Memorial Day Weekend

I spent part of Memorial Day weekend in Blackfoot. My Grandma Bingham turned 92 years old and I sang in sacrament meeting with my dad and my mom accompanied us on the piano. We laughed a lot while practicing the song and it brought back so many memories of other times we have sung together. We also drove to the cemeteries to put flowers on the graves of Grandpa Bingham, Grandpa and Grandma Mortensen, and Grandpa and Grandma C.
The rest of my weekend was spent at The Dirt. We played games, guitar hero, and went 4 wheeling. Go here and here for pictures of the weekend.

Time for a Change

As much as I say I don't like change, I do enjoy the challenge of new situations. Usually, a change for me consists of coloring my hair or growing it out or cutting it or switching brands of deodorant. This week, I've decided to change something that will have a far greater impact on my life than whether I buy Dove and Lady Speedstick deodorant- I got a new job. I hadn't planned on changing jobs because I love what I do, but an opportunity for advancement and better pay came along and I decided to go for it. I'm still working for the state, but I won't be working in the brain injury unit anymore. Instead, I'll be working in the Neurobehavior HOME clinic and will split my time between the clinic near the U and my current office. I love that there is a team of nurses, doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists in one office working together to best meet the needs of each client. I enjoyed my time working in the brain injury unit and I will miss my clients and coordinating the Brain Injury Support Group, but I know I'll continue to be involved in brain injury prevention and awareness efforts. All you fellow bloggers and blog stalkers better wear helmets when biking, 4 wheeling, etc. Besides, there's isn't much chance that I'll be your social worker when you crash and are injured when not wearing a helmet so now is the time to protect your head.

Gratitude

I was so scared when you called last week and you said something might be wrong. I cried as I thought about and prepared for whatever was going to happen to you and the impact it would have on those close to you. The unknown is frightening and the waiting game is annoying. My phone rang this morning and seeing your name made my heart race and I was nervous to answer. I knew by the way you said my name that you were going to be fine. Relief washed over me and I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude that the problem isn't as serious as it could have been.

It can wait until tomorrow

Life was going pretty well and then I went to eat sushi. As I pulled into the parking lot, I heard a lot of scraping and I think part of my car was left behind. Dan heard my car scraping and decided to park in the parking lot east of the restaurant. After sitting in the restaurant for less that five minutes, Telle went to move the car and she found that the car had been booted. She paid the $80 and moved the car.
Fast forward 4 hours and a group of friends went to see 10,000 BC at the dollar theater. Pelosi dropped us off and she showed up right as we were buying tickets. "I locked my keys in my car. I thought I put them in my purse, but they are in the ignition." After a lengthy discussion, Pelosi decided to call a locksmith because her insurance will reimburse whatever she has to pay to get into her car. The rest of us went to the movie and the fun continued. Pelosi sent a text to Kim saying that it's too expensive to call a locksmith so she called a friend to help and Kim told her what she needed in order to get into her car. Pelosi eventually sent a text saying that she got into our condo and was going to bed so she would attempt to get into her locked car the next day and then asked to make sure we could find a ride home. Kim continued trying to contact a few people, but with no success. Many times during the movie, my thoughts turned the keys locked in the car. Someone could easily break her window and get 2 free purses filled with much goodness as an added bonus. After the movie, the parking lot was searched for a hanger and eventually one was found. Many people told us good luck, including a security guard who told us to buy a slim jim at Skaggs. What good is a slim jim if it's in the locked car and do we have a Skaggs store in Utah? The hanger was used to unlock the door and we drove home and woke up Pelosi so she could see our happy faces.

