What do I have to say?

Hmmm, realized it's been a while since I blogged. Again. I seem to have fallen off the blogging bandwagon. So I guess if you really want to know what's up with me, you'll just have to call or email me and ask.

But before I go...

I did this silly thing. The magic Acai berry--have you heard of this? It's supposed to help with weight loss. I succumbed and signed up for a free trial. Within 3 days I was walking around with a stupid smile on my face. Two days later, I realized something significant. I wasn't depressed. I have been depressed for so long I can't remember what it's like to not be depressed. Except that I certainly recognized it when I felt it. The weight of depression was just gone. I guess there's some magic to that berry after all, at least, for me. In a way it does help with weight loss--I no longer feel the need to sit around and eat and eat and eat. I actually want to get up and do things. It's kind of amazing. I was at a dinner a few weeks ago as part of a choir thing I was doing, and I actually talked to everyone at the table, got them to introduce themselves and everything. Something I used to be able to do and haven't done for years. years.

Most people who've met me in the last 9 years have no idea what I used to be like, before Mom died, before the depression hit, before my biological clock went haywire, all that stuff I had to deal with in the last decade. Lots of garbage. It may not be over, but it will be a lot easier to deal with if I'm not depressed all the time.

Let's hear it for magic berries!

Another Christmas over...

Ok, so I realize it's been over 3 weeks since I last wrote. In that time I...

• Went to three choir rehearsals
• Performed 6 times with 2 different choirs
• Wrapped a zillion presents
• Packaged and mailed 7 packages
• printed out, folded, and mailed over 70 Christmas letters
• Checked my mail to find cards and pressents among the usual garbage and bills
• managed to pay my bills, mostly on time
• Shopped (but only in Columbia, and NOT at the Mall!!!)
• Went to the Temple Visitor's Center with friends
• Sang Christmas Carols
• Ate too many Christmas cookies and treats
• Went to 3 different Christmas parties (mostly work-related)
• Played with Kitty so she wouldn't feel neglected as I wrapped and folded and mailed and left her home alone.
• Helped a friend or two in need
• Drove 400 miles to be with my family at Christmastime

'nuff said? I've been entirely too busy this December. Not a lot of time to feel Christmas spirit, running around from place to place, my house a mess because I have no time to clean. sigh.

But the house is now clean, Kitty is being taken care of, the presents have all been opened and aknowledged. Time to think about New Years, and what changes I want to make for 2009. Things like...

• Following my Weight Watchers Plan
• Being a nicer person/better friend
• Be cheerful
• Figure out how to incorporate more exercise into my day

so forward, 2009. Happy New Year to one and all!

In case you missed it...

From http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ today. In case you missed the beautiful conjunction on Monday. This view is from New South Wales, in Australia, and the moon, Venus, and Jupiter are actually making a smiley face!

so the week is about over--well, ok, so I still have two concerts and a lllooooonnnngggg rehearsal tomorrow morning, so maybe the week isn't as over as I'd like it to be, but I'm managing. Somehow. I am looking forward to going shopping on Monday night, though. Prince Caspian is FINALLY on DVD!!

A weekend of movies...

I didn't get any invitations to Thanksgiving dinner this year--it happens that way sometimes, and I wasn't up to trying to pull a dinner together after I pulled the SA Dinner together--so I went to the movies instead. I saw Australia and Four Christmases. I really enjoyed both of them, for different reasons, since they're different movies.

Australia was very good. It's almost like two movies in one, so when you think it's over, it's really not. My nephews were a little confused by that, but since I knew it was about 2 1/2 hours long and it hadn't been long enough, I was good. Plus, I really couldn't pass up the chance to watch Hugh Jackman for 2 1/2 hours. He is just so yummy. And speaking with his normal, Aussie accent. Thought I died and went to Aussie heaven...

Four Christmases was really funny. I quite enjoyed it. It also has a nice, underlying theme of family which touched my heart. Definitely recommend this one.

After the movies were over I went home and called my brother's house. I'd been texted that morning by my niece Daely and she told me that everyone was going over Blaine's for dinner. so I called, and I got to talk to four nephews, four nieces, three brothers, and two sisters(in-law). so much fun. I was on the phone for an hour and 40 minutes (my phone keeps track of that sort of thing). It was amazing. But I am highly reassured that they are all doing well. I invited some of the older ones to come stay with me; we'll see if that happens. I warned the oldest nephew to try not to be a part of the Single Adult program (he has 3 more years as a YSA), and that I was one of the reasons that it was so scary. My niece Danja is *so* close to putting in her papers for her mission it is really great. I'm so excited for her!

Friday I basically sat on my couch all day long, only getting up to let the cat in and out. I caught up on all the tv shows I had recorded the previous week, and watched "I could never be your Woman" from my blockbusteronline. It was an ok movie. Not sure how it ended up on my list, but the guy was cute, and Tracy Ulman wasn't too bad as Mother Nature. Michelle Pfieffer is still as gorgeous as ever.

