I just got back from getting my hair cut. It was wonderful. My very long, straight, boring hair is now very short, bouncy, still straight, and really fun. It's really light, and easy to manage. I love it!! Pictures on their way (once Ches gets home and can take a picture of me).
*****
One of the questions Ches was asked in an interview last week went like this: "I see you have a ring on your finger. Are you sure you can handle this job and be here from 6:30 am to 4 pm?"
I find the question highly offensive! I can't believe he was actually asked that! To top it off... that is an illegal question.
How would you have answered that question?
*****
Song of the day: Wonderwall by Oasis. Another song I haven't heard about in awhile, but I heard it on the radio and it made me happy to hear it. I love Oasis. I really love their "What's the Story (Morning glory)" album. Good stuff. It reminds me of my sophomore year of college. My roommates and I listened to that album all the time.
*****
Still no word on when and where we are moving. We should have some answers by the end of next week on the interviews. We are still planning on moving to the greater Phoenix area, but we aren't sure of exactly where yet. I'm hoping for Mesa (I love Mesa!!), but I will be happy just on that side of the valley: Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, or Gilbert.
*****
I am currently reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. It's about Mary Boleyn, who was the sister of Ann, Henry VIII's second wife. It's really well written, and I'm enjoying it a lot. I have some sort of weird fascination with the royal history of England, but don't ask me a lot of questions because I actually don't know all that much. I'm just so interested in it. Anyrate, this book is really good, but historically inaccurate, so if you read it, don't take it as "gospel truth" or anything.
Another really good book I have is called Kings, Queens, Bones, and Bastards by David Hilliam. The subtitle of this book is "Who's Who in the English Monarchy from Egbert to Elizabeth II". It's also a really interesting reference book. Easy to read with just enough information about each monarch, their consorts, their children (illegetimate or not), and where certain people are buried. I highly recommend it. I got this book as a gift from my stepdad several years ago, and I have read it cover to cover several times, as well as referred to it when I had a question about someone.
*****
Three more months and I should be done with this pregnancy. Yay! Actually less, since I'm due September 26th, and since my first two were born early I'm fully expecting this one to come early, too. All I know it I feel like I have been pregnant for the past two years (which, really, is kind of accurate, since we moved to Reno, got pregnant with Dallin almost right away, had Dallin, and got pregnant when he was what? Eight months old?). I hate pregnancy, so I'm excited to get this over with.
Besides, I get to have another little baby! How exciting is that? Yup, I've sure changed my view on this, haven't I? I still wish I had more time in between Dallin and this baby, but I'm not resentful at all anymore. I'm excited for this little boy to join our family.
Oh, still no names yet, so quit asking, people! We're a little busy with everything else and worried about that. We have plenty of time before he's born, so I'm not worried about a name. Besides, we do have a little list going, and we'll pick something out eventually. He won't be named Baby Boy Sharp.
*****
Quote of the day (In honor of tomorrow being Canada Day):
Canada is an interesting place - the rest of the world thinks so, even if Canadians don't.
--Terence Green
Friday, June 30, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Cell Phones
Now here is something that I can really agree with. I don't even have to write a whole ranting post about it. Someone else did it for me!! Read on, my friends.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Countdown
Only four more days until Ches comes home. I say "only", but it feels like an eternity. He's been gone for three days, and they have been the longest three days of my life.
I love my children dearly, but I fear for their lives. If there is another fever, another crying fit, another whine... I just don't know how much longer I can keep it together. I am exhausted, my body aches, my feet are swollen, and I just plain miss my husband.
I am NOT cut out for single motherhood. Especially not when I am 6 months pregnant. I hope nothing every happens to make me an actual single mother. I may have to move in with my parents!!
Keep praying for my sanity, everyone. Mr. Universe, we miss you so much, you can't even imagine. Seriously.
I love my children dearly, but I fear for their lives. If there is another fever, another crying fit, another whine... I just don't know how much longer I can keep it together. I am exhausted, my body aches, my feet are swollen, and I just plain miss my husband.
I am NOT cut out for single motherhood. Especially not when I am 6 months pregnant. I hope nothing every happens to make me an actual single mother. I may have to move in with my parents!!
Keep praying for my sanity, everyone. Mr. Universe, we miss you so much, you can't even imagine. Seriously.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Random Friday
I have the cutest kids. Dallin has decided that Blue's Clues is his favorite show. This morning he was a little cranky, so I asked, "Would you like to watch Blue's Clues?" Dallin immediately got a huge grin, raised his hands up and down, and said, "Blue's clues! Blue's Clues!" over and over until he was well into watching the show. Of course, when he says it, it sounds more like "Boo Coos! Boo Coos!" than anything else. He also loves to say "A clue! A clue!" (which comes out "Acoo! Acoo!").
This from the kid who still won't say "mom".
*****
Ches is having a lot of success in Arizona. He has several interviews set up, has talked to several people on the phone, and has had a lot of interest shown in him. We're very excited. I took something like FIVE phone calls for him yesterday from people in Arizona. FIVE!!! On his first day there! He's hoping to find some time to apartment shop while he's down there, too. I'm really hoping he does. I just want to get packed and move now.
