I've got a new nickname: Frugal Frieda!

There may be some people who don’t consider me to be thrifty or even financially sound, but I wish to share some evidence to the contrary:

Tuesday, I hosted a Relief Society Christmas home tours activity. Four groups of about 9 ladies each came to my home for a quick tour and little activity. As I was decorating for this event, I realized that one of my favorite nativities needed a backdrop because it sits in front of the phone jack and an outlet, and it looked sort of “WT” like that.

So – on the way home from work the day of the tours, I stopped at a store to see how much the backdrop that goes with the set would cost. They had none in stock, but were willing to sell me the one on display.

I talked them down 10%. Yep – ME the non-thrift-ite.

Isn’t it beautiful?!!! (Oh - and, I decided that it was ok that it only covered the outlet.)

But, wait, there’s more.

It turns out that when you spend a certain amount and you’re a valued customer (valued doesn’t necessarily mean frequent, you know – it COULD mean nice), you get the option to purchase additional items at a discount. So look at these cute “believe” blocks I got for…..wait for it….

$3.99!!!!

So – what say ye? Thrifty? Shall we start calling me, Frieda?? or...Faith? Frannie?

Two Roads Diverged in a Wood

Sometimes, our choices – like taking the road less traveled – make all the difference, and sometimes the difference is made by the choices of others.

Saturday we had a work Christmas party/reunion.

Apart from …..

- the hideous three hours of driving to and from the party in a blizzard (normally only a 25 minute drive),
and
-the lack of appetizers (I left them by the elevator in my condo parking lot),
and
-the AWOL dessert (co-worker assigned to bring dessert turned back after an hour cuz he was too pansy to drive two more hours in the snow),

….. it was a great party.

Getting together with these friends reminded me how lucky I’ve been to work with some truly exceptional people over the years. I could write numerous posts about how my life has been blessed by these folks and their wonderful spouses and children, and maybe I will sometime, but in case I don’t, here are two representative examples:

Co-worker 1 – who, while I was on a business trip took pictures of my entire office (overhead bins, file cabinets, boxes, desk, plants, darts, etc.) so he could move all my stuff into my new office for me – assembling everything just exactly as it was in the old office – thereby saving me hours and hours of hassle.

Co-worker 2 – who rented and watched a clip from Home For The Holidays over and over so he could make me an exact replica of the Aunt Gladdie Thanksgiving necklace I mentioned once that I wanted to wear to my family dinner. (btw- Aunt Gladdie is the “old maid” aunt who has started to lose her mind– sound like anyone?) I wore it again this year –
Yep, FRUIT LOOPS.

Thanks, boys!! You have, indeed, made all the difference.

Giving Thanks

I went to five or six different stores this week looking for some little prize I could give family members at Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. I realize I left it a bit late, but I was sure I’d be able to find SOMETHING for the last minute shopper. Not so. There was absolutely nothing. There were tons of wonderful things for Christmas, but seriously nothing else. Wow.

No prizes tomorrow guys. Sorry I’m too lame to think of Thanksgiving prizes in July. In case you’re a bit behind (like me), Thanksgiving ended in October – almost before Halloween even happened.

Why do we skip over this most wonderful and meaningful holiday every year? We’re so anxious for Christmas (which I will agree is a VERY joyous holiday to celebrate the most wonderful event the world has seen), but I think we should embrace Thanksgiving too.

