So I had my annual check-up yesterday with my new OB/GYN. She asked if I wanted to get my cholesterol checked because my mom has high cholesterol (sorry mom).
So, I got a call from the nurse today telling me I have high cholesterol- 256 mg/dL or something ridiculously high like that (optimal is below 150). Mind you, it wasn't fasting.. so it might go down to 200 or something, but still... That is bad for a 26 year-old healthy female.
I start thinking about all of the crap I've eaten lately (Chinese food, Christmas candy, etc... you know how it is around the holidays!), and I start freaking out. I had to remind myself that I've been eating healthier since I started working at the hospital (more yogurt, fruit, water, etc..).
Then I remember one experience from my childhood. When I was like 8 years old or something, my pediatrician told me (and my parents of course) that I had high cholesterol. Obviously I have a genetic tendency for high cholesterol. Their advice back then was just to switch to skim milk. My mom did that, but I had no follow-up whatsoever. Thanks Kaiser Permanente!! Now you totally screwed me and my heart!
So, I've now found my motivation to eat even better--sorry Graham-- and to exercise regularly.
Happy f-ing New Year. Live healthy.. or die early like I might.
I'm still eating some of the cake I made last night for the New Years Eve party tonight.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A special rant against Physician Assistants
Ok, so this is my first rant against different people/positions that work in the hospital. There are definite classes of people... as I'll explain and define in further posts.
First, I'm going to rant against PA's... Physician Assistants. Let me first say this.. This is not a case of sour grapes as I did not apply to go to PA school, nor did I ever want to be a PA. I did think that it was a 4-year post-bachelor's program, but it is not.
Let me tell you my experiences with PA's before I started working with them at the hospital. First, I got a gynecological exam from a PA at an urgent care center. I had gotten one before by an OB/GYN, so I knew what to expect.. but the one by the PA was extremely painful and comfortable. Let's just say I was not impressed.
Then, us nutrition students at OHSU had to take a graduate physiology course with the PA students there. I then found out that the PA degree is only a master's level degree... the same level degree I was getting. The PA students for some reason thought they were so much smarter than us nutrition students and treated us like we were idiots. They definitely made me dislike and mistrust PA's.
So that brings me to work... One nurse manager was talking to a doctor, and the doctor was introducing the new PA on their staff. The nurse manager then turned to the PA, "Oh yes my son wants to go to PA school." The doctor said about the PA.. "Yes, she just graduated from George Washington University." The PA then says smugly to the nurse manager, "Yeah, it's a Top 3 school."
Oh yeah? How nice.
Lastly, there's another PA on the medical staff that I've found that I also dislike. She's not a fresh graduate like the other one, but just as smug and annoying. So, we still have written medical charts at our hospital, which is really annoying because I often have to play "musical charts" trying to find the charts. One day last week, I spent probably 15-30 minutes searching for a chart for this one lady. Finally at the end of the day, I saw the PA with the chart. She had some hospital discharge papers out, and was just starting to dial the phone. Since she was just dialing the phone, I whisper to her, "Is so-and-so discharging?"
15 seconds later... No response.
15 seconds later.. She dials the discharge summary dictation phone line.
So, I'm like, ok this patient is leaving, so I'm done with work. I start gathering all of my papers in my binder, right near the PA because that's where I always leave my stuff.
Then the PA says to me, "Can you just leave me be and we can talk about this later?"
Wtf lady? I wasn't waiting to talk to you.. I was leaving and I don't give a (four-lettered word) what you have to say to me. All you had to say was "yes".. How hard is that?
Anyways, PA's... you are NOT doctors. Don't act like you are. Don't act like you're above everyone else. Many other people in the hospital are just as educated as you... including me. Oh, and don't try to do my job and assess people's nutritional status. Thanks.
I'm not saying PA's aren't helpful, and it's not a job I'd want to have (too much responsibility), but show some respect for other people.
First, I'm going to rant against PA's... Physician Assistants. Let me first say this.. This is not a case of sour grapes as I did not apply to go to PA school, nor did I ever want to be a PA. I did think that it was a 4-year post-bachelor's program, but it is not.
Let me tell you my experiences with PA's before I started working with them at the hospital. First, I got a gynecological exam from a PA at an urgent care center. I had gotten one before by an OB/GYN, so I knew what to expect.. but the one by the PA was extremely painful and comfortable. Let's just say I was not impressed.
Then, us nutrition students at OHSU had to take a graduate physiology course with the PA students there. I then found out that the PA degree is only a master's level degree... the same level degree I was getting. The PA students for some reason thought they were so much smarter than us nutrition students and treated us like we were idiots. They definitely made me dislike and mistrust PA's.
So that brings me to work... One nurse manager was talking to a doctor, and the doctor was introducing the new PA on their staff. The nurse manager then turned to the PA, "Oh yes my son wants to go to PA school." The doctor said about the PA.. "Yes, she just graduated from George Washington University." The PA then says smugly to the nurse manager, "Yeah, it's a Top 3 school."
Oh yeah? How nice.
Lastly, there's another PA on the medical staff that I've found that I also dislike. She's not a fresh graduate like the other one, but just as smug and annoying. So, we still have written medical charts at our hospital, which is really annoying because I often have to play "musical charts" trying to find the charts. One day last week, I spent probably 15-30 minutes searching for a chart for this one lady. Finally at the end of the day, I saw the PA with the chart. She had some hospital discharge papers out, and was just starting to dial the phone. Since she was just dialing the phone, I whisper to her, "Is so-and-so discharging?"
15 seconds later... No response.
15 seconds later.. She dials the discharge summary dictation phone line.
So, I'm like, ok this patient is leaving, so I'm done with work. I start gathering all of my papers in my binder, right near the PA because that's where I always leave my stuff.
Then the PA says to me, "Can you just leave me be and we can talk about this later?"
Wtf lady? I wasn't waiting to talk to you.. I was leaving and I don't give a (four-lettered word) what you have to say to me. All you had to say was "yes".. How hard is that?
Anyways, PA's... you are NOT doctors. Don't act like you are. Don't act like you're above everyone else. Many other people in the hospital are just as educated as you... including me. Oh, and don't try to do my job and assess people's nutritional status. Thanks.
I'm not saying PA's aren't helpful, and it's not a job I'd want to have (too much responsibility), but show some respect for other people.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Happy Anniversary
Graham and I are "celebrating" our 1st anniversary today. We are snowed in our apartment with winter wonderland outside. We're not quite going stir crazy, but we might be soon.
Anyways, since we haven't done anything since Friday, I'm going to blog about our wedding day..
If I were to do it all over again... I would:
1) Go for the ivory dress. Wearing my super-white dress in the temple didn't make too much of a difference. I remember/look at the pictures more than I remember my dress in the temple.
2) Go with a different florist. I was NOT happy with the floral arrangements. Tip for all of you single ladies: Be very specific about your bouquet.
3) Go with a different videographer. I wanted something more artistic to capture the events of the day.
4) Eat! My stomach was growling all throughout our sealing ceremony. I also didn't eat our cake or the catered food at the reception.
5) Have our maid of honor and best man give toasts. Thanks Julie...
Nothing else I guess... I loved my wedding day. I've loved our first year of marriage..
Here's to many more years.. :)
Anyways, since we haven't done anything since Friday, I'm going to blog about our wedding day..
If I were to do it all over again... I would:1) Go for the ivory dress. Wearing my super-white dress in the temple didn't make too much of a difference. I remember/look at the pictures more than I remember my dress in the temple.
2) Go with a different florist. I was NOT happy with the floral arrangements. Tip for all of you single ladies: Be very specific about your bouquet.
3) Go with a different videographer. I wanted something more artistic to capture the events of the day.
4) Eat! My stomach was growling all throughout our sealing ceremony. I also didn't eat our cake or the catered food at the reception.
5) Have our maid of honor and best man give toasts. Thanks Julie...
Nothing else I guess... I loved my wedding day. I've loved our first year of marriage..
Here's to many more years.. :)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Another... Interesting... Christmas Greeting
We were looking for a cheap temporary stocking for Graham at Rite-Aid, and this is what he picked.
Men are so perverted.
You can't tell me the penguin is "dancing".
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Greetings
Merry Christmas from us..
2008 has been a busy year for us.. Let's see..
--Graham and Sherri went to Disneyland for Graham's first time in March. No plans to return as of yet.. On the way there, they missed our flight down to Orange County.
--Graham got a promotion at his job at Contech in April. He became a manager and received a 50 cent raise. Woohoo.
--Sherri successfully defended and published her master's thesis in May at Oregon Health & Science University. She didn't officially graduate until the end of June. She also finished her dietetic internship in June.
--Graham & Sherri had a summer full of vacations and interesting experiences. They went to Idaho for the Camp family reunion, where Graham lost his wedding ring tubing on the river. They also served as a "ma and pa" on a Mormon pioneer trek for the Portland Stake. They were the coolest "parents", and ended up having a good time even though Sherri sustained several minor injuries along the way.
--Graham & Sherri went on their honeymoon to Kauai in July and only had a few minor mishaps on their vacation.
--Sherri had her first job interview at a hospital in the Seattle area, and got a job as a clinical dietitian. She officially started there in August and is currently loving her job.
--Graham started school full-time at Olympic College in Brem Brem, and plans on going into mechanical engineering. He also got a job as a job coach for handicaped people at the hospital. He plans on getting into the coordinated program with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to become an engineer there and they in turn pay back student loans. So.. they may end up in Brem Brem for a while!
For the cheese factor, here you go..
We're sending a greeting from both of us,
From G & S.. the names you trust.
We took a picture of us both to share,
We even dressed nice and styled our hair.
We only have one stocking by the fireside,
But we have Christmas lights to keep the room bright.
We love you all and miss those not near,
So we wish you all a Merry Christmas this year!
P.S. Doesn't Graham look like Edward from Twilight in this picture? I apologize for the nasty picture and sweats, but we thought it'd be pretty funny.
2008 has been a busy year for us.. Let's see..
--Graham and Sherri went to Disneyland for Graham's first time in March. No plans to return as of yet.. On the way there, they missed our flight down to Orange County.
--Graham got a promotion at his job at Contech in April. He became a manager and received a 50 cent raise. Woohoo.
--Sherri successfully defended and published her master's thesis in May at Oregon Health & Science University. She didn't officially graduate until the end of June. She also finished her dietetic internship in June.
--Graham & Sherri had a summer full of vacations and interesting experiences. They went to Idaho for the Camp family reunion, where Graham lost his wedding ring tubing on the river. They also served as a "ma and pa" on a Mormon pioneer trek for the Portland Stake. They were the coolest "parents", and ended up having a good time even though Sherri sustained several minor injuries along the way.
--Graham & Sherri went on their honeymoon to Kauai in July and only had a few minor mishaps on their vacation.
--Sherri had her first job interview at a hospital in the Seattle area, and got a job as a clinical dietitian. She officially started there in August and is currently loving her job.
--Graham started school full-time at Olympic College in Brem Brem, and plans on going into mechanical engineering. He also got a job as a job coach for handicaped people at the hospital. He plans on getting into the coordinated program with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to become an engineer there and they in turn pay back student loans. So.. they may end up in Brem Brem for a while!
For the cheese factor, here you go..
We're sending a greeting from both of us,
From G & S.. the names you trust.
We took a picture of us both to share,
We even dressed nice and styled our hair.
We only have one stocking by the fireside,
But we have Christmas lights to keep the room bright.
We love you all and miss those not near,
So we wish you all a Merry Christmas this year!
P.S. Doesn't Graham look like Edward from Twilight in this picture? I apologize for the nasty picture and sweats, but we thought it'd be pretty funny.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Road Tripping.. Sherri & Graham Style
You know.. I just typed a 5-paragraph essay about our weekend in Portland, but freaking blogger deleted it!
Let me just tell you a quick story to demonstrated mine and Graham's luck:
Friday night, we swapped cars with Graham's parents so they could drive my XTerra up to the snowy Mt. Hood. We drove their Mazda hatchback down to Portland that night. I don't know how many of you watch the weather channel besides Graham, but it has been very very cold (and snowy!) up here in the Northwest. So about 5 miles away from our exit on the freeway, we felt something funky when we changed lanes. Bad news: we had a flat tire.
So, it's midnight, 25 degrees outside, and we have a flat tire in someone else's car. Graham knew how to fix a flat tire thankfully, so I went outside to appear supportive and helpful. After a semi-truck passed me by and almost blew me over, I got back in the car almost in tears, muttering "I hate my life".
Anyways, it is FREEZING here and we finally turned on the heater for the first time tonight. We are so cheap.
Oh, and stay tuned.. Graham and I will be sending you a digital Christmas card.
Let me just tell you a quick story to demonstrated mine and Graham's luck:
Friday night, we swapped cars with Graham's parents so they could drive my XTerra up to the snowy Mt. Hood. We drove their Mazda hatchback down to Portland that night. I don't know how many of you watch the weather channel besides Graham, but it has been very very cold (and snowy!) up here in the Northwest. So about 5 miles away from our exit on the freeway, we felt something funky when we changed lanes. Bad news: we had a flat tire.
