My top 10 list of Christmas Songs that must GO!!!

Merry Christmas friends! As Christmas is just a week away, I thought I would share a list of Christmas Songs that need to go. I have been posting these on my Facebook page, but I thought for kicks and giggles, I would share them here. I will post the honorable mentions next week, and trust me...they are as good as these songs are!


#10 - Santa Clause is Coming to Town - Is Santa the ultimate stalker? After all, he knows when you are sleeping, and he knows when you are awake!

#9 - Jingle Bells – Another song about a long time tradition of a guy’s “ride” getting stuck, or running out of gas. Poor Ms. Fanny Bright fell for this trick and they ended up making out until someone came to help them. Turns out, they were never stuck.

#8 - Frosty the Snowman - A snowman is brought to life with use of a magical top hat given to a group of children by Christine O’Donnell, the Tea Party candidate for the 2010 elections, who also claim to be a Wiccan. The hat was given special power by the use of witch craft.

#7 - We Wish You a Merry Christmas – An old tool used by robbers to get people to open their homes. The trick is to get the home owners to agree to bring you some Figgie pudding. When they go to get it, grab the loot and book it. After all, who really even likes Figgie pudding?

#6 -I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause – A child’s introduction to the idea of an extra marital affair and the consequences that follow. I don’t think Daddy laughed when he saw Mommy kissing Santa because that wasn’t Santa. That was the neighbor, Mr. Stevens, who had grown his beard out. Instead, Daddy was sent to jail for a very long time and the kids had to go live with Grandma.

#5 - Bring Your Torch, Jeanette Isabella – Who the hell is Jeanette Isabella and what is a French woman doing in Bethlehem during that time? The French weren’t even a country yet, let alone a power house in world politics. She had to run pretty damn far to make it to Bethlehem with a torch still lit. What was she? An Olympian? And apparently she was really loud if they had to keep telling her to hush!

#4 - Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer -  A song about the racist bastard Santa who would only be nice to the little guy when his career was on the line.

#3 - Baby, It’s Cold Outside – The earliest song known to man about a date rape drug by putting a roofie in someone’s drink. It’s only when it’s too late that the young lady asks “Hey, what’s in this drink?”

# 2 - Do You Hear What I Hear? – The story of a poor boy with schizophrenia that talks to inanimate objects. The song ends before the king orders the execution of the child for disrupting court.

#1 Christmas Song that must go= Christmas Shoes – One of the cruelest songs of the season. A little boy sent to fetch his mom some shoes that she can wear when she dies meets Jesus. While the boy was at the store, Mommy had seizures and the cancer finally got the best of her. The boy comes back with ugly shoes for his dead mother. Sorry son, your momma don’t need no shoe…she dead.

This list was not made to offend. I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday next to Halloween. So please, enjoy!

Only 19 days and 23 hours...

...Until Christmas! For the first time in a few years, I am very much looking forward to Christmas. Since Mike and I got married, Christmas has been a very stressful time of year. Mainly, it is all because of finances. Because of the medical bills that we have been trying to pay off for over two years, money has been tight. But this year, while money is still tight, it's not as bad as it was even a year ago. The Lord has blessed us beyond belief and I am so grateful for that. But I will get to that on another post.

In the meantime, it's officially Christmas time. We have had plenty of snow thus far and the air is as smoggy as can be...which means Winter is here in Utah. We even have done a little Christmas shopping so far, and I am one lucky girl. Let's just say my husband is treating me more and more like a "Princess" as time goes on. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge!)

So last night, while Mike was playing a gig with his band, Molly Drive, my sister, Wendi, came over and helped my get my tree up. Our apartment is starting to look more like a home all the time. 

This year, I decided to go with the blue and white colors and I am very glad that I did. Wandi Loo did a wonderful job decorating and making the tree look wonderful!

I am pretty sure you can guess who's stocking is whose...and no, the pink stocking is not Mike's. Thank you to my sister in law, Amber, for the cute stocking hooks. Since we don't have a fireplace, the TV will work just as well.

This will be our 2nd Christmas on Center Street and I am so excited. I am so thankful that we are here and not in our old Avenues home...even if it was perfect for Halloween!

Thanksgiving Fun!

(The view from my front door)

Happy Thanksgiving my friends! I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and ate plenty of yummy food. This year was full of all sorts of stuff and it's hard to believe it's all over. As I sit here on my couch in the front room, I am watching the snow fall and listening to the Peaceful Christmas station on Pandora and wrapped up in a blanket. Mike is sleeping and I am finally alone with my thoughts about the weekend and the month to come. I have absolutely loved this past week and I am so sad that I have to go back to regular life tomorrow. 

So, to recap the last week, I think I will go day by day. As I said, there were many things that happened:

Monday - Nov 22nd - This was a regular day at work. Everyone in the office had some issues with focusing on work and was very excited for the holiday. After work, Mike and I went grocery shopping. It was a little hectic and I got pretty frazzled, but once it was over, there were only three things I had forgotten to get for Thanksgiving. Not bad!

Tuesday - Nov 23rd - I got to work that day and found out that there was a blizzard warning out for Northern Utah for the afternoon into the next day. There was supposed to be high wind and tons of snow. The worst part was that the storm was supposed to hit just before rush hour that evening. The news stations made a big deal out of it and we were all starting to get a little worried. I am so thankful that I only life less than a mile away from work, but I knew that traffic was still going to be bad. At about 3 pm, we were all sent home. I got home and bundled up and was ready for the storm. The storm hit at about 6...and lasted for about an hour. It continued to snow...a little...but the winds died down as quick as they came. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed. Mike had decided that he wanted to start learning how to bake and was going to start with a pumpkin pie. He found a good recipe for the crust and the filling, and very carefully followed the directions. When he had completed the first test pie and I took a bite, I realized that something was missing. Oh yes, it was the sugar. He was so devastated that he had forgotten, it was almost kind of sad. So I told him we would try again the next day. 

Wednesday - Nov 23rd -  I had decided to take the day off, and luckily, Mike got the day off as well. We woke up to freezing temps and about four inches of snow. At about 11, I ventured out to the store to pick up the last minute items for Thanksgiving. It took me longer to scrape the car and clear the windows than it did to  get to the store, get my stuff and get home. It was VERY cold. The high for the day was 16 degrees. Yeah, it wasn't right! After that, I came home, got ready, and went to my parent's house to visit with them and my cute Grandma Johnson.

