100!
I am still babying my hand a bit, so I decided today to see how many times I can bounce a ball on my raquetball raquet using my left hand only. I was able to get to 100 eventually! I'm fairly sure that if I was to continue, I would be able to master this. But I need to get some sleep tonight. This was great, as it's been about 3 years since I've been able to play, and I really miss it. Perhaps if I keep this up, I would not have lost too many of my skills.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day 53 - May 18, 2008
Surgery At Home
I chose this title, because I thought it would make a great "what the!" reaction. I was also thinking of titling this "the power of super glue," or "Reasons why everyone should have super glue as a part of their food storage!"
I actually had something else I had done, that was new for me.... but this story is much more interesting.
Sunday morning I accidentally cut my finger. It was a stupid reason why, so I won't delve into how it happened. The fact is, that it did happen, and I sat there with an ice cube on my right hand, pointer finger for over an hour (even elevating it at times) and the blood would not stop coming. I wasn't sure what I should do. I just knew that I can't go through life holding an ice cube on my finger. Especially in the winter, when it get's really cold here! I don't want to be any colder. So after thinking, and praying about it, I decided that I needed some super glue. When I was in college and would get a cut on one of my fingers, I would put super glue over it as I couldn't play the harp with a band aid on my finger. This actually worked better than a band aid. I found my bottle of super glue, but realized I bought the "pen" version. This meant that you had to push the tip to get any of it out. That would not work for this cut. It would just bring about more pain and blood. I called my cousins upstairs and asked if they had any super glue. They told me that due to past experiences, it was banned from their home. But after, my cousin, came down with a tube of the same type of super glue that I had. I explained to her why I needed the super glue. She went upstairs to get her husband, as she has a weak stomach. Taylor came down and was a great surgeon for me, as he cut my super glue bottle open, and poured the super glue over the cut to help it stop bleeding. After we emptied the contents on my finger, I was able to continue on with my day. Unfortunately I was supposed to accompany someone on the flute for my church. I had to call and reschedule this for next week, as I have bandaged my finger up and the bandage is bigger than a piano key. Hence it would be difficult to play the piano. Just as it is also difficult to type on a keyboard at this moment. But all things can be conquered. Below is a picture of how my finger looked after the glue dried. I was just going to send this to my mom and title it "look what I did today," but why share it with just one person. It looks funny, as the blood dried bright red, shiny, so it looked like new blood, although it's not. It's doing really well though. I am putting the picture down low, so if you are weak with these things, don't continue to scroll down. :-)
Oh, I would like to thank Taylor again for being willing to help me out. He was a great surgeon!
I chose this title, because I thought it would make a great "what the!" reaction. I was also thinking of titling this "the power of super glue," or "Reasons why everyone should have super glue as a part of their food storage!"
I actually had something else I had done, that was new for me.... but this story is much more interesting.
Sunday morning I accidentally cut my finger. It was a stupid reason why, so I won't delve into how it happened. The fact is, that it did happen, and I sat there with an ice cube on my right hand, pointer finger for over an hour (even elevating it at times) and the blood would not stop coming. I wasn't sure what I should do. I just knew that I can't go through life holding an ice cube on my finger. Especially in the winter, when it get's really cold here! I don't want to be any colder. So after thinking, and praying about it, I decided that I needed some super glue. When I was in college and would get a cut on one of my fingers, I would put super glue over it as I couldn't play the harp with a band aid on my finger. This actually worked better than a band aid. I found my bottle of super glue, but realized I bought the "pen" version. This meant that you had to push the tip to get any of it out. That would not work for this cut. It would just bring about more pain and blood. I called my cousins upstairs and asked if they had any super glue. They told me that due to past experiences, it was banned from their home. But after, my cousin, came down with a tube of the same type of super glue that I had. I explained to her why I needed the super glue. She went upstairs to get her husband, as she has a weak stomach. Taylor came down and was a great surgeon for me, as he cut my super glue bottle open, and poured the super glue over the cut to help it stop bleeding. After we emptied the contents on my finger, I was able to continue on with my day. Unfortunately I was supposed to accompany someone on the flute for my church. I had to call and reschedule this for next week, as I have bandaged my finger up and the bandage is bigger than a piano key. Hence it would be difficult to play the piano. Just as it is also difficult to type on a keyboard at this moment. But all things can be conquered. Below is a picture of how my finger looked after the glue dried. I was just going to send this to my mom and title it "look what I did today," but why share it with just one person. It looks funny, as the blood dried bright red, shiny, so it looked like new blood, although it's not. It's doing really well though. I am putting the picture down low, so if you are weak with these things, don't continue to scroll down. :-)
Oh, I would like to thank Taylor again for being willing to help me out. He was a great surgeon!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day 52 - May 17, 2008
Bike Ride!
