W.I.L.T.

It occurred to me recently that there are many things a person can learn in one day….  so I thought I might start paying attention to those things and sharing some of those things here.  After all……  we should be grateful for everything we learn…..  good or bad!  There’s always a life lesson if you look at it the right way.

So this section is titled What I Learned Today…  or … W.I.L.T.     I hope you find it useful…. and at times humorous!

September 28, 2012

Wow… I’m BEHIND on this page….. sorry!!!  Today I learned that I quite enjoy crocheting!  Especially when it comes together fast and you have a goal in mind!  Loved using my new ‘doorbuster’ Ottlite in the project!  Makes seeing the thread MUCH easier!  Yeah for bargains!  We’ll have this 100 hat challenge down before you know it!

August 6, 2012  

Well…. today we finally gave in.  After losing MUCH hair this last week…. I had my daughter cut off what was left.  I’m now a shorn sheep and will join the ranks of those who wear scarfs and hats to adorn our heads!  It will be a new adventure!

July 31, 2012

Learned from my first round of chemo that I needed to keep food in my stomach.  So today round 2 went a little better for me.  I didn’t have the weakness and icky feeling that I did that first day.  I’m so grateful!  Now on to conquer the other ‘side effects’ from last time so hopefully it will all be better this time!

July 30, 2012

My energy seems a little low in the mornings for some reason…… yet I seem to perk up as the day goes on.  Was a little discouraged today as I started to have a fair amount of hair loss.  Not huge…. but steady.  I had my sister cut 2 inches off and she told me she had a shampoo she’ll get me that will help with hair loss.  I’m still remaining hopeful, for many reasons, that I won’t lose enough to have to cut it all off.  After all… not everyone loses their hair…. why shouldn’t I be one of them?  I did make it to my rehearsal tonight too which is always a good plus for me.  I love my part in this show!

July 29, 2012

So glad to have made it to church today!  Though I didn’t last through the whole 3 hour block…. I did stay about 45 min. after Sacrament meeting talking to members of my ward.  So much love, support and understanding coming from them!  So glad I could feel of their energy and love.

July 28, 2012

Though the day started off a little scary….. as far as being tired and feeling weak…..  I got a sudden burst of energy later in the morning that carried me through my rehearsal and gave me enough to go to a Farmers Market with my husband at Gardener Village.  Been feeing fairly normal most of the day.  SO grateful and hopeful that I will make it to church in the morning!

July 27, 2012

Finally!  When things start moving I feel …a lot better!  Enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies to the Olympics… well most of it.  I fell asleep during the parade of Athletes.

July 26, 2012

It was an OK day.  Got a short buy nice walk in and had my husband take me out to visit my Mom.  She was just released from being in the hospital for a few days.  Sent my hubby out for some delicious Cafe Rio soup and Mom loved it!  And so did I…. I think it made me feel better!  Always grateful for those happy moments.

July 25, 2012

Surgery day.  I was miserable before we got there.  I was pretty sure they wouldn’t do it because…. but no!  I now have a ‘port’ in my chest for my chemo treatments.  Still not looking forward to getting ‘poked in the port’ every two weeks!

July 24, 2012

Started the day off watching the Days of ’47 Pioneer Parade.  One of my favorite holidays.  Though we spent it at home…. I still had corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes and watermelon!  Ended with a movie version of “Little House on the Prairie”.  Made me appreciate all the pioneers that settled in early America.

July 23, 2012

Finally talked to a nurse today.  She confirmed my suspicion that the reason I was achy and feeling awful was because it’s most likely my lymph system reacting to everything.  I guess maybe things may get worse before they get better??

July 22, 2012    

I love being on Facebook and being able to wish people Happy Birthday!  It’s one of the things I do like about FB.  However….. it was kind of a wake up call today when a friends name came up to send birthday wishes to….  This friend passed away several months ago from Breast Cancer.  It was a chance to tell her page (and her family) that I missed her, but an awakening to me at how precious life is.

July 21, 2012

Grateful to have gotten a little stolen rest today…. even if it meant stowing away to the basement to my daughters room.  It was much quieter and helped a lot.  It’s hard to catch up when you haven’t been sleeping well!  Glad I got a little recovery time!  Hoping for the best tonight!  I sure would like to get to church tomorrow.  I’ve been feeling fine, other than just tired!  Sleep tonight body, sleep!  And brain….. give me a break!

July 20, 2012

Amazing how not getting a good nights rest will affect your day!  Couldn’t go back to sleep at 2 am.  Haven’t had much energy today, but I’m doing OK.  Missed the parade in Bountiful again this year!  Sorry Mom!

July 19, 2012

Got a good walk in this morning at a decent pace.  Still not up to par but glad I was able to do that.  Spent the evening at a theater show.   Pretty good day.

July 18, 2012

Good day.  Day after my first treatment and it was a good day!  I felt great all day.  I was so glad we were able to take our daughter to lunch for her birthday!  Also spent a little time shopping.  I couldn’t be more pleased!  Spent some time blogging too.  Good day.

July 17, 2012  

Well….  I survived my first day of chemo!  The ‘getting’ part of it was not as bad as I had possibly imagined…. one of the drugs did make me a little nauseous while it was being given.  But I felt pretty good coming out of there.  It was a couple of hours later that wasn’t so fun.  I felt better after a nice dinner, provided by my daughter and her boyfriend.  Even though it was his birthday today and her birthday tomorrow…. they brought dinner to us!  And it was good!  I guess maybe I need to be better about keeping something in my stomach on these days.  It seemed to help with the nausea I was feeling.  Anyway…. 1 down…. 11 to go.

July 16, 2012

Big decision day.  Knew it was coming…..  Spent a lot of time thinking about things and talking with my husband.  Had an amazing energy healing session.  Can’t even describe how it felt.  I feel great.  Made me think I really could do this holistically!  However, after a chat with my naturopath and my situation, I felt more at ease with accepting that perhaps I needed to do chemo…. even though I don’t want to.  No one does!   So there you have it.  I start treatments in the morning.

July 15, 2012

Decided it was time for my home ward to know what was going on with me.  I guess if it’s all over Facebook, then they should know too!  I didn’t feel strong enough to go to church this morning…. but John said many prayers and thoughts were coming my way!  I have felt the love from all places these lasts few days!  Still not sure what to do.  Thought I was…. then I read a blog about someone who went through my type of cancer and treatment.  It was the comments that scared me!  I hate this unsure feeling of what to do!

July 14, 2012

Struggled today.  It was a hard day for me.  I’ve been very weak most of the day and felt very discouraged.  I’ve been encouraged to stick to a plant based diet (no meat or dairy) but I finally gave in and had a piece of Salmon tonight.  I’m feeling a little better.  Perhaps I need to rethink the entire plant based idea and figure out what is best for my body.  One size does not fit all apparently!  I was very sad I didn’t have the energy to join family to go see ‘Sound of Music’ this afternoon at HCT.  I had been looking so forward to it.

July 13, 2012

You know how you just go through everyday life sometimes wondering if what you do matters?  Or you get so consumed with your own life you forget others sometimes…..   Today I have been edified and amazed at the tender mercies of the Lord in an overwhelming amount of love coming my way.  I have been deeply touched by the fact that my life has apparently impacted other lives so much!  Who knew?  It’s truly a testament to me that I matter and that what I do does get noticed.  It makes me more aware of who am I am and gives me a better sense of purpose.  Even though there are days I wonder what that real purpose is really suppose to be!  Strength to carry on and know I have more to offer is a great blessing to me today!

July 12, 2012

I was so grateful for cooler weather this morning.  It made trying to get a walk in much easier today!  I was happy about how far I got today.  Trying to build my strength up.  It wasn’t the fastest I’ve ever gone…. but it was further than that last few weeks.  I’m grateful for that.

July 11, 2012

I wasn’t excited or impressed or even felt that well educated after the ‘chemo’ class I attended today.  Perhaps it’s because I’ve done so much studying about the ill effects of chemo that everything they said only confirmed that.  It’s hard to say ‘no’ to something when the statistics for my type of cancer say it only makes sense to ‘poison’ your body with chemo this time.  But…. in my heart I still can’t make any sense of how anything that bad for your body can be better than truly taking ahold of your life by eating properly and taking the right kinds of supplements.  Needing your prayers to help me make the decision that is best for me!

July 10, 2012

Well…. I finally sat down with my Mom last night and had a long talk with her.  Though I had told her that I had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma….. I hadn’t really explained what it was.  Now she knows.  We discussed the big “C” word and I told her what my options were and that this was a very curable kind to deal with.  I also told her I wasn’t sure I wanted to take the conventional treatment road yet.  It’s a matter of much prayer for me right now.  I was amazed at how well she dealt with it, considering all of her daughters right now are dealings with some medical issues.  We will all be fine, but it’s just a lot for a 90 year old woman to take!  Especially when she’s not in the best of health herself!  Perhaps this will be a time when we all draw closer because of needing to help each other through all of this!  I suppose it’s a blessing in disguise!

