Sunday, December 30, 2007
Waiting to be sick
Sabrina and I are currently visiting some friends in St. George. On the ride down, Adie threw up 3 times (first time was chunky with peas, nasty stuff). We didn't think too much of it as she's had a cold, and we assumed that she'd swallowed mucus and that had caused an upset stomach. Turns out she also had the runs. Anyway, we made it through Friday night and Saturday she seemed pretty much normal. Saturday evening, Sabrina and our friend Clark both got sick between midnight and 1 am and threw up off and on for several hours. Our friend Shannon got sick this afternoon. I'm currently the only one in the house not sick with the flu. I feel like I'm just waiting my turn. Tonight, for the first time ever, I'm sleeping on the couch; hopefully I'll avoid the getting sick too. I've washed my hands so often that they're dry and scaly. But believe me, dry and scaly skin is nothing compared to the awfulness that Sabrina says she has.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Deja Vu
For any of you who knew me several years ago, you would know that one of the things I enjoyed most was staying up late, playing Starcraft and eating Pasta-Roni. (These were not mutually exclusive activities.) So, 7.5 years after I first stepped foot into Young hall and met my roommates with whom I did these activities, I find myself up at 2 am (it's still early, I know) eating Pasta-Roni, having played Starcraft for several hours this evening. It's deja vu all over again.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas Music - Best and Worst
In a previous post I said I loved music and I am opinionated, which is why you get the following post. I love Christmas music, love it! Of course, I like some songs more than others and I truly despise a few. So, without further ado, here is my best and worst Christmas song list for 2007.
My Top 4 Traditional Christmas Songs (Songs that have been around for a while and have been sung by a number of different people):
4. O Holy Night (Favorite Version : Celine Dion) - This used to be my all-time favorite, but I hear it so often it has moved down a few notches. However, the melody is so beautiful and so are the words. I will always love this song. As a side note, I am not normally a Celine fan. I recognize she is talented, but the music she chooses to sing just doesn't normally do it for me. However, I have heard no one else that can give me chills on the final noel of this song like she can.
3. Mary's Boy Child (Favorite Version: Charlotte Church) - What a sweet song and the message is perfect!
2. Silent Night (Favorite Version: Don't have one. It is always beautiful) - This song often brings me to tears. It is simple and humble and truly magnifies the spirit of the real meaning of Christmas.
1. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Favorite Version: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - This song is gorgeous and majestic. I can't even explain how I felt to hear it sung live by the MoTab last year while attending a Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. I wanted that moment to last forever.
My Top 4 Original Christmas Songs (Songs that are written and sung by the same person, not so traditional):
4. Christmas Day by Dido - I just think this is such a cute song.
3. Christmas Song by Dave Matthews - I love that Dave is singing about Christ, very well written and sweet.
2. Christmas by Blues Traveler - The polyphony at the end is so great and Blues Traveler is always fun to hear.
1. Arise and Shine Forth by Michael McLean (thank goodness he has someone else sing it though) - The words of this are so amazing. It really makes me think about Christ's mission and what we need to do to be his disciples.
My Top 4 Worst Christmas Songs (I really have to change the station any time I hear any inkling of these songs):
4. Christmas Shoes - Ok, so the message of this song is very sad and sweet, but it goes beyond the realm of tolerable cheesiness for me.
3. Santa Baby - So whiny and commercial. I know a lot of people think it's fun, but I can't stand it.
2. Hey Santa - I don't know why I dislike this song, but I really, really do.
1. Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart - I can't stand the synth in this (the synth needs to be used very wisely in any music in my opinion) and it just goes downhill from there.
I hope I haven't offended anyone with my opinions, because that's all they are, my opinions. However, I'd love to hear what some of your best / worst Christmas songs are.
My Top 4 Traditional Christmas Songs (Songs that have been around for a while and have been sung by a number of different people):
4. O Holy Night (Favorite Version : Celine Dion) - This used to be my all-time favorite, but I hear it so often it has moved down a few notches. However, the melody is so beautiful and so are the words. I will always love this song. As a side note, I am not normally a Celine fan. I recognize she is talented, but the music she chooses to sing just doesn't normally do it for me. However, I have heard no one else that can give me chills on the final noel of this song like she can.
3. Mary's Boy Child (Favorite Version: Charlotte Church) - What a sweet song and the message is perfect!
2. Silent Night (Favorite Version: Don't have one. It is always beautiful) - This song often brings me to tears. It is simple and humble and truly magnifies the spirit of the real meaning of Christmas.
1. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Favorite Version: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - This song is gorgeous and majestic. I can't even explain how I felt to hear it sung live by the MoTab last year while attending a Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. I wanted that moment to last forever.
My Top 4 Original Christmas Songs (Songs that are written and sung by the same person, not so traditional):
4. Christmas Day by Dido - I just think this is such a cute song.
3. Christmas Song by Dave Matthews - I love that Dave is singing about Christ, very well written and sweet.
2. Christmas by Blues Traveler - The polyphony at the end is so great and Blues Traveler is always fun to hear.
1. Arise and Shine Forth by Michael McLean (thank goodness he has someone else sing it though) - The words of this are so amazing. It really makes me think about Christ's mission and what we need to do to be his disciples.
My Top 4 Worst Christmas Songs (I really have to change the station any time I hear any inkling of these songs):
4. Christmas Shoes - Ok, so the message of this song is very sad and sweet, but it goes beyond the realm of tolerable cheesiness for me.
3. Santa Baby - So whiny and commercial. I know a lot of people think it's fun, but I can't stand it.
2. Hey Santa - I don't know why I dislike this song, but I really, really do.
1. Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart - I can't stand the synth in this (the synth needs to be used very wisely in any music in my opinion) and it just goes downhill from there.
I hope I haven't offended anyone with my opinions, because that's all they are, my opinions. However, I'd love to hear what some of your best / worst Christmas songs are.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
9 Years
Last night Brett and I were up in SLC after a family party in the afternoon. The plan was to wait in the standby line at the Conference Center to try to get into the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert (heaven!). However, by the time we finished all the visiting and to-dos up there it was getting late and we had heard they turned several people away the night before. We decided it probably wasn't worth standing in the cold since we wouldn't get there early enough to get a seat. In lieu of this plan we opted to go out to dinner since my mom was already planning on babysitting Adie. We went to a cafe near my mom's home, which usually means I'll see someone I knew from high school, and of course I did. I actually saw multiple people there from high school, at least at a distance, none of which I knew well enough to get up and talk to. I wasn't even sure they would remember me.
There was one individual there though that probably would have remembered me, but maybe not. He was at a distant table, but it was very distinctly him. The funny thing is I realized, as we were sitting there, that he took me to the Christmas dance my junior year and it was probably this very same weekend NINE YEARS AGO! Hello! Where did the time go? I was a junior in high school nine years ago. I swear I didn't graduate that long ago, but yes, I did. I am almost to my 10 year reunion.
Now, the challenge I pose to those of my blog readers who knew my in high school...Who did I see yesterday at the Red Butte Cafe that took me to the Christmas Dance nine years ago? My hint is that I was super, super excited about it ;)
There was one individual there though that probably would have remembered me, but maybe not. He was at a distant table, but it was very distinctly him. The funny thing is I realized, as we were sitting there, that he took me to the Christmas dance my junior year and it was probably this very same weekend NINE YEARS AGO! Hello! Where did the time go? I was a junior in high school nine years ago. I swear I didn't graduate that long ago, but yes, I did. I am almost to my 10 year reunion.
Now, the challenge I pose to those of my blog readers who knew my in high school...Who did I see yesterday at the Red Butte Cafe that took me to the Christmas Dance nine years ago? My hint is that I was super, super excited about it ;)
School - What do you really want?
I was talking with one of my neighbors at church today. He's an electrical engineer with interests of study quite similar to my own. We were discussing finals and how they might go, as well as what he might do after he graduates. While we were talking, I once again realized the fact that I'm a good test taker. So good in fact, that I can fail to pay attention, study, or read for a class through the whole semester show up for the final (having crammed for a couple days) and pass with flying colors. (Note, I have a final tomorrow at 11 am; check back and see if I'm so confident in my abilities to this after the test.) The problem is, I don't retain the information like I should. After this semester is over, I probably won't be able to tell you the difference from a Banach or Hilbert space, or how to do LU decomposition without looking it up. The education system we live in inherently produces students with similar types of abilities. Now and then you'll get someone who actually reads the whole semester, pays attention in class every day, and studies as the class progresses.