I have spent the past month wanting a bike and have been doing research, going to stores, etc. Last week, I finally found the bike right for me, and was able to bring it home last Wednesday. It's so beautiful... it's light green! Well that was about the same time I began to get sick as well. So while being sick, I would just look at my bike, touch it, and really really really wish that I could take it out for a ride. Especially since we are finally having really nice spring weather. This morning, I finally woke up not feeling like I want to die, and decided that this is a good reason to go on a bike ride. I didn't go for a long one, because I didn't want to over do it. Also as I was bike riding I realized that my strength really isn't what it use to be and maybe I'm not completely better yet.
I live in such a beautiful area. The mountains are pretty much in my backyard. So I rode up the Canyon a little bit. The trails are gorgeous!!!! at this time of the year. I took some pictures of my ride, and put it to a song that was stuck in my head during the ride. I think the pictures would have had a better effect if I used something from Debussy, or Ravel, but I thought it would be better to have everyone experience what I was thinking at the time :-).... oh, I added additional pictures to make it match the timing of the song, and to enhance the song's lyric meaning even more.
I have spent the past month wanting a bike and have been doing research, going to stores, etc. Last week, I finally found the bike right for me, and was able to bring it home last Wednesday. It's so beautiful... it's light green! Well that was about the same time I began to get sick as well. So while being sick, I would just look at my bike, touch it, and really really really wish that I could take it out for a ride. Especially since we are finally having really nice spring weather. This morning, I finally woke up not feeling like I want to die, and decided that this is a good reason to go on a bike ride. I didn't go for a long one, because I didn't want to over do it. Also as I was bike riding I realized that my strength really isn't what it use to be and maybe I'm not completely better yet.
I live in such a beautiful area. The mountains are pretty much in my backyard. So I rode up the Canyon a little bit. The trails are gorgeous!!!! at this time of the year. I took some pictures of my ride, and put it to a song that was stuck in my head during the ride. I think the pictures would have had a better effect if I used something from Debussy, or Ravel, but I thought it would be better to have everyone experience what I was thinking at the time :-).... oh, I added additional pictures to make it match the timing of the song, and to enhance the song's lyric meaning even more.
Day 51 - May 16, 2008
Tea Tree and Cuticles
I felt a lot better today, but was still not back to my normal self. I was able to go into work during the morning, but after being at work for an hour, I was ready to go back to bed. I was getting frustrated with this, and began to do more research online. I found that tea tree oil can help with sinus pressure headaches as well. So I bought some tea tree oil and Tiger Balm from the health food store. My sister, Jen, has really had a lot of success with both of these. So during the afternoon, I was really starting to feel back to myself with the Oregano, Tea tree and tiger balm. I was even able to attend a ward BBQ. I may have put off a smell that was a bit unusual, but at least I was functionable.
That night, since I was feeling better, I decided to try and do my nails again. This is something that I have never been able to do successfully. Yet, I can't justify right now in my life going to get them professionally done. In the past, when I have tried to make my cuticles look nice, I do something wrong and end up with more hangnails than I started with. I had purchased a cuticle cutter at the store, in hopes that this might help. I also used this cuticle oil that my sister, Jessica gave me. It was amazing, but both of them worked great. I'm amazed at my work, and just wanted to look at my nice looking cuticles all night. (...so now that I'm typing this, I am wondering if maybe the smells of the ointments are starting to get to me and cause some reactions I didn't know about.)
I felt a lot better today, but was still not back to my normal self. I was able to go into work during the morning, but after being at work for an hour, I was ready to go back to bed. I was getting frustrated with this, and began to do more research online. I found that tea tree oil can help with sinus pressure headaches as well. So I bought some tea tree oil and Tiger Balm from the health food store. My sister, Jen, has really had a lot of success with both of these. So during the afternoon, I was really starting to feel back to myself with the Oregano, Tea tree and tiger balm. I was even able to attend a ward BBQ. I may have put off a smell that was a bit unusual, but at least I was functionable.