Saturday I worked in my yard for about 2 hours (hey, I earned 5 activity points). I also went to see Twilight (finally, I know!) My friend Tracy invited me to join her and Vanessa's families, and I invited my friend Tess who I knew wanted to see it as well. We took up a whole row in the theater, and easily outnumbered everyone else there put together (ok, well, it was the dinner show, but I can't say I'm surprised it's not doing as well as last weekend). It was better than I'd expected, after reading through many mixed reviews. I was a bit shocked by Carlisle's face when he first showed up (he looked more like a ghost than a vampire with all that white make-up on his face), and the glitter part with Edward in the sun didn't look amazing to me, just kind of weird. The girl playing Bella indeed only had two expressions (sullen, and I think she smiled once), but she managed to carry the part ok. Thought Edward and Jasper's hair was weird-looking, but I really liked Jacob. Ok, so you may already know I'm a Jacob girl, so was predisposed to like him, but still. The boy was pretty cute. And I love long hair on men, and he took care of that fetish too... (and people wonder why I'm still single)

Sunday was the first Sunday in many weeks that I did not have rehearsal in VA for the SA choir I'm in. Well, I missed the previous two Sundays due to illness and the SA dinner, but that doesn't mean there wasn't rehearsal. Can I tell you how nice it was to just stay home? I read my book for my Wednesady book club, and worked on the Soldier Quilts (the never-ending project). My Home Teachers came over and helped me take a tick off of Kitty (I'm such a city girl I'd never even seen a tick before, so had no idea what it was or what to do about it). Kitty's ok, but she was mad at me for quite a while. I might rename her to Chili. That's what one of my home teachers, Chuck Barron, calls her. course, he calls her that because he wants to *make* chili out of her... but she does have a spicy temperament. Chili may suit her better than Padme.

Monday night was SA FHE at the Johnsons this month. I really enjoy going to families' homes for FHE. I'm a little sad because I kind of doubt the new Ward SA Rep will keep it going (she doesn't seem to like it, and the other rep is kind of hit-or-miss). I'm the only one that attends regularly, and I will miss it if they don't do it next year, but maybe I can still bug the Edwards' from time to time. And maybe the Whipple's, too.

Alas, this week is entirely too busy with rehearsals and performances (the Mormon Choir of Washington, DC, is singing at the temple's Lighting Ceremony on Thurs and Fri, and at the Oakton Stake on Sat, so we're rehearsing tonight). Next week will be much better, though. Which is really good since I may fill up my DVR this week with no time to watch anything...

I, I, I...

Tagged by Jen

I am - a rocket scientist with aspirations of becoming a writer.

I want - to return to Europe for another trip

I hear - trucks outside, backing up with that annoying beeping noise, and my office neighbors talking (the walls are paper-thin in the trailer where I work)

I never - want to go sky-diving

I wonder - why the stars are where they are, making the patterns that they make. And just how do they get the creame filling in twinkies, anyway?

I always - head for the Star Wars toys in any store that happens to have toys in it.

I usually - manage to get myself where I need to be about 10 minutes before I need to be there.

I search - for the tape. Seriously. It's Wrapping Time, right before Christmas. I know I have scads of tape, but can I find it? No.

I am not - particulalry clever, but my Mom always believed in me, so I got a lot farther than I would have otherwise.

I dance - like a crazy person from the 80's with some 60's mixed in for flavor

I sing - as often and as much as possible. I must know literally thousands of songs, and used to drive my roommates crazy by singing back to them whatever they had just said--from a song that they recognized.

I wish - for a husband and children, though the longing is slowly fading into acceptance that being single is my fate.

I dislike - dealing with rude people. Whereever they may show up.

I rarely - tell anyone what I'm thinking. It's my own personal secret and I don't have to share.

I cry - at sad movies, and sometimes when they're really happy. If they touch my heart, I cry.

I am not always - a good friend. I seem to have lost that ability to make friends and keep them.

I lose - when playing games. Someone has to, right?

I fear - my older nieces and nephews will end up like me--sad and alone

I'm confused - by the other drivers on the road. Do they really, really have to pass me when I'm trying to merge? Seriously?? and just where is the fire they're driving to so madly??

I need - a swift kick to the head sometimes, or maybe just a sanity check. Thankfully my sister Beckie can provide both.

I should - be working on something. Exactly what that is escapes me at the moment...

I dream - of traveling to Denmark someday

I have - a great little house, a cat that seems to like me, and a berry-red car that takes me where I want to go.

I love - my family. And stars.

I tag - anyone who's made it this far!

The biggest activity of the year...

For Single Adults in our Stake, anyway.

Last night was the Annual Single Adult Thanksgiving Dinner. I get to be in charge, since I'm the Stake SA Co-chairperson, and even though I do have a partner now, he's been kind of out of it for a while (but is slowly climbing out from underneath the family and work responsibilities that have been keeping him busy). In years past I have spent a lot of time stressing about this night, trying to make sure the important things are being done by reliable people, and usually ending up setting everything but the tables up myself.

This year was completely different. And so much better. The tables were set up by the SA Rep from C2, my co-chair showed up early with his two children (both old enough to be helpful), and our wonderful Stake RS President showed up early to help as well. I felt like I was running around the whole time, but since I didn't have to do all the work myself it was not stressful at all. This year I made the turkey, and boy did it turn out Great. I used a recipe from my Weight Watchers email, and it was delicious. So moist and yummy. We had lots of food--as expected two wards were not represented, but gave them responsibilities that wouldn't be missed if they didn't show up--and the bishopric councillor from one of them did show up with rolls, so that was good. Once everyone had eaten and were chatting I brought out the styrofoam boxes for people to take leftovers home, and when they were done, there wasn't enough food leftover to even worry about. We had exactly enough turkey and ham, and exactly enough everything else, and it was great.