One of my professors made an interesting comment while quoting someone else. He said, "Education is a funny thing, it's the only product where most people don't want their money's worth." But is that really the case? Why do you go to college? Do you go to learn? Do you go to get a better job? Or possibly both? I was never a fan of thermodynamics, and as I'm not doing anything related to that in my research and have no desire to pursue a degree in that area, will it matter that I can't remember the difference between a Grashof and a Nusselt number? Anyway, I'll quit now so I can wake up early to study Bayesian Classification and projective reconstruction in imagery. Yay.
One of my professors made an interesting comment while quoting someone else. He said, "Education is a funny thing, it's the only product where most people don't want their money's worth." But is that really the case? Why do you go to college? Do you go to learn? Do you go to get a better job? Or possibly both? I was never a fan of thermodynamics, and as I'm not doing anything related to that in my research and have no desire to pursue a degree in that area, will it matter that I can't remember the difference between a Grashof and a Nusselt number? Anyway, I'll quit now so I can wake up early to study Bayesian Classification and projective reconstruction in imagery. Yay.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Digital Music Rights Rant II
For all my talk of not expressing my opinions, I probably shouldn't have started, because now I feel compelled to follow it up with more opinion. Two opinions today, both of them having to do with a bill in Congress.
First:
The government wants to filter your internet. If anyone believes this is a good idea, I have a book you should read. It's called "1984" by George Orwell. It's starting with filtering for movies. But we've already seen that our government can't be trusted, as evidenced by the illegal wiretapping which the government is now, retroactively, trying to legalize. Whoever controls the information, rules. If our government starts by trying to filter certain types of content, who's to say that they can't interrupt or even replace content through filtering. Really, if you support government instituted filtering, go have your head examined.
Second:
For once, I agree with a portion of the government, not for the same reasons, but hey, we're aligned, sort of. The DOJ is opposing the passing of a bill that would create a position some are calling a "copyright czar". A position overseeing IP (intellectual property) enforcement which reports to the White House. They don't like people messing with their internal operating structure. I'm fine with them not wanting the bill because it makes their jobs more difficult. I don't like the bill because it's rediculous legislation which, if passed, only continues to illustrate how many politicians are on the payroll of the RIAA and MPAA. Rick Cotton, executive vice president and general counsel for NBC Universal and chairman of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy said, that IP issues tend to "fall down the 'to-do' list". Well, shoot. I'm sorry mister. I'm sorry. I didn't know that IP issues were the most important thing in this country. I'm actually quite pleased he feels that way. It is my opinion that most, if not all people really don't know what technology will be doing for us in 10 years. Our laws are being written by politicians who likewise are unable to imagine the possibilities and direction that technology will take our society. We are currently being pressured by industries to implement laws to deal with last years problems, stifle innovation by making the next great thing (youtube, etc.) more susceptible to lawsuits, and the penalties of which are exorbitant and totally out of whack with reality (the latest bill would allow you to be fined $1.5 million for you or your children sharing a single CD!).
This is my plea for people to be less apathetic about the laws that are being written in our society. The industries which are pressuring government now are far different than the oil companies, corn industries, and railroad barons which have influenced the government in the past. You can have a major update to an operating system (Ubuntu) in the time it takes to grow a crop of corn, or a new internet buzzword (google) in less time than it takes to drill a well and setup a refinery. The lives of everyone, including yours and mine, are being shaped by special interests groups who don't understand and really, can't image, the possibilities which lie before us. We live in a time which has greater potential for good, and for bad, than ever before. While pirating isn't the answer, neither is the response of the RIAA and MPAA (though to be fair, they're not the only groups who are pushing for bad IP legislation). Anyway, enough ranting for a day. Tune in again soon for the next session of my rants.
First:
The government wants to filter your internet. If anyone believes this is a good idea, I have a book you should read. It's called "1984" by George Orwell. It's starting with filtering for movies. But we've already seen that our government can't be trusted, as evidenced by the illegal wiretapping which the government is now, retroactively, trying to legalize. Whoever controls the information, rules. If our government starts by trying to filter certain types of content, who's to say that they can't interrupt or even replace content through filtering. Really, if you support government instituted filtering, go have your head examined.
Second:
For once, I agree with a portion of the government, not for the same reasons, but hey, we're aligned, sort of. The DOJ is opposing the passing of a bill that would create a position some are calling a "copyright czar". A position overseeing IP (intellectual property) enforcement which reports to the White House. They don't like people messing with their internal operating structure. I'm fine with them not wanting the bill because it makes their jobs more difficult. I don't like the bill because it's rediculous legislation which, if passed, only continues to illustrate how many politicians are on the payroll of the RIAA and MPAA. Rick Cotton, executive vice president and general counsel for NBC Universal and chairman of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy said, that IP issues tend to "fall down the 'to-do' list". Well, shoot. I'm sorry mister. I'm sorry. I didn't know that IP issues were the most important thing in this country. I'm actually quite pleased he feels that way. It is my opinion that most, if not all people really don't know what technology will be doing for us in 10 years. Our laws are being written by politicians who likewise are unable to imagine the possibilities and direction that technology will take our society. We are currently being pressured by industries to implement laws to deal with last years problems, stifle innovation by making the next great thing (youtube, etc.) more susceptible to lawsuits, and the penalties of which are exorbitant and totally out of whack with reality (the latest bill would allow you to be fined $1.5 million for you or your children sharing a single CD!).
This is my plea for people to be less apathetic about the laws that are being written in our society. The industries which are pressuring government now are far different than the oil companies, corn industries, and railroad barons which have influenced the government in the past. You can have a major update to an operating system (Ubuntu) in the time it takes to grow a crop of corn, or a new internet buzzword (google) in less time than it takes to drill a well and setup a refinery. The lives of everyone, including yours and mine, are being shaped by special interests groups who don't understand and really, can't image, the possibilities which lie before us. We live in a time which has greater potential for good, and for bad, than ever before. While pirating isn't the answer, neither is the response of the RIAA and MPAA (though to be fair, they're not the only groups who are pushing for bad IP legislation). Anyway, enough ranting for a day. Tune in again soon for the next session of my rants.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Digital Music Rights rant
I'm not one to really publicly express my disgust with the RIAA or the MPAA (though I do have it). As a disclaimer, I don't download music off of P2P software, or any other illegal channels. The latest and greatest (well, actually worst) that they are working on is trying to peg mp3s as evil. In Atlantic vs. Howell, they specifically call out mp3 and say that if the songs are ripped to a person's computer in mp3 format and in a shared folder, the songs are no longer authorized copies. If successful in their claims, "fair use" of music which you've purchased will continue to be eroded. The music industry would like nothing more than to sell you music on a CD that you can only use in your house. It would then like to sell you a copy for a musical ringtone for your phone, and a DRM encrypted copy to play on your non-mp3 music player. Oh, and then maybe one more copy that you can only play in your car, if they can swing it. I don't think a lot of people realize how much is at stake as the RIAA continues to sue people. I realize I'm degenerating into a rant, but this is a modern monopoly changing laws and rewriting fair use to help maximize the paychecks of the executives and the lawyers associated with the RIAA. And they're just planning on succeeding based on people's apathy, but that's a rant for another day.
Monday, December 10, 2007
I'm it!
I got tagged last week and meant to do this so long ago, but last week was definitely busy, so finally, here goes...7 things you may not (or may) know about me.
***Disclaimer: I am not trying to fish for compliments here, just merely stating facts, so don't feel like you have to tell me, "no, Sabrina I think you're wonderful at x!"
1. I love music, and I especially love to sing. I sing to every song in the car, even to the lyrics I don't know and to the instrumental parts. I will even drive Brett nuts by singing obnoxiously to songs I don't like. I often keep singing as I arrive at my destination and get out of the car. I am sure more than one person has heard me in the grocery store parking lot. I also love being in choirs and love rehearsing. I am actually sad that ward choir is only once a week for only a half hour or so. One of of things I'd really love to do in life is sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This probably won't happen because, well, despite the amount of time I put into singing, I am really not to good at it (please see disclaimer). I don't have a vibrato at all and part of my register has been damaged so my voice is all scratchy when I sing certain notes. This doesn't deter me from singing, but I prefer to sing in groups so I can just sort of blend in and no one has to hear my not so stellar voice. No matter, I just want to sing!
