Random

I like the word "random". Not the formal definition, but the informal definition of the word. My favorite use of the word is to use it as an adjective. I like adjectives, Adjectives give details. They create interest. They help make a long story even longer (One of my best talents, but I digress....making this post even longer). The formal definition using the word as an adjective is, "proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason or pattern." For example, the random selection of numbers. Boring.....

Now let's look at the informal definition using "random" as an adjective. The informal definition is, "unknown, unidentified, or out of place." For example, a couple of random guys show up at the party. Can't you just hear the sarcastic tone, random guys? That just cracks me up! Why? Who knows, it just does.

And speaking of adjectives and punctuation, were we speaking of punctuation? This punctuation saves lives poster cracks me up too!

I can just hear you saying it now, "well, that was a random post."

Attitudes

About a month ago, I was asked to participate in a women's conference at church, not just attend, but present one of the classes. I said yes, because I'm not in the habit of saying "no". So here I am working on the class I will present. The topic is about having a positive attitude. I think I have a positive attitude toward life, people and most things in general, but can I teach/inspire other women to be positive? Hmmm, not sure. I've got stories, bulleted lists of positive habits and thought provoking questions written down. I've even got the cutest YouTube video to play (if I can figure out how to save it to a DVD or computer to play in the class).

Check out the video here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTgOLLmTQI0

Anywho, wish me luck, and remember:

It doesn't matter if you think your glass is half full or half empty, what really matters is that you have room in your glass for more of whatever you're drinking! (quote by me)  In my case, that would be Diet Coke. Hmmm, I think I need another one. Here's to a positive attitude!

Vacation Firsts

This summer I did two, no three, no.... Ok, let's just count how many things I did for the first time in my life while I was on vacation. Before we start counting, let me just say that going on vacation is one of my most favorite things to do.

1 - I visited Alaska.

2 - I went on a cruise.

3 - I saw a glacier, make that two glaciers.

4 - I flew on a float plane.



5 - I went whale watching.

And this isn't a first, but I must share this with you. I made a new friend on the cruise. His name is Wilson. Wilson and I had a special relationship for one week. He brought me dessert every night. He was a good friend.

Hi Wilson!

Wordless Wednesday

Just Look!

Look who I visited a couple of weekends ago.

Look what I did a couple of weekends ago.

Look what I made a couple of weekends ago.

Look, it was fun! Looking back, our weekend in Phoenix didn't last long enough. It was fun with friends and family, fun with paper, glue and scissors, fun with warm weather and fun with good restaurants and shopping. Just look!

Sunday Thoughts & Happenings

Today I gave a talk at church in Sacrament Meeting. The topic I was assigned was Exercising Faith in Building Your Testimony. I spent many hours pondering the topic and then spent several more hours studying, reading and composing my thoughts. I enjoy the process and know that I learn a lot from it. The other speaker for the meeting is a good friend of mine, and it was nice to sit on the stand with a friend. I really don't mind speaking, but I'm sure glad it's over. It was interesting that the subject of testimonies was a big part of the lessons in Sunday School and Relief Society today.

Sunday dinner was at my parent's house. My mom made a potato bar for dinner and peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. It was yummy! We've been out of strawberry jam for several weeks now, so I finally made a batch today. Robby should be happy now.

After dinner, I watched a movie, "Maybe, Definitely". A chick flick for sure, and I liked it. I then contemplated the mess I call my craft area, and prompty walked out of the room. Maybe I'll give it more attention another day.

That was my Sunday, how was yours?

Christmas and Catching Up, Sort of.....

I so wanted and planned to post several times in December. I had a bunch of days off from work during the month and thought I would have plenty of time to post. But no, as you can tell, it didn't happen. So what was I doing while not posting in the month of December? I enjoyed time with family and friends, cleaned, organized, shopped, wrapped, decorated, exercised, shoveled snow, watched some daytime TV (I like The Today Show, The Price is Right and Dr. Oz), and then probably some other things that I've forgotten because December was a couple of months ago.

The month after December is.....January! And no, I didn't post that month either. What was I doing in the month of January? Well, my job took me out of town for several days, and the rest of the month just slipped right by. I did read a good book.

And now February is almost half over, but I'm happy to report (blog) something before the month ends. February has been a busy month. I've worked many hours trying to catch up from being gone from work so much in January. I've been trying to get back to my exercise program. (Maybe more on that later, maybe). Robby and I attempted to clean up the garage. I helped plan, organize and carry out our ward's monthly Relief Society meeting, and I went to a baby shower. My mother and I went to Las Cruces to shop, visit with Tim and have lunch.

