As My World Turns

Did you put me on your List?

2012-02-04T00:28:00.000-08:00

I received some news today, that made me stop and think just that. I love this poster of the Knots Prayer. I'm very familiar with the knot family...the cannot's, the should not's, the will not's. But what about the why not's? I want to stand on my soap box and scream ITS NOT FAIR! And I had my moments or two..but what I've learned is this. Even though I feel right now that I was dealt with crappy family genetics, they are mine. Heavenly Father has led me this far and i've done just fine. But this has made me think about my list. Am I making time for scripture study..exercise..temple? Probably not as much as I should. But I can try a little harder to be a little better. I CAN do this.

One of my favorite quotes from President Hinckley- I need to remember his words...

“You are doing the best you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord;then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley

2 am Ramblings

2012-01-18T02:42:00.000-08:00

So..here I am up again. I haven't blogged in awhile. Whats been going on? New Years came and went, went to see fireworks on the strip. I been working..and I am finally taking Christmas down in my house, because my self imposed rule is: Christmas stays up until after the birthday! What if I kept the tree up year round? Think of all conversation I would get on it..I could make a valentines tree, st patricks day, easter, 4th of July. The thought of that makes me giggle. I have been discovering oils lately and loving it. I have been sketchy, but until I tried them, then I knew. Its an expensive addiction..but as I told a friend of mine, " So what if I don't buy every month, do I get kicked out of "The Club" ? Ha Ha. With being a new year, I want to make healthy changes, not new year's resolutions. I never keep to those anyway. I made it to the gym Monday, yay me. If I can only make myself go on a routine basis, thats the hard part for me. That, and I feel tired. Excuses, Excuses ;). Birthday came and went...a post on that will be coming shortly. I got to see family in Denver. It was so fun to see them, I missed them and Denver. I went back to Colorado Springs in 2008 I think, but didn't get to visit Denver. Its so pretty, lots of snow...Take Me Home Country Roads as Theresa told me, Ha. I have also discovered a new addiction, PBS'S Downtown Abbey, reminds me of BBC Pride and Prejudice. I also found that the Church is really a small world. As a friend who is preparing to move to New York, I thought of my only friend in NYC and told her maybe she would meet her (not really), and lo and behold a friend told her to meet her nephew's wife who happens to work as a nurse also...and knows me! I think I need to plan a trip to New York....:)
All for now, I know this was a super exciting read..hope I didn't put you to sleep...but it kept me awake.

December Rewind

2012-01-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, where did December run off to? Happy NewYear. Here's a recap of my month. So much to do and so little time.

Holidays mean the start of my baking..pepperoni rolls!

Next up..a little later in the month, another tradition i've started. Pumpkin Rolls!

Theresa is teaching her babysitter the fine art of pumpkin log making...:)

Ready for wrapping, we cranked out 6 or 7 of these babies! ;)

The dramatic part. Hoping as we tightly roll that our cake doesn't fall apart, LOL.

Success! Holding our "babies", :)

Next up was a dinner with friends to this place.. I always thought, someday I'll be sitting up there...

View from our window! No matter how long i've lived here..sometimes its fun to play tourist. :)

Allie and her Alison Miche Bag!

My present, LOL. I prefer journaling through my blog, but I do love Twilight.

Nighttime View.

Amazing food!

I tried to lighten us up....

Our waitress was celebrating her birthday, and I told her mine was soon too. She made me my first card! ;)

Bellagio Conservatory

Sisters!

Some more holiday goodies for the big cookie swap

Hee-Hee..water was turned off at work around 2 am..my coworker wrote this sign, LOL. Made me giggle. Also ,
a nurse wrote comfart instead of comfort, I about died laughing! ;)

Me and Crystal...New Year's Eve

Diego trying Just Dance

Becky took a swing at it...

Fun picture, except I turned Becky into lil orphan annie, LOL

And I took a crack at Just Dance, it was intense. ;)

And lastly, I was spontaneous , hit the Strip for NYE'S with 45 min to spare. But we stood on top of a parking garage. It was great!! :) December was over in a blink of an eye, but I kept up with traditions to help me through the holiday time, and visited with some friends. I ended up making 12 cookie packages, it was fun but every year I say i'm done for the year. Is it too late for the christmas cards, well my decorations are still up, so I say no. :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all, I love this song...even though its not your traditional Christmas hymn. :)I present...The Lords Prayer.

Sharing Time- Someone Else's Fairytale

2011-12-19T09:52:00.001-08:00

Someone Else's Fairytale by Emily Mah Tippetts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn't plan on reading anything but a diabetes book for work this weekend. Which I still haven't opened, LOL. But I went on Goodreads and got an invite from Emily to read her new ebook. I absolutely loved this one! So much, that I actually read in a few hours. Needless to say, my eyes hurt afterwards. Its a cute romance about a college girl at University of New Mexico who decided for fun with her friends to work in a movie as an extra for a movie starring the dreamy local heartthrob Jason Vanderholt. He then pursues her through the course of the book. Great read. Its a free read, so you can download to your pc, kindle whatever until Jan. 8. Really good!

Sharing Time- Grandma Josie's Empanadas

2011-12-13T02:52:00.000-08:00

My recipe is coming from pure memory. It is holiday time, and for some reason, I am remembering making these with my grandma. Grandma never had a written down recipe. I think few elderly people actually use a written recipe, but I do..and I need to. So...my grandma has been gone for 16 yrs, gosh it doesn't seem possible. For me, certain things I make reminds of a memory. Every Christmas or Thanksgiving my grandma always made these and her Italian Sausage bread. I have tried empanadas since my grandma has been gone, they're good but they aren't the same. And you see this is the challenge I have. I'm writing this down to test my version of this recipe. I'll follow up and let you know what I think. But what I know is her empanada is not pie like, its not really flaky, but like a sopapilla, or for those that don't know what that is, like a scone..or Indian fry bread, with the ingredients on the inside. Ready or not, here I go.

Grandma Jose's Empanadas

1/2 a pkg (1 1/2 lbs?) Hamburger, I don't know the fat content..whatever.
1/2 a pkg (same ) Ground Pork
1/2 a pkg 1(pkg should come as 1lb) Ground Veal...look near the pork or chicken
1 or 2 tbsp Cinnamon
1 or 2 tbsp Sugar
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg (As I said, not sure on these spices, I do remember the Cinnamon, I think the nutmeg and cloves would compliment it.)
1/2 c golden raisins
1/2 c shelled pinion nuts
Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt
4 to 6 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening
1 1/4 cups warm milk (approximate)
Vegetable Oil (for frying)

The recipe comes from a sopapilla recipe. I'm adapting this for the empanadas. Brown the hamburger, pork and veal with a little olive oil. When finsihed drain well on paper towels. Next, process meet mixture in food processor till nice and ground. Add back to pan and add seasonings, raisins and pinion nuts. Prepare dough.

In a large bowl, blend together the flour baking powder, and salt.

With a pastry cutter (unless you are one of those, like my teachers, who always used their hands) cut in the lard or shortening.

Add the milk all at once, and mix the dough quickly with a fork or by hand until the dough forms a mass.

Roll the dough half you have chosen on a floured board with gentle strokes. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. The more you work the dough, the tougher your sopapilla will turn out. However, to keep a sopapilla well puffed after cooking, you may want to work the dough a minute or so longer.

Cut the dough into rectangles that are about 10-inch by 5-inch. Divide the triangle into a 5-inch squares, and then cut this into a triangle. NOTE: If you find the dough beginning to dry as you work with the remainder, cover this loosely with a some plastic wrap.

Do not attempt to reform and roll the leftover dough scraps. They do not roll out well on the second try. You can cook these dough scraps along with the others, and they taste just as good.

From here, grandma would take little pieces of the dough, and work it into a small ball. Then we would roll the little ball with a floured rolling pin, until a small circle would form. I'm guessing, 3" ? I don't know. Place 1-2 tbsp of filling in middle. Fold in half and pinch sides with wet fingers. Then fry the empanada in oil for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Now that this is written down, i'm excited to try. I hope I can make it after all these years. Last time I made these I think I was 10.

Reasons that I Know.

2011-12-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

I hope that this post doesn't seem to preachy. This is for me. What I've observed this week. I KNOW that my Heavenly Father loves me. I have been very sick...and I have made it, or in the process of. I had to work sick, but even then, I was given circustances to shine when I wanted to dim. Except for decorating my house, I have bought no gifts yet..or got to particpate in any activities that go along with Christmas this week. Church parties, live nativities...none of that. And last night I was so uncomfortable I stayed up all night until 10 this morning. I slept my whole day away. Needless to say, I was climbing the walls to get out of the house and do something productive. I had a friend stop by before I started my trek, and she gave me a little "mom care". I'm going to smell like oregano tonight ;). But isn't it though when you feel sick, we all want our parents to take care of us? I've felt at times this week that no one cared if i'm sick or not. So, tonight was another reassurance, yes, you are cared for. So I went to my favorite walmart for a little late night grocery shop. And as I stroll through the aisles, this christmas carol comes along, I'm not sure of the name..but it sounded like Cannon in D. As i'm walking..I start to remember shopping trips with my mom here, and I just felt alone. As I finished getting my items, I proceeded to check out. When in line, the person ahead of me starts talking to me...I don't know how to explain this, without sounding depressed..which I guess I kind of was. But talking with the customer in line, then the check out clerk, and even the cart guy, I realised, that my Heavenly Father put people in place to talk to me. I hope that you realise the blessings in your life. It may be small stuff. But it touched my heart.

What I've been up to....

2011-12-05T01:26:00.000-08:00

This poem is from Slams of Life by J.P McEvoy illustrated by Frank White; P. F. Volland Company, Chicago, USA; 1919; p. 67.

                   THE FLU

                 by J.P McEvoy

When your back is broke and your eyes are blurred.
And your shin-bones knock and your tongue is furred,
And your tonsils squeak and your hair gets dry,
And you’re doggone sure that you’re going to die,
But you’re skeered you won’t and afraid you will,
Just drag to bed and have your chill;
And pray the Lord to see you through
For you’ve got the Flu, boy,

You’ve got the Flu.

When your toes curl up and your belt goes flat,
And you’re twice as mean as a Thomas cat,
And life is a long and dismal curse,
And your food all tastes like a hard-boiled hearse,
When your lattice aches and your head’s abuzz
And nothing is as it ever was,
Here are my sad regrets to you,
You’ve got the Flu, boy,

You’ve got the Flu.

What is it like, this Spanish Flu?
Ask me, brother, for I’ve been through,
It is by Misery out of Despair,
It pulls your teeth and curls your hair,
It thins your blood and brays your bones
And fills your craw with moans and groans,
And sometimes, maybe, you get well —
Some call it Flu — I call it hell!

Yup I had the flu. Not fun! I've slept for pretty much all weekend. And..I truly slept a whole day away. GAH! And watching a marathon of Hallmark Christmas Movies with trash can at side. Got my OnGuard on board as well as the Wheat Thins, cause its the only thing I could digest. I'm on the mend now..Now, to attack this week!

Thanksgiving and Black Friday Time :)

2011-11-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

It was a nice Thanksgiving, but busy! Grandma came over, dang. I forgot to take a picture. Next time. We ate, and ate and ate! I worked the night before, but I discovered a magical thing...

A turkey roaster! What an awesome invention! It cooked my 22 lb birdie in about 3 1/2 hours. While I slept. A huge thankyou to my friend for letting me borrow theirs. I cooked we ate, and cleaned the kitchen after..and I didn't even get to take a post Thanksgiving nap. It was madness this year, because Black Friday started up on Thanksgiving night! Its criminy I tell you! > :( We hit Target, standing on the street for about an hour before we were let in. I was already exhausted having only slept 3 hrs myself. But as the song goes We Only Just Begun...

We then went to Wal Mart...Yikes!!

Yes its crazy, but it was fun!

I got the Breaking Dawn soundtrack...which I'm in love with!! And the book Crossed, and my beloved Breaking Dawn Soundtrack . My friend got more things for the kids... and just being there in the madness is something to see. For me, it kind of kick starts me. I'm not sitting at home, i'm doing something!

Next was Target. That was nightmarish!

