Big C, little c, What Begins With C?

I do enjoy a good blog read. A really good one is my new friend and spooning partner, Celia. Celia is funny, and a little off in her thinking. I mean, the stuff she comes up with is just OUT THERE sometimes. And I love every minute of it. But it has often caused me to wonder about her husband. Is he like Celia at all? Does he really appreciate her sense of humor? Is he funny like she is? Are they a good match, or do they drive each other nuts? So I figured I would go straight to the big kahuna myself and make my inquiries. Following is an interview I held with Big C.



*True to form, when I asked little c for her husband's email address, she spent days hacking into his account waiting for the questions to arrive. She then swiped them, and replied in her own words on her blog. Head over for the Paul Harvey version of the story...

TOP TEN QUESTIONS FOR BIG C:

1. You may or may not be aware that your wife is wildly popular on the blogging circuit. We know why we all love her… what do YOU feel is her most endearing quality? Please give an example.
Celia just wants to have fun. She’s always scheming up a new adventure. Like last week when I noticed her “to do” list said, “Buy tickets to Hawaii.” My reaction was, “Who’s going to Hawaii now?”

2. You appear to be more reserved, perhaps even conservative. Celia, on the other hand… not so much. Is that an accurate assumption, and if so, can you ‘splain me dat, Lucy?

It’s true that Celia is an extrovert, but she’s actually too young to have watched I Love Lucy in her youth, so that can’t be her inspiration. Also, I’m Scotch, not Puerto Rican. Celia works to live; I live to work. It all works out.

3. Celia occasionally references the relationship between you and her sisters. Care to comment on the real nature of the beast?
Let’s just say, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

4. What is the key to your marital success?
We respect each other’s role in the marriage. I’m in charge of making the money; Celia’s in charge of spending the money.

5. Who is funnier: Big C or little c?
That depends on your taste for humor. Celia usually doesn’t get too personal in her humor. For example, she’ll poke fun at anyone who’s ever worn white in a family photo. On the other hand, when I make a joke, it’s funnier, but also in very bad taste and not at all politically correct.

6. If you could change one thing about your wife, what would it be? (A safe answer might involve the words “Depeche Mode” )
Depeche Mode? That puts me in vomit mode. I do wish she loved Led Zeppelin as much as I do. However, it’s okay because I’ve sent our kids through my own School of Rock and now we outnumber her.

7. When did you realize that you wanted to ask Celia to marry you?
Do you know the story about free milk and the cow? Or maybe it was when I discovered that she had a better car than I did. She had a brand new, Chinese red Mazda MX-6. I was driving an old Toyota with a Taco Bell color scheme.

8. What is your favorite meal, as “prepared” by your wife? (we all know about her faux-made dishes)
Once a year, she insists on making my special birthday cake for me. It’s a white cake with cream cheese and whipping cream frosting, topped by a can of pie cherries in syrup. She thinks it’s disgusting and everyone hates it but me, but it’s OK since it’s my birthday. It’s about 13,000 calories, and I eat the whole thing.

9. Please detail the plans you would make for Celia’s Ultimate Romantic Getaway. Be sure to include specific dates so she can clear her calendar.
My parents’ house has been added on to so that it now has a bedroom in the very center of the house. It has big glass doors on one side and a thin wood door on the other. That would be my first choice, but we’ve done it so many times already.
Celia would like to stay on the Central California coast, doing nothing but sleep, read, and eat. I’m good with that.

10. If you could take this opportunity to say anything to your wife (knowing it will be read by a couple hundred of her closest friends) what would you say?
Is it possible to make money blogging? Could we sell advertising space on your blog or maybe charge admission?

Well... I'm still waiting for the mysteries of Big C to be unlocked. But until he starts his own blog (which I heard he's seriously considering doing) we'll just have to settle for his carefully chosen words in this online interview. Little c... looks like sixteen years well-invested. I say keep him around. Big C... thanks for your time. I only had to pester you twice for the responses. Not bad.

