AKUS and the Fabulous Fox Theatre

We (me, Ryan, Ashley and Clint) went and saw Alison Krauss and the Union Station featuring Tony Rice at the historic and awesome Fox Theatre last night. This is my third time seeing them, but this time was my least favorite. I still love her and loved to hear them play and see all their talent. BUT, I could have done with out the Tony Rice part of it all. And we also had crappy concert neighbors (see story here)- and that always bites. But really, it was fun though, it wasn't a complete disappointment- well not to me anyway. And I do always love to go to the Fox Theatre, it's really an amazing place. I took some pictures for you to see, if you're interested in the history click on the link.
Here's some photos and video. I still remain an avid fan, don't you worry.




These are taken with the cell phone

28 Years Old With a Size 2 1/2 Shoe...

*

I am a 28 year old woman and I wear a size 2 1/2 in girls, not women's, GIRLS. A common comment people say to me (which people inevitably comment on how small my feet are) is "I wish my feet were that small...". No, you really DON'T wish your feet were this small if they're not already. If they are, you feel my pain don't you? I mean, for Pete's sake! Some of my nieces and nephews have bigger feet than I do! This is not to complain however. And although I get frustrated at times- I've come to terms with my feet and how small they are.

Common Comment #2: "I bet you can find some really cute shoes", well what does "cute" mean anyway? Cute as in being able to get tennis shoes with Princess Belle on them that flash a red or pink light every time I take a step? Or cute as in a crappy pair of fashionable (I use that word loosely) "high heel" shoes with Barbie on them? No... it's very difficult to find cute shoes by my standards. Now sometimes, I can get away with wearing a size 3 or 5. Because (here's a little background for you...) a size 3 in girls is the same size as 5 in women's. And a size 4 in girls is the same as a 6 in women's. So I can sometimes wear a 5, but not a 4... strange eh? It has become something I've struggled with the older I get. It's always been a struggle; I mean, I remember being a kid and all of my neighborhood girl friends wearing a size 12 or a 1 when I was still wearing like a 10 or maybe even smaller. It was really sad to me that my shoes weren't as cool as theirs. And now that I'm older, I still feel the same way!
Common Comment #3: "Well, at least your shoes are cheap!" If by "cheap" you mean pieces of crap for shoes, then yes. There are high quality kids shoes but they are hard to find, and if you do- the cost is just the same as a pair of adult shoes.
For me, it IS hard to find cute shoes. And not only that, QUALITY shoes. DSW wont work, they don't go smaller than a 5 1/2 usually, and if they do- it's only a 5, and like I said before those only fit sometimes. Wal-Mart will occasionally have something decent, but is usually crap and falls apart in no time. Target is getting better, and sometimes I can wear the cute 5's and get them on clearance (like I did today)- but most of the time my selection is limited to sparkly bows or glitter or Hello Kitty emblems which are all a tad bit too young for a 28 year old woman. I have skowered the Internet with sights that sell cute grownup shoes (in a size 2 or 3) and have been lucky enough to find a couple of good ones; Zappos.com and Shoes.com. However, they are still "kids" shoes and still have the issue of not looking very adult like some of the time. I do my best though, I try hard to stay away from the Velcro.
Also, the other issue I have with having such small feet is that they are not fully equipped to support a body like mine. Not only am I vertically challenged, I am horizontally challenged as well. My feet hate me right now, especially when I walk a lot. An issue that my husband and I are doing our best to tackle by exercising! But needless to say, these little feet weren't meant for a grownup body.
My mom gave some hope though, as well as my sister in-law Sam who both had small feet (not as small as mine) pre having babies. So... maybe someday, after having a couple kids- I might be able to wear those 3's and 5's with pride. Boy, wont that be the day! Baby bearing here I come!
Hopefully our kids have a chance for normal sized feet. Ryan can wear up to a 13... so either their feet will be an average size or our boys will have small feet and our girls will have large ones!

Regardless- It's okay if you want to say to me that my feet are cute or state the obvious of "Oh my goodness! You have such small feet!" as if I didn't already know that... I'm not planning on those comments to stop for a while. I guess I should love my feet and how unique they are and how I'm one of the only few female adults that have such small feet like I do. But I don't love it, and it's okay. I realize Heavenly Father just gave me what he could give me as left overs from the previous kids that were born before me in my family. And I'm glad I got anything at all! I just want to give a shout out to the other handful of girls that have the same issue as me. Whether or not they're itty-bitty feet or feet the size of boats- you probably know how I feel. So that's all that matters to me!

*First picture of Ryan and my feet together as a visual aid

**disclaimer: the Belle shoe does look too small to fit on my feet, but I bet I could find them in my size if I REALLY looked...

