I have no clue what to write about today. Today was a day like any other.
I woke up, took Earl to work, stopped by my parents' house. My original intent was to pick up the old keyboard and come home and practice my music for OCMCO. But I got sidetracked. It was a beautiful morning. The air was still, the sky was blue and the temperature was just right. So Dad and I went outside and started pulling weeds by the waterfall. And we talked about this and that, nothing in particular.
Then I noticed that the canopy was leaning to one side. Of course we had to investigate! So we walked over and at first couldn't determine what was causing the lean. Then I looked up and saw a puddle of water on the top that wasn't supposed to be there. So I proceeded to grab the push broom and pushed the water over the top and caused it to spill to the ground.
The weight of the water stretched out the fabric and bowed the supports. So Dad found an old broomstick and the Handy Man's Secret Weapon, aka duct tape, and we supported the support. We discussed whether or not to brace the other two sides (one side had already been braced) and decided it could wait another day.
This is not an exciting tale. Pretty boring and lame. But it is the story of how I was able to spend a few hours of the morning with my dad. I didn't get to spend much time with him as a kid because he worked hard to keep food on the table and clothes on our bodies. I am not resentful of this fact. In fact, I am very grateful. I never went without. I have happy memories of my childhood. And then I became a teenager but that's for another day.
The point is, I love my parents. My mother is amazing and I hope one day to be the amazing woman she is. I want to always be home when my kids get out of school. I want to be there when my kid falls off his or her bike and has a skinned knee. I want to be there when my daughter has a broken heart. I also want to be practical like my father. The no nonsense kind and you do what you have to do to get things done. But to also have a sense of humor and a twinkle of mischief in my eye.
I want to have kids someday (soon, hopefully!) and I want them to know their grandparents.
Because let's face it: my parents are cooler than yours.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
What a fun song for kids to sing! It also names three of the four body parts that I have issues with!
I went to the doctor today (actually he is the PA) for my knee. I will be going to an orthopedist for further evaluation and diagnosis. Didn't really get an answer from the PA as to what's going on, so my next step is the specialist.
In other news, Earl had his first day of temp work today. It was a slow day for him. But I am very grateful for the work anyway!
We have tons of laundry to fold and a kitchen to clean so I think I am done writing for the day!
I went to the doctor today (actually he is the PA) for my knee. I will be going to an orthopedist for further evaluation and diagnosis. Didn't really get an answer from the PA as to what's going on, so my next step is the specialist.
In other news, Earl had his first day of temp work today. It was a slow day for him. But I am very grateful for the work anyway!
We have tons of laundry to fold and a kitchen to clean so I think I am done writing for the day!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Work, Work, More Work, and Babies?
I work with all men. I am the only female dispatcher. I don't mind. I actually get along better with guys than I do with girls.
About two years ago, there was a rash of pregnancies at work. It seemed as if you were married (some weren't), you got pregnant, or rather, your wife was pregnant. I think that at least 14 babies were born in the last 1-2 years.
I was not one of them.
Now it seems that round two has started. 2 people have announced that child #2 is on the way. Others have announced that they are trying.
I'm not one of them.
I think I need chocolate.
Lots of chocolate.
But in the meantime, Earl has found some temporary work. A lady in our ward needed a temp receptionist while her regular person was out on medical leave for two weeks.
I am grateful for this income. We will be able to use it to pay off a bill or two. And perhaps put some in savings.
I anxiously look forward to the day when we have our debts paid off. To the day when we can have a family of our own. For now, I wait. And fill my days with work, work, more work, horses, and choir.
About two years ago, there was a rash of pregnancies at work. It seemed as if you were married (some weren't), you got pregnant, or rather, your wife was pregnant. I think that at least 14 babies were born in the last 1-2 years.
I was not one of them.
Now it seems that round two has started. 2 people have announced that child #2 is on the way. Others have announced that they are trying.
I'm not one of them.
I think I need chocolate.
Lots of chocolate.
But in the meantime, Earl has found some temporary work. A lady in our ward needed a temp receptionist while her regular person was out on medical leave for two weeks.
I am grateful for this income. We will be able to use it to pay off a bill or two. And perhaps put some in savings.
I anxiously look forward to the day when we have our debts paid off. To the day when we can have a family of our own. For now, I wait. And fill my days with work, work, more work, horses, and choir.
Electricity and Libraries
Well, I did not abandon the blogosphere yesterday. We had one heck of a storm (for Newport Beach) that knocked out our power. For 6 whole hours! So I was unable to write anything.