That night, since I was feeling better, I decided to try and do my nails again. This is something that I have never been able to do successfully. Yet, I can't justify right now in my life going to get them professionally done. In the past, when I have tried to make my cuticles look nice, I do something wrong and end up with more hangnails than I started with. I had purchased a cuticle cutter at the store, in hopes that this might help. I also used this cuticle oil that my sister, Jessica gave me. It was amazing, but both of them worked great. I'm amazed at my work, and just wanted to look at my nice looking cuticles all night. (...so now that I'm typing this, I am wondering if maybe the smells of the ointments are starting to get to me and cause some reactions I didn't know about.)
Day 50 - May 15, 2008
Good Night!
So on the 50th day... yeah! I realized that I still was not feeling well, and struggled all day at work. I ended up going home from work early, and basically being asleep by 6:00pm for the night. I generally don't do this. But it really did help getting the extra sleep. Plus I didn't have to deal with the sinus and ear pain and pressure all night.
So on the 50th day... yeah! I realized that I still was not feeling well, and struggled all day at work. I ended up going home from work early, and basically being asleep by 6:00pm for the night. I generally don't do this. But it really did help getting the extra sleep. Plus I didn't have to deal with the sinus and ear pain and pressure all night.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Day 49 - May 14, 2008
OreganoSo for over a week now, I have been dealing with (I'm diagnosing myself...) a sinus infection that has been affecting my ears as well. It hasn't really gotten much better, and had pretty left me exhausted, unable to leave my bed for several days. I was still struggling with energy and the ability to function yesterday, but needed to go back to work. I was talking with other co-workers yesterday who were telling me that a bad cold and sinus infection has been going around. Also that other co-workers have been put on antibiotics for their sinus problems, and it has not helped it at all... good to know. Also that there sinus problems have been affecting them for over a month... not good to know. Feeling a little saddened by this thought, and not wanting to deal with this pain for a month, I went to my local health food store. While I was there I saw "Oil of Oregano." A few years ago I had a friend who's family swore by the power of Oregano. It was able to help them with their asthma and other breathing problems. I was talking to the store helper, and they were telling me that they have read that this is just as effective as an antibiotic. I sometimes have a hard time believing the store clerks, not knowing where they have received this knowledge, but remembering how this family loved this stuff, and desperate to get some relief, I bought a bottle of liquid oregano. I tried it out today. It said to put 2 drops under your tongue, or in a glass of water or juice. I was wanting results fast, so just put it under my tongue as I knew it would get in my system faster. Yea... this stuff tastes NASTY... plus you smell like oregano afterwards... have gum in stock. (FYI - I read that the "oregano" we buy at the store as a spice is not pure, or true oregano). But I was amazed how much better I was feeling after I took it. I felt like I could function. It lasted for couple of hours, and then I had to put a few more drops, and it was almost an instant relief. I was amazed how much I was able to do at work today. I'm still not where I want to be, but now I see some hope for my future :-)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Day 48 - May 13, 2008
The Ark
Ok, so I'm stretching things a bit because I am still under the weather and don't have much strength to do much still. But this was still new for me.
At work, my department goes and visits other substance abuse recovery programs in the community during some down time. My supervisor likes to do this to see what else is going on in the area, and to get ideas as to how they can improve their program. This was the first time I was invited to attend one of their field trips. We went and toured "The Ark of Little Cottonwood."
This is a really nice place that we were all very impressed with. It was amazing to see what a program can be, and how important it is to have a vision, and to stick to it, not just 'settle.' This is a place I would recommend to someone seeking assistance for a loved one who needs help. All they need to make it even more perfect is a music therapist :)
Oh, and other exciting, or more exciting news... my newest nephew was born today! Calvin Samuel Florence. It's been an exciting day!
Ok, so I'm stretching things a bit because I am still under the weather and don't have much strength to do much still. But this was still new for me.
At work, my department goes and visits other substance abuse recovery programs in the community during some down time. My supervisor likes to do this to see what else is going on in the area, and to get ideas as to how they can improve their program. This was the first time I was invited to attend one of their field trips. We went and toured "The Ark of Little Cottonwood."