So, it's midnight, 25 degrees outside, and we have a flat tire in someone else's car. Graham knew how to fix a flat tire thankfully, so I went outside to appear supportive and helpful. After a semi-truck passed me by and almost blew me over, I got back in the car almost in tears, muttering "I hate my life".
Anyways, it is FREEZING here and we finally turned on the heater for the first time tonight. We are so cheap.
Oh, and stay tuned.. Graham and I will be sending you a digital Christmas card.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Wake up call
I went and worked in the nursery unit at the hospital today to assess two little baby twins' nutritional status. They were two little tiny babies, sharing a teeny bassinet! They were precious.
Anyways, the nursery was pretty full.. tons of ladies have been birthing babies in the past week or so! When one little infant started crying, so did many others. They just started crying for no reason out of the blue!
I got to thinking.. YIKES. I AM SO NOT READY TO BE A MOM.
Enough said.
Anyways, the nursery was pretty full.. tons of ladies have been birthing babies in the past week or so! When one little infant started crying, so did many others. They just started crying for no reason out of the blue!
I got to thinking.. YIKES. I AM SO NOT READY TO BE A MOM.
Enough said.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Birthdays and Parties
When I was younger, I always celebrated my birthday with kind of a Christmas theme--we would make Christmas ornaments, do other kinds of crafts, or make Christmas cookies. When I got older, I chose to celebrate my birthday at the mall with friends.. and so on from there.
My mom threw me a surprise birthday party when I turned 16--sweet sixteen and never been kissed. I was seriously surprised because I thought the party was for my dad who was turning 50 also that year. I found out who were my real friends (i.e. none of my cheer friends showed up), and boys actually came.. which I thought was really cool. I had a lot of fun, but I decided from then on I didn't want big "parties" for my birthday. Instead of noticing all of the people who came, I took note of the people who did not show up. I felt disappointed that more people weren't there.
Once again, when I turned 18, my mom decided to throw me a big 18th birthday party. Friends came and went.. including my old boyfriend who gave me a freaking "Survivor board game" for my birthday.... and I'd never even watched the show. I did get a Mustang convertible, which was freaking awesome, but I couldn't help but feel like I didn't have enough friends to warrant a big party.
So in college, I always tried to take my birthday celebrations easy. I was offended when my freshman dorm roommate didn't stay home for the weekend to go out to dinner with us, but I tried to be relaxed about it. Most of my birthday "parties" in college usually included dinner or dessert with just my roommates. I never asked for or expected presents, but it was nice when people called me, texted me, sent me a card, or emailed me an e-card. So, I never have expected anything big for my birthday.
So.. to wrap this all up.. My birthday is tomorrow. Graham keeps saying how he feels bad because he's not making a big deal for my birthday, and how we only had a few people come over to celebrate. The thing is.. I really don't have that many friends, so why try to throw a big party and make a big deal out of nothing?
Anyways, we had a few of our married friends come over last night for pizza and cake, and I had a lot of fun. Who needs a big group of people anyways?
P.S. This is not a "woe is me" post. It's just been something I've been thinking about lately.. Also, my blog was starting to sound wayyyy too positive and too typical Mormon newlywed for my taste. :)
My mom threw me a surprise birthday party when I turned 16--sweet sixteen and never been kissed. I was seriously surprised because I thought the party was for my dad who was turning 50 also that year. I found out who were my real friends (i.e. none of my cheer friends showed up), and boys actually came.. which I thought was really cool. I had a lot of fun, but I decided from then on I didn't want big "parties" for my birthday. Instead of noticing all of the people who came, I took note of the people who did not show up. I felt disappointed that more people weren't there.
Once again, when I turned 18, my mom decided to throw me a big 18th birthday party. Friends came and went.. including my old boyfriend who gave me a freaking "Survivor board game" for my birthday.... and I'd never even watched the show. I did get a Mustang convertible, which was freaking awesome, but I couldn't help but feel like I didn't have enough friends to warrant a big party.
So in college, I always tried to take my birthday celebrations easy. I was offended when my freshman dorm roommate didn't stay home for the weekend to go out to dinner with us, but I tried to be relaxed about it. Most of my birthday "parties" in college usually included dinner or dessert with just my roommates. I never asked for or expected presents, but it was nice when people called me, texted me, sent me a card, or emailed me an e-card. So, I never have expected anything big for my birthday.
So.. to wrap this all up.. My birthday is tomorrow. Graham keeps saying how he feels bad because he's not making a big deal for my birthday, and how we only had a few people come over to celebrate. The thing is.. I really don't have that many friends, so why try to throw a big party and make a big deal out of nothing?
Anyways, we had a few of our married friends come over last night for pizza and cake, and I had a lot of fun. Who needs a big group of people anyways?
P.S. This is not a "woe is me" post. It's just been something I've been thinking about lately.. Also, my blog was starting to sound wayyyy too positive and too typical Mormon newlywed for my taste. :)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Spend a day with me
Since most of you don't live anywhere close to me, I'm going to giving you a glimpse as to what a normal day is like for me here in Brem Brem with Graham.
5:45 AM: Wake up to alarm, take a shower, and wake up Graham before his alarm goes off to make him mad. :)
6:30 AM: Go to kitchen, turn on lights, and look out the window onto the Sound. No, it's not that light outside at 6 AM, but it's just as beautiful.
6:45 AM: Leave for work with Graham. We carpool most days. We complain about the "traffic" here in Brem Brem and about the pansy (although we sometimes use more crude words) drivers here in the Northwest. Sometimes, especially on a clear day like today, we get a view of Mount Rainier and the sunrise.
5:45 AM: Wake up to alarm, take a shower, and wake up Graham before his alarm goes off to make him mad. :)
6:30 AM: Go to kitchen, turn on lights, and look out the window onto the Sound. No, it's not that light outside at 6 AM, but it's just as beautiful.
6:45 AM: Leave for work with Graham. We carpool most days. We complain about the "traffic" here in Brem Brem and about the pansy (although we sometimes use more crude words) drivers here in the Northwest. Sometimes, especially on a clear day like today, we get a view of Mount Rainier and the sunrise.
7-5:30 PM: I work, chat with my dietitian friends, and pray for the day to be over.
5:30 PM: Graham and I drive home together, and have deep conversations about current events and world issues, such as the following real conversation we had one day:
Me: "What do you call birds who are afraid to fly?"
Graham: "I don't know... chickens?"
(True story)
5:45-7 PM: Cook dinner and watch TV. Graham will sometimes surprise me, like he did in the following picture. I kept asking Graham to take out the pizza box by the door, and I came home one night and found the pizza box torn up on the bed in the shape of "I love you". Aw how... sweet?
Anyways, that's what my life is like.
Oh and go back to my "holiday highlights" post. I added pictures.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Songs
I just got an iPod nano for my upcoming 26th birthday (yes, I turn 26 on Monday) from my parents...
I've been putting off getting an iPod for so long because everyone had a freaking iPod.. so I went against the trend and got all kinds of mp3 players.. any kind but iPod.
But I finally gave in because of all the cool accessories iPods have.. like the alarm clock radio I'm getting for Christmas that plays and charges my nano.
Anyways, I'm sitting here listening to Alicia Keys's song "No One".. and I'm loving it. Does anybody else have a strong attachment or reponse to their favorite songs?
I've been putting off getting an iPod for so long because everyone had a freaking iPod.. so I went against the trend and got all kinds of mp3 players.. any kind but iPod.
But I finally gave in because of all the cool accessories iPods have.. like the alarm clock radio I'm getting for Christmas that plays and charges my nano.
Anyways, I'm sitting here listening to Alicia Keys's song "No One".. and I'm loving it. Does anybody else have a strong attachment or reponse to their favorite songs?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Holiday Highlights
Ok guys.. We had the BEST holiday vacation over Thanksgiving. Instead of me boring you describing the whole 5 days, I'll just give you the highlights:
--Celebrating our 1st anniversary a month early at our honeymoon suite in the Inn at Parkside (a beautiful B&B in downtown Sac).
--Celebrating our 1st anniversary a month early at our honeymoon suite in the Inn at Parkside (a beautiful B&B in downtown Sac).
--A delicious turkey dinner made by my sister and sister-in-law (I'm still drooling over the gravy and potatoes).
--My 6-year old niece started using hand "quotation marks" in her everyday language. When my sister-in-law Anna tried to teach her the correct "usage", she replied to her, "I don't 'care'!" It was freaking hilarious.
--My 6-year old niece started using hand "quotation marks" in her everyday language. When my sister-in-law Anna tried to teach her the correct "usage", she replied to her, "I don't 'care'!" It was freaking hilarious.
--Black Friday shopping at the newly remodeled Roseville Galleria. It's freaking huge now!
--Cuddling and playing with wittle Baby Emma.
--Cuddling and playing with wittle Baby Emma.
--Visiting my best friends Tisha and Darren at their mountain cottage in Grass Valley.
--Having lunch at Mikuni's (tasty sushi place) with old cheerleading friends.
--Watching "Four Christmases" on Thanksgiving night.
--Decorating my parents' house for Christmas.
--Eating our frozen wedding cake--it wasn't that bad!
--Having lunch at Mikuni's (tasty sushi place) with old cheerleading friends.
--Watching "Four Christmases" on Thanksgiving night.
--Decorating my parents' house for Christmas.
--Eating our frozen wedding cake--it wasn't that bad!
All in all, a great trip.. and I don't wanna go back home to real life!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Funny patient
Ok, I'm probably going to hell for making fun of a patient at the hospital, but it was just too funny to not share.
Do any of you watch MadTV re-runs? This patient totally reminds me of the chick, Stephnie Weir with the high whiny voice. My patient was just like this character on MadTV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3c31D86E20
Anyways, I was standing at the nurse server, looking at this lady's chart when I heard this little high voice call out, "Can somebody help me? Please.. somebody give me my pain pills. Please, someone bring me some apple juice."
Silence on the front. Nobody turns to help this lady. Then I read in the chart that this lady is crazy and they're trying to teach her how to appropriately ask for things she needs and not just yell things out to all nurses on the floor. The lady is like 56 years old, has several health problems (including a couple of strokes), and now her husband is divorcing her because she's become too much work.
The next thing she yells out, "Please someone get me a preacher!"
I tried SO HARD not to laugh. A nurse's assistant and I looked at each other and shrugged. She asked me what I thought she needed a preacher for.. I shook my head and tried not to say what I was thinking: "An exorcism".
So today, I was up on the same floor as this lady's room.. and she was getting ready to leave the hospital. I ignored her because I was just trying to follow the advice of the medical chart! She kept crying out, "Will someone help me with my socks? The bus is picking me up in 5 minutes!!"
The social worker, 3 nurses, and 5 nurse's assistants had to inform her for the hundredth time that her bus would not be there for an hour and someone would help her when they could.
Seriously, watch the video of the annoying chick with the high voice, and picture an old crazy woman yelling out, "Will someone get me a preacher?"... and it'll make your day.
Do any of you watch MadTV re-runs? This patient totally reminds me of the chick, Stephnie Weir with the high whiny voice. My patient was just like this character on MadTV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3c31D86E20
Anyways, I was standing at the nurse server, looking at this lady's chart when I heard this little high voice call out, "Can somebody help me? Please.. somebody give me my pain pills. Please, someone bring me some apple juice."
Silence on the front. Nobody turns to help this lady. Then I read in the chart that this lady is crazy and they're trying to teach her how to appropriately ask for things she needs and not just yell things out to all nurses on the floor. The lady is like 56 years old, has several health problems (including a couple of strokes), and now her husband is divorcing her because she's become too much work.
The next thing she yells out, "Please someone get me a preacher!"
I tried SO HARD not to laugh. A nurse's assistant and I looked at each other and shrugged. She asked me what I thought she needed a preacher for.. I shook my head and tried not to say what I was thinking: "An exorcism".
So today, I was up on the same floor as this lady's room.. and she was getting ready to leave the hospital. I ignored her because I was just trying to follow the advice of the medical chart! She kept crying out, "Will someone help me with my socks? The bus is picking me up in 5 minutes!!"
The social worker, 3 nurses, and 5 nurse's assistants had to inform her for the hundredth time that her bus would not be there for an hour and someone would help her when they could.
Seriously, watch the video of the annoying chick with the high voice, and picture an old crazy woman yelling out, "Will someone get me a preacher?"... and it'll make your day.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Ok I'm back
Honestly.. I couldn't think of too many things to blog about, which is why I've been slacking so much on blogging. Plus, I've been pretty tired after work because it's been busy.
So.. I get complimented by the most random people at work. When I first started working, I would get complimented every single day on my pointy-toed shoes. It was like nobody had ever seen those kind of shoes before!
One day, I was walking across the lobby to a different floor when a baby yelled out something unintelligible to me. I looked around me to make sure the baby was talking to me, but nobody was around. I must've had a bewildered look on my face because the grandma of the baby said to me, "She likes your shoes." Wtf? Since when do 18-month old babies have a sense of style?
