Operatic Chicken

I really would like to strangle the operatic chicken in the apartment next door!!!!
From the sound of it, I'm guessing the lady next door is a vocal major or something. 
Often I hear her practicing her scales or singing along to Disney songs or Faith Hill.  Today the sound reminded me of a chicken.  I'm not sure why because it didn't really sound like a chicken (cluck, cluck, or bak, bak, bak) but that was the first animal that came to mind. 
Singing is not the only sound we hear through the walls...and I'll leave it at that.

AHEM!

So anyway, I was annoyed and wanted to vent. 

The end.

A Pile of Dishes

Well, besides the pile of dishes that are actually sitting in my kitchen sink, I meant the title of this post to be moreso of a play on words; You know, to "dish out", to divulge things to you, my friends....Haha. Except I just looked up the term "to dish" and I'm probably not using the term right...but whatever! Back to the point.

Around the end of September of this year, my department at work was called into a meeting. In said meeting we were "unofficially" forewarned about the future loss of our jobs. Our department would be dissolved due to the rollout of a new technology that would in turn make our jobs obsolete. Rumors of this big change had been circulating for at least 5 years and finally, it was now becoming a reality. It took awhile to sink in, but at the beginning of November we got the official "separation letter", aka we were being sacked.

Yes, in this economy.
Yes, just before Christmas.
Yes, all while being a newlywed and college student.
Yes, it sucks.

My job provided most of our income, health insurance, and probably the most valuable benefit was that we both got half off of our tuition. That is a big chunk of dough we saved. It was mentioned we would have assistance in being placed somewhere else. Did that happen? Not really. Our "severance package" (if you could even call it that) was that we would get paid through December 5 regardless of whether or not we had to work (we finished the work early November), and It's not like I've been sitting on my butt waiting around. I've been doing my part, applying to jobs, editing my resume, making calls to HR about this and that, following up on the emails notifying me of my application being forwarded on to the hiring department. Still, not one phone call for an interview. Sigh.

Despite the worry, the tears, the frustration, the shock, the anxiety, I have faith that everything will be fine and things will work out. I am very fortunate to have such an optimistic and supportive husband who stops whatever he's doing to wipe my tears and wrap me in a warm hug. I have wonderful family and friends who have their eyes and ears peeled for job openings I might qualify for. I have faith in a loving Heavenly Father who will always take care of me, even if logically it might seem impossible. I have a shelter from the cold and food in my belly. I do have plenty to be grateful for.

Throughout this ordeal I have been thinking about a few other things too that have sort of been weighing on me, most of it related to school because I have been feeling bored with my classes and not really excited about it. I have wondered if:

...I should change tracks??? Switching tracks would delay my graduation but it would give me a credential that would make my degree more marketable. It might be worth it....but really I just want to be DONE and get my degree at this point.

...I ought to take a break for awhile and find out what I like to do/am good at??? I'm not really sure what I'm good at or what I have a passion for so I want to figure that out. Due to the job situation, I'll likely be taking a break from school anyway so that we can keep our heads above water financially...well then, I guess that's decided.

...I should change majors??? That kind of scares me. I feel overwhelmed at the thought of basically starting over, thinking that these last few years were a waste of time and money and noting how most of my friends are graduated, in their careers, moms, or finishing up grad school. I feel like a pathetic loser when it comes to school sometimes. B and I have had several conversations about this. Yesterday we went to the photography studio where my sister works. After we left we talked about how maybe I'd be happier and do better if I were to go back to an artsy type of major. Right now I'm in a health related major, which I find interesting, but I guess I don't really LOVE it, so that doesn't help with the motivation factor.

