I've realized that my blog is rather boring in the visual sense. I very rarely post pictures. I think it's because I'm too lazy.
Hey, at least I'm honest!
Hopefully once we find the charging cord for the camera, I can upload the cheesy pictures from our 3rd anniversary. Really, the only pictures we took were of our cake. Not that exciting.
But to start off the recap of events, Sunday morning Earl and I headed out to Arizona. We were on the road by about 9am. It was pretty windy and so we unfortunately did not make it there on 1 tank of gas. :( But we eventually made it there and had dinner with Adam and Cathie, Earl's brother and sister-in-law. And dinner was A-MA-ZING! Cathie made these super yummy chicken pockets and I can only guess at the recipe. I asked for the recipe, and am quietly waiting for it. It was amazingly delicious. I think I ate 4 of them.
Monday morning dawned clear and breezy. I got ready for my interview and was trying to not be too nervous. So I was being good and putting my nylons on. I wasn't looking forward to it, for I HATE wearing pantyhose. I had even bought a pair just for this interview. And wouldn't you know it, straight out of the box, brand-spanking new, these suckers had a hole and a run!
I had to make an emergency run to Walgreen's to get a new pair and of course I didn't have time to go back home to put them on, but head straight to the department and hope for a public bathroom.
Which there was, thank goodness. Have you ever tried to put on pantyhose standing up in a bathroom? It's difficult. And awkward.
But the interview went well. Really well. I can only think of a couple of things I could've said to improve my answers, but the ladies running the interview were really great. I even got them to laugh an chuckle a few times. I gave examples that they were even able to relate to personally, so that was good.
I found out that I am one of 6 people who interviewed for 4 spots. Huge boost to me! They liked me, even though I'm out of state! Their words were that I was a "top contender" for the position!
So while I was on my emotional high after the interview, Earl and I went to look at apartments. We looked at 3, and I think we found our future "maybe" home. It's in a complex called Sonoma Landing in Gilbert, AZ. It's only about a 15-20 minute drive to the department (we drove it, just to check). It is a one bedroom, one bathroom with 899 sq ft. It has an open kitchen, full-size W/D, dishwasher, built-in desk area in the living room, bar section by the sink (love it!), bay window in the dining area, separate entrances to both the bathroom and bedroom. And a walk-in closet. And an oval garden tub.
And did I say that I'm in love?
There was also a mild dust storm while we were there. That was interesting. Not a whole lot going on, just low visibility.
Earl and I went to IKEA for our anniversary dinner. Cheap and simple. I wish I could say the food was good. It was pretty disgusting. Which was disappointing since we'd eaten at IKEA before and it was good. Many times. But we had fun walking around with Adam and Cathie too. We ended the night with our cake, even blew out 3 candles. Earl thinks I'm silly for wanting candles. I say it's fun! We went to bed right on time, me with the help of a sleep aid and sudafed.
We got up and were on the road by 8. We stopped at the Desert Hills Outlets and walked around a bit. It was in the 40's and windy, so I was freezing! Even Earl said he was chilly. We didn't find anything to buy. Probably a good thing! We made it home by about 1430, and just kinda vegged out the rest of the afternoon. Earl worked on homework, I did some laundry and made macaroni and cheese for dinner. High class baby, high class!
All in all, it was a successful trip. We had fun, accomplished what needed to be done, and hung out with family.
And that, my friends, is how an "old married couple" celebrates an anniversary!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Events of the Upcoming Weekend (and then some...)
Here I sit at work again. This time we are pretty busy. We've had 43 trips since I got on at 0700 and it's only 1109 now. Not too shabby.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. On Friday night my choir is recording for a Christmas CD. They will continue recording Saturday morning, but I was not able to get Saturday off work so I won't be joining them that morning.
And then on Sunday Earl and I will be heading out to Arizona. I have my interview on Monday morning at 0945. I'm alittle LOT nervous about it. But I know it will be okay. I'm trying to not think about it and psych myself out.
We will also look at some more apartments while out there. There are about 4 or 5 more complexes that I want to see.
