Well, we're headed out of town, taking Little Bit to spend a week with Grandma and Grandpa and his wife, respectively. It's been about six months since we had a week to ourselves...I'm not sure what we will do.
Yes I do! Eat out! Watch movies! Go to Wendover and gamble! Watch a Jazz game on a weeknight! WOOOO!
(Yes, I will miss him immensely, but you've got to have couple time, folks).
Thanks Mom, Dad & Pattie!
(Coming Sunday or Monday, a picture of the most exciting development in our neighborhood, and a good story behind it!)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Bit of an Issue
NOTE: The following is not to brag (unlike some people's Christmas letters). The following is to explain why I will never be able to quit my job because in order to live in Utah, I must leave often and that costs money. Period. (Yes, Mom, I am still saving for retirement and the college fund).
I'm a big Clark W. Griswold type planner (if you see or have seen the first National Lampoon's Vacation, you'll know what I mean) of vacations, activities, etc. Maps are opened, timetables are drawn, point A to point B is painstakingly planned. I think my family is good and sick of it, but I've got that gene in me from someone (interestingly, neither of my parents is like this. Perhaps it's from an aunt who lives in Idaho who shall remain nameless? Or an uncle who lives in Southern Idaho. Not sure, but they seem like real planners too.)
At any rate, I already have the following planned for the next few months:
March - trip to Sonoma County, CA for a long weekend at Easter. Planned family activities include wine drinking (oops, that's the adult activity), the San Francisco Zoo, Jack London State Park, more wine drinking (I AM KIDDING, but definitely some wine buying) and the Sonoma Cheese Factory. Yum.
Early April - Trip to Wendover, NV (wooo!) to see Rick Springfield and hang out with my mom (she will watch Little Bit, while we're at the concert). I know, I know...humor me here, if you know who he is (for my younger cousins). If you don't, you should. I have two funny stories about Big Bit I need to post sometime, and one of them involves sort of meeting Rick Springfield years ago in Las Vegas.
Late April - Trip to Reno, Nevada to see Gin Blossoms in concert (lostinutah's favorite band of ALL time, got me through a divorce, child custody battles, moving with a 2 year old 400 miles, you name it) and hang out with Big Bit and Little Bit in a nice hotel with an indoor pool.
That's not to mention the fact we really want to go to Seattle this summer to see family and friends there, etc. and the normal family visiting that will be done.
As I said, this is not necessarily a good thing, though it will be fun...why? Because if I ever want to quit the stinkin' job, I've got to quit spending money! Argh!
I'm a big Clark W. Griswold type planner (if you see or have seen the first National Lampoon's Vacation, you'll know what I mean) of vacations, activities, etc. Maps are opened, timetables are drawn, point A to point B is painstakingly planned. I think my family is good and sick of it, but I've got that gene in me from someone (interestingly, neither of my parents is like this. Perhaps it's from an aunt who lives in Idaho who shall remain nameless? Or an uncle who lives in Southern Idaho. Not sure, but they seem like real planners too.)
At any rate, I already have the following planned for the next few months:
March - trip to Sonoma County, CA for a long weekend at Easter. Planned family activities include wine drinking (oops, that's the adult activity), the San Francisco Zoo, Jack London State Park, more wine drinking (I AM KIDDING, but definitely some wine buying) and the Sonoma Cheese Factory. Yum.
Early April - Trip to Wendover, NV (wooo!) to see Rick Springfield and hang out with my mom (she will watch Little Bit, while we're at the concert). I know, I know...humor me here, if you know who he is (for my younger cousins). If you don't, you should. I have two funny stories about Big Bit I need to post sometime, and one of them involves sort of meeting Rick Springfield years ago in Las Vegas.
Late April - Trip to Reno, Nevada to see Gin Blossoms in concert (lostinutah's favorite band of ALL time, got me through a divorce, child custody battles, moving with a 2 year old 400 miles, you name it) and hang out with Big Bit and Little Bit in a nice hotel with an indoor pool.
That's not to mention the fact we really want to go to Seattle this summer to see family and friends there, etc. and the normal family visiting that will be done.
As I said, this is not necessarily a good thing, though it will be fun...why? Because if I ever want to quit the stinkin' job, I've got to quit spending money! Argh!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
It's Pinewood Derby Time
Little Bit is in Cub Scouts (the "diversity" in his troop, him being non-LDS, it's been interesting so far) and this is our first experience with the Pinewood Derby. We're sure that, him having done most of this work on his own with supervision by Dad that he is going to get his butt kicked by the superenthusiast dads and Scouts, but he's pretty proud of it nonetheless.
Snow, Part Duex
Another beautiful day in Utah (taken on 2/13/08) - man I am just lovin' this place.
Hmph. I grew up driving in this crap but it's easier to take when you are 14 and bulletproof than when you're 41 and surrounded by a bunch of people that can't drive.
