May flowers

Ok, I have to confess, I liked the pictures of my nieces so much I wasn't really inclined to write anything. Aren't they cute??

So. I went to VA two weekends in a row and made $21. My friends and I went to a meeting of the DC Star Wars Collector's Club in order to try to unload some of our stuff the first week, and then did a joint yard sale in one friends' yard the following week. I then took a box of books that didn't sell to my local second-hand book store and got $30 in store credit. Hmmm. Somehow I'm not sure it was that much of a success. I did leave a lot of junk at my friend's house as the Purple Heart foundation was coming by yesterday to pick up junk, and only kept the stuff I thought I could either sell online or would just keep.

Of course we did so see Thor after the yard sale. I quite enjoyed that movie. I may have to see it again, this time in 3D. Chris what's-his-name is sooo pleasant to look at. Sorry, words fail me. Cute isn't right, and while handsome is in the right ballpark, he's just so much more than that. Must be the long hair ;)

Meanwhile I'm just trying to keep my eating in control. I saw a picture of me--part of a training class I'm taking recorded us giving presentations--and for some reason I don't think of myself as being *that* fat, but turns out I really am. And I look a lot like my sister Dustie. That was the first thing I noticed. Weird, huh? That I wouldn't really recognize that until I see me on dvd? As myself? With the same mannerisms, smile, and expressions that Dustie uses? I think it's weird.

More success and a Happy Easter

Well, my sister (from the last post) replied that I'd given her a lot to think about, so I think we're not actually fighting. So that's good. And I lost 2.2 lbs!! I weighed in today, after being gone last week (more on that later), and I'd lost 2.2 lbs in 2 weeks!! So even after visiting my sister and then coming home with strep throat and being home for 4 days straight (almost), eating ice cream, pasta with cheesy sauces, and drinking lots of juice, I still lost 2.2 pounds. Yay me!!!

OK, so last weekend I went to Utah to visit my sister B and her family for Easter. We were hopeful that she'd be at least moving into her new house, but that didn't happen, so we just hung out in Logan. I got to play with the kids, and B and I went out for lunch on Saturday (and more Aggie Ice Cream--yum! It will be a while before Ben and Jerry's tempts me again).

I also got to spend time with my newests nice, Sophia (shown here with older sister Malena). She's so cute, if a bit on the crabby side ;) She finally decided to eat solid foods while I was there--we think she didn't like the cereals because they were so bland. She loves carrots and sweet potatoes--and chocolate ice cream (of course!).

Bonnie, the oldest, had a project on Friday involving a beehive that she'd made herself out of yellow cake using Peeps to make bees. It was very cute.

And then, of course, we went to church on Sunday.

We then went down to Ogden for the Easter Egg hunt with the Hales cousins, which went very well. The weather was really nice that day too. The whole time it was fairly cold--highs in the 40's, sometimes making it up to the 50's. Then when I came back to Maryland I walked out of the airport into 80 degree weather (at night!). Man, from the freezer into the fire! It's a little better now, having cooled way back down again. This spring has been so crazy, two really nice days, some storms, then several really cold days again. Slowly it's been getting warmer, but Winter doesn't seem to want to let go.

Speaking of letting go, today is a day of bittersweet celebration. Osama bin Lauden, architect of the 9-11 World Trade Center plane-crashing Pentagon smashing horrific beginning to a war on terror that has been going on since 2001 is dead. Killed last night in a shoot-out by Navy Seals. I don't think anyone on Earth is capable of judging him fairly, so it's just as well that he resisted (apparently trying to use one of his wives as a sheild) and got himself shot in the head. Only God--Allah, Yaweh, Heavenly Father, whatever you believe in (or not) is capable of judging him. It's best left in His hands. Now I just want our troops to come home. May they be able to come home soon.

Success and Failure

Well, after a week where I didn't quite know what to do with myself--no rehearsals, no evening activities scheduled, a cancelled Saturday activity due to rain--I still managed to lose one pound! Yay me! I win! This is actually a 'new' pound, too! I've been losing/gaining/losing the same 3-5 pounds for the last two years, but this pound is a new one. You know, following the WW program actually works! APL is having their GetActive program right now, too. I need to get 107 minutes of exercise in each week. And before you freak out, that's only 20 minues a day for 5 days and 7 minutes a 6th day. Easy peasy. Bob will help me (I have two Bob Harper DVD's--one even has a 20 minute 'beginners' workout).

The play I was in, "The Mouse that Roared" went very, very well. We're supposed to be getting DVD's of the two performances, so that will be fun. Everyone loved the costumes. All I did, mostly, was organize them, but I did make a few things, like the Duchess's dress. LIke this, only in yellow and gold.I love doing costumes. That's probably all I'll do for the next one, though, since it will be in the summer and we're having a Mission Simulation around that time.