Mother Lucy

Happy Mother's Day

My life is blessed because you are my friend and mother. We've been through some difficult experiences, but your strength and faith has helped me to be stronger that I thought I could be. I may not remember much about our life before you became sick, but I do remember feeling loved. There were times you came to choir concerts, clogging competitions, and school activities to support me even when you were in pain and feeling completely drained and I recognize the sacrifices you made for me. I knew I could count on you being there when I came home from school and we would lay on the bed talking about life for hours. Remember when you were my piano teacher and you would tap with a pencil so I knew the timing of the song? I admit there are times I purposely play a song incorrectly hoping that the famous pencil will make an appearance. You taught me the importance of getting an education and reading out of the best books. I don't think I have ever seen you without a book to read. You have a great sense of humor that many miss out on because you don't like being the center of attention and instead say funny things to those sitting next to you. You reach out to everyone around you and serve even when it may be hard to do so. I love you mom.

Feeling lucky

Construction on 33rd S is driving me crazy. I exit the condo on 11th E and usually wait in a long line of cars being driven by people who thought that driving through the condo complex would save them time. They are so wrong. Eventually someone lets me turn left onto 11th and soon I make it to work. I battle the cars and construction on the way home as well.
One morning I tried to turn right onto 33rd from the condo only to find the exit is blocked because of the roadwork. I back up and find another way to leave to complex. Later that night I drive down 33rd and find that I can't turn into the complex from 33rd nor can I turn onto 11th E. I turn right onto 11th and make a U-turn and 10 minutes and 20 potholes later I am home. I find a new way home each night. Just because I can leave one way in the morning does not mean I can return the same way. And what's up with the no left turns for what seems like 500 miles? I'm not even sure what they are working on but I do know that I'm not very hopeful that the roads will be fixed. Instead they will try to cover up the problem and we'll go through this nightmare again next Spring. My thinking is that it would be more cost effective to really fix the road instead of masking the problem every year, but what do I know?

Accident prone

On Friday the 11th of April I drove home to Idaho for the weekend with a few friends. I was calling a friend on the phone and as I turned the corner to head down the hallway of my parents house, I stubbed my toes on a roll of flooring that is going to be installed in the bathroom. Somehow I made it through the call and then fell to the floor in pain. My middle toe took most of the beating and I popped it once, but it is still misshapen and purple.
The next day I was coming out of the bathroom and my right arm ran into the doorknob. Truly a miracle that I didn't get a bruise from that encounter. Later that day I walked Syden to the car so he could go to the church with my mom. I buckled him in, turned around, and the left side of my body ran into a brick wall. I was a little surprised at this and stood for a moment collecting my thoughts and then started laughing and went inside to tell everyone what happened.
Sunday was game day. I went to the hall closet and as I reached for Catch Phrase, flashlights came flying out of the cupboard and just as I was rejoicing that nothing fell on my toes, a large aerosol can of something hit me on the head. I turned to see if anyone had noticed and of course one person saw the whole fiasco. I laughed out loud and cried on the inside as I felt the bump on my head. Later that night I was holding my niece Avry and we were putting the game away when an easter basket fell on Avry's head. At that moment I realized I should have spent the weekend in a bubble.

One who buys pennies

I started a post a few months ago and never posted it and now, thanks to my friend Cory, I don't have to. Let me explain. I started a post telling all about my job, but for some reason I never got around to posting the final draft. I admit that my job is flexible and laid back, but I also work hard, contrary to what a couple of my friends may say. Cory was kind enough to write a post on his blog about my life and job as a social worker for individuals who have a brain injury. It's important to remember that one shouldn't believe everything that one reads, especially before sources are checked and found to be credible.

I have to go

Frantically I run up the stairs and into the condo pausing only briefly to say hello to my roommates. I change my clothes and I'm on my way out the door. I am stopped by questions: "What are you doing? Who are you going with?" To these questions I answer, I'm leaving the condo to see friends and I'll be back later. As I run down the stairs, I make sure I have everything I will need. Water bottle-check. Purse-check. Wallet-check. Camera-check. Burt's Bees lip balm-check. Burt's bees lip balm-check.(I always carry at least 2 in my purse in case I lose one). I'm feeling pretty good because I'm going to make it on time and then it hits me- the "I have to go to the bathroom even though I haven't had a lot of water recently and I just went 30 minutes ago, but soon I'll be sitting for a few hours and there is no way I am missing one minute of(insert activity here) so I better go before it starts urge."
Why does this happen and don't pretend that it doesn't happen to you because I've asked some pretty reliable sources and they have also encountered the need to go. Until this mystery is solved, I will do my best to allow a few extra minutes before activities begin so that I can go to the restroom. Speaking of restrooms, I have to go.