You had to walk the perimeter of the WHOLE STORE to wait to be called into a line. HORRIBLE. :(

And then...lastly was Best Buy. By this time its 3 am. I stayed in the store for about half hour, then went to the car to nap. Ugh. We then lastly went to breakfast at a old hangout. We all were sooo tired! We started laughing at the dumbest things, LOL.We ate at our favorite late night coffee shop to cap it off. Everything was just so backwards. Last year, we Started at 4! Very tired. I stumbled home around 530. Forgot my breakfast for my grandma, and then I crashed! Sleep is good. And pumpkin pie the next day is better. Especially when I didn't bake it, LOL.

The next day is leftovers day...and I made what I call Poor Man's Turkey soup, here's the recipe. This isn't fancy..it is what is, but it is good!

1 Turkey Neck for the stock (I also heard to use the bones...I didn't do that.)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 an onion chopped
4-6 cups water...I think more like 6. I didn't make much stock. I'm a first timer.
2 cups shredded turkey
1-2 cups veggies (i.e carrots, celery, green beans or I just used a bag of frozen mixed veggies)
Thyme
Poultry Seasoning and Pepper to taste
Noodles ( I used a box of macaroni)
Maybe a bay leaf would be good, but I didn't use that either.

I didn't cook this slow..but first I seasoned the turkey neck with salt and pepper and I minced the garlic and threw it in the pot..be careful. Garlic burns!
Next when the neck has browned I added my water and seasonings. I added my turkey and seasonings and veggies. Bring to a boil, then turn the fire down and add the veggies and macaroni. Makes a big pot!! I do think next time I will add more water, if you run short like me..add chicken stock. Yum!

Just a thought....

2011-11-23T04:33:00.000-08:00

So...I grabbed this from Google. I tried to make 1, just 1 dozen rolls for Thanksgiving. If your rolls drop with a thud..thats a bad thing right? Craptastic. Well...I guess I'm going to go buy a bag of rolls. :) I give myself credit for trying...but I wish I could bake, its always a toss up for me. I got this supposedly easy 30 minute roll recipe for Pinterest. Mine looked like this and not the pinterest pic. I knew a friend on facebook who shared she made just 4 dozen rolls. Really? I can't even crank out one batch. Whatever. Here's hoping the rest of the dinner isn't a disaster. But at least I have a nice pumpkin pie from Costco. :) I AM thankful for that! May your turkey be plump, May your potatoes & gravy have never a lump, May your pies take the prize. And may your Thanksgiving Dinner stay off your thighs!

Weekend Stuff.

2011-11-21T01:27:00.000-08:00

Latenight blogging session... begin! I didn't get to work too much this week, boohoo. Not really. I actually was kinda glad. But I did work on Thurday night and GASP!! I did not go to the premiere of Breaking Dawn, oh no!

Ha Ha. I do love the books..and the movies. Some people are critical..but not me! So I was hoping my 12 hrs would go by quickly..and I tried my hardest to stay off of Facebook. Because I didn't want to hear about how amazing the movie was. But...I was bad, and headed to the next showing as soon as I left work. As I sat in the theatre at 9am I found it so funny to see everyone eating popcorn and drinking their soda. Where's breakfast? ;) It was sooo good! Two things were missing that I wanted to see..First was when Bella and Edward told Charlie about the engagement, I would have LOVED to see that. The other minor things I wanted to see what Bella's before car would have looked like, they talked in depth in the novel. And the wedding scene was everything I was hoping for..the dress was beautiful in the back, kind of simple in the front. And the honeymoon in Isle Esme.....swoon. Kudos to the makeup department, Kristen looked absolutely horrible!! As a pregnant friend told me, it was hard to see her continue to carry the fetus, and then as she was giving birth hearing the cracking of the spine..ugh. And the drinking of the blood?! Gah! I see blood at least three times a week, and I was even a little squemish. Definetly want to see it again. Amazing!

Also this weekend I won this at a party!

So excited to use this, it smells so good!!

Can you see what I see? I must have been sick...Christmas tree and decorations are up and finished! And I even listened to Christmas music? Whoa! My usual is the day after Thanksgiving, but I decided to put them up early..crazy. Thanks Allie for helping me Saturday with my grocery expedition to Smiths and for helping me decorate...its good to have some help!

I had car problems this week...and just when I thought I was done..the battery died too. I should be good now for the next couple of months, LOL. And might I add the AAA was kinda creepy. That is all!

One of my favorite Christmas songs I heard on Sat. night.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Nov 16th.

2011-11-17T00:20:00.000-08:00

I hope that this picture stays. Its a picture of water droplets. I really like this alot. I can't sleep and I think I need to get my feelings out there today. I think sometimes this is what my blog is for. Yesterday was the 16th. It was four years ago today that my life changed. I know The Plan. Death is apart of it, and I totally get that. But sometimes, its just so hard. I wonder if there will ever be a time that I can go through a store during holiday times by myself and not tear up? The night before, I didn't work. I went over to my grandma's to help her out with something. And I went to the grocery store for a few items. While I was shopping in the produce, I see this couple. The guy or lady, not sure which..had on a Neil Diamond t-shirt. My mother and I had attended his concert twice. He definetly was her favorite. So seeing this kinda put a lump in my throat. Not to mention, the holiday things. I got in my car and while I was driving I pretty much cried all the way ..and pulled myself together before I saw my grandma. I think its the times in the car listening to music that gets me emotional. GAH! I helped my grandma, and stayed up..and then realised my mom passed somewhere in the twelve o clock hour. I don't think I will ever forget things like that. Today, I just kept busy. I went to the cemetary, went to lunch and got my pedicure..with my friend. I'm so thankful for good friends. I didn't even shed a tear, until I got into the car again..and again I let it all out. I'm done now. Life will go on once more, but I will always have a day like today's and I know I am not the only one. One of my favorite songs I will leave with you.

Sorry if i'm down...i'm sponsored by Kleenex today. :(

Found this quote on Pinterest. But I couldn't pin..but I can copy and paste!

Time Out-Saturday

2011-11-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

After staying up late on a whole three hours of sleep, oh my, Saturday note taking was not so good! But here's what I got out of my notes and of course my pictures.

Mariama Kallon- She shared her story about how she loved to go to school and be educated. She shared the horrific tale of how her family was murdered and she was raped. She shared about her conversion to the church, and how she began to read the Book of Mormon. She taught us the we need to forgive, because in forgiving others for whatever wrong was done, it will make us free. She was a recipient of a hygeine kit from the Humanitarian Center. She had that and her Book of Mormon. They were her most prized posessions. Sister Kallon is such a inspirational person. I love to hear from her! She spoke at my Stake Womens Conference a couple of years ago.

Misty and Mariama

Brad Wilcox- God has a plan. When you wonder about your future, you can look back and see how God has guided you in your life. He gives opportunities to grow. He puts people in our lives that we need at that time. He knows the big picture. The miracle of the Atonement is that we all can be transformed. Brad was asked by a "born again" Christian "Have you been saved by Grace?" His response? Have you been CHANGED by grace? This more than just saying we are saved by grace, but rather learning to apply the Atonement in our lives and becoming perfected through Christ. The miracle of the Atonement is a doctrine of human development. Experiences happen in our lives and we choose to change. We don't always want trials and adversity, but we develop spiritually through these experiences. Easter egg analogy- When we dye eggs at Easter, we change the eggs as we dye them. This is a reminder that the Atonement changes us as we apply it to our lives.

Deanna Flynn, Wendy Ulrich, Mariama Kallon, Brad w/Mariama's hat and Hillary Weeks.

Deanna Flynn- Simplify our lives, declutter.
                          Your the heart of your home.
                           Strive to keep your home a place like "a heaven on earth"

    Deanna shared a story about a wayword son in junior high, and every night when the mother thought he was in his bed asleep, she whispered I love you every night. As he entered high school, he took a change. He was striving to do better. Honoring his priesthood. He even made the choice to serve a mission. When another friend had asked her for her advice, she said something, which I forgot..but anyways the son stood in the room and heard his mom and said "That wasn't it mom. Don't you remember? I waited for you everynight to hear you say you loved me. Thats what changed me." Oh, that warmed my heart!!

We then broke for lunch, and after lunch we put together the Possibility Packs for the Dove House Women's Shelter...

Dang..I really didn't need another picture, oh well. Here we are in line.

Wendy Ulrich- Key to being happy = Work on your strengths.
"I didn't call you for your weaknesses. I called your your strengths." Don't try to get motivated to exercise "Don't wait to get motivated. Do it anyway." SO TRUE!! Applies for me in areas like personal scripture reading, exercise.

Stop trying to find friends, instead develop skills of friendship.

Don't try to "feel happy" . Try to feel grateful. Write down 3 good things, and why they happened.

Hillary Weeks- She had this little clicker. Everytime she had a negative thought she would click it. She had quite a few, LOL. But then she reversed it to the positive instead of the negative. For one month, she prayed to Heavenly Father what was the most important thing to do for that day. Her to-do list was never long, one maybe two things to do for that day. One day she was prompted to write her daughter a little note. Her daughter later told her at that moment she needed to know she loved her. The video i'm sharing is the one she shared at TOFW. Its amazing!

Peggy, Penny, Misty and Amanda!

Lastly..a little Time Out Swag!
So..what did I learn for me from all of this? I need to try a little harder to be a little better. :) I honestly love to read, but I admit scripture reading for me has been a challenge. But what I can say is this if I can spend time on Facebook, Pinterest, blogging...etc, etc. Why can't I read my scriptures, if not for a little bit. So far this week i've been striving for 10 minutes. And its been really good. I'm super proud. I have heard when we pray for certain things, that heavenly father may answer us back through reading the scriptures. I need to keep this up. :)

Time Out- Friday

2011-11-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Its that time...

Sometimes you just need a time out.

Penny, Misty and Amanda..great ladies!

Friday was a long day. I worked on thursday night..not so much sleep. The amazing thing was that I did stay awake. Imagine that. It was so good. I wish evey weekend could be a Time Out!
The theme this year was Choose to Become- "All things are possible to him that believeth." MARK 9:23

My thoughts from Friday's session-

Jason Wright (Author of Wednesday Letters, Remember Charles, Christmas Jars)- Jason's father had passed away when he was 16 yrs old, something I can relate to. He shared some lessons from his Dad. Living your life with small moments of service everyday. Living your life "with eyes wide open". Billboard moments- also known as life defining moments, being in the right place at the right time. Jason had shared some experiences with his dad where he acted on the spirit. Whether it be helping a couple who was having a fight at the side of the road or the random stranger in his path..he had his eyes wide opened. Jason also shared a personal experience earlier this year while he was on a book tour a husband approached just as he was finishing the evening and had asked him to visit his wife who was in the hospital. And at the time, Jason had said he was really tired and he couldn't make it at this time. Something told him (the Spirit) told him to check on this woman and found out that she took a turn for the worst and passed. He was filled with regret and that was another example of being in the right place at the right time.

Heidi Swinston- ( Author of President Monson's Biography and Trail of Hope)
Becoming better- You can handle your obstacles, no matter what is thrown your way, when the Lord is with you.

D&C 84:88 " And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

The more we become like him, the more he is Right There!

"Be of Good Cheer and Do Not Fear, for I the Lord am with you and will stand by You." (love this)

We are the angels that will influence someone else's life.

Sister Swinston talked about how personable President Monson was..when she was overwhelmed and tired while writing the biography, he curled his index finger like to say come here, and had her come in the office to ask how she was REALLY doing. I just love President Monson.

We heard from Jenni Oaks Baker also tonight, here's a clip , she's amazing.

We wrapped up the evening...and we (ME!) Was starving..hehee! So we went here for our afterparty.

And it wouldn't be a Time Out..if I didn't get sucked back at the Deseret Book products, right?

But look what I got.

Excellent!

But wait..there's more!

GAH!!!! :) Sister Swinston had some copies signed.

Sweet November

2011-11-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

I am trying to be positive in my post. Here are some pics off of my phone, I will explain as I go along. Thanks for visiting, wherever you come from and whoever you are...

First I'm playing with my iphone. Isn't this house cool? I love when people go out of control with the decorations. :)

I love this picture. I like to call it Pumpkin in Labor..I take no credit, I only took a picture off of my friends camera, because I couldn't figure out that darn Facebook. But..it is funny! Instagram is awesome.

And I gladly laugh at myself. Check this out...this was my first try at making a desert for relief society on Thurs night. Its called Pumpkin Dump Cake. House smelled great. Cake did not however. Something looked wrong, then I figured out what was missing, the melted butter! Yikes. :P

Wednesday I threw a baby boy shower...he says he didn't know. But thats a fib. :)

The conspiritors. ;)

Hospital pumpkin decorating humor...dead on arrival?