So – here’s a small portion (some of my favorites) of this year’s Thanksgiving list, shared in celebration of the holiday and gratitude for the many blessings in my life:

1. Employment so I can improve, contribute and pay for #2
2. My, beautiful and comfortable home
3. The Kings Singers, John Denver, Avril Lavigne, Royal Bliss, Eve 6, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, …
4. Dr. Pepper, Ruby Red Squirt, cheese, pink cookies, white cake with raspberry filling and all Mexican food
5. My gym pass
6. Roses and daisies
7. The Great Ocean Road in Australia
8. Memories of Hebgen Lake, Montana
9. The mountains surrounding Salt Lake City
10. The opportunity to learn from the examples and accomplishments of four amazing grandparents
11. A loving, generous and supportive father who buys me flowers for Valentines and Mother’s Day
12. A patient, kind and fun mother who constantly strives to be a loving and righteous woman
13. 12 wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law who fill my life with learning & laughter
14. 13 nieces and nephews, who are the joy of life
15. The thoughtfulness, listening ear and wisdom of true friends
16. My piano and the ability to play it
17. Good books & movies that educate, enlighten and entertain
18. A high-school Humanities teacher who read The Velveteen Rabbit to us every year
19. My primary kids
20. The peace and guiding influence of my faith and the Source from whence it comes

Obviously, I had to finish with the most important one. And – there are lots of silly things on the big list, like my black boots, my black & pearl earrings, my pillow, my iPod, my Picasso ironing print, my dart gun at work, my stuffed lions ….. etc., but you’ve got to make an effort to sound mostly grounded when you’re only listing 20 things, right? Recognizing blessings and expressing gratitude is such a happy thing. Thank goodness for Thanks-giving! We should celebrate it for months and months.

Charlie & Grandpa Joe, the sequel

If, like me, you’re not a chocolate eater, you might wonder, “What are golden tickets good for anyway?”

Here’s your answer:

Gershwin Theater on Broadway in 2008 – note the lack of a happy girl in the photo (no ticket).
Gershwin Theater on Broadway in 2009 – note the very happy girl in the photo on her way up the stairs to see Wicked (ticket in hand).

Or

Midnight premier of Twilight in 2008 – note the happy girl.
Pre-screening of New Moon in 2009 – yep, the happy girl again.Do I think happiness is all about picking the right candy bar? No. But, I do think it might just have something to do with enjoying the candy bar you get. Happily, I like Starburst and Skittles. :)

Special thanks to my boss for sending me to New York for a work conference, and to my sister-in-law for getting me tickets to see Edward two years in a row.

By the way – I might be the only one counting, but just in case I’m not: 1 year, 1 month and 10 days to chocolate.

A Word of Thanks to my Sponsors

I once had a friend who didn’t like John Denver – his voice, his lyrics, his music – none of it. I was dumbfounded by this. I could not imagine how anyone could miss the brilliance of something like...

Annie’s Song:
You fill up my senses
like a night in the forest
like the mountains in springtime,
like a walk in the rain
like a storm in the desert,
like a sleepy blue ocean….

Or Perhaps Love:
Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm
And in those times of trouble when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home

Or my favorite, Wild Montana Skies (because I love Montana):
Oh Montana, give this child a home
Give him the love of a good family and a woman of his own
Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes
Give him the wild wind for a brother and the wild Montana skies

And there are countless other beautiful melodies and inspiring lyrics by this genius of a songwriter. I pretty much think, if you don’t like John Denver, you might be stupid. (I know - said in my typically gentle and subtle way.)

Some of my very best and happiest memories are family trips to Hebgen Lake, Montana, with John Denver music in the background. Thanks, Mom & Dad for sharing this gift with me! It has and continues to bless my life.

And, if you happen to be one of those non-believers, go listen again – there’s probably still hope for you. hahaha

Right Outside my Back Door (if I had a back door)

I’ve traveled almost as far away from home as a person can go and seen many stunning vistas, but last month, I saw some of the most beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen – just 90 minutes from my home.

A friend told me about Cascade Springs – a little place tucked away in the Uinta National Forest. The drive up – with the blue sky, changing leaves, snow-topped mountains and little stream was amazing, and the Springs were a small slice of heaven. Everywhere I looked was an amazing view – I was so happy with this new discovery. Not sure how I haven’t seen it before – living so close all these years.

I will miss my new friend until the winter snow and storms clear – and hopefully, I can go up there again.

