Catch Up

Lots of stuff going on - I haven't posted for a long time. I don't really have tons of time to do that right now either, but just an update...

1. We finally finished all of the childrens' clothing sales for our foundation, The Four of Hearts. We made over $3000, so we are feeling really good about it. Most of the money will go toward the feeding program for the kids in the village of Los Roblos in Guatemala. When Kris talked to the orphanage director, she asked if they could use some of the money for a new pre-natal program they are starting... they want to give a dozen eggs and a container of Incamparina (a protein type drink) to each pregnant woman in the village, each week, hoping that it will help them to be more healthy, and that their milk will be able to come in, so they can breast-feed instead of feeding the babies water. 80 babies died in the village last year because their moms couldn't feed them. So sad. I'm so glad that we can help. All the hard work (and I do mean HARD) was worth it.

2. I started a new job - about 20 hours a week. I'm the assistant for a financial advisor, and I, admittedly, know NOTHING about the business. I'm nervous. I'll do fine, but it sure is hard going back to work. Even just part time. But, the good part is that I'll be able to work from my home office, so I won't be GOING anywhere really. Sweet, huh?

3. I was just asked to substitute teach for the 16-17 year old Sunday school class this coming Sunday. *cringe* Last time I was the teacher for that class (7 years ago), I got so annoyed with them NOT listening to me, and making too much freakin' noise, that I told everyone who wanted to learn about the scriptures to come over on the right side of the room. Only about 4 did (Grant was one of them - he knew better than to cross Mom!), and then I closed the divider between the two rooms! I taught the class of kids that came with me, and left the other kids to do whatever they wanted to. I was SO mad. It completely ruined my Sunday. I'm usually really good with teenagers - I taught early morning seminary and loved it! But I can only be just SO patient, and then it's better to just walk away. Later that day, the doorbell rang, and when I opened it - there were the little buggers, with a plate of cookies for me, and an apology. (I think it was the girls' idea, but the boys came too - probably because the girls made them!). Let's hope this Sunday will be better than the one 7 years ago.

4. I'm working with Bethanie and Colette (my fellow cancer survivors), and my plastic surgeon's office, to organize our new Breast Cancer support group. It's taking awhile. We finally decided on a name - Sister Survivors. The biggest road block right now is our logo. We've come up with a few, but can't all agree on just one. The latest idea is that we need to use the breast cancer ribbon in our logo, so I've come up with one that is symbolic of different women coming together to help each other. Here is it...

(this is just my hand drawing - nothing fancy. It will look better when it's professionally done.)

I haven't heard back from everyone, and we can't really go forward until we've made a decision. Everything is waiting on this - the website/blog, the business cards, the posters, signs, everything. *sigh*

5. I got my hair cut and colored. First time since my hair started coming back in. It's nice to have a style now instead of just a head of hair growing back in all different lengths. My boys told me I needed to do something - fast - because the back was growing faster than the top, and it looked like I had a mullet - a major hair disaster! (I don't even know how to spell mullet!)

6. We are moving forward with Michael's mission preparations. He'll get ordained as an Elder this Sunday, and then start the mission papers. On the advise of the bishop, he is getting his passport this week. He might not need it, but it's good to be more prepared. I bet we'll be able to finish his papers super fast. He could have his mission call within a month! We are so excited!

7. My parents are leaving tomorrow to travel around the country - and I do mean AROUND. They are traveling from here - in a big circle - to the east coast (Virginia) and then back. They are taking their new 5th wheel trailer, and they'll be gone a whole month! Ah, to be young and in love! WAIT! Ah, to be RETIRED and in love. What fun!

8. I bought a treadmill from the mom of one of Grant's friends. Now, I just have to use it. Yeah.

9. Grant just returned from a vacation with his friends to San Diego. They drove - 2 cars. They had a blast. There are cool pictures of him doing all kinds of things. Here's one of the pictures...

When I saw this cool surfer dude picture, I asked Grant if they actually knew how to surf. He said no, but they looked it up on the internet before they went! Oh, and he also watched a surfing documentary on TV. So... that's good. (?!) Surfer dude? More like surfer dork! But, he does look pretty cool in the picture, right?

Well, my time is up - I have to go get ready now (for work). Have a great day!

Random Thoughts - April 8, 2010

I'm doing a random thoughts day today...

What is up with Blogger and pictures?! Is anyone else having problems with the pictures on their blogs NOT showing up? Geez. Every time I open up one of my blogs, something different is missing. Wonder what's going on.

I've been asked to take a job with a neighbor. I used to spend a lot of time with his wife years ago, when I first moved to Utah. She was my very first new friend here. I'm really excited to have an excuse to spend more time with their family. The job is doing the office work for him - he's a financial adviser I think. He sent me the job description, but it all foreign to me. It makes me think that perhaps I'm not going to do well. But, learning new things is good. I just hope my stupid "chemo brain" doesn't interfere with gaining the knowledge that I need (and retaining it).