My failure is, I think I'm having a fight with my sister. Which one, you ask? that's confidential, but she doesn't live in this state (course, none of them do). I'm not even really sure because it's hard to have a fight via email. Days go between the emails and you're just never sure what the other person is thinking until you get the email and a dreadful pit-feeling in your stomach. Then, in my case, I skim it to see if it's really as bad as I think, and if it is, sometimes I just delete it. She's mad at me because of an email I sent out to my family last week. Apparently an initial email with a request in it only went to some of them, but not all of them, and since I happen not to trust the two people who emailed me back that they didn't get the information, I just figured they deleted the email because it was sent from me. Or ignored it for the same reason. So my second email was a bit trying to guilt them, but the third one was really a "if you couldn't be bothered to read it the first time here it is again." In all three of her replies my sister went on and on and on about how I need to take responsibility stop being so childish and blah blah blah. Yeah, she's one of the ones I don't trust. Guess why. Then it occured to me that we're in the middle of a Crucial Conversation. Yup, the class I took last November.

You'd think I'd learn, right? I listen to the CD's, I read the book a few bits every week, and yet here I am in a CC with a sister that I'm convinced dislikes me. So I deleted her last email and sent out a new one full of the language I learned in my class. She'll probably think I'm preaching to her and send me another nasty-gram. She's never wrong, you know. And here I am doing it again, villainizing her. I'm the victim, you know. Helpless before her wrath. All I can do is hope to avoid it. (That was sarcasm directed at myself)

You know, people ask me all the time if I enjoy being part of a big family. I tell you, it has upsides and downsides. Yeah, there's always someone there--to play with, to be friends with, or to pick on you. Or ignore you. Or treat you like you're a guilting, conniving little brat that will never change. However, there are also people like three of my older brothers and my two younger sisters that I get along with just fine. Course, my goal is to get along with all of them just fine (there's 9 of us). That's kind of a tall order, particularly when I can only control my side of it. So, that's my failure. I went overboard while I was tired, still recovering from the trip and the play, and now I have a sister who's mad at me. I guess I have to wait to see if she replies to my email of attempted reconcilliation.

Ratinos, trips, and plays

Ratinos

Got this as the word verification for my niece's blog just now. I can't decide if it's a kind of Latino rat or maybe something crunchy to eat. Thoughts?

Trips

I went to CA last weekend to see my Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill is getting old. He's probably around 90 or so. He's been in and out of the hospital since November, but in February decided he really had to move to an assisted living place. So that's where he is now. Since then he's had a stroke, and for a while there my Dad thought he'd be planning a funeral. I made the plans for the trip about two weeks before going, and after hearing about the stroke I was glad. I went thinking I was going to say good-bye. Imagine our surprise when we walked into his room that first day (Friday) and he was awake, aware, and happy to see us. About ready to cry from joy, but also from frustration as the stroke left him without the ability to speak properly. That trip Dad took me down and my brother Blaine and his wife Yoli met us there. It was a good visit. Uncle Bill's cable had been hooked up, and he was watching a basketball game. The facility he's in is very nice (Silverado retirement homes, in Tustin, CA), and one of his "adopted daughters" works there. Uncle Bill has never married, never had children of his own, but has gone out and "adopted" several other families, as well as making each of his nieces and nephews know how much he loved each of us. He is my example.

Saturday my brother David drove me down, and we watched part of our church's Annual General Conference with Uncle Bill. Again he was wide awake, happy to see us. He'd eaten all his breakfast that morning, too. We visited a little more, and talked about how to help with his communication problem a little. Then we returned back to my Dad's house (where we watched the afternoon session).

Spent Thursday and Friday afternoons with my brother David's kids--very fun, Wii, movies, and How I Met Your Mother, not to mention In-N-Out for dinner on Friday. Saturday my niece Leslie picked me up and we went to a movie then dinner at the Rainforest Cafe at Ontario Mills Mall. That was so fun. I love hanging out with my nieces and nephews.

Sunday morning I watched conference with my Dad and Nancy, then Blaine and Yoli and Leslie picked me up to go watch the afternoon session with Uncle Bill. My sister Dustie joined us there, which was great. Uncle Bill was so happy to see her too. He was a little more tired on Sunday. They'd taken him to go do his exercises that morning and tuckered him out. He was still awake, though, and got a little irritated at us for talking when we should be listening :) We brought him a little white board for him to write on, but it will take some practice as he was right-handed and that hand is now useless to him.

All in all, the trip was so much better than I expected. I'd expected to just be sitting by his bedside as he slept. I expected one trip down (it's about an hour from where my Dad and brothers live), hoped for two, and ended up with three. It was wonderful. I'm so glad I went. And here's hoping he sticks around until June, the next time I go out (when my niece gets married!!)

Plays

I'm in a play. I'm sure I've mentioned this. This week is Tech Week (aka dress rehearsals). As well as having several small parts, I'm also in charge of costumes. So I'm really busy. My cat thought when I got home from my trip I'd be HOME. But no. I'm gone every night until 10 or 10:30, then I work on costumes because they're not *quite* done, then sleep for a few hours before getting back up to go to work. Fortunately today is Friday, and I can rest a little tomorrow. Our first performance is tomorrow evening, at 7:30pm, the second one is on Sunday, at 2:00pm. Yes, I know, this means I'm missing church. I can go to a different ward in the morning, and maybe once a year or more it's ok. It's not like anyone's getting paid. Except the AV guys.