Today, I went in to talk to a patient who was pissed off she couldn't have butter on her tray. She asked me to show her my heels, and so we started talking about shoes and clothes. Mind you.. this lady was 72 years old. We talked about the show "What Not to Wear", and she then told me that I passed the "fashion test". Haha.
When I was telling this story to Graham on the way home, he mentioned that a lady also complimented him on his pretty eyes. We then found out it was the same kooky lady walking around in a pink nightgown.. one just like my mom wears. Random!
So.. I get complimented by the most random people at work. When I first started working, I would get complimented every single day on my pointy-toed shoes. It was like nobody had ever seen those kind of shoes before!
One day, I was walking across the lobby to a different floor when a baby yelled out something unintelligible to me. I looked around me to make sure the baby was talking to me, but nobody was around. I must've had a bewildered look on my face because the grandma of the baby said to me, "She likes your shoes." Wtf? Since when do 18-month old babies have a sense of style?
Today, I went in to talk to a patient who was pissed off she couldn't have butter on her tray. She asked me to show her my heels, and so we started talking about shoes and clothes. Mind you.. this lady was 72 years old. We talked about the show "What Not to Wear", and she then told me that I passed the "fashion test". Haha.
When I was telling this story to Graham on the way home, he mentioned that a lady also complimented him on his pretty eyes. We then found out it was the same kooky lady walking around in a pink nightgown.. one just like my mom wears. Random!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Excuses, excuses...
I have been a very lazy blogger this past week.. Let me explain why.
Wednesday: I came home, made dinner, put on Kung Fu Panda, and promptly fell asleep at 7 PM.
Thursday: 2 hour long Relief Society meeting
Friday: friends over
Saturday: family over
Sunday: over at friend's house
And that brings us today.. a very busy 10-hour day at work and a frustrating evening at home (long story--but it does not involve Graham).
One day.. I will blog again.
Wednesday: I came home, made dinner, put on Kung Fu Panda, and promptly fell asleep at 7 PM.
Thursday: 2 hour long Relief Society meeting
Friday: friends over
Saturday: family over
Sunday: over at friend's house
And that brings us today.. a very busy 10-hour day at work and a frustrating evening at home (long story--but it does not involve Graham).
One day.. I will blog again.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What do you reminisce about?
I just got caught up in a bout of nostalgia... at work.
I was looking at BYU football's win-loss record, and I clicked on the school website. I haven't been to the BYU website in years.. since I swore off Blackboard and Provo forever in April of 2006.
I was immediately hit with nervousness and excitement.. the same emotions I felt when I was applying to BYU, after I was accepted, and all of the details after. I thought of the first email I got from my dorm roommate Amber, all of the letters in the mail from BYU about potential majors, dining plans, etc.
In that moment, I actually MISSED college.. BYU... the dorms.. the whole bit! Me! The cynical single gal who couldn't wait to leave Provo.
But.. what I think I actually missed was the excitement about a new adventure in life.. The possibility that anything and everything was going to happen in the next couple of years. I think the general thought for me was that my potential HUSBAND could be walking around the corner any second now.. (Remember why I went to BYU.)
Then I started to think about what I often reminisce about:
--Engagement times.. pre-wedding, all of the planning.. so exciting!
--Cheerleading.. the fun, the skirts, the drama..
--College life. Stay up late, skip class sometimes, no real responsibility.
--Shopping trips at the mall with no husband (no guilt!)
--Vacations.. cruises..
--Pre-real life.
Real life is EXPENSIVE. Real life doesn't provide you with the feeling of new prospects around every corner (at least mine doesn't). Work is work. I guess I like the excitement of new things... which in the future can include children, buying a home, and...?
So, what are some of your favorite pasttimes you look back on and enjoy?
I was looking at BYU football's win-loss record, and I clicked on the school website. I haven't been to the BYU website in years.. since I swore off Blackboard and Provo forever in April of 2006.
I was immediately hit with nervousness and excitement.. the same emotions I felt when I was applying to BYU, after I was accepted, and all of the details after. I thought of the first email I got from my dorm roommate Amber, all of the letters in the mail from BYU about potential majors, dining plans, etc.
In that moment, I actually MISSED college.. BYU... the dorms.. the whole bit! Me! The cynical single gal who couldn't wait to leave Provo.
But.. what I think I actually missed was the excitement about a new adventure in life.. The possibility that anything and everything was going to happen in the next couple of years. I think the general thought for me was that my potential HUSBAND could be walking around the corner any second now.. (Remember why I went to BYU.)
Then I started to think about what I often reminisce about:
--Engagement times.. pre-wedding, all of the planning.. so exciting!
--Cheerleading.. the fun, the skirts, the drama..
--College life. Stay up late, skip class sometimes, no real responsibility.
--Shopping trips at the mall with no husband (no guilt!)
--Vacations.. cruises..
--Pre-real life.
Real life is EXPENSIVE. Real life doesn't provide you with the feeling of new prospects around every corner (at least mine doesn't). Work is work. I guess I like the excitement of new things... which in the future can include children, buying a home, and...?
So, what are some of your favorite pasttimes you look back on and enjoy?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The 4 x 4
This is where you post the 4th picture in your 4th picture folder.
This is my brother's family at California Adventure on the Roarin' California water ride.
I now "tag" all of you who read this blog!
Friday, November 7, 2008
We are now safe
We finally got our medical insurance cards today!
Graham's old work had COBRA coverage for us after he quit his job and we moved up here, but it would've cost about $700/month. Ridiculous!
So we've been uninsured for the past 4 months.. And Graham hurt his shoulder pretty badly playing tackle football a few weeks ago.. So we are SO HAPPY to finally be insured again!
Graham's old work had COBRA coverage for us after he quit his job and we moved up here, but it would've cost about $700/month. Ridiculous!
So we've been uninsured for the past 4 months.. And Graham hurt his shoulder pretty badly playing tackle football a few weeks ago.. So we are SO HAPPY to finally be insured again!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Another serious post
One of my favorite authors died today at the age of 66:
Michael Crichton
I don't know how many of you have read his many books, but they are literally some of the best books ever written. He has written about important topics before his time (genetic engineering in the early 1990's in Jurassic Park) and some great science-fiction novels (Sphere and Andromeda Strain). I read the book Jurassic Park when I was 11 and I was HOOKED.
In his honor, I plan on borrowing his books from the library and re-reading them. I highly recommend you do so yourself.
Michael Crichton
I don't know how many of you have read his many books, but they are literally some of the best books ever written. He has written about important topics before his time (genetic engineering in the early 1990's in Jurassic Park) and some great science-fiction novels (Sphere and Andromeda Strain). I read the book Jurassic Park when I was 11 and I was HOOKED.
In his honor, I plan on borrowing his books from the library and re-reading them. I highly recommend you do so yourself.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The next JFK?
Ok.. this is probably the most serious blog post I'll ever write.. but I'm feeling political.
Anyways, I have to admit.. I was first excited by Obama running for president. I felt like our country needed change, and he represented a big change. But after inspecting his platform, I decided his ideals were a little too radical for me. #1 thing I don't want: universal health care.
One thing that's been driving me nuts about Obama's campaign is how his supporters idolize him, calling him "The One".. likening him practically to a Messiah. Isn't it dangerous to have such high expectations in one man? Should we worship our country's president?
Dave Chappelle said on his show.. "you should never be the first black person to do anything", because there'll be a horrible story associated with it.
Our country is more progressive than it used to be, and we're not all racist.. but it's possible that attempted assassinations will happen during Obama's presidency. I think Obama is going to be remembered as a JFK for our generation. Young, attractive.. represents hope.. and might die young as a president?
Anyways, I have to admit.. I was first excited by Obama running for president. I felt like our country needed change, and he represented a big change. But after inspecting his platform, I decided his ideals were a little too radical for me. #1 thing I don't want: universal health care.
One thing that's been driving me nuts about Obama's campaign is how his supporters idolize him, calling him "The One".. likening him practically to a Messiah. Isn't it dangerous to have such high expectations in one man? Should we worship our country's president?
Dave Chappelle said on his show.. "you should never be the first black person to do anything", because there'll be a horrible story associated with it.
Our country is more progressive than it used to be, and we're not all racist.. but it's possible that attempted assassinations will happen during Obama's presidency. I think Obama is going to be remembered as a JFK for our generation. Young, attractive.. represents hope.. and might die young as a president?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
We got punked..
I mean... fellowshipped.
So, Graham's co-worker invited us to dinner at his house Saturday night. We didn't really want to go, so we tried to think of excuses, other "plans".. any way out possible!
The icing on the cake was the call 30 minutes beforehand about a change of plans. Turns out, we were going to a birthday party for a friend/family member?.. "More food" was offered as an explanation and consolation. Graham and I tried to think of excuses desperately to avoid the future awkward situation, but to no avail. We were stuck... and tricked into going to this party.
Only on the way to the party did Graham mention his co-worker's religion: The Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo--the Filipino-based religion). He said this is a typical move to fellowship people into their church and most likely we're going to a church-sponsored party. Great.. Not only was this going to be awkward, but we were going to a different church's activity... i.e. MORE awkward!
So when we got there, it wasn't that bad. There were enough people that we could sit and eat without having to socialize too much. The food was disgusting actually.. There was some traditional Filipino food items: eggplant with fermented bean curd, sweet spaghetti with cut-up hot dogs, brown chicken wings with soggy skin and beans, and hot dogs. If it weren't for the delicious homemade rolls, I probably would've thrown up right there.
A lot of the people were Filipino of course, but there were some white people.. the "ministers". They all told us to come back again and that they hoped to see us again. We left after an hour, and Graham's co-worker escorted us to our car. He mentioned the word "fellowshipped" and "church", which solidified our conjecture that this was a missionary attempt. Graham told him we already have a church that we go to, and thanked him for inviting us. We laughed our heads off the entire drive home.
Life lesson: There's no such thing as a free dinner.
So, Graham's co-worker invited us to dinner at his house Saturday night. We didn't really want to go, so we tried to think of excuses, other "plans".. any way out possible!
The icing on the cake was the call 30 minutes beforehand about a change of plans. Turns out, we were going to a birthday party for a friend/family member?.. "More food" was offered as an explanation and consolation. Graham and I tried to think of excuses desperately to avoid the future awkward situation, but to no avail. We were stuck... and tricked into going to this party.
Only on the way to the party did Graham mention his co-worker's religion: The Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo--the Filipino-based religion). He said this is a typical move to fellowship people into their church and most likely we're going to a church-sponsored party. Great.. Not only was this going to be awkward, but we were going to a different church's activity... i.e. MORE awkward!
So when we got there, it wasn't that bad. There were enough people that we could sit and eat without having to socialize too much. The food was disgusting actually.. There was some traditional Filipino food items: eggplant with fermented bean curd, sweet spaghetti with cut-up hot dogs, brown chicken wings with soggy skin and beans, and hot dogs. If it weren't for the delicious homemade rolls, I probably would've thrown up right there.
A lot of the people were Filipino of course, but there were some white people.. the "ministers". They all told us to come back again and that they hoped to see us again. We left after an hour, and Graham's co-worker escorted us to our car. He mentioned the word "fellowshipped" and "church", which solidified our conjecture that this was a missionary attempt. Graham told him we already have a church that we go to, and thanked him for inviting us. We laughed our heads off the entire drive home.
Life lesson: There's no such thing as a free dinner.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween Scares
Two of the other dietitians and I decided to "dress up" for Halloween today and wear black skirts with striped tights. Not exactly a flattering picture of any of us.
I decided to add a special touch to my tights--my pointy toed high heels with a buckle--"witch shoes". People kept complimenting me ALL DAY on my shoes and tights. One guy even told me I looked hot. Yikes.
I decided to add a special touch to my tights--my pointy toed high heels with a buckle--"witch shoes". People kept complimenting me ALL DAY on my shoes and tights. One guy even told me I looked hot. Yikes.
On Wednesday morning, I found the RD office all decorated for me. The dietitians surprised me with a congratulatory happy face balloon and stuff.
The balloon actually kind of creeps me out. I brought it home yesterday and put it in our bedroom. I kept imagining it looking at me and was scared it might float over me at night and scare the crap out of me. So I tied it to Graham's nightstand to make it stay put. When Graham turned off the light, he said to me.. "I bet you're going to get scared of this balloon later."
10 minutes later, Graham got up to get a drink of water in the dark. He yelled--AHHHH what is that?! It was the balloon, smiling at Graham. The string got caught on Graham's arm and hit him in the face. I laughed so hard I nearly died. Who's the fraidy-cat now?!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Confession
I'm kind of a disaster in the kitchen.
Yes, I can cook, but I'm pretty clumsy and something will go wrong almost definitely if it can.
I spill things, knock things over, drop food on the floor, accidentally mix in the wrong ingredients.. i.e. anything that can do wrong... will go wrong!