*****
Dallin had tooth #6 coming in... finally. However, because of the teething, he got a huge fever yesterday (was up to 102 by afternoon), and was just miserable. He ended up sleeping with me because I was so worried about him. His temperature at about 2 am was 104!! I almost took him to the emergency room, but couldn't sort out in my head what exactly to do. I couldn't find the bottle of Tylenol in the middle of the night, so I just rubbed his back and thought and thought. He temperature did start to go down, and when he woke up this morning (6 am), it was down to 100. I have to get my own prescription refilled today, so I will pick up more Tylenol for him. He's feeling a lot better, but it sure isn't fun.
*****
Song of the day:
"Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones
Remember the video to this song? I used to love it. How it would say things like "Right now, someone is eating french fries without salt" or whatever. At one point in the video, there would be so much to read, and it'd go by so quickly. Even as a fast reader, I don't think I ever quite made it through. I was always a little disappointed in myself for that. Anyrate, I heard this song on the radio yesterday, and it was another one of those that I hadn't thought about in a long time, but I liked it. Especially the line "Right here, right now/ There is no other place I want to be". Even as hard as things are, I love where I am: married to a wonderful man, with two awesome boys and one more on the way, living the Gospel as best as we can, just trying to be a happy family. I like where I am... right here, right now.
*****
We rented a couple of movies last weekend to watch: Fun With Dick and Jane, and Doogal. The first was fun. We liked it a lot. Could have done without some of the language (we are horrible parents who let our kids watch all sorts of movies with us), but otherwise was a pretty entertaining movie. Oh, and watch the outtakes (I mean, come one! It's Jim Carrey! You gotta watch him!) and the deleted scenes. We liked the dleted scenes and wish they had stayed in the movie.
Doogal, on the other hand, sucked. Big time. There are lots of big names in this movie (Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Whoopi Goldberg, and William H. Macey,just to name a few), but it was horrible. It sounded more like they were doing a half hearted read-through than a movie. The plot was weak, and the script was not well written. It had a lot of funny one-liners... but that seemed to make up most of the movie! One-liners from other movies! Hmpf. When the movie ended, Ches looked at me and said, "I would have been so pissed if we wasted money to see this one in the movie theatre." I totally agreed.
*****
My brother-in-law, Kenyon, has a blog now. Check it out. He talks about cool music a lot, and has this neat player on there to listen to music that he has set up. Oh, and in case you are wondering about the relationship, here is how it works. In their family, there are three boys in this order: Ches, Alyson's Mr. Wonderful, then Kenyon. That should be easy enough to figure out.
*****
It seems that a lot of you have nicknamed your husbands something for your blog-writing so you don't have to use their actual names. We've got Sultry Husband (April), HHH (Julia), Mr. Big (Kris) and Mr. Wonderful (Karen), just because it goes with them. Then we have the names for husbands that go with the blog: Mr. Wonderful (Alyson), and Mr. Angel (Texangel). I was thinking about it, and what do you think? Should we all now call Ches "Mr. Universe"? Heh. Wonder what that would do to his ego. Of course, he is a trumpet player... even if he is the most humble trumpet player you will ever meet (and that is saying something).
*****
We have some friends here in Reno that are coming up on their first anniversary. He just called and said, "I need a little help getting A. her present, and I think you might be able to help." She was raised LDS, and he is not religious. (She doesn't attend any churches anymore). She has used the LDS Primary songbook in the classroom over the years (she is an elementary music teacher), and I guess her copy is pretty worn down. Or she doesn't have it anymore. So he is going to get her a new Primary songbook and possibly a new hymnbook. The Primary songbook is really great for elementary school. All the non-religious songs are perfect to use, and the arrangements are just for that age. I'm glad she is able to use the songbook. I love some of the songs, myself (like "In the leafy treetops" or "Oh what do you do in the summertime?"). I mentioned you can even get them engraved with her name, and he liked that. The husband said he thinks she's been missing these songbooks the last couple of years, so he wants to be able to replace them. I thought to myself, "What a thoughtful husband. He thought of this all on his own." So I gave him directions to the nearest LDS bookstore, and he is headed there this afternoon. Awwwww, sweet.
*****
Quote of the day:
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.
--Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)
This from the kid who still won't say "mom".
*****
Ches is having a lot of success in Arizona. He has several interviews set up, has talked to several people on the phone, and has had a lot of interest shown in him. We're very excited. I took something like FIVE phone calls for him yesterday from people in Arizona. FIVE!!! On his first day there! He's hoping to find some time to apartment shop while he's down there, too. I'm really hoping he does. I just want to get packed and move now.
*****
Dallin had tooth #6 coming in... finally. However, because of the teething, he got a huge fever yesterday (was up to 102 by afternoon), and was just miserable. He ended up sleeping with me because I was so worried about him. His temperature at about 2 am was 104!! I almost took him to the emergency room, but couldn't sort out in my head what exactly to do. I couldn't find the bottle of Tylenol in the middle of the night, so I just rubbed his back and thought and thought. He temperature did start to go down, and when he woke up this morning (6 am), it was down to 100. I have to get my own prescription refilled today, so I will pick up more Tylenol for him. He's feeling a lot better, but it sure isn't fun.
*****
Song of the day:
"Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones
Remember the video to this song? I used to love it. How it would say things like "Right now, someone is eating french fries without salt" or whatever. At one point in the video, there would be so much to read, and it'd go by so quickly. Even as a fast reader, I don't think I ever quite made it through. I was always a little disappointed in myself for that. Anyrate, I heard this song on the radio yesterday, and it was another one of those that I hadn't thought about in a long time, but I liked it. Especially the line "Right here, right now/ There is no other place I want to be". Even as hard as things are, I love where I am: married to a wonderful man, with two awesome boys and one more on the way, living the Gospel as best as we can, just trying to be a happy family. I like where I am... right here, right now.