July 9, 2012

Had the opportunity of having an energy healing session today with a friend.  I had read the book “The Emotion Code” by Dr. Bradley Nelson and discovered this friend was a practitioner for his theory.  We had a good long session and I learned a lot about myself.  I’m finding that I’m holding onto old emotions which can be part of the problem with the what I’m dealing with right now physically.  I’m so grateful for her and her insights!  It was draining and yet refreshing.  I didn’t realize how emotionally exhausting the day had been till later tonight when I spent some time at the ball park in the heat.  Though sitting in the shade the entire time, I was still drained but noticed how much emotionally I had been drained when I got home.  I literally had to go staring to bed.  But, I’m ready to have another session!   I can see that I still have a lot to let go of.  I’d recommend checking out the book.

July 8, 2012

Feels so good getting back to normal!  Made it through the 3 hour block of church and came home and spent time with the family in honor of Mandy’s upcoming birthday.  Though it was early to celebrate…. one son is headed out of town for a couple of weeks so it was the only time to get us all together!  Been a great day….. spiritual feed and emotionally feed!  And spending time educating myself on a very important upcoming decision I have to make!  It’s going to be tough!

July 7, 2012

Best day in a long while.  At least it feels that way!  I feel so encouraged and know that I can fight this battle and win!  I’m grateful to be feeling so much better and pretty much back to normal!

July 6, 2012

Despite getting beat up in the hip bone yesterday…. I have felt pretty darn good today!  It’s been a great day and we enjoyed an evening watching a darling friend perform so fabulously in ‘Crazy For You’ at HCTO.  Great night!  Loved seeing people I haven’t seen for a while!

July 5, 2012

Met with the doctor before heading into another procedure today.  I’m so grateful for his understanding of knowing I need some space and time to explore my options!  Didn’t love having my hip beat to death today…. but I survived!  All will be well!

July 4, 2012

Feeling much better today!  Enjoyed some nice time with the family and then my good friends came over to visit with my while my family went to the soccer game for the evening.  Luckily we can see our cities fireworks from my back deck so we were able to enjoy the fireworks from here.  So grateful for their visit!  It was a huge boost to my spirit which was very much needed!

July 3, 2012

Still reeling from the effect of the awful contrast they gave me for my PET/CT scan yesterday!  I’ve been so sick and miserable!  It’s hard to stay encouraged when you feel like crap!

July 2, 2012

I think I came close to knowing what it might feel like to die today.  Not in a pleasant way either!  Please don’t ever let me go there again!  I’m grateful now I have another thing to add to my allergy list because I NEVER want to get it again!

July 1, 2012  

My husband and I got accused of copying Joe and Glo Jensen in church today.  They are a couple in our ward who always dress coordinated….. sometimes with even the same shirt on.  They are the best.  I had already decided to wear my red jacket with my white skirt and my husband went to the closet and picked out his red shirt which is almost identical in the shade of red as my jacket.  I didn’t even tell him too.  Therefore…. we kind of looked liked twins!  But at least patriotic ones!

June 30, 2012

First day of rehearsals.  So grateful for a Director that is willing to support me through my challenges and give me this chance to play a part I’ve wanted for a long time!  People are so understanding!  Having something to look forward to will help me so much right now.  And to get to play a part with such heart and depth brings so much meaning to my life right now.  Thank you CPT!

June 29, 2012

Waiting to hear a verdict for anything can be mind racking.  It’s amazing what goes through your mind…. both good and bad.  I’m grateful the news was good.  Well…. as good as it can be under the circumstances…..  But the relief of knowing things will be fine makes you feel a whole lot better!  I actually physically felt better.  I’m so grateful!  Oh…. and the news about the audition was good too!  Yeah!

June 28, 2012

Took the dogs out for a very short walk today.  We stopped in the nearby park to let them run for a few minutes.  I decided to sit down on the grass.  After a while I laid on my back and looked up at the blue sky with the most amazing white fluffy clouds.  It was an amazing perspective looking up at those clouds.  They seemed so close and the sky behind them so far away.  A while later I saw a jet fly overhead and it was indeed way above the clouds.  It was such a serene and calming feeling laying. A true connection to nature.  Much needed and so appreciated.

June 27, 2012

I’m so grateful for caring friends, family and medical professionals that are so kind and loving.  I’m grateful for a positive attitude and faith.  Things are looking up already!  Attitude is everything!

June 26, 2012

I was amazed at how much attending a call back cheered me up today.  I haven’t been feeling well and was very discouraged.  The call back was a total change of attitude for me!  I know I will get through this!  I’m so glad I went!

June 25, 2012

So I guess when you shop at two different big box stores you ought to remember which one you bought it at before you try to return it…..  Tried to return a big beach umbrella to Costco today.  Didn’t have the receipt with me so the girl spent 10 minutes trying to look it up.  She finally said, are you sure you bought it here?  Suddenly it dawned on me that I bought it at Sam’s Club!  Chalk that one up to experience!

June 24, 2012

I can’t eat a whole piece of watermelon without thinking about my Dad and family.  Enjoying a tasty piece of watermelon today and reflecting on memories.  Makes me miss my Dad.  He would have been 91 this last week.  Happy Birthday, Dad!  Hope you enjoyed some watermelon with me!  It also reminded me of the post I made on watermelon last year.  You can see it here if you want.  Love watermelon season!

June 23, 2012

Even though all my symptoms seemed to be classic of what I was reading on the internet for gallbladder problems…..  I discovered that self diagnosis is not always right!  Finally gave in and went to the ER last night after not being able to stand the pain any longer.  Several hours and a few tests later, we found out that my diagnosis was incorrect.  While what I learned on the internet finally got me to a doctor….. it’s still best to let the doctor do the diagnosis!

June 22, 2012

So when the under the bed storage boxes you bought don’t fit under your bed…… which is a standard frame…..  what does that say?  Maybe the manufacturer should go back to the drawing board?  Yeah…. had to return those and come up with another plan!

June 21, 2012

Making a decision to give up tickets to an event that may be a once and a life time deal is not a fun thing to do!!  I’m sad that I will miss it, but thankful that I was smart enough to put my health first!

June 20, 2012

Another day of feeling yucky…..  Amazing how I can have one day of feeling OK and then feeling yucky the next day!

June 19, 2012

Out Parading again today.  Now I know I mentioned the other day that I’ve decided I really do like the bigger homes, around 6000 square feet or so, but I mean….. enough is enough!  We went through the largest home in the Parade today.  Over 12,000 square feet.  Now I like lots of room….. but this was more like lots of rooms!  It was gorgeous and I don’t  think there was one thing they hadn’t thought of as far as modern connivence’s.  It pretty much had it all.  No stone left unturned.  But it was a LOT of house!  Way more than we need or even want!  I was quite grateful that I could be so satisfied with a ‘measly’ little old 5000 – 6000 square feet!

June 18, 2012

Once again I’m grateful for my handyman husband!  As I was washing my face this morning I mentioned that the water wasn’t very hot.  He said he was hoping that the reason his shower hadn’t been hot was because the Washer had been going.  Darn.  Back down to the water heater he went!  This isn’t the first time it’s given us trouble.  He fixed the problem for now but is hoping that we won’t need to replace that expensive part he thinks we might need.  I’m grateful for my husband and hot showers!

June 17, 2012

I believe the LDS Church is responsible for coining the phrase: “Give your children everything….. give them your time!”  The commercials were all very touching stories of putting things aside to spend time with you kids.  It was great stuff.  Well….. I’ve decided that when you become empty nesters the phrase needs to change to:  “Give your parents everything…. give them your time!”  Thanks to our kids for spending time with Dad and I today for Father’s Day.  It truly is the best present you could give us….. your time!  We love you!  And we love spending time with you!

June 16, 2012  

Got to eat two meals from two excellent restaurants today.  Enjoyed both meals out of doors with a group of friends and family.  Started with our summer party for our condo community.  I’ve never had Kneaders for breakfast, so it was nice to see what they do.  Then…. we stopped at Zupas to pick up dinner to take to the Family Reunion.  Both excellent meals.  I just wish my stomach would have felt better so I could have enjoyed them more!  For those of you that aren’t locals…. I’m sorry for you that you can’t experience Kneaders!  I don’t know how national Zupas is yet…. but I suspect they will be before long.  Honestly one of my most favorite places to eat.

June 15, 2012

I guess I should vacuum under all the dogs toys more often.  When I moved the toy baskets today I found my son’s missing flip flop!  A guess that’s a sign to pick up and vacuum under things a little more often!  I wonder what else is hiding?