Clean-up went fast and well, with several people helping out. My co-chair and his kids got the room all cleaned up and ready for Seminary the next day, our SRSP did dishes, and I cleared and put and threw away and all that kind of stuff. I kept telling myself all week not to stress, and I prayed that I would remember everything that needed doing (not necessarily everything I wanted to make sure happen), and it went so very well. Huzzah! maybe I can be released before I have to do this again next year (three times is enough, isn't it?) Which means I've actually been in this calling about four years, since I was called right after Thanksgiving. I suppose there's hope...

The SA program is starting to look up in our stake, though. We finally have people representing each ward coming to the committee meetings, and giving input. We're putting together a questionaire to give us a much better idea as to what the SA in our stake would like. We hope to be able to implement changes next year. My biggest frustration is that we seem to be trying to put together a program that the SA in our stake simply don't want. It frustrates me to no end that those who are active in the church refuse to participate in the SA program. I understand why they don't. Really I do. However, they are failing to see the big picture. The big picture is this: the majority (90%) of the SA in our stake are NOT ACTIVE. The majority of them are not active because they feel like they DON'T FIT IN. Because they're Single, and the Church's emphasis is on being married (and rightly so). We can't invite these people to Single Adult events because the active Single Adults DON'T SHOW UP. Do you get it? Do you get it now? The less active single adults that might be receptive to a single adult activity would be turned off because the attendance at activities is so low as to be discouraging. So if you know any single adults, or if you are one, please encourage them to participate. Before I hunt them down and give them "what for." Course, if I did that, maybe they would release me. And leave me in Primary where I belong.

Name the new Mars Rover!!

NASA INVITES STUDENTS TO NAME NEW MARS ROVER
WASHINGTON -- NASA is looking for the right stuff, or in this case, the right name for the next Mars rover. NASA, in cooperation with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures' movie WALL-E from Pixar Animation Studios, will conduct a naming contest for its car-sized Mars Science Laboratory rover that is scheduled for launch in 2009.

The contest begins Tuesday, Nov. 18, and is open to students 5 to 18 years old who attend a U.S. school and are enrolled in the current academic year. To enter the contest, students will submit essays explaining why their suggested name for the rover should be chosen.

Essays must be received by Jan. 25, 2009. In March 2009, the public will have an opportunity to rank nine finalist names via the Internet as additional input for judges to consider during the selection process. NASA will announce the winning rover name in April 2009.

Disney will provide prizes to students submitting winning essays, including a trip to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., where the rover is under construction. The grand prize winner will have an opportunity to place a signature on the spacecraft and take part in the history of space exploration.

"Mars exploration has always captured the public imagination," said Mark Dahl, program executive for the Mars Science Laboratory at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This contest will expand our ability to inspire students' interest in science and give the public a chance to participate in NASA's next expedition to Mars."

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in Burbank, Calif., will make it possible for WALL-E, the name of its animated robotic hero and summer 2008 movie, to appear in online content inviting students to participate in the naming contest. The online WALL-E content will provide young viewers with a current connection to the human-robotic partnership that is transforming discovery and exploration. The contest coincides with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment's release of WALL-E on DVD and Blu-ray. The naming contest partnership is part of a Space Act Agreement between NASA and Disney designed to use the appeal of WALL-E in educational and public outreach efforts.

"All of us at Disney are delighted to be working with NASA in its educational and public outreach efforts to teach schoolchildren about space exploration, robot technology and the universe in which they live," said Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group. "WALL-E is one of the most lovable and entertaining characters that Pixar has ever created, and he is the perfect spokes-robot for this program."

The Mars Science Laboratory rover will be larger and more capable than any craft previously sent to land there. It will check whether the environment in a carefully selected landing region ever has been favorable for supporting microbial life. The rover will search for minerals that formed in the presence of water and look for several chemical building blocks of life.

"We are now in a phase when we're building and testing the rover before its journey to Mars," said John Klein, deputy project manager for the Mars Science Laboratory at JPL. "As the rover comes together and begins to take shape, the whole team can't wait to call it by name."
Additional assignments include imaging its surroundings in high definition, analyzing rocks with a high-powered laser beam, inspecting rocks and soil with a six-foot robotic arm, and cooking and sniffing rock powder delivered from a hammering drill to investigate what minerals are in Martian rocks.

Information about the contest is available at:
http://marsrovername.jpl.nasa.gov

since everyone else is...

I'll play catch-up too!!!

I actually had quite the lousy week last week, but it wasn't all bad.
I was sick, which was one of a long list of annoying/scary/lousy things that included a stake sa committee meeting, a tardy plumber, a rude inspector, a car repair, and the accident that necessitated the car repair (no one was hurt, the car was barely injured, but it still wasn't any fun).

Saturday night I got to play games with my friends and see another friend who moved away.
Sunday all the kids were squirrelly in Nursery--BUT--the little girl who makes a point of crying every time she gets left in Nursery Did NOT Cry. Went to the cupboard and got her favorite toys and just played with them. Minor miracle. Maybe she understood the little talk we had the week before; maybe she thought someone would take her favorite toys if she wasted time crying, who knows. It was great, though.
Monday I got to watch my favorite tv shows.
Wednesday I got to watch some more of my favorite TV shows.
Thursday I had a good reason to miss rehearsal (I was sick) so I got to stay home and watch more tv. Hmm, I sound rather boring, don't I?
Friday took the sister missionaries out to dinner--except that two of them in the apartment were sick so I took out one from our ward and one from C2. Which is fine. But I got the Inquisition all through dinner about my work. So maybe that wasn't really all that fun, but I did get home in time to--you guessed it--watch more tv. With my cat. who likes to sit on my lap so I can't knit.
Saturday I went to the rehearsal of the Single Adult choir that I'm in, then met my friend S for lunch and we went to see Quantum of Solace. James Bond, 5.0. I loved it. So much fun. so many little tributes to the old movies. And-- and--and--was that who I think it was in the lobby of the little hotel????? the one where he kills the geologist/spy guy? so cool!!!!
Sunday I got to sleep in ALL DAY. Well, I was sick all day--my cold that had settled in my throat Thursday so I couln't go to Mormon Choir rehearsal reared its ugly head and I decided the moms of the nursery kids would really appreciate it if I would just stay home. So I did. And missed another rehearsal that night (I feel like all I do is go to VA for choir rehearsals this fall. So not doing this in the winter/spring).

