the 3rd Sister!

Introducing.... the 3rd Sister! Yes folks there she is, my big sis! Well, another of my big sissies, she the one in the middle. The one with the cool hair, the blue eyes, the best shape, and frankly a lot of talent!

She can paint anything! She is very creative and smart to boot. (When we were little kids, mom put us all in piano lessons. Let's just say that after six months, Sis over here was playing a 36 page concerto, while the rest of us were still on "Indian War Dance" -you know, two fingers on the left hand being the 'drum beat', dum dum dum, while the right hand had the difficult task of tinkling out a one fingered Indian tap dance. Needless to say the girl got a Gift!)

She's pretty, funny, knows a lot about a lot, and well she lives in TEXAS, so her life is pretty big. Go check her out and welcome her to the blogging world!

Another Meme!

Lisa from "Lisa's Ramblings" has tagged me for this fun meme! So before I make a run to follow #5 back up to the BY-U, I'll give you even more navel gazing!!! Everything you wanted to know, and then some.
ME-ME-ME.. *grin*All you ever wanted to know about little ole me!

1. How often do you blog? I try to blog at least everyday, but lately have had (remarkably, not much to say) But I check in on the blog very often, like all the time. And much like everyone else I am totally validated by your comments, so please, validate me and make a comment!

2. Online Alias: S'mee, Betty Cooks (not my name), The Pillow Queen (pilokween), Mom of 5 kids, and Lisa Smith (also not my name, but coincidentally is the name of my most recent new friend...who knew?).

3. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? I have a tendency to do this a lot. Add nosy Rosie to the list above. If kids are involved I come unglued. About a month before school let out, I was at a light waiting my turn when three big kids began to pummel a smaller kid. I pulled over and began to interfere. I called 911, flagged down a guy in a truck to help until the cops showed up, yeah, it was a mess, but I couldn't sit there and watch a littler kid get beat up and just drive home to make dinner.

4. What do you do most often when you are bored? Bored? Who has time to be bored? If I have NOTHING else to keep my busy I draw, doodle, sing, dance, and drive around; sometimes those last three happen at the same time.

5. When bathing, which do you wash first? Before any bath I stand up and take a shower so I can relax and not think about how if I hadn't taken a shower I would be sitting in a hot bath of my own filth. Once I am in the bath I use a hand towel instead of a wash cloth, I drench it with as hot of water as I can stand and place it over, my face....very relaxing. Most o' the time I just shower, and then it is top to toes, efficiency.

6. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Yes and it is not a good thing. S'mee needs her beauty sleep or everything gets ugly.

7. What color looks best on you? Red, and shades of red; which I hated as a kid because that is all the parental units put me in if I got new clothes. Now, ' don't mind so much, but my favorite look currently is bright pastel turquoise.

8. What's your favorite drink? Milk, ice cold and whole.

9. Do you believe in heaven and hell as a real place that each of us will go to after death? After death? Sometimes I believe we are already in both of those destinations(try the 90 at 2:30 without 'Speedpass')! Heaven=warm beach with Thor and family. Ahhhh! I prefer to think of it as Life before death, why wait? And when I die, yup, I am sure there will be versions of both then as well.

10. Do you find that you have more online friends than offline friends? nope -no way. In real life I have 32 friends named (various spellings of) Kathy. 32 Kathys. EEEE freaking GADS..there are other friends, whose parents weren't quite so trendy.

11. What was your favorite subject in school? Grade School: recess, Jr High: French, but I got kicked out with my best friend because we went three chapters ahead of the prescribed pace. This was the beginning of my love affair wth pencils, as the only available class was drawing. High School: Art, photography, crafts, and yup I really took a class on basketweaving. I graduated HS with a 3.8 GPA and NEVER took a science class of ANY kind. Go figure...it was the 70s.

12. Are you a perfectionist? I am an exact 50/50 split personality, so yes and no.

13. Do you spend more than you can afford? Everyone does at some time or the other. However, as a kid I learned that over spending is not a pretty thing. I LOVE LOVE LOVE finding a bargain. I try to keep within the prescribed family budget and have found that if we do go into debt, it is usually for a good reason and the debt is eliminated as quickly as possible.

14. Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have love before? I think that if I truly love someone I am the only one who can take that feeling from myself. If I love you, and you decide to walk away that doesn't mean that I have to stop loving you. I just need to know that you may not love me; and/or that you may not be around anymore. I can still keep you in my heart and treasure that. Love doesn't stop, go away, or get lost for me.

15. Do you consider yourself creative? yes.

16. Do you give yourself the credit you deserve? Not always, but most of the time. I am certainly better at this now than I was 5 years ago.

17. Do you donate time or money to charities? Yes, and I try to find new ways to do this all the time. No matter how bad things can get there are always folks who have it worse. Service and sacrifice were always a part of our lives and still are. Besides, there are so many ways to be charitable that finding one that is fun and enjoyable is rather easy to do.

18. Have you recently done something that you've criticized others for doing? I am a horrid person because criticize many things. Hello Kettle!

19. What's on your mind? Lately, getting a list of chores accomplished so I can start back on my art. The offspring are always there someplace, hey, I'm a mom. My calling at church; things are getting exciting in our area and, well, I anticipatinging changes, and curious where things will end up when the final decisions are all made.