June 14, 2012

Sometimes I wonder if most of us remember or think about flying the flag on Flag Day.  For some reason…. the date has always stuck in my head.  So up the flag went.  I know many neighborhoods around here and many parts of the country have Scout Troops that put flags in their yard for several holidays.  A service for which we each paid a small donation to the troop.  A few years ago, our local scout troop decided to find another way to earn their needed funds and ‘sold’ the flags to the people who they had served.  Ours got destroyed somehow….. sadly.  But we bought another one that has its own pole that attaches to the front of the house.  I actually like it better.  I’m grateful that many of my neighbors remembered to fly their flags today.  I think its important to remember what the flag means and to fly it proudly every chance we get!

June 13, 2012

I keep telling myself that I don’t need a house bigger than 4000 square feet.  Then I go to the Parade of Homes and go through these houses that are around 6000 square feet and I can’t help but want that extra space!  It’s not a lot of rooms…. it’s just big rooms that make family gatherings and parties so great!  But then I wonder about keeping it clean.  On the other hand…. if I can afford a house that big…. I can afford a maid…right????

June 12, 2012   

I guess I’m a typical woman!  Having pictures taken tomorrow and I can’t decide what to wear!  I’m taking like 6 tops with me and a whole bunch of jewelry!  Guess I’ll leave it up to my photographer!

June 11, 2012  

It was nice to get so many words of encouragement tonight.  Thanks for telling me you missed me and that I should have been  there.  Believe me, if I’d had had any control over the situation…. I would have been there, but unfortunately I wasn’t invited and I’m not a ‘party’ crasher.  Thanks for the vote of confidence and the feelings of love from all of you!  At least I know some people recognize that I would have been brilliant!  =)

June 10, 2012

I hate waiting to get that call and then not getting it.  Sometimes FB is a blessing…. sometimes it’s a curse.  Finding out on FB that your friends got a call and you didn’t kind of sucks.  Keep hoping it’s a mistake.  Life’s lessons aren’t always fun, but I’m a believer that there’s always a reason, even though I may never know what it is.

June 9, 2012

Wasn’t expecting to spend the evening at a call back!  Not a typical thing for this theater to do a call back on a Saturday.  But I guess when the music director is going out of town that’s what happens!  I was in the presences of some amazing talent.

June 8, 2012

Preparing for auditions can be nerve racking.  Especially when you aren’t’ sure how to cut your music!  Got it done!  Here we go…..

June 7, 2012

I have a few neighbors that like to hold a little get to know you party when we have new neighbors move in.  The purpose of the get together is really to get to know the new people, but they like everyone there to take a few minutes to introduce themselves so the new people can get to know us.  Makes sense, right?  Well… the procedure was pretty much that the wives did the introducing of both the husband and wife and most people kept it short.  But then there’s my one neighbor…… I’ve decided he like to talk about himself and tell his life story.  He likes to go on and on.  I remember when they did this party for us 5 years ago when we moved in and the introduction part of everyone else seemed to take the whole night…. mostly because of this one neighbor.  Things haven’t changed!  I guess it’s just verification that people like to talk about themselves!

June 6, 2012

My husband is truly amazing.  We have redesigned our Master closet and he spent most of the day getting it together.  Now…. this is not a buy it in a box and put it up closet….. this was one we designed and his brilliant smart mind figured out how to cut all the wood and make it work.  It’s been a work in progress.  I was a good thing we only put up half of it to see if our design in the middle would work first.  And it did!  Still needing to build the little chest of drawers to go in it and iron on some melamine edging, but I should be able to put my clothes back in it tomorrow and sleep on my own bed instead of the couch!!

June 5, 2012

It’s amazing how something you think is only going to take a couple of hours takes several!  I guess that’s what my husband gets for being a handy man and owning a truck…..  but at least we were able to help my daughter get some things installed and moved.  (Ha… I say ‘we’….  it was mostly my husband, but I enjoyed the visit!)

June 4, 2012

I stopped to visit my Dad’s gravesite tonight since I was out of town for Memorial Day.  As I was ‘conversing’ with him, I glanced up at the beautiful green mountains there in Bountiful.  I was awestruck at what a lovely place Bountiful was and I suddenly became full of gratitude for being able to be raised in such a beautiful little town.  (Not so little any more…..)  I’m not sure as a youngster that I ever took the time to notice those gorgeous surroundings, so I was even a little more appreciative tonight.  I was blessed to have many wonderful friends growing up in Bountiful and I felt a sense of awe and gratitude for that as well.  What a great little city!

June 3, 2012

What a nice lazy day today.  Lots of time to relax and kick back.  Then how come I’m so tired at bedtime??  I guess maybe there is some truth to the idea of the more you lay around and rest, the more tired you are!  Oh well…. lots to do tomorrow!

June 2, 2012

I learned some amazing training today that will help me in my business.  I believe it will help move my business forward better than anything I’ve tried so far.  In the process, I was reminded of the power of words in all aspects of life, but particularly in creating an intention for yourself.  It was interesting to hear someone who is very successful say that she realized just a few months ago that she had been limiting her intention by the words she was using.  Once she realized that and changed her words, things started moving in the direction she hoped.  And we got to reap the benefit of those intentions by being in her lovely new home.  Use your words wisely!

June 1, 2012

I always knew our dog was well behaved…. but I didn’t realize that he would sit on the flat bed cart at Lowes without ever jumping off!  What a dog!  He really is well behaved.  We are so lucky!

May 31, 2012

Why is it that when you are traveling to your vacation destination that it seems like it takes forever to get there…. yet…. when you come back, it goes by so much faster!  I don’t understand that.  It took the same amount of hours both ways…  but the perception of the time is so different!  Perhaps anticipation one way… then back to the drudgery comes too quick?

May 30, 2012

I never thought I could be so entertained by a man over 65 chasing garbage.  Funniest thing I’ve ever seen and by far the most entertaining moment of our trip!  One of my husband’s team mates decided to be generous by asking the Umpire to wait a moment while he grabbed the plastic bag that was blowing around on the field.  Just as he started to reach the bag, a little wind gust came up that was swirling that bag around in circles.  It was hilarious to see him try and chase it!  Just as he’d come close, the wind would catch it again and sweep it out of his reach.  It was probably less than a minute long, but everybody in the stands and on the field was roaring with laughter watching.  You’d have think it was planned….  too bad none of us pulled out our video cameras and caught it on film!  Thanks for the entertainment, Rex!

May 29, 2012

I never get tired of the earth and her beauty!  I was so grateful for the opportunity we had of driving down to Lake Tahoe while we are here in Reno!  What a gorgeous ride and great company.  It made the whole long trip to Reno worth it!  Hopefully we’ll have time to go check out the old Virginia City while we’re here too…..  I was a big Bonanza fan and it would be very fun!

May 28, 2012

So I guess eating at a little Ma and Pa place isn’t always a good idea….. Unless, of course, they come highly recommended.  I asked the waitress how their fries were and she said, “Pretty good” so I ordered my burger with fries.  First mistake.  I took one bite and didn’t like them.  They were lukewarm and very dry.  She happened to come by and asked how things were.  I told her the fries were bad.  She asked if I would like coleslaw instead.  I told her yes.  The next thing I know is she is grabbing my entire platter and taking it back to the kitchen.  Excuse me?   You can’t just bring me a side of coleslaw?  You have to take my plate back because you are afraid someone might eat a few of your awful fries?    Then…….. Get this.   THEN I discover a hair in the coleslaw she brings me!  Not only were the French fries bad….. It was the worst burger I’ve ever tasted.  Pretty sure it was made all from  pink slim. Awful!  So, not only did I not have fries, but I hardly ate any of the burger, which I was eating low carb style anyway because the bun was like a brick, but I didn’t eat the coleslaw either.   Yeah, maybe get a recommendation before you try an off the road Ma and Pa joint!  But we did get a good laugh out of it and got entertained by a little old man singing at the top of his lungs.  Best worst meal ever!

May 27, 2012

Pretty funny that our dogs practically make me force some ASEA into them yet when I spray it on my rash they want to come right over and lick it off….. several times!!  Dogs are funny!

May 26, 2012

Working on a goal statement today makes you think about what you really want.  How much do I dare put down to accomplish when I’m only projecting out 90 days?  I need to be optimistic, yet realistic.  It’s a fine line I think.

May 25, 2012

It’s nice to have a little pampering once and a while.  Started with my chiropractor taking extra care for my achy back by taping it up for the long weekend and trip ahead.  Then a pedicure (in a massage chair) and glitter toes.  But the best was the nice little back massage I got from my Mom’s massage therapist.  She said it was OK to give a family member a little massage while she was there. I’m glad it was my turn tonight!

May 24, 2012

I had a good reminder today that I need to accept the “Law of Allowing”.  Not matter how much I may want to change a situation or a person…… I have to remember that it’s their life, and no matter how I may want it to be different, they have to experience their own ‘soul journey’ and I can’t protect them from it.  Just remember the serenity prayer and let it be!   “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

May 23, 2012

Not sure whether to throw my computer at the wall or be frustrated with my server today.  All I know is I DON’T have patience for it!!  Why do I not like other servers?  I’m spoiled and want my techy son to solve the issue yesterday!  🙂

May 22, 2012

Why is it that a stomach ache can feel like you have a brick in there?  Wow…. it’s amazing how heavy my stomach felt again today. Trying to decide if I’m fighting off some kind of flu or if I’ve developed food allergies.  Either way…. it doesn’t feel good!  Thank heavens for a little Alka Seltzer!