Case #1: Burned Williams-Sonoma towel
Lesson learned: Don't use a towel to pick up a hot pan from an electric stove.
Case #2: Flaming marshmallow topping
Lesson learned:
Don't put marshmallows close to the broiler unless you want the fire alarm to go off.
Lesson of the day:
You know you are addicted to blogging when something is on fire in your kitchen and you stop and ask, "wait, can I take a picture of this for my blog?"
Sherri.. MS, RD
I passed my RD exam yesterday!
My heart stopped when the test stopped after 110 questions... out of 225.
A screen popped up: "This test is finished.. please get your results from the testing office."
I was like.. "Oh s#!t. I failed!"
After clicking through the next questions (a stupid survey about the testing center), I found out I passed. I can't tell you how well I did, because I don't really know. My score is a "scaled score", based on how difficult the test is. So, I don't understand my score at all.
I do know that I'm a super test taker though because the guy said he'd never seen somebody pass this particular test so quickly.
Anyways, Graham and I went out to celebrate as soon as I got home. We went to a delicious bistro-like restaurant in Brem Brem called "The Patio" and enjoyed my freedom from studying. Hallelujah!
My heart stopped when the test stopped after 110 questions... out of 225.
A screen popped up: "This test is finished.. please get your results from the testing office."
I was like.. "Oh s#!t. I failed!"
After clicking through the next questions (a stupid survey about the testing center), I found out I passed. I can't tell you how well I did, because I don't really know. My score is a "scaled score", based on how difficult the test is. So, I don't understand my score at all.
I do know that I'm a super test taker though because the guy said he'd never seen somebody pass this particular test so quickly.
Anyways, Graham and I went out to celebrate as soon as I got home. We went to a delicious bistro-like restaurant in Brem Brem called "The Patio" and enjoyed my freedom from studying. Hallelujah!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sleeping Beauty
Cheap blanket with misspelling from Micronesia: $10 
Makeshift bed in the family room for a sick Graham: Free
Makeshift bed in the family room for a sick Graham: Free
Knowing I have the most adorable husband EVER: Priceless
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Date Night
So, Graham and I had a "date night" last night. We took the ferry over to Seattle, did an endowment session, and went out to dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewery.
We don't go out to eat that often because Bremerton's selection is quite limited: Shari's, Burger King, Outback... You get the idea. The nearby town has more restaurants, but we just don't have the time or desire to dine out.
One reason is money.. We're really trying to pay off our debts: credit card, my ring, his car..
Another reason is taste. I don't know how many of you know this, but many chain restaurants have pre-made frozen food that the "cooks" just throw into a pan. Ever since my friend told me that, I just don't enjoy eating out that much because the food just tastes "warmed over". The restaurants where I've really noticed the frozen food include the following:
--Applebee's. I will literally never eat here again. NEVER.
--Olive Garden. This restaurant is less noticeable than the others.
--Cheesecake Factory. You can definitely tell the difference in texture between a fresh chopped onion and a chopped frozen onion in a pasta.
--BJ's Restaurant. Graham's chicken was one of those pre-cooked chicken breasts with "grill marks". It was really chewy too.
Anyways, I was really disappointed with the food. Chewy chicken. Yuck.
I'm wondering what you all are interested in hearing about on my blog. I don't see any of you on a regular basis, so what would you like me to blog about? Whitney said more funny stories about Graham (i.e. him eating pot roast off the floor).. So what about you?
We don't go out to eat that often because Bremerton's selection is quite limited: Shari's, Burger King, Outback... You get the idea. The nearby town has more restaurants, but we just don't have the time or desire to dine out.
One reason is money.. We're really trying to pay off our debts: credit card, my ring, his car..
Another reason is taste. I don't know how many of you know this, but many chain restaurants have pre-made frozen food that the "cooks" just throw into a pan. Ever since my friend told me that, I just don't enjoy eating out that much because the food just tastes "warmed over". The restaurants where I've really noticed the frozen food include the following:
--Applebee's. I will literally never eat here again. NEVER.
--Olive Garden. This restaurant is less noticeable than the others.
--Cheesecake Factory. You can definitely tell the difference in texture between a fresh chopped onion and a chopped frozen onion in a pasta.
--BJ's Restaurant. Graham's chicken was one of those pre-cooked chicken breasts with "grill marks". It was really chewy too.
Anyways, I was really disappointed with the food. Chewy chicken. Yuck.
I'm wondering what you all are interested in hearing about on my blog. I don't see any of you on a regular basis, so what would you like me to blog about? Whitney said more funny stories about Graham (i.e. him eating pot roast off the floor).. So what about you?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Fruit snacks
Ok, maybe I shouldn't post this directly after my last post, but I have a thing for fruit snacks.
We went to Wal-Mart and got some snacks, which included a variety pack of fruit snacks, my favorite snack besides chips and salsa. We don't normally have snacks in our house up here because we both get free food (yes.. breakfast AND lunch) from the hospital.
Anyways, I just ate 4 fruit snacks in a row.
I loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove fruit snacks.
We went to Wal-Mart and got some snacks, which included a variety pack of fruit snacks, my favorite snack besides chips and salsa. We don't normally have snacks in our house up here because we both get free food (yes.. breakfast AND lunch) from the hospital.
Anyways, I just ate 4 fruit snacks in a row.
I loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove fruit snacks.
Friday, October 17, 2008
I'm with child.. or "little one"
or not...
I swear, the next person who asks if I'm pregnant is going to get a roundhouse kick to the head.
Can't a girl with no hips/butt have a spare tire without being asked if she's "with a little one"?
Yeah, I cried a little bit..
Who did this lady think she was? She was fat! Did she want me to ask her if she's "with donut" or "with ice cream"?
Good thing I started working out last week or I probably would've punched this lady in the ovaries.
I swear, the next person who asks if I'm pregnant is going to get a roundhouse kick to the head.
Can't a girl with no hips/butt have a spare tire without being asked if she's "with a little one"?
Yeah, I cried a little bit..
Who did this lady think she was? She was fat! Did she want me to ask her if she's "with donut" or "with ice cream"?
Good thing I started working out last week or I probably would've punched this lady in the ovaries.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Family Ties
So my "baby" sister Julie is here visiting us. She gets to experience the married Sherri: the very nice, domesticated, more patient, and great hostess Sherri. I even set out her nice towels in her room with a candy on top. Luckily, I am able to work four 10-hour shifts this week to have a whole day off to hang out with my sister. We're planning on going to Seattle tommorrow. Will we see snow again in the Pike Place Market, I don't know..
The reason for my title is the recent knowledge I've gained about my ancestors who lived in Washington. I knew that my grandpa was born in the Tacoma-area, but that's the extent of my knowledge. My mom recently hooked us up on this geneology website where we can have a virtual family tree and see our living and dead ancestors. I was looking at this website when I noticed this guy who lives in Olympia (my first cousin, twice removed) was entering all of the names and data. I then noticed that several of my relatives were born and/or died in Brem Brem and Gig Harbor (a town 20 miles south of Brem Brem).
So, I contacted this guy for the name of the cemetary, but he offered to show us around instead. So, Graham and I went to Gig Harbor to see my ancestors' graves in the old cemetary there. A street was still even named after them (Vernhardsson). Anyways, so I saw the graves of my dad's great-grandma, Jonina Vernhardsson, her husband, and my dad's grandma Sadie. It was seriously neat and totally random that we happened to move to a town so close to where my ancestors lived and died.
Before this all happened, Graham and I were talking about baby names (for the future), and how we wanted to keep family names. I couldn't really find any I liked for girl names, except for Sadie. So, my great-grandma, whom I've never met, will have a baby girl named after her one day. Sadie is a good name.. although I'm not sure about the spelling. Maybe.. Saydi or Sadi? What do you think? And yes, many dogs are named Sadie, but I still love the name anyways.
The reason for my title is the recent knowledge I've gained about my ancestors who lived in Washington. I knew that my grandpa was born in the Tacoma-area, but that's the extent of my knowledge. My mom recently hooked us up on this geneology website where we can have a virtual family tree and see our living and dead ancestors. I was looking at this website when I noticed this guy who lives in Olympia (my first cousin, twice removed) was entering all of the names and data. I then noticed that several of my relatives were born and/or died in Brem Brem and Gig Harbor (a town 20 miles south of Brem Brem).
So, I contacted this guy for the name of the cemetary, but he offered to show us around instead. So, Graham and I went to Gig Harbor to see my ancestors' graves in the old cemetary there. A street was still even named after them (Vernhardsson). Anyways, so I saw the graves of my dad's great-grandma, Jonina Vernhardsson, her husband, and my dad's grandma Sadie. It was seriously neat and totally random that we happened to move to a town so close to where my ancestors lived and died.
Before this all happened, Graham and I were talking about baby names (for the future), and how we wanted to keep family names. I couldn't really find any I liked for girl names, except for Sadie. So, my great-grandma, whom I've never met, will have a baby girl named after her one day. Sadie is a good name.. although I'm not sure about the spelling. Maybe.. Saydi or Sadi? What do you think? And yes, many dogs are named Sadie, but I still love the name anyways.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
It's a mythological bird.. GOSH
I just got back last night from another conference.. this time it was in Phoenix.. if you couldn't tell by the title. I don't have any real news, just general thoughts:
--Don't you love the smell of stale cologne plus BO? This guy sitting next to me on my flight home last night smelled like that. It made me think of being 14 years-old at youth church dances, especially those "Mineshaft" dances (you Sacramento-ans know what I'm talking about). I should've listened to "Cotton eye joe" or Deanna Carter's "Strawberry Wine" for a total youth dance throwback experience.
--I just worked (ok I'm still "working" technically) my first 10-hour day.. and it hasn't been too bad, even with only <6 align="center">
How can I be so far from these kids?
I guess that's what I get for living so far away. Anyways, time's up. Adios.
--Don't you love the smell of stale cologne plus BO? This guy sitting next to me on my flight home last night smelled like that. It made me think of being 14 years-old at youth church dances, especially those "Mineshaft" dances (you Sacramento-ans know what I'm talking about). I should've listened to "Cotton eye joe" or Deanna Carter's "Strawberry Wine" for a total youth dance throwback experience.
--I just worked (ok I'm still "working" technically) my first 10-hour day.. and it hasn't been too bad, even with only <6 align="center">
How can I be so far from these kids?I guess that's what I get for living so far away. Anyways, time's up. Adios.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
How happy are you really?
When Graham's away.. I will play. I often randomly will surf blogs to either laugh at people or learn how other people live. Either way, I often end up looking at young married couple's blogs usually in Utah or somewhere back east while the husband sells pest control/satellites/security systems.
These blogs are usually so chipper and upbeat I can't help but wonder if these blogs are just facades. Can all of these people really be like this year-round? And why are all of them the same? I can honestly say that Graham and I are really happy and so in love.. but my blog isn't super happy and annoying like theirs.... right?
So.. I decided to have a post dedicated to all you of lame, fake, and annoyingly happy bloggers out there:
OMG! Graham and I had the BEST time down in Portland this weekend!! It all started out with a romantic 3-hour drive from Brem Brem to Portland. We held hands, gazed longingly into each others eyes (without getting into an accident of course!), and sang along to our favorite Moulin Rouge songs. Our AMAZING sister-in-law Ali made us a delicious homemade meal--she is a trained chef you know--chicken cordon bleu, creamy polenta, and sauteed zucchini. It was so good.. too bad I don't have pictures! We stayed up with James & Ali, took some pictures with them (because what are pictures for if not for our cutest couples friends/family?!), and chatted about her pregnancy. Which is SO COOL... I will be an aunt on Graham's side! I'm so freaked out and EXCITED.
So on Saturday, we went to the 9 AM endowment session in the Portland temple with Graham's cousin, Seth, who is super nice and going on a mission to Guatemala. So exciting!!!! So after this totally emotional and special temple experience, we went back home and took a well-needed nap. Don't you just LOVE naps?!?! So we all decided to go rock climbing that afternoon (except for Ali... of course! You can't climb when you're pregnant!) at this awesome place that allows you to climb.. get this... without ropes/pulleys, etc. There's a soft floors like you would find at a gymnastics place, except better... because we're climbing rocks! I started by watching the boys climb.. got over my fear of heights.. and started climbing. I was still a little scared, but what the heck right?! Grahan, my poor hubby, ripped his calluses off and needed some TLC from me!!
Then, we decided to take Seth out to dinner at our FAVORITE Hawaiian restaurant in Portland--Bamboo Grille--with our newly engaged friends Jered and Amy (congrats you guys!! you're the best! you're going to love married life!). We all had the delicious kalua pork, except for Graham who had the ke'e ribs, YUM! After being totally and completely stuffed, we went our separate ways and went back to James & Ali's apartment for such a fun throwback movie--Jurassic Park: The Lost World. I fell asleep during the movie (oops!), but it was so much fun remembering what life was like when this movie was in the theaters!!