20. Say one nice thing about the people you are going to tag!

Well, hmm, this is where it gets nutso. I went to publish this before I left for the BY-U and thought I had. When I came home and found it still in the editing compartment, well, now it seems a tad late to be tagging anyone.

Lisa was the gal who got this started for me, so Here's to Lisa! One busy mom with a heart as big as Texas. I am in awe of her writing. So much that she writes tugs at me because she is honest and humble and so into being a mom. She's a great mom at that. I think about her and her struggles and how well she handles them. She is inspiring and hilarious and she tells a pretty good story now and then. She is someone I would love to have lunch with. In my world that is one of the best compliments I have.

Happy Birthday Sis!

There she is. The big sister. Chronicler The one we all looked up to, even big brother who was actually older, but I digress.

Look at that smile! She has a great smile, complete with killer dimples. (I have dimples too, I just sit on mine!) Those dimples got us both into, and out of, a lot of trouble when we were growing up; and as an adult she can still find ways to make those dimples work for her! Any body having a bad day? Flash 'em a dimpled smile and they feel immediate urges to laugh and have a good time.

She also has a good heart and a wise mind. She knows enough about a million things to hold an intelligent conversation with just about anyone they're interested in. She has so many talents she can keep you entertained as well with stories of the things she finds clever and the ways in which she spends her time. She has so many charitable ventures, she can find someplace to send every extra dime and much service.

Who would have thought that sweet little girl would grow up to be so complex? A Mom, Wife, Gramma to Little Miss!, Foodist, Mini-Cooper Fanatic, Apple User, Entrepreneur, Crafter, Seamstress, Farmer, Artist, Glass Craftsman, Book Enthusiast, Photographer, Scrapbooker, Wannabe helicopter Pilot (just give her time), Teacher, Friend, Cat Lover, Archivist, Counselor, Music Expert, and so much more make up my big Sis! There isn't much she can't do. She thrives on new experiences and learning.

She once described herself as a shark. Not that she'd eat a baby seal or a license plate, no, she's actually very picky -only good (as in amazing) tasting calories for sis. She is a shark because she can't stop moving or in her words, "[she'll] die!" Yup, she has an abnormal drive and desire to keep going and going and going. Maybe she isn't a shark, but an Ever-ready Bunny? Who knows, but she always has something brewing, that new idea in the back of her head that may take a few minutes or a few years to come to fruition, but it does and it's always a success.

So there you have our birthday girl for today. I love you sis, you are such a good friend to me! I hope you get to that Ocean soon enough and have a terrific day!!!

Now, y'all scoot over to Food Chronicles and or Cooper Chronicles and fill up her comments box with all kinds of birthday goodies!

French Lessons

#5 has been home and visiting with the Little Man. During the afternoon she decided that he would be the perfect student to teach French to. So for a few minutes she captures the Little Man and sat in a corner while she went over the way French people say "yes": OUI!

Over and over they practiced until Little Man tired of the game and went on to find something else to do.

Later that evening #5 decided to test Little Man and see if he remembers.

#5: Hey, Little Man, How do you say 'yes' in French?

(thinking, thinking...)
Little Man: uuuh, OUI!

everyone claps and whoops.

Today the same scene is rehearsed once again.

#5: Hey Little Man, can you say 'yes' in French?

(thinking, thinking,...)
Little Man: uuummm, uh, YES!; in French!

A bedtime story...

Yesterday we had Mommy and Little Man over to the house for a visit with #5. Daddy showed up after work and we all had a terrific time. Little Man, however went the entire day without a nap and, well, let's just say that when the family left at 10:45, we all thought that drive across the valley would knock him out. No such luck.

This morning we again were together as a family and mommy had this to report. Seems Little Man wasn't sleepy enough to fall asleep on the way home or even after 11:30! By midnight Mommy and Daddy were tired!

Little Man: I'm not tired!

Mommy and/or Daddy: GO TO SLEEP!

LM: I'm thristy!

M&D: GO TO SLEEP!

LM: I need a hug!

M&D: GO TO SLEEP!

LM: I need someone to lay down with me!

M&D: Little Man, you need to go to sleep. Look at Baby Brother, he is already asleep. He is a baby. No one is sleeping with him in his bed. You are a big boy! You don't need anyone to sleep with you in yours. GO TO SLEEP!
(not missing a heart beat)
LM: No one is sleeping with Baby Brother because his bed is TOO SMALL!

Mommy: (laughs quite loudly to herself as she walks back to her bedroom.)

Daddy: Move over Little Man. Get under the covers, share the pillow with Daddy. Good Night!

Plan A: If we call it by a clever name we don't have to acknowledge what it does

It's been a long time since I have blogged. A couple of reasons for that:

#1 I sliced the heck out of my index finger (thought it looked a lot like celery); and typing has been very tedious and slow as I have commented on a very few blogs.

#2 doing lots of work in the house and about, traveling a bit with Thor, so finding a computer that works has been difficult.

#3 Blogger's block.

#4 (yes I know Chronicler, I "need to get an Apple") The computer has taken another dive. This time it seems we were given a counterfeit program by the terrific guys who fixed it the last time. Thanks, guys.

Lisa's Rambling has taken care of #3...

Lisa has informed me that, as of today, anyone over the age of 18 can purchase the "Plan B" pill within the borders of the United States. Yup, ANYONE over the age of 18 can walk into a pharmacy and purchase the "Plan B" pill for between $20.00 and $50.00. No prescription necessary.