I don't think I had much to say. Well, I can think of something. I actually have a lot of things on my mind right now.
I think what was most at the front of my mind yesterday was that people in my church can generally be grouped into one of three categories: 1. Those who fulfill and magnify their callings 2. Those who do it about half the time and 3. Those who don't care about it and only said yes because they were afraid to say no.
I say this because I am a ward librarian. Every week I dole out pencils, crayons, chalk, scriptures, pictures, and make copies. It's a pretty easy calling to have as far as callings go. I am one of four librarians for my ward. It is the general understanding that at least one of those four will show up every Sunday. And that one is me.
This has been going on for awhile now. People were released and new people called. Still they do not show up. I have expressed my concerns and feelings with my bishop. I am frustrated with this calling. No, I'm frustrated with the other people who have been called and don't show up. I guess I'm feeling sorry for myself in this respect because I keep asking "Why me? Why am I always the dependable one?" Quite frustrating. I have been told that I am very efficient in the library. I take pride in what I do.
I don't like having these negative feelings. It isn't fun and makes life unenjoyable. (random note: apparently unenjoyable is not a word because it is underlined in the red scribble, but I'm making it a word!) So I'm trying to be happy with my calling. I like the fact that when there is an issue with the copy machine (every stinking week) I know how to fix it. I like that I know where everything is and can find it quickly.
But I wish I could share this knowledge with the other people in this calling. I just can't share it if they aren't there.
I don't think I had much to say. Well, I can think of something. I actually have a lot of things on my mind right now.
I think what was most at the front of my mind yesterday was that people in my church can generally be grouped into one of three categories: 1. Those who fulfill and magnify their callings 2. Those who do it about half the time and 3. Those who don't care about it and only said yes because they were afraid to say no.
I say this because I am a ward librarian. Every week I dole out pencils, crayons, chalk, scriptures, pictures, and make copies. It's a pretty easy calling to have as far as callings go. I am one of four librarians for my ward. It is the general understanding that at least one of those four will show up every Sunday. And that one is me.
This has been going on for awhile now. People were released and new people called. Still they do not show up. I have expressed my concerns and feelings with my bishop. I am frustrated with this calling. No, I'm frustrated with the other people who have been called and don't show up. I guess I'm feeling sorry for myself in this respect because I keep asking "Why me? Why am I always the dependable one?" Quite frustrating. I have been told that I am very efficient in the library. I take pride in what I do.
I don't like having these negative feelings. It isn't fun and makes life unenjoyable. (random note: apparently unenjoyable is not a word because it is underlined in the red scribble, but I'm making it a word!) So I'm trying to be happy with my calling. I like the fact that when there is an issue with the copy machine (every stinking week) I know how to fix it. I like that I know where everything is and can find it quickly.
But I wish I could share this knowledge with the other people in this calling. I just can't share it if they aren't there.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Roadshow!
Need I say more?
Well, I guess I will, since I know that some people who read this aren't LDS. But how to describe it? Here goes:
A group of people, usually teenagers, get together with an overall theme. The large group is subdivided into seven or so smaller groups. The theme is subdivided as well. Each group is given a specific amount of time to write, plan, rehearse, and perform their skit.
Tonight was the performances. I was not a participant, but my younger brother Tyler was. His group's title was "Ballerinas VS the Wung Chun Clan or Love is a Battlefield." My baby brother, who is now 6'4" and about 215lbs, played a ballerina. He also had to prove his manliness by doing one arm pushups. Partly also because he has one one good hand as he broke his right hand 6 weeks ago by being "17 and stupid" as he says. The story was that of a boy and girl, who fall in love, only to find out that the boy is a dancer and the girl is a kung fu master. So a fight ensues and "Bruce Lee" the girl's brother, a tiny little kid (probably not even 5') beat up my brother (the giant ballerina) and Tyler crawled off the stage.
It was very well done, cheesy, corny, and campy, but so much fun! Plus, it is a safe environment for kids to express and experiment with stage performing, if they have never had an opportunity to do so. I love that about my church. Kids are exposed to good things, things that will help them later in life. The shyest kid could turn out to be amazing on stage! It helps to build confidence. Plus friendships can be made and it's just good, plain fun!
The roadshow that I did years ago was an adaptation of the Disney movie "Aladdin." I played Jasmine. And Aladdin was played by a tiny little 12 year old boy (I was 17 and already 6 feet tall). I don't remember much from the plot line, but the end of our performance was me picking up the boy and carrying him offstage. So fun!