Ode to Lost Loves

Have you heard the song, “April Come She Will” by Simon and Garfunkel? It is one of my favorites.

Here are the last few lines:

July she will fly
And give no warning to her flight
August die she must
The autumn winds blow chilly and cold
September I remember
A love once new has now grown old

September seems an odd month to remember – but then, I remember lots of silly things. For example: about two years after we stopped dating, I ran into a college boyfriend. It happened to be his birthday that day, so as I passed, I wished him a “Happy Birthday.” He got an odd expression on his face and said, “You remember my birthday?”

Yes, dummy.

(And, I still do.)

Years of September, April and November –
Time and I have moved on, but I still remember.

Confession: I might be Darth Vader

I have two rings that I love – one, I ordered from a boutique catalog after months and months of looking at it and wanting it. The other, I bought last time I was in Australia because I wanted something black.
I believe they represent the two sides of my nature –

I can be the nicest person you’ve ever met when I am with my nieces and nephews, who I adore and who are the joy of life (the white ring); or, I can be the biggest pill this side of the Mississippi when…. well, pretty much all the rest of the time (the black ring).

On Friday night, I love to get all dressed up with curly hair and heels and go to the symphony (the white ring), and on Saturday night, I like to throw on jeans and a leather jacket and go hear my favorite rock band (the black ring).

I believe in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law (the white ring), but I feel compelled to speed every time I drive, even when I am not in a hurry (the black ring).

This could go on all day…there are a plethora of examples of these two sides, but the point today is a confession: I have turned to the “Dark Side.”

I’ve been an anti-cola person for years – promoting the merits of drinking water and avoiding carbonation (the white ring). Until a couple weeks ago when I met with a few bumps in the road and was reminded how much I love diet Dr. Pepper and diet Coke (the black ring). I’ve been enjoying the dark stuff ever since.

I wonder if Han Solo or Luke will come to my rescue....

Charlie & Grandpa Joe

Does anyone remember how last time I was in New York for a work conference I went to the Gershwin Theater and stood in line for a long time to try for a Standby ticket to see Wicked? And does anyone remember how I didn’t get one? Well, I do. I know - slightly bitter.

I am going to New York again in November and rather than leave things to chance, I just purchased a ticket to see Wicked at the very same Gershwin Theater.

It is the one bright spot in an otherwise not so brilliant week, so while I may not wend my way home singing “I’ve got a golden ticket…,” or anything, I am very excited to see my first show ON Broadway.

I think I'll go pinch a Fizzy Lifting Drink from my dad's refrigerator to celebrate (translation: steal a diet Coke).

Note to Self:

A friend recently told me about an interesting discussion during a Relief Society lesson on marriage. Instead of comments about trying to be unified or serve each other better or efforts to make God more a part of the relationship (things one might expect to hear in a church meeting), the comments were things like frustration that a husband frequently leaves his socks on the floor, and an annoyance with the way another husband eats his fried chicken.

My first reaction was, “What stupid women.” And a wish that I be stricken with both of those terrible trials and more because they would mean a husband to come home to at the end of a hard day, someone to cuddle up and watch movies with on a Saturday night, a partner to tackle life with when things are tough, etc., etc….

But then I realized, I might complain about the same stupid things had having a husband been simply handed to me on a "silver platter." So, this post is a little reminder for me (in case I ever forget) to try and see the gift in socks on the floor – in whatever form that trial comes.

The face that DID NOT launch 1,000 ships...

I've said for some time now that I have a boy face - hence, the need for long hair and make-up. Well, I've now got proof my claim is true. I tried multiple photos on this celebrity look-a-like thing and multiple times it told me I look like John Denver (and some other people - but who cares about that??). Unreal.

Check it out: I even have a photo that, evidently, looks like David Bowie (and a handful of other men), so I guess I should at least be happy this pic got me some female celebrities, right?

Again - UNREAL.