Prior to this announcement, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Washington, and Vermont allowed specified pharmacies to sell "Plan B" over the counter to women OF ANY AGE. In those states things won't change a bit. The law in these states gives the pharmacist the authority to write a prescription, and then fill it, according to the American Pharmacists Association.

Back in 1999 the battle began to make this "Plan" available to the general public via prescription by a doctor. By 2003 "agency advisors" and "scientists" agreed that nonprescription sales would be the best route for the U.S. to take; and it's status in the drug world began to morph. The first attempts were for any woman over the age of 16 to be allowed access to this "Plan B" alternative. That began the fight.

Unfortunately, the fight actually helped promote the drug's acceptance within the medical community and as of reports today, sales are up 30% this year!

THE ESTIMATED SALES FOR THIS YEAR WILL BE 1.5 MILLION PACKS!

As of this posting, there is still inconclusive data as to the safety for use in young women under the age of 18.

The manufacturers claim that the same chemicals in other "birth" control pills are in this Plan B pill, the trouble is, they both act the same way. Chemicals, hormones act in the body to change the levels that release an egg for sterilization. However, if an egg is already available at the time of intercourse, it can become fertile and travel down the Fallopian tube and into the uterus where, in normal function, it would attach to the wall of the uterus and grow to full term. With both "birth" control pills and the wonder drug known as Plan B, both cause the uterine wall to block attachment and the fertile egg is "lost" or "evacuated" during menses. This is still an abortion, just renamed.

So, as of today, anyone, read: ANYONE over the age of 18 can stroll into Target, Walmart, RiteAide, Walgreens, or any other pharmacy and purchase a pack containing a "Plan B" pill. How many of us know a "sympathetic adult" who is willing to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, and other "stuff" for young teens they deem responsible or otherwise? How many kids have a friend who is 18 who would help them out? Anyone out there ever make a fake I.D. to get into a club?Maybe I am just pessimistic. Maybe this just happens in "B" Hollywood movies.

THANK YOU FDA! Thanks for making it so very convenient for us to eliminate the middle man and give us one more way to kill our unborn babies, at home! Wow! And the price? $20-$50 what a deal! No dealing with a doctor. No hassling with ma and pa. No having to fill out a form that may embarrass one with nosy questions. Quick. Easy. No Fuss. No Responsibility. No Consequence. No Thought. No Accountability.

Did you get caught up in the moment last night? Are you inconvenienced by the thought you may be pregnant? No worries! For a quick $50 you're off the hook.

I can't wait for the commercials promoting this "Plan". Seems to me there was a Better Plan, one a tad more Divine.

When you throw a pebble into the water it makes a splash and a ripple. Today we throw a boulder in the water, and yup, there was the splash. I fear the tsunami that will come with the ripple. We, as a nation, are begging for it. Go ahead folks, move to higher ground now. The tidal wave is coming, and it isn't going to be pretty.

They'll love happily FOREVER after!

Bling Bling!
Originally uploaded by pissingir.

We met Tom about 3 years ago. A retired Ordained Minister who finalized his search for truth as he left the religion of his lifetime and entered the waters of baptism, from then on to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Once Tom made his decision he went forward with the vigor of someone who had lost a dear Friend and searched every book, asked constant questions and did everything possible to get closer to his Savior.

Shortly after being baptized, he met Virginia. She spoke only Spanish, he spoke only English, but together they fell in love. Virginia and Tom married after a few short months and she followed into the waters of baptism.

Tom went through the temple almost a year to the day of his baptism. He was on fire and so far no one has been able to put him out. Virginia has learned English and in her sweet shy personality caught Tom's enthusiasm for the Gospel of Christ.

Last year for Christmas, Virginia got the news that she had breast cancer and by February she had lost her breast, but not her will. She was and is still going through chemo, and during the middle of it all she got an infection and survived a flesh eating virus. She is determined. She is faithful.

Today, Virginia went through the temple to receive her endowments and also to be sealed to Tom for time and all eternity.

In the words of Paul Harvey -here's the rest of the story. Tom and Virginia are in their 60's or 70's. After leaving the temple session and resting her chemo-therapy worn body in the Celestial Room of the temple for a few minutes, Tom had a surprise. He got down on one knee, pulled an Eternity ring out of his pocket and asked Virginia if she would be his wife for eternity. She said yes through teary eyes and together they met a small group of family and friends in the sealing room.

A few tender moments later they were united, sealed and bound together for time here on Earth and for Eternity. Now I don't know about you, but this was pretty much the most romantic afternoon I have witnessed. Virginia, head covered in a white cap, crocheted to keep her little bald head warm, dressed all in white; and Tom, her romantic frail little hero, tear filled and emotional.

Don't you just love a faery tale ending?

It was on SALE!

Words that I am sure scare the bejeebees out of Thor.

My entire life I have not liked money. It is a means to an end. I am not impressed by it or by the things it can purchase. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE shiny things. But I am also basically lazy and refuse to do whatever it is that builds financial security. It can seem to others that I am h*ll bent on making sure I die in poverty. I have one offspring that would swear by this.