So now you're caught up. Well, sort of......

Really?

The day was November 5, 2011. It snowed here. Why is this happening so early? It's raining today and not snowing, but it's cold enough for more of the white stuff. In my opinion, rain is fine, snow is not. Thank you for listening.

Do I like NYC?

Oh yes I do! My mom and I spent four busy, fun-filled days in The Big Apple in September. This was our first time in NYC, and we both want to go back. Correction, we NEED to go back! This city is amazing. It's big, bright, loud, crowded, beautiful, diverse, interesting, fun and more.

We went to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and The Today Show, The Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, the New York City Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

We visited the Financial District where the new Freedom Tower is being built at Ground Zero. We didn't get to see the new 911 Memorial, but we did walk by Wall Street (inspite of the Occupy Wall Street protesters).

We took a cruise around Manhattan where we enjoyed an incredible view of the city, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

We walked up and then down 5th Avenue. The up 5th Avenue journey was to find the Apple Store. I was having trouble with a device and needed some help. The building has a glass elevator and glass stairs inside that take you below street level to the store. There were almost as many people in the store underground as there were above ground on the street. I hate to brag, but I will. So yes, I have been to the Apple Store in Manhattan! We went to FAO Schwarz, bought some overpriced candy and saw The Big Piano. Remember the Tom Hanks movie, Big?

We saw The Lion King. It was my first time to experience a play, and on Broadway no less. The actors were so talented and the costumes and music were beyond amazing. I was impressed. It was one of my favorite things we did while in New York.

We ate breakfast one morning at a McDonald's that was three stories tall. Now I wouldn't normally admit that I ate at McDonald's, but really people, three stories!

 We learned to navigate the subway system, buses and taxis. We visited Macy's and rode to each of the 6 or 7 floors (can't remember now) via escalators. Some of the escalators were made of wood. We ate a hot dog from a street vendor and walked through Bryant Park one night during a concert. And, I made a new friend.

Oh, and one more thing, when you visit New York City, you need to wear a pedometer. I keep wondering how many miles we walked. I will never know how many, but one thing I do know for sure, the journey was fun!

Have you ever?

Have you ever been inside a lighthouse? During a recent vacation that my mom and I took (more on that later), I got to experience the thrill of doing just that. Okay, thrill may be a bit dramatic to describe this experience, but when I think back on it, it was pretty cool! I don't have a bucket list, but if I did, climbing to the top of a lighthouse would definitely be on it.

The Cape Cod Light (also known as the Highland Light) is located in the town of Truro on Cape Cod. The lighthouse was built in 1797 and is now operated by the local historical society. The light is still used as a navigational tool by the U.S. Coast Guard.

We climbed 59 or 66 steps. I forget now, but the climb was steep!

The last few steps to the top of the light. The rope was handy.

At the top, visibility was poor due to heavy fog.

A Wall?

Has this new blogger hit a blogging wall? Is there such a thing as a blogging wall? And if so, is it what I think is happening here? Are you wondering where I've been, and why I haven't posted anything recently? I know what's wrong, and it has nothing to do with a wall.

You see, there's this little problem I have. It's something that I think will be the next big social/psychological problem/addiction. I haven't named it yet, but it has to do with people not interacting with other people because they are engaged/engrossed in playing with their iPads. I could go on about the symptoms, but let me give you an example. I saw this happen a couple of weeks ago. Four people sitting on a couch, each has an iPad, and no one is talking (except to ask another "user" how to do something on said device). I was one of the four and was having an enjoyable time. It was sad really, but oh so fun!

What should we call this social/psychological problem/addiction?

I'm 50 today, yes 50! I admit it. To celebrate five decades or a half a century, here are 50 things about me. These are in no particular order.