An enrichment to remember

I was talking to some girls in my ward when I heard the Bishop's daughter say: "They broke the glass." I thought that someone had broken a glass in the house, but soon I wished it were that simple. I turned to the window and saw a person walk away from a car, zip up a backpack, get on a bullet bike with another person, and ride off down the road. I felt frozen as I stood there and then someone asked whose car was broken into and I said that it looked like Stacy's. Stacy ran outside while someone called the police. It was Stacy's car that was broken into and her purse was stolen so she immediately called to cancel her credit and debit cards. Angie was smart enough to take a picture of the bike with her camera phone, but the license place was bent so we couldn't read to numbers. The police came and there wasn't much they could do, but he did take a copy of the picture Angie took in case the thieves are caught in the future and can be linked to this crime as well. Earlier in the week, another friends car was broken into at the church parking lot and his wallet, jump drive with papers from college, school books, stereo, and other items were taken.

Yawn

Dear blogging friends:
Hi. How are you? I am doing fine. Write back soon.
Love,
Your friend Mishellita

Remember those great letters you wrote and received during your younger years? I sure miss those days. Maybe I'll start sending letters in the mail again. What a novel idea. Moving onto the topic at hand. So many thoughts and ideas for a new post on this here blog, but nothing is coming together as it should. Do not fear for I shall post again soon. In the meantime, the picture below will allow you to see how I am feeling as of late.

All About 4's

Thanks for the tag Bob L.

4 Jobs I have had:
BYU general reference librarian/information desk help
Assistant Director
Master milkshake maker
Support Coordinator

4 Movies I watch over and over:
Finding Neverland
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
The Other Sister
Hairspray

4 Places I have lived:
Blackfoot, ID
Provo, UT
Rexburg, ID
Salt Lake City, UT

4 TV shows I watch:
Heroes
Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
Sports
Discovery Channel

4 Places I have been:
Hawaii
Turkey
Greece
Bahamas

4 People who email me regularly:
Co-workers
Jamie Lyn
Dad(Rufus)
NY times

4 Favorite things to eat:
Chips and Salsa
Cereal
French Toast
Homemade Pizza

4 Places I would rather be:
Idaho
Oregon
Any warm/tropical place
in the mountains or on a private island

4 Things I look forward to this year:
Clay graduating with his PhD in chemistry (You can do it Clay!)
Taking the GRE
Summer filled with snow cones, slip 'n slide, and swimming
Healthy relationships

Let me in and/or out

I arrived at the office after visiting a client and found the door to the office locked. I tried using my electronic key, but it wouldn't work. I tried the next set of doors and they also wouldn't open. I was getting ready to call the receptionist, when a co-worker approached the door from the inside. She tried to open the door, but was locked in. What?! I couldn't get in and those on the inside were stuck at work-good thing I was on the outside. At the very moment I decided to go home for the rest of the day, I remembered there is a back entrance to work. I walked around to the back and the door was unlocked and I returned to work and spent the afternoon writing this blog. Don't worry. I also worked on the following: returning phone calls, IM-ing friends, writing reports, and reading the latest book for book club. Whenever I needed a break from the strenuous workday, I walked by the front door to watch as people attempted to enter or leave the building. I kept waiting for someone to yell, "Smile. You're on candid camera." Sadly that never happened.