O.k. That said, I also LOVE a bargain. I am one of the few, the proud, the brave who can actually talk a PIC-N-SAVE Manager into lowering the price "on this item. See, right here? Yeah, well I understand that this is a discounted piece of merchandise already. However, this is the last item you have of this and it needs some help. No one else will buy this in its' current condition, and so what can you do so that I will?" I have done this many times to the embarrassment of family and friends and to glares (and envy) of other consumers who, frankly, were too embarrassed to ask for the additional discount themselves.

Case in point: COSTCO. I have a lovely leather "cigar chair" with it's matching ottoman. Originally this chair and ottoman were priced $700.00+. But I waited. And while I waited I took Thor leather chair shopping. We went EVERYWHERE save the manufacturing plant (read: the field where they "grow" leather) so that he could see exactly why the $700.00+ price at COSTCO was such a deal.

Fast forward to the day of the purchase. We go in and there is but one chair left. The floor model. I check it out. Sturdy. Clean. No obvious wear. Just a tad dusty. O.k. This is GO TIME! I find the manager and present a plan. At the end of bargaining I walk out with the set for under $300.00. I can bargain, but after this experiment I learned. I could have gotten the set for even less had I played my cards correct. Live and Learn!

Now, there are others who make me look like a sales schmuck. My best friend for instance.

The following story is TRUE! Nothing in this story has been embellished to make my friend seem crazier than she really is. Only the names have changed to protect and praise the innocent.

Many many years ago "Thelma" purchased a home in Utah as an investment. In her thinking, she would buy this little house, rent it out to two separate parties; paying the mortgage and earn college funds until one by one her 6 kids would take turns on the top floor through their college years...rent free.

Thelma spent 4 grueling years building her dream home in SoCAL. To her credit she lived in a 18 foot travel trailer with her husband, Earl and one daughter while the boys lived in another travel trailer just feet from each other. They rented a port-a-potty and went to work. Thelma never paid retail for anything and she wasn't about to start now. They lived and built on that half acre like no modern people I have ever met.

After 3 years in the finished house, her husband decided it was time to move to Utah. Thelma left her dream home after only 3 years. They sold her home for $10,000 and take over payments. It just about killed Thelma.

Not one of her kids went to BYU. O.k. plan B. She had her husband decided to move to Utah and try their hand at a new business. They moved into the house, remodeled it and, yes, still had renters in the basement that paid the small mortgage. Essentially, they lived "free" of any house payment for quite some time.

One day Thelma met with another friend, Louise and went to lunch with a group of women. All of these women knew at least one person in the group, no one knew everyone. During the lunch, one woman lamented the fact that she had finally built her dream home only to live in it 5 years because her husband decided Hawaii was where they needed to be. Now she was in the process of selling her 'new' home for $10,000 and take over payments.

Thelma perked up. She asked Louise if she had ever seen the house that was being sold. Louisa replied that, yes she had been all through it and it was, indeed, lovely. "Is it worth the 10k and the payments?" "I think so." So Thelma asks the owner, "Where is you house?" "Salt Lake in a brand new subdivision. They aren't even finished with all the phases, however our house was one of the first built." They chat a while and after it was all said and done Thelma cut the woman a check right there at the table for $5,000.00 and bought herself a house... on SALE! Sight unseen, but trusting in Louise that it was a good deal, she bought a house.

I got the phone call first, about one hour after her lunch. The ink on the check was probably still damp. "I bought a house in Salt Lake today at lunch." "Wow! I didn't know you guys were planning on moving! That's cool. Tell me about the house." Well, I haven't seen it yet, but Louise has and said it was worth it. I GOT IT ON SALE!" "What did Earl say?" "Welllll, I haven't told him yet. I used my money, so he won't care."

The conversation went along rather oddly like that for about 3 weeks. She eventually found out where the house was actually at, loved it, told Earl about their move about 18 hours prior to moving, and they could not have been happier. They kept the house in Provo where it kept giving them income for many years.

She loved the new neighborhood, and her new friends in Salt Lake. The moral of the story: Never pay retail. Ask for a bargain. Trust good information. Never let your hubby decide when it is time to move.

hopefully the heart grew fonder...

o.k.! Time for a new post. I apologize for the long blank interim and hopefully will be back to my verbose prose as usual.

Let's see. Well, the whole Destiny thing really got to me, then I heard about two other, separate incidents that were similar, and frankly it shook me. I have a great deal of anger, sorrow, frustration, and ....I don't even have words for it now.

Next. The room is coming along and there is actual light at the end of the tunnel. Plans had to be changed but it is beginning to work out.

Um, kids, church, life, and a few other things just kept me away.

And then there was the trip with Thor back up to San Francisco! Wheeee! We began this trip by heading down to Long Beach for an early morning meeting. I dropped off Thor and went for a drive. I haven't been to Long Beach for years. I drove out to the Queen Mary, I was going to go in, but a little voice said to just do a drive by. Then over to the Pike, which I remembered as a kid was pretty darn fun. Now it looks like a giant food court. Maybe I couldn't see all the carnival type rides, carousel, or roller coaster from the street. Another drive by.

I drove out to a point as I talked with #3 about her ever changing major-minor mix-ups and some about her favorite new read. We had a terrific talk as I drove slowly by house after house and made out like a cop on patrol. Thor called MUCH sooner than I anticipated and so I drove over, picked him up and we began the 6+ hour drive up the '5' to the Bay area.