A Comedy of Errors

The scene:
1:17a.m., Saturday morning, driving home from mom and dads, after watching movies with mom.

The errors:
1. Not immediately fixing the headlight I noticed was out yesterday (they go out way too frequently - not sure why)
2. Not having my driver’s license with me
3. Slurring my speech (I was very sleepy) while explaining to the police officer that, no – I don’t know my DL #

The only thing I did right:
Looking the police officer right in the face when he asked if I’d been drinking, and answering, “No. I never drink,” while his flashlight - shining right in my eyes - confirmed to him I was telling the truth. (Thank goodness, because my balance is terrible!!)

Item added to the Saturday “To Do” List:
Replacing that stupid headlight

Pretty funny, right? Well - I thought it was. If he'd made me get out and walk a straight line, I might have been the first totally sober person booked for DUI. (Actually, my parents might not have seen comedy in that.)

Chicken Pot Pie Anyone?

Are you one of those people who has a specific dish they order at each of their favorite restaurants? Well, I am. At Cancun Café, I get the Chicken Chimichanga. At Blue Plate, I get the SMA (Spinach, Mushroom, Avocado) Omelet with Swiss Cheese . At Ruth’s, I get the Bleu Bacon Burger, cooked well and then a little bit more well. At Café Rio, I get the chicken salad with extra cilantro. At Mimi’s, the Quiche Lorraine with a salad and bran muffin . . .well, you get the idea.

I try new menu items once in a while, but I am not a person who deals well with disappointment, so when I find something I love, I just keep getting it. However, a recent experience has caused me to re-think my approach to food happiness.

On Saturday, my mom chose a restaurant for a specific menu item that she loves there: Ruby Tuesday for their Chicken Pot Pie. You must know – she was pretty excited to eat her pot pie; so, you’ll not be surprised to hear that when the waitress came back out and told her they don’t make the pot pies anymore, she was not happy. In fact, it was not easy for her to select a new entrée, and I’m pretty sure the chicken-something-or-other she ended up with was rather sub-par, given the anticipated Chicken Pot Pie nirvana that was not realized.

I have, for some time now, thought having a Plan B in mind for work projects or dates or shopping is a wise course for those of us who don’t deal well with disappointment. I think I now need to engage in a quest to develop Plan B’s at all my favorite restaurants. Anyone free for dinner tonight?

God May Have Created the Oregon Coast For Me

Here is how I spent the first hour of my day Tuesday morning:
Walking with no shoes... (please note the happy little adjustment from the normal black to purple polish) Along the beach in Seaside, Oregon, with my iPod and a smile on my face.
My Thanksgiving Day list of things I am grateful for will be an item longer this year. What a beautiful place!

If you like Pina Coladas

Have you ever thought about what you’d put in a personal ad to describe the real you and what you’re looking for? Well, I have…

If you like mountains and Montana
Travel, and leaving home to roam
If you’re not stupid or silly
If you own your own home
If you love children and playing games
And working hard on your shifts
If you like laughing and great food
Or you’d like getting gifts
If you love God and your family
Watching movies until it’s late
Then I’m the girl that you’ve looked for
Write to me and let’s date

Sipping my 6th or 7th Pina Colada on the Alaska Cruise (non-alcoholic, of course).

Wicked Witch of the West

You know it’s too hot in your house when…
Yep. My poor little candle is melting. Probably time to get the air conditioner fixed. I haven’t wanted to spend the money because both companies who came to look at it are telling me it will be rather pricey.

But, I think the candle is a sign. And despite all the fans my wonderful father has gotten for me – my house is a serious fire pit.

Soon it will be ME saying, “I’m melting, I’m melting …”

Dating Hall of Fame - The Cowboy

It is bad luck to wish an actor or actress, “Good luck,” as they prepare to go on stage – they are a superstitious lot. So, typically, you tell them to, “Break a leg!” before the performance.