Thursday was Relief Society..and I was so excited to go. I got to listen to one of my favorite people Ginger Ewell. I felt so uplifted from my November blues..I have a gameplan. One of the things she said is to be a 100 percenter, go to church every Sunday, pray often , read your scriptures daily , atttend the temple,..something I really need to work on. An aha I heard at rs was when a sister had said when we pray for certain things and within the scriptures are our answers. I loved that. She also mentioned this picture, if this goes away it was a quotography and it says If this isn't your castle...you aren't my prince. Inspiring! As for the dessert..not touched. I kinda flubbed. Oh well.

As I was trying to fight my blues..earlier in the week, I had a thought. Get your hair done! I remember my mom saying this to me often, I was a regular highlighter, and sometimes I went often sometimes I was neglectful to myself. But I always feel so much better. Thanks Melinda...:)

Another thing I did was sometimg of a tradition for me now....I hit the craftshow. I do this every year.
The weird thing is this brings me comfort believe it or not. And I will tell you why.

This is Dee. She's extremly talented and makes really cute overalls, dresses, jackets. Something I've never shared before, and I think I should. Here goes. My passed away in November, her death for me was unexpected. I had infact came to this very craft show with her for my first time. I dragged her, but she loved it. Second year she couldn't come and I had cell phone in hand, and she was telling me her order for what she wanted. Soup in particular. But I had found Dee's designs..and I found this royal blue jacket for my mom. I had picked it out and it needed alterations..so Dee was going to fix it for me and mail it. I was keeping it as a surprise for my mom, I can't remember now but I think I told her I bought her a jacket but she would have to wait to see it. She passed away two weeks later. Two weeks later after she was buried, my package arrived. I was so heartbroken. But..I did wear it around and it did give me comfort. I'm missing it right now, but, it was this memory that always leads me back to visit the craft festival. Its something for me..my therapy. And my friend Lilly was with me..its always good to have girlfriends. :)

This is my friend Jessica, Lilly' s sister. We are two days apart. I'm younger. I still think we were cribmates at Sunrise. :)

Recap.

2011-10-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

So, I totally cannot sleep right now, so here I am blogging tonight. Well, this week has certainly been better than last week..despite some setbacks. First, last Friday went with grandma to the movies at Suncoast to see the Joseph Smith movie. On our way inside, there is a long walkway. So long in fact, they have a people mover thingy. Grandma gets on just fine, with her walker. I'm behind her and behind me is another elderly gentleman who has walker in tow and is leaning over it. We approach the end and Grandma can't push the walker off! She starts to fall backwards on to me, and I grab her. Nursing skills into action and I turn and pivot to keep both of us up. I miraculously get us off and some how lift the walker off and keep us from falling down. Unfortunately I twisted and injured my back. The rest of the weekend I was flat on my back and popping motrin 800 every 8 hrs. Monday came, and I made myself go to my gym and sit in the hot tub, later that day chiropractor saved me. Felt so much better..and even better, I got cancelled. Hooray! But I even made it back later that night and started to walk again. Clocked my mile! And on Wednesday too. :)

The last few months I have had a love/hate relationship with exercise. My thing has been, I've felt so tired. I don't honestly know what propelled me monday to go back in, but I know that I pay every month no matter if I go or not...so I decided to hop back in. And the walls didn't fall down! Ha Ha.
I read a blog, that is promoting healthy choices, and its like a competition with others. Sounds like a good thing..but I'm going to try to be honest with myself and try it for me. So gym time was 2 times out of a possible 3 I should do. But, look at it this way...

YES!!!

So, in that respect i'm pretty proud of me this week. Now another part of the challenge was the spiritual side. I did finish a good motivational book.

Sometimes, I need a good motivational read. This is a good one. In preparing for a talk for Time Out For Women, Brother Wilcox looked up faith, hope and charity in the Bible dictionary. He found refrences for faith and charity..but no hope. How fitting...in order to have hope we need to find it. Throughout this small book there are refrences from the scriptures he teaches that in finding hope we have look beyond obstacles and move forward with faith, and looking back at past experiences that may have prepared us for future challenges, and looking at the times when the Savior has walked with us. I could definetly identify with some of the stories in this book. So...this is my check for the spiritual this week, not to mention my sisters were visited. And even at work, it was a way better week than last. No wishing for stepping on Legos. ;)

As October is coming to a close, I'm kinda not looking forward to November. Its just sometimes so hard. But I will carry on and record my progress, feelings etc. Its good therapy, and cheaper than a therapist. Last reminder for me....and for you.

I hope you step on a Lego.

2011-10-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

I discovered this picture on a site called Pinterest. I just love that site. And this week, I totally love this pic. I've felt like saying this phrase this week. Only if I could! One of the cool things I love about blogging, I can say anything I want, within reason. So...let me tell you about my week. One of things I love about my profession of nursing, I know that I make a difference to someone everyday. It really is rewarding. However. I felt like on Monday I was pushed under the bus, so to speak. My charge rn that night, who was filling in for a sick coworker..she makes the assignments in blocks. And, she knew the first thing coming on shift..first we had no rooms availabe. Well, we are under construction..and we were full! That just doesn't happen for a monday. Weird. I don't think it was a full moon? Oh well. So she had direction that the two NICU mom's should be moved to another floor, to anticipate the mom's that were currently laboring...so we would have rooms. So when she made the assignment, guess who had the two fresh c/s mom's that needed to be transferred? Me. I actually had 3 fresh surgeries. So, through the course of the night..I had to make four phone calls to different doctors, call the floor and make arrangements to move these people and not to mention...making sure all my patient's are happy and well. I just ran, ran ran...what's the phrase? Keep Calm and Carry On. That was my mantra for this evening. There was nothing I could do...I just went along with whatever came my way.

I had heard from one of my coworkers, who is Korean...This is the worst day ever! And it felt that way at first for me. I was thinking...this is not fair. But who am I to speak up? I really wish I could get nasty and stand up sometimes. Sometimes I have done it, with repercussions. But I didn't want to get in trouble of course, and I was only halfway done with my shift. I got both of the NICU mothers transferred before midnight..and when I got back, having gotten rid of two patients..that made it convienent for me of course to pick up a brand new c-section right? The charge's response was oh...I'm sorry, but I have a section too. And I just looked at her and with a question in my voice said REALLY? But again what could I do? I was just praying I could get through this night..and I had a funeral to attend that morning. When I got the assignment..the patient was already in the room, and the labor and delivery nurse, see's the look on my face and says "What?" I had her for two hours. And i'm thinking, you could AT LEAST gave me fifteen minutes to compose myself. I thought this was pure utterly just CRAP!!

There is a silver lining to this story. The patient's that I had were so understanding, and I heard about their problems with dayshift, and I tried to listen and understand. I was just fine with them. I turned a bad situation or horrible situation and I tried to make it as positive as I could. I got compliments that night. And it made me feel like I did make a difference. On a day, where so many things were thrown my way, things that weren't fair in my eyes and I was able to have an ok day. At the end of this day, the other two nurses, who never got a new admit or have nearly the problems that I did. Gave their happy report and skipped out. Meanwhile once they left....I said OK. This is what really happened. Everyone could see that it was so completly unfair.

But as I reviewed this week, I've realised within myself that I AM a good nurse. I CAN handle what is thrown my way. I don't always believe in karma, but the nurses that happpily skipped out of there..had some problems the following days...it wasn't all sunshine. This is a reminder to me : You Can Do Anything!! You took a impossibly bad situation, and turned it around. Rejoice and Be Proud!! :)

That is all. As for the title of this post...well that goes out to my charge. ;)

Sunday

2011-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

You know, I feel kinda bad that I didn't take more pictures...especially of some of my favorite Utahans..but alas, it is what it is. I visited with Cher and Brooke for about an hour while I donated blood, which I am proud to say I donated in less than five minutes..one pint! Needless to say I was a little dizzy. Saturday was pretty much IKEA day. It is like going through Disneyland, minus the rides. :) I am now numbered among the lucky people that have had their IKEA experience, it was fun!

Sunday is the sabath..and I decided to attend a taping of this program

I love listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Woohoo...made it inside!!! :)

And now, I share with you some of the word

"We can’t travel very far on life’s highways without encountering detours. In fact, we should expect them. We will enjoy the journey of life so much more when we are willing to change.

Being stubborn and inflexible can damage relationships, limit our prospects, and stifle growth and development. Of course, some things are nonnegotiable. In matters of character, integrity, kindness, and compassion, we should be fixed and steadfast. But in the details of our goals, ambitions, and plans, we must be flexible. "- Music and the Spoken Word

Some words that I needed to hear.

Next it was time to see attend this little guy's blessing...

Is that not the cutest family? And the blessing outfit is Adam's!

All dressed up...and no place to go. :)

I just love holding new babies!

It was a whirlwind trip. I did some service, saw some friends...and had some great conversations that helped me to realise to let things go. I have some great friends. Thanks for helping me to realize my potential. Until we meet again!

She let herself go...

2011-10-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

I did a first I think. I'm on my first trip by myself! To visit friends and to just get away from everything and just relax by myself. I think it is very needed. To Salt Lake I went. To see some old friends, to partake in the blessings of attending the temple and just to be in one of my favorite places. Some would think it would be lonely to travel on your own...sometimes I would agree. But sometimes you need time by yourself to think and reflect. So with that in mind....

What does one do in Salt Lake City?

You get to hang in Temple Square...

Another with water....

And a reflection in water...I like this alot.

Taking time to notice flowers.... :)

Conference Center...I parked in the monstrosity of a parking garage!

I got to spend time with Adam and Stephanie...and I got to go to the temple. I love going, I feel so peaceful. I can let my problems go and its ok. After we went here for lunch...

Lion House Pantry, and yes it is in a real house!

I was sooo excited!! I got to go inside the headquarters, but not too far.

Afterwards, I went to a blood drive, for a very cute little boy...and got to see some friends that I haven't seen in AGES. I'm so glad that I was able to help donate...the phlebotomist was a former paramedic and he was right on. I'm so glad, cuz i'm a challenge. After I visited, donated...got a bit dizzy, regretted not taking pictures....after all that I was given a coupon for a Utah treat...

It was really good, loved the lemonade. Now I know what i've been missing.
Next I returned to my room and finished my book which was fantastic. :)

Next day is Saturday....IKEA day!!! :)

IKEA is an experience. I had no idea what I was in for. I've heard about this place forever. Its a humongous home furnishing store, with a few extra goodies. IKEA is from Sweden. There were so many great ideas for different rooms in your house. And for the big items, you get a ticket and at the end pick it up. That kind of reminded me of Service Merchandise. The differenence is its alot more affordable because you are assembling alot of the furniture yourself. They had this ridiculous freight elevator so several carts can fit to go upstairs. And upstairs was a cafeteria of all things. We ate lunch there, and the swedish meatballs and lingonberry juice was incredible...and lastly, my treasure I found at IKEA....

A wok for $5 ?!! You know i'm proud...they had a kitchen gadget section my mom would have loved.

I love this picture....

2011-10-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

I think this would be my Dad's words for me...my Mom's too.

What I Want For You: A boy who would move the hair away from your eyes. Hold your hand in line at the mall and make all the girls jealous. Someone who would sing to you at random moments. A boy who would get mad at someone if they called you ugly or was mean to you. Someone who would let you gossip to him and would just smile and agree with everything you said. He would throw stuffed animals at you when you acted dumb and then kiss you a million times. He would take you to the park and put his hands around your waist and give you a big bear hug. He would tell all his friends about you and smile when he did it. You'd argue about silly things and then make up. Someone who would tell you you're beautiful but not too often. Who would make you laugh like no one else could. But mostly, I want someone who would be you best friend and would never break your heart .

Don't you just love this?

Just for Fun...

