movies and more movies

Ok, so my friend Shannon loves to go to the movies as much as I do. The biggest problem is that she lives in Northern VA and I live in MD. But when the movie is big enough, or desired enough by both of us, one of us makes the trek to the other's state and we go to the movies. On the 16th I met up with her at Tyson's Corner and we saw Angels and Demons. It was good. I liked it a lot, although I'd read the book so I already knew how it was going to end. I was a little surprised by some of the things they left out, but it is only a 2 hour movie. I loved the location stuff at the Vatican, and I really didn't think it painted the Roman Catholic church in a bad light.

Then last Saturday, May 23, we did a double feature in my neck of the woods. We went to Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian first. It was really funny. I laughed almost through the whole thing. There were a few things that were unreallistic--like he only had an hour to do a certain task, and went from Lincoln's Memorial up to the Air and Space Museum including a couple of fights and interactions and made it back in time (honestly, it's about a mile from the memorial to the A&S museum). It was fun to see Abraham Lincoln's statue get up and stretch--he's been sitting there for such a long time!

The second movie was Terminator: Salvation. Also very good. There were a lot of tributes to the first two Terminator movies--I've only seen the first one and commercials for the second, so I'm afraid I missed anything from the second movie, but I did get the first movie references. They did a really good job with it. I'm hoping for a sequel, actually. Should be quite good if the same people are involved.

What else have I been doing? Catching up on LOST. Well, sort of. I decided I wanted to rewatch the entire series from the beginning before the next season starts. I have 8 months, it can be done! My friend has never seen it, having been told rather strongly that she needs to start it from the beginning. So we're watching it together. We're already up to episode 7. I have forgotten quite a bit in the last 5 years. I'm enjoying the refresher course.

I also broke down and ordered season 3 of Combat! from Amazon. The Powers That Be on American Life TV Network have determined to stop playing Combat! altogether, and there is one episode in Season 3 that I HAVEN'T SEEN!!! It was going to show on June 2, but they're taking it off the air on June 1st!! Well, my first set came yesterday, so that's the episode I sat down and watched. Sigh. I just love when Sarge gets all cagey and saves someone's life (in this case Hanley, as he was captured by the Germans). I love Lt Hanley, too. He is so beautiful. And Kirby is so dang cute and funny. Ok, I'm pretty sure you've stopped reading this paragraph now.

What next? I've been reading books (I had to do something after all my tv shows ended for the season!). I'm currently reading "The Company of Good Women", a trilogy by a trio of LDS writers, about three women who meet up by chance at BYU Education Week and stay friends. Over the years they have a lot of different things happen in their lives, and they help each other get through it. I'm quite enjoying it--the portrayal of how life can be for LDS women in various life stages matches what I've experienced and what I've seen through my 20 years of being an adult in the church. There do seem to be quite the number of problems in their lives, major problems that most of us don't have to deal with, but they get through them the same way we get through any of our problems--prayer and friendship.

I'm still getting attacked by my cat (still not sure why she does that). Last night she was cute, though. I have a little Moses basket for my baby doll (the one that breathes), and the baby has been moved to the rocking chair to be with some other dolls. So last night Padme Kitty climbed into the basket and curled up. I covered her with a baby blanket I made for me (just in case I ever had one), and she actually stayed there until 4:00 in the morning. When she woke up, jumped up on the bed, and started attacking my feet. I guess she thought it was time to play. So I did the expected thing and threw her out (well, not physically, just verbally). But her being in the basket was very cute.

Oh, and I'M RELEASED. I am no longer the Single Adult anything in my ward or stake! I feel a little taller, now that that weight is off my shoulders. I suppose I still have to participate, but at least I don't have to find people to take over when I'm gone next month. Yay! And no more conflicts with the choir! Well, after this season, anyway. I'll go back in the fall to see if I like it any better. Christmas and Easter music is always so wonderful.

Well, I should get back to work now. I'd write more during my lunchtime, but someone's been scheduling meetings during lunch!!!

Oh, and Kellie and I did make it back to Earth Treks last week, and we're going again this week. We're not going to let 6 weeks pass by before going again, right??? ;)

bloging bloging

Ok, so I know I took a bit of a hiatus from blogging, but I've found like 5 people to add to my friend list this week! How on earth did I miss them?

Well, my sister Dustie just started her blog, my niece Danja is on a mission and my niece-in-law/Danja's sister-in-law updates her blog for her, and I just found Nicole's blog since they moved a while ago. Ok, so maybe only three. I was sure there was more though... I have it sorted by how frequently people have posted so I don't have to scroll through blogs that haven't been updated for months.