May 21, 2012

It’s funny how you think you have your day planned and something takes you in a different direction.  But it was a good direction!  I sacrificed getting a little sun for getting a fair amount of cleaning done.  Sometimes you just have to follow your whim….. and the sun will come out tomorrow!

May 20, 2012  

Not being prepared to see the total eclipse of the sun today….. my son pulled out my husbands welding mask for us to look through since it provided some protection for our eyes.  Suddenly a little neighborhood kid came running down the street and said “We have some things you can look through!”  The next think we know he was back at my son’s house with a pair of the eclipse glasses and let us all look through them.  It was pretty great.  Much better than the helmet.  I love it when kids are just uninhibited and say what they feel!  It was kind of them to share the experience with us.  Besides…. it was one way for them to meet some of their new neighbors.

May 19, 2012

It’s best to plan a chalk art festival when the weather will be good during the entire time.  I know….. it’s pretty hard to know that when you have to make plans so far ahead!  Felt bad for the artists who’s work was ruined by the rainstorm yesterday.  Most of them covered them with plastic to try and save them.  Many of them survived OK, but definitely did not look as awesome as they did when they were first drawn.  But I also realized how much seeing things like that makes the artist in me want to come out and pursue art for fun.  I used to draw a lot when I was younger….  part of me wants to try it again!   Just one more thing to make time for!!

May 18, 2012

The process of looking to move can be both tiring and exciting.  Today I found a listing that I could tell from the pictures would be a fixer upper project but had a lot of land with it.  Of course, my mind immediately thinks ‘can the lot be subdivided and build another home on it’ ….  Well…. we went to check it out today with a drive by and I think it’s overpriced for the amount of work and money that it would take to even make it livable.   Ends up not being such good deal after all.  Things aren’t always as they seem!

May 17, 2012  

Had the chance to walk down the main street of the hometown I grew up in today.  I was amazed at the overwhelming comfort I felt.  It really did my heart good.  Even though much of the old main street has changed  from my childhood days, there’s still enough there to bring back a lot of memories.  I guess there will always be comfort in returning ‘home’!

May 16, 2012

In case you’re interested….. my 30 day challenge of drinking more water is going well….. and I really don’t have to get up in the middle of the night a million times!  Besides, it helps with hunger too, so it’s good for weight loss.  Though I haven’t tested that on the scale for several days, I can feel it in my clothes.  Maybe drinking more water IS what it’s cracked up to be!  Loving it!

May 15, 2012 

It helps when you are given a CD to listen to to actually have it formatted as a CD.  It took us several different CD players and borrowing my neighbors laptop before we (my husband, that is) realized that it had been given to us in mp4 format!  Once we figured that out, we got it to play OK in the computer.  It’s now been ‘translated’ to a regular audio file so I can listen to it in the car! Yeah for training!

May 14, 2012

I got a rude awakening in church yesterday!  I must be a lot older than I think I am!  Taking a picture to church of me and my family from almost 30 years ago and having the ladies in my ward not recognize me was kind of hard to take!  I didn’t think I’d changed that much….. but apparently I have!   At least I think I’m aging gracefully……

May 13, 2012

No matter how many Mother’s Day’s I go through….. I always love my children more and more every year!  It’s amazing how that love continues to grow over the years!  A few melancholy feelings today made me realize that if I love my children that much, I know my Mom loves me that much too!

May 12, 2012

After four straight days of helping our son move into his new home…..  I’ve realized that “the old gray mare ain’t what she used to be”….  feeling a little tired, but grateful to be pretty much done.  At least I think our part is done.  They still have tons to unpack!  I’m hoping after a few days rest this will make my husband and I ready to get started on our own projects!!

May 11, 2012  

Interesting development in my Real Estate world today!  I found out that if the listed property is bank owned…. I can’t represent the buyer.  Seems a little odd to me.  I guess it has to do with access of the paperwork.  Bummer!  At least I had another ‘Aunt’ to pass my nephew off to in this case, so all is well!  And….. now I know!

May 10, 2012

NOT a good thing to get so wrapped up in helping your son with his new house that you forget you have two poor dogs at home that haven’t had relief since we left this morning!!!  Poor things….. and yes…… I had to clean up accidents.  I can’t say I blame them.  I certainly couldn’t hold it that long!  They are coming with us tomorrow!

May 9, 2012

It never gets old seeing someone get into their first home!  Well… in this case kind of a second for my son, but it’s a first for his girlfriend and a first as a couple…… so congratulations Jon and Ali!  Thanks for reminding me how exciting it is to get a house!

May 8, 2012

Loving the new training I am getting for my buisness.  It feels more natural to me and I am grateful!  Excited to implement it!

May 7, 2012

I wish I had the energy of our Crazy little Daisy!  No matter how long of a walk we take….. she’s got energy till the end, and then some, and LOVES being off the leash when we can let her.  As little as she is, I swear she’d make a good sled dog!  She is definitely pulling the holder of the leash for at least the first 20 minutes or more of the walk!  I want that energy for the entire walk!

May 6, 2012

Call me a sap, but I think I’ve decided that I could watch “The Happiest Millionaire” at least once a day and get a kick out of it!  I love those old Disney movies….. That one and “The One and Only Original Family Band”.  Yeah…. I had a crush on John Davidson!  Dimples never get old!

May 5, 2012

I guess celebrating Cinco De Mayo around 4:15 pm for dinner was a good choice.  Didn’t have to wait in much of a line at all at Costa Vida…..  So…. next year you all should go to dinner early on May 5th!

May 4, 2012

So grateful that the sun was out most of the day today.  Even though it was cool in the breeze….. I was still able to get some sun on my poor eczema rash….  and it loved it!  I think it looks a little better already!   It’s nice to know you can still get a tan in 64 degree weather…..  as long as the sun is shinning!  Now if I can just find that banana lounger in stock somewhere!

May 3, 2012

Apparently it’s not a good idea to rub your itchy eye raw!  Not sure what I did…. but it feels like it used to when I had a torn or flipped soft lens contact in there……  Since I haven’t worn those for years, I’m pretty sure that’s not what I’m feeling!  Whatever it is…. it’s not a good feeling.  Hopefully by morning it will feel much better!  Don’t rub your eyes!

May 2, 2012

One of the things that makes me very happy is to see chivalry still at work!  Today I witnessed a very sweet display of that while at the temple.  Our witness couple for our session was a very young couple and it warmed my heart to see him treat her so tender.  She would wait in her seat until he came over and offered her his hand to help her up to the altar.  And the way they held hands while at the altar was so sweet.  Of course, he would help her back to her seat each time too.  Made my day!  Chivalry still lives!

May 1, 2012

I was reminded today of a talk I heard in conference a few weeks ago.  I took the time to listen to it again and was pretty much brought to tears realizing that I hadn’t done a very good job following it’s counsel.  It was humbling and gave me the desire to be better.  It’s a constant battle not to judge others and to be forgiving…. but follow the counsel Wanda…. STOP IT!

April 30, 2012  

I was asked 2 times in the last two days to come to call backs for two different shows I didn’t audition for.  It’s actually a pretty nice feeling to know that you are on someone’s radar for consideration!  Now if only I’m on the radar of the director of the show I really want to do!  Won’t know that for a few weeks.  Life is good.  It’s nice to be appreciated!

April 29, 2012

Apparently I’m spoiled.  I guess when you start complaining that you had to drive a whole 1/2 mile or less further than your used to to go to church, you are spoiled!  I just made the comment that it seemed odd to drive by one church building (that we were meeting in a few weeks ago) to get to another one further away that we are now meeting in because the other one was too small.  A friend sarcastically said I should remember that next time I’m asked to talk about tests, trials, and sacrifices.  OK, OK…..he’s right!  We are pretty spoiled here in Utah with an LDS church every mile or so.  Plenty of people in other parts of the world travel for hours to attend church!  I am humbled……  and spoiled!

April 28, 2012

We took the opportunity to walk through our old Murray home today.  We sold it 5 years ago and it has just been put on the market again so we wanted to see what additional upgrades they have done to it.  It was so fun to see the way someone else had laid out the rooms with their furniture. The new larger Trex deck and the 3rd bathroom they added are so great!  The oddest thing was the feeling that overwhelmingly took over me as I walked in the front door.  I just don’t know how to describe it!  We spent 21 years there and pretty much raised our family there.  It will always be a special home to me.  We so loved the neighborhood and the neighbors!  So grateful for the great influence that my kids had in that area!  It was a wonderful place to raise a family!  Hopefully some nice young family can now make it a place for them to raise their kids!