So some background. When I originally started college, I planned on majoring in visual art and design. All through high school I took commercial art classes and some concurrent courses and that was the plan. I later switched a bit and decided multimedia might be good since I could combine my creativity, natural artistic talents and my mad computer skillz doing websites and stuff like that. At one point I thought about being an occupational therapist, a speech pathologist/therapist, and then I thought I wanted to be a dietician. I was planning on going to a school up north, get my bachelor's, become a dietician and enter the professional work force. I kept going back and forth on the idea and then I decided I'd put school on hold, go on a mission and figure it out later. I came home from my mission, finished up my general ed and got ready to transfer to the school up north. If I remember right I applied twice, and was denied both times. The second time I applied I applied to the U as well and applied for a full time position at my work. The same day I was offered a full time position at my job was the same day I found out I was accepted at the U! So I stayed in town, living with my parents and about a year later, I met B. A big lesson I learned was that sometimes what we want isn't what is best for us. I feel like now I am learning a similar lesson, but with more attached to it. What I am learning now (very slowly) is that I ought to do what *I* like and what makes *ME* happiest, without worrying about what anyone else wants for me or thinks I should be doing. For some reason it's a hard lesson for me. I suppose it's because I've always been a people pleaser type. Well, I need to get over it huh. So, now I am seriously thinking of going back to the community college and getting a degree in something art related. Yes I know, a VERY roundabout way of returning to my roots, but I suppose that's how things were meant to go for me.

Is there anything worse....

......then having to let one rip in a very very quiet place (like a library)?!?!?!  Hmmm.

2 Months Ago....

...was one of the most AMAZING days of my life! I can't believe two months have flown by already since I married my best friend!!! After we came home from our honeymoon we had a week and then we jumped right back into school, so things have been preeeeeetty busy since. I'm working and schooling full time (and somewhere in there looking for a new job since our dept is getting laid off) and B's school is pretty intense, so.....let's just say we are VERY happy this upcoming week is fall break so we can finally relax a bit (and maybe actually SEE and talk to our families?!?!?!) and perhaps I can finish Thank You cards.....I'm about a third way done.  That's pretty good......right?

There's a lot to catch up on...but I'll do that later.....maybe. I was thinking of switching to a "family" blog, but then I'm kinda torn because I'm not sure I even want to bother with the blog thing. Leave a comment and tell me what you prefer?

Bye for now.

Whew!!!!

Hey hey, it's been awhile, I know.  Life has been and continues to be crazy busy. 

Well, the wedding was fabulous!!!  Everything turned out perfect and we are so grateful for the many friends and family who supported us and helped in all sorts of ways.  It was a beautiful day all around.  Although parts of the day are now a happy blur, it was very memorable and B and I were both very pleased with how things just worked out and with everyone behind the scenes, it all went smoothly and we didn't have to worry about a thing.

 

As wonderful as it all was, I have a teeny tiny confession.  There is a little part of me that is a little....sad?  Yeah, so maybe it's that hard-to-please bit in me...don't judge, remember I'm only human.  It's just that....ok here goes.

 

When coming up with the guest list I thought about it for several weeks.  I made list after list (partly because I'd make one and lose it and have to start over).  I thought of all the people I've met throughout my life and of course I wasn't expecting every single person to show up. I hoped not to miss anyone.   Well, when the day finally arrived, it was interesting who ended up coming and who didn't.  A bunch of people whom I thought probably wouldn't come, were there.  Others didn't show and it was no shocker due to an already flakey reputation.  What makes me a bit sad though is the ones who didn't come, but I thought would be there.  Particularly those whose bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, etc I've made an effort to attend over the years.  I realize stuff comes up and appreciate those who after-the-fact sent a message or card indicating how much they would've liked to have been there but for (blank) reason coudn't, but others, I'm surprised at the lack of acknowledgment.  Makes me think: Hmm..it's only like....one of the MOST important moments of my life....why weren't you there to share it with me?  It was eye opening to see who really cares about me and who doesn't.  That might sound bratty, but really I think that's what it comes down to.  Guess I know who I can and can't count on, eh?

Down to the single digits!