(Me and Grandma Johnson at Andy's wedding, Jan 2010)

My grandma is one of the coolest people I know. This was the third time that she has come down for Thanksgiving and we have all had so much fun. I really enjoyed just sitting and visiting with her. She is very coherent and lively for being 83. She still lives on her own and is doing great. We all had a good time laughing and teasing and just enjoying each other. That evening, when I left my parent's house to go back home, I took this picture of my car's temp gage:

That's right friends...it was a whole 5 degrees in Herriman! This is not normal weather for Utah in November and so it was a little nippy! Thankfully, my husband's car has heated seats, so my bum stayed warm all the way home. That night, we decided to try a pie again. This time, it turned out much better!

Thursday - Nov 24th - Thanksgiving Day! 

The big day had finally arrived. We got up that morning and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a yearly tradition for me, especially since I went to New York and have been to that Macy's. It was a fun parade. After that, I took a little nap, then got up and got ready for the day. 

Thanksgiving was at my sister Amy's house again this year. There were so many yummy things to eat and it was fun to see everyone. Jack and I played Buzz Lightyear for a while and then he played with Mike for a bit. 

The pie was a HUGE success. Everyone loved it and congratulated Mike for his good work. I sat back and gave him all the credit, even though I may or may not have stepped in and helped. But that's ok! (Wink, wink!)

Friday - Nov 25th - The Day After!

This day was pretty laid back and a little warmer then the two previous days. I spent more time at my parent's house with my grandma. We had another mini Thanksgiving dinner and decorated the house for Christmas. Well...I watched with Grandma while the house was being decorated. I love going to my parent's house at Christmas time with all of the decorations. It reminds me of my childhood and the good times we had each Christmas. It also made me miss the house I grew up in back in West Valley. My parents sold it just after I got married, so it wasn't too long ago.

Sat - Nov 26th - Cleaning Day!

We finally got the house put back together after all the baking that was done. We made one more pie to give to Mike's parents and called it good. We were able to have dinner with all of Mike's family, including his brother, Dave, and his family. Dave has been in San Diego since March. He is a Marine and his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan back in February. His right leg was shattered and he was pretty bruised up. Luckily, he is doing very well and come home quite often. He is doing physical therapy as well as psychological counseling.

After that, it was back to my parent's house for fun and games. I was introduced to the game Farkle. I am totally addicted now. 

Today was a peaceful Sunday and we have been home, watching the snow since after church. Now as I sit here, I realize how blessed and lucky I really am. I have a family who loves me, I have a husband that is my partner and best friend. I have many friends who are just amazing, and I have the Savior and his love in my life. I am a lucky little girl. 

So...what are you thankful for? 

 

My Thoughts On the Subject

I have had several things on my mind as of late. One of the most pressing and difficult thoughts I have had is how I really feel about all the nonsense in the media about Mormons and Homosexuals. This is a subject that has been a very delicate subject for me to address and think about. With all of the comments on forums, newsroom chats and Facebook, there have been so many ideas and views shared, some full of acceptance, some full of ignorance and some full of just plain hate. So, in an attempt to try and figure out exactly how I feel, I will write out my thoughts. Please don't judge me for my beliefs and ideas. I am but human and therefore can't see the whole picture of the grand plan.


So...like many Mormons, I too was watching General Conference two weekends ago. And I too heard the talk that Pres. Packer gave on Pornography. I did not, however, hear a talk about hate and discrimination. It brought up some interesting questions, like why would our Heavenly Father implant the roots of homosexual feelings if He knows it is a sin? Why would He want us to suffer by choosing to live that lifestyle?


I guess I should just cut to the chase. I don't know why some people are gay and others are straight. I don't know why some people are tall and others are short. While they are two different subjects, it still shows that there are somethings that we just don't know. I also don't know why some people actually CHOOSE to be homosexual. But I also don't know why some people are faced with handicaps, be they physical or mental. I don't know why some people struggle with alcohol and others with drugs. The only one who KNOWS the whys and why not's is our Heavenly Father. We have no room to judge. When it comes down to it, the Lord knows our hearts and will be there to help us at the day of judgement. We will all have things to answer for and things to pay for. No one will leave this life unscathed. 


I don't care if you are gay or straight. I have many friends that are gay. I love them just as much as I love my other friends and family. They are good people and want nothing but to live by the good old fashion Golden Rule. I want them to be happy. Everyone deserves to find love and to be loved. I believe that a person can be gay and still hold a temple recommend.  What what? You say... How can this be?! Here's how...you can be attracted to members of the opposite sex, but you can also choose whether to act on it or not. Would it be hard not to act on that? You betcha! Is it do-able? Yes. I know many homosexual Mormons that have decided that keeping the commandments and living in accordance with the teachings of the gospel is more important to them then acting on their tendencies.  And they are loved and accepted members of their wards and families. 


I believe that homosexual couples should have the right to a civil union and the rights associated with that. Now, to call it marriage would be incorrect, only because of the actual definition of the word marriage. 

• Marriage:  
  The formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife

(Thank you, Google Dictionary!) 

Now, before we get up in arms about this, I do believe that homosexuality is not natural. When it comes to procreating and populating the Earth, there are two things that must be in order for this to happen. You need an egg and a sperm. They need to meet, come together, and the Big Bang Theory occurs again. When there are two members of the same sex that come together, the ability to naturally create life is gone. This is the most basic reason as to why same sex attraction is not natural. In the temple, and in many church-officiated weddings, the couple is commanded to go forth and replenish the Earth. Homosexual couples cannot keep this commandment because together they cannot procreate. Therefore, they cannot have an eternal marriage and be sealed in the temple. This is why many religious groups condemn homosexuality. It's a slight kink in the natural circle of life. Now, I don't want to go into how many couples these days have fertility issues and can't get pregnant on their own. That's not the point here. The point here is that a heterosexual couple have a higher chance of procreating naturally than a homosexual couple. 