MySpace Has Been Invaded

DISCLAIMER: I tend to write about generally mundane yet amusing things. Occasionally I post some personal thoughts, and every once in awhile I touch on a sensitive subject. This is a sensitive subject, I'm sure, for plenty of people. And I'll probably offend someone in the process, and I'm sorry. But these are my thoughts. Take them for what they are.

Several people I know use MySpace, an online social networking website. Most of them are younger than me, but apparently find me interesting enough to want to share their space with me anyway. I opened a MySpace account just so I could accept their invitations. I don't do anything there, I don't spend time there other than to occasionally check in on my friends and see their pictures. I'm just going to be honest here, but WHAT IS UP WITH TOTALLY PIMPING YOURSELF OUT ONLINE?

The following picture was a FRIEND of someone I know. It was posted on her MySpace page.

Give me a break! The girl is somewhere between 16-21 years old. And in one fell swoop, she's promoting the naughty nurse fantasy along with the lollipop fellatio deal. COME ON! I was so disgusted by this, I didn't even bother to check for new photos of relatives.

Most of my experience with people in MySpace has been similar to this. Perhaps not quite as blatantly sexualized, but clearly provocative nonetheless. Teenagers and young adults, mostly female, putting up pictures with sultry faces and implicit poses. Clearly, the anonymity of being online would embolden people to act in ways they otherwise might not. If you were just going to a friend's house to meet some new people, would you show up as Naughty Nurse Betty? Probably not. But online, suddenly you're hidden behind this protective shield, and so many people seem to be okay with that.

I realize there's a lot of bad stuff out there. But I look at what today's youth are being raised in, and I honestly fear for my children. As much as we try to teach them right from wrong, build a strong family, instill religious devotion, this is still what they are growing up with. Mika is going into 5th grade, and he has friends already whose parents have given them MySpace accounts and posted YouTube videos. They had a beach party at school the other day, and one girl showed up in a bikini. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bikini. But her sitting around the classroom with every inch of her prepubescent body hanging out really bothered me. This is the same girl that calls our house, asks for Mika, and then giggles and hangs up when he gets on the phone. I can all but guarantee, in a few years this same girl will have her own over-sexed pictures on MySpace.

Where is the self-respect? Where is the pride in being a good girl? I don't understand it, and frankly, the potential windfall from it all will be devastating to our society. That may sound a bit melodramatic, but truthfully, what kind of mothers will these girls grow up to be? What kind of wives will they make?

I am disappointed to see so much of this. And I know I'm not just getting older and more cynical. It's wrong. Plain and simple.

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty...

I recently read a post about Celia's prom. It really brought back a flood of memories for me.
This is Celia. As you can clearly see by the bangs and the dyed-to-match shoes, we went to prom around the same time in our lives. Read her post for a hilarious numerical breakdown of the event. I went with Skater Shane, who was actually a really cool kid. He was one of my favorite friends. The hair has lost its cool factor, but who am I to talk with my 4 inch bangs?

In the name of keeping fond memories alive, let's take a look back at some of the other special moments that made prom night so special...

Ah, the matching outfits. It's too bad one of the other boys couldn't have gone with the black jacket as well, so there could've been a little more fabric for girl #1's dress.

And it's really too bad that one of the boys in a black jacket couldn't have gone altogether without, so that THIS GIRL could've at least HAD some fabric for her dress. Honestly! Are they glued on? Never mind, I don't even want to know.

And stepping onto the red tarp (which is held in place by red rocks), we have, um, WAIT A MINUTE... are those NEW JERSEY LICENSE PLATES ON THAT CAR? Well who'da thunk?

Remember worrying about whether or not your date would expect some play at the end of the night? Well, it wasn't just us ladies. Guys worried too. Enter BIG BROTHER GHOST. By the looks of things here, brotha will be gettin a WHOLE LOTTA prom night lovn. Coming to mind is the phrase "I'm gonna eat you alive." And I'm pretty sure he's nervous.

Prom was a really tough time if you were pregnant... well, I mean, I imagine it could've been. But apparently not- don't be ashamed of those stretch marks! You got knocked up... say it loud, say it proud! At least we know who WON'T be getting pregnant on prom night.