Yaaaaay!!!  I'm getting married in 8 DAYS!  I can't believe how fast these last couple weeks are flying by (but I'm not complaining!)  I'm so giddy excited.  We just have a few little things to wrap up but otherwise we are set!  It's so nice not having the looooooonnnnng to-do list swirling around in my mind every waking minute.  It was starting to drive me a little crazy, but now we can relax and enjoy our last days of being an engaged couple.  Whew!

 

Last weekend I went down to St George with B and the fam.  We went to see "Tarzan" at Tuacahn Ampitheater.  It was my first time seeing a show there and it was SO awesome!  They did cool flying tricks and it was beautiful to sit under the starry sky surrounded by the red rocks.  :D  They guy who played Tarzan was pretty ripped and B's sisters were very excited about getting a photo with him while he flexed.  Haha.  We went to a lake, the hotel pool, enjoyed french toast sticks for breakfast, hung out with some extended family, got a flat tire, and ate lots of junk food (and in honor of that, B made up a song about how if we kept eating all that junk we'd end up being big fat lards.....all to the tune of Phantom of the Opera!  I wish I'd recorded it because it was hilarious!)

 

We went to a friend's wedding on Tuesday and it was fun to see them all happy and realizing that it won't be long before OUR day arrives!!!  On the way up there we stopped to buy their gift at Bed, Bath & Beyond and I saw these adorable measuring spoons that we HAD to get for them.  The teaspoon said "a pinch of patience", the tablespoon said "a heap of laughter" or something......How cute is that?!  We also found the funniest card ever.  Dang I wish I'd gotten a picture of it.  It had a bride and groom cake topper looking image in the front and the groom had a surprised expression.  Open it up and it's the view from behind and the bride is grabbing his butt!  It read, "To have and to hold....Congratulations!"  Hee hee!!

 

Anyway, this is a really random post....maybe I'll get some pics up later.

Ciao!

I love to see the temple...

I'm going there in 19 days!!!!  I can't believe it!  Time is flying SO fast.  Yesterday we met with our stake president for our final priesthood interview (well, not our last one ever...but you know, last one before we're married).  He gave us some excellent counsel and congratulated us on our decision to be married in the temple.  Although it seems so common at times because of where we live (and having about 13 temples easily accessible), he mentioned that in comparison to all the millions of people in the world, we make up a relatively small percentage of choosing to take that most important step.  I look forward to being sealed to B not only for time, but for ALL ETERNITY.  That's a long time to be with someone......ha.  I'm so excited though!  He asked us an interesting question.  Paraphrasing: What do you hope most to get out of your marriage? B, being the gentleman he is, let me go first (Um, thanks B! haha)  After giving our answers, President D said those were good anwers, however he asked us to consider the following answer instead:  Happiness.  

 

The elements we hope for in our marriage are guaranteed as long as we are loyal to the covenants we will make to each other and to God, however, being married doesn't necessarily guarantee happiness.  He reminded us of the scripture in Alma 41 in the Book of Mormon, which teaches us that "wickedness never was happiness".  He pointed out that if wickedness never was happiness, that means that the inverse is true; righteousness is always happiness.  I like that.  And it's true.  And not only applicable for people getting married, it is applicable to every single person.  When we choose to live God's laws, we are happy.  Perhaps our circumstances will not always be perfect, but in the long run, having a clear conscience, and knowing we are headed in the right direction certainly brings happiness. :)

Crappy Customer Service

Seriously, SO annoyed.

I'm sure we've all had some experience with terrible customer service at some point...By far, my experience with American Laser Centers has been the absolute WORST (hint hint, don't EVER go there!!!).

 

Back in April I signed up for a bunch of contests at the bridal expo I went to {Note to self: Signing up for contests/sweepstakes/the car on display at the mall=SO not worth it.}  A few days later I was kind of excited when they called me and told me I'd won a $300 gift certificate. 