April 27, 2012

I was so grateful to be home to my own bed last night!  It’s amazing how my body just allowed me to sleep like a baby!  Love that cushy mattress!

April 26, 2012

I was quite amazed at the dramatic difference in weather between this morning and the last two days in Vegas.  When we checked the weather report before we left home it was suppose to be scorching hot all week, so I pretty much packed accordingly.  Thankfully I had thrown my sweats in the suitcase!  We were bundled under blankets and jackets those last two games this morning!  I’m grateful I keep my trunk stocked with blankets!  Who knew I’d be in Vegas freezing on what was suppose to be a nice warm Spring day!  Two days earlier we roasted!  Ah…. the joys of the desert!

April 25, 2012

I have no idea what kind of a bird that was around the pool today but I have never heard one bird with so many different voices!  I decided because we are in Vegas it must be a bird that does bird impersonations.   I’ve never been quite so entertained by a bird!

April 24, 2012

I’ve come to realize how dependent I am on my electronics!  I was very frustrated last night when the two internet cafes we went to failed on my iPad.  Perhaps it was the iPad’s fault…. but I lost everything I had entered and I was frustrated.  Even to the point of almost having a breakdown!  Not a pretty thing!

April 23, 2012 

I realized how grateful I am that I was raised where and how I was.  Spending time in Vegas and seeing so many ‘messed up’ people makes me SO grateful!  Just worried and wondered about the little kid I saw in the stroller today!  What kind of life will he/she have?  I know I’m making assumptions about what I ‘think’ I’m seeing….. but it make me wonder!

April 22, 2012

Here you think you know someone and wham.  I was completely amazed today as I sat and visited with a family member I’ve known all her life.  I had no idea that she struggled with self esteem.  I would have never guessed!  I think she is beautiful, smart, funny AND creative!  I just wish she would believe me when I tell her that!  Love that girl!

April 21, 2012  

I always knew Ernie Doose was a great guy….. but I was astounded at his generosity today as he took us on a personal tour through the Roene DiFiore Center for Arts and Education.  This man is amazing.  He’s dedicated his life to helping others find themselves through creative outlets, because of what Roene did for him, and now his vision is to pass that on to other children.  He said, “No child should grow up being told they are dumb and stupid just because  they learn in a different way than the norm.”  It will be an amazing center and help a lot of young people!  Thanks, Ernie!  What a guy!

April 20, 2012

I need to study and pray about how to handle a parent that’s starting to get dementia and being really ornery and unreasonable!  I’m not handling it very well and need to be a better understanding daughter.  Any suggestions for resources and help on how to deal with it would be appreciated!

April 19, 2012

Had a good cry today.  Everything just came down on me at once and I couldn’t stop it.  Feeling stress about several things in my life and it’s taking more of a toll on me than I thought.  Particularly on my skin.  But, even though I was given a supplement to help with my skin problem…. I decided the cry was needed.  Just getting it out of your system helps.  It’s kind of like letting the steam off a pressure cooker……  Certainly doesn’t solve the issues, but at least it gives me a little more room to let it build up again if it has to.  Things will be fine.  The Law of Rhythm says whenever there’s anything bad going on in your life…. you can expect something just as wonderful coming your way.  I know it’s coming.  I just need to be patient!  Don’t get me wrong….. my life is actually very awesome….I’m just not dealing with some things that are out of my control.  Must – learn – to – let – go!

April 18, 2012

I’ve been blessed to be friends with some well known people….. at least locally well known, plus a few others who are known a little more than locally.  One of those is a high school class mate who is the owner of a local sports arena here in Utah.  His lovely wife is also a class mate of mine.  We, a few of the class mates, had the opportunity today to tour the sports arena facility because we get to have our 40th High School reunion there next year.  They are graciously offering us their ‘internal’ discount on the facility and food, so it should make the reunion affordable for our class mates.  What a great opportunity!  We are so excited for this chance!  Not only did we get to see a good portion of the facility today, but Deb treated us to lunch in their private box…. which considering they are the owners, is pretty dang nice!  It was fun to sit and visit with her and other class mates as we discussed some of the things we want to plan for the reunion.  She is still the same wonderful nice person she was in high school.  And so is her husband…. even though he wasn’t there today… believe me…. he’s still the same old awesome Dave.  I feel blessed to have such great friends in my life and feel honored that they are allowing us to plan such a fun reunion!  It will be one we all will remember for years to come!

April 17, 2002

Help me be strong!  I haven’t had very much success with Gel Nails on my fingernails for the last few months.  It seems to start peeling off WAY too early!  (At least, I think 2 weeks later is pretty early!)  My nails are so much weaker than they used to be.  Well…. so much weaker than they used to be several years ago.  They were cracking and breaking easily about a year or so ago…. that’s why I decided to give Gel Nails a try.  But…. after painstakingly getting the rest of the gel off this afternoon…. I am determined to let my natural nails grow back!  I figured, they’ve been so short, because they keep breaking even with the gel. for so long…. what’s the difference if they are short and natural?  At least that’s my thinking……  Any ideas to help them grow back strong and keep from breaking are welcome!  I saw my wedding photos the other day and longed for those beautiful natural nails in the pictures!  OK…. I have to admit however…. my toenails don’t seem to mind the gel….. so I’ll probably be getting glitter toes soon!

April 16, 2012

I came to the realization today that I really need to do something to get me out of this funk I’ve been feeling lately!  I feel a need to feed my spirit and optimism!  I think I really miss doing my daily posts and it has started to get to me.  So….. at the very least….. I’ve decided to revisit each of my old posts from last year.  At least one a day.  I think that will help remind me of all that I’m grateful for and hopefully lift my spirits and pull more out of me!  Who knows….. maybe my posts will start getting some post scripts from me!  Something needs to change now!  I think it’s a good place to start!

April 15, 2012

I was reminded today that we all made a pretty big decision in the War in Heaven before we came to this earth.  We were all given the choice to choose whether to follow Lucifer or Jesus.  Congratulations to all of us here on the Earth!  We made the choice to follow Christ’s plan!   In so doing, we also made promises and knew of our self worth and what we could contribute to this life.  If only I could remember what that was!  I guess that’s part of why we weren’t allowed to remember……  part of our purpose here is to learn and grow and discover what we can become.  Still working on that part!

April 14, 2012

Began a short clean out of our den today.  It only scratched the surface…. but it was a start!  I did realize is that most of those Real Estate papers I was hanging onto were outdated and not applicable or not needed!  It made for a BIG trip to the garbage can!  We still need to figure out where to put some things, but dang, it felt good to empty a couple of boxes that have staring me in the face for the last 5 years now!

April 13, 2012

Somedays I find it hard to think of something I’ve learned!  Today seems to be one of them…… yet, I must not be paying attention very well because I truly can learn something everyday if I’m paying attention!  So where is my mind today?

April 12, 2012  

Finally finished and turned into our CPA!  What a relief!  Well… at least for us.  Can’t say the same for him!  I’m awfully glad that’s not my job…. but kudos to those of you who do it!  I hope you’re all planning a nice big vacation next week!

April 11, 2012  

Every year we say the same thing…… “We are going to get our taxes done early! ”   Once again….. we are STILL working on them at this moment.  I think the problem is, that by the time we get them finished, we are so tired of even thinking about tracking expenses that we just need a break.  Then we forget to get back to keeping on top of the current year and end up in the same mess!  RESOLUTION:  Take care of this years taxes within the next few weeks and then stay on top of it!  My goal is to have them submitted by the end of February next year!

April 10, 2012

Just found out today that the condos in our area are selling for a LOT less than I thought….. not a good thing for us since we want to move.  Even though I know we have upgrades in our condo that most of those didn’t have….. finding a buyer willing to pay the price for that could be a problem.  But they are out there, right?  In the meantime…. I need to figure out a way to increase our income in the next few months by over 100K!

April 9, 2012

We are ‘tending’ our son’s two dogs tonight.  He and his girlfriend have a Yorkie and a Dachshund.  They are both females.  They used to get along just fine, but we’ve decided since the Dachshund went into heat a few months ago, she’s determined to become the Alpha dog and is starting fights with the Yorkie…. but it only seems to happen when they come to our house.  At home, they seem to get along just fine most of the time.  I guess they are fighting for their Mom and Dad’s attention when they are in ‘public’ (meaning, our house…).  However, since my son and his girlfriend left for the evening and will be gone for the next 24 hours…. they seem to be getting along fine.  What is it with the dogs and fighting for attention?  Ok…. I take it back…..so maybe they aren’t getting along…..  I guess now they are fighting for OUR attention.  You know, it wouldn’t be quite so bad, but we have two other dogs around the house too.  YIKES!  What’s a Mother (or in this case, Grandmother) to do?

April 8, 2012

Grateful for a day filled with uplifting and spiritual reminders of what my Savior did for me.  Realize that I forget that very often. Sometimes it’s hard to realize it’s a personal thing.   Also grateful for an uplifting day with family.  All in all….. a wonderful happy day!