Did you know i went to high school with Dennis Rodman? This is where he first got the idea to get dressed up in bridal apparel. We all started somewhere, right? Particularly eye-catching is how his arm lattice compliments that on her midriff. and thigh. and chest.

Remember the excitement of shopping for just the right hair accessory? The thrill of getting a new bra? Ah, good times. Good times.

I don't really know for sure, but some people have told me that if you don't wear the right dress, you sometimes worry about your cleavage popping out while you're dancing. Now THAT would be embarassing.

The manis, the pedis... it was a special night! We got pampered!

And of course, we all worried about getting our hair done. Up-do? Down and curled? Down and straight? Helicopter? There were so many choices.

Yeah, prom was a special time for all of us.

Celebrity Poll

This whole thing with my husband being gone really stinks. But I can't just sit around and miss him all day. So I met with a few of my famous friends to get their advice. Here's what they had to say:

OPRAH: I can see that you're struggling with this, that your spiritual journey is at a standstill. I've been there, sister. I've felt that pain. That's why I'm going to hand you the keys to YOUR VERY OWN, BRAND NEW ACURA LEGEND!! (insert wild screaming and cheering, which is especially odd since it was just the 2 of us at Baskin Robbins.)

TEDDY KENNEDY: Why don't you let me buy you a drink and you can tell me all about it.

ANGELINA JOLIE: There's always room in our family bed for one more. And if things work out, I'll add your birthdate to my barcode tattoo.

BRITTANY SPEARS: Want the number to my barber?

AL SHARPTON: Ah'm sorry! But a BLACK man has NO BIDNEZ BEIN' with a white WOMAN.

HILLARY CLINTON: (I had to call her, she's too busy to meet) I have never supported this war in Iraq. If I am elected president, I will ensure that your husband is brought home from this dangerous and unnecessary assignment. I give you my personal word that my team and I will be waiting at the airport, to be the first to shake his hand and congratulate him on a safe return. (aside: What? I'm sorry? He's not in Iraq? There's no danger? No photo op? Hmm...)

-click-

BILL CLINTON: Would you care for a cigar? I promise, you don't have to inhale.

LINDSAY LOHAN: You look like you need a kiss.

ZAC EFRON: Were you talking to me? I'm sorry. I was just trying to decide if your eyes were bluer than mine.

FLAVOR FLAV: Yeah boy, what time is it? Will you marry me?

PAULA ABDUL: I can feel your heart, and you've opened up your vulnerability to me tonight, and I think it was beautiful. I have no
idea who you are, or really even what I'm doing here, but I feel inspired.

SIMON COWELL: You ah utterly pathetic! You're pining away like a child with no money at a cahnival. You're like the sad clown at the circus. You're not at awl enjoyable to even tawk to.

So in the end, it looks like I'm pretty much just going to have to deal with this on my own. They mean well, but I didn't come away with much motivation. Anyone wanna throw in their two cents?

Bronze Star

I wanted to share this because I am continually amazed at the strength of the man I married. I love him for being a part of selfless and courageous things like this, as much as I love him for trying to help me get our six-year old to stop sucking his thumb.

The following is the narrative written when Skip received a Bronze Star in Iraq. (I took out our last name for privacy purposes). The picture above includes one of the men whose life was lost during the incident. I am proud of my husband, I am proud of what he does. I support his career as a US Army Soldier, but I cannot wait for this war to be over.

May 4, 2006 Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alfred B distinguished himself with valor for his actions following an IED strike on a vehicle in his platoon on ASR Jackson in the vicinity of CP543. Earlier in the morning an IED blast had damaged the platoon Buffalo, resulting in two flat tires, and a damaged hydraulic arm. Immediately after linking up with recovery assets and continuing the return to base, the lead RG-31 in the convoy was struck by a devastating IED blast, killing two Soldiers, and wounding three. SFC B quickly maneuvered his platoon to ensure security at the scene. Upon doing this, he pulled his vehicle closer to the blast and dismounted with the platoon medic rushing to the scene. Soon after dismounting, an RPG was fired at the patrol. With the medic, he quickly began administering aid to a wounded Soldier who had been thrown from the vehicle in the blast.