 

I set up a free consult and talked to the manager who showed me all the options available.  The thought of getting laser hair removal done and not having to wax or shave ever again was VERY appealing.  Thankfully, I had a tiny ounce of sense in me and instead of agreeing to a $2000+ laser treatment plan on the spot (broken down to payments of about $120 a month for 2 years making it seem do-able), I told the manager I would need to think about it a bit and check my finances.  However, she did sell me on a microdermabrasion facial package for $270 which we charged to my credit card before I left the office.  

 

I discussed it with B that night.  Financially, it was a possiblity.  B said that if I really wanted to do it to go for it.  Still, I wasn't feeling too confident about it, and since we are getting married soon, I just didn't feel right about spending money on that type of thing.  Certainly a want and not a need.  It did sound like a pretty good deal though.....

 

The next day I looked on their website and they were offering a $2000 gift certificate to the first prize winner of the online contest.  Being the sucker than I was, I signed up.  To my surprise, they contacted me shortly thereafter, saying I had won a $300 dollar coupon to put toward services. 

 

First thought :"SWEET!  Now I could get $600 off the package"

Second thought: "Wait a minute, that's kind of odd they would call me so quick..."

And the thoughts the succeeded:

"This seems suspicious."

......

"I bet they give EVERYONE $300 off.....but they probably just jack up the price so they don't lose any money, but it seems they're being generous."

........

"OK, this has GOT to be some kind of scam."

 

At this point I hopped on the internet and Googled "American Laser Centers scam".

Sure enough, tons of complaints.  Now of course, you can't believe everything you find online, but the complaints seemed legit, and just made me worry even more.  A few had posted about how they wouldn't give refunds and all this stuff and I'm like, "Oh great....."

 

That afternoon I called up the ALC clinic and asked for a refund, that I'd changed my mind.  The manager said that since I hadn't received any treatments yet, she'd be happy to initiate the refund with a written request which I could do via email, and warned me it could take a couple months because it had to go through their corporate office, blah-blah-blah.  Ok, whatever.  I hung up with her and two minutes later sent off my written request.  That night I also called my credit card to see if they could put a stop payment on the transaction, but since it'd already gone through they couldn't. 

 

Fast forward 12 weeks (to today), and numerous phone calls and emails to the local and corporate office PLUS making arrangements with my credit card company to get a temporary credit on my account while things got straightened out so I wouldn't have to pay the scammers a cent, or have it mess up my credit, they FINALLY tell me that the request has been put in and it's gonna take another 4-6 weeks to get my refund.

 

What. the. heck.

 

The local office manager finally called back and emailed me, claiming she had tried calling me many times and not being able to reach me (hello, that's what voicemail is for!)  Better yet, she offered a complimentary service of my choice for being patient throughout this process. 

 

Seriously?!?!?!?!  I ask for a refund and you think you can fix things by offering a free service when I don't want to have anything to do with your business!?!?!  What is wrong with people!  I hate when businesses do that, offer you something for free when you are complaining about them.  Obviously you're not satisfied with the service to begin with so what's something free going to do.  Messed up.  I just want my refund and to not have to deal with you anymore!!!!

 

Anyway, so that's my awful customer service experience.  What about yours?

Magical Potion

It all started last Thursday with an excrutiating sore throat.  I am one to actually have a pretty high pain tolerance, but worried it could be strep or something, I went in to see the doctor first thing Friday morning.  The strep test came back negative.  My throat killed the rest of the day and later that evening, a minor cough started, and some nasal congestion.  I tried everything under the sun...Vitamin C, Advil (for the pain), Benadryl-D (for the congestion), Sudafed (the kind you have to ask for at the Pharmacy counter and get ID'd for), saltwater gurgling & nasal drain, a homeopathic remedy of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey (it actually wasn't too bad, but had a sharp kick to it--making me wonder if that's what liquor is like).  I didn't get much sleep having to wake up every hour to blow my nose, oh...and to wipe away the icky goo from my eyes (I am grateful I only had "upper" issues though!).  Great, now I wondered if it was pinkeye.  I took precautions by using my own towel, washing my hands a lot, and using a separate washcloth for each eye.