I thought it would be fun. I'm sure when I look back on it, it will have been fun. I am getting to know more people, and they are really fun people. But right now I'm just too tired to really care. And all my TV shows are piling up. Although I have been keeping up on my two reality shows (DwtS and AI(my first time watching that one)). I like to have something on while I sew, and they don't require a lot of attention. No plot twists. Although I have to say, Pia was ROBBED!!! Dang Casey for taking the save a couple weeks ago!! (although I was happy for that at the time) I hope someone picks her up, I would love to go see her, and love to have her music. Which I will have some of it, since it's available on iTunes, but I hope she gets to do much, much more.

Ok, back to the play. The Mouse that Roared. Very funny. If you're in the area, please come! Call me for directions (the play is free). And kid-friendly.

Ok, done babbling for now.

Another Legend Gone

Elizabeth Taylor has died.

She was 78. My mother always loved Liz Taylor. She loved the story about how Liz grew three inches over a summer so she could be the lead in National Velvet. Every movie I've seen her in, she's just so beautiful and graceful. Seeing her in The Taming of the Shrew should be required for all High School English courses.

I had the opportunity to see Carrie Fisher's new show last year, significant because Eddie Fisher was Liz's husband before Robert Burton. I can't recall if Eddie left Debbie Reynolds for Liz or not, but that's most likely.

I just love the stories of Old Hollywood, learned from my mother. They just don't make movies like they used to. In so many ways.

Grandma's life

As anyone who reads my blog knows, I struggle with my weight. I was thinking this morning about how my life compares to my grandma's life. She would work in the garden every day she could. She may have eaten a lot of meat and potatoes, but there were always fresh vegetables at her table. When they weren't fresh, they were veggies or fruits she'd preserved herself. Maybe if I followed her example a little more closely I would weigh a lot less. I may have to check into local farmer's markets. I did a 'Community Supported Agriculture" thing the last couple of years and ended up either giving away or throwing out most of it because I couldn't eat it all. And I don't have a big freezer. And I don't can my own veggies. And I'm tired when I get home. that's probably the biggest reason. But here I am, considering it once again, even though the couple I shared with last year isn't doing it this year. But that would mean I get to eat all the strawberries myself.

Restlessness

What's the song that goes "you calm my restlessness"? i think it's from Icehouse, late '80's. Anyway, it's been popping into my head. I've been feeling restless. Like I want a change. I'm not sure where to make the change. Usually when I get like this I start thinking about dropping out of church. It's not that I don't have a testimony, it's just that I'm tired. I'd like to just stay home all day on Sunday and play with my cats. Or watch tv. Or just not have to deal with anyone else (can you tell I'm an introvert?). Sometimes the whole not having a family thing just gets to me, and I lose the point of doing these same things over and over and over. And over and over. Everything the same. Always. Sundays always the same. Mondays through Fridays always the same, get up and go to work. Sit at my desk all day long. Pretend I care about things. Go home and try to keep from eating everything I can find (not very successfully, usually). Watch tv with the cat. Feed and attempt to play with the other cat. Always the same. Even with the play I'm in, the rehearsals have settled into a routine. Saturdays there are some variations, but usually I can't even force myself up off the couch unless I have plans with someone. And even then, I've been known to cancel at the last minute.

Am I bored? Am I tired of the routine? Am I exhibiting signs of depression? (yes, that's an issue for me, controlled with medication and an herbal remedy). Or maybe I just want it to be spring.

But it would be nice to do something different at Church. Much as I love Nursery, it's just not challenging anymore. And I really dislike being SM music conductor at the moment. Sometimes when I've had this calling I absolutely loved it. Now it's just another ordeal I have to get through every Sunday. But one doesn't ask to be released, do they? And I've made it so clear that I love Nursery, I don't think they'd even consider releasing me. Particularly since people who love Nursery are so hard to find.

So here I am, restless. Wanting a change. Or maybe a vacation. I miss having family close enough to drive to. Definitely would have gone down there a couple weekends ago. My next trip is the end of April, and it seems so far away.

As the dream disappears...

... or at least gets postponed.

My trip to China this summer has been postponed until next summer. For many reasons this is a good thing. I no longer have to worry about whether or not I can afford it, I have a whole year to save up the money. I can spend my vacation time visiting my family instead, and since next year I get an additional week of vacation it won't be as much of a sacrifice next year. I can spend more time helping with and enjoying my nieces' wedding. My friend who is going with me will be much healthier next year (she's experiencing some issues right now). So yeah, there are a lot of good things about this.

But I'm still bummed.

and next year is when my two satellites launch. Which means I may not be able to go. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Or maybe, " launch that rocket" ?