Do I believe that the LDS church should conform and change their doctrine to appease the masses? ABSOLUTELY NOT! And you know what? They never will. They are never going to change their stance on homosexuality. They aren't. It's not going to happen. They are not like the Vatican. Just saying! And I'm glad that they won't. The gospel won't change and that kind of consistency is part of why I believe in this church. 

Will they try to teach more love in tolerance? Yes. They already are. We have been told to love our neighbors, love our families and to be kind to EVERYONE! If you have a homosexual child, you are told to love them and help them in anyway, not to hate them and disown them. More and more church leaders are teaching love and respect. They are still our brothers and sisters and need to be treated as such. 

With all this being said, I also need to say STOP BLAMING THE MORMONS FOR PROP 8! Would you like to know that majority of people who voted for it? Old Southern Baptist Women. They were the majority. Not the Mormons. Get over yourselves. Stop coming to Utah to protest. We couldn't vote in the CALIFORNIA election. It's not our fault. Learn your facts and get over it. MORMONS DON'T HATE THE GAYS! 

Thank you for letting me get this out. I think I have worked through my issues and know where I stand now. I will follow what the leaders of my church tell me, but I also will do what the Lord whispers into my heart, because at the end of the day, I will only have to answer to Him.

Hoarding and such things

So...I have been watching a show the past few days called "Hoarders". It is a show on A&E about people who having Compulsive Hoarding Disorder. And we're not talking about people who just need to declutter their house or have a good spring cleaning. We are talking about a serious disorder where these people throw NOTHING away and see nothing wrong with this. Once these people have asked for help, which usually is spurred by neighbors calling th city or health department, and in some cases, DCFS because of how bad these houses are, a psychologist, a professional organizer, the Daisy Maids and a work crew comes in to clean and throw things away.

If you haven't seen this show, it is truly an interesting journey to see how people live like this. It's an area of psychology that I have not really delved into before...and it's fascinating.  It's a mindset and disorder that I can't even fathom. I will be the first to admit that I don't like to throw stuff away, if it has sentimental value, but I have problem just chucking crap. One of the people, that just blew my mind, was a food hoarder. I didn't know that there were different types of hoarding...but it makes sense. She was unemployed and was living on social security. She would buy in bulk and just keep EVERYTHING. Expiration dates meant nothing. In her mind, if the package wasn't bulging, then it was ok to still eat. There were rotting pumpkins in her living room. She had three refrigerators stuffed full of just stuff. She didn't want to ask for help or rely on anyone else for survival. But to top it all off, she also had three cats. There was expired food EVERYWHERE.  And when the cleaners came in, she had to be escorted from the house because she wouldn't let them throw anything away. She tried to save a cooler full of food that was expired and had been sitting out for who knows how long and her son came and threw it away.  This show offered to pay for counseling and lessons from a professional organizer. When they come to do a follow up show? She had never gone to counseling and had continued in her old ways. Her landlord had to evict her because her house had become a health hazard and not fit for living. This is what finally made her open her eyes and realize that she had a real problem.

Other stories include families with young children, and an older man who had lost a loaded gun in his house somewhere and couldn't find it. Some may say that this show just exploits those who have this condition and that it's just a show to make money and get ratings. Perhaps, but I don't think so. I have known people in the past that, knowing what I do now, were hoarders. Every square inch of the house was filled with...stuff. Some people hoard things, some hoard money, some hoard food, but all of them have some sort of traumatic event in their lives that triggered this need to hoard. Whether it was growing up poor, not having anything, being homeless, or like many of our grandparents, lived through the Great Depression, something happened in their life that has triggered this need to have things so that they feel secure.

I guess in some ways, I can hoard. My biggest fears that have developed over the past few years has been tied to money. The big fear is that we won't have money to put gas in the car and food on the table. I have had anxiety attacks about his. So, to calm my fears, I have to have so much cash in my wallet at all times. This way I know that there is money for these things and that we won't be stranded or starve. Now, I know that I can be VERY over-dramatic from time to time (hello? I did get a degree in theatre!) but I have literally made myself sick over this before. Mike and I have been so blessed with wonderful families that won't let us starve or be stranded. They have helped us a many occasions and it has calmed my nerves dramatically.

There has been some positive things that have come out of watching the show. I usually get motivated to clean my house after. I try to target one area of the house at a time. Since there are only two bedrooms, one bathroom and a small living room and even smaller kitchen and laundry room, it doesn't take long. Tonight I focused on the bathroom. I even got on my hands and knees and scrubbed the floor. My mother would be so proud of me! I have also been keeping up on the kitchen. Tomorrow? The family room just needs to be picked up and vacuumed.  Then...the dreaded bedroom. I am a-scared for that. It will need to be a Saturday type of activity. But, I think I am going to try and post my progress as I go.

Now...if I could only get my husband to participate... :-D  (j/k honey!)


Post Edit: So I totally didn't realize how over dramatic I was being when I wrote this last night...It was sounding like I was judging everyone with a remotely dirty house. I guess this subject just fascinates me because it is such a foreign world and thought process to me. It would be like me trying to explain ADD or my anxiety issues to someone who has never felt that way; unless you are in that mindset, you can't imagine what it's like. I truly feel for these people who are so overwhelmed with life that this is how they begin to live, and before they really know what's happening, their lives have spiraled out of control. But it's that way with any disorder, be it hoarding, drug addiction, alcoholism or anything like that.  Ok...I believe that is all for this subject matter. 

You Gotta Check This Out

Welcome to the end of August! Today is was only 70 degrees and it was AWESOME! I am so ready for fall to come and grace us with its presence. This summer has not been to bad, but I love the fall colors and the cooler "sweater weather". It makes me happy. It means college football is back, the world series is coming, Halloween is around the corner and so on. I really can't believe how fast this year has gone. I am having nightmares all the time about me waking up and it's Christmas morning and I had missed the whole build up. It's horrible.

As the days have passed, I have started to follow certain blogs. I love to hear other's stories about their lives, trials, triumphs and just all around good times. So, here are a few that I think you may like as well:

Reagan's Blob

This wonderful and quirky blog is about a woman in New York named Reagan, her husband and her adorable little girl by the name of Piper Jane. Piper was born with a condition called Cerebro Costo Mandibular Syndrome. There is very little known about this birth defect, but the photos of this little Pip will melt your heart. Click on the link above to check it out.