This is a really nice place that we were all very impressed with. It was amazing to see what a program can be, and how important it is to have a vision, and to stick to it, not just 'settle.' This is a place I would recommend to someone seeking assistance for a loved one who needs help. All they need to make it even more perfect is a music therapist :)
Oh, and other exciting, or more exciting news... my newest nephew was born today! Calvin Samuel Florence. It's been an exciting day!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Day 47 - May 12, 2008
Tour de Carotte
I am finally gaining more energy this evening, but still not enough to do what I desire to do. So tonight, I decided to see how tall of a tower I could make out of carrot sticks. I used toothpicks to help form them together (and to make it taller). A lesson I learned from this... that I can apply to life... is that no matter how tall or high you are trying to make it in life, you still need balance, or else it will eventually fall. This I had to learn several times. But I thought after all the additional support added to the tower, it turned out pretty frais. (that's 'cool' in French)
It kinda looks like something you would see outside or inside a business office or even an art museum. Perhaps I'm not taping into my other forms of talent that I need to be cultivating.
I am finally gaining more energy this evening, but still not enough to do what I desire to do. So tonight, I decided to see how tall of a tower I could make out of carrot sticks. I used toothpicks to help form them together (and to make it taller). A lesson I learned from this... that I can apply to life... is that no matter how tall or high you are trying to make it in life, you still need balance, or else it will eventually fall. This I had to learn several times. But I thought after all the additional support added to the tower, it turned out pretty frais. (that's 'cool' in French)It kinda looks like something you would see outside or inside a business office or even an art museum. Perhaps I'm not taping into my other forms of talent that I need to be cultivating.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
I would like to thank all those women in my life who have influenced and guided me throughout the years.
I would also like to thank my "mother" for sacrificing many minutes, hours, and days to teach, nurture, care, listen, counsel, educate, cry and laugh with me. You have taught me much and have helped me become the person I am today... i love you!
FYI - I just found out that while growing up I would basically just call my mom "mother" all the time. She didn't know how to respond to that.
I would also like to thank my "mother" for sacrificing many minutes, hours, and days to teach, nurture, care, listen, counsel, educate, cry and laugh with me. You have taught me much and have helped me become the person I am today... i love you!
FYI - I just found out that while growing up I would basically just call my mom "mother" all the time. She didn't know how to respond to that.
Day 46 - May 11, 2008
Before & After
I'm still a bit "under the weather" and haven't been able to do much today as well. I decided to have some fun with pictures on my blog and post some "before and after" pictures of me. I have occasionally received comments from others recently saying that I have no idea what it is like to have a "few extra pounds." I can tell that they did not know me several years ago. One thing I have learned with Crohn's disease is that your weight can fluctuate significantly - due to medicine or flare ups. Also, my doctor loves it when I have a few extra pounds on me, in case of a flare up where I tend to lose weight. (it's odd when the doctor get's excited that you are a few pounds heavier than the last visit)
So here is my version of a weight loss ad - thanks to Crohn's disease - and healthy eating and exercise.
... I tried to find the most extreme pictures I have. - oh, and let's just thank the long term use of the miracle medicine, Prednisone, for making the first picture possible:-)
I'm still a bit "under the weather" and haven't been able to do much today as well. I decided to have some fun with pictures on my blog and post some "before and after" pictures of me. I have occasionally received comments from others recently saying that I have no idea what it is like to have a "few extra pounds." I can tell that they did not know me several years ago. One thing I have learned with Crohn's disease is that your weight can fluctuate significantly - due to medicine or flare ups. Also, my doctor loves it when I have a few extra pounds on me, in case of a flare up where I tend to lose weight. (it's odd when the doctor get's excited that you are a few pounds heavier than the last visit)
So here is my version of a weight loss ad - thanks to Crohn's disease - and healthy eating and exercise.
... I tried to find the most extreme pictures I have. - oh, and let's just thank the long term use of the miracle medicine, Prednisone, for making the first picture possible:-)
Day 45 - May 10, 2008
Scrapbook Finished!
I was a bit "under the weather" during the day, and didn't have much energy to do anything. I was getting tired of seeing my scrapbook project all over my floor, so I spent the afternoon finishing it. This is actually a big thing for me, as I tend to have a hard time finishing things, especially after I just started. But I finished it and it looks really nice. I'm grateful that I took the time to make it look nice. I am also grateful that my mom was staying with me this past couple of weeks to be able to tell me an approximate year of when thing occurred. Let me say that I learned a lesson to write down dates on the back of pictures as it is hard to remember 20 years later.