So there were good parts.
And my hand continues to get better. Get this--I can KNIT again!!! It was to the point I really just couldn't do it--my right hand kept going numb after about 3 stitches. But now I can finally knit the Dr Who scarf I want!!! yay!!

Here's hoping this week goes better. Course, I get to cook a turkey this weekend for the SA Thanksgiving dinner. That could be... fun... Anyone know a place I can just buy a cooked turkey for about 40 people? I know where I can get a good spiral-cut ham...

got tagged on LJ

Tagged by isabelladeangelo

A) People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs & replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

B) Tag 6 people to do this quiz. These people must state who they were tagged by & cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.

01. What is your favorite show on TV?Oh jeepers. I have many. I like Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles, the Mentalist, Life on Mars, Life, and Sanctuary--but that's just my favorite for each night of the week (Saturday and Sunday don't have anything interesting to me on, except Legend of the Seeker... I forgot about that one...)
02. What are you wearing at the moment? Warm clothing. My office is FREEZIING!!
03. What was the best part of your day? Having Kitty come ask for scritches when i kneel down to pray. She likes that part too. I think. She did try to bite me the other day, though...
04. What is your favorite scent? when the wind blows fresh cool air off the mountains.
05. What is your favorite drink? Water. Ok, so I'm boring, but I really do like water. Flavored I would have to go with Ginger Ale
06. What do you drink the most? Water.
07. What is your favorite restaurant? Hunan Manor. And Berttucci's. And there are probably more...
08. What will you be doing after finishing this? go home from work
09. What did you want to be when you grew up? Would you believe some sort of law enforcement officer in outer space? Talk about mixing my genres! Ok, I also wanted to be a rock star (but then, who didn't?)
10. Your favorite romantic movie? Hmmm. Casablanca comes to the top of my mind, but then, so does The Lake House and 27 Dresses. Again with the having to pick just one!
11. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is? Creative, talented, and a fun person to be around.
12. What are you afraid of? Losing everyone and everything I love
13. What's your favorite item of clothing? My comfy shirt my friend gave me 10 years ago.
14. What time do you usually go to bed? Around 11:00 pm, unless I stay up late reading.
15. What's on your mind? My church meeting tonight. Gotta whip the SA committee into shape again. And I only have an hour to do it. Yuck.

I hereby tag everyone who made it to the bottom of this list (yes, this means you!)

Doing well

I survived the surgery, and even survived being at home for a week with my cat. I couldn't hardly use my hand at all for the first few days, but each day it gets a little stronger. There are still things I can't--or shouldn't--do, but for the most part it's about back to normal. I need to croshet or knit something to verify that my fingers will no longer go numb, but so far they haven't while driving. The Dr took the stitches out the other day--my very first stitches, can you believe it? and he was happy about the way it was looking and healing. We probably won't need to do any physical therapy with it, either. I have another appt in a month to see how it's doing, but if it's doing well I can cancel the appt.

One thing I discovered is that there really isn't any good tv on during the day. What happened to all the MacGuyver re-runs, or Hardcastle and McCormack? Where's Starsky and Hutch? Gilligan's Island wasn't even playing. There's something really wrong with tv when they can't even play the classics... just lame-o talk shows. Although I did like Bonnie Hunt, but I only watched it one day. I have a DVD player, and so I watched movies mostly. And The Rat Patrol. My current psuedo-obsession. Not really an obsession, or even a focus, just something fun to watch. Four cute guys running around the African desert during WWII causing problems for the cute German guy who actually isn't so bad for being the enemy. Even helps our boys out from time to time--sometimes even willingly.

so this week I'm back to work, trying to not use the mouse too much, which is tricky sometimes. The Dr said that my hand will tell me when I've done too much, and so far it has. so how are you?

8 things first

.. because my niece tagged me

8 shows I watch
1. Chuck
2. Heroes
3. The Sarah Connor Chronicles
4. My Own Worst Enemy
5. The Mentalist
6. Eli Stone
7. the Biggest Loser
8. Knight Rider
(and that's just mon/tues/wed, can you believe it!?)

8 restaurants I like
1. Red Hot, and Blue
2. Mandarin House
3. Hunan House
4. Hunan Manor
5. Applebees
6. TGI Fridays
7. El Azteca
8. Panera Bread

8 things that happened yesterday
1. my cat attacked me
2. Threw said cat out of the house.
3. Let cat back into house, but closed bedroom door so she couldn't pounce on me in the middle of the night
4. Went to a friend's book club
5. Ate a whole pan of Kauli's General Tso's Chicken. (yeah, I can't believe it either. I was hungry, and it tasted soooo goooodddd....)
6. Played Solitaire on the computer until my hand hurt
7. Watched Eli Stone, recorded from the night before
8. thought about the Rat Patrol story in my head (a WWII 1/2 hour drama from the 60's, not a show about seeking out rats and destroying them. Although, in a way, it's that too...)