So on Sunday, Seth gave his super spiritual talk (I had to wipe away my tears several times), and Ali announced her pregnancy to the family. So much fun! Graham and I picked up his new wedding ring at the mall--FINALLY--and we looked like a married couple again! Yay! I just wanted to give a shoutout to James & Ali for letting us stay in their DARLING apartment--you guys rock!
...That was exhausting. I also actually made faces while typing this post, making fun of people that would talk like this.
These blogs are usually so chipper and upbeat I can't help but wonder if these blogs are just facades. Can all of these people really be like this year-round? And why are all of them the same? I can honestly say that Graham and I are really happy and so in love.. but my blog isn't super happy and annoying like theirs.... right?
So.. I decided to have a post dedicated to all you of lame, fake, and annoyingly happy bloggers out there:
OMG! Graham and I had the BEST time down in Portland this weekend!! It all started out with a romantic 3-hour drive from Brem Brem to Portland. We held hands, gazed longingly into each others eyes (without getting into an accident of course!), and sang along to our favorite Moulin Rouge songs. Our AMAZING sister-in-law Ali made us a delicious homemade meal--she is a trained chef you know--chicken cordon bleu, creamy polenta, and sauteed zucchini. It was so good.. too bad I don't have pictures! We stayed up with James & Ali, took some pictures with them (because what are pictures for if not for our cutest couples friends/family?!), and chatted about her pregnancy. Which is SO COOL... I will be an aunt on Graham's side! I'm so freaked out and EXCITED.
So on Saturday, we went to the 9 AM endowment session in the Portland temple with Graham's cousin, Seth, who is super nice and going on a mission to Guatemala. So exciting!!!! So after this totally emotional and special temple experience, we went back home and took a well-needed nap. Don't you just LOVE naps?!?! So we all decided to go rock climbing that afternoon (except for Ali... of course! You can't climb when you're pregnant!) at this awesome place that allows you to climb.. get this... without ropes/pulleys, etc. There's a soft floors like you would find at a gymnastics place, except better... because we're climbing rocks! I started by watching the boys climb.. got over my fear of heights.. and started climbing. I was still a little scared, but what the heck right?! Grahan, my poor hubby, ripped his calluses off and needed some TLC from me!!
Then, we decided to take Seth out to dinner at our FAVORITE Hawaiian restaurant in Portland--Bamboo Grille--with our newly engaged friends Jered and Amy (congrats you guys!! you're the best! you're going to love married life!). We all had the delicious kalua pork, except for Graham who had the ke'e ribs, YUM! After being totally and completely stuffed, we went our separate ways and went back to James & Ali's apartment for such a fun throwback movie--Jurassic Park: The Lost World. I fell asleep during the movie (oops!), but it was so much fun remembering what life was like when this movie was in the theaters!!
So on Sunday, Seth gave his super spiritual talk (I had to wipe away my tears several times), and Ali announced her pregnancy to the family. So much fun! Graham and I picked up his new wedding ring at the mall--FINALLY--and we looked like a married couple again! Yay! I just wanted to give a shoutout to James & Ali for letting us stay in their DARLING apartment--you guys rock!
...That was exhausting. I also actually made faces while typing this post, making fun of people that would talk like this.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tale of two cans
Let me tell you this story that illustrates our lives:
Graham's paycheck came late earlier this month, leaving us with a zero balance.. and no way for Graham to pay the toll on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to pick me up at the Seattle/Tacoma Airport.
So he gathered up about $2.25 in change around the house.. And had this brilliant idea to go recycle a large bag of cans we'd been saving over the past month or so to get the extra cash to pay the toll. (Mind you, the toll was only $4. Yes, we were that poor.)
Graham drove all over Brem Brem, circled the grocery stores for recycling centers, and asked customer service centers at all of them if they recycle there. After many blank stares and vague directions, Graham finally received a clear answer: cans could be recycled at the recycling center which just so happened to be closed for the night... but it would only be for FREE. Washington doesn't reimburse people for recycling, which is why you don't see homeless people in Seattle collecting cans in shopping carts.
You see, in Portland, you get 5 cents per can.. Meaning Graham would've gotten enough money to pay the bridge toll, pick me up on time, etc..
Instead, Graham had to take the long way to avoid the bridge---60 miles down to Olympia, then 60 miles up to the airport--when it only would've been 60 miles straight to the airport... received a speeding ticket along the way and picked me up 30 minutes late for my flight that arrived at 1:15 AM.
So anyways, we ended up saving these troublesome cans because we were too lazy to get rid of them. When we were packing to go to Portland for the weekend, I had the brilliant idea to take the cans with us for a big profit--i.e. we had not paid the redemptive value at purchase and we would make a profit over the original soda purchase.
After Graham's cousin's farewell on Sunday, we stopped at Fred Meyer, the Northwest's Super Target/Wal-Mart, to recycle our cans and collect our cash.
Something went awry and over half of the cans were not processed by the recycler... and we wasted a half hour trying to force these recalcitrant cans through the recycler. The trouble makers were then tossed into the trash angrily.. although I considered giving them to an unsuspecting homeless person.
With our pitiful net of $1.90, we bought ourselves a 1 Liter Dr. Pepper for the drive home and called it a day.
I don't know if Graham will ever recycle again.
Graham's paycheck came late earlier this month, leaving us with a zero balance.. and no way for Graham to pay the toll on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to pick me up at the Seattle/Tacoma Airport.
So he gathered up about $2.25 in change around the house.. And had this brilliant idea to go recycle a large bag of cans we'd been saving over the past month or so to get the extra cash to pay the toll. (Mind you, the toll was only $4. Yes, we were that poor.)
Graham drove all over Brem Brem, circled the grocery stores for recycling centers, and asked customer service centers at all of them if they recycle there. After many blank stares and vague directions, Graham finally received a clear answer: cans could be recycled at the recycling center which just so happened to be closed for the night... but it would only be for FREE. Washington doesn't reimburse people for recycling, which is why you don't see homeless people in Seattle collecting cans in shopping carts.
You see, in Portland, you get 5 cents per can.. Meaning Graham would've gotten enough money to pay the bridge toll, pick me up on time, etc..
Instead, Graham had to take the long way to avoid the bridge---60 miles down to Olympia, then 60 miles up to the airport--when it only would've been 60 miles straight to the airport... received a speeding ticket along the way and picked me up 30 minutes late for my flight that arrived at 1:15 AM.
So anyways, we ended up saving these troublesome cans because we were too lazy to get rid of them. When we were packing to go to Portland for the weekend, I had the brilliant idea to take the cans with us for a big profit--i.e. we had not paid the redemptive value at purchase and we would make a profit over the original soda purchase.
After Graham's cousin's farewell on Sunday, we stopped at Fred Meyer, the Northwest's Super Target/Wal-Mart, to recycle our cans and collect our cash.
Something went awry and over half of the cans were not processed by the recycler... and we wasted a half hour trying to force these recalcitrant cans through the recycler. The trouble makers were then tossed into the trash angrily.. although I considered giving them to an unsuspecting homeless person.
With our pitiful net of $1.90, we bought ourselves a 1 Liter Dr. Pepper for the drive home and called it a day.
I don't know if Graham will ever recycle again.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
In honor of my 100th post
Here are 100 things about me that you might not know...
1. I love LOVE love being married. I know this is one of those duh statements, but it really is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.
2. In high school, I thought 25 would be the perfect age to get married. At BYU, I thought 25 was old, and then just I happened to get married 2 weeks after turning 25.
3. I’m obsessed with the Food Network. It’s my go-to TV channel.
4. I watch TV to fall asleep—usually Seinfeld or The Office DVD’s.
5. I’m in love with cool weather—not cold—COOL… like light jacket weather.
6. My favorite food is corn tortilla chips and Pace chunky salsa.
7. I can’t stand making the same recipes over and over again—I make new recipes every week.
8. I read cookbooks for pleasure.
9. My pinky toes are bent under my other toes so you can’t see my pinky toenails.
10. I don’t like pedicures because they tickle my feet and they rub off my hard-earned calluses.
11. I worked at a tanning salon while in high school and during summers in college.
12. I tweeze ingrown hairs on my legs.
13. I hate people who commonly mispronounce words like supposedly (I heard supposeBly the other day) and voila (it’s NOT wha-la you idiot).
14. I hate people who can’t spell, especially versions of words like “they’re/their/there” and “your/you’re”.
15. If I could, I’d live in Monterey/Carmel for the rest of my life.
16. I never get zits, and if I do, it drives me insane.
17. I’m not a child-friendly person.
18. I have road rage. I think it’s just from learning how to drive in California.
19. My favorite non-soda drink is Odwalla lemonade, which is only available in the summer.
20. My favorite soda is Dr. Pepper. Bad Sherri.
21. I took swimming lessons until I was 13.
22. I love comedy movies and I dislike action movies.
23. I was involved in every kind of activity while growing up: soccer, softball, piano lessons, dance classes, Girl Scouts, church, etc…
24. I try to go shopping on every vacation.
25. I’m an extremely competitive person, especially in sports.
26. I almost exclusively wear pointy-toed shoes to work.
27. I hate clothes with the brand name on the shirt, but I only wear jeans that have the brand name on the pockets/butt.
28. I’m a clothes snob.
29. I think I got food poisoning from TGIFridays once.
30. I drink a diet soda every single morning. I tried to give it up, but I felt TIRED the whole morning.
31. I never blow dry my hair. Don’t have to.
32. I never got in trouble with my parents growing up. I was the perfect child.
33. I have a photographic memory for some things. Graham calls me “googlemaps”.
34. I’ve been on 3 cruises with my family.
35. I love to read.
36. My preferred books to read growing up were horror/mystery books.
37. I wish I could travel more, but it would stress me out.
38. I’m deathly afraid of snakes.
39. I’m also afraid of heights… Ok, I’m kind of a wimp and am afraid of a lot of things.
40. I like to wear holiday and cheesy socks, especially when it’s nowhere near that holiday.
41. I hate when I’m going to the bathroom in a big ‘ol empty public restroom and someone sits down to use the stall directly next to me.
42. I hate when people fart in public restrooms. Yes, sometimes you can’t keep it in, but come on… some of you are violating the Clear Air Act of 1997.
43. Sometimes I wish I could live a life like the ones I see the models “living” in J. Crew catalogs.
44. I’m a lazy student. I still can’t believe I got my master’s.
45. I secretly want to be in power over people.
46. I often readjust my wedding ring as a nervous habit.
47. I get scared of the dark after reading scary books.
48. I really like to annoy Graham sometimes to test his tolerance and patience.
49. I don’t like chocolate, although I’ll eat it occasionally.
50. I am a very fast test taker.
51. I didn’t kiss a boy until I was 16 and a half… and it was on my first real date.
52. I follow rules religiously and am always courteous to avoid people saying bad things about me.
53. I hate the smell of coffee.
54. I look really bad in hats.
55. My face is very expressive—you can usually tell what I’m thinking.
56. I love the fall season: the leaves, colors, crisp air, etc.
57. It drives me insane when people keep asking me questions about things I don’t know and couldn’t possibly know.
58. The body and its inner-workings fascinate me.
59. I used to love a Gap shirt I got my freshman year of college that said “Famous”.
60. I’ve always thought of myself as semi-fat.
61. I really wanted to do cheerleading at BYU when I started high school, but I probably would’ve had to be on a diet all 4 years.
62. I passed the Spanish AP test in high school and received the academic letter, but I was too afraid to take it in college.
63. I’m still obsessed with wedding stuff.
64. I tried out for “select” soccer in 7th grade, didn’t make it, and started cheerleading soon after.
65. I also didn’t make the cheerleading squad the first time I tried out.
66. I dumped my “boyfriend” in 5th grade because he got his name on the board too much and he wore a shirt with a hole in it.
67. I got my first thong in 10th grade and loved it.
68. I love watching football games in person.
69. I go to sporting events just for the unhealthy food.
70. I hate white people who think they’re cool because they listen to independent bands and other typical white people music.
71. I’m not racist I swear.
72. I’ve been called a “man-stealer”.
73. I hate MacDonald’s.
74. It drives me crazy when people are too stingy with money.
75. I love makeup. I don’t see the point of wearing makeup if people can’t tell you’re wearing it.
76. I’m a sunglass freak and consider them to be an essential wardrobe accessory.
77. I despise fake designer purses.
78. Sometimes I make fun of people who wear glasses, including Graham.
79. I used to love tall and skinny guys. Now just skinny.
80. I absolutely hate to run.
81. I have a strong sense of smell.
82. I suck at video games.
83. My entire purpose at BYU was to get married—how sad is that?
84. I HATE cats.
85. Throughout my whole life, I’ve only ever had a handful of best friends, including my sister and mom.
86. I love the smell after it rains… like wet asphalt.
87. I am deeply sympathetic to handicapped and morbidly obese people.
88. I am so not political.
89. I love British accents.
90. Sometimes I talk with a Russian accent—a very bad one I should add—just to be random.
91. I am very stubborn. I didn’t realize how much until I got married.
92. I’m pretty vain.
93. I love to dance…sometimes.
94. My favorite musical artists include the following: Craig David, Dashboard Confessionals, Darren Hayes/Savage Garden, Brian McKnight, and Maroon 5.