I was a bit "under the weather" during the day, and didn't have much energy to do anything. I was getting tired of seeing my scrapbook project all over my floor, so I spent the afternoon finishing it. This is actually a big thing for me, as I tend to have a hard time finishing things, especially after I just started. But I finished it and it looks really nice. I'm grateful that I took the time to make it look nice. I am also grateful that my mom was staying with me this past couple of weeks to be able to tell me an approximate year of when thing occurred. Let me say that I learned a lesson to write down dates on the back of pictures as it is hard to remember 20 years later.
Day 44 - May 9, 2008
The Herbs
Do you remember me mentioning that I had planted an herb garden over a month ago? I realized that they were growing really well, and I should start to use them. Does anyone know how to cook with fresh herbs? I just took them off and placed them in some food. They tasted good, but I'm sure there's a better way to cook them.
Do you remember me mentioning that I had planted an herb garden over a month ago? I realized that they were growing really well, and I should start to use them. Does anyone know how to cook with fresh herbs? I just took them off and placed them in some food. They tasted good, but I'm sure there's a better way to cook them.
Day 43 - May 8, 2008
May Day Hats
I had this idea on May 1st, to have my mom and I make hats and wear them to celebrate "May Day." For some reason, my mom wasn't too keen on this thought. I didn't know how to make hats, and so went about the day without celebrating it in that manner. Today I took the time to learn how to make a "hat." I used old tax documents, and realized after I made it that it was too small to actually wear. But it fit perfectly on a bear that was recently given to me. So May Day celebration was postponed until tonight.
I think the bear looks happy with the hat
I had this idea on May 1st, to have my mom and I make hats and wear them to celebrate "May Day." For some reason, my mom wasn't too keen on this thought. I didn't know how to make hats, and so went about the day without celebrating it in that manner. Today I took the time to learn how to make a "hat." I used old tax documents, and realized after I made it that it was too small to actually wear. But it fit perfectly on a bear that was recently given to me. So May Day celebration was postponed until tonight.
I think the bear looks happy with the hatDay 42 - May 7, 2008
Native American Flute
I recently purchased a Native American Flute to be used in my music therapy sessions, but have not had much time to devote to it. This evening I was able to play around with it. I finally got a good tune out of it, and was able to play several songs. This has a beautiful, and soothing sound. It will be fascinating to see how it works with group drum circles, or chantings in groups.
And this is one of the smaller flutes!
I recently purchased a Native American Flute to be used in my music therapy sessions, but have not had much time to devote to it. This evening I was able to play around with it. I finally got a good tune out of it, and was able to play several songs. This has a beautiful, and soothing sound. It will be fascinating to see how it works with group drum circles, or chantings in groups.
And this is one of the smaller flutes!Day 41 - May 6, 2008
Scrapbook Project
I always told myself that I would never "scrapbook." I didn't want to spend as much time as it appeared to require, and I realized that this hobby can quickly add up $. I also felt I didn't have the knack for this as I would try to assist in projects of this nature at work, and it just didn't turn out like the others pages did. Last time I was in Arizona, my mom handed me a bag full of pictures of me growing up, some I don't remember ever seeing before. I didn't know what to do with them, as they were of different sizes, and also included all papers and colors I had done. I decided that it would be nice to put them in a nice book, and in a sense "scrapbook." I found a nice book to place them in, and Costco had adorable floral scrapbook paper on clearance. So today, I began my task of putting the book together. I'm not doing the fancy lettering, or cutting things out. But it's a good start to the whole scrapbooking concept.
Yeah, my family room is being taken over by this project...
I always told myself that I would never "scrapbook." I didn't want to spend as much time as it appeared to require, and I realized that this hobby can quickly add up $. I also felt I didn't have the knack for this as I would try to assist in projects of this nature at work, and it just didn't turn out like the others pages did. Last time I was in Arizona, my mom handed me a bag full of pictures of me growing up, some I don't remember ever seeing before. I didn't know what to do with them, as they were of different sizes, and also included all papers and colors I had done. I decided that it would be nice to put them in a nice book, and in a sense "scrapbook." I found a nice book to place them in, and Costco had adorable floral scrapbook paper on clearance. So today, I began my task of putting the book together. I'm not doing the fancy lettering, or cutting things out. But it's a good start to the whole scrapbooking concept.
