BYU vs Utah State

Simon, Pelosi, and I ventured to Happy Valley in order to attend the BYU vs Utah State game. Traffic was insane and so we listened to 'the voice of the Cougars, Greg Wrubell.' Simon and Pelos are both Utah State fans and cheered loudly when their team scored within the first 14 seconds. I took a deep breath and continued to cheer for my Cougars. 

Simon, me, Pelosi.

Final Score. Well done, BYU!

The fans rushed the field even though they were asked not to. I guess some Cougars do cut corners. 

Rise Up

As part of a yearly tradition, Steve, Jamie Lyn, and I attended the BYU vs University of Central Florida game. Thoughts quickly turned to the previous week's game and my hope was that we stayed with UCF and maybe even came out with a win which is exactly what we(BYU) did. Sometimes I think I am on the team and yell, "Put me in coach. I know all about Tradition, Honor, Spirit and I am ready to play."

Great Seats for the game.

UCF brought their own security. 

Go BYU!

Jimmer's All-Stars

Simon and I went to see Jimmer and the rest of the All-Stars play and they did not disappoint. A smile quickly appeared  and I felt like I was coming home as we walked to the Marriott Center on the campus of Brigham Young University. There's just something about that place. 

Now if only the NBA would get it together so I can see these rookies play again.

A New Home for the Treehouse

My sister called to let me know that today was the big day. The day the treehouse moved to its new home. Memories rushed to my mind as I recalled the time when my Grandpa Bingham built the treehouse for myself and my siblings. For me, the treehouse was and is a safe place; a refuge from the cares and worries in my life and a place where I could be free. The neighborhood children would stop to play in the treehouse on their way home from school and would often write messages inside. I may have also written notes such as Shelley likes Derek or Shelley + Deven=BFF.  I'm glad that my nieces and nephew will be able to enjoy the treehouse and I plan to join them as often as possible. 

 

Practically Perfect

Re: Martha

This just in. Martha is now wearing a dress. 

*Picture courtesy of my sister Pip. 

We All Wear Signs

Last week, I read a blog post about how we treat others and then the lessons came flooding into my life. Experience after experience provided gentle and sometimes not so gentle reminders that we should not only think but act more kindly to others. We must strive to see past what it seems and look for the internal message boards people carry and which may be filled with not only joy but also despair, grief, or pain.

To be gentle with others. And myself.

Go HERE to read the beautiful and powerful message.

Wilson Phillips with special guest Jerry Springer

There's something really great about a fair. I am biased and like the Idaho fair more than the Utah fair, but Utah does have free concerts. Pelosi and I stood in line an hour before WP tickets became available and we scored sixth row tickets and random tickets on rows 3, 4, 5, and 6. The guys below chose to sleep overnight in order to get the best tickets and ended up on the 4th row. I wonder if they regret that decision.

Onto the concert. Wilson Phillips came out and we proudly sang along with every note. There was some mass confusion as to who was a Wilson and who was a Phillips. I called in for back-up aka the lady in front of me, and she helped settle the confusion. In the picture below, please note how Wendy Wilson is doing her own thing. Chynna Phillips is taking center stage and continuously reminding us to vote for her on DWS and promoting their new reality show. Fingers crossed that I am in the Utah State Fair episode. And then there's Carnie Wilson. Her husband is in the band. Her daughter played the tambourine for a song and she is my favorite. That woman can harmonize like no other.

Wendy and Carnie are Brian Wilson's(Beach Boys) daughters and Chynna's parents are John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas. WP sang many cover songs which will be featured on their next album to be released in February. I may have enjoyed those songs more than when WP sang their own hits.

The concert was so much fun and the people watching was amazing. And then the concert turned into a scene straight from The Jerry Springer show. A man on the second row, yes second, complained to an usher about two ladies on the front standing and blocking his view. And the arguing continued.

Things appeared to calm down for three seconds and soon the guy in the red shirt had left his seat and found a different usher and we learn that the ladies on the front row are not sitting in the correct seat and must move.

And then things intensified when the ladies tossed their beer at the guy who complained and they are all escorted away from the area while screaming at one another and WP tell the crowd to settle down and hold on for one more day. Truth be told, Hold On was the encore, but they did tell the crowd to settle down.

All things considered, it was a great concert. The Jerry Springer portion was actually sad because the concert was free and they missed some great songs. As for me, I can multitask and enjoyed the two in one show.

Udderly Fantastic Fair

Sy made this poster for myself and my friends.

I love the horse races. 

Indian Relays are a must see at the fair. 

Entrance to the fair. Best way to spend Labor Day weekend. 

So many stamps. 

For as long as I can remember, Labor Day has been spent in B town with family and friends. My cousin Jackie and her family came home from New Mexico and we had a great time catching up. Some people attend their 5,10, 15 year high school reunions. Me? I go to the fair each year and have my own high school reunion. The fair began with a parade and then we spent several days eating a lot of food and attending events such as: horse races, Indian relay races, rodeo, Tractor Pull, and even an arm wrestling competition. I'm already counting down until E.I.S.F. 2012.

Martha

I remember the days when the lady statue was on display at a gas station but she was often lying on the ground due to vehicles backing into her. Some time ago, she was moved to Martha's Cafe, and naturally became known as Martha. Last summer, I posted a picture of Martha.  We were told she would soon be getting a new dress and then winter came and she was still wearing a bikini. My dad asked the owner if we could put a scarf around her neck, we were given permission, but then Martha was taken down before she could receive her scarf.
Fast forward to this weekend. I was enjoying the Eastern Idaho State Fair parade with family and friends when we saw her. Yes, Martha has returned and now dons a red bikini. I hope she gets more clothing before standing in front of the thriving metropolis of B Town. Please note the bling on her left hand. I hope I'm invited to the wedding.

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.