*****
We rented a couple of movies last weekend to watch: Fun With Dick and Jane, and Doogal. The first was fun. We liked it a lot. Could have done without some of the language (we are horrible parents who let our kids watch all sorts of movies with us), but otherwise was a pretty entertaining movie. Oh, and watch the outtakes (I mean, come one! It's Jim Carrey! You gotta watch him!) and the deleted scenes. We liked the dleted scenes and wish they had stayed in the movie.
Doogal, on the other hand, sucked. Big time. There are lots of big names in this movie (Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Whoopi Goldberg, and William H. Macey,just to name a few), but it was horrible. It sounded more like they were doing a half hearted read-through than a movie. The plot was weak, and the script was not well written. It had a lot of funny one-liners... but that seemed to make up most of the movie! One-liners from other movies! Hmpf. When the movie ended, Ches looked at me and said, "I would have been so pissed if we wasted money to see this one in the movie theatre." I totally agreed.
*****
My brother-in-law, Kenyon, has a blog now. Check it out. He talks about cool music a lot, and has this neat player on there to listen to music that he has set up. Oh, and in case you are wondering about the relationship, here is how it works. In their family, there are three boys in this order: Ches, Alyson's Mr. Wonderful, then Kenyon. That should be easy enough to figure out.
*****
It seems that a lot of you have nicknamed your husbands something for your blog-writing so you don't have to use their actual names. We've got Sultry Husband (April), HHH (Julia), Mr. Big (Kris) and Mr. Wonderful (Karen), just because it goes with them. Then we have the names for husbands that go with the blog: Mr. Wonderful (Alyson), and Mr. Angel (Texangel). I was thinking about it, and what do you think? Should we all now call Ches "Mr. Universe"? Heh. Wonder what that would do to his ego. Of course, he is a trumpet player... even if he is the most humble trumpet player you will ever meet (and that is saying something).
*****
We have some friends here in Reno that are coming up on their first anniversary. He just called and said, "I need a little help getting A. her present, and I think you might be able to help." She was raised LDS, and he is not religious. (She doesn't attend any churches anymore). She has used the LDS Primary songbook in the classroom over the years (she is an elementary music teacher), and I guess her copy is pretty worn down. Or she doesn't have it anymore. So he is going to get her a new Primary songbook and possibly a new hymnbook. The Primary songbook is really great for elementary school. All the non-religious songs are perfect to use, and the arrangements are just for that age. I'm glad she is able to use the songbook. I love some of the songs, myself (like "In the leafy treetops" or "Oh what do you do in the summertime?"). I mentioned you can even get them engraved with her name, and he liked that. The husband said he thinks she's been missing these songbooks the last couple of years, so he wants to be able to replace them. I thought to myself, "What a thoughtful husband. He thought of this all on his own." So I gave him directions to the nearest LDS bookstore, and he is headed there this afternoon. Awwwww, sweet.
*****
Quote of the day:
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.
--Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Depression and Loneliness
The time has come. I am a single mom for a week. I know Kris has it harder than I do right now, being alone for a whole month and trying to get everything set for such a huge move, but dang it, I still feel sorry for myself!
Here I am, 6 months pregnant (but feeling like I'm already in the 9th month), alone with my two very active little boys, in a ghetto apartment, and it's dang hot outside. I miss Ches.
It really shouldn't be too bad without Ches here. He is usually gone all day because of work. But I look forward to evenings and to mornings when we are a family. And his days off. Ches takes such good care of me while I am pregnant. I often complain that he never gives me back or foot massages, but he does everything else for me. He lets me sleep in, he gives the kids their baths (it hurts my back too much to do that now), he makes dinner when I'm too hot or my feet hurt too much... The man knows how to spoil me. I don't want to be alone! I want to be spoiled!
I know that this trip is good. I want him in Arizona, doing interviews and finding us an apartment. But I'm jealous, too. I want to go to Arizona Mills and go shopping and see a movie. I want to take the kids to Tempe Town Lake for a swim and to play at the playground. I want to visit with friends (and meet Cara!!). I want to help pick out where we are going to live!!!
During family prayer, we pray for Ches to have a successful trip. We are moving to Phoenix no matter what. It would just be nice for him to have a job for us to go for. Okay, it'd be a lot more than nice. It would be wonderful!
I also hope he brings presents. Hee hee. I love presents! :) Have I mentioned how much I love to be spoiled by my husband?
It will be odd to be all alone in my bed. It will be odd to have to take out the trash and if no one cleans out the dishwasher to have to blame only myself. It was already odd tonight to go through Aiden's Bedtime Checklist all by myself and get Dallin to sleep and in bed. I've lost my temper more than I can count this evening. This is only the first night. I have to be more relaxed.
I think I'll go play some more Bejeweled 2 or some Snood while I wait for Ches to call.
Here I am, 6 months pregnant (but feeling like I'm already in the 9th month), alone with my two very active little boys, in a ghetto apartment, and it's dang hot outside. I miss Ches.
It really shouldn't be too bad without Ches here. He is usually gone all day because of work. But I look forward to evenings and to mornings when we are a family. And his days off. Ches takes such good care of me while I am pregnant. I often complain that he never gives me back or foot massages, but he does everything else for me. He lets me sleep in, he gives the kids their baths (it hurts my back too much to do that now), he makes dinner when I'm too hot or my feet hurt too much... The man knows how to spoil me. I don't want to be alone! I want to be spoiled!