Yeah, my family room is being taken over by this project...Monday, May 5, 2008
Day 40 - May 5, 2008
Cinco De Mayo - Phase 2
So besides struggling to stay awake today. I was able to work on phase 2 of my Spring wreath. it was nice to be able to work on this when Spring weather is being experienced.... yea!!!!!
So besides struggling to stay awake today. I was able to work on phase 2 of my Spring wreath. it was nice to be able to work on this when Spring weather is being experienced.... yea!!!!!
Day 39 - May 4, 2008
Sunday Sight Seeing
I went with Jen, and my mom to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast in the morning. After we did some sight seeing all over Temple Square. I seem to learn something new about that place every time I go.
One thing I learned about was where Brigham Young's graveside is. It was really close. We drove around and eventually were able to locate it. Wow... I won't go into much detail on this, but if you really want to practice you car stick shifting skills on hills, this is the area to do it. Luckily no one was behind me on some hills. We were able to quote the line in Princess Diaries when she was going up steep hills with her stick shift car. *FYI - I didn't jerk my car like her, or run into a trolley or bus or trax train.
We had dinner at my other grandparent's home. Jen and I were in charge of cooking it. We decided to just cook EVERYTHING we brought. This turned out to be A LOT of food for all of us. It was a really FABULOUS dinner though.
After we drove Jen to stay with her sister in law's home that night. As we drove we counted how many LDS churches you see from 6200 South to 7800 South. This is about a 1 mile stretch. We counted 5 churches. If we had traveled just 1/2 a block more we would have been able to count the 6th one.
I went with Jen, and my mom to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast in the morning. After we did some sight seeing all over Temple Square. I seem to learn something new about that place every time I go.
One thing I learned about was where Brigham Young's graveside is. It was really close. We drove around and eventually were able to locate it. Wow... I won't go into much detail on this, but if you really want to practice you car stick shifting skills on hills, this is the area to do it. Luckily no one was behind me on some hills. We were able to quote the line in Princess Diaries when she was going up steep hills with her stick shift car. *FYI - I didn't jerk my car like her, or run into a trolley or bus or trax train.
We had dinner at my other grandparent's home. Jen and I were in charge of cooking it. We decided to just cook EVERYTHING we brought. This turned out to be A LOT of food for all of us. It was a really FABULOUS dinner though.
After we drove Jen to stay with her sister in law's home that night. As we drove we counted how many LDS churches you see from 6200 South to 7800 South. This is about a 1 mile stretch. We counted 5 churches. If we had traveled just 1/2 a block more we would have been able to count the 6th one.
Day 38 - May 3, 2008
Bridal Falls, Dunford, Pizza
Why is it that I tend to not get much sleep when I am visiting others, or others are visiting me. After getting... oh about 3 hours of sleep, my sister and I decided that we should go get some exercise. We ended up going on a small hike up to see Bridal Falls up Provo Canyon. I've been on this hike make times. Actually it's not really hike but a nice walk up a trail. But Jen was in an adventurous mood, so we decided to walk past it as well. I've never been past it before. It's really beautiful at this time of year. In another month it will be even better with all the greenery fully out.
Yeah, here is just another testament that we haven't been able to get much sleep. I've also realized as we took, I don't know how many pictures of us and the fall, that I need longer arms to really be able to do this well.
Why is it that I tend to not get much sleep when I am visiting others, or others are visiting me. After getting... oh about 3 hours of sleep, my sister and I decided that we should go get some exercise. We ended up going on a small hike up to see Bridal Falls up Provo Canyon. I've been on this hike make times. Actually it's not really hike but a nice walk up a trail. But Jen was in an adventurous mood, so we decided to walk past it as well. I've never been past it before. It's really beautiful at this time of year. In another month it will be even better with all the greenery fully out.
Yeah, here is just another testament that we haven't been able to get much sleep. I've also realized as we took, I don't know how many pictures of us and the fall, that I need longer arms to really be able to do this well.After we went to have lunch with my Grandma and Uncle Dave and Aunt Becky with their family. It's always fun to meet up with family and just talk.