I just got an e-mail saying that my application to Irvine PD dispatch has been reviewed and they will contact me next week. I've also gotten an e-mail inviting me to test for Mesa PD dispatch (Arizona as well) and I just need to schedule that.
So Earl and I may be having date night this week on Thursday, since OCMCO rehearsal has been cancelled. Or not. We'll see.
One thing that is somewhat being overshadowed on Monday is our anniversary. This marks 3 years for me and Earl. We will continue our tradition and get a small cake and blow out candles. Yes, we're silly, but this is something that we have started and will continue for years to come. I mean, why not have a cake and celebrate another year of wedded bliss? I like it. He likes it. And we get cake!
And who doesn't like cake?
(If you responded that you don't like cake, I'm not sure that we can be friends anymore.)
I'm looking forward to this weekend. On Friday night my choir is recording for a Christmas CD. They will continue recording Saturday morning, but I was not able to get Saturday off work so I won't be joining them that morning.
And then on Sunday Earl and I will be heading out to Arizona. I have my interview on Monday morning at 0945. I'm a
We will also look at some more apartments while out there. There are about 4 or 5 more complexes that I want to see.
I just got an e-mail saying that my application to Irvine PD dispatch has been reviewed and they will contact me next week. I've also gotten an e-mail inviting me to test for Mesa PD dispatch (Arizona as well) and I just need to schedule that.
So Earl and I may be having date night this week on Thursday, since OCMCO rehearsal has been cancelled. Or not. We'll see.
One thing that is somewhat being overshadowed on Monday is our anniversary. This marks 3 years for me and Earl. We will continue our tradition and get a small cake and blow out candles. Yes, we're silly, but this is something that we have started and will continue for years to come. I mean, why not have a cake and celebrate another year of wedded bliss? I like it. He likes it. And we get cake!
And who doesn't like cake?
(If you responded that you don't like cake, I'm not sure that we can be friends anymore.)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thoughts and Feelings
This post may be a little heavy for a Monday morning. But I've actually been contemplating it all since yesterday. Well, technically parts since Friday.
I was feeling just fine and dandy yesterday before church. I wouldn't say I was excited to go to church, but I wasn't dreading it either. Mostly indifferent. I had just gotten my hair trimmed and it looked good, and I was wearing my red peep-toe sling-back 4 inch heels. I looked good.
Sacrament meeting was good. Our Elders Quorum presidency spoke. A little girl from our ward had been baptized on Saturday and she was dressed in white and was just cute as can be.
I got to Sunday School and sat by myself. Earl had taken an elderly man home, my mother-in-law had gone home as she wasn't feeling well, and my father-in-law was doing clerk business. I can't say that I remember much of what was taught. I was distracted. I remember that I was going to make a comment, but someone else said the same thing basically that I was going to say. Kinda made me feel good though, because this guy used to be a bishop and in a stake presidency. So I guess my intellect was spot on!
But the Relief Society started.
Just me and a bunch of other women. I feel awkward. Especially because I didn't have the security blanket of my mother-in-law next to me.
I was distracted again by the little babies/toddlers crawling on the floor, playing with each other. It was kind of cute really. Like a little play group. Interesting to watch the behaviors of the kids. Which ones were okay with sharing toys, and the ones who didn't know what sharing was.
And then I looked at a gal who is pregnant. I'm not sure if she and her husband have been married for a year yet. I really like this gal. She's smart, pretty, genuinely nice to everyone. You know, the type of person you love to be jealous of. I remember having a conversation with her about how they wanted to get a dog and weren't ready for kids.
I feel very self-conscious at church sometimes. I'm paranoid that people look at me and Earl and wonder why we aren't having kids. No one has come out and said it to us, hence the paranoia.
And I have a confession. I have become obsessed with pregnancy/fertility/infertility.
I've become infected with this topic. I can't help it. I need an intervention. Seriously. I am deathly afraid that we are dealing with some sort of infertility and what the consequences might be. I know that fertility treatments can be expensive. I know that adoption can be very expensive. And yes, I know that having a child the natural way is just as expensive.