We stayed at the St. Francis for the third time. I like it there. And weird, but we had the very room we had the first time there, I take that back; the first time was on the 9th floor, this go round was the top floor. I like the corner room. It looks over Union Square and when you open the window, you get a room full of fresh air and all the city noise -which is actually cool. There was a street drummer, the kind with no drums but many different plastic containers, each with its' own pitch. He was good. He had a photo of himself and the Mayor, and an article from the newspaper laminated with clear tape and secured to one of the main 'drums'. He was famous.

We both enjoy just people watching. The families who sat all around us as we ate dinner. (How do these people afford taking a large family out? We were in a place that cost Thor and I just under $100.00 after tax and tip. Holy Hannah!) Then there are the foreigners who point and speak in excited tones as they see new or perhaps familiar things. I love being close to the SFMOMA and the Art Institute, you can see the funky dressed young adults who express their creative streaks in clothing and attitude as they bussel by all us tourists. And the lovers, old and young who cuddle under a tree, kiss at the intersections and never let go of hands as they walk through the square. And all the 'Carrie' wannabes, who click up and down the hills in their Versace clothes and Jimmy Choo heels...yeowch! And the homeless and mentally ill who find their place among the elite. What a contrast. It's a tiny little piece of the world all in one block.

The ride home is always so great. We took the long way home; along the '1'. I love this ride. I love everything about it. The scenery is fabulous, doesn't get too much better for me. I think those ragged cliffs, the barking sea life, and the waves are incredible! The scent of that briney ocean air gives me energy. We stopped along the way to see tourists, otters, elephant seals and just Big Blue herself.

As we headed inland we had to go through the Central Valley. Not a favorite of mine but still interesting with it's groves that seem to go on for miles. The vineyards were full of grapes, white, green and red. And then the stark contrast of fields where the water no longer runs; acres of dead grey trees standing in almost white dirt.

Anywho, here we are back in reality this morning. All in all I love being out on the road with Thor. The conversations and also the times when there isn't any verbal talking at all, but the scene takes over and the two of us don't need any words to enjoy the moment.

Little Destiny. Her body was found in the basement of a home just a few houses away from where she lived. The officials have arrested a man, the single resident of the house.

I ache inside when I read this. Her family has had many struggles it seems. And it seems as if the struggles will continue as the family figures a way to reconcile themselves with this tragic event. I pray for justice. I pray for peace and comfort to come to this family.

I am so very grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that provides a way for us to continue in our families for eternity. May that hope carry these grieving dear ones through these next few weeks and buoy them up through the coming years.

FIND DESTINY NOW!

This post will stay at the top of my blog until July 30. Please scroll down for daily posts.

FIND DESTINY!!! <-----please click on this link now!

Destiny Norton

5 years old, 3’6”, 45-50 lbs., strawberry blond hair with green streaks,
last seen wearing a black and gray striped adult T-shirt.
However, her hair may have been cut and/or dyed another color.
Destiny's bottom row of teeth are COMPLETELY SILVER-CAPPED.
Destiny may be in the company of an adult male.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RETURN DESTINY SAFELY HOME!
If you have seen Destiny, please call the Salt Lake City
Police Department at 801-799-3000.

A cash reward has been offered for information leading to a resolution for the case.
Please call the TIPS FOR CASH hotline at 801-799-INFO (801-799-4636).

www.FindDestiny.net

MEME-OLOGY
I found this at Lisa's and thought it was pretty cool... so here's to more navel gazing!

GRUB-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? very little (almost dry), on the side, varies with the salad
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? lately, El Pollo Loco
What is your favorite sit down restaurant? with money-Ruth Chris, with normal money-Olive Garden, but that can change too.
On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? Thor insists on at least 20%, more if the service is good.
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Currently El Pollo chicken. But in the past I actually ate a Caesar Salad every day for three months and never tired of it.
Name three foods you detest above all others. Organ meats, poi, Bugles (when just saying "bugles" can start my gag reflex, and a wave of nausea ensues)
What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant? Mongolian Chicken
What are your pizza toppings of choice? cashews, red onion, sausage (the old "Pizza Chalet Special")
What do you like to put on your toast? I prefer it burnt with real butter and a side of hot cocoa to dip it in.
What is your favorite type of gum? wintergreen

TECH-OLOGY
Number of contacts in your cell phone? 130 (once had the entire ward list and then some on it, but got released...so there you go.
Number of contacts in your email address book? 86
What is your wallpaper on your computer? A photo I took of a sunset on Oahu.
What is your screensaver on your computer? none, it goes to sleep.
Are there naked pictures saved on your computer? I sincerely hope not!
How many land line phones do you have in your house? one
How many televisions are in your house? 3. 1 isn't hooked up to anything, just sits there. The other two are on the small side with very limited channels.
What kitchen appliance do you use the least? Bread Maker
What is the format of the radio station you listen to the most? mainly rely on c.d.s but when the radio is on it's usually, NPR/PRI, classic, rock, and some talk -in that order