I once went out with a handsome guy who was either a closet actor, or kind of scary…

THE SCENE: a picturesque mountain – two beautiful horses – me and the handsome guy (in a cowboy hat & boots) riding the horses half-way up the side of the mountain on a narrow trail that my two human feet would barely fit on next to a steep drop-off.

HANDSOME GUY: “…. Oh, and by the way, make sure to pull your legs out of the stirrups if your horse starts to slip, or you’ll break your leg when he falls.”

ME: “Uhhhhh…. how do I get off this thing on this tiny trail?”

HANDSOME GUY: “You don’t.”

Hello!! I’m thinking maybe the breaking the leg thing should have been mentioned BEFORE I went on stage. Don’t ya think?

(By the way – I rode the whole way, but somehow this courageous feat was completely disregarded when he learned, at the ice cream place afterwards, that I hadn’t a clue who Garth Brooks was. I do now, Mr. Cowboy.)

Gold Medal Performance

I’ve always wanted to be really great at something. When I’m at the ballet, I think about how I want to be a prima ballerina dancing in the Nutcracker. When I go to the symphony I imagine I have become the concert pianist my mother dreamed I would be. And, when I am watching the Olympics, I visualize me as the fastest female runner in the world.

Sadly, I haven’t yet realized my dreams in any of these areas. But, you will be happy to know that back in the 80’s I did actually achieve greatness. (Those who know me well will not be surprised to hear that this standout performance is in relation to my hair.)

Check out this photo I just found at my mom’s house.

Wow.

I am confident there are not many people on this earth who could get their bangs as big as I did. I mean look at those things. They are at least three inches off my head. They're spectacular. Seriously dorky facial expression though. And, the eyebrows. Ick. Oh, well – can’t win ‘em all.

So - what do you think – gold medal hair??

One of the benefits of being single is...

I am sometimes invited to come along with my parents or my brothers on their family vacations. I love this and whenever I can, I happily accept. Case in point: a recent Alaskan cruise. I love the ocean – can’t get enough of it. I think Utah should have an ocean. Then it would be perfect. Anywho… this was my first cruise and I loved it.

This is me in my little hat by a waterfall near Mendenhall Glacier.
This is me and my mom in Sitka. We loved Sitka. This is me and my brother eating ice cream cones - we had one every day (sometimes more than one - and SOMETIMES more than one at a time).
This is me on my little bed in the cabin.
This is a sweet picture I took on a hike in Sitka. This is the gym and the spectacular view I enjoyed while working out...I even saw two orca jump all the way out of the water while I was on the eliptical machine one morning. This is me with my dad, mom, brother and sister-in-law in Ketchikan. This is in Glacier Bay. And, this is at the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Canada was our last stop and we loved it. Alaska was amazing and I had a wonderful time being with some of my family and relaxing (didn't turn my cell phone on once). For those of my family thinking about your next vacation... the single girl wants to go to Hawaii, Europe, and Africa next. heehee

Lone Woman in the Wilderness: Pet Peeves

I hated the movie, Braveheart. Hated it. I think it is one of the WORST movies I’ve EVER seen. I have come to believe I am the only person on this planet who feels this way, and I am amazed at the passion around and complete adoration of this movie. I saw it on TV, so I suppose it is possible the edited parts are what make it the amazing, brilliant movie that all of the world thinks it is – but I seriously doubt it. I say, “yuck!” to Braveheart.

I also believe I am the lone person in the world when it comes to my feelings about sushi. Yep - I hate it. Raw fish and seaweed belong in the ocean, folks. There are some types I will eat if I have to, but I would NEVER choose to get sushi at a restaurant. I dislike it so much that I’ve wondered if this spastic sushi craze is just a conspiracy or maybe a trendy, faddy kind of thing and people really don’t like it as much as they say they do. I say, “yuck!” to sushi.