8 things I am looking forward to
1. Seeing my sister and her family at Christmas
2. Seeing "Quantum of Solace" with my friend from VA
3. Seeing "Harry Potter VI" next year
4. My satellites getting launched into orbit (in 2011)
5. returning to Europe
6. Visiting Denmark
7. meeting the niece and grand-niece I haven't met yet
8. Seeing my mom again (in heaven)

8 things I love about fall
1. Cool but not cold
2. all the trees change color
3. warm sweaters
4. the colors--especially cranberry
5. Thanksgiving
6. Pumpkins
7. Comfy coats
8. the way the fresh air smells

8 things on my wish list
1. to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany
2. to get married
3. to have children
4. A big--really really big--hdtv with sound system
5. a new computer
6. an ipod
7. a new printer for new computer
8. a Kindle (from Amazon.com)

8 people I tag
1. Dustie
2. Lori
3. Mike
4. Dad
5. Daely
6. Danja
7. D'Kota
8. Kris
(all my local friends were already tagged, I think)

Meme...

I don't know about this, but thanks to Scarlett at least I can do my makeup like her!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Dates to remember...

For those who are interested, you are hereby invited to my first concert as a member of the Mormon Choir of Washington, D.C. It is on October 18, 2008, at 7:00pm, at the Visitor's Center by the Mormon Temple in Kensington. I'll be in the front row on stage left (with the rest of the Alto's).

The next date of interest is October 20th. That's the date of my hand surgery. I'm getting 'Carpal Tunnel Release.' Sound like fun? Well, the week off of work might be fun... but it also could be quite boring, and who's to say whether or not I'll actually be able to type the first few days... But for the first three days I won't be able to lift anything heavier than my remote control with my right hand. Oh darn...

Then again, if I get too bored, I could just go into work anyway on Thursday/Friday. We'll see how the hand feels...

I made it!

If you recall, I returned from Europe with a desire to join a semi-professional choir. I have since joined two--the first is a Single Adult choir through my church, open to anyone interested, performing Lex deAzevedo's Gloria in December. The second one was a bit harder. In August I auditioned for the Mormon Choir of Washington, D.C. I've been attending rehearsals, at their suggestion, every Thursday night since. And last night I found out for sure--I was accepted!! yay!

Of course this means I have to take a hiatus from the Thursday book club. I should be able to attend in January and next summer, though.

It also means that I have to find someone reliable on my Stake SA committee to run our potlucks a few times a year. That could prove to be very difficult.

But it also means that I can enjoy singing once more with a director who actually knows what he's doing. I can sing challenging music, and make friends, and go places and do things, and quite frankly I think it's going to be great.

Our first concert is October 18 at the Washington, D.C Temple Visitor's Center. Please come!! It's going to be fabulous!

from the "What has NASA done for me lately" file...

Allergic to pollen? NASA is working on the problem: read more here

I got a 'D' from LJ!

1. Comment on this post.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.

1) Dash Rippington! Ok, so I'm not sure Dash is actually fictional, but you only get to see him at MDRF 9 weekends of the year, so I'm thinking he might be. Or maybe like Superman, wears glasses the rest of the time so we don't recognize him.

2) Darcy, as in Mr. Colin Firth is the cutest by far. Love the scene at Pemberly when he comes up from the lake... Can't say I care for the book, but I really do like the miniseries.

3) David of "David and Goliath" No, not the ones from the Bible, the ones from the TV show I watched when I was little. I think it was claymation, or maybe some other form of animation, David was the little boy and Goliath was his dog. they usually ended up at church singing, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," or maybe that's all I remember from it.

4) Deitrich, Hans, from The Rat Patrol (60's TV show about the Long Range Desert Group during WWII). Ok, so he was the German they had to defeat every other week, but for a bad guy he was surprisingly principled--and smart. He even managed to out-smart the Rat Patrol sometimes, but them being 4-1 they still managed to blow up whatever facility or convoy Deitrich was in charge of that week. Poor guy got moved around a lot.

5) Dora the Explora (don't shoot me for this). My friend tells of how one evening, after an open house for a friend who was moving away, she went downstairs to find three Dora's hung by their necks. CSI: Home Edition is still working on the case. They currently have no suspects, but her two older children remain "people of interest."

I'm FINE

Freaked-out
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional

(from The Italian Job--a great movie, btw)
What has put me in this fine state?

Well, first of all, I'm female (TMI alert--men skip down to next paragraph). My 'time of the month' is approaching, which means I'm more emotionally unstable than usual (that would be the E word above)

Second of all, last Friday night I was supposed to meet some friends at the movies. I found out kind of last minute, so I never called anyone to let them know I was coming, so perhaps this is my fault. However, I got there in plenty of time, hung out in the lobby for a bit, went into the theater to see if they were in there (they weren't), and since the theater was getting packed tried saving seats for them. They never showed. I ended up having to sit next to a group of women who came in and just took the seats I was saving, and talked through half the movie. It's kind of saying something that I still enjoyed the movie, it was just that good (it was The Women, although--men, don't bother going, just send your wives or significant others. Definitely a woman's film (not even really a chick-flick)). So I was reminded of all the other times I'd been stood up or cancelled on by friends (I've mentioned before that this happens to me a lot). I went home and overate. Because food is my friend, right? It's always there when I need it, and doesn't ever let me down... I know, I have to work on that (see word for 'I' above)