BI-OLOGY
What do you consider to be your best physical attribute? I have great skin and I absolutely adore my hair colour.
Are you right handed or left handed? right handed, but a tad ambidextrous
Do you like your smile? Yes
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Tonsils, appendix (while pregnant-that's great timing), wisdom teeth, one molar, girl parts, something I won't admit too, a couple of nasty little biopsies here, here, and there, children, and a nail that was impaled just right of my spine.
Do you prefer to read when you go to the bathroom? No, and I do not see what the attraction is in that. Get in, get out. If I want to linger someplace it sure isn't the bathroom.
Which of your five senses do you think is keenest? scence of smell
When was the last time you had a cavity? about three years ago, however I probably have one currently
What is the heaviest item you lift regularly? I can move a piano with relative ease if I use my legs. If I have to lift with my arms alone...hmm, probably not much more than a gallon of milk. Yup I have NOOOOoooooo upper body strength, never have.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? not sure

MISC-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? no
If you could change your first name, what would you change it to? I actually had the opportunity to do this once and passed. I really really have come to like my name. Now, with that, you must know I have a name that has a peculiarity to it and have rarely found anyone who doesn't comment, nickname me, or at least joke about it. hmmm.
How do you express your artistic side? Every way I can!
What color do you think you look best in? red and lately baby turquoise
How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison? not long
Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? oh my heck yes, GAG! (never smile while riding your bike!)
If we weren't bound by society's conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at? no
How often do you go to church? Every Sunday, and at least twice during the week, plus all sorts of church related jobs, chores and assignments almost everyday.
Have you ever saved someone's life? Yes.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Little Man has competition

Thursday afternoon, this little guy decided enough was enough and came into the world. Weighing in at 7 pounds and 1 ounce he stretched himself out to a whopping 18.5 inches long. All ten toes, all ten fingers and two enormous lungs that seem to work just fine.

Little Man adores him; as do all of his family members. Speaking of family members -it brings up traits. He is who he is and that said, he hasn't stopped eating since arrival. Good luck momma!

procrastinating...

A while back I -like years ago- I was called to be in the Relief Society Presidency (asked by our church leaders to be in the Woman's Organization presidency). That particular calling lasted 32 days. I understood all the why-s and how-s, and the limited time working with the group. It was all very clear once it was all over.

I just recently held another position in that same organization for about 11 months or so. (for those of you who may be unfamiliar, usually a woman is asked to serve in this capacity for about 5 or so years.)

After a month or so I was called to be in the "Stake" Relief Society Presidency. LDS lingo check: ward = congregation. A "stake" refers to the tent stakes that supported Solomon's Temple. LDS folk use this term for a group of congregations in one geographic area, usually about 10 or so wards/congregations per stake. (ours currently has 14 wards and a "branch" at the local prisons for folks who want to attend services there and receive visits from the local leadership.) Our local area, meaning where we live we have access to 3 stakes, serve not only the "family wards", but also a Single Adult Ward (18-32 years), and a Spanish Ward, for Spanish language dependant members. We had a Deaf Branch at one time, but most of our deaf members moved from the area; so now we use interpretors when needed in meetings, etc. Stake leaders are called to positions to aide, instruct, and assist leaders in the wards, so that all members within the stakes are cared for, and led according to Gospel Principles.

We received the confirmation of rumor mills on Sunday. The stake will be divided (membership has risen: lots o' members) in September. Our stake, along with a neighboring stake will be re-aligned to form 3 new stakes. (ideal numbers in a stake: 3,000 members) This means the dissolvement of Presidencies. People in positions will have a release from their duties and new folks will get a crack at leadership. This is so that leadership is always close geographically to the members. It's really quite amazing how it all works.

So, with that in mind, I can look forward to another very short term in Relief Society, about 4 months. That makes me laugh.

Heavenly Father uses me in very specific ways. This helps me understand that He does indeed know me, my character and qualities, talents and how effective (or otherwise) I can be. I know that the church is truly directed by Him. I am excited to see where the local church will go, grow and just how we will all fit in the buildings we currently have!

One Word Meme...Impossible!

From Chronicler. This actually will be very difficult for me, I tend to ramble, I have been known to be a tad verbose. So on that happy little note, I bring you the "one word meme".

1. Yourself: conflicted
2. Your partner: love
3. Your hair: disobedient
4. Your mother: confused
5. Your father: puzzled
6. Your favorite item: access
7. Your dream last night: vivid
8. Your favorite drink: milk
9. Your dream home: secure
10. The room you are in: front
11. Your pleasure: beach
12. Your fear: loneliness
13. Where you want to be in 10 years: mission
14. Who you hung out with last night: sisters
15. What you're not: impressed
16. Your best friend: Thor
17. One of your wish list items: time
18. Your gender: female
19. The last thing you did: paint
20. What you are wearing: comfort
21. Your favorite weather: 78
22. Your favorite book: Abraham
23. Last thing you ate: salad
24. Your life: passionate
25. Your mood: content
26. The last person you talked to on the phone: sis
27. Who/what are you thinking about right now: Thor

Your turn!

Somebody call the waahmbulance!

I am not sure why, but my body is rebelling against me this week. Sunday evening I noticed the familiar "Frankenstein walk" that comes with over working muscles that have FMS. SOoooOOoo, why are they achey and weird now? Who knows. Also appearing on Sunday evening was a peculiar red bruise on the lower pad of my dominant thumb. A 50 cent piece sized, painful red bruise. And again, why? Neither over work nor injury to either legs or lower thumb. hmmm. (update: now it seems that the red bruise is also on the 'other side' of my lower thumb at the base where it connects to my wrist... kind of like it goes through my body at that point. weird. ow.)