In other news, I'm not nearly as dizzy today. I did go to the doctor, he said it was probably some sort of inner ear virus or infection since I wasn't diplaying any other symptoms. He gave me some anti-dizziness medication and sent me home with instructions to come back if it didn't get better in a few days. It got better. Probably helped by the fact that I completly blew off everything I had planned on Saturday and stayed home and slept. Not intentionally. I went out to go to my Pilates class and my car wouldn't start. Same problem as always--it was too cold. Just to make sure I went out 20 minutes later and it started right up. Of course, then I would have been too late for Pilates, so I decided to lay down on the couch until it was time to go to the next thing in an hour and a half. Four hours later... Ok, so I didn't actually get up off the couch until around 2:30pm. Had several crazy dreams, though, like I was supposed to get up but couldn't stay awake. I hate those dreams. My cat got increasingly mad at me as I continued to lay on the couch the rest of the day. Apparently I was supposed to play with her. Plus I left the door to the basement open and Ani came up to see what was going on (we were both being very quiet at that time).

Like I said, feeling much better now. Other than being bummed about my trip to China.

I did it!!

I finished my second climb of the Empire State Building today! Yay!! It wasn't really that hard to fit more steps into my day, particularly considering where I work--5th floor of a building that has 24 steps between all the floors (except between the first and second floors where there's 26). Walk up in the morning, down in the evening, and up the 30 steps to the parking lot in the evening and I've about got it made. Really helped that Saturday we went to see Disney Princesses, too. After the show we decided we didn't want to wait for the elevator, so we walked up the six flights to where we'd parked (117 steps--seemed like more when we did it, though, but then there were only 18 steps between floors). yay me!Now the challenge will be to keep going up the steps now that I don't have a challenge. I shall have to find other tall buildings to climb, I suppose. Maybe the Washingon Monument?

Had a very lazy weekend. Yes, I was supposed to meet up with my friends in VA, but I've been having light-headedness issues and didn't want to drive so far feeling like my head would float away. I left church early on Sunday too, for the same reason. Don't worry, I have a dr appt tonight, we'll see what he says (I'm not seeing my regular doctor, she wanted me to come in ASAP but all her appts were booked). I'm hoping its something simple. Like a vitamin deficiency. (Update: he thinks it's an ear infection of somekind and should go away on its own. To that end he gave me some medicine that should help with the dizzyness, and so far it seems to be working)

Rehearsals are going well (performances are April 9 & 10--yes, the 10th is a Sunday (if I'm remmebering correctly), and it's a matinee, so I'll need to go to another ward in the morning). I'm struggling with my lines, mostly because I'm usually reading for someone who isn't there and they need someone to pinch hit. I don't even have that many lines!! I only have four parts, each with about 3 lines each, average (one only has one line). That's not very many.

Ok, back to your busy lives

300 more to go!

Yes, I finished climbing the Empire State Building on February 8, and decided to keep going. I only have 300 steps left! yay me!

Rehearsals are going well--I volunteered to take point on costumeing since no one else was, and I've been talking to everyone. We don't have that many things to make, fortunately. A few tunics, a couple dresses, and then maybe some surcoats or something simple like that.

Last weekend was so very fun. I went with my friend and her two girls to see Disney Princess Wishes on Ice. It was very well done. We did get there a little late--we underestimated the amount of traffic going into Baltimore (who'd a thought leaving an hour early wouldn't be enough time?), but once we got there we all enjoyed the show. It was fast paced and entertaining, with a couple vilains but mostly it was the love stories of the different princesses. Mikey and Minnie were there too :D And Goofy, of course! None of the pictures I took turned out (that's what I get for trying to use my phone), but hopefully my friend's did.

This weekend I'm going back down to VA for a Spa Day with S&C. We'll see how it turns out. We wanted low key, healthy, and low cost. So we're meeting at C's place for various activities and lunch. And Despicable Me Minions :D (someone in marketing really missed the boat on that one--everyone wants minions).

In other news, Bob Harper's been kicking my butt. I asked for one of his cardio work-out DVD's from blockbusteronline and it's serious stuff, man. I couldn't sit down without wincing for two days!!! But it does give me 13 PointsPlus--which is really good because for today I'm all out of points. I'm doing really well this week, though. I didn't 'lose it' until last night, and still have two of my weekly points. I plan on working with Bob again tonight, then doing pilates in the morning, and with lots of fruits and vegetables shouldn't have any trouble staying within my points values for the weekend. As long as I only have ONE handful of goldfish during Nursery! :D But I'm doing good, as I said. I just need to continue on.

1238 steps

I'm getting there, pretty surely. At this rate I may have to decide to do it twice. Course, I suppose if I get close I can just add in the 30 steps I climb every day when I leave work--currently I'm only counting them on the days I don't climb the 98 steps to the fifth floor (and my office). Plus adding in the 23 steps I take on the way to Pilates class. I may have to start counting the stairs in my house deliberately--I think it would be too easy just to count the number of times I go up and down, but if I do both flights in a row, that would count (and be 24 steps).

Rehearsals are going well (I did mention I'm in a play, yes?), but I'm still struggling with mealtimes on those days. Even when I eat dinner before rehearsal my mind thinks I need to have dinner when I get home, even though I've already eaten. I may have to reserve some points for a sandwich or something when I get home. Something nutritious. Fruit is free, but by that time I want something more substantial. Hmmm

Work is going well. Well, exept for the things that aren't, but I'm not in charge or even helping with those things--ouside my jurisdiction. I can only do the things I'm responsible for.