Plus catching up on what my friends have been doing has been great fun. I missed a lot. No worries, though, RL has calmed down and I'm starting to run out of Combat! fanfic to read. I even contributed one of my own (Squirrel's Story) Yeah, I have a call sign. I'm Squirrel. Because Claude Akins calls Kirby Squirrel in Season 5. Like you care, I know. But I have a thing for short scrappy guys who constantly get into trouble (hence my fascination with Pippen from Lord of the Rings). Although this story may not make sense if you haven't seen the show, but it might.

I'm currently in a meeting at work--a telecon, that I didn't have to fly out to Boulder CO to attend, so I get to sit in a confererence room with some other guys from my project and make smart comments while the mute button is on. Best part about remote meetings. And no one cares if I actually get some work done during the meeting, either. Or blog, as the case may be.

Next month will be different since I'm going out to Redondo Beach, California for a meeting. And extending my stay so's I can go to my family's first reunion the following weekend. Oh, tres terrible!

Ok, gotta go now.

And the Biggest Loser is...

Helen!!!

I was so shocked! She was never presented as a threat, but she just kept plugging along the whole time. She worked with both trainers, so it's a victory for both of them. And the best part is, she's 48 years old!!! But the real shock of the night was Jerry. 64 years old, lost 177 lbs, took home the at-home prize. I couldn't believe it. No one could. Since I've started watching, it's usually been the person who had the most time on the ranch before getting sent home. Jerry was there for two weeks. He passed out during his first workout.

So if you think you can't lose weight or make changes because of age, you are just wrong. Find another excuse. As for me, my Weight Watchers is doing well. I've been plateau'ed for a while, mostly because I just love to eat potato chips, but I am determined to lose 10 lbs before June 16--and NO more chips until the Family Reunion!!!

The funniest thing happened last night. I'm going to have to take back what I said about learning to say 'no' in the last post. A woman came to my door, doing deliveries in my area for a meat-supply thing. I didn't even get the name of the company. They were looking to unload frozen steak and pork. Said she'd give me about $700 of steak for free if I bought the pork for $250. I'm not supposed to tell my neighbors about this, though. I told them if they could fit it in my freezer, I'd take it. Darn if the guy didn't stuff all that meat in my little freezer atop my fridge. So I'm thinking I should probably have some people over to dinner now. Good thing my nephew is coming in August, he can help, I'm sure. And when it gets down a ways, I may give her another call--they also sell chicken and seafood, although I'm positive I won't get that good of a deal again. What were we saying, Tracy? When a good deal comes along, you can't just pass it by! And hey, now I won't have to buy any meat for about a year...

This morning I also had a major blessing. I had made an appointment to take my car in for its next service, which turned out to be an oil change. I typically drop the car off, have their shuttle take me to work, and then they pick me up later. Well, the shuttle driver didn't come in. So the Service Manager told me if I could wait, it would only take them about 20 minutes and my car would be done. I knew my first meeting was at 10:00, so I figured I had the time to wait. So I did. And when it was done, they didn't even charge me! Ok, so it would have just been like $30, but still! Did I mention I love my car? It's a Saturn, and one of the main reasons I bought a Saturn was because of their service reputation. They're really good. They've always been good to me.

Ok, I need to go get my lunch now--I ran out without it this morning, running late, of course.

Another weekend gone past

I've been seeing alot of movies lately. I went to see Wolverine with my friends the weekend it came out, and last weekend I went to see Star Trek. I enjoyed both movies. I can see that some Star Trek fans might be a little upset, but they did say it was an alternate reality... and with JJ Abrams at the helm, can you really expect anything less?

Saturday night I watched "Time after Time", a movie from 1979 with Malcolm McDowell as H.G. Wells. Rather slow paced, and I do remember watching it when it came out (helps that my dad worked at a movie theater so I got to see lots of movies for free when I was little). I wanted to see it again after seeing Malcolm at Shore Leave last year.

Sunday I watched movies all day long. I started with "Miss Potter", a movie about Beatrix Potter and her life (yes, the one of Peter Rabbit fame). I can highly recommend this movie, and it was certainly suitable for watching on a Sunday. I think I watched something else next, but I can't remmember. Rat Patrol episodes, I think. I also watched "What Happens in Vegas" (less appropriate for Sundays, but oh well). I saw this first at my brother's house in February, and just loved it. I've decided that one of my guilty pleasures is watching Cameron Diaz--she always dresses inappropriately, but she's also quite charming. As for this movie, if you've seen it, "You know why!" :D I also watched some Combat and a couple other recorded tv shows.

Why wasn't I at church on Sunday, you may ask. Was I sick? No, I was not sick. Some years I can "do" Mother's Day, and some years I can't. This year was a "can't" year. Now before you go trying to console me about my lack of children, remember that this day hurts for two reasons. One, ok, I'm not a mother, which was my life-long ambition from the time I was a small child. Two, my mom passed away 9 years ago. It's really difficult for me to watch other people get things from their kids, or give things to their moms, and I just can't participate. Getting a Mother's Day gift just because I'm female seems so pathetic some years. So I stayed home and watched movies and cried. ("Miss Potter" was really sad at one point).