My husband got home from work at 1:30 a.m. They closed the road to where I work (as does he) and had I not gotten a Mommy sixth sense and left work at 3 p.m., Little Bit would have been on his own for most of the night, and I would have been frantic.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Packer Joke
I stole this from BeerKid at Packer Palace(www.packerpalace.com). I've seen it before but it still makes me snort.
Peyton, Tom and Brett...
God asks Peyton Manning first: 'What do you believe?' Peyton thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, 'I believe in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in giving. I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my fans.'
God can't help but see the essential goodness of Manning, and offers him a seat to his left.
Then God turns to Tom Brady and says, 'What do you believe?' Tom says, 'I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the fundamentals of life. I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose, I've always tried to be a true sportsman, both on and off the playing fields.'
God is greatly moved by Tom's sincere eloquence, and he offers him a seat to his right.
Finally, God turns to Brett Favre: 'And you, Brett, what do you believe?'
Brett replies, 'I believe you're in my seat.'
Peyton, Tom and Brett...
God asks Peyton Manning first: 'What do you believe?' Peyton thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, 'I believe in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in giving. I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my fans.'
God can't help but see the essential goodness of Manning, and offers him a seat to his left.
Then God turns to Tom Brady and says, 'What do you believe?' Tom says, 'I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the fundamentals of life. I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose, I've always tried to be a true sportsman, both on and off the playing fields.'
God is greatly moved by Tom's sincere eloquence, and he offers him a seat to his right.
Finally, God turns to Brett Favre: 'And you, Brett, what do you believe?'
Brett replies, 'I believe you're in my seat.'
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Meme
I stole this meme, as they are called, from Sideon's blog. I understand you can tag people to do this as well, but I don't know if anyone else I know will. So if you want to, knock your socks off and let me know. Remember, this is MY memory of things, so if it's not strictly accurate (those of you that really know me), don't think I'm trying to mislead!
Here goes:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Well, I was supposed to be a boy, according to legend, so when I (surprise!) wasn't, my dad had to come up with some names. According to my Mom, they were two sort of ex-girlfriends. Or something like that. According to my dad, they were just friends, neighbors or casual acquaintences. Whatever. My middle name, Renee, is also after "Don't Walk Away Renee" by the Left Bank (trivia - John Candy was their manager back in the late 60's). Although my Dad denies that now too. At any rate he used to sing it to me.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? When I realized I was old enough to be the mother of a 16 year old. February 5, 2008. Just kidding. When the Packers lost to the Giants. Bawled like a baby.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Gads no.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Peppered Turkey.
5. HAVE YOU ANY CHILDREN? Two blue eyed menaces.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? You bet I would. I'm very loyal to my friends.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Unfortunately. Especially since I moved to Utah. It's ripe for the use of sarcasm.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Darn rights! Nobody's cutting anything off this body!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Um, I'm afraid of heights. Next!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios. With a little sugar on them.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Pretty much, since I yell at the kids when they don't.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? If I'm not, I'm not telling.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Yum.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Hm. Eyes.
15. RED OR PINK? I like red, myself. My red 1998 Camaro was one of my favorite cars.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My temper to a certain extent. Perhaps it's the fact I want things to be "fair" and they aren't. An old boss of mine used to say "Okay, Don Quixote, come off your horse now".
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO DO THIS MEME? It might be interesting!
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I'll never tell.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? A taco and a glass of wine. Fine dining at its best.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My IPod. Counting Crows, to be exact - "The Rain King".
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Blue
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My 9 year old after a bath.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU SPOKE TO ON THE PHONE? My firstborn son, Big Bit.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO MADE YOU DO THIS STUPID MEME? Sure, I like myself, though I stole this from Sideon's blog.
26. WHICH SPORT DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING MOST? Pro Football, especially if the Packers are playing (and winning). NASCAR is a close 2nd. Yep, I seem to be something of a redneck, although a Jane Austen reading, art loving, fairly liberal Democrat redneck. Guess what, I'm a paradox.
27. HAIR COLOR? Auburn (not natural!) - currently in need of a pick me up.
28. EYE COLOR? Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES? Most of the time.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian, Chinese, Sushi, Steak, Seafood, Yum Yum Yum.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I pretty much won't watch any movie that doesn't have a happy ending anymore. Life's hard enough as it is.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? At a theatre? National Treasure (the new one). On TV? She's The One.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Um, I am wearing one but it's hard to describe.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Currently I have about 2 feet of snow in my front yard. I currently hate winter. And yes, I do ski.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake.
39. WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU READING NOW? Just finished three - Pattie Boyd's memoir (once married to George Harrison and Eric Clapton, respectively), a book about John Kennedy Jr. and his sister Caroline's relationship (fascinating) and Charles Schulz' biography. You may have noticed from this list I like biographies and I read fast, so it's hard to find new reading material. I tend to re-read books often.
40. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? At work - the Green Bay Packers. Yes, I know, it's a real problem. AT home, don't need one.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? The news - election results. Of course Mitt Romney won in Utah (surprise) for the Rs. I'm for Obama myself (shhh, don't tell my Mom, well, then again she probably wouldn't be surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised. Oh heck, now she knows. Too late.) I actually donated to a politician (Obama) for the first time today. Ever. That's how important I think he is. And if you disagree, fine by me...just participate in the process please!
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Steve Perry (of Journey's) voice when he hits the high notes.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Hm. Old Beatles and newer (70's & 80s) Rolling Stones. How's that for schizophrenic?
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Not sure mileage-wise but probably either Singapore or Oslo, Norway.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I'm pretty good at being a smart-ass, but I don't consider that special. As mentioned before, I do read fast, I guess that's one.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? I'd like to say somewhere exotic, but then again I do take pride in being a 4th generation Idahoan. Twin Falls, that is.
Here goes:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Well, I was supposed to be a boy, according to legend, so when I (surprise!) wasn't, my dad had to come up with some names. According to my Mom, they were two sort of ex-girlfriends. Or something like that. According to my dad, they were just friends, neighbors or casual acquaintences. Whatever. My middle name, Renee, is also after "Don't Walk Away Renee" by the Left Bank (trivia - John Candy was their manager back in the late 60's). Although my Dad denies that now too. At any rate he used to sing it to me.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? When I realized I was old enough to be the mother of a 16 year old. February 5, 2008. Just kidding. When the Packers lost to the Giants. Bawled like a baby.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Gads no.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Peppered Turkey.
5. HAVE YOU ANY CHILDREN? Two blue eyed menaces.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? You bet I would. I'm very loyal to my friends.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Unfortunately. Especially since I moved to Utah. It's ripe for the use of sarcasm.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Darn rights! Nobody's cutting anything off this body!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Um, I'm afraid of heights. Next!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios. With a little sugar on them.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Pretty much, since I yell at the kids when they don't.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? If I'm not, I'm not telling.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Yum.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Hm. Eyes.
15. RED OR PINK? I like red, myself. My red 1998 Camaro was one of my favorite cars.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My temper to a certain extent. Perhaps it's the fact I want things to be "fair" and they aren't. An old boss of mine used to say "Okay, Don Quixote, come off your horse now".
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO DO THIS MEME? It might be interesting!
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I'll never tell.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? A taco and a glass of wine. Fine dining at its best.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My IPod. Counting Crows, to be exact - "The Rain King".
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Blue
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My 9 year old after a bath.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU SPOKE TO ON THE PHONE? My firstborn son, Big Bit.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO MADE YOU DO THIS STUPID MEME? Sure, I like myself, though I stole this from Sideon's blog.
26. WHICH SPORT DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING MOST? Pro Football, especially if the Packers are playing (and winning). NASCAR is a close 2nd. Yep, I seem to be something of a redneck, although a Jane Austen reading, art loving, fairly liberal Democrat redneck. Guess what, I'm a paradox.
27. HAIR COLOR? Auburn (not natural!) - currently in need of a pick me up.
28. EYE COLOR? Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES? Most of the time.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian, Chinese, Sushi, Steak, Seafood, Yum Yum Yum.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I pretty much won't watch any movie that doesn't have a happy ending anymore. Life's hard enough as it is.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? At a theatre? National Treasure (the new one). On TV? She's The One.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Um, I am wearing one but it's hard to describe.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Currently I have about 2 feet of snow in my front yard. I currently hate winter. And yes, I do ski.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake.
39. WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU READING NOW? Just finished three - Pattie Boyd's memoir (once married to George Harrison and Eric Clapton, respectively), a book about John Kennedy Jr. and his sister Caroline's relationship (fascinating) and Charles Schulz' biography. You may have noticed from this list I like biographies and I read fast, so it's hard to find new reading material. I tend to re-read books often.
40. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? At work - the Green Bay Packers. Yes, I know, it's a real problem. AT home, don't need one.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? The news - election results. Of course Mitt Romney won in Utah (surprise) for the Rs. I'm for Obama myself (shhh, don't tell my Mom, well, then again she probably wouldn't be surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised. Oh heck, now she knows. Too late.) I actually donated to a politician (Obama) for the first time today. Ever. That's how important I think he is. And if you disagree, fine by me...just participate in the process please!
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Steve Perry (of Journey's) voice when he hits the high notes.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Hm. Old Beatles and newer (70's & 80s) Rolling Stones. How's that for schizophrenic?
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Not sure mileage-wise but probably either Singapore or Oslo, Norway.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I'm pretty good at being a smart-ass, but I don't consider that special. As mentioned before, I do read fast, I guess that's one.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? I'd like to say somewhere exotic, but then again I do take pride in being a 4th generation Idahoan. Twin Falls, that is.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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