After ensuring the casualty was in good hands, SFC B ran to the vehicle which had burst into flames, and helped lower a casualty from the gunner turret and immediately saw to his care. Recognizing a Soldier was still trapped inside the vehicle now engulfed in flames, SFC B and two other Soldiers immediately began a successful rescue attempt. With little regard for his personal safety, SFC B climbed into the rear of the flaming vehicle and began fighting to the front where the wounded Soldier was. SFC B was turned back several times by heat and flames. After reaching the trapped Soldier and cutting him free with CLS scissors, SFC B immediately began first aid on the Soldier. SFC B did not waver in his determination, ensuring he would not rest until the trapped Soldier was pulled from the vehicle.

Soon after his removal, the ammunition in the vehicle began to cook off, exposing SFC B and the platoon to another danger. Heat from the fire was so intense that it melted the ballistic windows. He backed his Soldiers away from the vehicle and continued to care for the wounded and ensure they received the best possible treatment.

SFC B’s actions clearly reflect a life lived by the Army Values. His actions embody the spirit of the phrase, “leave no man behind.” By climbing into a flaming vehicle in an attempt to save a trapped Soldier’s life, SFC B demonstrated to his men the true meaning of the words personal courage. His actions set an example for all the Soldiers who hear his story, and will never be forgotten by those who watched him risk his life to save another. SFC B’s actions are in keeping with the finest values which we as an Army hold dear. His fearlessness in the face of danger is an inspiration to all Soldiers, and goes above and beyond what could be expected from a Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Engineer Battalion, the 16th Engineer Brigade, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

PROPOSED CITATION FOR THE BRONZE STAR WITH V DEVICE MEDAL TO SFC ALFRED B FOR HEROISM IN CONNECTION WITH MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST A HOSTILE FORCE IN IRAQ IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. SFC B DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF WHILE PERFORMING DUTIES AS A PLATOON SERGEANT IN BRAVO COMPANY, 5TH ENGINEER BATTALION DURING AN INSURGENT AMBUSH ON 4 MAY 2006. SFC B, WITH LITTLE REGARD FOR HIS PERSONAL SAFETY HELPED PULL TWO SOLDIERS FROM A BURNING VEHICLE. SFC B'S PERSONAL BRAVERY AND CALMNESS UNDER EXTREME DURESS REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THE 5TH ENGINEER BATTALION, THE 16TH ENGINEER BRIGADE, THE 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

This is the memorial over in Iraq dedicated to the four men from his unit who lost their lives during their mission.

Memorial Day

They had an awesome flag display at the local cemetery. Check out the slideshow below for more shots.

I took the kids to the cemetery today. I realize it may seem a bit morbid, but I want them to have some kind of connection to their past. History is so valuable, yet so overlooked. At WalMart today, there was a veteran handing out Red Poppies "for the boys who didn't come home." I felt so emotional when I looked at him. Tom Brokaw calls them "The Greatest Generation" and I couldn't agree more. One of my favorite things to do is sit with older men who have fought in wars. They understand hard work, they understand sacrifice, they understand loyalty and commitment. I sometimes feel sad for the younger generations, that these things might be lost to them.

War is never a good thing. It can produce good results, but often at a high price. Skip has been to war a lot. He has seen it all. I would not have traded places with him for anything in the world. I'd rather not detail his experiences today, but I appreciate Memorial Day for the opportunity it gives me to reflect on them. And I am grateful he is alive, he is my husband, and we are for eternity.

Age Is Fine For Cheese and Wine

Today my husband sent me a link to take an online quiz and determine my Real Age. (You can try it too, if you feel so inclined, by clicking on my handy-dandy link). We participated in this quiz for one or more of the following reasons:
1. We were nervous that perhaps we weren't actually as old we had spent our entire lives thinking.
2. We were hopeful that we were actually younger than we spent our entire lives thinking.
3. We have nothing better to do with our time.