Rick and Alexmeister are gone on a bike trip - they are riding on the White Rim Trail (in Moab I think). It's Alex's first big bike trip. I'm a little bit worried about him being able to keep up, because he doesn't really ride a bike that often. However, he is a totally MONSTER when it comes to exercise - he'll probably be fine. Rick, of course, is already a biker, so he'll have a great time. As I was cuddling down under my WARM covers in bed last night, I thought about those two poor freezing guys - they are sleeping in sleeping bags - camping out. I was afraid they would freeze to death, but I haven't heard anything, so I guess they survived the night. What is it about sleeping outside that guys love so much? Personally, if I went my WHOLE life without camping, I'd be happy.

I am going with the board of my new cancer support group today, to check out the conference room of some law offices - they've offered us their room for our meetings. I'm pretty sure we'll take it, since we are totally broke and can't really pick and choose. I think, though, that it's going to be REALLY nice. I can't wait.

Kris and I are getting ready for another childrens' clothing sale. We made about $1400 at the last one, and got a bunch more stuff donated, so we have to price all the new stuff. This next sale is in the South Towne Expo center, so I think we'll sell a TON. Don't think we'll be going to Guatemala this summer, though. Plans have changed. More on that later.

Oh my gosh - it's almost 11:00 and I haven't even showered yet. (Hey - don't even think about laughing - I've exercised, and made myself a good breakfast, AND blogged! So, I'm not as far behind as you think.) I've got tons more random thoughts today, but no time to write them down (or spell-check these).

Have a great day!

Random Sampler - March 2010

Wow. It's been a LONG time since I did a post on this blog. Sorry about that. So, I guess I'll do a random thoughts day and bring everyone up to speed on what I've been up to...

1. I started a new eating plan on Monday. It's not hard, except that I'm trying to get used to what I'm eating. The plan is called The Six-Week Body Makeover. It's not a big deal, really. You just EAT to LOSE. It's what you eat (and what you don't eat) that is important. I can eat protein, carbs (a few), vegetables, and fruit. Everything needs to be fresh - nothing in cans, or boxes - just fresh. Which is really nice actually. You eat 6 times a day - three meals and three snacks. That's to keep your metabolism revved. You figure out what your body type is, and then when you understand that, you pick out the meal plan that is best for your body type. I'm a body type "C". For proteins I get lean chicken breast, turkey breast, any kinds of seafood, and egg whites. The problem I'm having is that I have to eat a protein for every meal and snack (except my nighttime snack). I'm running out of different ways to cook chicken breast! I'm getting awfully sick of egg whites. And I can't stand seafood. I can have potatoes and rice, but no bread or pasta. (Withdrawal!!!) But, the good news is that I can have lots of fruits and vegetables. Probably the hardest part is staying completely away from sodium - it just seems that things taste so much better when you add a tiny bit of salt. AND I can't have dairy products right now - they are WAY high in fat and sugar. So, I'm having milk and cheese withdrawal. I'm really never hungry. And it's working - I've lost 7 pounds so far. My goal? Just hoping to lose some weight so I can feel better. And I want to learn about food - the best way to fix it, and what's good (and bad) for my body.

2. Alex joined the Track team at Lone Peak High. So, I spent a buttload of money on shoes, shorts, shirts, fees, etc. I've never had a kid in track before. I've never BEEN to a track meet before. Last night was my first one. And of course, they ask the parents to help. So, there were 4 area schools at the meet. I helped with the Discus - that pancake shaped, heavy metal thing, that HUGE guys (and girls) throw as far as they can. The farthest was 122 feet! Alex ran the 100 and the 200. I missed his first race because I was at the discus. Then, I waited FOREVER for all the rest of the events to pass before his next race came up. Finally, I headed home, because (1) he didn't really want me to watch him run, because he didn't think he was that fast yet, and (2) it was dinner time and I needed to get home and worry about everyone else. So, we ate dinner, and then about an hour later I get this text from Alex: "Where are you? I ran the 200 and took first place! My time was 26.44." Oh. My. Hell! I ALWAYS miss Alex's triumphs. No lie! No matter what cool thing he does, I'm not there to see it. What a loser mom. (I had him give me a play-by-play when he got home, but it's just not the same as being there and screaming my head off because Alex just kicked butt in a race. Geez!