Update: I just found this website for those of you that struggle with the same thing as me. They're on the pricey side, but to me it's worth it to have an adult pair of shoes!

http://www.cinderellaofboston.com/index.cfm

my TV surprises

Try out this quiz and see how much you know! I only got a 7 out of 16! The first one is my favorite though... it's as if the doctor quoted my sister directly!
http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/oz_20070515_quiz.jhtml

***
Oh and speaking of TV shows, quizzes and a previous blog about The Price is Right, tonight is the last time Bob Barker will host the show! Be sure to tune in! I know we'll always have the re-runs... but sad huh?! Do you think or know if they'll replace him, or is this bye-bye to the whole show? Anyone know?
On Wednesday, May 16, CBS will present The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular," Barker's final appearance in prime time hosting the show he has led since 1972. In this special primetime edition, contestants will have the opportunity to win bigger prizes and the chance to spin the wheel for $1 million. The specials will be broadcast Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Happy Mom's Day

So, I promised I would write a diddy about my mommy-not just because I did about my dad, but because I don't think I tell her often enough how much she means to me and how grateful I am to have her in my life! She really is an inspiration to me and has been to so many others. I am going to do bullet points because I feel that I sort out my feelings better that way. (Not in any particular order...)

Nola Dorothea Matthews Collier

• She is one of the most beautiful women in the world. She has the sweetest most gentle and contagious smile. She is graceful and as my dad would say, FOXY!
• She will always be honest with you, even if you don't expect it!
• She has the most beautiful singing voice in the world. I miss hearing it as much as I used to when I was a kid. She'd sing in Sacrament meetings frequently. Our little friends used to come to us and tell us they wanted a CD of her singing. I'd love it when she'd sing "O, Divine Redeemer" with my sister Delinda accompanying it. And especially when my brother Greg would sing it with her. So beautiful.
• When I was little, I used to love laying on her tummy and loved hearing it make noises. It was the most comfortable place for me to be. Especially when she'd stroke my brow and play with my hair. I remember her telling me she wanted to lose weight once and being so distraught that I'd have no where to rest anymore! (I still to this day like my brow to be stroked though, "'Troke Mama"!)
• You cheeky little thing you!
• Her stories from South Africa as a child and what it was like for her there and back then -it seemed like a fairy tale to me. I still love to hear them over and over.
• She listens when you have something to get off your chest and always offers profound advise. It's not always what I'm ready to hear- but 85% of the time it's applicable!
• She has a love of history and books and loves to learn.
• She has a wonderful and strong testimony of the Gospel, and has Faith enough for all of us. She loves the Lord and knows that he will always watch over her as long as she's doing her part.
• She's always been such a good teacher, not only to her children- but to her voice and piano students. There have been countless times I'd hear a student come to the house for a lesson and instead of music I'd her soft talking or laughing as my mom coached them in life and/or just listened to them. Her students always loved and admired her and looked up to her. Most of them still keep in touch with her because of the profound affect she's had on their lives.
• She has a good, good heart and wants the best for all.
• I love her laugh, especially when she gets going really good and you can't stop her! Her little nose and eyes scrunch up and her face turns red and it's so cute!
• She loves all of her 6 children SO much. She is always so interested in what's going on in our lives and wants to know how to help us make it even better.
• She is SO talented musically. She can sing your pants off, has a song for everything, and can teach a tone-deaf teenager to sing like a bird!
• Is a wonderful cook and has taught me lots about it all. I hope I can be as good a cook as she is someday!
• Has a wonderful sense of humor and knows how to make you smile and laugh.
• I am so glad that she got to be here for my wedding and to see me get married. It was the most wonderful thing to have my family here that could come to see me and my love get married, and one thing I will always remember is her helping me get ready before hand. My bouquet had lace from her wedding dress wrapped around where I held it. That was an extra special touch! I loved it!
• She's a wonderful Grandma and loves her grandchildren oh so much! I can't wait for her to know my little kiddies and to love them and cuddle them and to sing them to sleep!
• Another favorite memory: singing "Go To Sleep My Baby" to me... I will keep that going mom! My kids will know and love that song too!
• If you're a guy, and you know my mom, don't worry if she calls you "ugly thing". That means she likes you. If she doesn't call you that... well, I don't know what to tell you. Maybe that means she only kind of likes you! he, he!
• She has taught me so much; good values, good principles, manners (in certain situations), gracefulness, and dignity...always dignity!
• I think my mom has always worried about being an older mom to me since she had me when she was 42, but it's never even crossed my mind as something that's bothered me. I remember a teacher's aide at school saying "Oh look, you're grandma is here to pick you up" one time in elementary school when really it was my mom- but I am proud to have an older mom. We keep each other going!

I love my mom a lot. I am such a lucky girl to have parents that love me and my siblings, each other and the Lord all so very much. I could go on and on... in fact, I'll probably remember something else to go on the list even after this is published- but I hope you and she will get the picture! I am such a fortunate and blessed woman to have the people in my life that I do. Especially my parents who have been amazing examples to me. I want to be a good wife, mother, friend and daughter because of my mom. I want to be as supportive of my husband as my mom is of my dad. I want to be a good mommy and love my kids and teach them as much as my mom has. I want to be a strong minded and happy woman like my mom is. I want to keep the spice of life in my bones for as long as my mom has! Happy Mother's Day Momma and to all of you who are mothers too! (And to those who aren't quite mother's yet but want to be and will be someday!)

good stuff

We had a fun weekend... and now sadly- it's come to an end. But we have the next few weekends to look forward too. This will be a good summer!