2. My favorite TV show is Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It makes me (and Brett) cry pretty much every week. It's amazing all the things they do for the families they help. When I first started watching the show I thought Ty Pennington was somewhat obnoxious, but he's really toned it down and I think he genuinely cares about the families they help, so I really respect him. He's probably the celebrity I would most like to meet.
3. I am very opinionated. If you tell me about an issue I am not familiar with, chances are I will have formed an opinion by the time you finish telling me about it. I read the opinion page of the newspaper practically everyday and I like to read the comments on online news articles, so I can understand others' opinions as well. I think it's good to have healthy debate about issues every once in a while, and it's good to know what you think about things. I do think it's important to consider other points of view though and be willing to change your mind. I don't know if I am really good at that yet, but I'm trying.
4. I dislike almost every condiment or salad dressing out there. Exceptions are sour cream and creamy pesto salad dressing from the Spaghetti Factory (but you have to order it on the side because they put way too much on). I like things plain, I guess. I actually have no problem with seasoned or hot foods, but I don't need a lot of seasonings to enjoy food either. I think the natural flavor of a lot of foods is better than being drenched in ranch or ketchup. The worst condiment, in my not so humble opinion, is mustard. That is one disgusting flavor.
5. I love to cook. The fact that I don't like condiments and I like things natural (AKA bland to some people) though hinders me from ever becoming a great cook. I'll make something and think it tastes fabulous when, in reality, many people find it under seasoned. If I just follow a recipe I am usually ok if the recipe is good, but I like to experiment too and this is a bit more tricky. That's ok because I keep trying.
6. I also love to bake, especially bread. We have a bread maker, which can be quite convenient, but if I have time, I prefer to make it all by hand. I think it tastes better and it's fun to knead the dough. My latest baking feat was baguettes. They were a lot of fun to make and pretty darn tasty. Good thing bread can be bland ;)
7. I am fascinated with other languages. I would like to be trilingual someday. I guess you could consider me bilingual now, but my Spanish is pretty rusty. We are hoping to one day live overseas for a time and I would love it to be a place where I can learn another language.
***Disclaimer: I am not trying to fish for compliments here, just merely stating facts, so don't feel like you have to tell me, "no, Sabrina I think you're wonderful at x!"
1. I love music, and I especially love to sing. I sing to every song in the car, even to the lyrics I don't know and to the instrumental parts. I will even drive Brett nuts by singing obnoxiously to songs I don't like. I often keep singing as I arrive at my destination and get out of the car. I am sure more than one person has heard me in the grocery store parking lot. I also love being in choirs and love rehearsing. I am actually sad that ward choir is only once a week for only a half hour or so. One of of things I'd really love to do in life is sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This probably won't happen because, well, despite the amount of time I put into singing, I am really not to good at it (please see disclaimer). I don't have a vibrato at all and part of my register has been damaged so my voice is all scratchy when I sing certain notes. This doesn't deter me from singing, but I prefer to sing in groups so I can just sort of blend in and no one has to hear my not so stellar voice. No matter, I just want to sing!
2. My favorite TV show is Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It makes me (and Brett) cry pretty much every week. It's amazing all the things they do for the families they help. When I first started watching the show I thought Ty Pennington was somewhat obnoxious, but he's really toned it down and I think he genuinely cares about the families they help, so I really respect him. He's probably the celebrity I would most like to meet.
3. I am very opinionated. If you tell me about an issue I am not familiar with, chances are I will have formed an opinion by the time you finish telling me about it. I read the opinion page of the newspaper practically everyday and I like to read the comments on online news articles, so I can understand others' opinions as well. I think it's good to have healthy debate about issues every once in a while, and it's good to know what you think about things. I do think it's important to consider other points of view though and be willing to change your mind. I don't know if I am really good at that yet, but I'm trying.
4. I dislike almost every condiment or salad dressing out there. Exceptions are sour cream and creamy pesto salad dressing from the Spaghetti Factory (but you have to order it on the side because they put way too much on). I like things plain, I guess. I actually have no problem with seasoned or hot foods, but I don't need a lot of seasonings to enjoy food either. I think the natural flavor of a lot of foods is better than being drenched in ranch or ketchup. The worst condiment, in my not so humble opinion, is mustard. That is one disgusting flavor.
5. I love to cook. The fact that I don't like condiments and I like things natural (AKA bland to some people) though hinders me from ever becoming a great cook. I'll make something and think it tastes fabulous when, in reality, many people find it under seasoned. If I just follow a recipe I am usually ok if the recipe is good, but I like to experiment too and this is a bit more tricky. That's ok because I keep trying.
6. I also love to bake, especially bread. We have a bread maker, which can be quite convenient, but if I have time, I prefer to make it all by hand. I think it tastes better and it's fun to knead the dough. My latest baking feat was baguettes. They were a lot of fun to make and pretty darn tasty. Good thing bread can be bland ;)
7. I am fascinated with other languages. I would like to be trilingual someday. I guess you could consider me bilingual now, but my Spanish is pretty rusty. We are hoping to one day live overseas for a time and I would love it to be a place where I can learn another language.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Stories of Couplism: Toast
Couplisms: The manifestation of differences between a husband and wife. These differences in mannerisms can lead to quirks and inside jokes which many may laugh at because they too experience them.
Toast. It's a common enough breakfast food. Many people enjoy eating it with breakfast. I actually eat it for breakfast. I don't take time for anything else in the mornings and it's convenient to eat as I walk out the door. I like toast three different ways: with butter and garlic salt, with butter and honey, or with butter and cinnamon and sugar. (On a side note, garlic salt is better than you'd expect) However, there is something I don't like eating for breakfast: croûtons.
It's funny how much difference an 1/8 turn of the knob on the toaster can make. For those who don't know the story, I am sometimes accused of eating warmed-over bread. However, these stories are blown wildly out of proportion. I turn the knob on the toaster to half way, a "medium" setting. The bread actually does turn brown. However, I prefer not to have the desire to put Caesar dressing on it.
This morning, like many mornings, I dropped my two slices of bread in the toaster, and low and behold, out popped croutons. The crouton elves must have been using our toaster in the middle of the night because I know that Sabrina would never leave the toaster set to "croutonize". She would know that I might accidentally drop my toast into the toaster without realizing that she was eating salad for breakfast.
Well, maybe that's not the case. Maybe she turned it that extra 1/8th of a turn so that she could enjoy her well done toast (she'd have it burnt everyday if it weren't bad for her). But just in case, keep an eye out for the crouton elves, will you?
Toast. It's a common enough breakfast food. Many people enjoy eating it with breakfast. I actually eat it for breakfast. I don't take time for anything else in the mornings and it's convenient to eat as I walk out the door. I like toast three different ways: with butter and garlic salt, with butter and honey, or with butter and cinnamon and sugar. (On a side note, garlic salt is better than you'd expect) However, there is something I don't like eating for breakfast: croûtons.
It's funny how much difference an 1/8 turn of the knob on the toaster can make. For those who don't know the story, I am sometimes accused of eating warmed-over bread. However, these stories are blown wildly out of proportion. I turn the knob on the toaster to half way, a "medium" setting. The bread actually does turn brown. However, I prefer not to have the desire to put Caesar dressing on it.
This morning, like many mornings, I dropped my two slices of bread in the toaster, and low and behold, out popped croutons. The crouton elves must have been using our toaster in the middle of the night because I know that Sabrina would never leave the toaster set to "croutonize". She would know that I might accidentally drop my toast into the toaster without realizing that she was eating salad for breakfast.
Well, maybe that's not the case. Maybe she turned it that extra 1/8th of a turn so that she could enjoy her well done toast (she'd have it burnt everyday if it weren't bad for her). But just in case, keep an eye out for the crouton elves, will you?
Friday, November 30, 2007
College football
It's that time of year again. The time when everyone not from the Big 10 starts to complain about the BCS system. Yet again we see the mediocrity of "big time" conferences. UCLA has a chance to go to a BCS bowl game. UCLA!!! They would be 7-5. (Coincidentally, if UCLA does win the PAC-10, and Hawaii loses, odds are that BYU will go to a BCS bowl. Not that I'm cheering for that to happen or anything.) Anyone who claims that a system which allows only "elite" schools to be 6-5 and have a chance of going to a BCS bowl game with one game left in their season is a good idea is either controlled by Jim Delaney (commissioner of the Big 10 and football public enemy #1) or smoking crack.