Nie Nie Dialogues


Here is a truly uplifting blog. The author, Stephanie, was in a terrible plane crash about two years ago in Arizona. She and her husband survived, but she was in a coma for four months and was burned on 83% of her body. She and her family now live in Utah and are dealing with their new life. She talks about her ups and downs and how she has been blessed to keep going on. Like the one above, click on the link and get your tissues.


CJane Enjoy It

This lovely lady is Stephanie's older sister and is just as witty and heart felt. When Stephanie was in her crash and she and her husband were in the hospital, Courtney took 3 of Stephanie's 4 kids and raised them for almost 8 months. She is a published author and has two adorable kids and a pretty awesome husband. She was also dealing with infertility for a few years before she finally got pregnant, had her baby and then took in the other kids.

So there you go. Check out these fun blogs, enjoy the pictures, and let me know what you think. I think these are just three women out of millions that are just trying to make it, live life and deal with the trials that are presented to them. So until later...peace out!

Life, Love and the Pursuit of a Purse PART II

So, I totally just realized that I used the word pursue instead of pursuit in my last post. WHO GOT KICKED OUT OF THE U of U ENGLISH PROGRAM? That's right. This girl! Now, it wasn't due to bad grammar, horrific writing or appalling spelling. Nope. I may or may not have written an essay that may or may not have angered my professor. Ok, yes I did.
Back in 2003, I was, temporarily, an English major at the U. I was in one of my many English classes and we were supposed to analyze several poems. I have several pet peeves in this world, and one of the big ones is analyzing poetry. How dare you take a poem, written many years ago, or maybe more recently, analyze it and decide that the author meant by this expression of their soul. YOU DON'T KNOW! Don't tell me to analyze something and expect me to regurgitate your thoughts. My favorite story about this sort of thing comes from the diary of Walt Whitman. One day, he read in the local newspaper that a renowned professor was going to be giving a lecture on Walt's poetry at the local university. Interested to see what this man had to say, he decided to attend the lecture.
He sat in the back of the room and listened while this scholar proceeded to give his take on what he thought the author meant by these poems. At one point in the evening, Walt could not take it any longer. This professor was telling the audience that a certain poem had a certain meaning and that this is what the author was thinking at the time he wrote it. Walt rose his hand and said "I don't think you have this meaning correct, sir." But the professor again tried to convince the poet that this is definitely what the author meant. Once again, the poet said out loud "No sir, I think you are mistaken. I can tell you that this is not what the poet meant by this poem." Being agitated, the professor said "Then sir? Why don't you tell the audience what the poem means?" The poet stood and gave a very detailed and beautiful explanation of the certain piece of literature. When he was done, the professor, feeling that he had been slightly defeated, asked "How would you know what this means? Have you studied the works of this poet? Do you have any sort of real education? What makes you so sure that this was the meaning behind the poet's work?" And with a grin, Walt Whitman  came forward and introduced himself to the professor. The lecture ended and the professor never came back to the college.
So, I used this example in an essay we were supposed to write about the meaning of certain poems. My professor didn't want to know my thoughts. All she wanted was for me to repeat what she had told us. So instead of proceeding to spit her words back at her, I wrote an essay about why I felt that analyzing poetry was useless and a waste of time. I gave strong points, the main one being that unless the poet themselves have said what the poem meant, we had no business in criticizing their work. About a week later, I was asked to stay after class. My professor told me that my writing was adequate and my formatting was good, but that my topic was not was assigned. At that point, I will neither confirm nor deny that I may have told her, in so many words, to shove it where the sun wouldn't be able to shine. The next week I got called in the the department head's office. Little did I know that the department head was also my professor's husband. (They didn't have the same last name.) I was told to find another program and to not come back. And I didn't.
Over the last few weeks, I have learned that there are certain people out there who don't like me. And there are many reasons why they don't like me, but the main one is that they feel threatened by me. I have had some incidences at work this past week where this was the case. So let me just say I DON'T WANT YOUR JOB!  I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT. BACK OFF!!! Yeah... and these are grown women, mind you, who are going to HR and complaining that I am gossiping about them behind their backs. YEAH...I KNOW...last I checked, I left high school and even graduated from college. I don't have time to talk about people or to spread rumors. I actually go to work...and work. I know, it's a crazy idea, but it does happen. It just irks me because people won't grow up and ask me if anything they hear is true. Which it isn't. But whatever. What a joke. But I will move on...and if I get disrupted from doing my job again because someone is tattle-tailing on something that they assume must have happened, I will get that much more upset and start stabbing jaws. I know, I was just getting pass that phase.
Anyway...moving one. I guess the point is, not everyone is going to like you all the time. But as long as you can look back at the end of the day and feel like you are square with God and that you have done your best, than those haters can go to Hell. Just saying.

So I don't have a new purse photo to post...I've been too busy and too poor to go shopping. But no worries, I will have some more pictures soon. We'll see what the budget will allow. But I would like to end this post with a little prayer that my Facebook buddies are used to seeing. It is one in the series known as "Dear Lord":

Dear Lord,
  We are thankful that we have survived another day. We are thankful for the little miracles that present themselves in our lives on a daily basis. We are also thankful for ibuprofen, pop corn and, as always, Diet Coke. Please help us to continue through the week with patience and love for your other children, for we do not want to end up in jail like Lindsay Lohan for harming another. And please let the diet coke machine be full tomorrow. Amen. 

Life, Love and the pursue of the Purse Part One

Wow it's been a while since I have updated the blog...but it's been hectic around here. I remember a time when life slowed down during the summer. Everyone would be outside, running around in the sprinklers, drinking lemonade and hanging out until well after the sun went down. Enter in adulthood. Nothing really changes from season to season. You still have to go to work, clean the house, pay the bills and try to get some free time in.
So a few weeks ago, me and a few of mu siblings look an inflatable raft up American Fork Canyon and floated around on the reservoir. It was wonderful. So good in fact that I am still peeling due to the sunburn. But it reminded me what summer was about. Thanks for the fun time Andy, Andrea, Wendi and Gina!