I have tried to approach this topic in a logical sense. And it works for a day or too. I'm a glutton for punishment. I read blogs online. I read on Parenting.com two blogs entitled "Project Pregnancy" and "The Fertility Files" every day that I'm at work. The first is about 1 or 2 women chronicling her journey through pregnancy, whether she is a first-time mom, or a seasoned pro. The second is one woman's story of Secondary Infertility. I am experiencing neither of these situations. But I am still obsessed.
Why am I sharing this with the world?
I don't know. I don't want to be alone in this. I know there are many women who experience what I'm going through. But I want to know if my friends have been or are in the same boat. Not that this knowledge would make me feel better. And it may be painful to other women. So really, I'm just venting my fears.
Told you this was heavy for a Monday.
I was feeling just fine and dandy yesterday before church. I wouldn't say I was excited to go to church, but I wasn't dreading it either. Mostly indifferent. I had just gotten my hair trimmed and it looked good, and I was wearing my red peep-toe sling-back 4 inch heels. I looked good.
Sacrament meeting was good. Our Elders Quorum presidency spoke. A little girl from our ward had been baptized on Saturday and she was dressed in white and was just cute as can be.
I got to Sunday School and sat by myself. Earl had taken an elderly man home, my mother-in-law had gone home as she wasn't feeling well, and my father-in-law was doing clerk business. I can't say that I remember much of what was taught. I was distracted. I remember that I was going to make a comment, but someone else said the same thing basically that I was going to say. Kinda made me feel good though, because this guy used to be a bishop and in a stake presidency. So I guess my intellect was spot on!
But the Relief Society started.
Just me and a bunch of other women. I feel awkward. Especially because I didn't have the security blanket of my mother-in-law next to me.
I was distracted again by the little babies/toddlers crawling on the floor, playing with each other. It was kind of cute really. Like a little play group. Interesting to watch the behaviors of the kids. Which ones were okay with sharing toys, and the ones who didn't know what sharing was.
And then I looked at a gal who is pregnant. I'm not sure if she and her husband have been married for a year yet. I really like this gal. She's smart, pretty, genuinely nice to everyone. You know, the type of person you love to be jealous of. I remember having a conversation with her about how they wanted to get a dog and weren't ready for kids.
I feel very self-conscious at church sometimes. I'm paranoid that people look at me and Earl and wonder why we aren't having kids. No one has come out and said it to us, hence the paranoia.
And I have a confession. I have become obsessed with pregnancy/fertility/infertility.
I've become infected with this topic. I can't help it. I need an intervention. Seriously. I am deathly afraid that we are dealing with some sort of infertility and what the consequences might be. I know that fertility treatments can be expensive. I know that adoption can be very expensive. And yes, I know that having a child the natural way is just as expensive.
I have tried to approach this topic in a logical sense. And it works for a day or too. I'm a glutton for punishment. I read blogs online. I read on Parenting.com two blogs entitled "Project Pregnancy" and "The Fertility Files" every day that I'm at work. The first is about 1 or 2 women chronicling her journey through pregnancy, whether she is a first-time mom, or a seasoned pro. The second is one woman's story of Secondary Infertility. I am experiencing neither of these situations. But I am still obsessed.
Why am I sharing this with the world?
I don't know. I don't want to be alone in this. I know there are many women who experience what I'm going through. But I want to know if my friends have been or are in the same boat. Not that this knowledge would make me feel better. And it may be painful to other women. So really, I'm just venting my fears.
Told you this was heavy for a Monday.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Ahh...
Just got my hair trimmed. Only cut about an inch off. Just wanted to get it healthy looking again.
And it feels great!
Just don't tell my husband how much I spent....
Is $70 too much? Well, actually it was $60 and I gave her $10 for a tip.
But I only get my hair cut/trimmed like once a year, if not longer. So it's okay, right? Besides, I have to make sure I look my best for my interview. Even though I will be wearing pantyhose, I'm still going to get a pedicure. Not worried so much about the manicure, I can do my nails pretty well.
What was the point of this post?
Oh yeah. There wasn't one!
And it feels great!
Just don't tell my husband how much I spent....