I've found a post by a sports writer on Yahoo which I thought was well written proposal for the 16-team playoff system. While I personally haven't decided if his way would be the easiest/most likely/best way of overcoming the Bowl Cartel System, he also directly responded to some of the typical propaganda by answering letters by some of his readers. I would encourage all football fans everywhere to consider the needs of their team and realize that you'll get better football by changing the current system.
I've found a post by a sports writer on Yahoo which I thought was well written proposal for the 16-team playoff system. While I personally haven't decided if his way would be the easiest/most likely/best way of overcoming the Bowl Cartel System, he also directly responded to some of the typical propaganda by answering letters by some of his readers. I would encourage all football fans everywhere to consider the needs of their team and realize that you'll get better football by changing the current system.
Asserting Her Independence
I guess Ads thinks that being 10 months old means she's got it all down. She has recently been asserting her independence a lot. First off, I can't feed her. If I don't give her a finger food and try feeding her with a spoon she has to take the spoon from me and put it in her own mouth. It's not a skill she's mastered. It gets pretty messy, but she does get the majority of her food in her mouth. Also, although she still may not crawl yet, she is trying to learn to walk. She lets us know when she needs to walk somewhere and will lead us to her destination of choice and sit down. Heaven forbid we carry her there if she can walk there. Last, but not least, last night she stood without holding on to anything for a good 10 seconds. Brett and I just looked at her in awe. She's probably only stood for 3 or 4 seconds ever on her own. I guess she may actually be mobile soon!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sliding Rocks
Did you know that rocks can slide across the desert? Neither did I. You should really check out this article.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The amazing human brain
I'd like everyone to look at the following picture. See if you can pick out the 5 different shapes of objects (all objects are in black).
Now, having done that, look at the following picture. See if you can match the objects from the picture below to the types of objects found in the previous image.
That was pretty easy wasn't it? It is, unless you're trying to write a computer program to do it. This is essentially the program which has plagued my existence for the last 3 weeks. And I'm not done, and it's thanksgiving break. If I could only find my bugs...
Now, having done that, look at the following picture. See if you can match the objects from the picture below to the types of objects found in the previous image.
That was pretty easy wasn't it? It is, unless you're trying to write a computer program to do it. This is essentially the program which has plagued my existence for the last 3 weeks. And I'm not done, and it's thanksgiving break. If I could only find my bugs...
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Rivalry Week
Well, it's that time of year again, when Sabrina becomes simply unbearable as she talks up how her Utes will beat my Cougs. Again. She gleefully reminds me of how BYU hasn't been victorious over the U in Provo for years. Well my dear, this is the year.
In all honesty, I think this will be, yet again, a great football game. Utah has been, at best, dominating in their last seven games, at worst, they've won. BYU has been solid at best during their last seven games, at worst, they've won. To me, there a 3 main things to watch this game.
1 - Whose quarterback is healthier, and if they're not 100%, which quarterback can be more effective in the short game?
My Take: if both QBs are limited in efficiency beyond 15 yards, edge to BYU as their offense naturally calls for dump passes across the middle to TE and RBs. If BYU lets Brian Johnson run like they did TCU's Andy Dalton, it could be a long night for the BYU defense.
2 - Turnovers. BYU has survived all year even while turning the ball over. They even managed to almost win while turning the ball over lots at UCLA and Tulsa. Utah has done decently well in this area, but needed New Mexico to cough it up for their win to be comfortable.
My Take: if Utah turns it over more than BYU, edge to BYU, if not, this is a draw.
3 - Points. BYU is averaging 30.5 points in conference play (1st in conference), while Utah is averaging 23.9 (which does include the shutout by UNLV, 4th in conference). BYU has given up
15.3 ppg (2nd in conference) and Utah is giving up 12.4 ppg (1st in conference).
My Take: I know I probably shouldn't, but I GUARANTEE which ever team scores more points will win this one.
Is this the year that BYU finally breaks the Utah curse? Could it be that the magic of Lavell Edwards Stadium will finally extend to this game as well? Or will Utah yet again walk out of the TDS stadium with a W? I'm not sure either, but from now until Saturday it won't stop us from pounding our chests and proclaiming that our team is the better.
Go Cougs!
In all honesty, I think this will be, yet again, a great football game. Utah has been, at best, dominating in their last seven games, at worst, they've won. BYU has been solid at best during their last seven games, at worst, they've won. To me, there a 3 main things to watch this game.
1 - Whose quarterback is healthier, and if they're not 100%, which quarterback can be more effective in the short game?
My Take: if both QBs are limited in efficiency beyond 15 yards, edge to BYU as their offense naturally calls for dump passes across the middle to TE and RBs. If BYU lets Brian Johnson run like they did TCU's Andy Dalton, it could be a long night for the BYU defense.
2 - Turnovers. BYU has survived all year even while turning the ball over. They even managed to almost win while turning the ball over lots at UCLA and Tulsa. Utah has done decently well in this area, but needed New Mexico to cough it up for their win to be comfortable.
My Take: if Utah turns it over more than BYU, edge to BYU, if not, this is a draw.
3 - Points. BYU is averaging 30.5 points in conference play (1st in conference), while Utah is averaging 23.9 (which does include the shutout by UNLV, 4th in conference). BYU has given up
15.3 ppg (2nd in conference) and Utah is giving up 12.4 ppg (1st in conference).
My Take: I know I probably shouldn't, but I GUARANTEE which ever team scores more points will win this one.
Is this the year that BYU finally breaks the Utah curse? Could it be that the magic of Lavell Edwards Stadium will finally extend to this game as well? Or will Utah yet again walk out of the TDS stadium with a W? I'm not sure either, but from now until Saturday it won't stop us from pounding our chests and proclaiming that our team is the better.
Go Cougs!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Music Musings
Well, I am more than likely behind the times and you probably all know about these already, but, maybe I can enlighten someone here.
First off, have you heard of pandora.com? If not, please go check it right now. It is pretty much the coolest music service. My friend just told me about this the other day and I am in love with it. It's a great way to hear your favorite music free and find out about other bands / songs you would like.
Secondly, a week ago or so, Oprah did a show about favorite YouTube videos. She featured a man named Paul Potts who ended up winning last year's Britain's Got Talent show (which is somewhat like American Idol and is actually judged by none other than Simon Cowell). The following YouTube video was his first round performance. It gives me chills every time I watch it. Yes, I've watched it a few times :) I absolutely love it!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=exyJ2CSfrHo
K, well I don't feel like figuring out how to embed a YouTube video into my blog right now, so you'll have to go to the link, but it's worth it. Trust me!
First off, have you heard of pandora.com? If not, please go check it right now. It is pretty much the coolest music service. My friend just told me about this the other day and I am in love with it. It's a great way to hear your favorite music free and find out about other bands / songs you would like.
Secondly, a week ago or so, Oprah did a show about favorite YouTube videos. She featured a man named Paul Potts who ended up winning last year's Britain's Got Talent show (which is somewhat like American Idol and is actually judged by none other than Simon Cowell). The following YouTube video was his first round performance. It gives me chills every time I watch it. Yes, I've watched it a few times :) I absolutely love it!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=exyJ2CSfrHo
K, well I don't feel like figuring out how to embed a YouTube video into my blog right now, so you'll have to go to the link, but it's worth it. Trust me!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Two Recommendations
First, every once in a while, do a workout that makes your muscles feel like jello. It makes you feel like it might really make a difference, and driving home with jello arms is a funny experience. At least I thought so.
Second, don't grate your thumb, or any other digit for that matter. It makes for a painful and messy dinner preparation.