I was informed as we were taking this picture that I just don't "fit" in it. So I don't know how, but I was elected to be the one to sit in the middle. I felt weird about this, but they were right, we had too many people to make it work. (side note... doesn't my sister, Jen look really cute! I helped her get cute that morning. Just check out the other pictures that will be posted of how good she looks.)
Jen and my fun Aunt Becky
I was informed as we were taking this picture that I just don't "fit" in it. So I don't know how, but I was elected to be the one to sit in the middle. I felt weird about this, but they were right, we had too many people to make it work. (side note... doesn't my sister, Jen look really cute! I helped her get cute that morning. Just check out the other pictures that will be posted of how good she looks.)
Jen and my fun Aunt BeckyNow my grandma was known as "the bakery lady" for many years. A tradition when I was little living in Utah, was to visit her bakery and be able to get whatever we wanted... donuts, cookies, mmmmmm......
We moved when I was 3, so I vaguely remember this. But my mom and sister remember this well. Her bakery would get "Dunford Donuts." They were talking about how good these donuts were and were wondering if they were still good. We found out that there was a bakery outlet nearby. We went to it after lunch and got a few chocolate donuts (if you get a Dunford donut it needs to be their signature chocolate). Yes, I tried this as well... because "I am on vacation!" Wow, a whole lot of memories that I hadn't thought of came back when I ate the donut. I definetly remember eating this, and was wondering why chocolate donuts were not as good as I had remembered them.
My mom and Jen savoring the chocolate Dunford donuts.
Jen showing how happy she is to have been able to eat a Dunford donut!
My mom and Jen savoring the chocolate Dunford donuts.
Jen showing how happy she is to have been able to eat a Dunford donut!After we ventured to other stores, that I have been to, but Jen has not. But this blog is not about Jen's new experiences. You will have to check out her blog. One place we went to though was an Asian market I recently discovered in Salt Lake City. My mom wanted to buy some sweet rice for a dinner I was supposed to make tomorrow for my family. This was a huge place! We found the coolest things. One was packaged duck eggs. I tried to talk Jen into getting this for her food storage. She wasn't as keen with this idea as I thought she would be. Maybe it was because of the picture on the package. It showed the egg being black inside.
My mom and I outside the "Super China Market."
My mom and I outside the "Super China Market."We didn't get home till 10 that night. On the way home we stopped at a grocery store and while there Jen found this Kashi frozen pizza. We were looking at it and saw that it contained only 3 servings, which means that we could each get 2 pieces since I cut it in 6ths. But it also had 14 grams of protein! Plus a lot of other good things. In addition to that, it was only $5!
When we opened it up though, there were not as many vegetable toppings as we had hoped. So we took a bag of my stir fry vegetables and just POURED it on top. We also added some red roasted peppers I had in my fridge. That is really good to add to pizza.
Here is a picture of it after it was baked. This has to have been one of the most FANTASTIC pizza's ever had. But I haven't had pizza in over 2 years as well. But this was really good.
When we opened it up though, there were not as many vegetable toppings as we had hoped. So we took a bag of my stir fry vegetables and just POURED it on top. We also added some red roasted peppers I had in my fridge. That is really good to add to pizza. 
Here is a picture of it after it was baked. This has to have been one of the most FANTASTIC pizza's ever had. But I haven't had pizza in over 2 years as well. But this was really good. Day 37 - May 2, 2008
Women's Conference 1st's
I tried a lot of new things on Friday. One was eating chocolate cinnamon bears. I know, I shouldn't really be eating chocolate. But I rationalized with my sister saying "this is vacation." Can I just tell you they were REALLY good. Everything I thought they would be.
I was also able to see and hear our Prophet, Thomas S Monson. He spoke to us at the closing session. It was the most incredible experience. When he walked in the entire Marriot Center became instantly silent. There was this amazing calmness and peace come over me. He spoke on how the tapestries in life are sewn together. With this he listed three things specifically.
1. Each living life has much to do. We should find joy in the journey now. There will be nothing to remember tomorrow if you don't do something today. We should not put off important things TODAY!
2. Adversity. We all will face adversity of one kind or another. Scraped knees, bruises and heartache are needed in this life. This life was never meant to be easy. He quoted one of my favorite quotes:
I tried a lot of new things on Friday. One was eating chocolate cinnamon bears. I know, I shouldn't really be eating chocolate. But I rationalized with my sister saying "this is vacation." Can I just tell you they were REALLY good. Everything I thought they would be.