We went and listened to Jared play guitar at a cafe on Friday night and then hung with the crowd. Saturday we got up and went to breakfast with Ashley at The Original Pancake house. Mmmmm, crepes.... Then later that afternoon we went with, Ashley, Jennifer, Michael, Lori and Andrea to the Chattahoochee to swim and for some to cliff jump! I will have to snag those picts from Ashley- forgot my camera. It was SO fun and relaxing! Of course, the Hooch is always freezing but it felt good once you got used to it- and to sooth the progressive sunburn I got! We ended the night off with "cosmic" bowling! it was lots of fun!

Then today, we got to make dinner for my mother in-law and then the rest of the night was relaxing and enjoyable with just the two of us.

Here's to another week...

I'm home today with a bad headache and no desire to work. So, as usual when I am home at any time during the week and am able to- I watch The Price is Right! I have watched this show for as long as I can remember because I have always loved it! The games never get old (although, the tacky models do)! It was THE show to watch when I stayed home from school when I was sick or during the summer after breakfast. And I remember my mom saying that it was my Auntie Yvonne's favorite show and for some reason, even though I never knew her (she died before I was born)- it always made me feel a connection with her. Especially because I had her name as my middle name. But anyway... the reason for writing this is not be nostalgic although I'm sure with a lot of you- simply just hearing the name of the show brings nostalgic feelings.
The REAL reason for this is because I find it HILARIOUS the commercials they play during the show. I mean, here's the thing- the commercials are mostly directed to people 55 and older and I'm living proof that not all who watch the show are 55 and older! They have commercials for things such as electric wheel chairs with names like; Jazzy or Rascal (maybe to make it seem like it's "cool" to own an electric wheelchair), they play commercials for Depends adult diapers, Medicare commercials of some sort, and my LEAST favorite... Wilford Brimley for Liberty Medical Supplies! Someone sent this to me once and I think it's freaking hilarious.

Now did you watch The Price is Right? And how old are you? Do you need the old people commercials like you need a hole in the head? I would say that 75% of the people that they call up to be "the next contestant on the Price is Right" are youngsters! But anyway.... that's all.
Congrats to Bob Barker for being on TV for 50 YEARS!

**I didn't want to put this on the blog- but if you got a few minutes- this is hilarious and frustrating to watch! I haven't ever seen Bob get that frustrated before! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqk1-q8gXcY

I told him I'd try it

I ate fried alligator tonight. Here's to living in the South.

Picts from Cinco de Mayo Party!

We had a Cinco de Mayo/Cecilia and Jenean Birthday party on Saturday night! We had an excellent turn out- I think more than we planned on coming, and lots of fun! We had tons of really good food and desserts; even a little Senorita Barbie Cake ala Jenean and Cecilia's FAMOUS awesome guacamole! We hung a chili pepper pinata out in the back yard and had the birthday girls take turns hitting it- but it was a little tough to crack open with a rubber bat, so some of the guys (including my husband) took a crack at it. It eventually was just pulled out of the tree and ripped open. I guess that's another way of opening it! We sang happy birthday, listened to good tunes, laughed a lot and talked, sat out on the deck in the nice Spring weather and just had a good time! It was also a good way to break in the house. I also planted some flowers that day, just to make it feel more homey. It's really starting to sink in that this is mine and my husbands house and that's just surreal! But I obviously LOVE IT!

Ryan named the little gnome in the flower pot "G Nome". I love him! He makes me smile! (Ryan that is...)

Potty Talk

Let's talk a little bathroom etiquette. I work at a pretty large corporate office where basically one floor shares one restroom. I wont get into too much detail because I don't want to offend or gross anyone out... but don't you think there should be certain "rules" for using a public restroom between your fellow coworkers?

1. If you go in to a restroom with say 5 stalls and there is someone already in there- where do you sit? NO, not right next to them. Yes, a stall or three away. Privacy people.
2. If you see someone going into the bathroom the same time you are coming out that you know, do not stop to chit chat IN the bathroom or in front of the sinks. Take it to the hall. And if you chose to not to go out to the hall- when three other people come out of the stalls while you are standing there talking and there are only three sinks- move your conversation over instead of blocking the sinks.
3. Is it always necessary to talk on the phone in the bathroom? (I've done it but just to say "let me call you back".)
4. Wash your hands after you go to the restroom, even if you just went pee. Come on now, you're an adult. What you do at home is your own business, but at work- there are other people involved.
5. Flush the toilet. How do you forget to flush the toilet?
6. Use a toilet seat cover... and go pee in the toilet, not all over the seat. (How do women even do that? Hovering?)
7. If you're going to be in there for a while, courtesy flush.
8. If you use all the toilet paper, when you are done, steal a roll from the next stall over to put in the stall you were in. Spare someone from being left not knowing what to do with no toilet paper!(I know this has happened to most of you at least once!)

Those are all I can think of for now... what are your rules? I think it's good for all of us, including myself, to be polite in the restroom.