Saturday was nice--Pilates, ironing, laundry, and started working on my curtains that I've had the fabric for for over a year. I actually had started them when I got the fabric but stopped when I realized the fabric I had wasn't long enough. My sister talked me into two-toned curtains, so I'm working on that now. I really hate blinds, so I'll be glad when I can take them down.

Sunday was even nicer, read a book, went to church, ate my 29 points in one sitting (hey, it was Fast Sunday, I'm allowed--aren't I? I may have to rethink that). I did lose .6 lbs today when I weighed in, so that was good. I also managed to sort out my finances. I need to do my taxes soon so I can get my refunds--hopefully. They'll help me pay for my trip to China.

And the best news is: my niece is getting MARRIED!!! The one that just got off her mission last September. She's getting married at the end of June, right before I leave for China, so it looks like I'll be making that trip alone (a friend is coming to China with me, but we'll have to meet up there). I'm so excited for her! And looking forward to getting some more babies in the family :)

758 Steps

And only 818 left to go! And it's only the second week! And I completley skipped Saturday and Sunday! I may be able to do it twice at this rate :) My secret is simple: walk up the stairs in my building every morning (I'm on the 5th floor--it's 98 steps) and take the routes to my meetings that involve stairs. No simple ramps for me. This also helps me get in at least 10-15 minutes of walking. That's two activity points right there! (One for the steps in the morning, the other for the walking/steps to and from meetings). APL has a lot of stairs.

I've had several weekends to myself lately. Between the weather and S&C and I running out of movies we haven't gotten together for about 3 weeks. On the other hand, my house is getting cleaner each weekend. I should have something more fun to tell in a couple of weeks, since I'm going with some friends and their daughters to see Disney Princesses on Ice. I'm so excited!

The weather is cold and dreary--there was an icy/rainy mix this morning (before I got up), and another icy/rainy storm on it's way to us now. Here's hoping for a chance to sleep in tomorrow :)

Stay warm, everyone!

Climbing the Empire State Building

Ok, not literally, but our challenge in my WW meeting is to climb enough stairs in 30 days to have climbed the Empire State Building. 1576 steps is 53 steps per day for once, 106 steps per day for twice. Steps going down don't count, even if you have to go back down in order to go back up. My building at work has 98 steps from the first floor to the fifth floor (I may have mentioned this before). Just a few more steps and I'll have climbed it twice--except that I expect weekends to be more difficult, and I always take Sunday's off. Anyone want to climb with me?

In other news, my cats are still not friends. I guess that's really not news, though. I deliberately left the door to the basement a little ways open, and sure enough at 4:30 in the morning I heard the sound of cats getting ready to fight. Fortunately that's all they do, make a lot of noise then run. Kitty later smacked me in the face--still not sure if it's because I didn't want to get out of bed or if she was still upset at the interloper.

Also in other news, I'm in a play. I'm in the APL drama club, and I auditioned for "The Mouse that Roared". Not really as nerve-wraking as it sounds, given that there were more parts than people who showed up. I actually got three parts, small ones all. I'll also be helping with costuming again (I helped with costuming on their last--which was also their first--production).

Nursery is a breeze these days--last week we had the most we've had since January began--7. Yup. Seven kids. There are actually about 10 on the rolls, but with colds and travel and everything, I doubt we'll get all of them there on the same week. Kind of nice after the 16-18 kids we had before.

Stake History is pretty much done for now. I'll be sending out reminders at the end of each month so hopefully next year won't be as stressful, but that was a lot easier than I expected. And this year I can keep an eye out for what's going on in the stake and be more pro-active about getting write-ups and details.

Ok, time for the next meeting (hey, it's lunchtime, I'm allowed!)

15 things you might not know about me...

Ok, saw this on my nieces' blog, so now I have to try it too!!

1. I hate it when people spit out of their cars. Yuck!

2. I am a tv-aholic and a food-aholic. Surprising how well those two go together.

3. I am a collector. I collect dolls, Star Wars Toys, random sci-fi show toys, fine art pictures of children, specifically girls, movies, and now tv shows.

4. I don't clean my bathrooms regularly, usually just before someone comes over or when I get too disgusted to stand it anymore.

5. I like to sew and make costumes.

6. I make up stories in my head with characters from my favorite books or movies or tv shows. My mother would get really upset with me when I started acting them out.

7. While I love music, it isn't my life. I know, with my family, that's about as close to blasphemy as you can get, but there it is.

9. I love to dance.

10. I like to take classes on how to be a better person and communicate with people around me better. Latest one: Crucial Conversations from VitalSmarts through work. Very informative.

11. After many, many years of protesting otherwise, I'm thinking at this point I probably won't get married in this life. I just don't see the point, since I probably won't be able to have kids. I've never had a relationship with a man that convinced me my life would be better to have one in it. Sole control of the remote is very important. Plus I have cats, it's not like I'm lonely. And a Home Teacher, so it's not like I have to do without the important things like priesthood blessings and tools and help around the house.

12. I have a testimony of the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You may already know that about me, but just in case I haven't been clear in the past, I really, really do.