Is $70 too much? Well, actually it was $60 and I gave her $10 for a tip.
But I only get my hair cut/trimmed like once a year, if not longer. So it's okay, right? Besides, I have to make sure I look my best for my interview. Even though I will be wearing pantyhose, I'm still going to get a pedicure. Not worried so much about the manicure, I can do my nails pretty well.
What was the point of this post?
Oh yeah. There wasn't one!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Results are In!
Okay, here's the scoop: I have decided on wearing a grey pin-striped skirt with a long sleeved, light blue button down shirt, with black heels. I will be wearing panty hose, which I am NOT looking forward to. But since it is the more professional look, I will do it.
I went shopping last night with Earl. He was so good. The shirt I ended up with is light blue and I got it from H&M for only $20! I will be returning the shirt I got at Express because I really liked the H&M one more with the skirt. So go me for saving money!
So that is a huge relief for me. I don't have to stress about what I'm going to wear. I will probably pull my hair back in a half ponytail with a side part. Simple, clean, slightly feminine, but still professional. Jewelry will be minimal, simple pendant necklace and stud earrings.
Well, now that everyone knows what I will be wearing, the only thing left to say is I am bored out of my mind!
I tried yoga yesterday for the first time and it kicked my butt! Wow! I could only do about half of the poses and movements and even then, I was a poor representation! I also went for a trail ride yesterday and my mount tried to get away from me twice. The first time she was spooked by a giant white bird that took flight right in front of her. The second time, she just wanted to race and run in a full out gallop. So I'm a little sore today. I'm trying to move and stretch today so that my muscles relax a bit, but sitting at a desk for 12 hours isn't very conducive to that!
But I do look forward to getting better at the whole yoga thing. I just want to be flexible and have some semblance of strength again. Plus I've heard that yoga is good for back issues. And I have a whole host of back/hip/leg issues. My hips were popping left and right last night. I will take that as a good sign.
Bored yet? Okay, I'll stop here. Happy Saturday!
I went shopping last night with Earl. He was so good. The shirt I ended up with is light blue and I got it from H&M for only $20! I will be returning the shirt I got at Express because I really liked the H&M one more with the skirt. So go me for saving money!
So that is a huge relief for me. I don't have to stress about what I'm going to wear. I will probably pull my hair back in a half ponytail with a side part. Simple, clean, slightly feminine, but still professional. Jewelry will be minimal, simple pendant necklace and stud earrings.
Well, now that everyone knows what I will be wearing, the only thing left to say is I am bored out of my mind!
I tried yoga yesterday for the first time and it kicked my butt! Wow! I could only do about half of the poses and movements and even then, I was a poor representation! I also went for a trail ride yesterday and my mount tried to get away from me twice. The first time she was spooked by a giant white bird that took flight right in front of her. The second time, she just wanted to race and run in a full out gallop. So I'm a little sore today. I'm trying to move and stretch today so that my muscles relax a bit, but sitting at a desk for 12 hours isn't very conducive to that!
But I do look forward to getting better at the whole yoga thing. I just want to be flexible and have some semblance of strength again. Plus I've heard that yoga is good for back issues. And I have a whole host of back/hip/leg issues. My hips were popping left and right last night. I will take that as a good sign.
Bored yet? Okay, I'll stop here. Happy Saturday!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I Need Your Help!!
CALLING ALL BLOGGERS!!
I need help! I have this interview coming up in just under 3 weeks. And I need clothes! I started doing some preliminary recon shopping for a suit and I am very disappointed with what I have found. I was hoping to perhaps get a new shirt to pair with the black pants I already have. You know, work with what I have so I don't have to spend a fortune.
But then I started thinking that I should get a suit, you know, be more professional and everything. Perhaps the board would be impressed that a young woman (I still qualify as a young woman, right?) would show up in a suit for the interview.
But then I started look at the prices for just a jacket to pair with my pants. Holy cow! $200 just for a jacket? I was blown away!