I was also able to see and hear our Prophet, Thomas S Monson. He spoke to us at the closing session. It was the most incredible experience. When he walked in the entire Marriot Center became instantly silent. There was this amazing calmness and peace come over me. He spoke on how the tapestries in life are sewn together. With this he listed three things specifically.
1. Each living life has much to do. We should find joy in the journey now. There will be nothing to remember tomorrow if you don't do something today. We should not put off important things TODAY!
2. Adversity. We all will face adversity of one kind or another. Scraped knees, bruises and heartache are needed in this life. This life was never meant to be easy. He quoted one of my favorite quotes:
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer … builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven …"Elder Orson F. Whitney
He also reminded us that the stronger the wind is.... the stronger the trees become.
3. We should thread together service, love and kindness to others.
Here are the girl's after the Conference: Jen, me, Lindsay, and mom
3. We should thread together service, love and kindness to others.
Here are the girl's after the Conference: Jen, me, Lindsay, and momDay 36 - May 1, 2008
Women's Conference Concert
My mom, sister and I attended Women's Conference at BYU, Thursday and Friday. This was a lot of fun. At night they have a big concert. We were able to see performances by Hilary Weeks, Michael McLean, Kenneth Cope, Mercy River, Eclipse, and Jenny Jordan Frogley. It was such a grand experience. I know that this was a good concert as my throat was a bit scratchy at the end of the night. Here are pictures I attempted to take:
Here is what the stage looked like as we waited for the concert to begin.
The several glowing people is the accapella group "Eclipse." They put on a a fabulous and fun performance.
The white glow in the back, behind the piano, is Hilary Weeks. She played and sang some beautiful songs. She also MC'd the show.
The really white glow in the background is Michael McLean, singing the final song that he was attempting to teach us. We were kinda able to get it by the end.
Here is Jen and I posing for a picture after the concert. FYI... I failed miserably at trying to take the picture by ourselves. Luckily Jen's sister in law was coherent enough to take the picture for us. Yea, we are REALLY tired. You should see us at the end of the weekend.
My mom, sister and I attended Women's Conference at BYU, Thursday and Friday. This was a lot of fun. At night they have a big concert. We were able to see performances by Hilary Weeks, Michael McLean, Kenneth Cope, Mercy River, Eclipse, and Jenny Jordan Frogley. It was such a grand experience. I know that this was a good concert as my throat was a bit scratchy at the end of the night. Here are pictures I attempted to take:
Here is what the stage looked like as we waited for the concert to begin.
The several glowing people is the accapella group "Eclipse." They put on a a fabulous and fun performance.
The white glow in the back, behind the piano, is Hilary Weeks. She played and sang some beautiful songs. She also MC'd the show.
The really white glow in the background is Michael McLean, singing the final song that he was attempting to teach us. We were kinda able to get it by the end.
Here is Jen and I posing for a picture after the concert. FYI... I failed miserably at trying to take the picture by ourselves. Luckily Jen's sister in law was coherent enough to take the picture for us. Yea, we are REALLY tired. You should see us at the end of the weekend.Day 35 - April 30, 2008
Car Wash
My mom and I went to Walmart in the evening... where for some reason I had the desire to buy food for my food storage. I don't know why, my mom didn't mention anything regarding it. So I stocked up on more canned goods that I generally eat. This was nice though, as I really won't need to go shopping for awhile now :)
After we got gas, and I decided that it has been WAAAAAYYYY to long since I had my car wash. It began to snow though as I was thinking this. But decided that it REALLY needed to be washed. So my car was washed for the first time while it was snowing. Luckily it wasn't really dirty snow. So the car still looks good.
My mom and I went to Walmart in the evening... where for some reason I had the desire to buy food for my food storage. I don't know why, my mom didn't mention anything regarding it. So I stocked up on more canned goods that I generally eat. This was nice though, as I really won't need to go shopping for awhile now :)
After we got gas, and I decided that it has been WAAAAAYYYY to long since I had my car wash. It began to snow though as I was thinking this. But decided that it REALLY needed to be washed. So my car was washed for the first time while it was snowing. Luckily it wasn't really dirty snow. So the car still looks good.
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