This was started because I think lately that my patience is being tried by people I feel are rude or inconsiderate. I'm trying hard to feel it in my heart to be forgiving of them, and am TRYING to not get so upset when people do things that really piss me off. But it's so hard... and the thing is- 98% of the time it's people that I don't know.

another survey

Hey, sorry if this bores you- but at least I didn't email it to you. Thanks to Bobbie for the idea. (It's just that Fridays are REALLY boring at work and I just have no desire to do anything...bare with me!)

Questions People Wouldn't Ask. [Yeah, only “you” Just DID?]

01. When’s the last time you ran? Not just errands, or physical running?
Actually, down a hill with Ryan last night! We went walking up a large hill, and I decided to run down some/most of it.

02. Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them?
The ones I'm wearing now? Yeah, just at the bottom in the back where they scuff on the ground because I'm practically midget height.

03. What are you dreading right now?
Well, I'd have to agree with Bobbie about trying not to dread anything- although, I always dread getting new bills...

04. Do you celebrate 4/20?
Well, if by celebrating you mean smoking pot on 4/20- then no. I in no way celebrate that day...

05. Do you get the full 8 hours of sleep a night?
I did last night, but I haven't the last couple of nights with the new work schedule change. It is however, a necessity for me to feel rested though.

06. If anyone came to your house on your “lazy days” what would ya’ll do?
Maybe sit out on the deck if the weather permitted, go swimming somewhere, nap, eat ice cream.

08. Have you ever been on your school’s track team?
Nope

09. Do you own a pair of Converse?
Yes, I got me some little black Chucks. They're cute.

10. Did you copy and paste this survey?
Uh-huh... did you?

11. Do you eat raw cookie dough?
Sometimes yes... to make sure the flavor is right. And I like the semi-sweet chips with the really sugary dough to balance it all out.

12. Have you ever kicked a vending machine?
Yup, and shaken it, and punched it... and even sworn at it too.

13. Don’t you hate it when the radio ruins good songs by playing them over and over?
No, I love it... um, YES of course I hate! It drives me nuts!

14. Do you watch Trading Spaces?
It's not on as much as it used to, but yes- I do if it's on and it's not a re-run

15. How do you eat an Oreo?
I like cookies n' cream ice cream a lot, but if it's an actual Oreo cookie by itself- dipped in milk.

16. Have you ever stayed online for a very long time waiting for someone?
Well, what may be a "long time" to some, might not be to others... I usually only chat with people if I'm going to be online for a while, so if they disappear for a bit it doesn't really bother me.

17. Are you cocky?
I'm sure I can be at times, but naturally I hope not. I get cocky when I get a strike while bowling a low scoring game, and then of course because I was cocky I continue to have a low scoring game...

18. Could you live without a computer?
Mmm, I have before. But it SUCKED. So not really, no. I mean- we do a lot of our bills on there, I communicate with all my family and peeps on there, it's a necessity for my work... Isn't it sad?

19. Do you wear your shoes in the house?
Depends, if my feet are cold or if I'm about to go somewhere. I usually wear flip flops if I'm cleaning because I'm in and out of the house a lot. But usually not.

20. At what age did you find out that Santa wasn’t real?
I think I was in Jr. High or maybe late elementary. I was convinced until then only because I saw him when I was a kid. I went to my mom to validate this vision I'd had and she told me it was a guy from the ward they asked to come put presents under the tree because they knew I'd go looking. It was crushing really...

21. How many phones, house phones and cell phones are in your house?
we just have two cell phones, one for the each of us...

22. What do you do when you’re sad?
I probably try and shove it away sometimes, but I mostly talk to my husband about it and he makes me feel better.

23. Who would you call first if you won the lottery?
Ryan, then Delinda probably.

24. Last time you saw your best friend?
At my wedding a month or so ago... it was fun.

25. Who or what sleeps with you?
just that man... that man that keeps getting into my bed with me... Oh wait, don't worry it's Ryan.

26. Are you/have you ever been in love?
Um, I hope so! I married for it!

27. Are you in high school?
10 years ago I was... sad huh?

28. Is anyone on your bad side now?
Donald Trump

29. What jewelry are you wearing?
My wedding rings, a lucky Hawaiian turtle ring and my earrings

30. What’s the first thing you do when you get on-line?
At work, I check my bank account. At home, I check my Yahoo email

31. Do you watch Grey’s Anatomy?
Not religiously, I leave that up to Ashley. I've seen it though.

32. How do most people spell your name?
Well, I usually don't have problems with Heather Smith, unless they're Asian or Spanish because the "th" sound isn't really in their language. But I had issues with Collier. Not too bad though.

33. Would you wear a boy/girlfriends clothes?
I wear my husband's Star Wars shirt to bed sometimes...

34. Where do you work?
A place full of people and computers

35. What are you doing tomorrow?
Going to Gardenridge, the grocery store, Cingular and then getting ready for our hot happening Cinco de Mayo party!!!!