2011-10-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

Truths For Mature Humans

1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.
13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? **** it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
20. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.
21. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.
24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
25. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?
26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?
29. There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.
31. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet my *** everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

A Visiting Teaching Tale

2011-09-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, went to the Relief Society Broadcast and witnessed a miracle. I arrived about 10 minutes late to find Sister O. at the door, who tells me we have a problem. I say "bill didn't get paid". She said she wished it was that simple, the cable to the chapels satellite feed had been cut. They receive the broadcast by satellite transmission. So the sisters were inside praying for a miracle. I found my seat, and we started singing hymns, then, a bishop from another ward just happened to stop by. No one had called him, and he was going to go to the chapel with his laptop to tap into the internet at the church. They had hooked up his laptop to the projector, so that we could see this broadcast. We were meant to see it. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk of the Forget Me Nots. He reminded me that Lord is mindful of each and everyone of us. Married or single, young or old. After, we had a lovely dinner prepared by the Relief Society, I got to sit with my friends from the Willow Springs Ward. Fun to visit with them. Then, I made a plate to go visit a sister that I hadn't got the chance to meet yet. Since my blog is public, the only thing I will say is that she shares the same last name as mine. I went to see RaNae my VT companion, to retrieve the book I need to pass around. A Heart Like His. Anyway, we visited for a little bit and she offered to come with me to visit the sister...Here's how it comes, its funny.

*knock knock*

Who I thought was our visitee: "Who's there?"

Me and RaNae, who has been here a few times: "Its us!"

Lady behind door: "Who's Us?"

Me : "Your cousin!"

The lady opens the door and much to my surprise, out comes a Filipino lady...who is clearly not Donna, LOL. I burst out laughing. Dona told me three houses from the corner, but it was wrong. So we met the neighbor first. I was laughing so much. I might be the poster child for how not to do Visting Teaching, but we do have fun!

"Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love." ~ President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Forget Me Not.

The Spirit of Quilting

2011-09-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by quilting. As a teen I had made my first tie quilt with my grandmother and I still have to this day. I think quilts tell a story. My story about my second quilt takes place a few years ago. You see, my Dad had passed away when I was 19 yrs old. I was living at home when he died, having only completed my first semester of college. When he had passed away it took a long time to go through his things. One thing a cousin had told me was when her mother had died she had wished she hadn't gotten rid of her clothes so soon. She regretted it. With that it mind, I saved two bags of my dads clothes and put them away in the closet. Meanwhile life went on, I went into the healthcare profession, made new friends and continued to think about my dad's clothes. I had made friends at the Institute, and one of my friend's moms was an amazing sewer, she just loved to quilt. I remember thumbing through one of the quilting mags and out popped the idIea for me! I had alot of these plaid shirts my dad wore to work everyday, my mom had bought him every christmas ,he didn't like them :) And thats the running joke in my family. But those were the shirts that I had saved, and thought would be easier to sew with.

I had the article tucked away for future keeping. A couple of yrs later, I started this project, with another friend that is an amazing person. She just had a love for making things. Not that me or my mom didn't, but the crafty, homemaking, seamstress extordinarre was not a gift bestowed to me..I'm working little by little. We had a picture collage that hung in the family room that my dad had made, and it broke several years ago. He cut pictures into all kinds of funky shapes and stuck it in the big frame. It looked nice, but when the frame had broke, an idea had been planted. I worked with my friend Joyce on this memorial quilt. Now, more times than I can remember we just had fun and chit chatted. It was so fun to get to know her. But again life happened, her kids were getting married, and I had just got into nursing school. So a project that shouldn't have taken so long was taking I think 2-3 yrs...we weren't on a schedule. She gave me this really neat idea of taking photos and scanning it to the computer, and then printing the pictures on fabric that goes in the printer. What a crazy concept? But, as I started to cut my Dad's shirts into squares, and assemble the pictures, I was so excited to see the finished product. We used a background of blue, because this was a gift to my mom to hang in her home...but little did I know.

The inside are the pictures printed on the fabric, interspersed with denim. Then the outer squares are my dad's work shirts with the white. What ended up happening was we had gotten the squares sewn together, then my mom had gotten sick, and later passed away. My wonderful friend Joyce, helped me to finally finish this. Sadly my mom never got to see my finished product, but it was displayed at her funeral. As I had said earlier, it was a gift. But you know,it was very comforting to me to have this displayed in my home. A quilt is there to give you physical comfort, something that you can curl up in perhaps. But this spiritually comforted me in the months and years following my mothers passing. Its a memorial to my family and I love that. That is the spirit of quilting.

Girl's Weekend.

2011-09-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

September 7th is my friend Alison's birthday. Its also my mom's...she would have been 70. Also my mom and dad's anniversary is on September 11th. So, its not a surprise that September is a hard month. But I wanted to go celebrate my mom and my friend Alison...so road trip it is!

Another trip through the St. George Gorge. I always love this part of my drive, but not at night.

Mom would approve!!

Our acccomodations at Seven Wives Inn. My first B&B. Its over a 100 yrs old. So cute.

I chose Seven Wives because it is a place I have always seen and wanted to stay at. Its across the street from Brigham Young's Winter Home and around the corner from the house where my mom grew up! It was really a neat place. Its pricey, so only one night spent here, but if you have four..its affordable.

We stayed in the President's House.

Add caption

I went exploring to the other rm upstairs, we were alone at firsr, LOL.

Living rm/Bedroom #1...also check my Miche! My other purse broke :(

Bedroom 2, the bed was so high, you might need a stepladder!

We got here nice and early...it started with I forgot to buy tickets to the show..we gotta have faith!

We killed some time taking pictures in the rain.....

I can't believe that I spaced the tickets? We went trying to see the show Little Mermaid..so we got some sandwiches from Great Harvest..and had a little picnic in the car..meanwhile the rains came down...

Peek a Boo!

Here's Allison....sideways!

Here is Lilly and Joeleene..right after this photo, Lilly fell two steps..Oh my gosh!

After some, ice, tlc, and DoTerra Melalucca oil..thanks to Dr. Allie...we waited. She fell pretty hard,

but she was ok. After a few hours, a miracle happened. Right as the show started, I got the opportunity to get some really good house seats from the manager.

Little Mermaid...here we come!! :D

Under the Sea...there was always water on the stage, and the danceres were on rollerblades!!

I was so wowed by this water curtain! Made especially for the Little Mermaid production.

The show was so amazingly good. I saw Tarzan last year, and this topped it for me. Oh, how I love Tuachan!!

Late night stop at Smiths for goodies..ahem, pickle chips!

Here is Joeleene with her selection..gotta have junk food! :)

It was almost 1100 and there were people just hanging out at the Smith's parking lot...its an exciting time there, LOL. Me and Lilly got the guest sofa..so bedtime came not so quickly, and I had some allergy issues going on... it was fun though!

I can't get rid of this picture..oh well.

Good morning!

Cheers!

Me and our lovely innkeeper...and homeade granola.

Backyard, where they grow their own ingrdients. and....

Grow the chickens.....:) Thank You Seven Wives Staff...we had a fabulous time!!

This is my mom's house.....

Next stop...Brigham's house.

I love it! Half canapy bed.

With Sister Johnson...who comes from Boise Idaho!

We stopped at Deseret Book...saw the temple in the distance, and some polygamists inside the store.

With a stop at the Frostop....

Zion's National Park....with some crazy rain along the way.

Going in the first time, leads to Kanab....

I think this was a goat, but we also saw a deer, couldn't drive and snap!

And lastly...as we left Zion, I was totally lost. Because I have never been to Kanab. So I stopped for gas and asked for directions, they told me to either go back through the park or drive around and go through Colorado City. WHAAAT??!!! We locked our doors and zipped through as fast as I could go. *No Mormons were harmed....or married.* ;)

September 11th.

2011-09-11T23:41:00.001-07:00

I remember what I was doing this day in 2001. I was just waking up to get ready to go to UNLV. My Mom had came into my room to tell me to turn on the news. It was around 550 am . I was looking at the news and they were reporting a fire at the World Trade Center. I saw people that were waving out of the upper windows for rescue. I remember feeling horrible and that this isn't real. I was remebering when I was 16 and was lucky enough to take a tour of World Trade Center and getting to stand on top of the roof where the antennas where. I sat there glued to the television and thinking this is out of a movie. Then as I heard commentaries I saw the unthinkable...

I was thinking..'OH NO!' My heart just sank. I rememebered that day that me and my mom were sharing my car, because hers was under repairs. She had dropped me off at the Institute..and I was in Brother Rowberry's class. Brother Rowberry was a Chaplain for the Air Force. And it was such comfort for all of my classmates to sing patriotic songs, and to talk about what was going on this day. It was like the world had stopped. And it truly did. Strangers were friendly. I remember there was alot of chatter on the campus about what was going to be hit next, because by then, the Pentagon had been hit and so had another plane gone down in a field in Pensylvannia. We felt like we were being under attack. UNLV rumors were flying, we heard...they were planning to attack the Stratosphere, and the strip because this is the city of sin.

Something else that was really odd before the attacks and during was in my World Literature Class. The week before we had started reading this...

The Quran

The terrorists were muslim. And the Quran was the scriptures for the Muslim people. There were alot of prejudices during this time towards Muslim people, but I respected Muslims and there beliefs, and they were not responsible. It helped me to understand the muslim religion, not the attack itself. I also remember going to my Anthropologie of Aging class and I remember my professor said that this was our defining moment for our generation. And it would become a different time too.

I remember leaving campus early that day, I couldn't stand to be there. I wanted to be home. And when I got home I felt like I needed to do something other than watching replays of the Towers being hit and collapsing. So I stood in line...

At least I could do something. But for me, I was so sad. It was so healing to be standing with my neighbors and trying to do some good for someone. We felt united. During that time, for almost a week there were no aircrafts of any kind. It was very strange for the skies to be so quiet. Patriotism was everywhere. I miss that today.

But today on the anniversary of 9/11 we have images of these...

A piece of the beam from the WTC. On display at Freemont Street.

I hope someday to visit.

~September llth is also my Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary. They would have been married 40 yrs today. Happy Anniversary, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I love and miss you so much.~

Dear Mom.

2011-09-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Mom,
I wanted to write you a note. I wanted to say Happy Birthday, I can't believe you would have been 70! I miss you. The hardest part would have to be leaving work and not being able to call you and say it actually. I even miss going through the aisles at Hallmark and getting you a cute card. I really miss that. But I guess its kind of redundant to send a card to someone who isn't here. But I think its a nice idea. I am just doing things today that make me think of you....somethings that you would do. Although I played the sympathy card today, I truly didn't want to work today, however I had a lovely night last night. I even made it to Boulder City today. I know you are not there, but its nice to reflect there...its so peaceful.

I think you would approve of my weekend. We're going to have a girls trip to St.George. I made my plans with you in mind...but I loved SG every bit as much as you. I made a big mistake in my planning. I had a lot on my mind. But I just love to go up there to goof off. Not for a reason or anything, you know how we did spur of the moment trips? Kinda like that. But I am not trying to sit here in a corner and boo hoo. You got to live life and move forward, but sometimes I reflect on the should haves and what ifs. Life's been good...and sometimes its hard. I try to take it day by day.

But I will have fun with my friends and we will celebrate. I miss you and dad , there have been so many times I wanted to ask your opinons on this and that. I'm doing my best to make you both proud. I admit though, September is just rough. I don't know what the future has in store, but I know you and dad are keeping an eye on me. I will continue on :)...and I'm ok.

~ I love you and miss you much~

Someday, I will get a scanner. Until then....Graduation night at PF Chang's.

Dear Blog....

2011-08-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Its been a crazy week. A stressful week! Can I just say that?! But the week is almost over. Thank goodness. And I am so grateful to have friends that I can just spew and vent with. I will call them my double-checkers in life....like the times I wish I could talk to my Mom and Dad. I am sure glad to have these wonderful people in my corner! :) I know that i'm not given anything that I can't handle, but it doesn't always look like sunshine and roses...although sometimes I wish that it did. But isn't that what chocolate is for? Oh anyway. If any of my friends or fans :) are reading this looking for some inpiration..i'm tapped out. But I did like the last post, so go to that. I'm off tonight, i'm going to attempt those canning skillz once again...because I need to stay awake. I'm so tired. I hate having a day off in between my night schedule! It throws me off. Anyways. Off to the showers, and to my kitchen table to pit my cherries...

Livin' the goodlife. Or Provident life.

Be back to report on the success or failure of my latest adventure. Until then, TTFN. Ta Ta For Now!

Monday Inspirations...

2011-08-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning, I asked myself, "What is life all about?" I found the answer in my room...the fan said, "Be cool." The roof said, "Aim high." The window said, "See the world!" The clock said, "Every minute is precious." The mirror said, "Relect before you act." The calendar said, "Be up to date." The door said, "Push hard for your goals." The floor said, "Kneel down and pray."