April 7, 2012

Now I remember why I don’t make homemade bread very often!  It’s so hard to resist a fresh hot out of the oven piece of bread!  I mean, one piece would be fine…… but must we eat the whole loaf in one sitting?  And that’s just my husband and I!   I love bread, but it’s way too many carbs!

April 6, 2012

33 years ago today I married my best friend and sweetheart.  I’m still amazed as the years go by how much more I love him everyday!  I feel very blessed to have found the perfect man for me.   I wish the same kind of happiness and enduring love for my own children.  Happy Anniversary, Baby!

April 5, 2012

I’m very grateful for supportive family and friends.  There’s nothing better than knowing they are they to help and give support when needed.  Today was one of those days.  Thanks to all!

April 4, 2012

Had one of the best days ever in the temple today.  It was such a joy to watch a young engaged couple look at each other with so much love and stars in their eyes.  Because I sat at the front of the session room today, I caught him looking over at her and smiling many many times during the session.  Even when she didn’t see it.  Love young love.  It even made me gaze at my sweetie lovingly during the session…… even though he never noticed me doing it!  Been married to him 33 years this Friday….. couldn’t ask for a better man.  I wish 33 years and more for the young couple in the temple today!  The only day in the temple better than today was when I knelt across the altar from my husband when we were married and I looked at him that same way!  Makes me realize I need to recall those feelings for him much more often!

April 3, 2012  

Getting rid of mold is not fun no matter what method you use….. but I still think I’d rather smell vinegar than clorox!

April 2, 2012

Patience, patience, patience!  Boy do I lack that right now!  Spending close to 11 hours with your aging Mother who is getting feisty and mean at times is very taxing…..  Must- learn- patience!

April 1, 2012

Lots of little one line words of wisdom from LDS General Conference the past two days….. loved it all….. but one of my favorites was “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you”.  Such a good reminder that we all sin in some way and should not be judgmental toward others!

March 31, 2012

Mistakes sometimes happen.  Sometimes you get the better end of the deal, sometimes you don’t.  Today…. we got the better end of the deal!  We went to a show today and the box office had mistakenly given our tickets to someone else with a similar last name (well…. sort of, but not really…. they both stared with a “Co”, but that’s about as far as it went….)  Since the other people had front row seats and didn’t seem to mind sitting in our 3rd row seats…. we didn’t worry about ‘fixing’ the problem and got up close and personal with the cast.  It was a fun experience…. even if I was worried my feet would get run over by roller skates!

March 30, 2012

Getting behind on your email can be very overwhelming!  Even when you delete 80% without even looking at it….. it takes a while to catch up on 3 days worth!  Hmmm….. those ever increasing little daily tasks that I need to stay on top of take lots of time!  You need better scheduling, Wanda!

March 29, 2012 

It’s an interesting thing to see the difference between what my husband and I are looking for in a home and seeing what my son is willing to settle and be happy for in a home right now in this point of his life.  BIG difference!  I recognize that we are at a very different point in our life than he is, but it’s a great reminder how easy it used to be to be satisfied with a ‘fixer upper’ that wasn’t even close to any kind of a dream home!  Yet for some…. it would be a dream home!  How spoiled I am!  But…. that doesn’t change the fact that I really want a lot of nice things in this current hunt for a home!  After all…. isn’t that what ‘moving up’ is all about?

March 28, 2012

Realizing that you need to learn emergency procedures better right in the middle of an emergency isn’t the best time to worry about that… is it!  Interesting experience today at the temple when one of the sisters on my session felt like she was having ‘heart’ problems but insisted on completimg the session!  That’s one way to stay awake the entire time!  Pretty hard to even think about dosing off when you’re worried about one of your patrons passing out or dying on you!  She made it through the session OK, but the paramedics were called in because her symptoms and heart beat were a little irregular.  I’m just grateful nothing worse happened on my watch!  But it did make me realize that I need to review those emergency procedures carefully….. and SOON!

March 27, 2012

When substituting Rum Extract for the real stuff in a recipe….. DON’T substitute  the same amount of extract that the recipe calls for in the alcoholic kind!  Woah!  WAY too strong!  Had to make major adjustments to the recipe to even make it palatable!   Next time, look up on the internet what the substitution amounts would be!!

March 26, 2012

I guess one way to make your semi-immobile 90 year old Mom get the exercise she needs is to tick her off enough about not doing something the way she thinks it should be done that she gets herself up out of her chair and comes and tracks you down in the laundry room!  Sometimes I wonder if things will ever change!  At least she can get up and come after me!

March 25, 2012

Staying for a lesson in church, even if you don’t feel the best is SO worth it when you know how fabulous the teacher is.  I was so glad I stayed!  Her lessons are amazing!   Thanks, Kelly!

March 24, 2012

When considering building a new home, it’s hard not to want everything in it….. which may take me way over budget…..  but do we do it now and maybe not have to move again?  Hmmmmmmm……  lots to think about!

March 23, 2012 

I love it when dinner just sort of ‘evolves’ from where it was originally planned!  Ended up making a terrific sandwich when the only plan was to caramelize some onions and mushrooms that needed to be cooked.  I realized I had some corn beef left from the soup I made the other day and decided to throw it in.  As it was warming up, I thought…. the leftovers would make a great sandwich.  Well…. why wait for leftovers!  It’s nice and warm now!  So I put a piece of Havarti Cheese on some bread, put the warm onions, mushrooms and corn beef on top of the cheese, spread a very small amount of Dijon mustard and Voila!  Delish!  And much better than just eating the onions and mushrooms!

March 22, 2012

Silly games can be addictive!  Playing Draw Something with my hubby.  I found out he’s not as bad an artist as he thinks he is!  Who knew?

March 21, 2012

Getting new neighbors across the street.  Listened to the carpet cleaning truck all afternoon today.  I think I’m more grateful than ever for my solid wood floors!  Particularly when it comes time for us to move out of here…. I can’t even imagine what it would cost to clean the carpets in an entire house!   Actually….. come to think of it…. it’s probably a lot less than replacing all the carpet like we did when we sold our Murray home!

March 20, 2012

Just finished reading a very short book with simple phrases of gratitude in it.  Read the whole thing in like 10 minutes. It made me reflect on several things and in a way made me miss my daily blog post.   Though these short posts are suppose to replace it in a way, it’s just not the same.   I’m grateful for reminders of simple gratitude.  Need to make posts more often.

March 19, 2012

Hmmm….. you’d think my neck would remind me that I needed to stop by the chiropractic office for an adjustment…..  But I completely spaced it today!  Not that I had an appointment… I just stop by when I’m out to visit Mom.  Once a week…. that’s pretty much all I get out there.  Maybe I need to write it on my calendar????

March 18, 2012 

Tried my hand at making Corn Beef and Cabbage soup today.   Even if it was a day late for St. Patty’s day…..  I still enjoyed it!  I guess that Irish blood in me was coming out!

March 17, 2012 

You know when you’re trying to have a discussion with someone about something and they are dead set on their own opinion and won’t listen or don’t want to hear yours???  Yeah…. well….. it’s easier to just drop the subject for a while, ya know?

March 16, 2012

The more I study healthy eating…. the more I realize that it’s really not that different than many things we eat.  If you are making fresh food, staying away from anything processed, white sugar and white flour…. you are headed in the right direction!  Check out these two recipes on Forks Over Knives and you’ll see what I mean.

March 15, 2012

BACK UP YOUR WORK!!  BACK UP YOUR WORK!!  In regards to yesterdays learning…..  BACK UP YOUR WORK!!   Not fun when you have to start all over!

March 14, 2012

Taxes are taxing!  Why don’t we do a better job of keeping up at least weekly!  Trying to track mileage now is a pain in the you know what!  Notice how my post from a week ago was complaining about the same thing and we still aren’t done with taxes yet!  Annoyed!

March 13, 2012

I think I may be allergic or sensitive to the local anesthesia used by dentists.  Even though he didn’t have to give me very much today and it wore off quickly….. I got the worst headache ever for about an hour as it wore off.  Funny thing is…. I felt crummy after he did the original work on my tooth a couple of weeks ago…. but never associated it with the anesthesia!  I don’t know what’s worse…. the headache and feeling crummy or feeling the pain!

March 12, 2012 

Wow…. who knew that I needed to do my hair and put on makeup before I go walking on the trail!  You never know when the local news is going to appear to interview you about recent news in your area.  It’s a good thing they talked to my husband and not me!  I would NOT have liked how I looked on camera!  He did a great job though!

March 11, 2012

Coming out of church and seeing a firetruck near a neighbors house is not always a fun thing.  Still not sure what happened there yet.  Then to drive down around the corner and see all kinds of cop cars and a helicopter down by the river not far from your house and find out there’s been ‘suspicious’ activity there is a little disconcerting…..   I prefer life to be simple and happy!