And – I’m pretty sure I’m the only person who is anti-Pioneer Treks. I’m philosophically opposed to the things. Do we actually think we’re having the same experience the pioneers had? Please. I don’t doubt people have wonderful and spiritual experiences on them, but let’s not pretend that we are now like the pioneers because we went on “Trek.” We have cars, well-soled shoes, access to hospitals, plenty of food and water if necessary. Where is the similarity? I know I’m a little heathen, but I say, “yuck!” to pioneer treks.

So – there you go. Proof my brothers are right: I’m a freak. :)

Dating Advice

A new movie has infiltrated my current top 10…..joining the ranks of classics such as,
1. Gone With the Wind
2. Wyatt Earp
3. Pride and Prejudice
4. Fletch
5. Beautiful Mind
6. Home for the Holidays
7. Inn of the Sixth Happiness
8. Sense & Sensibility
9. Sleeping Beauty

and announcing…
10. He’s Just Not That Into You

Love this movie. Normally, I don’t allow “chick flicks” to be in my top ten (please note: Jane Austens don’t count as a chick flicks since they are based on recognized literary classics), but I have chosen to make an exception with He’s Just Not That Into You.

Have you seen this film? There is a guy in it who shares an inside look at the male psyche in the form of dating advice to a gal in need of a helping hand. The key point he makes is that if the guy doesn’t take the initiative, he’s just not that into you… guys will always find a way to ask a girl out if they are interested.

It de-bunks the old kindergarten rule that a boy who is mean to you secretly likes you. If he tells you to call him, or he says he’ll be out of touch for a while, or says “nice to meet you,” at the end of a date – he’s just not that into you. Seems rather obvious, doesn’t it?

Alas, I frequently find myself falling into the trap they reference in the movie – girls always look for hidden meaning in everything a guy says and does – and link all sorts of little clues to conclude that he likes you (when he definitely DOES NOT).

I once had a guy friend who gave me boy advice just like in the movie. He was so helpful. But, he is AWOL now. In his absence, I have decided to consult my new favorite movie when I have questions. Nothing like a little Hollywood to live your life by, right? Full of helpful and wise tidbits.

Ha-ha-ha… just kidding. But it IS a funny movie.

One order of Tall, Dark and Handsome - hold the pickles

I went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries last night. Loved it. The fries were great and the burger was awesome, but the thing I was most impressed with was their process and the options. Anyone who has ever seen my shoe collection or travelled with me (and helped lug huge and very full suitcases around) knows that I LOVE having options.

At Five Guys, you can have a burger, cheese burger, bacon burger or bacon cheeseburger – or any of those in a “little” version. You can have relish or pickles, onions or grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, jalapeno peppers or green peppers, mayo, ketchup, mustard, A-1 sauce, Bar-B-Q Sauce or hot sauce. Or all of the above because they are all free. OPTIONS and FREE. Very cool.

Plus – they attach a receipt to the order with little numbers for each burger which correspond to little numbers on the wrapped burgers so you know exactly which burger belongs to which person.

I was just wondering if they would consider a product alteration – something like… Five Guys Husbands and Fries (I am willing to forgo the burger for a guy, but there’s no reason to throw out the fries – right?).

The Oh-Needers

Have you seen That Thing You Do with Tom Hanks? It's the story of a little band that has a few moments of glory - they sign with a record label and tour around with musicians - most of whom are better known than they - and even get a spot on a TV program. The first time their one hit is played on the radio, the band goes spastic - screaming and jumping up and down in the drummer's family electronics store.

I still remember the first time I heard my my "little" brother's band, Royal Bliss, on the radio. I thought it was really great. They've been on the radio a lot over the last few years, and on TV a fair bit too. I get excited every time. We sometimes tease our parents that they resemble the mom and dad in the movie - the strict father who eventually can't help but join the fan club, and the mother who does her silly little dance to the catchy music (my parents sing along too).

Royal Bliss recently released a new album under the Capitol Records label.

And they are on tour with Candlebox now.

