Sarah

Bright Sun=Squinty Eyes

Today was the 2nd Annual Sweatin For Sarah 5K benefit run. I was a volunteer and helped with registration and then directed traffic during the race. It was great to see so many people gathered in support of Sarah who was diagnosed with cancer last June.

P.to.the.S: Gev from SYTYCD was at the race and I was in a flash mob. #535 checked off my bucket list.

The Summer I Was Twelve And Older

I spent a week in the Northwest visiting my brother and his family. In the days before I was to leave the city of salt, I learned that my brother was in the another state and had to stay there until the work equipment was working properly.  I was saddened because we had plans to attend his work party the night of my arrival so I surprised when I arrived at the airport and received an unexpected call from my brother saying that he just landed in the land of port.

I have heard so much about the Intel parties and was excited to see if it lived up to all the hype. I am accustomed to state parties so attending my brother's work party blew my mind. Horse rides, mini golf, swimming, slip 'n slide, dodgeball tournament, and oh so many prizes. I had no shame in running up a hill to receive a towel, t-shirt, umbrella, and other prizes.

The Oregon Gardens was next on the agenda and they did not disappoint. At one point, I tried to take a drink from what I thought was a drinking fountain but then saw the "Do not touch the fountain" sign and quickly moved away from the area. Actually, the truth is that I knew it was not a drinking fountain but it sure looked like one.

We went to an Oaks Amusement Park for 2 for 1 Tuesday and I purchased my ticket, got one for free, and a lady in line offered to buy the extra one for more than it was worth. I let her know the actual price and she insisted on paying an extra $3.  Noelle insisted on holding me hand on one of the rides-so adorable. Brin was a daredevil and wanted to go on all the 'big' rides. 

Our next adventure was at Evergreen Wings & Waves. We climbed 111 steps and entered a 747 where the slides went out of the plane. When we first arrived, Clay and I picked a random slide and it was so dark and fast. Tennie Jo and I screamed like little girls when two lifeguards entered the funnel portion of Nose Dive soon after us and it appeared we would collide. The Mach 1 was supposed to be the most daring, but proved to be the most calm. The wave pool was intense and I would like to return for the 'Dive-in Move Night.' The kids area included a helicopter filling a bucket with water and then dumping onto trees and everything in its path. Noelle didn't want to get drenched but she encouraged me to stand right under the bucket when the water rushed out. I'll do anything to remain the favorite aunt. I think it's safe to say that the girls were exhausted after spending the day at Wings & Waves.

The visit went by too quickly and soon it was time for me to return to my life in the 801. I miss seeing the girls at swim lessons each morning, going to a movie with Tennie Jo, and enlisting the help of Jose the finger puppet when it was time to clean. If asked nicely, I may even sing one of Jose's songs. I'm counting down until my next visit. 

I Believe

It was my turn at the register. The cashier turned, looked at me, and asked, "How is your day?" I've never been more grateful for the sunglasses worn upon my face as a few tears began to form while every emotion from the week began to surface. I was taken aback by the question and yet I felt the kindness and sincerity in those four words. I paused and then replied, "good, thank you." She continued to look at me and then announced that she would be giving me a discount. I tried to decline graciously but to no avail. The discount was given, I thanked her repeatedly, and then I was on my way. I left determined to be more interested in people. To have a heart for all and a focus on the one.

Around this same time, a friend asked to come by for a visit and knew just what to say without knowing any details of the past week. That of hearing horrific events occurring in a person's life to watching others bear heavy burdens and fighting to rise above the feelings of being abandoned and forgotten.

I believe that just as I pray for blessings in my life and for opportunities to serve others, I  must be open to receiving those whom may become an answer to my vocal or oft times silent pleadings.

Young Love

Sharing headphones...how cute.

After attending the Joshua James concert in Provo last night, it was decided that the BYU creamery was the next stop. We sat in the booth behind this couple and I found myself commenting on their conversation centered around music theory and their favorite musical. I had to remind myself that I was not at their table and should not be listening, but it was so entertaining. Besides, the over two hours we were stuck in traffic on I-15 was easier to handle because we had stories from the Creamery.

Re: Let's Make a Deal

Today's groupon? $20 worth of sushi for $10. 

Did I purchase? Yes. I felt it was my duty after writing yesterday's post.

 I'm beginning to think my blog is a wishing well. 

Let's Make a Deal

Dear Groupon/Daily Deals/Living Social, etc:

I have not purchased a deal in the past month because I do not need my carpet cleaned nor my car detailed. Well, I could use the car detailing, but I'd rather purchase 2 for 1 movie passes or $25 in sushi for $10. I will say that the lack of great deals is helping me stay on budget so I guess I should be thanking you rather than complaining. Plus, I really should use the vouchers that I have purchased over the past several months. I fear this letter is not going as planned. Abort. Anyone want to go to a laser show at the Planetarium?

Ever in search of a good deal,
Mishellita

21+9

 Thirty years ago today, you were born. I remember waking up and hearing Grandpa B explain that mom and dad were at the hospital because we would soon have a little sister. You are the youngest child and I admit that I once resented the fact that you were able to stay with mom and the grandparents when dad had surgery while Clay and I spent time with extended family and friends. I guess that's the middle child in me, wanting everyone to be together. I admire your courage, determination, and strength. You became a business owner at the age of 23 and continue to succeed while also excelling in your role as wife and mother. I am in awe with your goodness and selflessness as you give to others in the midst of a 'what's in it for me' world. You know how to make me laugh. Remember when we would drive to see the dressed up goose and attempt to take pictures without being caught? Or what about the time we went to the greenbelt to run/rollerblade and it was so windy that I ended up pushing you around the lake? In so many ways, I consider you to be the older and wiser sister and I am blessed to call you my closest friend. You may be 30 years-old, but in my mind, you will forever be 21.