95. I can’t wait until my kids go to BYU and have fun experiences like I did.
96. I’ve gotten 3 speeding tickets—all within one year. But, I haven’t gotten one since November 2002. I also got out of one last July in Portland.
97. Certain songs and smells really conjure up strong memories and feelings.
98. Guys who play guitars to girls really creep me out.
99. I cheated in my aerobics class in college.
100. It took me several hours to think of all these things.
Not really insightful into my character, but maybe you enjoyed these random bits of information.
1. I love LOVE love being married. I know this is one of those duh statements, but it really is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.
2. In high school, I thought 25 would be the perfect age to get married. At BYU, I thought 25 was old, and then just I happened to get married 2 weeks after turning 25.
3. I’m obsessed with the Food Network. It’s my go-to TV channel.
4. I watch TV to fall asleep—usually Seinfeld or The Office DVD’s.
5. I’m in love with cool weather—not cold—COOL… like light jacket weather.
6. My favorite food is corn tortilla chips and Pace chunky salsa.
7. I can’t stand making the same recipes over and over again—I make new recipes every week.
8. I read cookbooks for pleasure.
9. My pinky toes are bent under my other toes so you can’t see my pinky toenails.
10. I don’t like pedicures because they tickle my feet and they rub off my hard-earned calluses.
11. I worked at a tanning salon while in high school and during summers in college.
12. I tweeze ingrown hairs on my legs.
13. I hate people who commonly mispronounce words like supposedly (I heard supposeBly the other day) and voila (it’s NOT wha-la you idiot).
14. I hate people who can’t spell, especially versions of words like “they’re/their/there” and “your/you’re”.
15. If I could, I’d live in Monterey/Carmel for the rest of my life.
16. I never get zits, and if I do, it drives me insane.
17. I’m not a child-friendly person.
18. I have road rage. I think it’s just from learning how to drive in California.
19. My favorite non-soda drink is Odwalla lemonade, which is only available in the summer.
20. My favorite soda is Dr. Pepper. Bad Sherri.
21. I took swimming lessons until I was 13.
22. I love comedy movies and I dislike action movies.
23. I was involved in every kind of activity while growing up: soccer, softball, piano lessons, dance classes, Girl Scouts, church, etc…
24. I try to go shopping on every vacation.
25. I’m an extremely competitive person, especially in sports.
26. I almost exclusively wear pointy-toed shoes to work.
27. I hate clothes with the brand name on the shirt, but I only wear jeans that have the brand name on the pockets/butt.
28. I’m a clothes snob.
29. I think I got food poisoning from TGIFridays once.
30. I drink a diet soda every single morning. I tried to give it up, but I felt TIRED the whole morning.
31. I never blow dry my hair. Don’t have to.
32. I never got in trouble with my parents growing up. I was the perfect child.
33. I have a photographic memory for some things. Graham calls me “googlemaps”.
34. I’ve been on 3 cruises with my family.
35. I love to read.
36. My preferred books to read growing up were horror/mystery books.
37. I wish I could travel more, but it would stress me out.
38. I’m deathly afraid of snakes.
39. I’m also afraid of heights… Ok, I’m kind of a wimp and am afraid of a lot of things.
40. I like to wear holiday and cheesy socks, especially when it’s nowhere near that holiday.
41. I hate when I’m going to the bathroom in a big ‘ol empty public restroom and someone sits down to use the stall directly next to me.
42. I hate when people fart in public restrooms. Yes, sometimes you can’t keep it in, but come on… some of you are violating the Clear Air Act of 1997.
43. Sometimes I wish I could live a life like the ones I see the models “living” in J. Crew catalogs.
44. I’m a lazy student. I still can’t believe I got my master’s.
45. I secretly want to be in power over people.
46. I often readjust my wedding ring as a nervous habit.
47. I get scared of the dark after reading scary books.
48. I really like to annoy Graham sometimes to test his tolerance and patience.
49. I don’t like chocolate, although I’ll eat it occasionally.
50. I am a very fast test taker.
51. I didn’t kiss a boy until I was 16 and a half… and it was on my first real date.
52. I follow rules religiously and am always courteous to avoid people saying bad things about me.
53. I hate the smell of coffee.
54. I look really bad in hats.
55. My face is very expressive—you can usually tell what I’m thinking.
56. I love the fall season: the leaves, colors, crisp air, etc.
57. It drives me insane when people keep asking me questions about things I don’t know and couldn’t possibly know.
58. The body and its inner-workings fascinate me.
59. I used to love a Gap shirt I got my freshman year of college that said “Famous”.
60. I’ve always thought of myself as semi-fat.
61. I really wanted to do cheerleading at BYU when I started high school, but I probably would’ve had to be on a diet all 4 years.
62. I passed the Spanish AP test in high school and received the academic letter, but I was too afraid to take it in college.
63. I’m still obsessed with wedding stuff.
64. I tried out for “select” soccer in 7th grade, didn’t make it, and started cheerleading soon after.
65. I also didn’t make the cheerleading squad the first time I tried out.
66. I dumped my “boyfriend” in 5th grade because he got his name on the board too much and he wore a shirt with a hole in it.
67. I got my first thong in 10th grade and loved it.
68. I love watching football games in person.
69. I go to sporting events just for the unhealthy food.
70. I hate white people who think they’re cool because they listen to independent bands and other typical white people music.
71. I’m not racist I swear.
72. I’ve been called a “man-stealer”.
73. I hate MacDonald’s.
74. It drives me crazy when people are too stingy with money.
75. I love makeup. I don’t see the point of wearing makeup if people can’t tell you’re wearing it.
76. I’m a sunglass freak and consider them to be an essential wardrobe accessory.
77. I despise fake designer purses.
78. Sometimes I make fun of people who wear glasses, including Graham.
79. I used to love tall and skinny guys. Now just skinny.
80. I absolutely hate to run.
81. I have a strong sense of smell.
82. I suck at video games.
83. My entire purpose at BYU was to get married—how sad is that?
84. I HATE cats.
85. Throughout my whole life, I’ve only ever had a handful of best friends, including my sister and mom.
86. I love the smell after it rains… like wet asphalt.
87. I am deeply sympathetic to handicapped and morbidly obese people.
88. I am so not political.
89. I love British accents.
90. Sometimes I talk with a Russian accent—a very bad one I should add—just to be random.
91. I am very stubborn. I didn’t realize how much until I got married.
92. I’m pretty vain.
93. I love to dance…sometimes.
94. My favorite musical artists include the following: Craig David, Dashboard Confessionals, Darren Hayes/Savage Garden, Brian McKnight, and Maroon 5.
95. I can’t wait until my kids go to BYU and have fun experiences like I did.
96. I’ve gotten 3 speeding tickets—all within one year. But, I haven’t gotten one since November 2002. I also got out of one last July in Portland.
97. Certain songs and smells really conjure up strong memories and feelings.
98. Guys who play guitars to girls really creep me out.
99. I cheated in my aerobics class in college.
100. It took me several hours to think of all these things.
Not really insightful into my character, but maybe you enjoyed these random bits of information.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Interesting Ward
So, Brem Brem is an interesting place.. It's kind of a beat up, run-down, and tired town. The city planners are trying to revitalize the downtown, but with the economy being the way it is, it's slow and the people here are trying to resist change..
The first time I drove through Brem Brem was to my first job interview at the hospital. I was like uh wow... this is kind of ghetto. It's a gorgeous area, but the town itself is run-down.. with a lot of public housing units... you know--the "projects". So yeah, there's a lot of low-income people and military people. Let's just say it--a lot of white trash.
We live in the part of Brem Brem that has a lot of the low-income housing units, so our ward is quite interesting. We have rich people that have lakefront houses, low-income people, elderly people, and some young people who just started working at the shipyard as engineers. There are a lot of elderly people in our ward, which isn't a bad thing, but most of them are in Relief Society because the younger women are in other callings. So, us young ones in RS sit there while the rest of the women laugh at "old people humor".
The reason why I bring this up is because when I first got into the ward, they found out that I work full-time... which I didn't think was a big deal.. until they asked me if I'd have enough time to do visit teaching. Uh yeah, duh.. I work a normal 40-hour workweek and I don't have kids.
So, I just got a calling as assistant ("to the") secretary in RS. I got an email about weekly RS presidency meetings, and they were worried that I wouldn't be able to go to meetings because I "work long hours".
Wtf? I'm thinking that a working LDS woman must be quite rare here in good ol Brem Brem.
The first time I drove through Brem Brem was to my first job interview at the hospital. I was like uh wow... this is kind of ghetto. It's a gorgeous area, but the town itself is run-down.. with a lot of public housing units... you know--the "projects". So yeah, there's a lot of low-income people and military people. Let's just say it--a lot of white trash.
We live in the part of Brem Brem that has a lot of the low-income housing units, so our ward is quite interesting. We have rich people that have lakefront houses, low-income people, elderly people, and some young people who just started working at the shipyard as engineers. There are a lot of elderly people in our ward, which isn't a bad thing, but most of them are in Relief Society because the younger women are in other callings. So, us young ones in RS sit there while the rest of the women laugh at "old people humor".
The reason why I bring this up is because when I first got into the ward, they found out that I work full-time... which I didn't think was a big deal.. until they asked me if I'd have enough time to do visit teaching. Uh yeah, duh.. I work a normal 40-hour workweek and I don't have kids.
So, I just got a calling as assistant ("to the") secretary in RS. I got an email about weekly RS presidency meetings, and they were worried that I wouldn't be able to go to meetings because I "work long hours".
Wtf? I'm thinking that a working LDS woman must be quite rare here in good ol Brem Brem.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
My best friends
Since being married, I have become very close to my new friends.. Let me introduce you:
As you can tell, I have a profound love and appreciation for my kitchen appliances. Let's just say I'm a kitchen accessory junkie and call it a day.
--My KitchenAid. Thanks to this big guy, I no longer have to knead dough. Thanks KA!
--My lil Food Processor, which shreds cheese, slices carrots, and mixes pie crusts like a champ. Thank you FP.
--My lil Food Processor, which shreds cheese, slices carrots, and mixes pie crusts like a champ. Thank you FP.--My lovely knives, without which I would not be able to slice an onion without crying.
As you can tell, I have a profound love and appreciation for my kitchen appliances. Let's just say I'm a kitchen accessory junkie and call it a day.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Ok, so.. Graham got home late tonight after a genealogy training for the Elder's Quorum Presidency, so I heated up some leftover pot roast, vegetables and mashed potatoes. He put his bowl on the coffee table and went to sit down on the couch.
Our couch is really annoying because the stupid cushions slide out from under you... so Graham does his fake temper tantrum and pushes the cushion in, flailing his arms about, and accidentally knocks his bowl over on the rug.
Can you see why we put a rug over carpet?
As I'm laughing hysterically, Graham proceeds to eat his pot roast from the floor.
Apparently--it's still good!
I love Graham.
Lesson learned: don't flail your arms about when you're only pretending to be mad.
Our couch is really annoying because the stupid cushions slide out from under you... so Graham does his fake temper tantrum and pushes the cushion in, flailing his arms about, and accidentally knocks his bowl over on the rug.
Can you see why we put a rug over carpet?As I'm laughing hysterically, Graham proceeds to eat his pot roast from the floor.
Apparently--it's still good!
I love Graham.Lesson learned: don't flail your arms about when you're only pretending to be mad.
Attention
You wouldn't know this about me by interacting with me on a normal basis, but I really do like to be the center of attention and have praises showered on me.
Normally, I take the sideline to other people who are talking and let more outgoing people take center stage. I'm pretty reserved and hard to get to know.
However, I just realized how much attention I'd like to have if possible..
Anyways, someone in our family just told Graham and me that she's pregnant. I was/am really excited for her.. until I had a little pregnancy scare today.
My first thought was NOT, oh baby, but instead it was, NO I want to have a baby when nobody else in the family is pregnant so it can be MY turn!
Isn't that silly?
Oh, and I apologize for the boring blogs. I am tired and lazy when I get home from work. Eventually I'll get used to working every day and I'll start working out again and my energy will hopefully improve.
Oh, and... I'm not pregnant. :)
Normally, I take the sideline to other people who are talking and let more outgoing people take center stage. I'm pretty reserved and hard to get to know.
However, I just realized how much attention I'd like to have if possible..
Anyways, someone in our family just told Graham and me that she's pregnant. I was/am really excited for her.. until I had a little pregnancy scare today.
My first thought was NOT, oh baby, but instead it was, NO I want to have a baby when nobody else in the family is pregnant so it can be MY turn!
Isn't that silly?
Oh, and I apologize for the boring blogs. I am tired and lazy when I get home from work. Eventually I'll get used to working every day and I'll start working out again and my energy will hopefully improve.
Oh, and... I'm not pregnant. :)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
San Diego... Discovered by the Germans in 1904
They named it San Diago which of course in German means a whale's vagina...