36. Is Justin Timberlake becoming the next Michael Jackson?
Oooo, I never put that together but possibly!

37. Favorite name for a girl?
I don't know anymore. I have a few preferences, but I don't know about a favorite. I have a journal somewhere I'd write the names I liked in there. I heard Alice the other day- I thought that was kind of cute.

38. Favorite name for a boy?
Same as above. But not Alice for a boy... that would be wrong. Maybe Banana for a boy. Banana Smith... that's nice... gotta ring to it.

39. Will you keep your last name when you get married?
Nope, I changed it. Smith is much easier to spell than Collier.

40. When was the last time you left your house?
At 7:58am today.

41. Do you return your cart?
Ryan's got this thing about leaving carts around, so I usually try to take it unless either the cart station or the store is too far away.

42. Do you have a dishwasher?
Yes, a not that great one. Came with the house.

43. What noise do you hear?
People typing, yawning, talking. And my stereo. Chris Martin is singing to me right now.

44. Would you survive in prison?
If I had to, ya. I hope so... unless someone REALLY didn't like me and like stabbed me or something. Hey! What kind of a question is that? And what kind of an answer was that too! Sheesh! Depressing!

45. Who is the youngest in your family?
That would be ME! And I'm the ripe age of 28!

46. If all of your friends were going on a road trip, who would be most likely to over pack?
Ryan. He always over packs- he'll even admit to that.

47. Do you know anyone with the same name as you?
Not personally, but I've heard it before. Apparently there was a girl in another ward here in the Atlanta area with my maiden name, Heather Collier. Other people knew her... and thought she was me. It was weird.

48. What’s the last thing you purchased?
I just bought a bra online.

49. Do your siblings ever pay for stuff for you?
Yes, frequently. My big bro bought us a Dyson Vacuum for a wedding present, it's AWESOME! That was a dang good present.

50. What brand are your pants right now?
I think these are Maurice's.

51. Ever been to Georgia?
um... check my profile...

52. What irritates you most on the Internet?
PORN, it ANGERS me

53. What brand is your digital camera?
A Pentax Optio S6- and let me tell you, it rocks!!! If you're in the market for a SMALL awesome camera- that's the one. I even keep it in an Altoids can it's so small.

54. Do you watch movies with your parents?
Yup. As long as it's not dirty.

55. What song best describes your life right now?
Love Like We Do- Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians

56. Do you own expensive perfume/cologne?
Well, if you consider Victoria's Secret expensive then yes.

57. Are you taking college classes right now?
Nope

58. Do you like sushi?
Yeah, it's pretty good. I can only do rolls though.

59. Do you get your hair cut every month?
Well, about every 6-8 weeks. My hair grows fast.

60. Do you go on-line everyday?
Yes. I have to for work.

thoughts continued...

I'm finding that doing "bullet point blogs" helps me to sort out my thoughts better, and that you don't have to read a bunch of crap when I can just get to the point.

• It's finally hump day. Two days closer to Friday.
• I am SUPER tired today. I need to go to bed earlier if I am going to get up at 6:30am every morning.
• My husband is a morning person, I am finding that I am not as much as he is.
• One of my treats in life is going to a seafood restaurant and getting crab. The kind you have to work to eat, breaking the shells open and everything. It's very satisfying when you can get the meat out all in one piece. Yum.
• The dehydrated strawberries in the Strawberries n' Cream Quaker Instant Oatmeal kind of taste like fruity sponges when hydrated.
• And I was pretty excited to see and taste the Blueberries n' Cream and the Banana's n' Cream instant oatmeal too- both are very good.
• The woman that I share a cubicle wall with is SO loud when she talks on her phone. And she's on it OFTEN. AND she has a Spanish accent... and says the word document like "Dock-ooo-ment" and it makes me insane. I sometimes have to walk away so I don't have to hear her voice, it's that grating.
• I need to go get new glasses, I'm afraid my vision is getting worse the older I get.
• I have a messy house. Funny how I noted that in my last thoughts blog and that it's still not taken care of.
• I love my mom too- a lot. I'll write a "Tribute to Mom" blog for Mother's Day, I promise. I just didn't want her to feel left out.
• My iPod mini cover is AWESOME. It's got pictures of sliced kiwi's on it.
• Sometimes our trash-taker-out person here at work forgets where they took my garbage from to empty and puts it back in a totally different spot then it previously was. And then, out of habit, I'll sometimes throw trash away in it's usual spot, and it's not there to catch it.
• The bamboo at my desk is getting really big. My goal is for it to reach the top of my cubicle, which it's fast approaching.
• We bought pots to put on the front porch and deck this last weekend. I need to figure out what flowers to put in them.
• We went to Red Lobster with some friends last night for a birthday celebration- and didn't have to pay for it. That was a nice treat.
• I got complimented on my hair today and that was nice to hear. Especially because I was feeling like it didn't look that great.
• My usual hairdresser is going to be having a baby this month and so will be out until July and until then I have to go to another one of the stylists in the same salon, but just once. I'm always a little leery going to someone else when I've found someone I really trust with my hair and does what I like. And it does taking "finding" someone...
• Things to do: clean the front bedroom, clean/organize the dining room, put all of my clothes into my new dresser, put the computer desk together, take all my Cd's and put them on my shelf, buy more decorations.
• We're having a "Happy Birthday Cecilia and Jenean/Cinco de Mayo" party at our house this weekend. I am excited for people to come and enjoy our house.
• We love to have company.
• I want a sub from the Italian Place in Orem, UT right across from the University Mall. Dang those things are good.