3. My sis, Kris, hurt her back last week - really bad. She has some major disk problems, and about 5 months ago got shots in her back to help. And it did help. But last week the shots "ran out" or something, because one day she woke up and could not move. Seriously. It was bad. I spent my day taking her to the doctor to get more shots. They didn't work immediately (they take from 24 hours to 6 days to work), so I got her home and on the sofa, and then when her boys came home from school, I went home. Her husband and oldest daughter were out of town at the time. Around 11:00 pm, TJ (my nephew) called and told me he was taking her to the emergency room. Long story short... I ended up staying the night at her house, and then spending a couple of other days with her. The biggest (and cutest) problem is Ellie - she's my niece, who is 2 1/2, and Kris couldn't even move off of the bed. So, it was ME to the rescue. Which is ok - I owe her BIG TIME for taking me to EVERY single plastic surgeon's appt. last year during my breast cancer.

4. Grant and his girlfriend, Alyx, broke up. I won't say anything else about that, except I'm sorry and sad. :-(

5. Michael's girlfriend, Ashley, is having surgery on her knee today. She'll be in a full leg cast for awhile. Bummer. Good luck, Ashley.

6. This week promises to be a busy week - Kris and I are trying to get ready for the Just Between Friends sell (used kids clothing/toys) here in Utah. We are gathering clothing to sell. When we've got everything, we have to tag it all (with bar code tags) and hang everything on hangers, pack the trailer with all of it, and then next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, we will be at the sell. I handed out about 75 fliers yesterday in my neighborhood. I really hope to get lots of clothes. It's a great time for everyone to go through all their kids clothing and toys, and do a big Spring Clean. We are raising money for our foundation... The Four of Hearts. The money will help us travel, and buy supplies, for our trip to Guatemala in the summer. We are taking teens to work at an orphanage there. I hope. It's going to cost about $1200 per person, and I'm worried about coming up with all of the money. Is there, by any chance, a ka-billionaire who reads this blog who would like to sponsor (i.e. pay for) our trip to Guatemala?!

7. It's the last week of the quarter for the kids again. That means late night homework sessions for the last two weeks. They are trying to catch up, and do extra credit for all of their classes. It's just a big pain in the butt. I NEVER had this much homework. Seriously. There is no time for them to just be kids. Alex commented one morning as I was driving him to school in the dark, that he never sees daylight! He gets to school in the dark, and comes home when it's almost dark. Poor kid. It is self-imposed: he took an early morning Jazz Band class, and after school drivers ed, plus track team. But, still. That's just sad. Once again, I'm looking forward to summer. AND hoping that yet another kid survives High School.

8. I made some pretty good money working on a book for a client this last week. I've been really busy trying to get it done. It's for his father's 80th birthday party, so there was a definite deadline. The family I worked with is great, and the book was beautiful. I hope they are happy with it. I'm finding that my favorite part of my job as a Cherish Bound consultant is helping people with their stories. I love making books, and preserving memories for and with people. I just hope that business picks up, so that I can make some more money, or I'm going to have to get another job.

9. The last thing in this post... I promised to advertise for a company that came to my door: the Kirby vacuum company. I wasn't 100% pleased, but I was amazed just the same. A girl came to my door and told me they would clean a room's carpet for free. I told her I didn't want a sales pitch because I wasn't going to buy anything. She said - no problem, we'll just clean your carpet. Ok. So, I moved all the furniture out of the room (you know how long that takes). I picked my Greatroom. It's not huge, but it's still probably about 20x18. Plus they asked me to pre-vacuum before they came in. So I did. They set up and started the sales pitch. I told them I had no intention of buying a Kirby vacuum. Just clean my carpet. The end result? When they finally got the message that I was NOT going to spend over $3000 on a vacuum (yes, $3000 - or 36 payments of $80, plus interest!), they decided that they would just hurry and get things over with - in other words, clean only a small patch of the entire room, and then leave. So, I was not too happy about that. It was a typical sales rip off. BUT, I will say that the young man that cleaned my patch of carpet was AMAZING! His name is Scott and I really liked him. He did a great job on the small part that he did. The Kirby vacuum is also AMAZING. Really, there is just no other word for it. It really SUCKED! Literally. I could not believe what was in my carpet. I have a dog, so I know there is dog hair in my house. And I know that I don't have the best vacuum. And, our carpet is pretty stained - it's 10 years old, and it just doesn't look great anymore. All of that said, I still can't believe what was in my carpet. Here's a picture of what the Kirby did to just a small 6x4 foot patch of my carpet....

Yep, that's dirt on those black squares. Ok, so I don't want you to gross out... the rest of my house is not like that... but, WOW! Can you believe that?! It just shows how stupid it is to have a dog in the house, and what a crappy vacuum I have right now (it's a stupid Kenmore). Hopefully my husband doesn't read this blog post - he would have a heart attack if he knew I posted that picture. So, don't tell him!

That's about it. I better go update all of the rest of my blogs. Time just gets away from me. Have a great day!

Random Thoughts

I have had the flu for 5 days! What a rotten week. This week was supposed to be the first week of my new fitness plan - eating right and walking every day. It's really depressing that I haven't been able to stick to what I had planned. Oh well. As soon as I feel better, I'll make sure I start.