I have been settling into my new job and for the first time in a while, I am happy at work. I work with good people and enjoy my days more. Mike has been doing a lot of gigging with both of his bands, Molly Drive and The Wolf Gang. Hop on over to his Facebook page and you can see their You Tube videos. They are so much fun to listen to and watch. And I am not going to lie, the extra money has been nice too! It also reminds me of how truly talented my husband is. He is a wonderful musician and has a great stage presence.

Speaking of my husband, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary last month. It's kind of hard to believe that we have been married that long. It all seems so long ago that we became sealed for time and all eternity. We have been through a lot in the past two years. There have been some very hard times. A lot of married people don't experience half of what we have in the past two years for a long time afterwards. With health issues, heart attacks, surgeries, moving, cars, school, jobs, communication, money, it has been a rough road. But as I sit here tonight, looking over at my husband playing on his computer, I realize that I do love him more now than I did two years ago. So for our anniversary, Mike gave me a beach cruiser bicycle. I love it. I will post pictures later. And then I also got Harry Potter Lego for the Xbox 360. It is a pretty sweet game. I have all of the Lego games except for Rock Band. But I will own it someday. It will be mine.

I have also become slightly obsessed with a purse lately. It is a line of bags called Miche Bags (Mee - Chee). I have seen them for years and always wondered about getting one. And now...I am in love. If you don't know what a Miche Bag is, go to their website - www.michebag.com and check them out. Then go to the Fashion Place Mall, go to the kiosk by the food court, ask for Paul and get yourself one. Here is a picture of my most recent bad:

And here is the other one that I have:

I have such a hard time finding purses that are a reasonable price and sturdy. But these puppies are wonderful. They come on three different sizes and there are different covers for each one. Read about it on the website. Seriously...you won't regret it. Your husband may not like me for a while because you are buy so many, but he will get over it.

I was trying to think about more of the methodical things that have been cruising in my cerebellum as of late, but nothing is coming at the moment. But I think right now I can hear my pillow calling to me. It has missed me lately. We haven't had as many dates as usual. So, I will continue to think and continue on part two of this entry. So, until then, sweet dreams and Miche Bags!

50 Things About Me

Yeah...so this is one of those narcissistic post with me telling you 50 random things about myself. I am, after, the queen of random knowledge. Ken the Jeopardy man gots nothing on me! So...here goes!

1. I have been married for almost two years now. Sometimes it seems like more...sometimes it seems like less.
2. I never took a beginning acting class while I was in high school or college. Somehow I always got right into the advanced classes. This upset a lot of people...but I don't care.
3. I wear a size 11 shoe. This shocks many people because I don't look like I have huge feet. This is the one and only thing that Paris Hilton and I have in common.
4. I have a photographic memory. This came in very handy when I was in school because it was easier to memorize things, including line for a show.
5. My favorite color was not always pink. It didn't become pink until I was a senior in high school. Until then it was blue. And while I still love the color blue, pink is for princesses, which I am.
6. I hate the smell of cooked onions. They just smell burnt to me and it makes me gag. If I can burp something up hours later and still taste it, it ain't right!
7. Lavender and vanilla are my favorite scents. Fabreeze makes a great room spray. My husband isn't a fan, but I still make him use it after he's done in the bathroom.
8. Back in college, I was a founding member of an online group called "Walk to Rivendale". This was a group of people trying to get in shape and so the challenge was to get a group together, be it in your neighborhood or online, and walk the same distance that Frodo and Sam walked to Rivendale in the Lord of the Rings books. I made it there and back again several times while I was living on campus at the U. The Chicago chapter of the group was even on Oprah once. That's my true nerdom coming out.
9. I love Robert Downey, Jr. He is a wonderful actor and I have loved him even through the drug years. 
10. I have never read the book "Charlotte's Web". I have seen the movie and have heard the story, but I have yet to sit down and read th book. I have no desire to do so and I doubt I ever will.
11. I am a classically trained singer. It's not opera and it's not belting. Think Josh Groban...that's what I was trained to do. 
12. When I was 12, I won a contest on the radio by singing the national anthem in bubble language. This is when you sound like you are under water. I never did get my cd from them.
13. If I had the money and space, I would have the largest shoe collection in the world! I love them. Since I have been married I have only bought 3 pairs of shoes. So sad.
14. When I got my first iPod, I have to have my little sister and my husband teach me how to use it. I felt a little old at that point.
15. I love salsa! But not Pace or anything like that...no, REAL salsa. Like the kind I make and the kind I taught my sister Gina to make. It's fresh with lots of spice and cilantro and garlic. YUM!
16. If all else fails in life, I am going to go to school to be a massage therapist. I have been told I have a gift for it with my large "man hands". (Thanks Jill!)
17. It was my goal for the longest time to be a member of the US women's softball team and play in the Olympics. Thanks to my own, clumsy self, that dream was to never come true.
18. I love music. As long as I can sing to it, it's great. If it's a screamo or rap group, no thanks! I will pass.
19. Even though I love musical theater, I HATE Rogers and Hammerstein. Sondheim falls into the group as well, and Andrew Lloyd Webber is getting to that point as well. The next person that also tells me that Les Miserables is the best musical ever will get a stab to the jaw by yours truly. And no, Wicked isn't that great either. But whatever.
20. While we are on the musical theater topic, I also dislike Fiddler on the Roof, Gilbert and Sullivan and Cole Porter. I think I have covered everything in this realm.
21. Tennessee Williams was a bitter queen and a horrific writer. 
22. On the other hand, Neil Simon is my favorite playwright. 
23. I really don't like most chick flicks. I would rather gouge my own eyes out with a rust spoon then sit through most of the chick flicks these days.
24. Yet...I really loved "The Notebook." Go figure!
25. I buy DVDs for the special features and the commentary. That's the first thing I think of when I see a movie for the first time.
26. I love pasta. I could eat it everyday and be happy.
27. I am partially deaf in my left ear thanks to some ear drum damage from a few years back.
28. I doodle when I am talking on the phone. No offense...it's just how I roll.
29. I have to have music on when I study. It keeps the over-active ADD part of my brain occupied while the rest of me is concentrating. 
30. I cannot fall asleep with the TV on. It has to be quiet and dark. 
31. Growing up I had a fear that our house was going to burn down in the middle of the night because of a cruel game my sisters liked to play. It was called Lock-Holly-in-the-bathroom-turn-off-the-lights-and-tell-her-the-house-was-on-fire-and-not-let-her-out. Yeah...that caused some trauma.
32. I love to play certain video games - namely the Lego games. They have Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Batman and next month Harry Potter will come and join the family. I am so darn excited. 
33. I have been an editor for three published books. When I can, I will add links so that you can check them out.
34. I love chocolate. And cheese. But not together. Unless it's chocolate cheesecake, then bring it on!
35. My all-time favorite movies include: Singing in the Rain, The Court Jester, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Star Wars (the original three), Keeping the Faith and Lord of the Rings. Casa Blanca is up there as well.
36. I am allergic to certain bubble bath solutions. I have sensitive skin and can't handle it.
37. I was also allergic to disposable diapers as a baby and had to use the cloth ones. My siblings were not so happy about that.
38. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? I kill you. That's all there is to it.
39. I have scars on my shoulders from getting some pretty bad sunburns as a kid. 
40. I didn't have much hair on my head until I was about 5. And now? It's out of control.
41. Flip flops are my friends.
42. Fall is my favorite time of year.
43. Baseball is my favorite sport.
44. Josh Groban could sing me to sleep every night and I would never get bored or annoyed with it. I love him!
45. My family and I can recite lines from movies for hours and still manage to carry on a meaningful conversation.
46. Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper are my biggest weakness next to a maple donut.
47. I could never be a vegetarian. I love me my meat. 
48. My dream car is a 2010 Chevy Malibu. (I know...it's kind of sad. But I would love it!)
49. I have and love Clay Aiken's Christmas album.
50. I am double jointed. It's fun to gross my husband out with all of my tricks.