So basically this is what I have to work with:
1 Pair black wool blend pants from Express
1 black belt
1 Pair black patent leather peep-toe pumps
1 Pair red patent leather sling-back heels
Various camisoles, some with lace trim, some plain colors
I don't have a huge budget. Really, the cheaper the better. I'm sure my husband would prefer if I didn't spend anything at all, but we all know that's not going to happen! I'm open to all suggestions!!
News!
So I have taken to being lazy on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Earl has his computer building class and I don't have to work. So I'm all alone (except for the cat) and it's still relatively dark out. And chilly. So I stay in bed, and usually put an old movie on Netflix.
Yesterday I watched "Anastasia" with Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner. Not too shabby. Parts were a little annoying, but overall it was good.
And while I was in bed watching the movie, I got a phone call.
THE phone call.
Arizona was calling to schedule my oral board interview.
FINALLY!!!
I'm set to go on Monday, Feb. 27.
That day is also our 3rd wedding anniversary. So I guess we'll be going away for it after all!
Of course this now gives me time to shop for an interview outfit. :) Earl isn't too happy about that. Oh well!
Well, time to get back to training the new guy. Wish me luck!
Yesterday I watched "Anastasia" with Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner. Not too shabby. Parts were a little annoying, but overall it was good.
And while I was in bed watching the movie, I got a phone call.
THE phone call.
Arizona was calling to schedule my oral board interview.
FINALLY!!!
I'm set to go on Monday, Feb. 27.
That day is also our 3rd wedding anniversary. So I guess we'll be going away for it after all!
Of course this now gives me time to shop for an interview outfit. :) Earl isn't too happy about that. Oh well!
Well, time to get back to training the new guy. Wish me luck!
Monday, February 6, 2012
High Hopes
So there's a song I have running through my head right now. I don't know the name of the song, or the words, other than those of the title. I'm sure it's from a movie or stage show.
Why am I telling you this? Because someone told me I have a cute blog! Now I'm nervous that they have high hopes for my blog! What if I don't write something cute? Or funny? What if it's just me? Oi, I think I have a headache...
Eh, I guess it doesn't matter. I write this blog for me, right? At least that's how it started. Well, I guess I started it so that my friends and family could read what's going on in my life too.
The problem is I don't have a lot going on in my life. I mean, I do, I'm almost always busy, but it's the same thing every week. I work Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at Doctor's. And on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I work at the barn. Thursday nights I have choir practice. Sunday's I go to church.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Earl goes to school Monday through Thursday.
When we're home we watch movies or TV shows on Netflix. And play with the cat.
We need to go grocery shopping this week.
I've lost my train of thought. Again.
Dang it.
And this is why I question why I have a blog. If you read this, all you did was waste time. I apologize for that.
I guess we did do something out of the ordinary yesterday. We went up to Long Beach for a Super Bowl party with some friends. I made yellow cake mix cookies with chocolate frosting. The game wasn't amazing, the commercials seemed to be lacking. But the friends were always good. And so was the food.
And when Earl and I got home, I took 1 Tylenol PM, he took some melatonin (we both have issues sleeping) and watched an episode of The X Files. It was quiet, relaxing, and just what I needed.
Have I wasted enough of your time yet? Yes? Okay, good.
Why am I telling you this? Because someone told me I have a cute blog! Now I'm nervous that they have high hopes for my blog! What if I don't write something cute? Or funny? What if it's just me? Oi, I think I have a headache...
Eh, I guess it doesn't matter. I write this blog for me, right? At least that's how it started. Well, I guess I started it so that my friends and family could read what's going on in my life too.
The problem is I don't have a lot going on in my life. I mean, I do, I'm almost always busy, but it's the same thing every week. I work Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at Doctor's. And on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I work at the barn. Thursday nights I have choir practice. Sunday's I go to church.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Earl goes to school Monday through Thursday.
When we're home we watch movies or TV shows on Netflix. And play with the cat.
We need to go grocery shopping this week.
I've lost my train of thought. Again.
Dang it.
And this is why I question why I have a blog. If you read this, all you did was waste time. I apologize for that.
I guess we did do something out of the ordinary yesterday. We went up to Long Beach for a Super Bowl party with some friends. I made yellow cake mix cookies with chocolate frosting. The game wasn't amazing, the commercials seemed to be lacking. But the friends were always good. And so was the food.