I know that this trip is good. I want him in Arizona, doing interviews and finding us an apartment. But I'm jealous, too. I want to go to Arizona Mills and go shopping and see a movie. I want to take the kids to Tempe Town Lake for a swim and to play at the playground. I want to visit with friends (and meet Cara!!). I want to help pick out where we are going to live!!!
During family prayer, we pray for Ches to have a successful trip. We are moving to Phoenix no matter what. It would just be nice for him to have a job for us to go for. Okay, it'd be a lot more than nice. It would be wonderful!
I also hope he brings presents. Hee hee. I love presents! :) Have I mentioned how much I love to be spoiled by my husband?
It will be odd to be all alone in my bed. It will be odd to have to take out the trash and if no one cleans out the dishwasher to have to blame only myself. It was already odd tonight to go through Aiden's Bedtime Checklist all by myself and get Dallin to sleep and in bed. I've lost my temper more than I can count this evening. This is only the first night. I have to be more relaxed.
I think I'll go play some more Bejeweled 2 or some Snood while I wait for Ches to call.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Father's Day
I should have written this yesterday, but I just plain got too busy. And I'm constantly exhausted and in pain, so sitting at the computer isn't always a good idea.
Anyrate, I just wanted to talk about my husband and what a great father he is. I really appreciate him as a husband and all the wonderful things he does for me in that role, but I don't think I give him enough credit for what he does in his role as father.
Ches is such a great dad. He works hard for the family and considers us in everything he does. When he comes home from a long, boring day at the music store he lets his two sons climb all over him and talk to him and play with him rather than crashing in front of the TV or reading a book, which I know he would rather do most days.
Ches is all about teaching. He teaches his sons about the world around them, about the Gospel and his testimony, and just about having fun. When he has some errands to run, he often takes Aiden and has Aiden help out with whatever needs to be done. Then they go get a treat together.
Ches never has to be asked to do anything when it comes to his kids. He changes diapers, feeds them, gets them dressed, gives baths, reads stories, helps pick up toys, and so much more... all without me asking him to. He just does it.
Ches plays video games with Aiden for hours on end. He holds Dallin while at the computer. He pushes them on the swings and helps with the monkey bars. He reads the same book four times in a row.
Ches tells his boys he loves them every day. Every night we have family prayer, and we all give hugs and kisses to each other. Aiden and Dallin think their dad is a superhero, and I know they are right.
Ches, thank you for being such a good dad. I could go on forever about the great things you do, but I won't continue to bore everyone else here. Fatherhood has made you a better husband, and I love you so much more than I ever thought possible because of it. Happy Father's Day.
Anyrate, I just wanted to talk about my husband and what a great father he is. I really appreciate him as a husband and all the wonderful things he does for me in that role, but I don't think I give him enough credit for what he does in his role as father.
Ches is such a great dad. He works hard for the family and considers us in everything he does. When he comes home from a long, boring day at the music store he lets his two sons climb all over him and talk to him and play with him rather than crashing in front of the TV or reading a book, which I know he would rather do most days.
Ches is all about teaching. He teaches his sons about the world around them, about the Gospel and his testimony, and just about having fun. When he has some errands to run, he often takes Aiden and has Aiden help out with whatever needs to be done. Then they go get a treat together.
Ches never has to be asked to do anything when it comes to his kids. He changes diapers, feeds them, gets them dressed, gives baths, reads stories, helps pick up toys, and so much more... all without me asking him to. He just does it.
Ches plays video games with Aiden for hours on end. He holds Dallin while at the computer. He pushes them on the swings and helps with the monkey bars. He reads the same book four times in a row.
Ches tells his boys he loves them every day. Every night we have family prayer, and we all give hugs and kisses to each other. Aiden and Dallin think their dad is a superhero, and I know they are right.
Ches, thank you for being such a good dad. I could go on forever about the great things you do, but I won't continue to bore everyone else here. Fatherhood has made you a better husband, and I love you so much more than I ever thought possible because of it. Happy Father's Day.
Friday, June 16, 2006
In Love
I'm in love, my fellow internets. Completely, utterly, truely In Love. No, this is not some sappy story about Ches and me. I love him, but I'm not going to subject you to some internet PDA or anything. Not today, at least.
No, folks, I am in love with Kohl's. I finally made it to the Kohl's department store that is near my little apartment. It was beautiful! Spacious! It has everything I could ever want! And everything is a marked down price! Why in the world did I wait so long to go to Kohl's? I don't know. I went once when I was in Virginia, visiting my family. I helped my sister get some cool clothes (even if she didn't appreciate it at the time or remember it now). I knew what Kohl's was, yet I didn't attempt a visit until now. Ah, what a silly girl I can be.
Next door to Kohl's is a Super Wal-Mart. I think we all know how I have a love/hate relationship with Wal-Mart. I practically live there, but I hate how crowded it always is and how they put so much merchandise in the aisles and you can barely get your cart through. It always seems like too much.
However, this Super Wal-Mart is in a completely new part of town (and boy, is this part of town getting built up!! It's nuts!), and I had heard some good things about it. I figured since I was right there, why not check it out.
I am In Love with this Super Wal-Mart! It is also big! And beautiful! And spacious! And not crowded! I got a parking spot right near the door. It is well layed-out, and they seem to have even more merchandise than the Super Wal-Mart I normally go to. It's about an equal amount of distance to this SWM as to the other SWM, so as long as we are living here, I am now a loyal customer of this new Super Wal-Mart. The Arkansas girl in me is totally ashamed of not trying it out earlier.