Second, don't grate your thumb, or any other digit for that matter. It makes for a painful and messy dinner preparation.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
9-month pics
I have never put up three posts in one day. In fact, I think this is something like the 5th post this week. Go me! Anyway, Monday night, we took Adie out to take her 9-month pictures. I can't believe she is that old! We also took a few with her in her Halloween costume and a couple of family shots as well. We got a lot of cute ones, so I tried to narrow it down as best I could. There are a lot though, so just keep scrolling :)
Adie's First Halloween
Well, I am kind of a Halloween Humbug. I don't really like to dress up a lot. I actually don't like spending money on a costume so that's the main issue and I don't really get into it too much. I don't mind jack-o-lanterns or candy though. It is also really fun to see other people's costumes, so I am glad some people get into it :) That being said, I still tried to be festive yesterday. I carved a pumpkin and made roasted pumpkin seeds. Yum! I also made some cookie bars topped with chocolate and orange frosting, so they looked pretty Halloween-y and we watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which is a Halloween classic. We dressed Adie up as a cow. I am willing to spend some money on my children's costumes because it's fun for them and makes for cute pictures, but we were lucky to have my step-sister around. She donated Adie's costume to us, so we didn't have to pay a dime. Am I a tight-wad? Yes, yes I am! It worked out though because Adie was so cute.
Here is a quick pic of Adie, but you will probably have already seen the other ones of her in her costume that we took along with her 9-month pictures. So cute though. I put in the pink bow to make sure she was designated as a girl cow :)
I couldn't think of a good face to carve and I am not artist, so here is my attempt at a bat. Why not? It's a simple Halloween shape.
I know you can barely see this, but it's Adie seeing a jack-o-lantern for the first time.
Here is a quick pic of Adie, but you will probably have already seen the other ones of her in her costume that we took along with her 9-month pictures. So cute though. I put in the pink bow to make sure she was designated as a girl cow :)
I couldn't think of a good face to carve and I am not artist, so here is my attempt at a bat. Why not? It's a simple Halloween shape.
I know you can barely see this, but it's Adie seeing a jack-o-lantern for the first time.
St George Pictures
Ok, I have lots of pictures to share, so here's the first batch. As promised, here are some pictures from our St. George trip last weekend. Good times!
Adie has been trying hard the last little while to get her head between her arms without letting go of her hands. She's impeded by those short arms and large head. I love baby proportions, so funny.
Another thing she has been doing is sticking her favorite toy, her key ring, in her mouth and then hitting it with her hand. Every time she does it it reminds me of the dog in Pirates of the Caribbean that holds the prison keys. Adie made sure to show off her all her newest tricks for Clark and Shannon.
Beautiful Snow Canyon. Brett took these while riding in the car, so this picture may be a little blurry, but you still get the idea. When we move from Utah, I will really miss being so close to such incredible scenery. I love the red rock!
The Blockburgers, Phippens and Millars together again. Adie and Sarah are just a few days apart (they were due the same day), so it's fun to see how each has grown.
Adie has been trying hard the last little while to get her head between her arms without letting go of her hands. She's impeded by those short arms and large head. I love baby proportions, so funny.
Another thing she has been doing is sticking her favorite toy, her key ring, in her mouth and then hitting it with her hand. Every time she does it it reminds me of the dog in Pirates of the Caribbean that holds the prison keys. Adie made sure to show off her all her newest tricks for Clark and Shannon.
Beautiful Snow Canyon. Brett took these while riding in the car, so this picture may be a little blurry, but you still get the idea. When we move from Utah, I will really miss being so close to such incredible scenery. I love the red rock!
The Blockburgers, Phippens and Millars together again. Adie and Sarah are just a few days apart (they were due the same day), so it's fun to see how each has grown.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Oh the irony
Well, Adie has been sleeping really well for almost a week now. It's been awesome, and we've decided to be better at taking advantage of her sleeping hours by going to bed earlier ourselves. I am not one that normally follows the early to bed early to rise mantra. I am such a night owl, so going to bed before 11 pm is quite a feat for me. We did go to bed early both Sunday and Monday nights though. Adie slept beautifully and we ended with so much great sleep. Then, last night happened...(or should I say tonight since it's currently 5 am of that same night).
We stayed up talking until just after midnight and I was already planning on getting up early because I wanted to hit the gym early. I knew I wouldn't get to it any other time of the day being that it's Halloween. Of course it's nights like these that Ads doesn't sleep so well herself. I actually can't blame her. When I went in to check on her after a few minutes of crying and not putting herself back to sleep I discovered she had somehow managed to get one of her arms out of the sleeve of her sleeper and her hand was practically coming out of the neck hole. It was actually pretty funny and if it hadn't have been the middle of the night I might have taken a picture.
Anyway, it took a little while to get her settled, so you know what that means, I am wide awake.
This time though I decided to take advantage rather than lay in bed bugged. I just got up and found some household items that I could use to "lift weights." Sure, lifting Costco-sized jugs of olive oil isn't quite the same as the machines at the gym, but it's something. Now, I am not so annoyed to be awake. I feel like I am at least using my time effectively and I can sleep in a little longer if I do get back to sleep.
It's funny though that the days when I go to bed early and could probably afford a couple of hours to be awake in the middle of the night Ads sleeps soundly, and the night when I need every second I can get because I went to bed too late and needed to wake up too early Adie pulls a crazy arm stunt with her sleeper causing me to be awake in the middle of the night. Isn't it ironic? Don't ya think?
We stayed up talking until just after midnight and I was already planning on getting up early because I wanted to hit the gym early. I knew I wouldn't get to it any other time of the day being that it's Halloween. Of course it's nights like these that Ads doesn't sleep so well herself. I actually can't blame her. When I went in to check on her after a few minutes of crying and not putting herself back to sleep I discovered she had somehow managed to get one of her arms out of the sleeve of her sleeper and her hand was practically coming out of the neck hole. It was actually pretty funny and if it hadn't have been the middle of the night I might have taken a picture.
Anyway, it took a little while to get her settled, so you know what that means, I am wide awake.
This time though I decided to take advantage rather than lay in bed bugged. I just got up and found some household items that I could use to "lift weights." Sure, lifting Costco-sized jugs of olive oil isn't quite the same as the machines at the gym, but it's something. Now, I am not so annoyed to be awake. I feel like I am at least using my time effectively and I can sleep in a little longer if I do get back to sleep.
It's funny though that the days when I go to bed early and could probably afford a couple of hours to be awake in the middle of the night Ads sleeps soundly, and the night when I need every second I can get because I went to bed too late and needed to wake up too early Adie pulls a crazy arm stunt with her sleeper causing me to be awake in the middle of the night. Isn't it ironic? Don't ya think?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
San Jorge
We took a quick trip to Saint George this last weekend to visit friends and family. It was a good trip, but as always, too short. Some highlights included going to my cousin's football game, making smoothies, a campfire in Snow Canyon with the Blockburgers and Phippens, Fantam / Fantan (Not sure how to spell that, or pronounce it for that matter. Clark, please help me out!), Coldstone and actually getting sleep. Ads is sleeping well again. Hallelujah! I was going to post some pictures, but Blogger doesn't want me to, so they will be forthcoming.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sleep, I need sleep!
Adie has been struggling in the sleep department lately which, of course, translates into Brett and me not sleeping well either. She has been having separation anxiety lately, so if she wakes up and realizes we aren't there she'll start crying. On top of that, she is teething and has had a cold. This is a recipe for poor sleep for a baby as you may well guess.
There are a few extra details that make this a particularly sticky situation. The first is that we live in an apartment (I can't tell you the excitement I have to own a home). In the mean time, the "cry it out" philosophy that so many tout in order to prevent your child from making you wake up every night and rock them back to sleep really isn't so easy to execute when your child is sharing a wall with two children on the other side of the wall and another toddler above her. I really can't justify allowing her to cry for an hour at 4 am in those conditions. Hence, I wake up and do whatever it takes to get her quiet as quickly as possible.
Second, I have some crazy insomnia problem lately. If Adie wakes me up in the middle of the night and I am up for more than 2 minutes, it's not likely I'll be able to shut my brain off for another 1 - 4 hours. It used to be that if I got a good workout in that day or didn't get much sleep the night before I was able to fall back asleep easily. Lately, it doesn't matter if I'd been up for last 24 hours, if I am awoken in the middle of the night, I can plan on not falling back to sleep. This causes a problem when I need to take advantage of every sleeping hour I can get. I know this is my just desserts because my mother suffers from the same problem and I definitely caused her to wake up many, many, many times throughout the years. My poor mother!