Okay, I'll spare the rest... I guess I could go on.

Pictures from last night:

Happy Birthday Jenean!

Meet "Sal" the Salamander

To Dad

Let me start off by saying that I realize how blessed I am to have the father I have. I know that there are people out there that haven’t been blessed to have as great a father as I do, or maybe to even have a father figure present in their lives. I am however blessed to have parents who after 42 years of marriage are still madly in love with each other. I am blessed to have a father that loves and adores his wife, his family and his God. He is a dedicated human being not only to his family and the people around him but in everything he does. Of course, I am biased.
My dad has taught me a plethora of things. He has a love of nature and of the things that God has created and taught me to love it the same. He always had a wild flower book with him whenever we went on rides in the forest of Northern Arizona in his clunky 1979 Dodge truck to look for “flat rocks” for the landscape in the front yard. Any time he’d see an Indian Paint Brush or Lupine he’d stop and say “Look at that! Isn’t that beautiful?” with the excitement of a child. He also is very familiar with the Latin names of several plant species and randomly names a tree or a bush or flower in Latin instead of its “common” name. He’d built a pond in our back yard with a small waterfall that had large rocks placed around it and with gold fish in it. For a moment of peace and quiet he’d often go and sit on the big rock and just watch. He loved to hear the trickling water and have that quiet time to himself. He was often accompanied by either a cup of Rocky Road ice cream or bread, honey and milk.
I have tons of fond memories of times with my dad camping, like one time going to the top of Sunset Crater; just me, my older sister and him. We popped up our little tent and I remember listening to the wind blow through the Aspen trees softly as I tried to fall asleep. I was pretty scared at first, but then instantly felt safe when I remembered my daddy was sleeping next to me. In the morning he would make us a great breakfast. We’d often explore in the woods… I believe it gave him inspiration for his landscaping.
When it would snow like crazy and the roads would get icy, he’d tie a saucer sled to the back of the car for me, as I am the youngest and was the littlest, and would have my brothers and sister get in their snowsuits and hang on to the back bumper of the car while he SLOWLY drove down our street pulling us. I still remember laughing our heads off partly because we were having so much fun and partly because we were a little nervous too!
When I was much younger, he’d cut my hair for me. One evening I remember him cutting my bangs while we were sitting in the family room watching TV. He was sitting on the couch and I sat in front of him on our little blue wood stool while he cut away. My sister who was also on the couch was making me laugh, and my dad too, which while cutting someone’s hair isn’t a good thing to do! I ended up with the shortest quarter inch bangs I had ever and have ever had in my life. I didn’t allow my dad to cut my hair after that!
I remember cooking a lot with my dad too. My mom taught piano lessons to kids who could only come after school- so my dad and I were in charge of making dinner. We’d always find new ways of cooking things or new things to cook. Like doughnuts and cookies and other concoctions. He always had “creative” ideas on how to cook things- like his famed “Pink Chicken” that we all still talk about!
He taught our early seminary church class that was held for the high school students in our Church at our house every morning for three out of the four years I was in high school. He’d prepare, and study and cook breakfast occasionally and dedicated himself to the kids in the class. I remember countless nights that he would stay up way later than anyone else making sure that he had a good lesson prepared to share and that it brought the right feeling and spirit into the class. He cared so much about those kids. He would even take each student and their families his famous homemade fudge every Christmas and a kind note about the student.
He’s a very tender man, although I don’t think he’d be happy I was sharing that secret with the world. But I love that about my dad. He can cry during a sentimental commercial. He cries during sentimental moments in movies or TV shows. He loves good classical music, and if it moves him enough you can see him sitting listening intently with his eyes closed and a soft smile on his face and a little tear rolling down his cheek. Most recently, having my dad cry as he walked me down the aisle to my new husband-to-be on my wedding day, I’m pretty sure he cried more than I did! We had a moment in the kitchen before hand (where we had to wait so that my husband couldn’t see me) making faces at each other and telling funny stories to get us to not be too blubbery the whole time. He makes me laugh and smile and feel so good about the decisions I make in my life.
He has taught me how to love; how to love his spouse, his family, and his fellow beings. I love the way he looks at my mother, and loves her so much. I love that he would do ANYTHING for her and that he still finds her desirable after all these years. He’s taught and teaches me about Heavenly Father and His love for us. He teaches me to be a better person and to be humble because he is that way. He teaches me patience and faith. He teaches me kindness. He teaches me how to laugh and deal with trials. He teaches me to be honest and fair with my dealings with my fellowmen. He teaches me unconditional love. He is one of my greatest examples of what a good human being should be.
Overall, I don’t know what I would’ve ended up like with out my dad in my life. Frankly, I don’t want to think of that. The importance of him in my life is one that I cannot put into words. I feel privileged to have come to a family with such an honorable good man as the head of our family. I love my dad with all my heart.