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I've been reading a lot, lately. Quite a few good books: "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater", "U is For Undertow", "The Search For The Red Dragon" (from the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica), and now I'm reading "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. I've read all of these books since Christmas! Do you ever get into the reading zone? I do. Sometimes I'll go for quite a while and only read one book, and then at other times, I can't put the books down, and I'll go through a ton. This last month has been like that. *Sigh* So many books, so little time!
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As I type, my 3rd son, Alex, is getting reading to do his DBQ in American Studies (honors English and honors History combined class). A DBQ is a Document Based Question - he'll be given a document and then he has a certain amount of time to write a paper, using the document and his knowledge about it and the time period. He was given a "heads up" on what he might have to write on - they gave him 4 questions. He had to study extensively for all 4 questions. Then, at the first of class today, he'll go up and pull a question out of a hat - and that's the one he'll have to write on. Wow. I'm so glad I'm no longer in high school. Aometimes I wonder why the teachers have to to think up the hardest things for kids to do. Why do they have to make the kids so miserable?! I really wish him luck today.

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Speaking of school work, it's the last week of the quarter. I have a love/hate relationship with the last week of each quarter. On one hand, there is always a TON of homework - kids are trying to catch up, and finish late/missing work. I'm going to sound like a mom here - if they would just do it when it's assigned, we wouldn't have such a miserable last week of the quarter! On the other hand, it makes me so happy when that last day comes - and the kids walk in from school. I feel like celebrating - it's kind of like that feeling you get on the last day of the school year. No more stress for a little while. Of course, it's not the last day of the school year, so that feeling doesn't last very long, but it's nice for a minute.

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So, I've experience every mother's nightmare lately - my oldest is talking marriage. Not for a while hopefully, but just the fact that he's thinking about it makes me sad. I'm not saying that I don't love the girl he's met - I do, really - but every mom of a boy knows that she's the number one girl in his heart. Until he meets HER. That, right - HER. Then, Mom is quickly relegated to second place, and will be forever. Sad, huh? I can't help thinking about the past - quite often, too. What a beautiful little boy he was - all the fun we had together, just the two of us, how smart he was through school, how loyal he was to his friends, the talent he showed every time he picked up a musical instrument, etc. How much I missed him when he left on his mission for 2 years to a foreign country. How happy I was when he came home. Everyone says that you don't lose a son, you gain a daughter. Which is something I've always wanted. I've joked for years that I'm going to get my girls after they've gone through those awful teenage years! Haha. But, I can wait. I hope he takes things slowly. Young love is so sweet. But, having him belong to just me for a little longer is much sweeter.

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I've been reading lots of blogs lately - and most of them have New Years Resolutions listed. Hmmm. I guess I'd better list mine too. Maybe that's a good subject for tomorrow's post.

Random Stuff...

Today I went to the salon and had my hair styled. For the first time in a year. That's right - I now have just barely enough hair to style.



I have a huge box of plums sitting on my counter. My kitchen table is full of small plastic containers and MCP Pectin. Can you guess what I'll be doing all day tomorrow? That's right - by the end of tomorrow, instead of all that stuff, I'll have 100 containers of plum freezer jam sitting on the counter. Mmmmmm!


Alex is getting closer to his deadline on the research paper he's trying to finish. I hate research papers. Guess I know what we'll all be worrying about this weekend.


My office is a mess. I really need to clean it up. It seems like this happens about 3 or 4 times a week. One day it looks great, and the next day it's messy. How can one person cause such chaos?


Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month. One year ago in October I had a bi-lateral mastectomy. In the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness month. How ironic. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!


I've got to go sit down and finish my book - The Last Symbol (or is it the LOST symbol? I can't remember). It's Dan Brown's new book. It's pretty good.


Ever have one of those days when you are just plain tired of trying to make your business work? Me, too.


I need a vacation. Wonder if I can scrounge up enough money to go somewhere for the weekend soon? I was supposed to go to Arizona for 8 days with my parents this week. I got sick. Figures.


It's Fall. Time passes way too fast. I love Fall, but it makes me sad that Winter is just around the corner. Fall means cool nights, beautiful colors, and FOOTBALL. Winter means cold (brrrrr), slush, snow, and cold. Yuck. But, it also means Christmas, so maybe it's ok that the seasons are changing.


Made the yummiest dinner tonight - BBQ chicken on the grill (cooked to perfection!), pesto pasta (say that 5 times fast), corn, and garlic bread. Yum.


I'm working on making books for Christmas gifts - I'm buried under an avalanche of pictures. Memories are thick around me.


It's getting late, so this random sampler is coming to a close. Oh, did I mention that I got my hair styled today?


HAIR. *sigh* HAIR. Mmmmm... HAIR. YES! Hair... Hair. :-)