The quiz basically takes you through a series of questions regarding your health, habits, relationships, diet and fitness. It's actually kind of cool, because it helps identify those areas that you need to improve in order to have your body age in conjunction with the pages of the calendar.

I will admit I went in smugly, because I eat really well, I've always exercised, I have great friends and family who are a big part of my life, I've never habitually smoked, drank, blah, blah, blah. Miss Perfect was looking to come out in her biological twenties.
The Mr. in this equation eats red meat as if we own a cattle ranch. I won't divulge his past habits, but suffice it to say I knew he would be checking a lot more "yes I have" boxes than I did. He never really gets why I have "so many friends" and feel the need to communicate with them daily. Mr. Not Quite As Perfect As His Wife should've been rolling into his biological fifties.

Well.
Guess what.

I came in "SEVERAL" YEARS OLDER than I actually am, and he came in "SEVERAL" YEARS YOUNGER!
The results looked a little somethin like this:





I claim total unfairness because I had to check off "yes" on the breast cancer gene. He claims that it TOTALLY DOESN'T MATTER if he eats crap every day, never talks to his friends, and spent half his life with Captain Morgan.

And apparently, he's right.


*In all fairness, the guy bikes twenty-two miles a day. But I'M the one who eats eggplant and doesn't drink soda. I WAS THE GOOD SON!

A Man, His Wife, and Their Pheasants

We have an ongoing "conversation" in our house about the pheasants. Click here for the original story. Last night, the kids and I spotted this one on the way home. We pulled over to grab a picture of it. I came home, and changed Skip's computer desktop from the family picture to this:


He totally loves it, and he's going to keep it up for a long time, mostly because he's a huge fan of the bird, and also mostly because he thinks I'm the funniest person EVER.

Right babe?

Words from McGruff...

Blogapalooza was mostly about fun. We did, however, take a brief moment to discuss some of the issues and topics related to blogging. One in particular was that of safety. We are mostly moms, posting about our families. And we throw a lot of information up on that website, without even realizing we're doing it.
The odds of a creepy stalker coming into your life are slim. Nonetheless, here are a few tips to keep in mind when blogging:

1. Consider not using your last name on anything: your URL address, your blog title, your profile... nothing. Just out of curiousity, I tried an experiment. So as not to put anyone on the spot, I'll change the last name to Nacho, as in you should hope this is Nacho Family.
I see on Patty's blog the title "The Stories of the Nacho Family", and in the profile, a picture of her and her husband labeled "Patty and Paul". So now I know they are Patty and Paul Nacho. I can also see in the profile that they live in California. So I hit the white pages and look them up. POOF! An address. I take that address, plug it in to Yahoo Real Estate, and up pops their house, with a listing of local schools. I also notice the Nachos have adorable children, whose names are also clearly posted. I then found out which school the Nacho children would be in based on their address in relation to the school zone. All this from the last name being visible.

2. Avoid specifically naming local attractions, universities, parks or events. Go to the Plainville Farmers Market every weekend? Blog about it? Hang out at Skaket Beach? Blog about it? The more specific you are about where you go, the easier it would be for someone to go there too.

3. Add a tracker to your sidebar. Most people use Sitemeter. While you initially may be using it to satisfy your vanity and see how popular your blog is, it could also be a tool for tracking who visits regularly. If you notice someone visiting regularly from the same location, and don't know who it could be, start asking around. It's likely just a lurker (someone who likes your blog but won't comment... not to be confused with a stalker, who likes your children but won't comment).

4. Don't let people Google your blog. I did a post about dominoes once, and I noticed on my Sitemeter that people would find my blog post after googling topics related to "rules for playing dominoes." Sitemeter tells you how people found your blog. No one needs to be finding it on Google. Do the following to ensure they can't:
-Go to the settings tab
-Go to the 4th topic: let search engines find your blog
-Select No and save changes

5. An additional safety feature would be to prevent your blog from being added to Blogger's listings. Follow the same steps as above, only select the 3rd option: add your blog to our listings. Then hit No.

6. Don't list your city when you choose your location. Naming the state isn't too bad, but no one really needs to know your city. If you become friends with people, let them know privately.