No, folks, I am in love with Kohl's. I finally made it to the Kohl's department store that is near my little apartment. It was beautiful! Spacious! It has everything I could ever want! And everything is a marked down price! Why in the world did I wait so long to go to Kohl's? I don't know. I went once when I was in Virginia, visiting my family. I helped my sister get some cool clothes (even if she didn't appreciate it at the time or remember it now). I knew what Kohl's was, yet I didn't attempt a visit until now. Ah, what a silly girl I can be.
Next door to Kohl's is a Super Wal-Mart. I think we all know how I have a love/hate relationship with Wal-Mart. I practically live there, but I hate how crowded it always is and how they put so much merchandise in the aisles and you can barely get your cart through. It always seems like too much.
However, this Super Wal-Mart is in a completely new part of town (and boy, is this part of town getting built up!! It's nuts!), and I had heard some good things about it. I figured since I was right there, why not check it out.
I am In Love with this Super Wal-Mart! It is also big! And beautiful! And spacious! And not crowded! I got a parking spot right near the door. It is well layed-out, and they seem to have even more merchandise than the Super Wal-Mart I normally go to. It's about an equal amount of distance to this SWM as to the other SWM, so as long as we are living here, I am now a loyal customer of this new Super Wal-Mart. The Arkansas girl in me is totally ashamed of not trying it out earlier.
Random Friday
The Reno Rodeo has started, and the HHS band gets to participate in the parade tomorrow. I hate doing parades. Really. BUT doing this one measley parade gets the band $750, so I won't complain... much.
We had rehearsal this morning, and it was hot out. Actually, it wasn't too bad, but since I'm so freakin' pregnant and I was dragging my other two children along with me, I got hot and tired really quickly. It's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow, but I'm not marching the parade, and the parade is in the morning, so it won't kill anyone.
*****
Ches leaves in a week to go to Phoenix and interview for jobs. Looks like a really strong possibility we're moving back to Phoenix. I'm really excited. I'm also really nervous. It's going to be difficult to get everything packed and moved and find a new doctor and get Aiden signed up for preschool and get Ches started on a new job... but we'll make it through. We always have before!!
*****
Last weekend we made a trip to Boise. My 19 year old brother left for his LDS mission to Tahiti this week, and the family had a little luau Saturday night for him. Sunday, he spoke in church (his "farewell"). We were really happy to get to go and see everyone there. However, there are a couple of things I learned from the trip:
1. When looking at directions on MapQuest, it is best to actually print out the directions, even if you think you know the way. That would have saved us 3 hours of driving time, and we wouldn't have missed the luau.
2. Apparanly Nevada is much more dry than Idaho. Boise is desert, but we could feel more moisture in the air. And when we got home, my lips cracked for the rest of the week.
3. A stomach bug passes around family faster than gossip. And it hits everyone differently.
4. Always remember how fun the short trip was. There were no fights or annoyances on this trip. It is better to have a short trip and leave wanting more than it is to have a long trip and leave hoping never to see anyone for at least 10 years.
*****
Dallin is officially a walker!! He's been working on it for quite a while, but this past week he made it to all walking. He falls down easily, but stands right back up. He's so cute, too. Dallin keeps his arms stuck up in the air for balance and takes little steps so he won't fall. Sometimes he gets excited and tries to go fast, and then he tumbles, but he is usually laughing the whole time.
*****
I saw a little bit of the Britney Spears interview on Dateline with Matt Lauer last night. I still think she is trashy in so many ways (I once heard someone say "You can take the girl out of Louisiana, but you can't take the Louisiana out of the girl!"), but I can't help but feel a little sorry for her. Well, for her and all high-profile stars.
You see, we "normal" people get to get married and become parents without this large amount of scrutiny from media and paparazzi. We make mistakes, but those mistakes are made in private. We are able to learn and grow and not think much about it.
Famous people have cameras on them every moment of the day. When they make a childish mistake (getting married in Vegas to an old friend just for kicks), the whole world knows about it. When they make a normal mistake (tripping on the sidewalk while holding the baby and almost dropping baby), they are called bad parents. If I trip on the sidewalk and almost drop my child (and it has happened... many times, and sometimes I do indeed drop my child), I'm just called a klutz.
Apparantly normal people are allowed to make mistakes, but famous people are not. What a strange world we live in.
*****
As we were going through Aiden's bedtime checklist last night, he announced, "We need to take off Brush Teeth and put on Play Games With My Dad." In Aiden language, Play Games With My Dad means Play XBox Games For Several Hours With Dad, Or By Myself.
Yeah, Aiden. That is soooo going to happen.
*****
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSON!!
*****
Quote of the day:
Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame.
--Benjamin Franklin
We had rehearsal this morning, and it was hot out. Actually, it wasn't too bad, but since I'm so freakin' pregnant and I was dragging my other two children along with me, I got hot and tired really quickly. It's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow, but I'm not marching the parade, and the parade is in the morning, so it won't kill anyone.
*****
Ches leaves in a week to go to Phoenix and interview for jobs. Looks like a really strong possibility we're moving back to Phoenix. I'm really excited. I'm also really nervous. It's going to be difficult to get everything packed and moved and find a new doctor and get Aiden signed up for preschool and get Ches started on a new job... but we'll make it through. We always have before!!