Then, with Little Man's brudder arriving at any moment (have I mentioned we are expecting another little boy any day now??? I don't think I have. Well, we are. : > Much excitement!) -we decided that after the bunk beds had been removed there wouldn't be any place for Little Man to sleep. With that in mind Thor and I decided to purchase a very cheap 'pretend' captain's bed, you know, the twin bed with three drawers underneath. There are plans for a queen Murphy later, but about 2 years later, so buy the twin now.

The room is still in full redecoration. The bed has to be repainted to match the theme. Tiles need to be set in a window sill.

Thor woke up this morning and left about 6:00, which meant I was up at 6:30 for the day. No biggie, it gave me time before the sun scorched the pavement to prime the bed pieces. They needed (so far) three coats of primer. At about 7:00 a.m. I was standing over the boards in my driveway, being baked by a slow rising sun as I rolled paint. After about an hour I stood up and realized I couldn't. I hobbled into the house and sat directly in front of the water cooler (swamp cooler, alternative to an air conditioner) and let it blow dry the sweat off of me. ICK!

I took out any aggressions I had with a hammer on some really terrific tiles and began to place them in the sill. No photos as yet, but I promise I will soon.

Wah wah wah. Now both legs, my lower back and somehow both shoulders are doing the Frankenstein walk. Fun. I am walking into the walls. It's a good thing actually, always gets a laugh from the kids.

another update. It's now Wednesday morning and the three coats of primer on the bed dried and baked in high heat all day yesterday. However the paint is still just rubbing off. grrrr. I think I may have to sand or refinish the whole of the bed, which is not a happy thought. I am not liking fake furniture at this point and wish I could have lived with the fake wood look stuff that was on it. So, um, put out a call to the expert (#2 is a paint boy-genius) and just waiting for his opinion of what to do next.

Back top the bedroom for s'mee! Hopefully will be able to finish in there and get some stuff moving in by the weekend. Thor is still gone (wah!) and won't be home until late late tamale night, so I am working here today, spending the night at #1's, and going to work with Chronicler tomorrow.

That is all.

explanation

well yesterday was a doozy. First I started a meme, see below. It was only in a draft stage and well, I goofed up some html ///goofy stuff and computer talk ***; P >> and the computer and blogger told me that I couldn't publish it. So I copied what I had written in hopes of finding the miniscule error that was causing it to suspend in cyber world, correct it and then publish it this morning. um, no. That didn't happen.

Instead I woke up this morning with a banger headache. I took a couple of excedrine and headed for the blog to try and fix the blooper. Egads! It was published, and it wasn't finished and o. my. heck.

So after working yesterday from 9:00 a.m. to about 10:30 p.m. this -worst post in history- was out for all to read. Sorry folks.

So here is the new and -hopefully- improved version. I am now off to the temple for the actual sealing/wedding and then off to see a b-i-l who is down from up north. It will be another busy day, but worth it. Nothing beats a weekend that begins in the temple.

Have a great weekend; see y'all soon.

Meme from Lisa!

Miss Lisatagged folks to do this meme, I am just one of many... so here goes!

1. Do you think that anyone with a desire to create is an artist of sorts?

An artist of sorts, hmmm. I have a desire to be a NASCAR Racer, does that mean I am one? What would I need to do to prove that I am a NASCAR Racer?

Well, I do think that the two -desire and art- can and do go together-at times. I believe the importance or value of a work is in the eyes of the beholder. It is subjective. ( the difference in whether one considers ballet as "artful" as a sunset or Jeff Gordon.) Just because someone claims to be -an artist, or a particular piece as "art", doesn't necessarily mean that it is -to me.

Making something is different than creating something. I am one of those who feels there isn't any real original thought or ideas, just things that become more acutely clear once one is intellectually or emotionally capable of retrieving it and bringing it to a current placement. Life, for me, is a variation of themes already preset. That said, some folks are extremely talented at finding those things and beinging them to fruition...like the folks at GODIVA.

Take for instance Kim. She and about a million other people take tremendous photos, a lot of photos that are terrific. In that regard she is special, a few million folks on this rock can see things and create things that are already there and present them in a way that is unique, beautiful, and with whatever it is that makes her one of those millions as opposed to we Billions who cannot. We take pictures, she makes art. In addition to the "everyday" photos, she is able to tweak the images she captures and create more interesting pieces that tell a story and make one think. She is an artist to me, and you can know her character by what she produces.

I think that the result of creation and art, the actual piece (whether it is a building, driving with extreme skill, literature, fiber, our profession, photography, paper, paint etc. -whatever we do/create) reflects strongly on the character of the "artist". Like Kim. Like the author's of blogs. Like Moms and Dads. Like Oprah. Like the folks at GODIVA or Playb*y. By their fruits ye shall know them. Who are the real artists? Who are just screaming for attention to fill a void cause by lack of Spirit?

2. What frightens you most about getting older?

Knowing that someday I will be completely dependant upon someone else to care for myself. That, and I want to be a happy, funny old koot. Thinking of myself as angry and bitter frightens me. I am not afraid to die. That said, I don't want to jettison the planet just yet, I'm not ready, I have lists of things to do, and the need for self improvement is the longest. So, being independant as long as possible would be a blessing.

I have seen many older folks who seem to be very independant. They accomplish so much during their retirement years. I hope that as I grow older I can gain more control over this body, mind, and especially the words that seem to flow quickly from my mouth. I am my own worse enemy.