 So there you go! There are 50 random facts about me. Now here's the challenge...post 50 things about yourself. I would love to see what you are all about.

Sand needs toes and other words of wisdom

Happy Spring everyone! At least...the calendar says it's Spring time. I guess the more correct phrase would be Sprinter - Spring and Winter. Thank you Mark Eubanks!

A couple of years ago, not too long before me and the mister got hitched, we were at his uncle's house in Eden. No, really. He lives in Eden. It's up Ogden Canyon a little ways. He has all this land and we go up every year for a bbq and some fun. He has all of these fun things to play with. With all of this going on, I saw my nephew, Kaleb, was playing in the sandbox. He was all by himself and I went over to see if he was ok. I asked him, and he said he was fine. Here was our conversation. Mind you...he was 3.

Me: Kaleb? What are you doing?
Kaleb: I am playing in the sand.
Me: Yeah?
Kaleb: Yeah...sand needs toes. That's why my shoes are off. You should take yours off too.

As I looked, he was indeed barefoot, with his toes deep in the sand. With all that was going on around him, he decided to enjoy the most simple thing there...the sand. So, I followed directions and took my shoes off as well and buried them in the sand. I think we were in the sandbox for a good hour, just enjoying the sand. Not because our toes needed to be exfoliated...but because the sand needed our toes. Because, after all, what good is the sand if it doesn't have some toes in it once in a while?

We are all so depended on each other for survival. Not only for the physical survival, but the emotional and spiritual survival as well. And it's it funny how it is usually out of the mouths of babes that we are reminded of this?

When we were living in the Avenues, I was the Primary chorister. There were 12 kids in there...if everyone showed up. And there were two boys. The rest were mostly 7 year old girls. One of the younger girls, Zoe, was 5. She always had the biggest smile on her face and big blue eyes. On Sunday mornings, she would come in with her older sister and say "It is a beauty-ful day today!"  And after that, it always was. She would always remind all of us of the beauty that God has given us on this great Earth. It always made me smile when she was there.

I am not sure where I am going with this post...but it's these little things that I remember children saying that just make me giggle and brings a smile to my face. I have been so blessed to be able to work with amazing kids...and some that will forever be little shits in my book. I miss working with the kids. I play the piano for Primary in our new ward, and it's the best calling in the church...EVER! But I don't interact a lot with the kids. And there are Sundays where that's ok and I would rather sit in my corner.

Thanks again for reading my stream of consciousness. I almost felt like I was Henry David Thoreau and writing On Waldon Pond...at least I think he's the one who wrote it. The whole book was an endless stream of consciousness. I sure hated it. Anyway, the point to all of this is that sometimes, we need to step back, enjoy the beauty-ful  day once in a while and remember, sometimes, sand needs toes.

PS - I have started my new job at work and I am not nearly as stressed as I was before. It's amazing how a small change like that can keep you off death row for stabbing someone in the the jaw with a ball point pen. I don't even have the desire to do that anymore. Just saying...

An Epiphany...Of Sorts

Thank you to all of you for reading and commenting on my last post. I felt a lot better after writing that and you saved me thou$ands in therapy costs. As we are all poor folk these days, anything to save a little money is very much welcomed. 


10 years ago, when I graduated from high school and started college (sweet mother of Elvis, has it really been that long?) I already had decided what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be a journalist. I was going to be on TV and was set to take over Barbara Walters' job on 20/20. There was no doubt in my mind that Diane Sawyer was going to eat my dust. It was going to be awesome. Oprah wouldn't be able to hold a candle to me. I knew I was meant to be a reporter and to be in front of the camera. Take that, Katie Couric!


My plan was going along just perfectly until one day, in 2003 at the University of Utah, I had an epiphany. I was in the middle of my magazine writing class when I started to laugh. And as I started to laugh, it slowly turned into a sob. A full-on-I-want-my-mommy sob. I hated journalism. I hated the classes, I hated the writing, and most of all, I hated that teacher that had just ripped my article apart because "she didn't understand why anyone would write something like that." It was an article about teenage girls in abusive relationships and the signs to look for. She said it made women look weak and that no real woman would allow herself to be in that situation. I wanted to walk up to her, all 4 1/2 feet of her, sit on her face, make a flarty, and not get up until the stink went away. (I know, it's a little graphic, but you should hear the desires I have to stab a current co-worker in the jaw with my pen.)