Third, I did go to MDRF on Saturday. I had to go, see, because this was my last opportunity to see Opening Gate. Next week starts the pilates class I signed up for on Saturday mornings, and there's no way I'd make it in time. I did get there in plenty of time to see Opening Gate, but was really surprised at the lack of people. I mean, there were people there, but only about a 1/4 of what I remember from last year. Maybe the threat of rain kept them away? It was a beautiful day, though. I went in, did some window-shopping (although can it be window shopping if there are no windows?), watched the morning caber-toss. It was Scottish Weekend, which meant that I wore my scottich outfit (and I was MELTING--not so much heat as humidity, I think). But also being Scottish Weekend, the Fight School boys were in KILTS!! Except for Hamish. It was like, bizarro weekend (Hamish usually wears the kilt). It was really great, though. Every guy I've ever seen in a kilt looks mm mmm yummy! I have pictures, but they're still in my camera along with the California pictures... Gotta get that fixed, too...

So back to my weekend review of MDRF. Fight School was fabulous, and I GOT MY DVD!!! Yay! Fight School in the winter months and spring months and summer too!! (takes deep breath and sighs like a silly girl). Ok, then I went to see Romeo and Juliet. While a lot of the soliloqy's were hard to hear (stupid helicopter anyway), it was a wonderful production. The actor and actress that played Romeo and Juliet were younger than I'd previously seen in the plays there (not that any of the regular actors are old--well, ok, maybe three of them are older), but they were really good. And so tragic. And I really liked the guy who played Paris. He was amazing. And cute.

I wandered a bit more, did some shopping, then sat for a few minutes to evaluate. I was melting (did I mention that?) I wasn't feeling well (emotionally, spiritually, mentally) since my mood from the night before carried into that day, I hadn't run into any of my other Ren friends (although I didn't go anywhere near the pubs they usually hang out, so that's probably my fault too--see word for N above). I was so hot. I must have been ill. I actually left about 2:00 pm. I know, I can't believe it either. Went home and crashed the rest of the day, only getting up to let Kitty in or out. I have got to get a kitty-door for her. Course, then she might start bringing in pet mice...

Fourth. Skipping Sunday and Monday, we come to today, and why I'm particularly Freaked-Out. I went to see a hand surgeon today. I'm going to be getting surgery on my right hand. According to him, it's not a question of if I need it, but when I'll have it done. I have moderately severe carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand. This has been developing for years, and I've had three doctors confirm this diagnosis--including my chiropractor, who initially suggested it. It's not scheduled yet, I need to call his secretary tomorrow, but I'm still a little Freaked Out. I remember when I had my Lasik surgery, how I had such a hard time asking anyone for help. Asking someone to shuttle me to and from the operation seemed like such an imposition. How dare I interrupt people during their busy schedules with their children and husbands and soccer practices and work schedules? Also, I spent five days after my initial Lasik procedure at home. Alone. No one called to even see if I was still alive. Then I have to remind myself, did I even tell anyone that I was getting it done? It was before the blogsphere I had joined with the ladies from church, and most of my LJ friends live quite a distance from me... So now I'm freaking out again because I'm going to have to impose on someone to help me get to and from Baltimore where they do the surgery. I'm not going to be able to lift anything more than about 8 ounces with my right hand for the next several days while I recover, I won't be able to drive for a couple days after the surgery, and I'm going to want to get back to work because at least there I have things to do and people will see if I fall down or something. Somehow I don't think Kitty's going to be much help. Although she might appreciate the fact that I'm at home and able to open the door for her (left-handed, of course).

So that's why I'm FINE.

PS In between writing this and posting, my friend Helen got me out of my office for a walk. I mentioned number four above, and she volunteered her husband to shuttle me around. So I may not have to impose on anyone after all, as long as Jim doesn't mind. We'll see, after I talk with my visiting teacher tonight. And actually schedule the surgery.

A moment of silence

Seven years ago, I was at work in the FUSE Satellite Control Center. We don't have much access to the outside world, but one of the operations team was reading the news on the internet when the news came. A plane had hit one of the two towers in New York City. There was confusion and turmoil as we all tried to find more information on what was going on. We put the information up on one of the overhead monitors (a giant screen on the wall). We heard a second plane had hit the second tower, and that one was headed for the Pentagon. We stood around and talked about war, about acts of war, about what this might mean for us, and for America.

And seven years later we're still trying to figure those things out.

Other things have happened on this day--babies have been born, people have reached milestones. Two years ago this is the day I began work at APL. Today my office mate is being moved to another part of campus, where she can be closer to her group, but she really didn't want to go. I personally will miss her.

And every year on this day I dress in patriotic colors. I get out my ribbon that I recieved from the Young Women in my ward in September, 2001, pin it to my blouse, and remember. Now that I have a house and an American Flag, it too is flying today.

Remember, remember. We must remember all those who died on that day, and all those who have died since. We must remember all those who died before, in wars--hot or cold. Defending the idea that people have a right to be who they want to be. To decide their own fate. To live their own lives in peace. Even when there is no peace.

May God be with you
Or whatever Higher Power you believe in.

California Dreamin...

I'm having trouble getting my pictures off my camera (my computer is not aknowleging my camera), but I just had to blog about this anyway. I had the most wonderful time the last weekend in August (22-25th, not Labor Day weekend).