"Dear Lord, I have had a pretty good, lesson filled life; thank you so much! You gave me a very nice "house" to live in. I haven't been too wise or very good at maintaining what you gave me. As a result, I am in the process of remodelling and repairing. I might be too late for some of the framing and wiring, the plumbing comes and goes. The attic is pretty clutter with useless boxes filled with silly things I have accumulated along the way. I am trying to declutter and toss out old baggage, dusty containers etc. as we talk today. Hopefully I can fill the library with more, well written books and memorise passages that matter.

I am thinking about when I get older. I need Your help.

Please help me to use my time wisely, fruitfully, and with grace and humour. Help me to be pleasent to be around and stop complaining. Help me to help others. Surround me with positive folks and let me be a source of strength as I become more feeble. If my mind goes first, let my words be more childlike than those of a sailor. (I am working on that right now, any help you can give me now would certainly help, thanks.) If the body falls a part, let my heart stay focused on what is truly important. When the ears go deaf (sometime around 4:00 tomorrow-lol) let my lips speak only sweet words. When the eyes dim, let my hands give warmth and love. I already walk into walls when over worked, so please, as I fall into others, let me give them a laugh, and then stand up to do more good.

When it is time to go, let me go quickly so that I am not a burden. If I need to linger for a time in pain, confusion, or "limbo", impress my family to do what is best for them. I'm o.k. with pulling the plug. I know I will see everyone later anyway, why waste time sitting by a monitor. Help them to find humour in the tube up my nose and to remember I would try to laugh at it also. Let me remember that You know best and to have the wisdom to do what You would have me do.

Lastly, thanks for everyone You have surrounded me with while I have been here. Thanks for the lessons. Help me to remember who I am and how much I am really worth. See You soon. I love You. I miss You."

3. When was the first time you traveled by air? Where did you go?

Thor took me to Hawaii with him on a business trip. I am afraid of falling 50,000 feet. Heck, I am afraid of falling 15 feet, so this whole airplane business is a trial for me. The flight left from LAX and we headed straight for the ocean. The first hour out and the last hour in were terribly turblulent and it totally freaked me out. I sat there and cried silently, holding onto Thor's hand for life through the flight. He was so great and just kept telling me all the cool things we would experience. He prayed with and for me. He was great.

The flight was packed. If we fell out of the sky we would have bounced like a cub scout egg project. Thor bought me ear phones so I could watch the movie. It was The Perfect Storm, you know, the story of a ship full of fishermen who find themselves in the mid-Atlantic and all die, swallowed up in the perfect storm (hence the name, clever). Did I mention we were flying over the ocean for -like a bazillion hours? Yeah, great movie choice. The only movie choice that could have been worse would be perhaps, Castaway; where the main character is the only survivor of a plane that crashed, again in a lovely over the ocean storm, and lands himself on an island. Yup, that would have been worse. That lovely crash scene where Tom Hanks is gasping for breathe and struggling to save his sorry little life while the plane is sucking him into the depths of the sea... that was the home flight movie.

The Marine Officer next to me on the flight home had 4 cans of beer before we ever took off. I asked if he was afraid to fly also. "Never with the military. But these commercial flight scare the ^&*#$@#$ out of me." Great, big burly guy is as afraid as I am, Tom Hanks is drowning, and Thor is calmly sleeping. Egads.

The moral of the story is that I am somewhat of a seasoned flyer now. I still become very nervous and very afraid. But I have learned that Heavenly Father LOVES me very much. Prayer does indeed work. And, yes, the Good Lord cares enough for S'mee to stop turbulence and land us all safely wherever we have gone. I am always greatful!

Now, as Lisa did I do also. If you like these questions please let us know where you will write the answers and we'll all run over and add numbers to your stats counter. Thanks for playing!

um, duh

You are Barefoot!

You're a total free spirit, go with the flow girl You can't be restricted by shoes for very long And unsuprisingly, the same goes for men Your match is out there - and he's as carefree as you are

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Well, everything except that men part... 30+ years with Thor and he's definately Mr. Stable. But they are right on when it comes to shoes; if I can get out of wearing them, I will.

I measure a size five. Yup, a rather small measurement until you consider that all my life those same small tiny feet have been extremely wide. (Mother dear says this is from walking around without shoes. Thanks mom.) I sometimes have to buy shoes 3 sizes up just to get them in a shoe. (ever see an elephant's foot? Small, yet the same size no matter which direction you view it from.) Salesmen have told me to "forget the shoes, just buy the box."

I have been known to take shoes off during social events and hide naked feet under a table for as long as I can. I enjoy the Polynesian cultures more for their perspective on footwear than anything else, well that, and they usually live on an island...

I was famous for teaching seminary every morning in a Sunday suit. But as soon as prayer was said, I kicked off whatever shoes I had on and taught in bare feet. At the end of my first year, there was a "roast" for the teachers. S'mee's part was portrayed quite well by a young person who talked with a very annoying "valley girl", was ridiculously happy happy happy, and barefoot; all at 5:30 in the morning. That's s'mee!

redo update:

O.k. so the paint is dry and I tried to tile/mosaic the window sill with sea glass. Umm. Not. I like the look, but it was just too irregular in depth. So I am going out to look for a different medium, perhaps old plates or such.

But I really liked the sea glass! wah.