1. I like chocolate.
2. Fall is my favorite season of the year.
3. I have two sons and no daughters.
4. It irritates me when people don't put their shopping carts in the cart return when they are done using them.
5. I like to go out to lunch with friends.
6. I'd like to try a short haircut, but I'm only brave enough to cut it to just above my shoulders. Maybe this is my year to go short. Probably not....
7. I enjoy traveling but don't like to be in the car.
8. German Chocolate Cake is my favorite cake - made from scratch, not the kind from a box or the store bakery. I won't eat one made from a box or the store bakery.
9. Gerber Daisies and Sunflowers are my favorite flowers.
10. I covet my mother's iPad.
11. Camp is a four letter word - hate to camp!
12. I like to watch golf on TV, but don't want to play the game.
13. I like to garden.
14. Javelina and squirrel are things I've eaten.
15. I wish that I could play the piano.
16. I love to read magazines.
17. I don't like to wear coats.
18. I wish I was a better housekeeper, but don't want to try to make that wish come true.
19. I love to watch movies at home or at the theatre.
20. I've only lived in two states.
21. I can't live without the internet.
22. Jeans and t-shirts are my wardrobe of choice.
23. I like to sing, but I'm not good at it.
24. I consider myself a bossy person and can't help myself out of this trait. Maybe it's just being helpful?
25. I LOVE Diet Coke. Oh, you just don't know....
26. If you want to see me have a breakdown, just hide my chapstick.
27. Red is my favorite color.
28. I think baking is fun.
29. I know how to knit and crochet.
30. I do believe that I am too young for gray hair.
31. Mexican food is my favorite food and in particular I like tacos.
32. When I tell people that I watch Dancing with the Stars, I'm slightly embarrassed.
33. I like to shop.
34. I like papercrafting.
35. I enjoying listening to people talk about themselves, but I don't really like to talk about myself. This list was hard for me to do, but still fun.
36. I do not like country music.
37. I enjoy teaching people how to do things.
38. I'm addicted to reading blogs.
39. I enjoy people watching.
40. I don't like snow.
41. I love mountains.
42. I've always liked roller coasters or any fast, scary ride, but as I've gotten older, I've lost a little bit of my nerve to ride them.
43. I'd like to travel to Europe some day.
44. I like to give gifts.
45. I like to laugh.
46. I don't like to be cold or hot.
47. I don't like to spend money on expensive purses or sunglasses. I always go cheap on both.
48. I like sour things.
49. I've always enjoyed my birthday, even this year.
50. I love my family.

Now that I've told you 50 things about me, leave a comment and let me know if you were surprised about any of the things that I told you about me.

Tomatillos?

It was Bountiful Basket day yesterday and look what I got. There was more, but some was shared and some was already in the refrigerator. I know what to do with most of this produce, but what does one do with tomatillos? You can't see them, because they are hiding under the eggplant and behind the squash. Any ideas?

Why Mixed Reviews?

Christmas 2010

When I told people that I had started blogging, I received some mixed reviews. A few people gave me positive feedback - good for you, how fun, I'll read your blog. A few people wondered if I had lost my mind - you don't have time for a blog, really a blog? And then there was The One who wasn't interested in my new endeavor because as this person put it, "it's not about me and I'm not in it." You know who you are, this post is about you and now you are in it. You can read it now!

Does technology make you crazy?

I like technology, but I don't like to deal with the technical side of technology. I want it to work, and I don't want to know how it works. When there are problems, I don't want to fix them, and I don't want to be involved in someone else fixing them or helping me to fix them. I just want everything to work, no problems, EVER! My internet service has been giving me problems for the last few months, and even worse I haven't had service for the past three days. I have spent a total of two hours on the phone with my provider today. I unplugged, replugged, crawled on the floor, listened, talked and became a bit frustrated during those hours. My service is working for now, but my modem is still "ranging", so the technician will come to visit on Monday. Oh, I hope he doesn't expect me to help. And speaking of crawling on the floor, I think I need to sweep and dust under my computer desk before Mr. Technician comes to call.

Why am I creating a blog?

Several years ago, one of my closest friends invited me to read her blog. What? A blog? What's that? I started reading her blog and was hooked. Of course I was hooked, she was my friend, and I enjoyed reading her thoughts and seeing pictures of her cute kids. But then I started noticing links to blogs listed on her blog that she was reading. I started following those blogs, and then I started following blogs on those blogs, and so on. I've enjoyed reading and learning from those who blog. I've found a wealth of information and inspiration while reading them. I've found homemaking and gardening tips, recipes, crafting ideas, travel information and many other useful things.

So, why am I creating a blog? I'm not a writer, and I really don't have anything interesting to say. My kids are grown, so I don't have cute toddler pictures to post. I think, maybe, I'm doing it to see if I can. Will I be inspiring or clever? Probably not, but wish me luck!

The boys who are not toddlers and me.