Happy Birthday, Pip! Love you much.  

Look to the Rainbow

A few friends and I saw Idina Menzel perform with the Utah Symphony at Deer Valley this evening.  Keith Lockhart was the conductor for the night and this was his last show as director emeritus for the Symphony. Idina sang songs from Wicked, Rent, Glee, along with some well known classics and she had the audience join her a couple of times.  She was quite the entertainer and even stopped mid-song to tell a couple of stories and then finished the song. It reminded me of when I play the piano except that I will start playing one song and then start playing a different song without completing the first. Idina offered to end the concert when the rain started but the crowd, myself included, cheered for her to continue and continue she did. Idina's voice is clear and her range, endless, and I would pay to see her again.

Oh What a Night

I put my brave face on...

And kept on swinging.

Past Meets Future

If walls could talk, what a story they would tell...

Riding horses isn't the same without grandpa B...

There's no place like home(or grandma's home)...

If I Could Turn Back Time

It is written that Galileo was watching the movement of a chandelier in a cathedral and began to research the laws of pendulum motion to determine the exact period of a pendulum. A pendulum must be kept steady for accuracy and is easily swayed by environmental forces, much like our own lives.
I find it fascinating that parts of a clock are referred to as the 'face' or the 'hands.' Clocks are our time keepers, ever reminding us that time does indeed march on. How I can be in a meeting and time seems to slow down but when I am enjoying time with family and friends, our time together is over much too soon?
This concept became more clear as I spent time with my family this past weekend. Minutes seemed to pass ever so quietly and I found myself longing to freeze every moment. I was drawn toward old photographs and family journals and at first, I concluded that I simply wanted to remember the early days and recall stories from the past. And then it hit me. I was really trying to get the history back. To be able to view a photo and be transported to that time to relive all the feelings, thoughts, and wonders stored in the print.

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment, and in retrospection."

~Anais Nin

My Leg Pits Are Sweating

Spending the weekend with my family was wonderful. Clay and his family made the drive from the Land of the Ducks and I loved watching the cousins interact with one another. My niece Noelle-belle kept saying her leg pits(back of the knee) were sweating and I will now be adding that phrase to my vocabulary. I played with the kids during the day and the spent the evening talking with the adults about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We also spent time at Grandpa B's art studio collecting sketches, handmade belts, and other mementos. And of course we went to Rupe's for a root beer ice cream cone which is always an adventure. 

My dad and Sy decided to humor me by wearing BYU attire. 

 The Oregon Duck fan tried to injure the BYU fan. 

 My sister-in-law decided to be my twin for church. She likes to play pranks on me and I now have a battle wound because of her. Totally worth the pain. 

 My brother-in-law didn't think I could do a push-up. I showed him. Sy needs to work on his form. 

 I love these faces. Brin had eight teeth pulled earlier in the day and she was still smiling!

Evening Stroll

The ladies in the above picture walk around the neighborhood almost every night. The walker does not always make an appearance but I'm glad it is used for extra support when needed. I smile every time I see the walkers and next time I think I will ask if I can join them.

Animal Athletes

Disclaimer: I think animals are great.

I grew up near horses, cows, cats, dogs, chickens, and every other animal found on the farm, but when the rodeo announcer called the horses 'animal athletes,' I started to laugh. Sure, the animal has to be strong and trained in the ways of rodeo, and yet, that phrase seems silly. I enjoyed the rodeo and enjoyed sitting near President Monson.

My Survival

Today I chose to spend my lunch hour with Meags, Allison, and her twins Rosie and Evie. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. The three of us have been friends for several years and have shared many great moments and watched and supported one another through difficult points in life. I may have also helped Allison meet her future husband Ben(feel free to return the favor anytime, Allison). For some reason, I took several pictures of the twins but not one picture with Allison. I guess I better go visit her soon.

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

~C.S. Lewis

God Bless America

I was given tickets to a closed to the public Mormon Tabernacle concert this morning which was the closing session for the Nation Association of Governor's. As I walked into the Conference Center, I recognized a few local and national leaders and wished I could spend time talking to them about public policy. We all stood for the National Anthem and then sat in awe as we heard several patriotic songs. It was the perfect way to spend the Sabbath morning.

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.

~Victor Hugo

What's My Name?

I like nicknames. As a child, I was known as Belle and/or Shell Bell until I went to school and then I had to learn my name is really Shelley. There's something really great and connecting when a friend or family member calls me Shell, Shae, Bob, or any of my other nicknames. In turn, I like to give people nicknames.
My friend Pelos(short for Pelosi whose first name is Nancy) met some people from my hometown and had the following conversation:

Pelos: "My friend is from B town and you have the same last name. Her parents are Rufus and Lucy. Except, that's not their real names and I can't remember their given names.
Locals: Hmmmm. I don't know how to help you figure out their names, but I'm sure we know them.
Pelos: "Wait! She has a sister who is a hair stylist in town. Her name is Pip. Uh, that's not her name and well, you know the rest."

It's Friday

I spent the day with this family.

Brayden, 17 months old, taught me all about the ipad. Obviously his dad is a computer guy.

The best part of the day was talking to friends while enjoying the pool in the backyard. This is the life.