I got this idea from a blog comment that Sara had from a gentlemen writing a book about Fathers and their Daughters and thought I'd write something nice about my dad to share. I decided to add it to my blog/journal as well. http://www.gregoryelang.com/

thoughts

• my bed is really comfy. i like it, and it likes me
• rancid bacon grease is one of the most disgusting smells ever
• i love my husband
• i love our backyard and our deck
• i don't want to work tomorrow
• being unorganized is driving me crazy
• i love my husband. oh wait, I said that one already.
• i'm 28. i graduated high school almost 10 years ago. i'm going to my 10 year h.s. reunion this summer. yikes...
• there's a salamander that lives in our garage. we named it "sal".
• my mother in-law spoils us. she's nice.
• i should lock the window... we have no screen on it
• i think i hear an owl in our backyard
• i can't wait to go to the beach
• i love my husband :)
• i miss my family. a lot. even though i just saw most of them last month. it's hard being so far away from them sometimes.
• love my wedding pictures.
• i used to be a good weight. now, i'm a lot fatter than i used to be. it doesn't make me happy at all. i have to lose weight, not only for the fact of my self esteem and looking better- but because i want to be healthy when we decide to start having babies.
• kaboom! bathroom cleaner rocks (which btw you can buy at walmart or target)
• as a side note to that- i'm grateful for kitchen gloves because cleaning the toilet is sick.
• i switch shifts from 10-7 to 8:30-5:30 on tuesday and that makes me happy.
• the lime tostitos are one thing i'm hooked on right now.
• homemade chocolate chip cookies are always better- especially when they're not flat and greasy
• one of my favorite pictures of my neice is below. i had to share because it just shows her coolness and sense of humor even though she's only 4.
• need to go to bed. it's not even midnight and i've already got the monday blues...

Brooke is cool.

Just cuz I can...

Ryan and Jared dancin'
At the Chattahoochee with some friends.

Helmet Heads...

Randomness...

Parking and Driving in Georgia

I have to vent. I have to vent about people who are inconsiderate in their driving and parking. It seems there are certain days when the idiots of driving come out in full force. Yesterday was one of them- and as of this morning on my way to work, today is too.
First of all, living in Utah for 7 years I experienced some REALLY bad drivers. And I think the thing that consistently bothered me is what I and a few others referred to as the "Utah Box". Now those of you who know what I am talking about can shake your head in annoyance with me. And it most often occurs in the fast lane and the lane next to it. I hope I can sufficiently describe it although, this is not the purpose of my blog- the title of my blog is pointing out the real issue I have with Georgia drivers- more specifically ones in the greater Atlanta area.
But going back to "the box", picture yourself driving down I-15 (if you live in Utah) and you're going at a pretty good speed (of course well over the speed limit, because really- who drives 55 on the freeway? And if you do, good for you but move over) in the fast lane of course, because well, that's where you're supposed to drive fast. They didn't name it "the fast lane" for nothing. When all of a sudden you come up to another vehicle in front of you going about 10 or so MPH slower than you are. You decide to pass them on the right because there is no where else to go and flashing your brights at them did nothing to move them over. So you look to your right, of course checking your blind spot when you see a car next to you with it's front end about half way back the length of your car. And you cannot move forward or pass to the right. There's an example of the "Utah Box". OR another example is when you've got someone to the side of you going about the same speed as you, maybe a titch bit faster and a person in front of you going about the same speed and no extra lanes to pass either of them in. ARG! I think that a mentality comes in for some who think they can "monitor" the other drivers in hopes that they will go the speed limit by getting in the fast lane and setting their cruise control at exactly the speed limit and not backing down to those who come up on them like they're about to make a permanent impression on their bumper.
So, now- getting to the drivers here in the ATL. WOW. I don't even know where to begin. I thought Utah drivers where bad... not so much compared. The reason for my anger this morning was: #1- a driver that refused to go with the flow of traffic on a two lane city street and felt the need to ride every one's (including my) bumper and then passing in front of them wildly just to get to be about the same speed he was going before this neurotic move. And only to find out that he works at the same place I do and got to the parking garage at exactly the same time I did trying to go faster than me and everyone else and cutting people off. I just laughed to myself and called him an idiot, secretly hoping he didn't hear so that he wouldn't beat me up.
My #2 reason for being angered this morning and just about every morning here at work was that there is always some jackass (excuse the language) who decides that he/she can take up 2 parking spots just because he/she feels like it. There is one guy who is a repeat offender, and I have come SO close to writing a small note saying "You know, it could do you some good to be considerate of others around you- in particular this parking garage. Learn how to park!" But I haven't... yet. I mean, there are hundreds of people that have to park in that garage everyday- and there are already limited spots. They had to make up spots to accommodate everyone and then people like that don't even pay attention. Its as if they park their car (with a tire a foot over the next spots white line) and just get out and say "oh well" and walk on. Where as a normal human being, or rather, a considerate human being would FIX the mistake. Right? I mean, why not just take the literally TWO seconds to back up and straighten out your wheels and then pull forward again? Do you want people to hit your car with their door? Do you want dings or possibly dents? Because if I can squeeze myself in there, and it's tight when I get out- I'm not going to be very careful. I'm just sayin'... I'm going to gather some footage just to prove my point and not just from people at work. It's everywhere.