Anyone else have fond memories of roadshows? What did you do? Share!
Well, I guess I will, since I know that some people who read this aren't LDS. But how to describe it? Here goes:
A group of people, usually teenagers, get together with an overall theme. The large group is subdivided into seven or so smaller groups. The theme is subdivided as well. Each group is given a specific amount of time to write, plan, rehearse, and perform their skit.
Tonight was the performances. I was not a participant, but my younger brother Tyler was. His group's title was "Ballerinas VS the Wung Chun Clan or Love is a Battlefield." My baby brother, who is now 6'4" and about 215lbs, played a ballerina. He also had to prove his manliness by doing one arm pushups. Partly also because he has one one good hand as he broke his right hand 6 weeks ago by being "17 and stupid" as he says. The story was that of a boy and girl, who fall in love, only to find out that the boy is a dancer and the girl is a kung fu master. So a fight ensues and "Bruce Lee" the girl's brother, a tiny little kid (probably not even 5') beat up my brother (the giant ballerina) and Tyler crawled off the stage.
It was very well done, cheesy, corny, and campy, but so much fun! Plus, it is a safe environment for kids to express and experiment with stage performing, if they have never had an opportunity to do so. I love that about my church. Kids are exposed to good things, things that will help them later in life. The shyest kid could turn out to be amazing on stage! It helps to build confidence. Plus friendships can be made and it's just good, plain fun!
The roadshow that I did years ago was an adaptation of the Disney movie "Aladdin." I played Jasmine. And Aladdin was played by a tiny little 12 year old boy (I was 17 and already 6 feet tall). I don't remember much from the plot line, but the end of our performance was me picking up the boy and carrying him offstage. So fun!
Anyone else have fond memories of roadshows? What did you do? Share!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Getting Old Already!
Well today was...today was...not exciting. I can't say that I have anything to report. I worked at Back Bay today. Then Earl and I went to Costco. And then hung out with my family.
I did attempt to make homemade fried mozzarella. Turned out okay. What you do is take a chunk of fresh mozzarella (we found that the smaller the chunk, the better) and wrapped it in pizza dough. The store-bought kind in the tube is what we used. Then you deep fry it. And then cover it with marinara. I just dipped mine in spaghetti sauce. Pretty yummy!
I attempted to call my doctor today. I'm having knee issues. Along with the hip and leg and back issues. And migraine issues. Anyway, basically on Sunday night as I was coming down the stairs, my right knee started to click. Didn't hurt, so I went about my normal routine and didn't think anything of it. Then on Monday, it hurt so bad! All day at work all I could think about was putting my brace on. So Tuesday I wore my brace to work. Just going from sitting to standing or vice versa hurt like the dickens. Wore my brace Wednesday and Thursday as well. Then Thursday evening as I was getting ready for OCMCO rehearsal, I checked my knee for swelling, just like I had been doing all week (without any swelling or discoloration) and my right knee was about 50% bigger than my left! So after rehearsal, where I sat with my leg up on a chair, I iced and elevated my knee, hoping to bring down some of the swelling.
When I got up this morning, there was no change. Even after keeping my leg propped up ALL NIGHT LONG and forcing myself to sleep on my back which is the most UNCOMFORTABLE thing EVER!
So imagine my frustration when I go to call my doc today at 1230 and I get a recording that the office is closed. Not for lunch, for the rest of the day! Man, I wish I could only work half days! Must be nice! So now I have to wait til Monday to call and schedule an appt. And who knows when that will be!
So in the meantime, I'm 27 years old and falling apart. Can I trade in this model for a new one? I think the manufacturers gaurantee has worn off!
I did attempt to make homemade fried mozzarella. Turned out okay. What you do is take a chunk of fresh mozzarella (we found that the smaller the chunk, the better) and wrapped it in pizza dough. The store-bought kind in the tube is what we used. Then you deep fry it. And then cover it with marinara. I just dipped mine in spaghetti sauce. Pretty yummy!
I attempted to call my doctor today. I'm having knee issues. Along with the hip and leg and back issues. And migraine issues. Anyway, basically on Sunday night as I was coming down the stairs, my right knee started to click. Didn't hurt, so I went about my normal routine and didn't think anything of it. Then on Monday, it hurt so bad! All day at work all I could think about was putting my brace on. So Tuesday I wore my brace to work. Just going from sitting to standing or vice versa hurt like the dickens. Wore my brace Wednesday and Thursday as well. Then Thursday evening as I was getting ready for OCMCO rehearsal, I checked my knee for swelling, just like I had been doing all week (without any swelling or discoloration) and my right knee was about 50% bigger than my left! So after rehearsal, where I sat with my leg up on a chair, I iced and elevated my knee, hoping to bring down some of the swelling.