Ladies Night at the Ritz

Dan and Lindsey are getting married next Friday and we all know that there has to be a bridal shower before the wedding. Lindsey's sister Emilee planned the shower to be at The Ritz Bowling Alley on Ladies Night and it was one of the best showers I've ever been to.
Lindsey and approximately twenty of her friends gathered at the alley and the good times kept rolling(That pun is for McCall-the queen of puns). Here are a few of the most memorable moments from the shower.


Taking a break from dancing and bowling for a picture. The music at The Ritz was perfect for ladies night.

Angie dared me to bowl with 2 balls and I did just that. I won't upload the other picture that shows how, uh, poorly I bowled. I'll simply state that one of the balls may have gotten stuck in the gutter. Oh well.

McCall tried to run while approaching the lane and fell. I hope she got a strike for her efforts.

This picture is for Lindsey and I wish she was in the picture with us.

Em not only bowled a Turkey, but her final score was 209! So incredible.

I love this picture Becky took while Lindsey was opening presents. A bridal shower isn't a bridal shower without presents, and presents is exactly what Lindsey received. If you want to see pictures of the gifts Lindsey received, you'll have to talk to Lindsey because I've given her the copyright to all pictures and videos taken at the shower.

Suspended driving privileges

My supervisor came into my office this morning and said she had received a letter about me. So many thoughts ran through my mind as to what the letter could be concerning, but I was not prepared for the answer. "Shelley, the letter states that your license is invalid and as such you are not allowed to drive the company vehicle nor are you allowed to drive your personal vehicle for official work purposes until the matter is cleared. In addition, a letter from the Driver License Division (DLD) must be sent to HR stating that the license has been re-instated" I pulled out my license, and sure enough, it had expired a week ago.
Off I went to the local DLD office. As I pulled into the parking lot, I knew I wouldn't make it back to the office for a long time. The parking lot was full and I barely escaped a couple of collisions while trying to find a parking spot. I entered the building and I laughed...out loud. People stopped and stared at me. I assume they did this to everyone who walked in as their way of saying "Welcome to your life for the next 5 hours. Don't you wish you had a friend you could cut in line with?" I filled out the appropriate form for a license renewal and waited to be given a number. After about 25 minutes of listening to a mother and daughter argue in Spanish(I know enough Spanish to understand they were not happy with one another) and feeling claustrophobic for the 1st time in my life, I drove to another DLD office. A guy left at the same time I did and I felt as if we were racing each other. He was in the lead until he went straight instead of turning left onto 7th E which allowed me to get a number long before he arrived. Victory.
I had number 34 and the next number called was 9. An older man next to me gave a little cheer each time we got closer to my number. The husband and wife on the other side complained about the wait while I sat patiently because I knew the line was longer at the 1st office I went to. People came and went and it was now my turn. Panic hit. Immediately I thought: Oh no, I only have one form of ID. Please don't ask for another form of ID or else I'm going to have to try using my Costco card. Ed B. was very helpful and I knew I'd be fine as soon as he asked which part of Idaho I am from. He was so excited when I told him Blackfoot as he proceeded to talk about potatoes and how much he loved driving from Pocatello to Idaho Falls. Then he noticed my mom's maiden name is Bingham and he was even more excited because his last name is Bingham. Renewing my license was much more enjoyable at this point. I had my picture taken and refused to sign my name again. "Ed, I'm left handed and when I write my signature, my hand smears what I write so I'd rather not try again."
Three hours and at least three hundred less brain cells later, I had my temporary license.

In need of a one-way ticket to Heaven

My nephew Syden has been obsessed with finding a husband for me and he will suggest guys I should marry. For some reason, the guys he picks either have a mullet, are missing most of their teeth, or are unemployed. On a good day, the guy fits all of the above descriptions. This is the most recent conversation he had with his mom:

"Mom, remind me why Shae isn't married."

"Well, she hasn't found the right person. You have to have a boyfriend and then you get married."

"Oh. Next time you talk to Shae tell her that her husband died. When she gets to heaven she needs to find him so she can get married."

Bless you Syden. Why I'm not married is no longer a mystery.

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.