At work...seriously. And this isn't even the bad one.
This is in a Costco parking lot.

Two punks in another parking lot. It's a good thing my car is small.

The driving thing... well, I just don't even know how to describe it other than A LOT of people, not all, really don't tend to think that there are other people on the road besides themselves. Like the article I linked about Utah drivers and how they don't signal at ideal times, the same goes for people here. Only I think it's worse. Crossing three lanes of traffic just all of a sudden it seems. Going 25 MPH in a 45 MPH zone just because they're looking for an address instead of pulling over because there are 5 cars behind them and reassessing where they are. Or getting off an exit (the correct way a person should) and then someone from not one, but two lanes over decides "oh yeah, I need to get off here" and shoots on over with no signal of course and no indication to the other vehicles that happen to be on the road as well that they are making this irrational move.
Bottom line is- I never knew I had road rage until I moved to Atlanta. Luckily I don't have to travel 285 anymore, because when I did for a year and a half and would sometimes get home an hour and a half AFTER I left work, my poor sister would have to listen to me just go off with a look of "what happened to my happy Heather?" It's horrible. I just have to deal with the other idiots who make the stupidest moves. I keep saying over and over again, that it all comes down to being CONSIDERATE. If there is someone that's pulled in behind you possibly backing up traffic behind them and you have room in front of you to move up so that they can too- then move up! Not only will it get them in the right place, it alleviates traffic elsewhere! It's a simple concept that some people just don't tend to understand. Oh and don't even get me started on rubber-necking... seriously.
I think I should stop. I could go on. I could recount many times of my anger. Not to say that I'm a perfect driver- no, no, I am not. I have done some pretty bad moves myself. But I at least TRY to be considerate and mindful of the other drivers around me. I'm just saying, if you're going to be driving in GA and haven't before- it's an aggressive world out there on those roads. BE CAREFUL!!!

Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!

There's a sales rep here that insists that I look like Maureen McCormick who played Marsha Brady in the original Brady Bunch show. Not sure how I feel about that...

Magic i8ball- Copied Christina

Directions: Put your music player on shuffle. Press forward for each question. Use the song title as the answer to the question. No cheating.
How am I feeling today? Sleeping In-The Postal Service (this is pretty accurate, I'm super tired today but I didn't sleep in-I wished I could though!)
Will I get far in life? He Wants Me Back- Dancehall Crashers (Not sure what that's supposed to mean...)
How do my friends see me? Sneakin' Out of the Hospital- Beastie Boys (watch out for the crazy! Ha, ha!)
When will I get Married? Everything is Exactly What It Seems-Slow Runner (I'm taking that to mean that since I am already married, that it wont change. Oh good.)
What's my theme song? Spirit Voices-Paul Simon (yes, that's me... mystical and mysterious and I have a way of throwing my voice into a whisper as if it's a spirit...)
What is the story of my life? Touch Of Grey-Grateful Dead (Hmmm, sort of depressing- although the song was our high school graduation song.)
How can I get ahead in life? I didn't like my first answer Bertie-Kate Bush so I did the next one after that Dancin'-Chris Isaak and I liked that a lot better!
What is my best feature? I've Seen All Good People-Yes (I guess that means I have an agreeable personality and can see the good in people? Okay, I'll take that.)
How is today going to be? Absolute-Scritti Politti (Absolute what?)
What is in store for this weekend? Ice-Sarah McLaughlin (ha, ha I hope not!)
What is my life like at the moment? We Never Change-Coldplay (Actually, I like where it's at- and I'm cool with it staying this way for a while!)
What song describes my secrets? Okay, this one is HILARIOUS! And yet, pretty accurate! Big Time Sensuality- Bjork
What is my current lover like? Hmmm-interesting...no comment. Pressure Drop- The Maytals
What song will they play at my funeral? Folk Song-The Sundays
How does the world see me? Heavenly Action-Erasure (I know, I'm like an angel.)
Will I have a happy life? Can't Buy Me Love-Beatles (that's true)
What do my friends really think of me? Enola Gay-OMD (*a bomb dropping plane? Whoa.)
Do people secretly lust after me? Ice Cream-Sarah McLaughlin (what the? What's with her and ice, and does the ice cream secretly lust after me or do people think of me when they eat it?)
Will I accomplish my goals in life? ah, sad. Lose Again-Alison Krauss & Union Station
Will I find true love? Eleanor Rigby-Beatles (again that's sad. It's a good thing I already did!)
How do I treat others? Mediocre Bad Guys-Jack Johnson (I think Karma is after me.)
That's me. No not the guy waving, the airplane. *Refer to above.