Yes.. that's where I am right now. I'm staying on Shelter Island, near Point Loma, which has a view of downtown and of course the water. Surprisingly I got a bayside view from my room. Nice.
San Diego is really nice. It has a Spanish influence, a beautiful beach, tons of palm trees, and lots of houses. I'm not gonna lie--the suburbs made me miss home a bit. Anyways, I digress..
I'll be straight with you--I have a bias against Southern California. I hate how people call it SoCal, I hate the people who think that they are SO awesome because they're from there, I hate the pollution, the shallowness of the people, the traffic and so on.. Maybe it's because I'm from Northern California.. but if/when I return to CA, I hope I never have to live in SoCal. Is that wrong?
I'm here for a diabetes conference. Not exciting, but hey.. I'm getting paid to do this!
Yes.. that's where I am right now. I'm staying on Shelter Island, near Point Loma, which has a view of downtown and of course the water. Surprisingly I got a bayside view from my room. Nice.
San Diego is really nice. It has a Spanish influence, a beautiful beach, tons of palm trees, and lots of houses. I'm not gonna lie--the suburbs made me miss home a bit. Anyways, I digress..
I'll be straight with you--I have a bias against Southern California. I hate how people call it SoCal, I hate the people who think that they are SO awesome because they're from there, I hate the pollution, the shallowness of the people, the traffic and so on.. Maybe it's because I'm from Northern California.. but if/when I return to CA, I hope I never have to live in SoCal. Is that wrong?
I'm here for a diabetes conference. Not exciting, but hey.. I'm getting paid to do this!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
My next wish..
I was reading a book yesterday that was based in Boston, and suddenly I got this urge to visit there. I've always wanted to, because it's very historic and a seemingly cool city.. After all, I did apply to Boston University for grad school.
Then, I got this great idea--Graham and I should go on vacation there next year during the fall season!
First, we plan on staying in Boston for about 3 days.. Go to a Red Sox game, see the beautiful city and its sights, and so on..
Then, make a trip to New England--most likely Vermont--to see the leaves just turning fall colors and to go sightseeing. I love autumn leaves, and I've always wanted to visit there..
Last, go to see some church history sites, like Palmyra, Hill Cumorah, etc. Hey, we're in the general area, so why not?
So, I got really excited tonight about this future vacation and have been looking at several websites for the best deals on flights, hotels, activities.. We can fly to Boston, non-stop, for $350 each (including taxes) on JetBlue, which is sweet. I also found a sweet deal for a cute bed & breakfast in Vermont on LuxuryLink for 3 nights, meals, etc for $325, which again is amazing. So--anybody else in for the ride?
Then, I got this great idea--Graham and I should go on vacation there next year during the fall season!
First, we plan on staying in Boston for about 3 days.. Go to a Red Sox game, see the beautiful city and its sights, and so on..
Then, make a trip to New England--most likely Vermont--to see the leaves just turning fall colors and to go sightseeing. I love autumn leaves, and I've always wanted to visit there..
Last, go to see some church history sites, like Palmyra, Hill Cumorah, etc. Hey, we're in the general area, so why not?
So, I got really excited tonight about this future vacation and have been looking at several websites for the best deals on flights, hotels, activities.. We can fly to Boston, non-stop, for $350 each (including taxes) on JetBlue, which is sweet. I also found a sweet deal for a cute bed & breakfast in Vermont on LuxuryLink for 3 nights, meals, etc for $325, which again is amazing. So--anybody else in for the ride?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tired
So yeah.. I'm tired this weekend from working full-time and being a full-time wife and hostess. We had our first overnight visitors (Graham's cousin and girlfriend) on Wednesday, and a little dinner party on Friday. I love cooking for people and playing hostess, so if you are ever thinking of visiting Seattle for a weekend, we would love to have you!
Anyways, let me tell you about random events in our lives:
--Graham got a job! I told him he has to earn his keep, so this is good. Plus, he is making almost as much working part-time here as he did working full-time in Portland. He's a job coach for handicapped people at the same hospital as me. The funny thing is, some of the workers in the kitchen thought HE was the handicapped person. They were all, "Are you the new worker? You're doing SUCH a great job!" They figured it out sooner or later, but it's still funny.
--I finally started writing nutrition notes in my patients' medical charts. Yay. Also, I get to take the RD exam as soon as I want.. which will probably be early October. I just need to start studying seriously.
--Graham and I bought our first vacuum. You know your life is not exciting when you are excited to use your vacuum for the first time. It works really well.. especially for a $60 Wal-Mart special.
--We decided not to buy that couch/fold-out bed thing for our second bedroom. The room is pretty small, and it wouldn't fit in there very well. I'll post pictures of the room sometime. We still want to buy an entertainment center for our TV, but we have to wait a bit until we actually have money. Suck.
--I am going to San Diego in a week and a half, and Phoenix in a month.. and I'm not paying for anything! Graham's going to be translating/interpreting for general conference in Utah when I'm in Phoenix, so he won't miss me too much.
--It stormed pretty bad here this week. It was raining so hard that many drains overflowed, and the roof of the HR building at the hospital caved in. Pretty sweet. The thing that sucked was that morning was pretty nice, so I was like, I don't need this umbrella. But, when I left, it was like a monsoon outside. Thanks Brem Brem weather!
--We are going to Las Vegas next year in June for a friend's wedding (Graham's going to be in the bridal party), so all of you friends there--especially you Alexis--you just might get a glimpse of or visit from Graham and me.
So yeah, Graham and I are doing nothing this weekend, and so far it has been FABULOUS. And one more thing.. I get paid for my holiday Monday. Sweet.
Anyways, let me tell you about random events in our lives:
--Graham got a job! I told him he has to earn his keep, so this is good. Plus, he is making almost as much working part-time here as he did working full-time in Portland. He's a job coach for handicapped people at the same hospital as me. The funny thing is, some of the workers in the kitchen thought HE was the handicapped person. They were all, "Are you the new worker? You're doing SUCH a great job!" They figured it out sooner or later, but it's still funny.
--I finally started writing nutrition notes in my patients' medical charts. Yay. Also, I get to take the RD exam as soon as I want.. which will probably be early October. I just need to start studying seriously.
--Graham and I bought our first vacuum. You know your life is not exciting when you are excited to use your vacuum for the first time. It works really well.. especially for a $60 Wal-Mart special.
--We decided not to buy that couch/fold-out bed thing for our second bedroom. The room is pretty small, and it wouldn't fit in there very well. I'll post pictures of the room sometime. We still want to buy an entertainment center for our TV, but we have to wait a bit until we actually have money. Suck.
--I am going to San Diego in a week and a half, and Phoenix in a month.. and I'm not paying for anything! Graham's going to be translating/interpreting for general conference in Utah when I'm in Phoenix, so he won't miss me too much.
--It stormed pretty bad here this week. It was raining so hard that many drains overflowed, and the roof of the HR building at the hospital caved in. Pretty sweet. The thing that sucked was that morning was pretty nice, so I was like, I don't need this umbrella. But, when I left, it was like a monsoon outside. Thanks Brem Brem weather!
--We are going to Las Vegas next year in June for a friend's wedding (Graham's going to be in the bridal party), so all of you friends there--especially you Alexis--you just might get a glimpse of or visit from Graham and me.
So yeah, Graham and I are doing nothing this weekend, and so far it has been FABULOUS. And one more thing.. I get paid for my holiday Monday. Sweet.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Lazy Blogger
So everybody..
I have been so lazy that I've only been online at home a couple of times this week. Every night I come home from work I'm so tired that I cook dinner, watch some TV and go to bed. That's it. Working full-time sucks.
Anyways, work is actually really good. I like the dietitians at the hospital, and so far it's been pretty interesting. Plus--I get free food. I love that.
We've made several friends since being here, because there is a Navy shipyard here in Brem Brem, which hires engineers straight out of college.. So we have many young engineering friends here in town, which is really strange since Graham wants to be an engineer. So yeah, we've gone camping with them and hung out a couple of times. That's really nice since we had like no friends in Portland besides family.
We went to Lincoln City on the Oregon coast this weekend for a Hall family reunion. We drove 5 hours Friday night to get there at 9:30 PM, and we left the next morning at 10 AM. It was short, but worth the drive.
So... that's about it for now. I'm working full-time.. Graham got a part-time job as a job coach for mentally handicapped people, and will be starting school full-time in the end of September. I'll post again when something cool happens or when I have more energy.
I have been so lazy that I've only been online at home a couple of times this week. Every night I come home from work I'm so tired that I cook dinner, watch some TV and go to bed. That's it. Working full-time sucks.
Anyways, work is actually really good. I like the dietitians at the hospital, and so far it's been pretty interesting. Plus--I get free food. I love that.
We've made several friends since being here, because there is a Navy shipyard here in Brem Brem, which hires engineers straight out of college.. So we have many young engineering friends here in town, which is really strange since Graham wants to be an engineer. So yeah, we've gone camping with them and hung out a couple of times. That's really nice since we had like no friends in Portland besides family.
We went to Lincoln City on the Oregon coast this weekend for a Hall family reunion. We drove 5 hours Friday night to get there at 9:30 PM, and we left the next morning at 10 AM. It was short, but worth the drive.
So... that's about it for now. I'm working full-time.. Graham got a part-time job as a job coach for mentally handicapped people, and will be starting school full-time in the end of September. I'll post again when something cool happens or when I have more energy.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I'm a working girl..
I've started my job as a dietitian at a Medical Center in Washington.
And I think I'm going to love it.
And I think I'm going to love it.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Bored
Ok, so I have a bunch of random things to talk about, so I'm about to give you all a glimpse of what's been going on in my head.
--I love diet soda. I used to occasionally drink regular Dr. Pepper or Pepsi, but the occasional drink soon turned into a bi- or tri-weekly event. So, I've been trying to see how long I can go without regular soda. I went without one for a week and a half, and I caved yesterday and had some Pibb Extra. It was way too sugary for me, so I'm even more appreciative of my 24-pack of Diet Pepsi at home.
--Speaking of being appreciative.. how many of you have ever had to live without something you consider to be essential.. like a dishwasher, garbage disposal or a washer/dryer? Anyways, I've had all of those things my whole life, so I've always taken them for granted.. But after living in crazytown apartment complex for 8 months without all of those things and moving to our condo WITH all of those things, I am totally grateful (and "seriously so blessed!!") to have those things. I wanted to cry when I turned on the garbage disposal.
--Speaking of being seriously so blessed, I am obsessed with that blog. It makes fun of newlywed Mormon blogs, and I love it. I wish the anonymous author would post more than once a day. I've been bored this week.. so I've randomly surfed blogs, and most of the Mormon blogs I read are just like it, only real. It makes me laugh.
--Speaking of Mormons.. I have this Mormon hymn CD in which all of the hymns are instrumental that I listen to sometimes... and I love it. I know it's totally unlike me, but it soothes my soul and has helped me through stressful times.
--Speaking of stressful times... We are low low low on money. We have not been paid in over 3 weeks, just got back from vacation, had to pay our 1st month's rent + a large security deposit, and are living by our very last dollar. I expected to get my sign-on bonus on Wednesday, but it's not coming for another week or two. SUCK. So, we are trying to be extremely cheap... Examples: I'm making homemade tortillas tonight instead of buying a pack. I took a couple free apples from Employee Health at the hospital. We drove an hour home from Seattle yesterday instead of taking the ferry to save a couple of bucks. We only walked around Seattle--no purchases except our lunch. Usually such long and extended window shopping for me would result in some kind of impulse purchase, so I'm really proud. I actually had a lot of fun just window shopping with Graham.
--Speaking of being cheap, we are jacking our neighbor's wireless internet until someone notices.. or until we get a virus or something. We also just had our dish satellite installed today (no payments for a month!) and found out that we have had cable THE WHOLE TIME. We were GOING CRAZY from having nothing to do and being home all day and we had cable all along! Damnit! (Sorry--it deserves a swear word.)
--Speaking of swearing.. I despise Northwest drivers! I know that everyone will complain about drivers wherever they live, but it's different here. They apparently are so relaxed that they are content with driving 5 mph BELOW the speed limit!! I don't know about you, but the speed limit is just the bargaining point for speeding. 55 mph on a highway means >60 mph.
--Speaking of the Northwest, we are so spoiled here with the summer weather. It's been between 70-85 degrees here and absoutely beautiful. We don't even need the a/c or house fans! I better enjoy it while I can before the rains come. Boo.
--Speaking of beautiful.. I got complimented the other day that I have beautiful dimples. Isn't that weird? They are a muscle indentation in my cheek. Maybe she meant I have a beautiful smile? I don't know.. Dimples make me either look younger or like a Cabbage Patch Doll. I've also gotten lately that I look really young. A pedicurist thought I was 16-18 years old, and my landlord asked me how I old I was when I said I was married. Do I really look THAT young?
Anyways, I start my first real job on Monday! I'm excited/nervous/scared... and I hate to admit it, but I really don't want to work full-time, but hey.. what can you do?