Third, Ads is a little picky about who holds her when she's throwing a fit in the middle of the night. Despite Brett's valiant efforts to relieve me, he's basically useless. This is part of the whole separation anxiety thing. Sometimes, only mom will do. Not only that, but even when Brett does manage to at least calm her down, I am usually wide awake by then, so I just go and get her to finish up getting her back to sleep because Brett might as well get some sleep since he can fall right back asleep and I'll be up regardless.
The other issue here is that I am not a nice person when I get sleep deprivation. This has always been the case with me, but it seems to have gotten worse and it seems I need more sleep now than I did 5 years ago too. I get so cranky if I have more than a couple of nights without decent sleep. This makes me a less than stellar mother, wife, neighbor, etc.
Anyway, I don't mean to be such a complainer. Here I was the other day complaining about diets, etc., and now you read my rant about sleep. I know I will survive. I really do have a good life, something my visiting teachers were talking about tonight, which was the perfect message for me. And, even though it's hard to be so tired, it can be so precious holding your child in your arms as she falls asleep. I love watching Adie sleep, and frankly I love sleeping too. I am hoping and praying this phase passes quickly so I can re-enter the land of the functional again.
There are a few extra details that make this a particularly sticky situation. The first is that we live in an apartment (I can't tell you the excitement I have to own a home). In the mean time, the "cry it out" philosophy that so many tout in order to prevent your child from making you wake up every night and rock them back to sleep really isn't so easy to execute when your child is sharing a wall with two children on the other side of the wall and another toddler above her. I really can't justify allowing her to cry for an hour at 4 am in those conditions. Hence, I wake up and do whatever it takes to get her quiet as quickly as possible.
Second, I have some crazy insomnia problem lately. If Adie wakes me up in the middle of the night and I am up for more than 2 minutes, it's not likely I'll be able to shut my brain off for another 1 - 4 hours. It used to be that if I got a good workout in that day or didn't get much sleep the night before I was able to fall back asleep easily. Lately, it doesn't matter if I'd been up for last 24 hours, if I am awoken in the middle of the night, I can plan on not falling back to sleep. This causes a problem when I need to take advantage of every sleeping hour I can get. I know this is my just desserts because my mother suffers from the same problem and I definitely caused her to wake up many, many, many times throughout the years. My poor mother!
Third, Ads is a little picky about who holds her when she's throwing a fit in the middle of the night. Despite Brett's valiant efforts to relieve me, he's basically useless. This is part of the whole separation anxiety thing. Sometimes, only mom will do. Not only that, but even when Brett does manage to at least calm her down, I am usually wide awake by then, so I just go and get her to finish up getting her back to sleep because Brett might as well get some sleep since he can fall right back asleep and I'll be up regardless.
The other issue here is that I am not a nice person when I get sleep deprivation. This has always been the case with me, but it seems to have gotten worse and it seems I need more sleep now than I did 5 years ago too. I get so cranky if I have more than a couple of nights without decent sleep. This makes me a less than stellar mother, wife, neighbor, etc.
Anyway, I don't mean to be such a complainer. Here I was the other day complaining about diets, etc., and now you read my rant about sleep. I know I will survive. I really do have a good life, something my visiting teachers were talking about tonight, which was the perfect message for me. And, even though it's hard to be so tired, it can be so precious holding your child in your arms as she falls asleep. I love watching Adie sleep, and frankly I love sleeping too. I am hoping and praying this phase passes quickly so I can re-enter the land of the functional again.
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Last 15
I hate diets. No, I really hate them. I love to eat and have an overly healthy appetite, and I hate to be told I need to restrict or eliminate this or that. If I am in the mood for something you might as well get out of my way because I am going to eat it even if I promised myself I wasn't going to. Brett has often tried to help remind of any self-imposed restrictions and has learned he probably just shouldn't butt in.
With that said, I have resigned myself to the fact that if I want to lose these last 15 lbs from my pregnancy I have make a change. Not even running enough to be able to finish a half-marathon (running the whole way, mind you) was enough to get it all off. Basically, unless I want to spend my whole day at the gym, I won't burn enough calories to get back to pre-pregnancy condition. I have to change the way I eat :(
Don't get me wrong, I actually love fruits and veggies and would rather have anything whole wheat rather than white. I also don't like most condiments, dressings and sauces, so that takes away some of my calories automatically. I also prefer drinking water to anything else. It takes at least a whole year usually to get through a 12 pack of 7-up in our house. We just don't do the soda thing and only keep 7-up on hand for illness. So, I am not the picture of horrible health and bad eating.
Where's my weakness? Well, it's actually two things: Portion size and sugar. I like to have generous portions. I read these diet books talking about portion control and all I can think is I will starve. Who eats that small of anything? Well, a lot of people do and apparently you have to in order to lose weight :( And sugar...There is not much of anything that contains sugar that I don't love. I am a total dessert / candy junkie. With the exception of foods with shredded coconut or marshmallows, I'll pretty much eat anything that resembles a sweet treat.
The working out part of weight loss is just fine with me. I actually really like to exercise. Well, let me rephrase that, I like how you feel after a good workout and how much better it seems you can manage your life when you're working out on a regular basis. I have been fairly diligent at getting some exercise, but probably not enough effective exercise to really make a difference. It was really hard to make enough time for it when I was doing the full-time work / mother / RS pres all at the same time. I still got something in at least four days a week, but it was often a weak attempt and probably didn't last much longer than 30 minutes at a time. It's all I had time for.
Now that work is no longer a factor I am getting back on a 6 day / week workout schedule and I am really excited about that. I haven't been perfect at that yet either, but I know that's something I can be successful at because for the six months or so before my mission I was a gym junkie and I loved it. Besides that, Brett has always been really supportive of my exercise efforts and makes sure I have time and support to work out. Having a jogging stroller really helps too.
Anyway, I didn't intend this to be such a long post about diet and exercise. Really, I just wanted to know if anyone has any tips that help in weight loss, especially in changing my dieting habits. I realize it's a life change, not a 3 month program that you just do and then you can go back to eating huge meals and dessert everyday :) So, any advice I can get to help out would be super helpful.
With that said, I have resigned myself to the fact that if I want to lose these last 15 lbs from my pregnancy I have make a change. Not even running enough to be able to finish a half-marathon (running the whole way, mind you) was enough to get it all off. Basically, unless I want to spend my whole day at the gym, I won't burn enough calories to get back to pre-pregnancy condition. I have to change the way I eat :(
Don't get me wrong, I actually love fruits and veggies and would rather have anything whole wheat rather than white. I also don't like most condiments, dressings and sauces, so that takes away some of my calories automatically. I also prefer drinking water to anything else. It takes at least a whole year usually to get through a 12 pack of 7-up in our house. We just don't do the soda thing and only keep 7-up on hand for illness. So, I am not the picture of horrible health and bad eating.
Where's my weakness? Well, it's actually two things: Portion size and sugar. I like to have generous portions. I read these diet books talking about portion control and all I can think is I will starve. Who eats that small of anything? Well, a lot of people do and apparently you have to in order to lose weight :( And sugar...There is not much of anything that contains sugar that I don't love. I am a total dessert / candy junkie. With the exception of foods with shredded coconut or marshmallows, I'll pretty much eat anything that resembles a sweet treat.
The working out part of weight loss is just fine with me. I actually really like to exercise. Well, let me rephrase that, I like how you feel after a good workout and how much better it seems you can manage your life when you're working out on a regular basis. I have been fairly diligent at getting some exercise, but probably not enough effective exercise to really make a difference. It was really hard to make enough time for it when I was doing the full-time work / mother / RS pres all at the same time. I still got something in at least four days a week, but it was often a weak attempt and probably didn't last much longer than 30 minutes at a time. It's all I had time for.
Now that work is no longer a factor I am getting back on a 6 day / week workout schedule and I am really excited about that. I haven't been perfect at that yet either, but I know that's something I can be successful at because for the six months or so before my mission I was a gym junkie and I loved it. Besides that, Brett has always been really supportive of my exercise efforts and makes sure I have time and support to work out. Having a jogging stroller really helps too.