13. I love to go out to eat with friends. I used to just go by myself, but after a while realized I just didn't enjoy sitting there with a book. I prefer to go with friends. I have a standing date with the Sister Missionaries each month and it is the highlight of the whole week, usually the whole month (unless I've been visiting family, that kind of wins)

14. I really hate writing documents for work. Or for church. Or for any other reason. I can't even finish the stories I make up in my head, what makes them think I can finish something so boring as a technical manual?

15. I really, really, REALLY love my family. I would do anything for them. I don't live very close to them anymore, but as money and time permit, I do visit them as often as I can. So if I'm not here, that's probably where I am.


Ok, I'm supposed to tag 5 people, so if you decide you want to do this too, consider yourself tagged. Then leave a comment so I know to go read it :)

Christmas and a New Year

I had a very nice Christmas. It was small and quiet, but I liked it that way. I opened presents in the morning, tree shining over me. My two younger sisters had me for Christmas*, always a good thing. I hope I can do half as well when I have them next year :) Books, dolls, and even toys for my kitties! My friend L also sent me a few things--turns out she was my Secret Jedi this year**, also a very good thing. So a year that could have been very sad and lonely--my first in over 8 years not spending it with my sister B--was actually very good after all (bad memories of the first year after my Mom passed away--two brothers had me that year and they both forgot. Or didn't mail on time, or something like that. So I had nothing, and no one remembered me, and not being remembered on Christmas Day really, really sucks).

After presents I let Kitty outside to find that it was snowing lightly.

She likes to try to catch the snowflakes. Later that day I went over a friend's house for dinner. Like I said, nice and quiet.

The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve was also very quiet. No vacation time left, so I went in to work all four days (when the holidays are on a weekend, we only get one day off--next year we only get six holidays off :( ). I was a little put-out that the huge snowstorm that took out parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York completely missed Maryland. I really wanted Monday off too!

For New Year's Eve I went over a friends house. She invited all the local SA from church over for snacks and movies. I brought Avatar, the extra special edition with 18 more minutes in it, and we decided to watch that. I really like that movie. I have to say, though it really was better the first time, when I wasn't aware of what was going to happen. It was a fun time, though. We stopped the movie shortly before midnight so we could watch Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's party (and see the ball drop) so we could toast with our non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice. Then we had to text everyone and wish them Happy New Year. That was kind of funny--and one of my nieces accused me of cheating since she still had to wait 3 hours for New Years :D

New Year's Day I went out and worked in the yard for quite a while. didn't quite complete the 'getting ready for winter' that I should have done two months ago, but the majority of the grass and weeds are gone now. Just one little patch left... Some mulching in March and it should be all ready for spring.

So this year I have three resolutions. I try to do resolutions every year, things to work on, and then do progress reports to myself, usually in May and then again in September. First, this is the year I am going to lose the weight. One pound a week, or 3 (6?) dress sizes by next year. Since dress sizes drop by two, I'm never sure if the difference between 10 and 12 is one or two. Anyway, that's one. Two is to work--at home, at work, and at church. I slack way to much. Three is to be more humble. I always think I'm right about everything; I really need to stop that. I figure there's more scripture study and prayer in my future. I figure that these three resolutions cover all four areas that I try to cover each year: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. I usually do one in each area, but this year I figure the work one counts for social and mental, and the humble one counts for spiritual and mental.

Ok, enough about me for now. We may get flurries again tonight. This morning it was kind of fun to see all that powdered-sugar looking snow everywhere. I didn't eve bother trying to sweep it away, I'm sure it's melted by now.

Ok, I think I'm done now. And kudo's to you if you made it through this really long post!

*my family rotates names--every year we have two siblings, and the following year it rotates to the next younger two until it wraps around to the older ones. Works very well, we don't have to buy for 8 people, just 2.

** Secret Jedi is a fun thing me and a group of friends do every year. Like Secret Santa, but since we all like Star Wars (that's how we met), we call it Secret Jedi. And we mail stuff throughout the month of December, usually leaving the nicest gift for Christmas Day. It's really fun.

On the Grid

Saw TRON: Legacy last weekend. You know, it occured to me last night as I was waiting to fall back asleep, that our current society has been influenced by the original TRON. After all, how many times do we talk about being "on the grid" or "off the grid"? That came from TRON. Interesting, huh? Also saw Chronicals of Narnia (again, for movie reviews, see sidebar). I really liked them both. Here's hoping when TRON:Legacy comes out on DVD, the original will too.

Preparations for Christmas have been consuming me lately, but I think I'm almost done. Still need to do my Christmas Cards and letters--I've been considering just sending cards this year. I just can't think of what to say for my Christmas letter.

Friday Night I went with my friend and her kids to see the Symphony of Lights in Columbia. They have all these figures set up with lights throughout the Merriweather Post Pavillion. The kids were so thrilled to see all the lights, especially the 2-year-old. Christmas is so much better with children!