*****
Last weekend we made a trip to Boise. My 19 year old brother left for his LDS mission to Tahiti this week, and the family had a little luau Saturday night for him. Sunday, he spoke in church (his "farewell"). We were really happy to get to go and see everyone there. However, there are a couple of things I learned from the trip:
1. When looking at directions on MapQuest, it is best to actually print out the directions, even if you think you know the way. That would have saved us 3 hours of driving time, and we wouldn't have missed the luau.
2. Apparanly Nevada is much more dry than Idaho. Boise is desert, but we could feel more moisture in the air. And when we got home, my lips cracked for the rest of the week.
3. A stomach bug passes around family faster than gossip. And it hits everyone differently.
4. Always remember how fun the short trip was. There were no fights or annoyances on this trip. It is better to have a short trip and leave wanting more than it is to have a long trip and leave hoping never to see anyone for at least 10 years.
*****
Dallin is officially a walker!! He's been working on it for quite a while, but this past week he made it to all walking. He falls down easily, but stands right back up. He's so cute, too. Dallin keeps his arms stuck up in the air for balance and takes little steps so he won't fall. Sometimes he gets excited and tries to go fast, and then he tumbles, but he is usually laughing the whole time.
*****
I saw a little bit of the Britney Spears interview on Dateline with Matt Lauer last night. I still think she is trashy in so many ways (I once heard someone say "You can take the girl out of Louisiana, but you can't take the Louisiana out of the girl!"), but I can't help but feel a little sorry for her. Well, for her and all high-profile stars.
You see, we "normal" people get to get married and become parents without this large amount of scrutiny from media and paparazzi. We make mistakes, but those mistakes are made in private. We are able to learn and grow and not think much about it.
Famous people have cameras on them every moment of the day. When they make a childish mistake (getting married in Vegas to an old friend just for kicks), the whole world knows about it. When they make a normal mistake (tripping on the sidewalk while holding the baby and almost dropping baby), they are called bad parents. If I trip on the sidewalk and almost drop my child (and it has happened... many times, and sometimes I do indeed drop my child), I'm just called a klutz.
Apparantly normal people are allowed to make mistakes, but famous people are not. What a strange world we live in.
*****
As we were going through Aiden's bedtime checklist last night, he announced, "We need to take off Brush Teeth and put on Play Games With My Dad." In Aiden language, Play Games With My Dad means Play XBox Games For Several Hours With Dad, Or By Myself.
Yeah, Aiden. That is soooo going to happen.
*****
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSON!!
*****
Quote of the day:
Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame.
--Benjamin Franklin
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Name Game
Karen, you have started a revolution. Or something.
1. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on your father's side, your favorite candy):
Holly Hershey
2. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME (first initial of first name followed by "izzle", first two or three letters of your last name followed by "dizzle"):
Sizzle Shadizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):
Forest Leopard
4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first three letters of your last name - last three letters of mother's maiden name, first three letters of your pets name repeated twice):
Sha-llo Fer Fer
5. SUPER HERO NAME ("the", favorite color, automobile you drive):
The Lime Caravan
Okay, so I took some liberties, too. Like Karen, I used variations on my favorite color (green), and I really like both lime green and forest green. In the right setting of course. As far as pet... well, I don't have one, and it's been a long time. So I used a friend's dog (Ferris) that I happen to like very much. Oh, and Hershey (as in chocolate bars) really isn't my favorite candy, but I like chocolate the best, so I figured it sounded better then Junior Caramels or Dark Chocolate Kisses or something.
1. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on your father's side, your favorite candy):
Holly Hershey
2. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME (first initial of first name followed by "izzle", first two or three letters of your last name followed by "dizzle"):
Sizzle Shadizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):
Forest Leopard
4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first three letters of your last name - last three letters of mother's maiden name, first three letters of your pets name repeated twice):
Sha-llo Fer Fer
5. SUPER HERO NAME ("the", favorite color, automobile you drive):
The Lime Caravan
Okay, so I took some liberties, too. Like Karen, I used variations on my favorite color (green), and I really like both lime green and forest green. In the right setting of course. As far as pet... well, I don't have one, and it's been a long time. So I used a friend's dog (Ferris) that I happen to like very much. Oh, and Hershey (as in chocolate bars) really isn't my favorite candy, but I like chocolate the best, so I figured it sounded better then Junior Caramels or Dark Chocolate Kisses or something.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Random Friday
Sorry I missed last week. I was too nervous, thinking about Ches' interview, to write. Now we know the results, and I'm kinda too depressed to write, but I want to anyway. I think this won't be a very good Random Friday. That's life.
*****
I got some of the Tupperware I had ordered last night. One thing I was really excited for was the shape toy (I can't remember the actual name!!). I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. It's the red and blue ball like thing with all the holes for different shapes. You pull it apart and the yellow shapes fall out so you can put the shapes back in again.
So anyrate... I used a birthday check Dallin got from his Grandpa and Grandma C (my father and stepmother) to buy the toy. HE LOVES IT. We played with it together for a good half hour last night. Aiden got out of the bath right when Dallin was getting bored with it, so Aiden took a turn. HE LOVES IT. He likes naming the shapes and counting the numbers and putting the numbers in order.
Such a classic toy. If you don't have one, cough up the money and get one.