~Thanks Kathy

Sugarland!!!

2011-08-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

I should be napping now. But here I am...again. My weekend was fun, but I am super pooped. I worked my usual Thurs night, no big deal. Then for some reason I couldn't sleep at all! I mean go figure. I usually have no problem. But we are having our heat wave I guess...but in Las Vegas, thats our normal. I I find it amusing they have heat warnings now, I mean where were they when I was growing up? Its called you live in the desert, you goof. Deal with it! So, I didn't go to sleep until noon..and I overslept big time, till like 730pm. I had so much to do when I got up...and it kind of went down the toilet. So..I ran to the post office, after eating my dinner after 10. And then I didn't go to sleep till 3am. I tell you, I felt so backwards....and then...got up at 730 am, again. I was waiting for banks to open, and i'm so glad mine are on satudays :). Went to breakfast..and then got my banking stuff done...then off to get Jessie up. Phew!

I was home like for an hour. Then I get a call from my grandma, who wants to stay somewhere cooler than her home which is a swamp cooler...house was hotter than haiti, I ran over a key, invited her over...she went to a church mtg. Went to a mexican store...

Seriously....a party in a store. Aye Caramba! :)

Unfortunately..when I go into these mexican stores, sometimes I land myself into trouble. I had the pleasure of holding up a line for what seemed like forever because they couldn't run a check that I wrote. My debit card had been tampered, and I was awaiting the new, so for now...checks it is. I must admit...I would much rather use my card. Don't realize how much I miss it until its gone. :(

After I loaded the groceries...I saw the skies above, and the rain smell in the air....
To Henderson. Of course! Time to pick up Joeleene. To Sugarland we go!!!

But first...back to my house to get ready, and put groceries away. And I get a call from my grandma, who tells me she fell again. I'm freaking out a little...I have somenone go look in on her cause i'm on my way out the door...she is doing ok. NOW....off to dinner, i've been waiting for this...:)

Texas de Brazil at Town Square. Do you see the windows there?

Oh dear. Joeleene, didn't get the full shot, LOL. But here I am. :) See the guy opening the door?

After we took pictures...we walked around the ENTIRE restaurant trying to find the front door. ;)

"Where's the door?" :)

I didn't know how much influence I had...because I turn around to see a big group of people following us. Hahaha! The first picture I took of the restaurant, the window was the door. I amuse easy!

Texas de Brazil is a Churrascaria. Churrascario is Portugese for grilled meat.

First go grab your grub from the salad bar...

Then when you are ready...flip your card, Green means go, Red means stop.
Stop what? You ask.....

Waiters come...one by one and keep offering you cuts of meat. I think I might go vegetarian this week, LOL. I do love steak!

My tiny diet coke. When offered refills...I asked "Do you charge per bottle?" Waiter: "yes." Me "Then I will drink water." :P

It was so good! I ate here at the reccomendation of friends that have been here multiple times. But, its pricey...it maybe a one time thing for me. But you can get coupons on their website. But come hungry!!

Next, time for the concert.....

Our seats were high in the sky high....rafters high. But it was still great!

But at least I was the top row against the wall...its a party. ;)
First up....Sarah Barrelis

I love this song.

Next up was the main act....Sugarland!! :D

I can see them now....

Our view....

It was such a good concert. Thanks Joeleene, had a great time!

Great service comes from the heart. Will you be a Johnny today?

2011-08-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

A Heart to Heart.

2011-08-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

In Relief Society, we were given the opportunity and challenge to read this book

As we do our visiting teaching each month, we are reminded to have a "Heart to Heart" moment.
This book is about taking time out to make room for God's love in your life. If you have an inspiring list, I encourage you to add this to your list.

The Experiment is this: One thing that the book stresses is not to do anything out of the ordinary in your day. I.E baking a loaf of bread, or a plate of cookies, in order to succeed in this experiment.
From the book it says this-

1. I will become more aware of the condition of my heart, and with that awareness, seek to keep it more open toward others
2. I will do this in the normal course of my life, in other words, not feel pressured to put any extra activities into my day-no extra visits, casseroles,etc.
3. I will notice the Spirit and be willing to honestly report what happened or didn't happen. In doing so, I will try to understand my personal stumbling blocks and strengths.

We were given these cute little journals to write down our thoughts...but I am just gonna post what I have noticed this first week into my experiment, having read the book...and just living my day to day. First, at work..I am in the service industry, ahem...nursing! And, the hospital is trying to improve their service excellence...in particular the HCAP scores...which are based around the customer's perception of our staff. One of the things they are having us write down on the little board in the patient's room is "We are here to listen and meet Your needs." I do my part, and with every patient I now write this down on the board. I think its a nice idea, and personally I have always strived to treat the patient how I would like to be treated, professional, caring, listening, etc. But, I think it takes more than writing down on the plastic board to carry this out. Maybe its supposed to serve as a reminder...then how about this one: Remember Who You Are. I had two patients yesterday just thanked me for all that I had done, which wasn't out of the ordinary for me, but to them it was huge. Because according to them, the day nurse that took care of them, never made the time for the little things, like passing towels out, or juice. Sometimes, in our lives we get "too busy" to notice these little things.

I went visiting teaching with my new partner, can I just say how nice it is to have a vt partner? And we visited with 2 out of the 3 sisters. I'm going to be honest...I wasn't prepared. But I went out and visited with them, asked them what they were interested in, and we just had a nice time visiting. Fast forward today, I REALLY overslept..like waking up at 6 o'clock at night to a knock at my door, which was my vt teacher, who was exceptionally ready with a lesson..and a treat, to myself, who is in my modest pj's...I told her I was usually up after 4, but not today. And I told her, if she didn't mind if i'm in my pajama's to come on in. It was a very real moment. But that was one of the heart to heart's for me today. It made me realise that our vt's are here for us, no matter if we have an immaculate home, or we just rolled out of bed. ;) I promise to be more presentable next month.

And just in my day to day...somethings I'm just trying to practice, I guess are just to observe people around me, and to realise how I come across with my patients, coworkers, friends, church family...person walking down the street. No matter where you are from , no matter what you practice, or if you don't practice anything at all...its a good experiment.

Once Upon A Time in Mexico....

2011-08-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

November, 2009

Here comes a blast from my past. In 2009, I went on a Mexican cruise. I blogged about it, except for this. While I was in Puerto Vallarta, not only did I experience a real Mexican Wal Mart...which is a dream all in itself ;). I got to swim with dolphins! I had a picture disk and everything. And I totally forgot about it. I am making it a seperate post, so that it will make it into my next blog book.

Lets Travel Back in Time....to 2009!

Goin' Dancing!

I wouldn't kiss a dolphin, or open my eyes, LOL. Say Queso!

But Lilly did!

Gabby

Today was a good day. Started by having a donkey in my lap when we got off the ship. A lovely trip to Walmart, and I was alive and well to experience it. I had caught a virus while on the boat the first few days. I could barely drag myself up out of bed. I didn't eat too much during those days. But it was one of those things that you just have to pull yourself up and just go anyway. And I am so glad I did. I never got that up close to dolphins before. They are one of my favorite sea creatures. It was such a neat experience to swim with them. I will never forget it. Mexico was so beautiful. Yes, there were places that were a little ghetto....just like here. You just drive right on through. That is all for this experience, glad to have had it.

Tales from the Kitchen....

2011-08-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

This week, I have channeled my inner Betty Crocker or is it Sara Lee? When I went to Ohio last February , I discovered something.

Pepperoni rolls...its an Ohio thing, I guess, because i've never had them before. We found them at Walmart, and they were so good! I've been on the hunt for a recipe, but waited till now to try them out. I am sometimes scared of baking, but not so much anymore. But I have a really easy recipe and I will share with you here.

First you need one loaf from this...

And of course ....

You can use either sharp or mild...I like mild.

Some oregano to taste....

And lastly, you can't get enough!

Rhodes Bake-N-Serve Frozen Dough, Pepperoni Rolls (phew, that was enough)

1 loaf Rhodes White Bread Dough, thawed and risen

1 tsp Oregano

4 oz Pepperoni, chopped

4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

Parmesan Cheese, grated

Thaw dough until soft and risen. (4-5 hrs at rm temp.)

On a floured surface, roll out dough into 12x16 rectangle. Sprinkle oregano over dough. Spread with pepperoni and cheddar cheese. Starting with long side, roll up jelly-roll style. Cut into 12 rolls. Place on a 9" x 13" pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle rolls with parmesan cheese. Cover with plastic wrap that has also been sprayed. Let rise until double in size. Remove wrap. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm.

And they were so much better than Walmart's!

Here's what happened after. The frozen dough comes in a three pack. I made these on Sunday, I had thawed the entire package on my kitchen counter , and I split it into thirds and put the remaining back in the fridge. On Tuesday, I noticed the entire bag of leftover dough had risen! Shoot, what do I do with this I wondered. It was one of those moments that I wished I could ask my mom for advice. But then I chuckled. My mom baked even less than I do. So it was kind of sad but humorous at the same time. I do love to cook, I am learning to like baking. It takes time and patience. I see blogs of friends of mine and they are so incredibly talented. And I recognize my own talents as well, but I am not nor do I wish to be a perfectionist. Its trial and error. I have succeses and failures, and its all good. So what happened to my risen dough, was there a second coming, or rising? Why yes....and the cinnamon rolls were divine. First time too...kind of guessed at it. But the dough is a miracle!

Last Day....Disneyland California.

2011-08-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Time to head to Disneyland California! They redid the entrance. It reminds of the front of the rollerskating club in the movie XANADU. If you've never heard of it, I encourage you to watch. It has Gene Kelly and Olivia Newton- John. Its great!

This is Paradise Pier...the one ride I rode the last time I was at California, was the Ferris Wheel. And we got stuck, LOL.

Over here is Ariel's Grotto. Where we are headed to dinner. Its got a beautiful view...and we get preferred seating for The Wonderful World of Color show. I am SO excited to see this!!

The new Little Mermaid attraction. Here's hoping we get to see it.

Since we didn't do Dumbo. We did this rocket ride, I forget the name. Kinda Dumboseque? Lilly was nervous abt how fast 15 mph was. And I said " Well. I at least go 30 down your street. You can do it." So we got on and spun around again, it was a breezy ride. But something happened to me when I got off...

The dinner reservation was around 630 and we got there abt 15 minutes early. I didn't think we could get back to our reservation on time if we tried to go on a ride. So we waitied inside. When I sat down inside, I swear I felt like I was on a boat...just rocking back and forth. Funny thing was, it wasn't on water, LOL. So I closed my eyes and rested till we were called, and I think I know what happened. I don't think I took my medication in our rush to get out of the rm. So I decided to take it.

The lights were jellyfish.

The meal came in three courses. One of the best meals I ever had at Disneyland. So much fun. The first plate on top was antipasto...olives, artichokes, peppers...second plate was heirloom tomatoes and pears and cheese, and a salad at the bottom. Lilly went for the salad, I was more adventerous. It was so good!

Seriously....how do they make these? Talent!

Dumbo! In white chocolate.

Dinner was an experience for all the senses. So worth it! By the time it was done, we had to go in line for the show. With the amount of people there unfortunately did leave time for alot of things to do at California...we trudged through Disneyland mostly.

My pictures didn't turn out that well. But here's one I got from the internet.

The show was amazing. It is so worth it. Just stunning. I want you to experience...so enjoy this download from Youtube. Its around ten minutes. I sat by some local people. The one girl loved it so much, she wrote her thesis around this production. Its amazing!

And we did make it to Little Mermaid after...

It was so cute. Afterward the park closed and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE headed back to Disneyland. Unfortunately so did we because I had to get our belongings out of the locker we decided to go back to the room because the bus was picking us up at 8. Early day. So I tried to leave the park through downtown disney back to where the cab pickups were and I didn't even make it pass security...meanwhile it got a little chilly and lilly was freezing! So after I pleaded with management and had to almost promise Disneyland my first unborn child I was able to wheel down through Downtown Disney back to the cabs, its about a mile I think. Anyway pleaded with Korean cab driver to let her sit in the cab. Got her in...and walked the wheelchair back to the maingate. And walked back again. I was so done. Then when I came back I saw lilly almost sitting on the curb, to find out he kicked her out of the cab because apparently I took to long? SERIOSLY?! What a jerk! Lilly was put in a minivan and apparently he wanted the fair with the larger party and told her to go, but not before asking for five dollars first. Classless. Thats all i'm going to say. We got in another cab and left. But it was a fun time for the most part!