Every female journalism and communications teacher I had in college felt like they had to prove themselves to EVERYONE! They were just as tough as a man and would dress like it to prove it. I realized that I am not that kind of person. I don't have to prove myself to anyone but me and to my Heavenly Father.
So I left the journalism program. I decided to become an English major and study creative writing. That lasted for half a semester. I got kicked out of the program because I wouldn't analyze poetry and I looked at Shakespeare plays as a theater person, not an English major snob. (It also didn't help that I did all of this in the class that was taught by the department head's wife!) 


So I moved on. Finally, I graduated with my degree in playwriting. I know, it's been oh so useful in my life...but it has helped in certain occasions. I wrote plays for my after school program kids. I wrote plays for other kids. I have been the editor for three books. And here's what all of this comes down to:


I love to write!


I do! I love it. I can express myself so much better in writing. All of the witty things in my brain can come out and they don't sound as crazy on paper as they would of I were to say them out loud. (Except for the jaw stabbing thing. I do admit that it's going a bit to far. Don't worry, after tomorrow I will no longer work with this person. Praise the baby Jesus for that one!)


I think this is why I enjoy blogging. Because there isn't a certain format I have to stick to. I don't have to follow the inverted pyramid or the MLM. I don't have to regurgitate a bunch of stuff that my professor's expected me to do. This is me. It may not always be pretty, and it definitely isn't proper, but it's who I am. It's how I feel and think about life. And even if no one were to read this (I am VERY grateful that you do!) I know that I am releasing my thoughts into the universe of the world wide web and allowing the juices to flow. I am being true to myself and not letting anyone tell me that having feelings and emoting makes me weak. Because it doesn't. I believe that what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.  And gosh dang it, if the past few years haven't killed me, then a little jaw stabbing action won't either. Nor does it show that I am weak.


It merely shows that I am human. And in the end, isn't that what this life is about?

A time to heal

(Wendi and my uncle Scott at our wedding)

So it's time for me to say a few things and to get some things 

off my chest. Here goes...

On March 17th, we found out that 

my uncle, Scott W. Johnson, had passed away.

As the day went on, we found out more of the details.

All signs point to the fact that he took his own life.

Police were called, a detective was assigned to the case.

He was found, dead and alone.

We don't know exactly when all the events leading to this took place, 

but it was determined that it was that day.

March 17th is already a hard day for my family.

Five years before, my grandfather, 

Lyle W. Johnson, also passed away.

He had been ill and mt grandmother had cared for him on her own.

He received better care from her

then he ever would have at a nursing home.

After several strokes, heart attacks and dealing with diabetes,

he was left helpless.

The night before he passed away, 

my grandmother had told the Lord 

that she had made peace and was ready to let him go home.

The next morning, on their way to the hospital for a treatment for his leg,

he fell asleep in the passenger side of the car.

He had gone home.

As the family gathered for his funeral, there was a sense of sadness,

but also a sense of peace.

He was no longer suffering.

He had moved on 

and was now able to do the work that he loved doing in life.

He was going to teach the gospel to those 

that had not heard it on this earth.

It was a peaceful farewell.

Ever since then, 

there have been moments where I have felt him very near to me.

He was at our wedding, just as he had promised me he would be 

at another wedding ten years before. 

When I was in the prep room for my gallbladder surgery,

he and my other grandfather, John Mike Gates,

were right beside me the whole time. 

I could feel them watching over me.

In a moment were I was alone, 

without my husband and my parents,

they were there to comfort me 

and assure me of their eternal love for me.

Families are forever.

After I had heard that my uncle had passed,

my heart began to hurt.

I had no idea that he was hurting as much as he was.

We had heard things here and there,

but he had become withdrawn from the family.

Even at this moment, 

I realized that I have not allowed myself to fully mourn.

I have great memories of my uncle.

He was always smiling and laughing.

He had the best sense of humor.

He had the biggest heart of anyone I know.

He hid his pain from us.

The last thing he wanted 

was for someone to worry about him.

He never asked for a thing

but he was the first to offer a helping hand.

My cousin, Tyler, got married two days after Scott passed away.

He and his lovely bride were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.

After the ceremony, my aunt, Tammy, was in tears.

It was an emotional time for all.

My mother asked her what was wrong.

She said that he had felt the presence of my grandfather there...

as well as the presence of my uncle.

He was at peace.

From that moment on, 

I knew that he had found the peace that he longed for.

I also knew that my grandfather was with him that night.

He was not alone.

A father would not leave his child alone in such an hour of need.

Just as our father, our Heavenly Father,

will never leave us alone in our darkest hour.

At my uncle's funeral, 

there wasn't the same sense of peace as at my grandfather's.

There was some bitterness.

Not only towards my uncle, but towards other family members.

There was a lot of finger pointing and blaming.

Even during the service, it was painfully obvious to see the family divided.

I was sitting at the piano in front of everyone.

But I was hidden behind a television.

I was playing the piano as my contribution to the services.

No one could see me.

But I saw and felt everything.

Including the presence of my uncle and my grandfather, 

standing in the back of the chapel.

They were watching, observing...

But there was a peace about them.

I'm not psychic or a "sensitive" as seen on tv.

But I am sensitive and as I have gotten older,

I have been able to understand it more.

But even though I know that he is at peace,

I still need to allow myself to mourn.

What's done is done, what's passed has passed.

No sense in blaming, pointing fingers or being angry.

The time has come to heal and look to the future,

And pray that we have learned from what has happened

in hopes that it may not happen again.

Thanks for letting me purge in a healthy way,

and not in the way of super models.

One of my favorite quotes ever is:

We write to experience life twice.

Once in the moment it occurs,

and again in the form of a memory.

(I'm pretty sure I slaughtered that quote...but you get the point.) 

PS - Ok, so this was not one of my more entertaining posts. Needless today, death is a heavy subject that is hard to not only talk about, but write about. But, there were some funny moments to the day of the funeral. As we were walking from the mortuary to the cemetery, Jeremy, Heather, Hannah and Jack found us. Once Jack was awake enough, he started to wave to us. After the grave dedication, Jeremy and company had to leave to go get their older girls from school. As I was turning to say goodbye to Jack, he kind of glared and gave me a thumbs down! His thing lately is to give a thumbs up to everything. But not at the moment! He gave his disapproval, and then waved goodbye. I still laugh just thinking about it. Also, thanks to Gary, my uncle's friend, the eulogy was NOT boring. Good times...good times. 