When I got up this morning, there was no change. Even after keeping my leg propped up ALL NIGHT LONG and forcing myself to sleep on my back which is the most UNCOMFORTABLE thing EVER!
So imagine my frustration when I go to call my doc today at 1230 and I get a recording that the office is closed. Not for lunch, for the rest of the day! Man, I wish I could only work half days! Must be nice! So now I have to wait til Monday to call and schedule an appt. And who knows when that will be!
So in the meantime, I'm 27 years old and falling apart. Can I trade in this model for a new one? I think the manufacturers gaurantee has worn off!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
New Year's Resolution in March?
I have been chastised and called to repentance.
Last night was the Newport Beach Stake Women's Conference. I've never been to a women's conference before. They are almost always on Saturday and I always work on Saturday. Last night's theme was "My Story Matters." And the speaker talked about how we as women need to record our life story.
I don't keep a daily journal. Not because I don't like to, it's that I don't feel that I have enough interesting events going on in my life that are worth recording.
I'm not a world traveler. I've only been out of the country once-on my honeymoon-on a cruise-doesn't really count-we only went to Mexico. I have dreams of one day going to Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, the Bahamas, Sweden, Germany, and Ireland. Half of those places are dive locations. The other half are for family history. It's where my family came from and I would love to know where, and see where they lived.
I'm not a mom. Yet. I don't have funny stories to tell about what my crazy kids did today. I don't have silly pictures to post. Not a bad thing. And rest assured-those posts will be coming in the next few years!
For now I am a dispatcher. I send ambulances to people when they call 911. (Whether they actually NEED an ambulance is another issue.) I work 3 12hr shifts a week. I leave when it's dark out. I come home as the last bits of sunshine fade away into darkness.
I am a wife. I am married to a wonderful man who loves me unconditionally. He takes care of the house because I don't have the energy or time when I come home from work. We are silly together. And nauseatingly cute when we are out in public. Who knew that after 2 years of marriage we would still hold hands every chance we get?
I'm a volunteer. I go to Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club three days a week and give of my time to help disabled kids get stronger. Plus I get to play with horses!
I sing. I am a member of the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization. I sing 1st Alto. I am privileged to be in this organization. I love singing in a professional choir. It's hard work, but I love the sound that is made when 200 voices sing in harmony.
So this is my first entry in my thirty day journal/blog. I have to remember to write everyday. Keep me honest about it!
Last night was the Newport Beach Stake Women's Conference. I've never been to a women's conference before. They are almost always on Saturday and I always work on Saturday. Last night's theme was "My Story Matters." And the speaker talked about how we as women need to record our life story.
I don't keep a daily journal. Not because I don't like to, it's that I don't feel that I have enough interesting events going on in my life that are worth recording.
I'm not a world traveler. I've only been out of the country once-on my honeymoon-on a cruise-doesn't really count-we only went to Mexico. I have dreams of one day going to Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, the Bahamas, Sweden, Germany, and Ireland. Half of those places are dive locations. The other half are for family history. It's where my family came from and I would love to know where, and see where they lived.
I'm not a mom. Yet. I don't have funny stories to tell about what my crazy kids did today. I don't have silly pictures to post. Not a bad thing. And rest assured-those posts will be coming in the next few years!
For now I am a dispatcher. I send ambulances to people when they call 911. (Whether they actually NEED an ambulance is another issue.) I work 3 12hr shifts a week. I leave when it's dark out. I come home as the last bits of sunshine fade away into darkness.
I am a wife. I am married to a wonderful man who loves me unconditionally. He takes care of the house because I don't have the energy or time when I come home from work. We are silly together. And nauseatingly cute when we are out in public. Who knew that after 2 years of marriage we would still hold hands every chance we get?
I'm a volunteer. I go to Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club three days a week and give of my time to help disabled kids get stronger. Plus I get to play with horses!
I sing. I am a member of the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization. I sing 1st Alto. I am privileged to be in this organization. I love singing in a professional choir. It's hard work, but I love the sound that is made when 200 voices sing in harmony.
So this is my first entry in my thirty day journal/blog. I have to remember to write everyday. Keep me honest about it!
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