Last Day....con't.

2011-08-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

After we listened to the Dapper Dan's...we headed back to the train. But first we stopped again.

Pictures! I wish I had a green thumb.

Peek-a-boo! Don't you love the lilacs?

Here is Lilly...the bag lady. :)

It was a beautiful day.

Oh Matterhorn, why must you be closed?! At least there was Space Mtn. :(

We hopped the train again, and we got off at New Orleans Square for a visit with the Pirates...

A classic, but one of my faves. Holy cow was this line loooong! It was midday and darn hot!! Good things come to those who wait..."Yo Ho, Yo Ho....a pirates life for me!"

While we were waiting in line, and might I add we were in the handicapp line, because I was pushing Lilly in a wheelchair we were standing by the Blue Bayou restaurant, which I think is the restaurant inside. Could be wrong, could be right. But I've got a secret....shhhhh. Here it is.

Just above here....

This is the door to the secret Club 33.

I didn't know this even existed. A friend of mine posted on her blog. So its a private dinner club with a 14 yr waiting list. In fact so many have applied or are waiting, no one can apply. Once you get accepted, you just pay the small fee of $10,000 and a yearly fee too. You may dine with celebrities, presidents...and I hear the experience is fit for a king. Is that not crazy? But the entrance is secret, inconspicuous...and its the best kept secret, until now.

Yay, I got the camera to work inside the ride...

I just love this one. Worth the wait! Traumatic for someone else. :)

Next, since we were in the neighborhood....I thought we should visit the Mansion.

So you know how you get in the elevator or room that stretches?

Someone had a little panic attack and wanted to leave as soon as the doors closed. I was trying to calm and say its ok...and I would ride anything she wanted (dumbo.) . I almost lost my patience and said
"Look, maybe you'll see my mom and dad! GET ON! As I grabbed by the shoulders...LOL. We or maybe just me enjoyed the ride, again another classic, but its not Disneyland for me if I don't go on these. I think we had some hangers on....

But their cute hitchikers.....:)

So next, I promised Lilly whatever she wanted to ride now....she suffered with not one, but two dark rides. She wanted a slow ride in the Sunshine.

So we went Cruisin! On Tom Sawyer's Riverboat.

Besties!! :)

So the last this is I think is Tom Sawyer Island...Saturday is also the day you can go canoeing. Not doing that this time. Its ok! But lovely picture....

I just love Disneyland....but its been a crazy day. I should NEVER go in August!

Who needs to go to New Orleans? LOL.

Loved this one.

We stopped for a break in Frontierland Diet Coke and Churro's during the day.

Then off again. We pause for an interruption of a parade...

TEACUPS!!! :D

Enjoy the Very Unhappy Birthday!

I've gotta say. After I spun and spun the teacup, I was SO dizzy. I notice as I get older these rides take a moment to get over, LOL. But they're still fun and I will still go!! This is the end of my Disneyland post...next up....Disneyland California. Stay Tuned!

Last day in the Magic Kingdom :(

2011-08-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

We woke up a little late, but we rushed out of our room and forgot sunglasses, cell phones. It was a little crazy at first, but we got it worked out...in my tradition, we got going whenever we felt, no schedules and no pressure, so off we went for breakfast

Good thing I studied my French.....j/k :)

Le Croc Madame...oh I think I might have just butchered that one Lol., It was yummy, and reminded me of an inside out grilled cheese with an egg on top.

We got our picture. Should have told those girls to move it? ;)

I took a few shots of these classic posters under the bridge, much to the chagrin of some old guy. ;)

Back to Mainstreet U.S.A...to the lockers!

While we were moseying down Main Street we saw the famous Dapper Dan's Barbershop Quartet. They have been around since the park opened back in 1955.

Action shot!
Here's some video...

And lastly I want to end this post with this

"I hope we never lose sight of one thing: it was all started by a mouse."
— Walt Disney Company
Tune in next time! Same time, Same Place. Same Channel?

The Help....And The Sushi Virgin.

2011-08-13T01:17:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday to me!!! My movie is finally out and i'm gonna go see it....

This movie is based from the best selling book. Its become a habit of mine to read the book first before the movie comes out so that I can compare the two. I thought this movie was excellent. They did such an awesome job. Its definetly worth seeing. The Help is a story about a single college girl who grows up in Mississippi durrin the Civil Rights era. She graduates from Ole Miss and wants to become an author, but instead is writing a housecleaning column for the local paper. On the side, she is trying to get a book deal with Harper Row in New York. The publisher encourages her to write a story based on the housekeepers of the families of Mississippi. It is seriously sooo good. You will laugh...you will cry, and you mighte even see this again. Because I will! :) I met up with some friends to see this movie, and because it was opening weekend I heard alot of feedback from people. People I like to refer to as the "book snobs". Of course, I love to read too. But I honestly don't remember anything being left out, I hope I hear some Oscar buzz next year.

After the movie, I tried a first for me....

Oh yes I did!

So what were the thoughts from the Sushi Virgin? Can I call myself that if my version of sushi was from my local Trader Joe's California Roll? Not bad. Do I absolutel love it?? Umm no, sorry. But it certainly wasn't as bad as I thought. Its all in the mind, and in fact the sushi I ate was cooked! One was even fried, don't remember the names, except for the Vegas roll. If you don't think about it and pop it in your mouth, you can do it. The textures still freak me out. But one more thing crossed off my list!! *woot-woot*

Day two continued..

2011-08-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Phew! Last time on As My World Turns, you got to read a way too long post! I admit, I got carried away with my camera. But it was fun. So, after we waited over an hour in the Finding Nemo ride, which by the way was so cute....anyway, we went here for dinner.

My Mom and I stayed here once, for one night. :)

I love this picture. In the lobby of the Disneyland Hotel, They had this huge mural. It was like this giant shadow box and had all Disney memoriabilia back to when the park opened. In the end... its all about the mouse.

Here's the restaurant.

Food was good, atmosphere was fun...and now we're heading back room

           for a little siesta, i'm beat! A little pool time... Later, we were back in the park.
         We were back in the park and stopped in the Disney Gallery.

Do you recognize this?

The exibit was a tribute to Mary Blair, who was one of the first women illustrators for Walt Disney.

Cinderella's dream team...she's my favorite. I often feel like her...pre Prince Charming. ;)
It was fun to mill around the art gallery, it makes me appreciate my old favorite even more...

I am thankful for cropping. Very much! Love this pic.

"The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed."

We did ride the train...alot. It was a good way to get around. And I love it still!

And..this here is the Lilly Belle. :) I tell you, I learn something new everyday. Didn't know she existed. You can ride her only early in the morning...its a private car.

This is the interior....OH. MY. GOSH! That is pretty much it for this day, tons of people lots of fun.

Day 02- Disneyland or Bust!

2011-08-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

After the adventure on Thursday night, it was a much deserved sleep in day. I think when you get older some things just take a presedence over anything else. And sleep was that for me today. I remember growing up and going on vacation with Mom and Dad and my dad notoriously would get us up early.."Come on, Cindy rise and shine." "Dad...I wanna sleep" "Dad: Are you gonna die in bed? We got things to do!" *groan* I never did grow out of that. I got my eight hours in and decided we needed breakfast, so off I hiked to this place...

Strawberry Waffles for me and Banana Pancakes for Lilly...yumm!

Our day starts here at Downtown Disney...as it always does.

First a stop at the Lego Store...pretty neat. :)

Look...I match! I'm a goof.

I love that this is made all out of Leggo's!

Let's not forget about Darth Vader.

Strike a Pose!

London Bridge.

Now, this is the store I must stop at...wardrobe change. :)

We made it! Let the memories begin....

After we stopped at the lockers to drop some stuff off, we roamed down Main Street USA, Back to Tomorrow Land to board this ride of my youth... they revamped it. Its awesome.

And I was so happy to see this back. This was one of my all time favorites, even though its just a movie. Michael Jackson! For those who haven't seen...check this out.

We were then off to Finding Nemo. Still in Tomorrowland.

Here's my shirt...and part of Matterhorn in the back. It was closed. Dang!

A view from the sea....

You know what? This post is way too long! Stay tuned for another episode of As My World Turns...

Quotography~Disneyland.

2011-08-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

A friend introduced me to something called quotography. This is my first attempt. I think it turned out great. The picture is actually mine from Disneyland...and I love the quote. Very true for me. More stories and pictures to come. Be warned! :)

We're going back to Cali!- Day 01.

2011-08-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

First day of our trip. We started here, fitting don't you think?

Best part we were here to board our bus...The Lux Bus!

With our lovely bus driver and bus hostess Natasha. She was a Russian and she reminded me of this lady (Cue cheesy 80's theme music)...

Our road movie was...get this, Battlefield : Los Angeles. Umm..didn't watch that. I was reading this..

Its a good summer read. Can't wait till the movie! :) And of course listening to the ipod, with the occasional nap. We stopped for dinner in the lovely Barstow Station.

We got into California around 830, I think. It was so nice not to be stressed driving down there. I always drive and usually don't mind. But its nice to kick back and relax. Thats what vacation is all about!

Our Hotel...one of the cheaper in the neighborhood.

After we checked in, the hotel manager told me that they had run out of two day park hopper tickets..which is what I bought. He gave us a three day parkhopper for no cost! WOOT-WOOT! So, off we went to walk down to Disneyland, which was a mile or so away. But we went the long way...Lilly got very tired, and we barely made it to the top of Downtown Disney, which was the resort area, Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and my personal favorite...which someday I hope to stay The Grand Californian...I begged the bellhop to let me borrow the wheelchair to at least wheel her down to the main entrance to Disneyland which was probabaly easy another mile. So I did. I got Lilly wheeled all the way down to the entrance, dropped her off, ran the wheelchair all the way back to the hotel and walked back. By this time it easily had to be past 1030 and the park closed at midnite. So I investigated how much a wheelchair was going to cost me...it was ridiculous for that night, $32 plus a $20 deposit for an hour and a half? I didn't think so. So I assisted Lilly to walk to the Main Street train station where we hopped the train to Tomorrowland, because at this point all I cared about was getting out of the park. You see, the cabs were at the top of Downtown Disney were this story began. But I felt bad for Lilly, and thought well we could at least walk inside for a little bit. So, we rode the train around the whole park, its one of my favorites, simple I know. Good memories with Mom and Dad. Anyway, so we got off, by this time it was after eleven. We finally fought our way to the Monorail..got up to the top waiting for the last monorail to leave the park, and Lilly had to go to the restroom. So we missed it. By the time we left, the park had closed. I got this neat picture. Hey I'm a nightshift worker, doesn't bother me!

Disneyland- after dark.
It was a long walk back. But Lilly did really well considering. I thought to myself whenever we get out is just what it is. We got a cab back to our room and we didn't get there till 1 am. No big deal.
That is all for day one.

Cyberspace

2011-07-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

Its true. I am going to be facebook free? Trying the FB Diet,for one week. I realized as I was on facebook this morning, after I had slept in late..that how hooked I was into cyberspace. I mean, it was only about 3 yrs ago that I finally bought my own personal laptop. Heck, I even made it through nursing school without owning one, I relied heavily on the school library and friends home pc's. But back to this morning. A cousin of mine who is on nearly as much as me said..what if I close my account, I need some real human interaction. I'm all for it. Although had it not been for fb, I wouldn't have gotten in contact with alot of my friends, and I wouldn't have gotten to get to know such nice people. It is an interaction for me, I admit it. I love connections! Not to mention, my itunes, and I discovered this...

I know, I'm a little late boarding this train...I started the 30 day free trial, I think i'm enjoying it, but
its not what I thought it was..I think I may just do the mail option...oh I don't know. We'll see, but its kinda fun having movies available with a click of a mouse, LOL. I love to watch movies when I can, and the last couple of days thats what i've been doing, besides getting caught in another freaky monsoon storm....AGAIN! I love rain.

But I think about when my mother was alive and we couldn't afford it. I was lucky to buy a dial up aol card from the store and use it. And here I am three and a half yrs later and I am at my computer almost everyday! So in a way, i'm going to test myself...and no, i'm not getting totally off of the computer. I'll check my email for the next couple of days. And there is always As My World Turns, if you want to catch up with me , you know where I'm at. But I'm going to Disneyland this week, and I am so darn excited...I can't tell you! But here's a peek...