7. Think twice before mentioning where you or your spouse works. If someone knows your job, it would be easy to figure out your schedule as well.

I hope I'm not freaking anybody out here. Like I said, the odds of this happening are very low. But it's only wise to be as cautious as possible when it comes to our families. I know I have been a little too lax in some of my posts as well. If you have your last name anywhere on there, think twice about it. I found your kid's school today. I know what sport they play. I know their name. All of that would've been much harder to pursue if I didn't have your last name. I feel kind of like McGruff the crime dog, doing a public service announcement. I should make a joke about taking a bite out of crime, but I can't think of one that's actually funny.
Bummer.

Mom

This is my mom. She is one talented woman. She is artistic, creative, she sings, plays the piano, directs a mean choir, sews, gardens, cooks, knows more about sports than most women alive... you name it. She is unique in so many ways. Did you know she was raised in the West Indian Mafia? The HBO series that could be made about that extended family... good stuff.

My mom and I had a horribly rough patch during my teenage years. Somehow our relationship survived it, and after I moved out of the house, I discovered she was not an evil person who knew nothing and was trying to ruin my life. Imagine that!

I admire my mom for so many reasons. She has a great ability to sense when people need a listening ear, and she's a good advice giver. She is officially retired, but still teaches ESL, works for CES, holds multiple callings in their branch, and manages to remember and send a couple bucks to all her grandkids on their birthdays.

She has been a support to me during the worst and best times of my life. She loves me unconditionally, and has taught me so much about myself. We will never enjoy shopping together, but I am grateful for our relationship, and proud to call her my mom.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom! I love you!

Highlights: Round Two

It's time to dish about the event of the year... Blogapalooza. What can I say? It was as much fun as I hoped it would be. I walked into a room full of women I had never met before, and I could call most of them by name and knew many details of their lives. Who could've worried there would be nothing to talk about? The problem was there wasn't enough time to talk to as many of the women as I would've liked.

I was most surprised to meet Heidi in real life, as she looked nothing like the pictures on her blog. But I was so glad she did as I begged her to (hee hee) and made the trek across the country, because it was worth every minute of it. And of course, I got to give Shally a big REAL hug for all the great things she's brought my way. Really, everyone was so fantastic, I was almost mesmerized for a good part of the night.

I may be a little biased, but I totally sat at the funnest table. I laughed so hard, that it gave me a valid excuse for ignoring the cold squash and dry chicken on my plate. I feel like I should name everyone and say how much I enjoyed each person, but as you can see here...
...there were a lot of us. Over forty, to be semi-exact. We played some games, had some "organized" discussions, and generally just loved every minute of it. Then we got locked in the student center because we lingered much longer than allowed, and the security guard failed to see the bright side of the situation. Bummer.

I may give Utah a lot of flack... and some of you may be starting to feel a little bit slighted because of it. You mustn't. Utah has a lot of wonderful things to offer. I enjoy a visit there. I also enjoy making fun of a few of its idiosyncrasies, so we'll call it even. But on its upside, it does boast the Rodizio Grill at Trolley Square. I have been there several times, and always love it. It's a Brazilian place, where you can eat meat all night long, right off the skewer and fresh off the open fire. Have mercy, it's gluttony at its best. Expensive, but worth every penny.

The morning before my flight home, Lisa, Laura and I met up with another friend from our mission for breakfast. Dorian is this fantastically talented woman who travels the world and does really interesting things. We served in Cape Verde together, and it was a crazy trip. I haven't seen her since 2000, when the three of us took a trip out to Boston together. It was great to catch up. She's so smart, so pretty, and has a very sharp wit. She's also single. So if you happen to have a phenomenal brother or cousin or maybe even an uncle... hook it up.

I was bummed it was all over, but I couldn't wait to get home to my family. I got tons of hugs and loves, and found my home fully intact. Skip is one in a million. He held the fort down and kept the troops happy. I didn't worry for a minute while I was gone. I loved getting away, and I loved coming home. A Little Time Out: It does a body good.

Highlights: Round One

I took that picture myself. I'm feeling very proud of it.