Last night I had a guy from Long Fence & Home come over and try to sell me new, energy efficient windows. Sigh. I liked the windows, but the price tag was rather hefty. They do their own financing, but just the thought of spending that much money really just hurts. Although they would give me a discount if I could get them a referral (anyone out there thinking of redoing their windows?). It's about the amount of a small car. Maybe not quite that much. On the other hand, my monthly electric bill would go down. so much to think about. He really wanted me to sign right there and then, but I was really good and said I wasn't ready to make a commitment that night. I'm getting better at saying 'no'.

Tonight is the Biggest Loser finale, and I'm kind of anxious to see Carla again. I bet she looks fabulous. Although I'm also pretty sure we won't be seeing Joelle. I rather rexpect Tara to win, but I would like Mike to win--the prize money would pay for his college and then some (he's only 18 years old). He could go to any college in the country. Provided his grades were good enough, though.

Ok, time for me to get back to work. Have a great week!

Alright already!!!

This is for Kristen who reminded me of my obligations :D

I started blogging for my family who lives, hello, Three Thousand Miles away.

Silly of me to forget that.

So, since March, I have managed to fly to California for my niece's farewell--she's going on a mission!! She's actually now been in the MTC 2 months and will be making her way to Arizona, Tucson, this week (spanish speaking). She's very excited.

I also went to my sister Beckie's in South Carolina for Easter. Her husband is a GREAT cook. We had a Greek Fest for Easter dinner, complete with lamb, greek salad, and stuffed grape leaves. Very yummy. We also went to the beach on Friday, the day after I arrived, which was fabulous. Collin (the 4-year-old) couldn't go--he'd been Very Bad. The night I arrived he went out and was jumping on the car. He went bum-first into the windsheild and shattered it. He was fine, the windsheild was not. He was grounded. fortunately their insurance covered it.

Playing with Bonnie, Malena, and JackJack at the beach was really fun. At one point JackJack (14 months old) got away from his mother during a diaper change, and began exfoliating his bum iin the sand. Fortunately we had a lot of understanding moms and grandmas around us--no one got offended by the little bare-bottomed fiend. It was a nice day at the beach--not too cold, not too warm, a nice breeze.

Saturday we did Easter Eggs and their ward Easter Egg hunt. I was quite impressed with their ward--they're doing a Major Service Project, gathering food for a local church that makes lunches for people in need. They're really struggling since now people can't afford to give, and people who used to be able to give are now in need of their services. So Beckie's ward made it a community service project to gather food items. Their Activity Chairperson is a real go-getter, with flyers and getting the word out, and working with other churches in their community. Quite impressive.

I got home and promptly got sick. The following weekend I slept for about 40 hours (with intermittent wake-ups to care for the cat). Kitty was not happy with me. First I leave, then I sleep. So last weekend as I was getting ready for pilates she clawed my leg. Yup, I have a number of really ugly scratches on my leg. I threw her out of my room and didn't have anything to do with her the rest of the day. Until the end of the day when she sat on my lap and I captured one of her paws and clipped her claws. I got the other one the following day. She's been a little better since then.

I also went to Great Falls, VA, with a couple friends the last weekend in April. We hiked all around--the trails made it feel like we were hiking, and I even got in some rock-climbing and bouldering.

I forgot to mention that me and my good friend Kellie have taken up rock-climbing. It's a big challenge for me, with a fear of heights that I'd forgotten about. Plus I'm really sort of physically challenged as well, but I'm working on that. I'm doing pretty good with that, but Kellie is amazing. She is my new hero. :D

Looking forward to a quieter month with lots of movies (saw Wolverine last weekend, will see Star Trek this weekend, both with my VA friends), and in June I'm going to California. Starting out as a work trip, ending up with my family's very first Family Reunion. My brother's doing an excellent job organizing it. Should be a lot of fun.

I will work harder on posting from now on, Kristen, I promise! Don't send Vance over to 'deal' with me! ;)

Dogpile on Sunday...

So I'm in the Nursery at church. We have so many kids in Nursery that we have two Nursery's, and in mine we have all the kids turning 3 this year (they'll all be Sunbeams next year). They're really cute.

Last Sunday I was doing the "Birdie" song with them--it goes something like this:
"Way up in the sky the little birds fly" (flap your arms like you're flying)
"Way down in the nest, the little birds rest" (put your hands on your head and lay down (or just pretend if you're a big adult)
"With a wing on the left" (Wave your left elbow)
"And a wing on the right" (Wave your right elbow)
"The little birdies sleep all through the night..." (here we pause and let the kids pretend they're asleep. Sometimes we can get them to stay that way for almost a minute. Lately I've been having them pretend to snore--it's really funny. When ready to continue (or the kids are becoming restless...)
"The bright sun comes up!" (Get up like you're waking up)
"the dew falls around!" (wave your hands like the dew is falling all around)
"Good morning! Good morning! the little birds shout"
Now is the fun part. And you thought that part was fun. The kids have started giving out hugs after they "wake up". Last week, they all (there's 10 of them) tried to give me hugs at the same time. They knocked me over (course, I was sitting on the floor to begin with). So much fun.