Countdown to the Mouse-94 hrs....but who's counting? :)
Whats even better, going by bus = I don't have to drive. I get to relax.
Its gonna be a good life....

Today My Life Begins.

2011-07-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today My Life Begins Lyrics

I've been working hard so long
seems like pain has been my only friend
my fragile heart's been done so wrong
i wondered if I
I'd ever heal again

oh just like all the seasons never stay the same
all around me i can feel a change (oh)

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it's mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

yesterday has come and gone
and I've learn how to leave it where it is
and i see that i was wrong
for ever doubting i could win

oh just like all the seasons never stay the same
all around me i can feel a change (oh)

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it's mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

life's to short to have regrets

so I'm learning now to leave it in the past and try to forget
only have one life to live

so you better make the best of it

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it's mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it's mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins
today my life begins...

Can I just tell you how much I love this positive message? Here's the video...

Oatmeal? :/

2011-07-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

I hate oatmeal. I think as a baby, this probably what my mom served me every day, I don't know. I know people in colder climates, want nothing more than a piping hot bowl of wallpaper paste, (this is how I looked at it anyway.). So let me tell you what I bought at my local Costco...

What did I get myself into?!!!! AAACK! This box is a 10 lb box, heaven help me. My Grandma called me at Costco, and I was being nice and asked if she needed anything. She needed oatmeal. And I did not want to shop anymore than this. Costco is enough. So...I picked this up and thought, oh I'll just share with her. Little did I know my portion is a 5lb bag. Oh. My. Gosh. But I made a oatmeal dish, and guess what? I actually like it. But, it makes an amt for a 9x13 pan. I will be sharing... because its the right thing to do. ;)

Peach Baked Oatmeal
from Fix-It and Enjoy-It Cookbook: All-Purpose, Welcome-Home Recipes
Makes 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
½ cup oil
4 eggs
1-1½ cups sugar, depending on your taste preference
3 cups dry rolled, or quick, oatmeal, uncooked
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pint fresh, or canned, peaches, chopped (if canned, reserve liquid)
2 cups milk
1. In large mixing bowl, combine oil, eggs, and sugar. Blend together well.
2. Add dry oats, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Blend thoroughly.
3. If using fresh peaches, stir into batter, along with 2 cups water.
If using canned peaches, drain peaches, reserving juice. Add water to peach juice to make 2 cups. Add both peaches and 2 cups liquid to batter.
4. Add milk to batter.
5. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Serve warm with milk.

July 12th.

2011-07-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Memories attack, well kinda. Warning, my post is a write down of feelings. I wanted to write this down for myself, so when in the future this happens again I can read this and I can say its ok. I went shopping today, I was gathering things for a care package I was making. I went into this wig shop called Serge's. My mom had shopped there on occasion. And today, I went there looking for a knit cap for the head. My mom used to wear them at night when her head got cold. And as I was driving to Serge's I realized I was going back to the place that my Mom had spent so many years working, Spartan Health Food's. My Mom had only worked part time but she had spent alot of time there, you know? Anyway as I walked into the shop it physically looked different. But it was still hard, because I was picturing the way it used to look. And when I was browsing through the store and I saw the cute scarves on the mannequin's head..I quickly went for help when I saw the price. I knew there were cheaper things in there. As the salesclerk led me to the back of the store I saw it. The cap my mom wore. As I was picking out a couple of caps for my friends mother, it just kind of hit me all at once. The moment she had her attack, the days I spent at my mothers side...the nights I sobbed. It just kind of came over like a whoosh. And it was hard. As I was talking to the owner and the salesclerk we were talking about how both of our parents had passed away, and her dad was a frequent customer to Spartans. Looking back, everytime I would go into spartans and smell the odor coming from the store, not a bad odor, but that of vitamins and supplements and juices that my mom would make, it was familiar to me. And I guess I missed that today. And as I left and went to my car, I just cried. And I was thinking, this is so dumb. What is wrong with me? And as I talked with my dear friends today, I have come to learn, that there are and will be triggers....and crying it out is ok. Thats is all and it is enough, i'm together again.

Blah Blah.

2011-07-11T00:19:00.000-07:00

I just love Ziggy. Boy, I have done much of nothing this wknd except be lazy. It is monsoon season and had some mishaps getting caught in the rain. I love it. But as far as plans went they fizzled...I should have done laundry (doing that now..) and dishes....(tba)....and grocery shop. Ugh! Not to mention pay a few bills...and not to mention to go to the post office. And work. You know, sometimes being an adult is hard! I'll take a verse from Bruno Mars~

" Today I don't feel like doing anything. I just wanna lay in my bed. Don't wanna pick up the phone, so leave your message at the tone. ' Cause Today I swear i'm not doing anything...nothing at all (woohoo, woohoo.)"

My First Movie.

2011-07-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

My first movie. It wasn't easy to make...but it was worth it. I absolutely fell in love with this song, as well as the price $1.99 for an entire summer music cd at Deseret Book . This is a hymn remake from Jericho Road. Enjoy!

July 4th...Don't Rain on My Parade!

2011-07-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

We ended up getting up early on Monday and attending the Summerlin Parade. Which is kinda like a hometown parade in a small town. I have never been, and it was fantastic. Although a great parade, it was very sticky outside. But at least it wasn't hot. I kinda felt like a second class citizen when around the corner I saw a VIP tent with a breakfast buffet and airconditioning in the tent. I'm thinking to myself...how do I score that? I took so many pictures I would be blogging forever. But for now, this is what i've got.

Here are some videos from the parade, they're short. ;)

Fourth of July Weekend...the third.

2011-07-07T01:13:00.000-07:00

I love 4th of July and all of the festivities that go along with celebrating our country's birthday. Good food, friends, family...fireworks. I was in search of all that. But here is how my fourth rolled out. I was scheduled to work on the 4th of July which happened to be on a Monday. So I decided to attend the fireworks extravaganza put on by this place...

This is Lake Las Vegas, nice huh?

I attended my church meetings and it was great. I decided to do this, and invited my friend to go with me. Lake Las Vegas is this huge community adorned with homes I could never even fathom living in. But it is fun to look at. Anyway. There is a big man made lake and they have activities there occasionally I guess. So later that afternoon, I start to drive to Henderson..and I see this.

I'm thinking to myself, oh how nice rain drops. I hope this doesn't last. Meanwhile as I am driving across the valley the storm is just following me. I hadn't watched the news the night before, so I had no idea if rain was in store for us. But I knew that July is Monsoon season. That meaning, without a moments notice...KABOOM! Tons of water and just unprepared. So keep this in mind...

Next. I arrive at my friends house. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining..all was well...then we waited at the entrance to Lake Las Vegas..

I need a visual. Hahaha. We sat just like this waiting patiently to get in. :)

And then the clouds rolled in....

Then, the heavens opened up. Now here are some pics from my short stay at Lake Las Vegas.

Calm before the storm.

Wiper Workout.

Crazy!

Your speed.....is 7. Yeah.

Here's a new lake forming...

Whew!! Get me outta here! :)

I thought this was a neat shot. Nevermind the flash on the window.

I personally love rain. But I must say, it is darn right scary driving through monsoon weather. But the air smelled fantastic!! And as bummed as I was, I thought to myself..this is what happens when I plan something on a Sunday, even though it was free. But here's how the fireworks would have looked...

Inpiration Sunday.

2011-07-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

You ARE far more powerful then you realize.
You can do anything that you set your mind to.
You are the author of your own life .
You have the ability to change your life.
You have unlimited potential !

You are a living magnet. You literally attract the things , people, ideas , and circumstances to you that vibrate and resonate at the same energy frequency as yours. Your energy field changes constantly , based on your thoughts and feelings , and the universe acts like a mirror , sending back a reflection of the energy that you are projecting. The stronger and more intense your thoughts and emotions are , the greater the magnetic pull becomes. Now, this is not a process that requires any real effort ; a magnet doesn't ''try'' to attract anything-it simply does , and so do you ! You are always in the process of attracting something into your life.

Do you realize that your life at this very moment is the result of everything that you have ever thought , done , believed , or felt up until now? You can start right now to consciously and deliberately attract whatever you desire in this lifetime.

Jack Canfield

And don't let ANYONE tell you different!

I love this too....

“Your job on Earth, therefore, is not to learn (because you already know), but to remember Who You Are. And to remember who everyone else is.”—For you are the creator of your reality, and life can show up no other way for you than that way in which you think it will ''. ~Neale Donald Walsch

I hope this finds the inspiration for you as it does to me.~ Cindy

To My Friends...

2011-07-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

Thank You!!

For What? For being there...for late night phone calls...to laughing over stupid things..or laughing till we snort. For laughing till we cry, or for just crying. You are all apart of my journey and I love you. P.S ....My pic is another gem from Facebook. :)

Sharing..

2011-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Facebook was an event called Sharing the Gospel through social media. What a great opportunity to share the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I know there are people out there in cyberspace that peek in on my blog, which I am more than ok with. For those of you that have a religion, or no religion at all..I share with you my Testimony. With all of my Heart, Might and Mind, I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. I know that he loves me and that no one understands my trials, tribulations and successes more than he does. This gives me an eternal peace. I know that families can be together forever through ordinances in the Temple. I know that all four of the Standard Works are true, The Bible. The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet and Thomas S. Monson is our Prophet today. I know that if we have any problem, no matter how great or small, if we go to the Lord in prayer, our prayers can and will be answered. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Visit www.mormon.org if you would like to know more about how to attain happiness in your life.

Here is a video classic, but it kind of goes along with this...

Reflections.

2011-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hi. I have been up for over 24 hrs now. Now, anyone in their right mind would tell me..."Go to sleep woman!" Believe you me, I want to. But I'm too excited, for what I'm not sure. I am excited that I am off tonight, thats for sure. I might go catch the movie 17 Miracles, which I am excited to see. Since I have become a believer in writing things down, so I don't forget them...well here I am. As I sit here eating my muffin with the nooks and crannies, and some questionable lunch meat..because I was too lazy to go grocery shopping, i'm here. It may be funny, at least it is to me. Its for me and its for you. Here goes...

So, last night I was playing the clock game..what I like to call when I'm running late for work, don't worry I was right on time. Anywhoo..have you ever looked at something in life, whether on a drive or whatever..and it triggers a memory? It happened to me last night. I'll explain.

First I saw this on my way to the Hospital.

This is the new VW bus. Kinda cute..but it triggered a memory of my Dad.
He drove this gem...

It looked like this except maybe a navy blue. I was little and I remembered this. But this was a long line of cars my parents owned. My dad loved to buy used, and then every few years or so trade them in for something else. Do you know people that do this? I tend to drive my cars until the wheels off. ;)

One I remembered was this one, which I affectionately called "The Ratz"

And lastly among the pleuthra of other cars was this gem...

And, it was this color green...no joke. Not so much the color of Kermit, but the green around him.

But wait...there's more. There these two huge celebrities painted on the side of this van..

Oh my. Can you imagine being a fourth grader and having your parents dropping you off in this? My dad thought it was really cool. I was SO embarassed. But as an adult I can appreciate that now, although I would probably still be mortified. The inside was pretty cool though, it had shag carpenting throughout..a lovely shade of yellow. A table in the back that turned down into a bed, and a sink and fridge that didn't work. I also remember riding with my dad and grandma one Saturday after we had taken her grocery shopping..we had a blowout as we were turning the corner in the neighborhood..and my neighbors thought it was a driveby. :) I also remember as a little girl watching Star Wars faithfully every day with my neighborhood friends and eating Ritz sandwiches with the cheese in the film, along with Annie..but now I don't remember the original Star Wars..I need to watch that again. Just some reflections...

Things About Dad

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad, Fred and Helen.

Things about DadShare

How Well Do You Know Dad?