March 10, 2012

It seems it doesn’t matter how many times you hear the same thing over and over…. there’s always something new to learn.  (Particularly when new information is added.)  Thought I’d be hearing the same stuff today but I learned some new things!  But, the same is true when I listen to a recorded talk over and over …..  I pick up on different things at different times!  Perhaps that’s why repetition is a good thing!

March 9, 2012

Not a good idea to let one dog eat the other dogs treat.  Several times.  We are paying for it today and so is my dry clean only comforter….  And my wool rug.  Advice:  Do NOT give the dog more than one treat.  Particularly when you don’t give them treats often anyway.  What’s in those treats anyway?  I better go check…..

March 8, 2012

It doesn’t matter where you meet good friends to have a bite to eat and catch up.  All that really matters is that you are together!  Love my BFF’s!  (Oh…. and I kind of love Zupa’s too!)

March 7, 2012

I’m grateful I don’t do food demos anymore.  I would have a hard time promoting something I know is bad for you.  I was surprised at how enthusiastic the woman at Sam’s Club was today passing out samples of mini pancakes that already had the syrup inside.  All you had to do was pop the package in the microwave.  Very little nutritional value with processed foods and then using the microwave to kill what might be left.   I was once ignorant to all of this too.  Hopefully we’ll all learn one day!

March 6, 2012

Found out it’s much easier to transfer mileage to a spread sheet a little more often than once a year.  We probably would have had our taxes done by now!  Any suggestions for some really great mileage apps?

March 5, 2012

Amazed at Mom’s great attitude with this move we had to make.  I think she was actually pretty excited to get back down to the place we moved her originally. Lots of her friends are still there.    She’s a trouper and will be fine!

March 4, 2012 

The teacher in our Gospel Doctrine class asked me to bring a recording of the Mormon Tabernacle choir singing “High On a Mountain Top” so it could be played as part of her lesson.  It might have been helpful if she’d told me she was doing a narrative over the music…..  it was a little hard to balance the volume between the two coming from the same PA system.  Just holding a mic up to my iPhone was fine till she started talking.  Oh well….  guess I learned I need to communicate better and make sure I know her needs next time!

March 3, 2012

Found out you can still get sunburned in 50 degree weather.  As long as the sun is shining and you have skin showing…. it can get burned after several hours in the sun!  Nice little scoop neckline burn from my shirt today!  Spent most of the day bundled in my jacket and blanket during hubby’s softball game…. but the sun was out and beautiful!  Just wish it had been warmer so more of me could have soaked up the sun!

March 2, 2012

Driving in a South/southeast direction with the morning sun glaring on wet roads and snow can give one a headache!  Make sure you have good sunglasses on!  I was sure glad when the clouds came out for a bit!

March 1, 2012

Trying out a brand new recipe on guests before you try making and testing it is not a good idea….. especially when that treat is made from ‘healthy’ ingredients.  It’s not terrible… but I’m glad I actually forgot to serve it!  It needs a little perfection!  But they will never know that!

February 29, 2012

I’m not sure being technically only 27 years old and still looking like your 108 years old does you much good!  If only those born on Leap Day could maintain their ‘actual’ age!  But then again….. I guess there are disadvantages to that too!  Happy Birthday all you Leap Day Babies!

February 28, 2012  

Kind of funny working with an over obsessive sister when moving my Mom’s stuff.  Just laying things temporally on the counter in the kitchen had to look just right, even though they weren’t going to stay in those spots permanently.  We don’t officially move Mom to her new place till Friday…. but in the meantime….. even temporary places had to be just right.  I think I’m glad I’m not that obsessed!

February 27, 2012

Almost got tricked today!  I learned you need to have your thinking cap on when you are reading labels on food!  We had put some whole wheat tortillas in our cart at Costco and then went around the corner where they were serving cheese quesadillas using the ‘raw’ tortillas that you have to cook first.  We have used them before and love the ‘fresh’ flavor you get from them.  I decided to check out the label on them just for fun.  Well…. the first ingredient said “Wheat Flour”.  I got all excited and thought…. these are OK!  They are just as good as the other ones we had in the cart!  Then….. it dawned on me…..  it said ‘wheat flour’ NOT ‘whole wheat flour’.  Well, duh…. most flour comes from wheat, but not necessarily from whole wheat!  Guess which ones we bought?

February 26, 2012

It’s pretty embarrassing when you find out that an old classmate now attends church with you and you didn’t even recognize or pay any attention to him!  I was more concerned about the fact that his wife was a singer and I needed her in the choir!  Didn’t pay attention to the name or even really look at him till he came up to me today and asked if I was ever going to say “Hi” to him!  Wow….  guess I should pay more attention to new members of the ward when they move in!  They’ve only lived here for 4 or 5 months!  Sheez!

February 25, 2012

Maybe I should blog about food more often…. I seem to get more interest in my posts that way!  What does that say about us?  I guess we love food!  I suppose I could find all kinds of reasons to be grateful for all kinds of food….. at least healthy ones at this point since I’m on a roll that way!

February 24, 2012

Sometimes taking the ‘scenic’ route through a small town can still get you lost.  My husband thought he was taking a short cut to the State Road that lead us out of Hurricane, UT.  Well…. it wasn’t a very good short cut!  But we saw some of the finer features of the town!  Thanks for the adventure, Honey!

February 23, 2012

Hiked up an extremely steep driveway this morning to view one of the St. George Parade of homes…… as I approached the top I said, “Why didn’t they have a golf cart to bring me up here?” …. and low and behold…. there was a golf cart!  Apparently I missed seeing it before.  Guess I should have waited a little longer at the bottom of the hill!  Oh well…. I got my exercise for the day, that’s for sure!  At least we got to ride it back down and save my knees from pain!

February 22, 2012

Now I remember why I usually take a nap on temple days……….  TIRED tonight!  I think I’ll head to bed even though it’s only 9:30 pm!

February 21, 2012  

Learned that if I don’t care about buying Organic…. Winco has some pretty good prices…. particularly on raw nuts!  So…. how important is it to buy organic nuts?  Anyone know?

February 20, 2012

Found out today that my 90 year old Mother is not beyond hanging up on me if she’s mad at me because I didn’t do something her way!  Twice even!  Gotta love it!

February 19, 2012  

You don’t need a meat entree when you have delicious boiled baby red potatoes and fresh steamed green beans!  Just use some butter and salt and pepper and it’s a glorious meal!  Who knew?

February 18, 2012  

Discovered that it’s really quite awesome to pull some soup out of the freezer that was made several weeks ago and warm it up quickly.  (Of course, that includes a day or so defrosting in the fridge. )  Still tastes just as good and made for a VERY convenient meal!  It pays to make a large batch of soup.  I mean…. as long as you are cooking….. you might as well make some to freeze for another day!  Here’s the recipe I used if you’re interested.  It’s de.li.cious!

February 17, 2012  

As nice as it was to see friends from our former Friday AM shift at the temple today….. I DO NOT miss getting up at 4 am to be there!  Glad I was just substituting!  Also grateful my Wednesday shift doesn’t require the alarm to go off until 5 am.  It’s amazing what that extra hour of sleep will do for you!

February 16, 2012

Discovering that this whole idea of eating mostly Vegan is starting to get appealing.  I found some videos for making meals and entrees using only Raw Vegetables and fruits today.  They actually look pretty good!  I may have to try some.  What an adventure!

February 15, 2012

I decided I shouldn’t watch the demos on Blendtec blenders anymore at Costco.  It only makes me want the new model even more!  I have a version that is about 7 or 8 years old… before it was called Blendtec.  The newer models have all the nifty buttons and settings for soups and ice cream and smoothies and stuff.  Mine buttons just say 1 2 3 4 S P.  Those cycles just don’t work quite the same!  You watch the guy at Costco hit the soup button and in one cycle it comes out piping hot!  Just trying to figure out which button to push on my old one and then having to push it 4 times through the cycle before it even got sort of hot was kind of frustrating!  Hmmmmm……  guess I better just not watch those demos anymore!  They are great machines and they last forever!  Hence…. why I don’t need a new one!

February 14, 2012

Maybe it would be a good idea to ask the person behind the counter what a particular thing is that is listed in the menu item you are about to order since you’ve never heard of it and just assumed by something else you’d read on the menu that it must be some kind of flat bread.  Learned today that Shawarma is NOT flat bread!  It is meat.  Don’t get me wrong…. I love meat…. but right now I’m on a 30 day fast of no meat or dairy (or sweets, or bread…)  Oh well!  I only have 2 days left anyway!  It sure was good though!

February 13, 2012

I think it’s a good idea to put an event on your calendar after you buy tickets for it!  I almost forgot about that show tonight!  Glad I remembered and learned that now that I have an iPhone perhaps I should use the calendar on it!

February 12, 2012

It’s amazing how a ‘puffy eyelid’ can make you self conscious and not want to look people in the eye!  Even worse when you have to sing in church on such a day!