 

Sunday morning I was out of commission.  I could hardly talk and when I did it was more of a croak.  The eye goop was worse.  Feeling miserable, I took it easy, spending the whole day in my PJs.

 

Monday morning I went to the doctor again, and another $20 copay later, I was told it was a cold and I could expect to fight it for up to 14 days.  She gave me some eyedrops for the eye situation and prescribed some cough syrup.  I took the rest of the day off work.

 

Yesterday my coughing fits were probably at their worst.  I popped cough drops all day.  That helped with some of the throat soreness but that was about it.  Last night I found a magical potion however!  This:

 

 

Good ol' Vicks Vaporub worked wonders.  I actually slept through most of the night without coughing!!!!  It was amazing!!! My mom made me some hot apple cider with honey (which I never really liked but now I'm slightly fond of) and that soothed my throat.

 

Today I feel MUCH better.  I look a bit odd with a very wintery outfit (scarf around my neck because I put on some Vaporub), but hey, at least I'm not barking.  Oh sweet relief!!!!

Graham Crackers

Scene:  I'm taking a munch break at work, listening to my iPod, snacking on some chocolate graham crackers.....over my garbage can.  Yes, you read that right....over the garbage can.  You see, these particular graham crackers are rather crumbly. 

 

In walks a lady and stands behind me asking me if I know where the envelopes are (but I can't hear her as I'm enthralled by the song that's playing..."That's Amore" from Enchanted). 

 

I turn slightly in my chair so I can see who's behind me and suddenly quite embarrassed....

 

AWKWARD.

 

haha

Nightmare

Last night I had a nightmare about my Stats final (which is tomorrow).  In the nightmare I looked at the test and it looked like stuff I had never seen before .   A bunch of symbols and numbers.....and just one jumbled mess.

 

Actually, in the dream, I felt a lot like I did during last night's quiz (isn't it wierd that sometimes we can remember feelings from our dreams?).  I had no idea how to even do the problem.

 

Better hit the books tonight and go over my quizzes....I don't want my nightmare to come true!  (and I sure hope this is the last math class I ever have to take!)

Sisters

Friends come and go........ (boy, do they ever!)

But sisters are forever!!!  I love my sisters.  I'm so lucky I have such awesome ones.

When you know, you KNOW. You know?

Making up for lost time here (lack of blog posts!), hehe.

 

Last semester, B's roommate was kind of sad because he wasn't dating anyone at the time. 

Well, proof that life holds some fun and interesting surprises...He is now ENGAGED!  What's more, they have been dating for about a month AND they are getting married BEFORE us! What the crap?!?! Hahaha.  I am really excited for them even though I think they are CRAZY!!!!!  :)  So they have like 6 weeks to put together the wedding.....good luck!  Hey, when you know, you KNOW.  And when you know that you know, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says because you KNOW it's the right thing!  Having that sure knowledge about something is so awesome!!! :)

 

I'm glad I had like 4 months to plan "stuff"!  Really when it comes down to it, who cares if you do a reception and all that stuff?  All a matter of preference, eh?  As long as it's the "right person, at the right time in the right place" the rest is just details.  The details can be fun though (and sometimes stressful enough to want to elope! haha). 

 

Being engaged has been really fun!  It's an exciting and happy time and I've very much enjoyed continuing to learn about each other, making goals together, making decisions (like picking out towels, pots and pans, and avocado slicers...that was HIS idea, which he was VERY excited about when we were doing our wedding registry, hehehe).  I still think sometimes, "Wow, is this really happening?!  Did I really get this lucky to find someone so amazing?!" and yes, it's true.  It blows my mind.

Statistics in every day life

So, funny story. 

I'm taking a short session statistics class this summer.  Twice a week for 3 HOURS (Yay, only 3 more classes left until I'm done!!!!!) 