Dog-piled by 10 3-year-olds. Definitely made my hug-quota for that day :D

Let me call you sweetheart...

So Saturday I was having a marathon laundry day (just got my new washer after doing without and borrowing my visiting teachers' washer for about 3 weeks), so was watching (what else?) Combat! One of the Special Features was a radio interview Rick Jason had done back in the early 2000's. Who is Rick Jason, you ask? Yeah, that's him. Lt. Hanley. He has green eyes and dark hair and is, as one of the fanfic writers I've been reading states, absolutely yummy.

So, back to the interview. During the show several people called in, most of them women. He called all the women, 'Sweetheart,' and melted my heart each time he did it. There's just something about how he said it, with love and respect--and it was just so gentlemanly and sweet. At one point he was saying something to his wife, and he called her 'Sweetheart' too. See, Rick was an actor in the Golden Age of Hollywood. For movies he did mostly stinkers (his word, not mine), but he did have a good, 5-year run on Combat! Before that he was in a little known tv show playing a detective, and was the first detective to use martial arts on TV. He was referred to by the interviewer of the radio program as a Renaissance Man, being educated, well-spoken, with many interests. He just melted my heart, to hear him speak. And to hear him call the women, 'Sweetheart.'

In thinking about this the last couple days, I realized that my Dad does that--calls me Sweetheart. He called my mom that, too. Maybe it's a generational thing, since Dad and Rick Jason are of similar age (Rick is a bit older). I absolutely love it. So now I have something to add to my list of things I want to be called should I ever find someone to spend eternity with. I want him to call me Sweetheart. Although truthfully, the thing my dad called my mom that I liked the most was, "Light of my Life."

Smacked by a Cat

Ok, so I know I've been watching a lot of TV lately. And by a lot, I mean, on the days I don't have to go anywhere after work I sit down to my dinner in front of the tv and get up about 4-5 hours later. Usually I watch stuff I've recorded over the past week, stuff that I missed because I was gone or it was on too late, but lately it's been Combat! I bought the first two seasons on DVD, and for some reason that's all I want to watch right now. I thought my cat was ok with this--she tends to snuggle with me when I watch tv, and looks like she's actually watching the explosions and the little men running around like they're nuts. The other night, though, maybe it just got to be too much.

I lay down to watch my fourth (yes, fourth) episode of Combat! that night. I knew it was time for bed, but I really wanted to see a 'Hanley' episode (i.e. Lt Hanley takes the lead instead of Sgt Saunders--both have their merits, trust me. Physcially and dramatically). I lay down on the couch to begin watching, and Padme Kitty sat on the floor in front of the couch, watching me. Then she leapt up and smacked me in the face!!!

Ok, so I'm really grateful she kept her claws sheathed, or this story would have a different ending (and she would have a new home). I couldn't believe it. She smacked me! I actually thought it was really funny and started to laugh. She then went and curled up behind my knees and went to sleep.

So, any ideas on what she was trying to tell me? That I really needed to go to bed? That she wanted to watch one of her tv shows? Don't ask me what that would be, I don't think I watch anything with mice or birds. Maybe I was taking up her position on the couch? Maybe she doesn't like Lt Hanley?

Anyway, my cat smacked me. Add that to the life experiences, please.

Valentine's Day?

Or Single's Awareness Day?

Hmm, that's pretty SAD.

Pun intended.

Yeah, not a fan of Valentine's Day. Stayed home, ate potato chips, ice cream, and watched Combat! until I couldn't see straight anymore. Although watching handsome men run around playing soldier is quite fun for me. This was filmed in the 60's so they don't use any profanity (although the Sergeant will tell the others to "Shut Up!"). They get hurt, they get dirty, they need comforting, right? Oh to be a nurse in the fantastical world of television WWII. The actual WWII not such a nice place. I've been reading 1942, all about the turning points in the war, most of which happened during that year. The book really starts with Pearl Harbor, not sure where it really finishes since I'm not finished with it yet, but it was a pretty horrible thing. I can't even hardly credit the horrible, horrible things that men will do to each other on such a large scale. As bad as we were for putting Japanese-Americans in internment camps, as bad as Hitler was with his concentration camps, I'm beginning to think the Japanese were worse.

Work, Church, way too much tv, that's my life at present. I will be going to California in March for my neice who's going on a mission (the second one in 6 months!!), so maybe after that something interesting will come along for me to post about.

have a great day!

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)