Oh Canada!

Well everyone, we made it. We managed to make it through another Olympics. It's hard to think that the 2010 Vancouver games just started two weeks ago, and now they are over and we have to wait until 2012 for the London games. We have had a great time watching the Olympics at my house. Every night after dinner, we turn on the games and watch them until 10:30 at night and then sometimes stay up and watch the late night stuff. Needless to say, there hasn't been much sleep the past few weeks at the Rohde house, but it was worth it.
Can you believe that it's been eight years since the games were here? That was us putting on the shows and trying to handle the chaos. My mother even learned to tap beer...on a Sunday...for Scott Hamilton! (Ok, he didn't get a beer, but whoever he was with did.) All the things that were learned and shared during that time...but I wasn't here. Nope! I was in Price doing King Lear at CEU. I missed the insanity and had to watch it all on TV on the late night rerun. But my mother had a great time and really enjoyed it, as did most of the volunteers. 
It's strange to think of all of the events that have occurred over the last eight years. Weddings, births, graduations, missions, funerals, surgeries...and we made it. By the grace of God, we made it. There have been many times where our faith in God, other people and ourselves has been tested. We have been through struggles that we never thought we would and prayed we wouldn't have to. But we made it. One step at a time, we made it. Be it by luck, karma, or by the sweet mercy of the Lord, we survived. And we came out stronger. 
I think the reason why I love to watch the Olympics is to see the human spirit try to over come adversity. We love the underdog stories of those who came from nowhere and melted our hearts. Like the poor luge athlete who died on the day of the opening ceremonies, or the strong Canadian figure skater who lost her mother out of the blue two days before competing and she took the bronze. Or the four man bobsled team that has ties to Park City. And who can forget my someday husband, Apolo Anton Ohno. I love him...and someday, he may love me too! 

(See? He's even holding my favorite beverage!)

So for now, we must bid adieu to the 21st Olympic winter games and go back to our normal, hum-drum lives...until the 2012 London games start in 18 months!  

House Cleaning = Nesting?

(My laundry room/kitchen)

My husband can be a very silly man sometimes. Today after church, and after a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap, I started doing some laundry. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that I have a washer and dryer here IN MY APARTMENT! I know that I have mentioned it before, and I will continue to mention it. After living without one for over a year, it becomes a selling point. I fell in love with this apartment the moment I saw it. And this baby was what sold me.

Anyway, I was doing some laundry to get work clothes ready for the week. The Mr asked if I was ok. I said yes and asked why. He said that I was "nesting" and it concerned him. So...discuss. House cleaning = nesting? Or just taking advantage of the amenities in my home? He's cute. I'll keep him.

Class Act

I think Conan O'brien said it best. Work hard, be kind and anything is possible. I heart you Conan!

Christmas Shoes

 I know, I know. Christmas was over almost a month ago. But some stories are good year round. And as there are many people who have asked for this, here it is. The story of the Christmas Shoes!

 About ten years ago, a Christmas song was released called "The Christmas Shoes". It's a touching song about this business man who is at the store on Christmas Eve. He is standing in line behind this little boy who is trying to buy some shoes for his mom because she is dying and needs a new pair of shoes to wear when she meets Jesus. The man in line is so touched by this moment, that he buys the shoes for the boy, who didn't have enough money. Then there is a chorus of children singing "Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my momma please. It's Christmas time and these shoes are just her size. Could you hurry sir? Daddy says there's not much time. Mom's been sick for quite some time and I know these shoes would make her smile..." blah blah blah.

Now, for those who are keeping track at home, I am not a heartless person. This is a touching song. It's based off a book by the same name and even had a Hallmark channel movies made about it. I have heard a similar story, but it's from the little boy's point a view, many years later. It is precious that a little boy wants his mom to be happy and have something respectable to wear when she passes on. I get it...

HOWEVER...

The two radio stations here in Salt Lake that become Christmas Central from the beginning of November until New Years plays this song a lot. And I mean A LOT! Ad nauseum! To the point, that about 4 years ago, my own mother said something that I never would have expected to come out of her mouth.

We were on our way to a store one November afternoon, and the Christmas Shoes song came on the radio, for about the fifth time that afternoon. I was very adamant about changing the station when my mother yelled out "Your momma don't need no shoe! She dead!" We had to pull over to the side of the road because we were laughing so hard! Why were we laughing? Well, DUH! My mother only spouts gold like that in rare times. I was laughing so hard I was crying. We were telling that story for the next year, and still laughing just as hard.

The next year came around and through a series of e-mails and conversations, my mom and I decided that we need to have a contest. We were going to present each other with some Christmas Shoes. However, there were, and still are, some strict guidelines for this. The main rule was that they were to be as ugly and gaudy as possible. Why? Well, whenever we think of Christmas Shoes, we think of cheap shoes with more bling then Mr. T could ever imagine. Think of something that your crazy great aunt would find at the Fashion Bug or TJ Maxx. So the contest was on! And ever since then, each year has gotten a little more crazy and a little more blingy.

So this year, I was pretty sure that I had won. I had spent days going to fabric and craft stores. I couldn't find gold glitter anywhere in the valley, until I found a Wal-Mart that's find of hidden away. There I found all of my supplies and spent that evening with some Mariah Carey Christmas music and a hot glue gun. So, with that said, I present my creation for Christmas Shoes 2009!

That's right, friends! There is fringe, glitter and bells! I took a nice, regular red ballet flat and transformed it into a work of art! This is something that my momma could wear to meet Jesus and these would get her into heaven! I was so proud of my work. I even received some pumpkin bread that was wrapped in some plastic and the little gold sparkley ornament. There were two. I hit the jackpot.

HOWEVER...

On Christmas morning, I opened the Christmas Shoes from my mom. And yet again...I was left speechless. I have never seen something so hideous.


We called it a tie.

Stay tuned for next year's edition of the Christmas Shoes. It is bound to be bigger and better.