 

Earlier this month I went to my future sis-in-law's high school graduation.  The venue for the graduation was packed.  I think it was the senior class president who have a speech and someone he related the high school experience to a Cafe Rio taco (yeah...I dunno....but let's just say we were all craving Cafe Rio after that!)  Then they began the reading of the student's names and presentation of their diplomas.  Being a formal setting they announced to please refrain from cheering or clapping as the noise would make it so name's being called wouldn't be heard.  Of course, there were those who did as they pleased and made rude disruptions.  (Ugh...that BUUUUGS me!)

 

Anyway, as we sat there (somewhat bored) we listened to the cool organ music being played (songs from Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Sound of Music, etc) as a name was called, the student walked across the stage, was handed a diploma, shook hands with the principal, had their photo taken {snap, snap} and proceeded to exit.   Moments later B leaned in and shared his observation with me.

 

Some kids had honor cords and ribbons.  Others did not.  He observed that when the kids with honor codes were called up, it was quiet.  When the kids that didn't have any honor codes there'd be a huge cheer from somewhere in the crowd.  Of course there were exceptions.  Some of the honor students got cheers, and some of the non-honor students supporters remained quiet (therefore there were some outliers). So B wondered whether there was a correlation between the cheers and whether the kids had cords or not. 

 

We continued watching and it made things much more entertaining to see how accurate his predictions were!  We thought that some possible explanations might be that the non-honor kids had family/supporters with a disregard for rules or lack of respect (i.e. cheering when asked not to) and that was passed down to the students, which translated into how serious they were about their studies.  As for the honor students where they got cheers, maybe their family/supporters thought they were above the rules or something since they got all these honors and awards, and they justified being able to cheer because they were that much better.  Maybe there were just lots of other lurking variables....

 

Well, come to find out when we talked to B's sister, nearly all the non-honor kids were the "Three to Sixers" (the kids that went to school after hours because of problems).

 

Anyway, it was just kinda funny.  And there ya go, statistics in everyday life.

:)

Locked

AHHH! I locked my desk drawer last night and left the key at home today (and my wallet too....oops).  Dang it!  I need some snacks!  I have my stash of chocolate graham crackers, chocolate covered pretzels, yogurt covered pretzels, tuna, fruit cups, crackers and peanut M&Ms!!!

 

M&M's sound so good right now.....

Oh well, til tomorrow.

Life

Last Saturday I went to a funeral (only the second one I've been to in my life).  My parents knew her but I didn't really know her, only her son and his family, so we went to support them.  I hadn't seen our friends for probably 5-6 years although we keep in touch through email every now and then.  It was an interesting experience to me to stand next to the coffin and see this sweet woman's body.  It was fascinating to me how she looked like she was just asleep.  As I stood there looking at her and observing the people around me as they talked, I felt a distinct peace come over me.  It was kind of wierd I guess, seeing as I didn't know her, but then again, thinking to the basic principles of how we are children of God and that He has a beautiful plan for each of us and each of our individual lives made me feel really happy!

 

After the viewing we gathered in a chapel where some family members performed a couple of musical numbers and then an invitation was made for those who wanted to share a memory about her could get up and do so.  From what everyone said, I could tell this woman had many talents, and much love and wisdom to go around.  It was lovely.  My favorite was this thin, delicate, elderly woman who had worked in a quilting and craft store with her.  She gently walked to the pulpit with her walker to keep hear steady and shared beautiful memories.  She spoke so highly of her dear friend and of her example and how much she had changed her life.  It got me thinking some things about life...I don't mean to sound morbid, haha, but I hope that when I die, I'll have at least one friend come to my funeral and share that I was important to them in some way.  Sometimes it seems like life gets so crazy-busy that we don't even have time to let people know we are thinking of them.  I try to contact my friends when I think of them and just let them know...Life is getting busier and busier though. 

 

These last few days, among the wedding plans, I've been planning a family get-together so my future in-laws can meet my siblings.  I have three siblings and they each have their lives and families to attend to, so it's a bit of a challenge to find a day and time that works for everybody (I can't imagine having like 7 siblings or something....ah!!).  Anyway, it's just interesting how sometimes we are so busy living that we can easily get distracted on the things and people who matter most.  I don't want to end up going to a funeral and having regrets about not calling them or something when I had the chance!