*****
The show that HHS (that's the high school I work with, in case anyone forgot) is doing this fall is music from Cirque de Solei. It is so awesome! That is going to be a fun show to put on. There is so much room for visual, and I'm trying to recruit some tumblers to be a part of my color guard. I met with my assistant (who will be in charge once I leave), and we picked out the uniforms and the flags and other props we would like to use for the season. We will be getting the drill in a couple of weeks, so then we get to start the choreography. I'm SOOOO sad I won't be here for it!
*****
Ches and I have been "purging" our little apartment of junk and other things that we don't use anymore. It's been really nice, taking trash bags to the dumpster. Very freeing.
I found a journal that Jerkfaced Liar had made for me when we "broke up" to go to our seperate universitites. In the journal he had put some of his writings from the past year we had been dating. Some had to do with me, some had nothing to do with me. It was a nice present, but I have kept it in it's box and rarely looked at it, especially in the years since I met and married Ches. I felt bad just throwing the journal away, even though Ches said that's what I should do. So, through another friend, I got Jerkfaced Liar's email address and asked him if he wanted it (assuming he already had those writings somewhere and would tell me just to toss it). He was actually pleased to hear from me and said he didn't have anything pre-grad school anymore, so it would be nice to see "high school Jerkfaced Liar". So I will mail it to him.
It was weird to hear from him, and luckily he didn't take my email as an invitation to be back in contact. I just can't be friends with him because something always happens where I get hurt again. It's too bad because we were best friends long before we started dating, and I think we still have a lot in common today. However, I guess he fits in the category of "with friends like these, who needs enemies". I feel good about offering him the journal back, and I'm glad he appreciates the gesture. I will send it to him, and we get to leave things on good terms for once.
It's nice not coming away from something hurt.
*****
My sister will be here on Monday!!! Yay!!! I miss Lura so much. And I haven't seen Jesse since, what, their wedding? And I haven't met Jago yet, so this is going to rock. They will only be here for a day or so, but that's okay. That's going to be one awesome day! I wonder what we should do on Monday. Hmmmm...
*****
Song of the day:
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
(Thanks Alyson)
*****
I need chocolate. Lots and lots of dark chocolate. If I find some time today, I think I'm going to drive down to Trader Joe's and get me some dark chocolate bars. They have some really dark stuff that is just heavenly!
*****
A girl I go to church with is getting married next week, then moving to Canada (Montreal... he's French Canadian). Last week I got to attend a bridal shower for her. It was so fun. But the bride still has a lot to learn about Canada. Someone at the shower mentioned Krispy Kreme donuts, and they were all starting to drool a bit at the thought. Then I said, "Just wait 'til you get to Canada. Mmmmm, Tim Horton's. Krispy Kreme doesn't hold a candle to Tim Horton's." I got some questioning looks, so I had to explain what Tim Horton's is.
As we were later discussing Victoria's Secret (yes,this was a bridal shower, so I'm sure you know what all the presents were), it somehow came up about what's a good store in Canada. So I mentioned La Senza seems pretty good. Again, I had to explain what store that is.
The bride has a lot to learn about Canada, if she doesn't know Tim Horton's. But she'll get it. I'm sure it won't take too long to become immersed in all things Canada! :)
*****
Quote of the day:
Love is the feeling you feel when you are feeling a feeling you feel you have never felt before.
--I found this written on something from my early teen years. I don't remember where I got it from. It just cracks me up, though.
*****
I got some of the Tupperware I had ordered last night. One thing I was really excited for was the shape toy (I can't remember the actual name!!). I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. It's the red and blue ball like thing with all the holes for different shapes. You pull it apart and the yellow shapes fall out so you can put the shapes back in again.
So anyrate... I used a birthday check Dallin got from his Grandpa and Grandma C (my father and stepmother) to buy the toy. HE LOVES IT. We played with it together for a good half hour last night. Aiden got out of the bath right when Dallin was getting bored with it, so Aiden took a turn. HE LOVES IT. He likes naming the shapes and counting the numbers and putting the numbers in order.
Such a classic toy. If you don't have one, cough up the money and get one.
*****
The show that HHS (that's the high school I work with, in case anyone forgot) is doing this fall is music from Cirque de Solei. It is so awesome! That is going to be a fun show to put on. There is so much room for visual, and I'm trying to recruit some tumblers to be a part of my color guard. I met with my assistant (who will be in charge once I leave), and we picked out the uniforms and the flags and other props we would like to use for the season. We will be getting the drill in a couple of weeks, so then we get to start the choreography. I'm SOOOO sad I won't be here for it!
*****
Ches and I have been "purging" our little apartment of junk and other things that we don't use anymore. It's been really nice, taking trash bags to the dumpster. Very freeing.
I found a journal that Jerkfaced Liar had made for me when we "broke up" to go to our seperate universitites. In the journal he had put some of his writings from the past year we had been dating. Some had to do with me, some had nothing to do with me. It was a nice present, but I have kept it in it's box and rarely looked at it, especially in the years since I met and married Ches. I felt bad just throwing the journal away, even though Ches said that's what I should do. So, through another friend, I got Jerkfaced Liar's email address and asked him if he wanted it (assuming he already had those writings somewhere and would tell me just to toss it). He was actually pleased to hear from me and said he didn't have anything pre-grad school anymore, so it would be nice to see "high school Jerkfaced Liar". So I will mail it to him.
It was weird to hear from him, and luckily he didn't take my email as an invitation to be back in contact. I just can't be friends with him because something always happens where I get hurt again. It's too bad because we were best friends long before we started dating, and I think we still have a lot in common today. However, I guess he fits in the category of "with friends like these, who needs enemies". I feel good about offering him the journal back, and I'm glad he appreciates the gesture. I will send it to him, and we get to leave things on good terms for once.