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
Mash or the History channel, he loved documentaries.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Bleu Cheese or roquefort

3. What is one food he doesn't like?
Pineapple on pizza

4. What is his favorite drink?
Diet Pepsi

5. Where did he go to high school?
West High School in Denver Colorado, Class of 1955

6. What size shoe does he wear?
I think a 7 or 8, I was so jealous of his small feet!

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
He had quite a collection of tools, a lot of tools. He also had quite a collection of car manual books and computer mags.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Roast Beef

9. What would he eat every day if he could?
Hamburgers from IN&OUT , the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

10. What is his favorite cereal?
I'm not sure..but I remember he ate Shredded Wheat.

11. What would he never wear?
The shirts my mom bought him, LOL.

12. What are his favorite sports teams?
He didn't really watch sports, he did watch UNLV when they were good ;)

13. Who did he vote for
????

14. Who is his best friend?
My mom and me!

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Probably not keeping things orderly, still working on that.

16. What is his heritage?
Hispanic/ Basque

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Me bake a cake? HA HA HA HA :D

18. Does he play any sports?
No, but we did go to the gym...that counts, I think. He would attempt to play tennis with me, I need to play again. Oh he liked to swim.

19. What could he spend hours doing?
Puttering around the backyard. Fixing the car, playing on the computer..this was way before the internet exploded. :D

20. What is a unique talent he has?
I remember that my Dad could fix anything. He was amazing. Sometimes he didn't have patience with something, but eventually he worked it out. My Dad taught me how to cook. Its funny how he didn't have patience with some things but he always had patience with me in the kitchen, my mom told me to shoo :) My Dad will have been gone 12 years on April 23. And I still miss him. But there are things that my dad and mom did or enjoyed that I still do. Love you Dad and Mom!

*This is a Facebook Note from a couple of years ago. But, I thought I would share since Father's Day is today. Happy Father's Day Dad...not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I love you!

What Will Matter.

2011-06-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours, or days.

All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame, and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.

It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built; not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter are not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom, and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.

~Michael Joesphson

I am a little sad this week. My heart goes out to my friends that have lost their mother's , and to friends that lost their mother's this week. I found this poem at work It was included in a program of my friend Belen's funeral. To me , the message Mr. Joesphson writes is so true. Nothing will matter, but for the acts we do, the kind of people, good people we are trying to become. The picture of the Easter Lilly has significance to me. It reminds me of the Atonement and Ressurection of our savior Jesus Christ. It is a comfort to know in times of despair, the hope that the Atonement brings. No cute posts this time and no fabulous pictures. But its what I'm feeling. And thats it. The following is a small verse from Consider the Lillies of the Field, which was sung at my mother's funeral.

"Consider the lilies of the field,
How they grow, how they grow.

Consider the birds in the sky,
How they fly, how they fly.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky.
And he will feed those who trust him,
And guide them with His eye."

Truffle Shuffle

2011-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

So this post is about 6 months late, but who's counting? I am a Goonie kid. Hope that doesn't age me..oh well. When I wrote the title, my mind immeadietly goes back to the boy on the porch shaking all over, if you haven't seen Goonies..I highly reccomend it. I have fond memories of my mom attempting to make candy during the Holidays which included that easy no fail fantasy fudge, oh you know, the one on the back of the marshmallow jar? It never set for her...and me neither. So, when I had the idea of making treats for my friends at christmas which included candy and christmas cookies (GASP!)..I just hoped that these would turn out. The cookies will be in a future post..I'm thinking Christmas in July? Anyway. Back to the Truffles. I thought these would be really hard, but surprisingly not. So here goes...

You need a package of these

1 8 oz pkg of this...sounds good already.

And lastly...

Place oreos in a ziploc bag, and run the rolling pin over. Its especially nice if you need to pound something, crush into fine crumbs. If you have a processor, good for you. go ahead and push that button. Mix cookies with softened cream cheese, I put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so until its workable. Next, melt your chocolate chips either in your double boiler pan, or place in microwave for about 20 seconds at a time, stirring until melted. Take about a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and form into a little ball. A mini cookie dough scoop would work great. Dip the ball into melted chocolate and place on a pan lined with waxed paper. You can decorate with some nuts or sprinkles. Place in freezer until set. Makes about 2 dozen or so. I made this at Christmas, I don't remember. With this being called the Truffle Shuffle, you can change it up!

Like These?

Or how about these dipped in white chocolate?

Peanut Butter Truffles

prep time 20 min
total time 1 hr 20 min
makes 6 doz. or 18 servings, 4 truffles each

What You Need
1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Make It

MICROWAVE chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
STIR in peanut butter until well blended. Cool to room temperature. Gently stir in COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 1 hour.
SCOOP peanut butter mixture with melon baller or teaspoon, then shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator. You could roll in powdered sugar, or nuts, sprinkles, or cocoa powder or coconut...yummy!

Well, thats all for now...Enjoy. I went to the gym today, so I don't feel as guilty writing about the Truffle Shuffle. ;)

Sarcasam. Just a little bit!

2011-06-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Oh me, Oh my. This is my boss. "OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!"

Ha Ha. People sing, people write, People blog. Its good therapy...and if you can't laugh about it, what are you going to do? ;)

Breaking Dawn Teaser!

2011-06-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

Yes!!! It's almost time...again. Breaking Dawn is probably my favorite book besides the the original in the Twilight franchise. I can't believe the movies are almost over. Twilight is such a following for me. Yes, in between the movie I read other good books of course. But Twilight has brought my friends together. I know, kinda sappy right? Oh well thats what you get for reading my love post for Breaking Dawn! ;)

What was behind the meaning of the cover of Breaking Dawn? If I remember right, Stephanie had said the chess pieces were representations of Bella's transformation from human life to a vampire, hence the red piece = Human, blood. White piece= immortal, vampire. I think. Ideas people?

Five Question Friday

2011-06-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

I know i've concquered my dream of becoming a nurse. That was one...as for my other dreams or wishes, i'm a work in progress. Stay tuned!

2. What is a must have item for summer?

Air Conditioner. Thats enough... and a Diet Coke! Maybe a walk in freezer? ;) I miss working at Dairy Queen, LOL.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during the summer?)

I think mom and dad would make me, if it was required. If not, they knew I always had my nose in a book. I wasn't a trouble maker. :)

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

If I buy in excess, like from Costco, I freeze produce if I can. I have attempted to bottle fruit, thats a experience in itself. But its good to do.

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

No way! I sleep in as much as I can. If I have somewhere to be..and hopefully on time, I'll usually prepare the day before.

What I learned today.

2011-06-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

"One of the greatest strengths lies in the ability to let go. For in letting go of guilt, you receive hope. In releasing doubt, you discover abundance. In letting go of anger, you realize peace. In releasing time and again needless thoughts of fear, you shall feel, know, and remember that Love reigns supreme. There is nothing to fear. There is only love. You are celebrated, light one! Be strong, let go; you are loved!"- From a blog called Angel's Insight.

I have learned this awhile ago I think. This quote is so true for me. No doubt, its probably the hardest thing to do, but once you do its a good feeling. Its good to know that nothing else matters except my own personal relationship with my Father in Heaven. No matter who thinks what or what I think...it doesn't matter and to just let go.

What I learned from Oprah

2011-06-04T03:29:00.000-07:00

I know it may sound silly, but in my blog I write things that seem important to me. I feel like Oprah was a close friend. Most of my afternoons were not complete without tuning into the Oprah show. Yes there were some shows that I chose not to watch..but Oprah had enlightened me on some life lessons, and after attending the "Master Class"   also know as the final show, I wanted to take the time to write down my notes to her final show.

1. We all have a calling. The real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it. Find your passion. It lights you up. It lets you know you are exactly where you are supposed to be and doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. Live from the heart of yourself.

2. Nobody but you, is responsible for your life.  You are responsible for the energy that you create for yourself and you are responsible for the energy that you bring to others. "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space."- Dr. Julie Taylor
"Everything you done to me, I already done to you."- Ms. Cilly from The Colored Purple

3. There is a common thread that runs through all of our pain and all of our suffering :Unworthyness.  Not feeling worthy enough to own the life that you were created for. There is a difference between thinking you deserve to be happy and knowing you are worthy of happiness. Your being alive makes worthiness your birthright. You alone, are enough.

4. Validation . Every single person you will ever meet, share that common desire. " Do you see me. Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?"

5. You are not alone. Listen to the still small voice. God is real. What are the whispers in your life?

Thank You Oprah for giving us 25 years of class. To the aha moments and gratitude journals...to wishing for your favorite things. Thank You

A Promise Kept....Cindy's Kitchen

2011-06-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

Do you remember how I promised to give you a recipe? Its payback. I'm sharing with you how I attempted with success the scary eggplant parmesan. I know...take a breath, ok?

mmm....

It really wasn't that scary, but scary enough for me when I had to attempt to fry..i'm never good at that. But here we go.

Eggplant Parmesan

2 regular sized eggplants, don't slice thin..I think I got 8-10 slices from each.
1 box of italian style panko bread crumbs, or Progresso Bread crumbs would work too.
4-6 eggs (Sorry, this is from memory)with a splash of milk
flour for coating

1 bottle of your favorite spaghetti sauce/ meat optional
2 pkgs shredded mozzarella

For the sauce I just used a bottle of ragu and I mixed with a meat/sausage mixture, Saute meat with onions and add to sauce with a pinch of sugar, let simmer for 15-20 min...while you're preparing the eggplant.

The recipe on the internet said once you cut your eggplant slices, you should rinse and soak in water for 2-4 hours, to help with bitterness. I didn't do it and it was just fine, after I cut the eggplant I rinsed , then patted dry w a paper towel and sprinkled a little sugar over the slices.
Breading Station

Now don't be scared...here we go . First plate flour, Second bowl beaten eggs w/ milk. Third panko crubs. Thats it!

Next take a frying pan and fill 1/4" with vegetable oil...just eyeball it like I do.
Start your stations...kids can help w this part. Take your eggplant slice and dredge in flour, then egg, then panko or breadcrumbs...whatever you use just make sure its seasoned.

Then, take the slices and fry for abt 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown. Then drain on paper towels.

After you fried, pat yourself on the back and get your 9x13 pan ready. I used my glass pyrex.
Layer the eggplant slices, sauce and cheese. Bake at 350 for 1/2 hr. It will fill it and your family, Seves 6.

Manga! :)

You Won't Believe Where This One Came From! :)

2011-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

First of all I stumbled on to this great video on Youtube from a couple of years ago. Its fantastic. It comes from the great hockey movie Miracle. For my personal blogging purposes, I share with you this inspirational speech...NOW TAKE IT!!

"Great moments... are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it." - Herb Brooks coach of the 1980 USA Hockey Team

Aka "Miracle on The Ice"

Isn't that great? Now watch this little guy named Jacob at the time he was only five years old and could probably barely read, but he memorized this speech, and might I add he looks like a little Herb Brooks. Now go out there people...and take it. Whatever that may be for you.

Book Club- The Walk

2011-06-03T03:44:00.001-07:00

My Good Reads Rating *****

"What would you do if you lost everything-your job, your home and the love of your life in the same day?" This is the premise to The Walk, which has to be my current favorite book. Any book by Richard Paul Evans usually tugs at my heartstrings and has me reaching for my kleenex box. In this book however, I so closely related to the character of Alan Christoffferson. Basically its about a man's journey to honor his wife's wish- To Live. I personally recommend this book to those that have struggled with grief ...it is so beautifully written. This book is in a series, and I am looking forward to see how this ends. Its not always a happy go lucky book, but its definetly worth reading.

Dear Dad

2011-05-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,

I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and a Happy Father's Day. I want to thank you for always believing in me. For giving me the guidance, the patience and the encouragement....even when I didn't always want to hear it. I can't believe that 14 years have gone by. I think about you often, and sometimes I worry about if I would recognize the sound of your voice, but I need not to worry. I know that you and mom are watching over me. I am trying to go on the best I can, but there are times that I miss you. I wonder what you would say about different things. I wonder what you would have said when I graduated from nursing school? I'm guessing I told you so :). It hurts to know that you won't be there for the future big moments in my life. But, I know you are there in Spirit. I miss trying to figure what I'm going to buy you for your birthday, fathers day...and even getting you a birthday card. I try to visit you as often as I can, but you know and I know how I feel about cemetaries. And I know that you are not there. But I love you always.

Cindy

This was a song that you told me reminded you of your Dad. In a way, it reminds me of my realtionsip with you too. There were lots of things I didn't get to say....."The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics."

Fun with Facebook.

2011-05-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Last year I tried the Facebook application my year in Status. This one is called My Year in Photos. Funny thing is, its from 2010. I'm a little behind the times. But I thought it was kinda fun to do. So here it is...in 2011 my 2010 year in photos. It was a good year. :)