Anyway, I didn't intend this to be such a long post about diet and exercise. Really, I just wanted to know if anyone has any tips that help in weight loss, especially in changing my dieting habits. I realize it's a life change, not a 3 month program that you just do and then you can go back to eating huge meals and dessert everyday :) So, any advice I can get to help out would be super helpful.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Laziness
So, I have had a number of things to blog about lately, a couple of great weekends in a row at cabins, the incredible talks from Conference, playing DDR for the first time, all of Adie's latest moody antics, my opinion on the school voucher issue or other politics, etc. However, I have felt lazy lately and haven't felt like posting. I do appreciate all of you with blogs that aren't lazy though and give me something to read when I am lazy and don't feel like posting.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Funny Baby
Yesterday, Adie did a number of funny/cute things that I caught with the camera for your viewing pleasure.
When I get ready in the morning I usually sit Adie right next to the bathroom on the floor so she can be occupied but knows where I am. Also, she has four teeth now, so I have started brushing her teeth. I realized yesterday, after I had finished brushing her teeth, that her toothbrush would be the perfect thing for her to play with since she puts everything in her mouth anyway. She might as well learn early, so here is Adie brushing her teeth.
Adie also has these socks with beads on the top that her Aunt Carla made for her. She has been wearing them for a while now, but she has recently discovered the beads on them and how much fun they would be to play with. She managed to take her sock off yesterday and get it into her mouth before I noticed.
Finally, I gave her a bottle of water after her dinner, which she will sometimes drink, but not all the time. Last night she thought it was more fun to play with the bottle than drink it, so it somehow landed on her shoulder. She seemed somewhat confused as to what happened to her toy, aka bottle, and why there was something on her shoulder.
As a final note, this last weekend we shopping to stock up on some cold weather clothing for Adie. We decided we needed to buy at least 12 month and some 18 month clothing if we were going to make it through the winter without having to buy too much more (please note Adie is barely 8 months old). This morning I really wanted to put on some of the jeans and a onesie we had bought even though they were 18 months in size. Well, the onesie fits perfectly and the jeans are probably an inch too long. Yes, we have a very large baby, not that we expected less. Pretty much everyone we know with children aged 18 months or younger have children that are smaller than Adie. We hear she'll thin out when she starts crawling and walking. Hopefully, we won't have to go shopping again too soon.
When I get ready in the morning I usually sit Adie right next to the bathroom on the floor so she can be occupied but knows where I am. Also, she has four teeth now, so I have started brushing her teeth. I realized yesterday, after I had finished brushing her teeth, that her toothbrush would be the perfect thing for her to play with since she puts everything in her mouth anyway. She might as well learn early, so here is Adie brushing her teeth.
Adie also has these socks with beads on the top that her Aunt Carla made for her. She has been wearing them for a while now, but she has recently discovered the beads on them and how much fun they would be to play with. She managed to take her sock off yesterday and get it into her mouth before I noticed.
Finally, I gave her a bottle of water after her dinner, which she will sometimes drink, but not all the time. Last night she thought it was more fun to play with the bottle than drink it, so it somehow landed on her shoulder. She seemed somewhat confused as to what happened to her toy, aka bottle, and why there was something on her shoulder.
As a final note, this last weekend we shopping to stock up on some cold weather clothing for Adie. We decided we needed to buy at least 12 month and some 18 month clothing if we were going to make it through the winter without having to buy too much more (please note Adie is barely 8 months old). This morning I really wanted to put on some of the jeans and a onesie we had bought even though they were 18 months in size. Well, the onesie fits perfectly and the jeans are probably an inch too long. Yes, we have a very large baby, not that we expected less. Pretty much everyone we know with children aged 18 months or younger have children that are smaller than Adie. We hear she'll thin out when she starts crawling and walking. Hopefully, we won't have to go shopping again too soon.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
It's about time
I have said I would put up pictures of Adie for a while now, so here I am, finally doing that. These are some fun photos from the last month.
Adie is attempting to eat my bouquet at Kim and Paul's lovely reception.
This one is just funny to me because I discovered Adie in her crib like this one day a few weeks ago. Somehow her bumper got loose and she thought it was a great toy. You can't see her face, but she was laughing about her new discovery. I had to find a more secure way to keep the bumper on.
I absolutely love this picture and probably would have posted it regardless, but it has special meaning at this particular time. This is Adie's great-grandfather (Brett's grandfather) who passed away yesterday. He and Adie got to meet a few times during their short time here together, and I am really glad we have these wonderful photos to capture those moments. I just love the way they are looking at one another.
And last, but certainly not least, here is Adie with Dad shortly after attending her first BYU football game. She didn't quite make it through the entire game, only the first and fourth quarters. The game started at 3:30 pm on the first day of September, which means it was hot and right in the middle of nap time. It's a good thing we live virtually across the street from the stadium. I just took her home for two quarters to nap and we were back at the end to enjoy the remainder of the game.
Adie is attempting to eat my bouquet at Kim and Paul's lovely reception.
This one is just funny to me because I discovered Adie in her crib like this one day a few weeks ago. Somehow her bumper got loose and she thought it was a great toy. You can't see her face, but she was laughing about her new discovery. I had to find a more secure way to keep the bumper on.
I absolutely love this picture and probably would have posted it regardless, but it has special meaning at this particular time. This is Adie's great-grandfather (Brett's grandfather) who passed away yesterday. He and Adie got to meet a few times during their short time here together, and I am really glad we have these wonderful photos to capture those moments. I just love the way they are looking at one another.
And last, but certainly not least, here is Adie with Dad shortly after attending her first BYU football game. She didn't quite make it through the entire game, only the first and fourth quarters. The game started at 3:30 pm on the first day of September, which means it was hot and right in the middle of nap time. It's a good thing we live virtually across the street from the stadium. I just took her home for two quarters to nap and we were back at the end to enjoy the remainder of the game.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Help Dan Heal!
So, I know I promised pictures of Adie for my next post, but Brett is currently using the computer that has all the pictures saved on it and I really wanted to post about this to get the word out. My co-worker has a husband that has been severely disabled for over 21 years. His name is Dan Maughan. His wife, LaNae, is an amazing woman who has had a very difficult life, but you'd never know it if you met her. She is such a go-getter and has done such incredible things despite the fact that she has been the primary bread-winner and care-giver to her husband and four children for so long. I don't know how she does it. She is so positive and funny, a total inspiration.
Anyway, she and her family are working to get her husband to China this fall for stem cell treatment, which is an extremely expensive proposition. They are doing a 30 day blitz to raise as much money as possible. Their goal is 30k. I really want to help them, so I am getting the word out. If you even have $5 to spare and would like to help, I guarantee you this is a very worthy cause. Just go to this link: http://www.helpdanheal.com/. It has detailed information about his story and a place where you can buy cute t-shirts (LaNae wears them to work everyday) or just make a donation, and all the proceeds go to helping him get this treatment in China.
And, in case the stem cell thing is questionable in your mind (and the website explains this way better than I do), the treatment he is going to have only requires stem cells extracted from Dan's own bone marrow, so it's not one of the controversial type of treatments that this country is in a frenzy about.
If you are interested in helping, I encourage you to do so and to spread the word. I can't think of a much more deserving family.
Anyway, she and her family are working to get her husband to China this fall for stem cell treatment, which is an extremely expensive proposition. They are doing a 30 day blitz to raise as much money as possible. Their goal is 30k. I really want to help them, so I am getting the word out. If you even have $5 to spare and would like to help, I guarantee you this is a very worthy cause. Just go to this link: http://www.helpdanheal.com/. It has detailed information about his story and a place where you can buy cute t-shirts (LaNae wears them to work everyday) or just make a donation, and all the proceeds go to helping him get this treatment in China.
And, in case the stem cell thing is questionable in your mind (and the website explains this way better than I do), the treatment he is going to have only requires stem cells extracted from Dan's own bone marrow, so it's not one of the controversial type of treatments that this country is in a frenzy about.
If you are interested in helping, I encourage you to do so and to spread the word. I can't think of a much more deserving family.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lots of Update
I shouldn't be posting. I should be working. I have another few hours to go before I'll get to go to bed. This does not make me happy. Work has been about the worst it can get. 12-13 hr days and feeling guilty and behind when I don't work on Saturday. Is there something wrong with this picture? Not to mention, when Brett and I decided to have me go back to work after Adie was born, a lot of that decision was made because I could work a lot from home. Well, ever since I got back, I have had to be in the office ever more frequently. I haven't been able to find a stable babysitter for all the days I need, and frankly, working that many hours in one day is just insanity anyway, especially when it's everyday. So, Monday we decided it's time for me to quit. It was honestly one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I have really enjoyed the financial security, the benefits and even the satisfaction (even though I mostly loathe my job) of a career. It also meant telling my manager that I was going to have to dump a couple of really large projects back on his lap in a time when life at Novell is increasingly hectic. My manager understood and even said they were probably going to change their working from home policy, so I would have probably quit in the near future anyway. It was a confirmation that we had made the right decision.