Saturday night I went to the Helicon Concert in Towson (north of Baltiomore). Three guys, one on Hammered Dulcimer or fiddle (Ken Kolodner), one on guitar, piano, citar or other stringed instruments (Robin Bullock), and one on flute, small bag pipes, or other 'toot'ed instruments (Chris Norman) playing seasonal music--not just Christmas, but also for Winter Solstice and even some Hannekah. Ken's son Brad played with them this year on a couple of their songs, playing a banjo and another instrument I didn't catch the name of. It's always a good concert, and puts me in the Christmas spirit. My friend K promised to put it on her calendar for next year (Dec 17, 2011).

Last night was amazing. We had a Lunar Eclipse. It is also the Winter Solstice today. This convergence of events hasn't happened for centuries--since Galileo was alive. My friend M assures me that it will happen again this century (2094). Not sure I plan on being around for that, though. Here's a picture or two from my iPhone (didn't turn out very well, but consider the source)

This last one I tried to zoom in, so it's really on it's side. I suppose that, even though the moon was red, it was still eclipsed so the pictures wouldn't be all that great to begin with. Not a lot of light. Except for the street light behind me. Why did they have to fix it so soon! It was out for a few days, I could have waited a little longer for it to be fixed!

I did go out in my backyard for a while where my house blocks the street light, but my Kitty wouldn't come out with me--not because it was cold (she went out in the front of the house with me) but because she'd have to pass through Ani's territory. I tried to get her, but she didn't want me to do that either. Oh well. Silly Kitty. While there, I picked some rosemary for the dinner I'm making today (crock-pot). I wonder if it's significant to pick rosemary under the light of an eclipsed full moon? Probably not.

They're calling for snow on Saturday. Yes, Christmas Day. It should be beautiful, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to travel down to my friend's house in NoVA if it does. Too many crazies on the road, even on a holiday.

So far I've watched Holiday Inn and White Christmas, on AMC. I also caught most of "The Major and the Minor" with Ginger Rogers. Very fun. A little weird having a 30-year-old pretend to be 12 (she only had half-fare for the train), but as the narrator said, audiences were more generous back then (it was made in the 30's, pre-war). Hey, C, there's another movie for you!

Geotagging and snow

How cool is it that our phones can tell everyone where we were when we took a picture with it? Well, after the article I just read, not so cool. Turns out that between facebook or other social networking sites, pictures we take with our phones, and even just using our phones, people can figure out exactly where we are, what our patterns are, and essentially stalk us without us even knowing. Finding out where we live and when we're not home. So that's a little creepy. Here's the link: http://nyti.ms/917hRh Kinda glad I have that home security system now.

I was informed of this from our security people at work, a presentation sent out to tell people not to give away so much information! So I'm doing my civic duty and telling all my friends.

Ironically, I got an email the other day about how kids would go outside and play all day long back in the 'good old days'. Well, these may not be the 'bad new days', but there's so much more out there we need to be aware of. Not afraid of, mind you, just aware of. I think it's ok for my phone to know where I am when I'm trying to get somewhere else, but maybe not so much when I use the facebook app...

In other news, it's snowing. And apparently the schools have started closing. Hmmm, to night would be a good night to go shopping, no one will be in the stores... but there will be no milk, toilet paper, or bread. Good thing I stocked up on Monday then, huh? I forsee toasted cheese sandwiches and soup in my future...

Ah, Christmastime!

Parties and shows and movies and so much yummy things to eat! But that's not what Christmas is all about. Lest we forget, it's about the wondrous Gift given almost 2000 years ago by Heavenly Father to us and then from Christ to us as he gave himself a ransom for our sins (ok, I am actually borrowing phrases from hymns, so sue me).

I was reminded of this last Sunday night as I went to the Christmas Devotional at the stake center. I normally just stay home and miss it, but this year I'd leant three of my nativities to the annual display, and needed to pick them up, so I went to the broadcast (something my church does every year the first Sunday in December). I sat and knit (I have to knit, my presents aren't finished yet!) and listened and was reminded of what's truly important.

I had a nice Thanksgiving at my friend Kellie's house. We were joined by another family, so the table was full, and the food was very yummy. Kellie and I then went to visit another friend, afterwards returning to watch an episode of LOST. Always a good time.

The next day I braved the stores, but not until about 9:00am, and hit a nice lull--the lines were actually fairly short, and the stores weren't crowded. I got all the fabric I should need for the next year for baby blankets, and even did some other shopping. Then home to put things away and cuddle with my kitty.

Kitty's been very nice lately (ok, not this morning, but that was my fault). I think she's trying to show me that she's the 'good' cat. Ani, on the other hand, is still hiding behind the futon in the basement. I bought him a nice fluffy pad that should help him keep warm, but it also has the effect that I can't see him when he's on it. In a day or two I'm going to switch it with the one I bought Kitty--identical pads (actually, two in one box), so maybe they can start getting used to one another's smell. Ani still seems quite timid, but does seem like he's adjusted to his new situation. I just need Ani and Kitty to not fight--even if they ignore each other, that would be ok too.

Went to see HP7 pt1 that weekend as well--I really liked it. My main frustration with the whole movie series is that they left out a couple of key things in the previous 2-3 movies that would have made the beginning of this movie make a lot more sense. I'm still mad they didn't include Dobby in Goblet of Fire, but oh well. I suppose I shall have to just deal with it. He's back in this movie, finally. they still skip over too many things, expecting people to have read the book, I imagine, but that's ok.