February 11, 2012

LEARNING CURVE!!!  Holy cow…. the biggest learning curve will be getting my clumsy thumbs to figure out how to text without having to back nine million times and correct the letter I was trying to type!  Yikes!  No wonder people have misspelled words in their texts!

February 10, 2012

Stressing about something before you know all the facts is wasted energy.  Things are going to be fine and apparently Mom took the news very well.  Better than I did.  Grateful!

February 9, 2012

Facing the fact that your Mom is headed down the dementia road and has to to be moved to a different facility is NOT a pleasant thing!   Not looking forward to breaking the news to her!

February 8, 2012

It can be very anti-climatic when the culminating moment of an event is spoiled by faulty equipment.  It’s a shame that the Olympic cauldron failed to light tonight as Salt Lake City embarked on a two week journey  of reminiscing what the 2002 Winter Olympic were like here.  Oh well!  We still have our memories!

February 7, 2012

It’s much easier to keep a dog groomed and brushed than it is to try and comb out all the mats in their hair!  Poor Daisy!  Hopefully her Mommy will be better about keeping her brushed this time!

February 6, 2012

Some people seem to only care about themselves.  Totally appalled that one person can think that his own children don’t deserve to live just because he’s unhappy with his own life and his own choices.  I’m grateful that I know for a surety that those little Powell boys have been reunited with their Maker and possibly their Mother.  Some people never cease to amaze me!

February 5, 2012

Apparently not everyone enjoyed the half time performance of Madonna.  Just look at your FB comments and see.  Had to laugh about two comments right in a row…. one saying it was awful and another one saying best half time ever!  Different strokes for different folks!  Personally…. I thought she looked terrific for a 53 year old!  I sure thought she was a lot younger than that!

February 4, 2012

Apparently, the Super Bowl is MUCH more important than Christmas!  I’ve NEVER seen Costco that crowded!!  So…. off to Sam’s Club we went!  Not nearly as bad!

February 3, 2012

I need a phone that I can talk into for notes…. like the iPhone 4S.  Or a secretary with pad and pencil next to me most of the time.  I can’t seem to remember what I wanted to say I learned today.  So I guess I learned I need some kind of recording device for my thoughts and such.  Hmmmm.  Guess we better get our taxes done.

February 2, 2012

Old people can bring you a lot of joy if you will let them!  Go visit some and chat a while.  They can make you laugh!

February 1, 2012

When someone is in pain….. their normally cheerful attitude can become REALLY grumpy!  Sorry about the fall you had, Mom!  Want you to feel better soon!

January 31, 2012

Writing a Life Vision takes time.  This may take a few days!

January 30, 2012

Was told today by my husband that I made some pretty good looking kids.  Hmmm…. and all this time I thought it was from him!

January 29, 2012

My goodness….. boys have a lot of stuff too!  How many boxes are we putting in the attic Nate?

January 28, 2012

Was reminded today that I gave birth to some pretty amazing spirits within those perfect bodies they were sent here with.  How blessed I was to spend some quality time getting to see one of those spirits shine the last two days.  What an amazingly strong and beautiful person she is!  Love you, Mandy!

January 27, 2012

It’s not always easy to go with what your logic mind knows is correct….  Putting it into action is the hard part.

January 26, 2012

Discovered is much easier to fall OUT of a habit than it is to stick with it.  Miss my daily blogging days….. but can’t believe how I can quickly forget to make a short post here!

January 25, 2012

It’s nothing new to me that I lack patience…. particularly when it comes to ‘the computer’……  But I can not believe how dependent I have come to be on the silly thing!  The fact that I have been spoiled with a son that can take care of my problems with it only makes me more impatient when he is so busy I have to take actually take it into the store for him to look at it!  Sheez!  Get real girl…. this is what MOST people have to do!  At least the computer is working…. even if I’m having some problems with it…. I can still use it!  I need to learn patience!

January 24, 2012

After 8 days of drinking Green smoothies…. its amazing how wonderful and sweet some vegetables taste when you eat them whole!  I guess getting your body off sugar really does make whole food taste wonderful!

January 23, 2012

Sweet little old ladies with dementia shouldn’t be let loose in the public laundry room at the Assisted Living Home.  Adorable and as cute as she was….  she was having a hard time figuring out what laundry belonged to her.  When I came back to get my Mom’s laundry out of the dryer she was folding my Mom’s clothes and said to me…. “The dryer just went off… I don’t think these belong to me, but I thought I would fold them anyway”.  Poor thing!  I had to help her figure out where her laundry was.  She had been sitting in there for at least 45 min. or so and hadn’t put her own clothes in the dryer!  So grateful my Mom at least can think clearly!

January 22, 2012

Was reminded today that most of us don’t really understand or respect the word ‘reverence’.    The speaker didn’t pull any punches today….. Wonder if it will be more reverent in Sacrament meeting next week!

January 21, 2012

I discovered that many people around me sense my energy and light better than I do.  I guess I better start paying closer attention to it myself!  It could answer a few of the questions I have about myself!

January 20, 2012

Spinning around in a circle with your head on top of a toy bat more than 20 times is a LOT more work than it sounds like!  Thanks for the encouragement Genius Bootcamp friends!  I’m pretty sure I would have given up without your support!

January 19, 2012

Apparently it’s a good idea to keep your hand on the lid of the blender when making Green Smoothies…. even though it’s a top of the line blender……  WHAT A MESS!

January 18, 2012

Pictures don’t always tell the whole story…..  went apartment shopping with my daughter today and you can’t always trust the online pictures.  Funny thing is…. sometimes the pictures say more…. other times they don’t say enough!  Hard to tell… that’s why it’s always best to see it yourself!

January 17, 2012

Being reminded today about how many people there are that really don’t care about their health…..  Just another sign that the food industry adds things to our foods to make them addicting…..!  That makes it much harder to eat correctly, doesn’t it?

January 16, 2012

Girls have a lot of stuff.  Probably too much stuff.  Myself included…..  This is nothing new to me.  But trying to fit all this ‘stuff’ into a small room maybe more that I was thinking was possible.  Just glad to have her home.

January 15, 2012

I’m amazed at how the Lord knows what you need to hear and knows what you are going through at any given moment.  Got plenty of messages from him today through music and word.  He constantly teaches us!

January 14, 2012

It’s very hard to want to follow your gut feeling and know you can’t because it’s not your decision…..  it’s someone else’s.   Being a parent can be a tough job at times!!

January 13, 2012

Um….. Be sure to save your work several times when working on a big project on the computer…… It saves lots of time not having to re-do everything!

January 12. 2012

Making old family photos into a ‘movie’ can be frustrating… time consuming but fun!  Will we ever be done?  Better be…. it debuts on Saturday!

January 11, 2012

Gained a new respect today for people who spend the time archiving old photos and documents and stuff.  It’s a LOT of work!  Thank goodness for my husband….. and thank goodness for the now digital world!  Archiving is MUCH easier!

January 10, 2012

Going through old photos can make you very sentimental and bring back a FLOOD of emotions!  Wow…. missing my Dad today.

January 9, 2012

Time is precious….. Especially when it’s time spent with loved ones.  Even more precious when you really don’t know how much longer they’ll be around.  Grateful and happy to spend most of the day with my Mom on her 90th birthday!

January 8, 2012

I realized today how important and grateful I am for the opportunity to feed my spirit.  I’m grateful for Sundays to fulfill that need!  I just need to do it during the week too!

January 7, 2012

Though I don’t have the TV on all the time like I used to… I discovered that I still enjoy watching the designs shows on HGTV one Saturday nights!  Yep…..  still fun.  And now I’m entered into the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway!  You’re following the winner here!  Just saying…….

January 6, 2012

I was reminded how valuable and appreciated extended family members are.  Though I don’t see my husband’s cousins etc., very often…. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy that family and what a great influence they have been in my life!

January 5, 2012

I learned that bins and bins of old family photos and memorabilia are priceless….. but it sure takes a long time to get through them!  Awfully glad they are there though……

January 4, 2012

I learned that it doesn’t matter how old your kids are….. you still worry about them and feel their pain!  ….. or happiness!

January 3, 2012

I learned my husband is freaking awesome!  OK…. I already knew that….. but he just proved it once again today!  Got in the shower and came out to find the dishes all done!  Yep….. he’s freaking awesome! Pretty lucky girl!

January 2, 2012

Been playing Tangram for the last hour or so……  I learned that sometimes the puzzle really DOES go a different way than you insist it should fit!

January 1, 2012

I learned that a good hearty laugh at your husband trying to dance to Just Dance  for the Wii might be just as good for my abs as crunches!  Jeez!  I didn’t know my muscles still worked down there!

December 31, 2011

Today I learned that my friends are awesome!  People are awesome and willing to help you reach a goal when you are so close!  I’m pretty sure I already knew that….. but I’ve had a lot of proof of that today!  Thanks for your support!