Can I be honest though? I am freaked out for September 21st to come. That's my last day. Then, all of the sudden I don't have a job and I am not even looking for another one! It kind of makes me feel weird inside. I mean, I am so excited to be able to give my undivided attention to Adie. I'll be able to actually clean my apartment, rather than just do the bare minimum to make it liveable. I'll be able to interact with other moms. I'll be able to practice the piano and actually have time to train for my marathon. I'll want to cook dinner again. I'll get some sleep. I can take a nap when Adie does if she wakes me up in the middle of the night. In short, there will be so many wonderful things I can do. However, how do I get over the guilt of having some free time here and there and knowing I could use that time to make some money? I am not sure I'll last very long. I have already considered many part time working options.
Anyway, that's probably the biggest news of the hour. My other news was from last weekend. Brett's sister, Diana, and I ran a half marathon in Logan. I won't post our time. It was slow, but we ran the entire way despite having not trained sufficiently beforehand. The longest we had run before that was an 8-miler a week before the race. However, we thought if we popped a few pain pills and carb-loaded the night before we'd be fine. We were fine. We made it and we accomplished our goal. We both wanted to puke afterward and were sore for a few days, but it was awesome to accomplish that.
In Adie news, she is still completely adorable. She rolls everywhere. I am not sure when she'll get the hang of crawling. I think she is a bit too chunky to lift herself up, but we'll be patient. In fact, it's a good thing. If she waits until I finish working I'll have a lot more time to baby-proof the apartment. She also has two bottom teeth and I think she is teething again, drooling all over the place. I promise my next post will contain pictures of Adie, since that's what you really want to see anyway.
Can I be honest though? I am freaked out for September 21st to come. That's my last day. Then, all of the sudden I don't have a job and I am not even looking for another one! It kind of makes me feel weird inside. I mean, I am so excited to be able to give my undivided attention to Adie. I'll be able to actually clean my apartment, rather than just do the bare minimum to make it liveable. I'll be able to interact with other moms. I'll be able to practice the piano and actually have time to train for my marathon. I'll want to cook dinner again. I'll get some sleep. I can take a nap when Adie does if she wakes me up in the middle of the night. In short, there will be so many wonderful things I can do. However, how do I get over the guilt of having some free time here and there and knowing I could use that time to make some money? I am not sure I'll last very long. I have already considered many part time working options.
Anyway, that's probably the biggest news of the hour. My other news was from last weekend. Brett's sister, Diana, and I ran a half marathon in Logan. I won't post our time. It was slow, but we ran the entire way despite having not trained sufficiently beforehand. The longest we had run before that was an 8-miler a week before the race. However, we thought if we popped a few pain pills and carb-loaded the night before we'd be fine. We were fine. We made it and we accomplished our goal. We both wanted to puke afterward and were sore for a few days, but it was awesome to accomplish that.
In Adie news, she is still completely adorable. She rolls everywhere. I am not sure when she'll get the hang of crawling. I think she is a bit too chunky to lift herself up, but we'll be patient. In fact, it's a good thing. If she waits until I finish working I'll have a lot more time to baby-proof the apartment. She also has two bottom teeth and I think she is teething again, drooling all over the place. I promise my next post will contain pictures of Adie, since that's what you really want to see anyway.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Rock on!
In an effort to clear my mind before I dive into another couple of hours of work after an already difficult day, I have decided to think about something that makes me supremely happy - rock concerts. As many of you know, that was what the bulk of my income went to before I became a more responsible adult and starting thinking about things like insurance and down payments, and how we should use our money for those sorts of things instead of one night of fleeting entertainment. Ah, to be young again!
Anyway, to relive some of those treasured moments, I'm trying to remember all the rock concerts I have gone to in the past decade. I have seen a lot of my favorite bands, and some random ones that were either really cheap or free. However, there are still quite a few bands I have yet to see. If you have any suggestions of acts I need to see, please share. Brett and I will put them on our list and hopefully, get around to seeing one or two of them after we pay our insurance bill ;)
In no particular order:
Counting Crows (2 times)
U2 (2)
Dave Matthews Band (3)
Guster (5, soon to be 6 - Sept 19th!)
Radiohead (2)
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Foo Fighters
Cold Play
Weezer
Everclear
Vertical Horizon
Nine Days
3rd Eye Blind
Eve 6
Semisonic
Lifehouse (2)
No Doubt
Goo Goo Dolls
Train
Moody Blues (they're old, so what, I love them!)
Barenaked Ladies
Peter Breinholt (lots of times if you include all those seminary devotionals, does he even count as rock though?)
Colors (well, if we're counting Peter B....)
Well, I know there are more, but I can't think of them right now, and of course there are a number of opening bands who I didn't even bother to remember.
A few acts I haven't seen but really need to:
Pearl Jam
Oasis
Travis
Jack Johnson
Ben Harper
Collective Soul
Jump Little Children (although they have some really weird songs that I don't want to hear at all live)
Snow Patrol (they came just after Adie was born, we almost went, but decided she was still a little young to leave for that long, next time I guess)
Keane
Death Cab for Cutie
Dashboard Confessional
Live (if they played all their old school hits from Throwing Copper)
K, guys, what am I missing?
Anyway, to relive some of those treasured moments, I'm trying to remember all the rock concerts I have gone to in the past decade. I have seen a lot of my favorite bands, and some random ones that were either really cheap or free. However, there are still quite a few bands I have yet to see. If you have any suggestions of acts I need to see, please share. Brett and I will put them on our list and hopefully, get around to seeing one or two of them after we pay our insurance bill ;)
In no particular order:
Counting Crows (2 times)
U2 (2)
Dave Matthews Band (3)
Guster (5, soon to be 6 - Sept 19th!)
Radiohead (2)
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Foo Fighters
Cold Play
Weezer
Everclear
Vertical Horizon
Nine Days
3rd Eye Blind
Eve 6
Semisonic
Lifehouse (2)
No Doubt
Goo Goo Dolls
Train
Moody Blues (they're old, so what, I love them!)
Barenaked Ladies
Peter Breinholt (lots of times if you include all those seminary devotionals, does he even count as rock though?)
Colors (well, if we're counting Peter B....)
Well, I know there are more, but I can't think of them right now, and of course there are a number of opening bands who I didn't even bother to remember.
A few acts I haven't seen but really need to:
Pearl Jam
Oasis
Travis
Jack Johnson
Ben Harper
Collective Soul
Jump Little Children (although they have some really weird songs that I don't want to hear at all live)
Snow Patrol (they came just after Adie was born, we almost went, but decided she was still a little young to leave for that long, next time I guess)
Keane
Death Cab for Cutie
Dashboard Confessional
Live (if they played all their old school hits from Throwing Copper)
K, guys, what am I missing?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Finally!
Ok, so I've been saying for a while that I was going to move my blog from Yahoo! 360, which only a couple of people used (thanks, Spencer, Candi and Gina, for being my stalwarts on Yahoo!) to Blogger, and I've finally done it. I am hoping a change of scenery will inspire me to be a better blogger. I am not sure that it will, but it's not hard to beat my record of one post every 3 months or so. And, I am not sure why moving my blog will help either. I guess I am just a lemming and want to be where everyone else is.
In any case. if you are reading this, welcome. I am glad you are here to read my random ramblings. Technically, Brett is a contributor to this blog as well, so I guess I shouldn't talk in "I", but in "we". However, I am fairly certain I will be here writing a lot more often than he will (yes, honey, that is a challenge), so for now, it's just me. We'll see how this new blog goes.
In any case. if you are reading this, welcome. I am glad you are here to read my random ramblings. Technically, Brett is a contributor to this blog as well, so I guess I shouldn't talk in "I", but in "we". However, I am fairly certain I will be here writing a lot more often than he will (yes, honey, that is a challenge), so for now, it's just me. We'll see how this new blog goes.
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