And when Earl and I got home, I took 1 Tylenol PM, he took some melatonin (we both have issues sleeping) and watched an episode of The X Files. It was quiet, relaxing, and just what I needed.
Have I wasted enough of your time yet? Yes? Okay, good.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
ADD & Some Ramblings
Okay, can I just say "wow?" I'm sitting at work right now...and I can't focus worth a darn right now.
Not only can I not focus, I can't sit still.
I'm bored out of my mind.
I could play Angry Birds, but I don't think I have the attention span for that either.
How sad is that?
I just got distracted by something and I completely lot my train of thought.
That is of course, implying that I had a train of thought to begin with.
So perhaps I will cut my losses now.
Are you as confused as I am?
Good.
Not only can I not focus, I can't sit still.
I'm bored out of my mind.
I could play Angry Birds, but I don't think I have the attention span for that either.
How sad is that?
I just got distracted by something and I completely lot my train of thought.
That is of course, implying that I had a train of thought to begin with.
So perhaps I will cut my losses now.
Are you as confused as I am?
Good.
WARNING: THOUGHTFUL POST AHEAD!
I'm a little sleepy today. Slept pretty well last night. I think the night time Tylenol cold and sinus had a hand in that.
Earl and I went to visit my dear friend Jenny last night. She just had a baby. A little girl. She is precious. She spent a few hours in the NICU yesterday. She had some trouble breathing. But she is doing much better now. Hopefully they will both get to go home today.
I am getting better about the whole pregnancy/baby thing. I've been so jealous of my friends who are having kids. People that I love and care about. It's not something I am proud of. I became bitter, angry, depressed. I was not a fun person to be around.
When Jenny sent me a picture of her holding her new daughter, I cried tears of joy for her. I was so happy. The bitterness that I had formerly felt was not there. I was doubly happy.
You see, I had been praying for comfort. For peace. While I knew that now was not the time for a family for me and Earl, I have felt that tug, that void. Knowing that something was missing. Someone was missing. I had accepted my Heavenly Father's answer that we aren't to start a family now. But I needed comfort from this disappointment.
And it came. To be free of that burden is wonderful. I honestly don't feel stronger because of it. I feel humbled. I don't feel stronger because of this trial. But maybe I'm not supposed to feel stronger. I'm supposed to feel like me.
And for once in a long while, I do.
I'm growing as a person. I somewhat feel like the Grinch whose heart grew in the end. Before I could only focus on myself. I couldn't/wouldn't be happy for other people.
I feel like I have turned a corner. I am happy for others. I share their joy.
I am getting better.
I'm a little sleepy today. Slept pretty well last night. I think the night time Tylenol cold and sinus had a hand in that.
Earl and I went to visit my dear friend Jenny last night. She just had a baby. A little girl. She is precious. She spent a few hours in the NICU yesterday. She had some trouble breathing. But she is doing much better now. Hopefully they will both get to go home today.
I am getting better about the whole pregnancy/baby thing. I've been so jealous of my friends who are having kids. People that I love and care about. It's not something I am proud of. I became bitter, angry, depressed. I was not a fun person to be around.
When Jenny sent me a picture of her holding her new daughter, I cried tears of joy for her. I was so happy. The bitterness that I had formerly felt was not there. I was doubly happy.
You see, I had been praying for comfort. For peace. While I knew that now was not the time for a family for me and Earl, I have felt that tug, that void. Knowing that something was missing. Someone was missing. I had accepted my Heavenly Father's answer that we aren't to start a family now. But I needed comfort from this disappointment.
And it came. To be free of that burden is wonderful. I honestly don't feel stronger because of it. I feel humbled. I don't feel stronger because of this trial. But maybe I'm not supposed to feel stronger. I'm supposed to feel like me.
And for once in a long while, I do.
I'm growing as a person. I somewhat feel like the Grinch whose heart grew in the end. Before I could only focus on myself. I couldn't/wouldn't be happy for other people.
I feel like I have turned a corner. I am happy for others. I share their joy.
I am getting better.
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