It's nice not coming away from something hurt.
*****
My sister will be here on Monday!!! Yay!!! I miss Lura so much. And I haven't seen Jesse since, what, their wedding? And I haven't met Jago yet, so this is going to rock. They will only be here for a day or so, but that's okay. That's going to be one awesome day! I wonder what we should do on Monday. Hmmmm...
*****
Song of the day:
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
(Thanks Alyson)
*****
I need chocolate. Lots and lots of dark chocolate. If I find some time today, I think I'm going to drive down to Trader Joe's and get me some dark chocolate bars. They have some really dark stuff that is just heavenly!
*****
A girl I go to church with is getting married next week, then moving to Canada (Montreal... he's French Canadian). Last week I got to attend a bridal shower for her. It was so fun. But the bride still has a lot to learn about Canada. Someone at the shower mentioned Krispy Kreme donuts, and they were all starting to drool a bit at the thought. Then I said, "Just wait 'til you get to Canada. Mmmmm, Tim Horton's. Krispy Kreme doesn't hold a candle to Tim Horton's." I got some questioning looks, so I had to explain what Tim Horton's is.
As we were later discussing Victoria's Secret (yes,this was a bridal shower, so I'm sure you know what all the presents were), it somehow came up about what's a good store in Canada. So I mentioned La Senza seems pretty good. Again, I had to explain what store that is.
The bride has a lot to learn about Canada, if she doesn't know Tim Horton's. But she'll get it. I'm sure it won't take too long to become immersed in all things Canada! :)
*****
Quote of the day:
Love is the feeling you feel when you are feeling a feeling you feel you have never felt before.
--I found this written on something from my early teen years. I don't remember where I got it from. It just cracks me up, though.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Misery
Ches didn't get the job here that we really wanted. We got the call last night. So now we are scrambling, trying to figure out what we should do and where we should go. There is nothing here for us. I guess it's time to say goodbye to Nevada. Or at least Reno (who knows. Maybe we'll end up in Vegas!!).
I heard a song on the radio today that I hadn't heard in a while. It's "Misery" by Soul Asylum. Most of the song I never really listen to. One line, however, describes my feelings particularly well:
FRUSTRATED INCORPERATED.
I heard a song on the radio today that I hadn't heard in a while. It's "Misery" by Soul Asylum. Most of the song I never really listen to. One line, however, describes my feelings particularly well:
FRUSTRATED INCORPERATED.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Warning: This is a Complaining Post
You know who I hate? Besides smokers and people who don't use their turn signals, that is. I hate Know-It-Alls. Really, really, really can't stand them.
We all have our moments of "I have to be right and everyone else is completely wrong on this issue", but Know-It-Alls, have to be right on every issue, all the time.
It's really annoying.
I mean, here Inside My Universe I think we can all agree that I really am right about everything. Because it's My Universe. Any doubts? Look at the top of the page. Besides, I don't mind being wrong. I'm wrong a lot. Ask my husband. He's often right (but not in the Know-It-All kind of way).
Know-It-Alls don't seem to understand that half the things they are spouting off about is a matter of opinion, and not everyone shares the same opinion. That's okay that we don't all agree on everything! The world would be so completely boring we did. Know-It-Alls rarely seem to spend the time actually listening to other opinions anyway. They may think they are, but they are just coming up with ways to refute the other opinion and make themselves look right.
Know-It-Alls do not respect people with different opinions and beliefs. I know of some who claim to be open-minded, but when it comes to someone with a completely different belief or system of values, the Know-It-All closes off all discussion without a second thought. Because they are right, you know, and the other person is completely wrong and must be completely insane.
I'm so tired of being talked down to and treated like a two-year old by Know-It-Alls. I know that I don't know everything. I know that my opinion on certain issues (and I'm not necessarily talking politics here) is completely different than yours. But I am still a human being, and believe it or not, I can think for myself. I don't need you telling me exactly why I am so wrong about everything!!
Thank you for letting me complain.
We all have our moments of "I have to be right and everyone else is completely wrong on this issue", but Know-It-Alls, have to be right on every issue, all the time.
It's really annoying.
I mean, here Inside My Universe I think we can all agree that I really am right about everything. Because it's My Universe. Any doubts? Look at the top of the page. Besides, I don't mind being wrong. I'm wrong a lot. Ask my husband. He's often right (but not in the Know-It-All kind of way).
Know-It-Alls don't seem to understand that half the things they are spouting off about is a matter of opinion, and not everyone shares the same opinion. That's okay that we don't all agree on everything! The world would be so completely boring we did. Know-It-Alls rarely seem to spend the time actually listening to other opinions anyway. They may think they are, but they are just coming up with ways to refute the other opinion and make themselves look right.
Know-It-Alls do not respect people with different opinions and beliefs. I know of some who claim to be open-minded, but when it comes to someone with a completely different belief or system of values, the Know-It-All closes off all discussion without a second thought. Because they are right, you know, and the other person is completely wrong and must be completely insane.
I'm so tired of being talked down to and treated like a two-year old by Know-It-Alls. I know that I don't know everything. I know that my opinion on certain issues (and I'm not necessarily talking politics here) is completely different than yours. But I am still a human being, and believe it or not, I can think for myself. I don't need you telling me exactly why I am so wrong about everything!!
Thank you for letting me complain.
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