My niece Leslie is going on a mission for my church. She'll be serving in Utica, New York (which means I have to be good and not go visit her, although that is rather close to the Palmyra/Hill Cummorah area...). We've been texting and emailing all year, and I asked if she'd rather I come out for her graduation or for her Missionary Farewell. She wanted me there for her Farewell, so that's what I did. I checked with my Dad, and while he loves to see me, he suggested I check to see if I could stay at my brother's house (yes, Leslie's dad). I did, all was well, and I even bought a new small suitcase so I wouldn't have to check anything on the airplane. Worked out great, btw.

Friday, August 22, 2008
I got there on Friday, Dad and Nancy picked me up, and we went out to lunch (ok, so with the three-hour time difference I was ready for dinner, but that's beside the point). We had a nice dinner, a little break, and then they took me up to Blaine's. Blaine and his wife Yoli (from El Salvador--they all speak Spanish, while my spanish is barely more than 10 words) are foster parents, and currently have three small children, 1, 2, and 3. The 1 and 2-year olds are girls, the 3-year-old is a boy. And a very precocious boy. After we had just met, he snuggled up to me on the couch and said, very much like a pick-up line, "You know, I'm not married..." It was cute, but kind of sad that a 3-year-old is familiar with that sort of behavior. He also said his girlfriend was Cecily. I asked Yoli who Cecily was, and turns out it's Leslie, my 21-year-old niece. Kid likes 'em older, I guess :D

Hung out with Yoli and her mother and the two little girls for a while, until Blaine, my older nephew Limi, and Mikey (the 3-year-old) came home. Hung out some more until Leslie finally showed up, and we decided we had to go shopping. She had stuff to get on her mission list, so we went to Wal-Mart. I also found out that Saturday was when Leslie was planning on going through the temple. I could have worn the dress I brought (actually one of my dirndl's from Germany), but I decided I'd rather get a new one. So we went shopping. I found an outfit, she got the majority of the stuff on her list, lacking only the shoes. So then, of course, we had to go to Inland Center Mall. Very fun. We went into several shoe stores, and did find the shoes she needed (not the ones she wanted--there were too many that she wanted). We also visited a couple clothing stores, and she bought a cute little sweater/blouse thing that is so adorable (she wore it to church on Sunday, but I wasn't able to get a picture). I also got a cute little over-blouse with stars on it (which I wore to church this past Sunday in my own ward). While shopping Leslie's brother Erick called, and we set up a plan to meet for dinner. He asked if I missed In-N-Out--of COURSE I DID!!! So that's where we went. Yummy hamberguesas! We sat outside and talked for hours. Leslie wanted my perspective on all my brothers and sisters, which I gave her, and come to find out a lot of my impressions are the same as hers--and Erick's, too, once he joined us. Validation is a wonderful thing.

So we talked and talked, and then decided we needed ice cream, so we went back to the mall and the Dairy Queen there. We ran into a friend of theirs, so she joined us for a bit. It was funny, everywhere we went that weekend we ran into friends of Leslie's. So we finally made our way back home. I was rather tired (ok, exhausted since I'd gotten up at 3:00am EDT and it was currently 9:00pm PDT), so I crashed.

Saturday, August 23
Saturday was great. got up, got ready to go to the Temple. Leslie decided she wanted to go to the Newport Beach temple, so that's where we went. I traveled down with my nevies and neicie--so much fun. I just have to say, my adult nieces and nephews are all so much fun to hang out with. They love the same types of things I do, they introduce me to new music, the current fashions, and anything else I ask about. I get to buy them ice cream and sometimes dinner, and apparently they love to hang out with me too.

Fortunately I had my temple recommend with me; I hadn't known we were going to the temple, though, so I didn't have anything else with me. Fortunately the temple did, so I was ok (in the smaller temples they don't rent out that stuff). We got there, and waited for a bit until Blaine and Yoli, and Dad and Nancy showed up. We went in, only to find out Leslie (who had made all the arrangements) hadn't let the temple know it was her first time when she talked to them. Oops. We had to wait for about two hours for her to get prepped, but it was ok. We were able to do some other things while we were waiting.

It was such a special event. There were 8 of us, and we all managed to be in the prayer circle at the end--Limi went with Leslie, Erick with me. We went into the Celestial Room and waited, and when Leslie came in she was crying, she was so happy. And so beautiful. She is really such a sweet girl. I was really glad I could be there. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Blaine's whole family was there, Limi and Erick having served missions already. It was just fabulous.

So. Since we'd had the extra two-hour wait at the temple, we were now all starving (and it was about 3:00pm). We found a little pasta place fairly close to the temple, and had dinner. Yum! Dad and Nancy even stuck around for a bit.

On the way back, we decided we needed ice cream, so we went to the Dairy Queen on Riverside Avenue this time. Erick tried to pay, but their card reader kept rejecting his card, so I paid (yay!). Maybe he can next time. I suppose I shouldn't do that all the time, even though it is fun :)

We got back and we were all stuffed so we skipped the ward pot-luck that was going on. Erick suggested we watch a movie, so we raided Limi's supply and came out with Blazing Saddles (can you believe I've never seen it??? well, now I have). Blaine even watched part of it with us--the part he wasn't dealing with small children. They did go to bed eventually, though, and he was able to watch the end with us. Then, again, I was exhausted, so I went up to bed. What a wonderful, special day.

Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday Leslie was speaking in her parent's ward. She normally attends the Young Single Adult ward (they live near a university so there's enough people to have one), but YSA wards don't send people on missions so she's officially going from her parent's ward. I once again went with the younger set to church, and when we got there my Dad and Nancy were there, as was my brother Mike, and my brother David and Joan and most of his kids (except Daryl and his family, who I really wanted to see since I haven't seen baby Jane yet, except in pictures--drat!). That was great though. Again with the loving of the hanging out with my adult neicies and nevvies. My last trip to CA was spent in the company of Daely and Danja, and was also a blast. I didn't have a whole lot of time this trip (I am scraping the bottom of the barrel of my vacation time), but I figured I should at least be able to see them on Sunday. And I did!

Leslie gave a wonderful talk on being an example of the believers. She was busy writing it on Saturday on the way to and from the temple, and while Erick and I were watching the movie. She did a fabulous job, I took lots of notes. I got to sit by Limi and Erick, behind Daely and Danja. Danja also sang with her friend, accompanied by my brother Blaine. It was wonderful (I'm going to run out of adjectives anytime now). I love to hear her sing. I love to hear Blaine play. I love my family :::sigh::: It was kind of interesting to look around their ward and realize that my family took up roughly 1/3 of the congregation. And that my ward is probably about 3 times the size of Blaine's ward. How would it be...?

After Sacrament Meeting was over, Blaine and Yoli went off to their classes with the little ones, my visiting siblings left with the two younger of my nieces and nephews, leaving the rest of us to hang out until the YSA ward Sacrament meeting which followed at 1:00pm. Daely, Danja, and David F (my oldest nephew) stayed as well. I got the low-down on the people in the ward, and an injunction from Yoli to check out the women in the ward for my nephews. One of my concerns, as it is hers, is that these wonderful young people--my nieces and nephews--are not dating. At all. Not going out with groups or anything. Then again, according to Daely, there really isn't anyone around. My thinking is that they really need to just get out of dodge, and I keep inviting them to come live with me, but so far no one's taken me up on it. We have lots of cute, wonderful YSA in my area... Of course, apparently my two nephews are highly sought after in their ward (which can also be a weird situation). One girl even came and sat with Limi and me. Nice enough girl, but way too anxious to get Limi to notice her.

Another girl came over and was getting introduced to my visiting nieces and nephew, looked at me and said, "are you their mom?" We all just went, "huh??" She tried to take it back, but the damage was done. I said, "no," of course, and then said, " I'm not actually old enough to be any of your mothers." Daely said, "Maybe Dallan," (who is in high school still), and Erick added, "You'd have to have been a really young mother, though," I thought later that I should have told the girl that she wasn't allowed to date my nephews, but it's probably just as well. They're not interested in her anyway. And yes, she was blonde, why do you ask? (Hey, I'm blonde too!)

After Sacrament meeting, David F wanted to go to sunday school, Leslie disappeared to her missionary prep class, and Daely and Danja hatched an elaborate plan to go get Daely's car so David could get his car back (since he'd driven and they wanted to come to Leslie's house for dinner but David wanted to stay at church--it was complicated). Hmmm, maybe David found a cute girl... Anyway, Erick went with them, I stayed with Limi until we decided Leslie could find her own way home and we left. got back, changed, made sure I was packed (I was going back to Dad's house for the night since my flight was really early in the morning), then tried to help in the kitchen--it's kind of a small kitchen, so not a lot of room. I entertained the little kids for a while until Leslie and her friends came home from church, and Daely, Danja, and Erick showed up. We had dinner at the table, the kids and me, and really did have fun. Daely and Danja had to leave for a meeting, so they didn't stay much past dinner, and I didn't think fast enough to get them to take me back with them, but it was ok. I hung out a little longer, then said good-bye to my sweet family. Limi was my chauffer back to Dad's, and we had a great conversation about daggers and things (he collects knives--I have them for Christmas this year, and since I'm going to the Renaissance Festival soon, now I know what to get him).

Not much to tell after that. Got to Dad's, was exhausted (the theme of the weekend, apparently), so since Dad and Mike had just finished putting my bed together (air mattress on the floor, you know), I went to bed. Got up and got on the plane the next morning with no trouble--actually, none of my flights were delayed this time. Nice. Had enough time in the Huston Airport to raid the Space Trader store (stuff from Johnson Space Center), including a mug that says, "It's not Rocket Science (oh wait, yes it is)" with the NASA logo on it :D And a few more things I really shouldn't have bought but did anyway. Got a ride all the way to my terminal--it was quite a distance, so I was really glad the guy offered. I would have been thinking I was getting lost or something, but he knew right where to go. Got home and Kitty was a little upset with me (hey, I had my friend Janet come over and feed her, it's not like she starved), but she got over it.

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend. And as soon as I can get my pictures off my camera and onto flickr, I'll show what 'Golden California' really means :D
What a fabulous weekend.

PS just so you know, I love hanging out with my younger nieces and nephews too, there are benefits to both, but it's really fun to relate to the adult ones on an adult level. Like we're friends, only more than friends because we're also family.

PPS my sisters complain that I write too much when I blog--guess it's true. And congratulations to you if you've made it this far!!

What Julia does for a living...

...can be found in this article: Living with a Star

I work on the Radiation Belt Storm Probes.

I love having a job that doesn't depend on the misery of humankind (when I did temp work I worked for the Probation Office/Child Support Division for San Bernardino County--not pleasant working with dead-beat parents). I love having a job that's looking forward to the future, the last undiscovered country (and yes, that was a Star Trek reference)