The last week has been rather tame as I have been busy at work trying to finish up a document. It's done now, thankfully. Got lots to do still at home to finish getting ready for Christmas. And I have no idea what to put in my annual Christmas letter!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Thanksgiving Time again

Around this time of year, I always get a little pensive. My favorite Thanksgivings were when I was growing up. We'd have the big family dinner, my Uncle Bill would come over, and sometimes we'd have other people too, friends and family. I remember one year, I think I was five, Dad put a plank on some sawhorses on the patio in the back yard, Mom dressed it up, and we had our family, Uncle Clive's family, and Uncle Bill all there. I remember the time I first was allowed to make cranberry sauce myself, and how I got splattered when the berries would pop. I remember the year I helped Mom in the kitchen, and I didn't want to do the yams, so I did everything else. Sadly, Mom burned her hand on the yams, taking them out of the oven, I think. I felt bad about that, but like Mom said, I was there helping. I remember the trips we'd make to the Sav-a-Minit market on the corner for those last-minute items--marshmellows, canned pumpkin, stuff like that. There was always a football game on TV, which was turned off during dinner.

My favorite part of the day, though, once dinner was over and mostly cleaned up (we would pick at the remains for hours--a small breakfast and dinner was all we got this day), a brother or sister would sit at the piano and we, my siblings and I, would sing Christmas songs for hours. Dad, being a Band Teacher, didn't want any Christmas songs in the house any earlier than after Thanksgiving dinner, since he had to deal with them starting in September. But this was my favorite part.

Sadly, as the years have gone by, my family has moved away from home, and going back for Thanksgiving just isn't the same now that my Mom has passed on. I don't think I've actually been back there since my nephew Limi was on his mission several years ago. I have had the priviledge of joining my sister Beckie at her house for Thanksgiving several times over the last 8 years they were on the East Coast. Of course, they're back in Utah now too.

One thing I've been thinking about is moving back West. I've even started looking at the JPL job site. I don't think this is something that will happen anytime soon, not until after at least 60 days after RBSP launches (currently scheduled for May 2012). But I'm keeping my eyes open for the opportunity. Like everything else in my life, when the time is right, the way will appear. The Lord takes care of me like that.

So this year I'll be joining friends for dinner and sleeping in my own bed at night. With my cats. Who don't even know that this is a holiday. But at least Kitty will be happy that I'm home, there to open the door for here whenever she wants. Well, mostly. I'm thinking about braving a couple stores on Friday, and on Saturday I'm meeting up with my friends in VA to see Harry Potter. Can't believe I haven't gone to see it yet. (no spoilers please!!!)

In other news, my friend's son, who's serving a mission in Singapore, assigned to the island of Pana-somehting at the moment, was in a serious accident. He was riding his bike and was hit from behind by a car. A big car. After several miracles and a couple of surgeries, it looks like he'll be ok, but any prayers or good thoughts you can send his way, I know the family would appreciate it. His name is Elder Jeremy Schone. The family moved to Utah in August, so really, all I can do is pray. And ask other people to add him to their prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Crucial Conversations

I've been in a training class for two of the last three days learning how to handle crucial conversations--the ones where there's high stress, high emotions, and high stakes. We were encouraged to use examples from our lives, both professionally and personally. I'm kind of excited to start using my new skills at work and at church--somehow I don't think my cats will be that responsive. Since part of it has to do with paying attention to others, I've been using my tv as a training tool as well, although I do tend to watch more scripted shows than reality shows. But people are people, even when acting, so the same types of behaviors come out.

I used to read a lot of these types of books, 7 habits for highly successful people, lifebalance, even the myth of self esteem, but it's been quite a while since I've read anything, or even taken a class that would help with my relationships with others. I think my last class was something about relationships, and the one before that was another work-related course on the essentials of supervision. Not sure why I've dropped that ball, but I'm hoping this gets me back on my way to being a better communicator.

Meanwhile, since I last wrote, I'm managing to get back to being healthy. I still cough, espeically when I laugh to much (Raising Hope is SO FUNNY--the baby barked! it was hilarious! Ok, so the kid was in a daycare that only had dogs with her, so she was learning how to be a dog and that was kind of what the episode was about, but it was so cute), and every now and then my sinuses need cleared, but for the most part I'm getting there. I had to miss our blood drive at work this month, but my church is holding one at the end of the month, so hopefully I'll be able to do that then.

last weekend I went out and saw Secretariat--I'd recieved a free ticket from Regal Theaters (gotta love the members' card) so I decided to use it. That is a really good movie. I love the horse, he was great. It's amazing the things that happened, truly. And if you don't want to go see it now, you really should think about it. Course, I think it's out of the theaters now, but it will be on DVD in a few more months. I'm hoping it makes the list at Oscar time, it was really good.

Other than that I've just been trying to take care of work and keep up my house and not think too much about my not being able to go visit my sister for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. 8 years. That's how long they were on the East coast. Before they came, I never went anywhere, and now I suppose I'll return to that. Somewhat. Time to get stock in an airline or something.