After my initial airport entertainment, I reconciled myself to the fact that I was spending precious vacation time in the state of Utah. This was not such a bad thing when I looked outside and saw the above scene. Blue skies, snow-capped mountains, deep green pines... it made the rest of the state's oddities bearable.

And then... my pesseguinha arrived. I hooked up wiht Lisa and we immediately began what would turn into four days of non-stop talking, reminiscing, and bonding. That's good stuff. We headed down to Provo, and checked into our dorm. More to come on that horrific experience.

We added to the party a little at a time. Laura (Lisa's mom) met us down there, and if there is anyone on earth that you just want to spend time with and feel good, it's Laura. From the first time she fed me biscuits and sausage gravy, I knew she was a keeper.
Imagine my surprise when we added another duo to our group! Nancy and Darlene, who I met through Lisa years ago, were also around. Nancy is intelligent and purposeful, and her mom is just a kick in the pants. The more, the merrier. This was going to be fun.
We met up that night with a friend I made through blogging, Martha. We went out for dinner, and had some really good conversation. I spend all my time in real life with my husband, which I absolutely enjoy doing. But I will confess that a night out with some girlfriends did my soul good. Martha proved to be every bit as insightful and enjoyable as I suspected she would. Plus, we ate horrific amounts of Mexican food, which is always a plus.
The night did take a turn for the worse, however, when we reached the dorm rooms. With three herniated discs in my back, I was terrified of sleeping on this "mattress", and was slightly leery of walls that so closely resembled Rice Krispie treats. And then there was the bathroom. Look closely. Yes, that is a toilet tucked back in the corner. I am a slender chick, and I had to turn sideways to fit back there. Ew. There were three dorm rooms to an "apartment", with one shared bathroom. Lisa and I were thrilled to find the other 2 rooms empty. No bathroom sharing with dirty-bottomed people! But at 9:30, we heard noise. People were there. Shoot! I devised a plan to sneak out for a drink of water so I could spy on them. Must check for general clean-persona. Imagine my surprise when they were spying back, and who would it happen to be, but Celia and Denae! There was a lot of screaming and squealing, relief at general clean-personas, and then chatting. Skip called, and Celia was excited because she likes bald men. She made him jealous by telling him she would be sleeping with me tonight, spooning even. Here she is, practicing to be the outside spoon:

What an amazing first day in the foreign country state of Utah!

Top 10 Signs You're in the SLC Airport

Without a doubt, Utah is a unique place. Here are the top 10 signs you've arrived at SLC International Airport:

1. 80% of the women you see are blonde.

2. 80% of those women have the Posh Spice bob and Jackie O sunglasses.

3. All airport security positions are filled by Polynesians. And you are more intimidated by the female guards than the male.

4. You see a black guy.

5. You spend five minutes watching him to see if you can figure out which sport he is likely playing at which university.

6. The line to check in is really, really long. However, more of the line space is taken up by strollers than actual passengers.

7. There are more bread stores than any other airport in the country. Thank the pioneer ancestors for that one.

8. If you are Mormon, you will run into someone you know from college, a previous ward, or a mission.

9. There are still signs up that say "Mitt for President!"

10. You may also find the smaller signs that read "Fly JetBlue... the Church is True!"

I could never live in Utah. There are some wonderful people there, and it is a beautiful state. I love to visit there, but I am not a Utah girl at heart. I did have an incredible time at both the BYU Women's Conference, as well as Blogapalooza. Every day this week, my goal is to post about a highlight from the trip. Stay tuned...

God Bless the Yellow Dress

Heeeeeeere's LISA!!!!

Imagine my surprise when my google reader told me today that she had a new post, so I clicked over to read it and found what could very well be the most hideous picture of me EVER.

But the absolutely nicest post ever.

So I'm letting the picture slide.

But if you'd like to read about how one of my best friends became one of my best friends, then click your way over here.

Oh, and this was the only picture I could scrounge up of the yellow dress. I would love to find ANYONE who has flattering missionary pictures. God makes your spirit beautiful, but sort of ignores your physical for awhile. But it's worth it in the end...