 

Anyway, sorry if that made no sense!

Trying to be crafty

A few months ago I bought a Cricut machine. I used it a couple times and then got busy with other things. Last night I whipped it out again and here's my attempt at some card-making. I need to find some patterns or something so I can fold them better. Haha. If you have any suggestions, please share!

back

Opens up and there is a pocket to insert another little card.

Another card

Please follow directions.

Why is it that no matter how carefully and thoroughly you try to explain something in written form and people still manage to do it wrong?!?!

WHY?!?!

K, this is what happened:
I created a form on Google Documents (quite nifty I must say!) and the cool thing is that when people type stuff in the form, it goes directly onto a spreadsheet which the creator can then download in various formats and it makes things MUCH easier to organize (like compiling a wedding guest list for instance). 

So.  I made my form and emailed the direct link out to people.  Piece of cake.  Many replied and had no problem with my little form.  I still had a bunch more people I wanted to send it to but didn't have their emails so I turned to Facebook.  The tricky part is that FB only lets you sent out a message to 20 people at a time.  GAH!  I had to copy and paste the info into multiple FB messages.  Well, ok.  That took a little more effort but still, not hard at all.  I attached the link to the message so all they had to do was click the text and go to the form, fill it out and done!


I start getting a few replies to the message (which A, defeats the ENTIRE purpose of the form, because that means now I have to go retype the info myself, B, they neglect to answer other critical questions, and C, I carefully explained to go to the form and the reasons why).  ARGG!  I find it funny, but honestly it bugs the crap outta me when people don't read AND follow directions.  It seriously is NOT that hard people!  Makes me wonder how they'd do on tests!  (Good thing it wasn't one, eh?  I mean, what if I were to only invite those who actually did it right?)  Some claimed they couldn't see the link or mentioned other "technical" problems.  (I secretly think it's more of a "user" problem).

Anyway.  Lesson learned:  People aren't gonna follow directions no matter how hard you try to help them.

Thrift Therapy

I went to two D.I.s today and beelined it for the book section.  I had a specific title in mind, and figured it would be a cinch to find since last time I came across at least four copies!  I looked through several shelves of books searching for this book but alas, nothing. 

 

I certainly didn't walk out empty-handed though! 

 

I got a few children's classics for my collection for 50 cents each!

 

 

A nice coffee table art book for a steal of $4

 

(image here)

 

Mosby medical dictionary (um, these normally retail upwards of $100 and more) for $4!!!!!  What a steal!

(Books to me are like shoes to my sister! haha)

 

Bird bath

Ok, I'm backtracking a little because I want to share something about yesterday (and I just barely posted something about today!) and this is kinda randome, but anyway, my friend wrote about about how they wanted to fire up the grill and when they opened it up found a huge bird's nest inside!  haha.  My sister has posted a couple of times about the birds in her yard and how her little girl loves watching them out the window.  It just got me thinking about birds I guess, and how fun they are to watch.  I mean, think of going to feed the ducks at the park.  Isn't that such a simple, happy activity?  I think it was the Disney Earth movie that my other sister was watching with her boys once that showed a bird family, and my sister was making dialogue for this really funny looking bird and it was hysterical! 

 

Well, yesterday was a gorgeous spring day.  I love spring sooooo much!  I love the blossoms in the trees and the tulips everywhere and the green!  The weather was perfect; warm in the sunshine, cool in the shade, with a soft breeze.  B and I decided to go for a walk.  Sunday walks are so nice!  At the beginning of our walk we sat on a bench by a fountain at a hotel and watched a cute little bird flapping around in the water.  I wish I'd had my camera.  A couple minutes after playing in the water, the bird flew away.  Another bird (or perhaps the same one) came a few seconds later, flapped its wings around, shook its little tail feather and flew away.  What a beautiful world God has created for us!