--I love diet soda. I used to occasionally drink regular Dr. Pepper or Pepsi, but the occasional drink soon turned into a bi- or tri-weekly event. So, I've been trying to see how long I can go without regular soda. I went without one for a week and a half, and I caved yesterday and had some Pibb Extra. It was way too sugary for me, so I'm even more appreciative of my 24-pack of Diet Pepsi at home.
--Speaking of being appreciative.. how many of you have ever had to live without something you consider to be essential.. like a dishwasher, garbage disposal or a washer/dryer? Anyways, I've had all of those things my whole life, so I've always taken them for granted.. But after living in crazytown apartment complex for 8 months without all of those things and moving to our condo WITH all of those things, I am totally grateful (and "seriously so blessed!!") to have those things. I wanted to cry when I turned on the garbage disposal.
--Speaking of being seriously so blessed, I am obsessed with that blog. It makes fun of newlywed Mormon blogs, and I love it. I wish the anonymous author would post more than once a day. I've been bored this week.. so I've randomly surfed blogs, and most of the Mormon blogs I read are just like it, only real. It makes me laugh.
--Speaking of Mormons.. I have this Mormon hymn CD in which all of the hymns are instrumental that I listen to sometimes... and I love it. I know it's totally unlike me, but it soothes my soul and has helped me through stressful times.
--Speaking of stressful times... We are low low low on money. We have not been paid in over 3 weeks, just got back from vacation, had to pay our 1st month's rent + a large security deposit, and are living by our very last dollar. I expected to get my sign-on bonus on Wednesday, but it's not coming for another week or two. SUCK. So, we are trying to be extremely cheap... Examples: I'm making homemade tortillas tonight instead of buying a pack. I took a couple free apples from Employee Health at the hospital. We drove an hour home from Seattle yesterday instead of taking the ferry to save a couple of bucks. We only walked around Seattle--no purchases except our lunch. Usually such long and extended window shopping for me would result in some kind of impulse purchase, so I'm really proud. I actually had a lot of fun just window shopping with Graham.
--Speaking of being cheap, we are jacking our neighbor's wireless internet until someone notices.. or until we get a virus or something. We also just had our dish satellite installed today (no payments for a month!) and found out that we have had cable THE WHOLE TIME. We were GOING CRAZY from having nothing to do and being home all day and we had cable all along! Damnit! (Sorry--it deserves a swear word.)
--Speaking of swearing.. I despise Northwest drivers! I know that everyone will complain about drivers wherever they live, but it's different here. They apparently are so relaxed that they are content with driving 5 mph BELOW the speed limit!! I don't know about you, but the speed limit is just the bargaining point for speeding. 55 mph on a highway means >60 mph.
--Speaking of the Northwest, we are so spoiled here with the summer weather. It's been between 70-85 degrees here and absoutely beautiful. We don't even need the a/c or house fans! I better enjoy it while I can before the rains come. Boo.
--Speaking of beautiful.. I got complimented the other day that I have beautiful dimples. Isn't that weird? They are a muscle indentation in my cheek. Maybe she meant I have a beautiful smile? I don't know.. Dimples make me either look younger or like a Cabbage Patch Doll. I've also gotten lately that I look really young. A pedicurist thought I was 16-18 years old, and my landlord asked me how I old I was when I said I was married. Do I really look THAT young?
Anyways, I start my first real job on Monday! I'm excited/nervous/scared... and I hate to admit it, but I really don't want to work full-time, but hey.. what can you do?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Good 'ol Brem Brem
So Graham has this thing that he nicknames stuff by repeating it.. Like a shower is a little "rinse rinse" or if I want a shoulder rub it's called a "rub rub".
So I want to call our town.. "Brem Brem". I'm retarded.
Anyways, we're here in our condo.. Eventually I'll post pictures, but it's not too impressive right now. We are unpacked already with picture frames on the walls, which IS impressive.
We have an amazing view of the water from our living room and from the kitchen. I can chop vegetables and look out at the Sound. I love it.
Yesterday, we were bored and randomly took a drive out to "Scenic Beach Park" to watch the sunset. It was seriously one of the most beautiful sights to see the sun set behind the Olympic Mountains and cast its rays on the Sound. We were in awe of the sight and wanted to live there forever.
We are strapped on cash, but might take the ferry for free to Seattle tomorrow to escape our boredom and to explore a bit.
So yeah--all of you are invited to come visit! It's beautiful and we have a lovely condo for you to stay in!
So I want to call our town.. "Brem Brem". I'm retarded.
Anyways, we're here in our condo.. Eventually I'll post pictures, but it's not too impressive right now. We are unpacked already with picture frames on the walls, which IS impressive.
We have an amazing view of the water from our living room and from the kitchen. I can chop vegetables and look out at the Sound. I love it.
Yesterday, we were bored and randomly took a drive out to "Scenic Beach Park" to watch the sunset. It was seriously one of the most beautiful sights to see the sun set behind the Olympic Mountains and cast its rays on the Sound. We were in awe of the sight and wanted to live there forever.
We are strapped on cash, but might take the ferry for free to Seattle tomorrow to escape our boredom and to explore a bit.
So yeah--all of you are invited to come visit! It's beautiful and we have a lovely condo for you to stay in!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Moving
Graham and I are moving today to Brem Brem, and we won't have internet for a bit.. so this will temporarily be my last post for a while.
Oh, and good news.. Remember my episcleritis?
Well, I got blood work done to see if I have a common autoimmune disease, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.... and the results all came back NEGATIVE! So that is great..
As to the cause of my episcleritis, that is currently unknown..
So anyways, have a great week!
Oh, and good news.. Remember my episcleritis?
Well, I got blood work done to see if I have a common autoimmune disease, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.... and the results all came back NEGATIVE! So that is great..
As to the cause of my episcleritis, that is currently unknown..
So anyways, have a great week!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Our new place!
Ok, so Graham and I have waited last minute to find a place to live, but we were lucky and found a nice condo with a view of the Puget Sound.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Best of Kauai
WARNING: There are a lot of pictures in this post. Please avoid if you don't like looking at Graham or me.
I'm posting some of my favorite pictures/memories/events of our honeymoon to Kauai. I can't fit them all, so I'll probably post some on facebook later..
1. We decided to rent a convertible for our vacation. Our sunburned legs and shoulders are evidence of this.
2. The view from our condo was amazing.
3. Our first hike in Kauai climbed a ridge over 1200 feet. It was hot, humid, and started pouring the second we got to the top. I was thirsty if you couldn't tell.
4. We went snorkeling a lot. Graham liked it more than I did because I was a little creeped out by the fish. Some of them stared at me with their big googly eyes and some fish swam around me in circles. I didn't like that.
5. Graham brought home the beach with him after snorkeling. I died laughing when I saw how many shells he had in his shorts.
6. Graham wanted to taste fresh coconut again after his mission. We went to a restaurant that advertised "ice cold coconuts".. for 6 dollars! After sipping from his coconut a couple of times, Graham started poking his coconut with his straw while waiting for our food. He then spilled his entire coconut juice all over the table. I laughed hysterically while he tried to salvage his expensive and precious coconut juice.
7. Our catamaran cruise to the Na Pali coast. We saw waterfalls, sea caves, beautiful scenery, and snorkeled with sea turtles.
8. The salt water was making Graham's eyes and contacts sting, so he wore my Gucci sunglasses. He looks gay. He didn't want this picture taken, but I was like.. Graham, I have to blog about this. You know... some guy told me once that Guccis are unisex, but that's just disgusting!
9. A hike to another waterfall through the "sacred grove" of Kapa'a. It's not literally a sacred grove--it just reminded us of it. Our little excursion was ruined by some annoying group of kids from a church youth group.
10. Queen's Bath in Princeville. A great swimming hole right on the ocean in the volcanic rocks. The swim was great, but the hike down a muddy path proved too difficult for me and my stupid feet. I biffed it really hard on my butt. The only other person I saw fall was an old woman. Go me.
11. The Beach House Restaurant in Koloa or Poipu. It was right on the beach, and we had the best view and food. Graham had seared ahi tuna with a ginger lime butter, and I had a delicious beef tenderloin. It was seriously one of the best meals I've ever had in my life.
12. Hiking in Waimea Canyon. It was so beautiful and definitely worth the effort even though I almost killed myself again by missing a rock or a branch and almost falling into a river. This picture is of the Kalalau lookout.
13. Riding in ATV's through a ranch. We saw movie sites from Indiana Jones, Mighty Joe Young, and Jurassic Park. I had so much fun that I was smiling the whole time. I was just glad I had a handkerchief covering my geeky smile. I also got dirt all over my face and teeth.
14. Our last night was at a luau. Cheesy, yes I know.. but Graham wanted to go since it was his first time in Hawaii. It turned out to be very nice, and the setting was absolutely beautiful.
15. Being honeymooners! We had so much fun and were kind of glad we waited to go on a real honeymoon.
I'm posting some of my favorite pictures/memories/events of our honeymoon to Kauai. I can't fit them all, so I'll probably post some on facebook later..
1. We decided to rent a convertible for our vacation. Our sunburned legs and shoulders are evidence of this.
2. The view from our condo was amazing.
3. Our first hike in Kauai climbed a ridge over 1200 feet. It was hot, humid, and started pouring the second we got to the top. I was thirsty if you couldn't tell.
4. We went snorkeling a lot. Graham liked it more than I did because I was a little creeped out by the fish. Some of them stared at me with their big googly eyes and some fish swam around me in circles. I didn't like that.
5. Graham brought home the beach with him after snorkeling. I died laughing when I saw how many shells he had in his shorts.
6. Graham wanted to taste fresh coconut again after his mission. We went to a restaurant that advertised "ice cold coconuts".. for 6 dollars! After sipping from his coconut a couple of times, Graham started poking his coconut with his straw while waiting for our food. He then spilled his entire coconut juice all over the table. I laughed hysterically while he tried to salvage his expensive and precious coconut juice.
7. Our catamaran cruise to the Na Pali coast. We saw waterfalls, sea caves, beautiful scenery, and snorkeled with sea turtles.
8. The salt water was making Graham's eyes and contacts sting, so he wore my Gucci sunglasses. He looks gay. He didn't want this picture taken, but I was like.. Graham, I have to blog about this. You know... some guy told me once that Guccis are unisex, but that's just disgusting!
9. A hike to another waterfall through the "sacred grove" of Kapa'a. It's not literally a sacred grove--it just reminded us of it. Our little excursion was ruined by some annoying group of kids from a church youth group.
10. Queen's Bath in Princeville. A great swimming hole right on the ocean in the volcanic rocks. The swim was great, but the hike down a muddy path proved too difficult for me and my stupid feet. I biffed it really hard on my butt. The only other person I saw fall was an old woman. Go me.
11. The Beach House Restaurant in Koloa or Poipu. It was right on the beach, and we had the best view and food. Graham had seared ahi tuna with a ginger lime butter, and I had a delicious beef tenderloin. It was seriously one of the best meals I've ever had in my life.
12. Hiking in Waimea Canyon. It was so beautiful and definitely worth the effort even though I almost killed myself again by missing a rock or a branch and almost falling into a river. This picture is of the Kalalau lookout.
13. Riding in ATV's through a ranch. We saw movie sites from Indiana Jones, Mighty Joe Young, and Jurassic Park. I had so much fun that I was smiling the whole time. I was just glad I had a handkerchief covering my geeky smile. I also got dirt all over my face and teeth.
14. Our last night was at a luau. Cheesy, yes I know.. but Graham wanted to go since it was his first time in Hawaii. It turned out to be very nice, and the setting was absolutely beautiful.
15. Being honeymooners! We had so much fun and were kind of glad we waited to go on a real honeymoon.
All in all, it was a fabulous trip and we had a blast. Now--back to moving and real life! Boo.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Our real honeymoon
Graham and I are leaving for Kauai tomorrow morning for our weeklong honeymoon.
And yes, you should be jealous.
And yes, you should be jealous.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Baby Names
Ok, so I was bored this evening and started surfing random blogs. I came across a lot of blogs of young Mormon newlyweds and young Mormon families.. and was disgusted.
Seriously.
Do we have to misspell every traditional name to make it unique? Does adding a Y, Z or K make a name cool?
Or what about those super weird names that have to be made up or found in an archaic version of Webster's dictionary, like Traeger? How can you even tell if that's a boy or a girl?
What about the ultra-Mormon name Talmage? Why don't you just name your son Uchtdorf or Faust?
How about Talon.. as in.. "do the chickens have large talons?"
Come on people.. You make me sick.
Seriously.
Do we have to misspell every traditional name to make it unique? Does adding a Y, Z or K make a name cool?
Or what about those super weird names that have to be made up or found in an archaic version of Webster's dictionary, like Traeger? How can you even tell if that's a boy or a girl?
What about the ultra-Mormon name Talmage? Why don't you just name your son Uchtdorf or Faust?
How about Talon.. as in.. "do the chickens have large talons?"
Come on people.. You make me sick.
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