This is at their one-day stop in SLC: playing at The Depot in March.

And even though we smirk a bit when silly girls come up and ask for our brother's autograph, we're all pretty proud their hard work and talent is finally bringing them success. Have a listen sometime - their music is Wonder-ful!!

Bracketology

Does anyone else find it funny how we turn a form of exercise and entertainment into a “science” every March? I think it is simply silly. But I love it.

My version of “science” has typically included things like uniform colors, mascots, handsome men . . . with a little smattering of looking at their season records and offensive/defensive strengths. Also – loyalty plays into my science. I typically pick Utah schools to win at least one game – especially BYU since it is my alma mater.

HOWEVER, they (BYU) fail me (and more importantly, ruin my bracket) EVERY YEAR!! Last year, I vowed NEVER AGAIN to pick them to win one single game; but, this year I was talked into one more year of loyalty. Predictably, they let me down and messed up my bracket AGAIN!!! Aaaagggh!

“Science” or not, they are OFF THE LIST. I am finished with them forever.

The evil men do lives after them

One of my favorite Shakespeare quotes is from Julius Caeser:

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them,
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar

These words are meant to be a parody – calling attention to an injustice. As with many other lines penned by Shakespeare, these contain a truism for life: the bad things we do are often more memorable to people than are the good.

I ran into a friend from high school recently who was surprised to discover that I didn’t remember something silly he did 20 years ago that others frequently remind him of. I wonder if they still remember any of the good things he did. Hope so.

This happens on a shorter time span too. For example, someone might be labeled as a perpetual late-comer because they arrive late a few times – while the times they arrive early are completely forgotten.

This reflection has caused me to think about the times I have in a subtle and, sometimes, a not so subtle manner recalled for someone the ways they have wronged me. By maintaining my “victim” status, I am inadvertently victimizing them; as if my opinion is all important and more binding than their repentance.

Thankfully, the One, whose opinion truly matters, actually does forgive us our shortcomings – and they are remembered no more. This is obviously the pattern we are meant to follow. There is something very powerful in focusing on and remembering the good in someone.

The trick, I suppose, is to let it be so.

How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days

Have you seen this movie? The basic premise is that there are some key things women do that cause men to run the other way; and, if a woman does these things, the break-up is inevitable.

I seem to have figured these things out quite nicely all on my own; but, I’ve been doing some research to see if there are remedies, or alternative approaches I can adopt, so as to obtain the opposite effect from the one I’ve been getting.

I found a website where a guy, who is evidently very experienced in what women should not do, tries to help fix girls like me. I signed up to get e-mails 3-4 times a week explaining all the scenarios where women go wrong and detailing how we should think/act/feel, etc., instead of how we normally (and erroneously) think/act/feel.

The e-mails are so long that I scan them and file them for some future time when I have a huge chunk of free time to “study” them in more detail. At this point, it would take months to get through them all – and they keep coming. I’ve begun to think it’s a fluke when it actually works because there are so many things that could and do go wrong.

Whatever happened to boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl (and vice versa) and they live happily ever after?? Dating used to be simpler, didn’t it?

So – what are some key things you did right?

The Dance

Ok, all you ever so silent readers – here’s your chance to comment.

Do you think Garth Brooks was right?

In case you haven’t a clue what I’m talking about, here are some of the lyrics:

Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared beneath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss the dance

Some days I think ol’ Garth was off his rocker – but, maybe some dances ARE worth it; and, maybe the pain isn’t so pesky once you’re dancing again . . .

So – what do you think?

My how time flies . . .

My parents recently celebrated their 39th anniversary. They are the best parents I could ever ask for. They have done many wonderful things during those 39 years, but I'm guessing our family is the accomplishment they prize the most.

Here is a family picture in 1990.

Here is a family picture in 2008.
Other than my crazy 80’s bangs, do you think we’ve changed much?

Thanks, Mom & Dad for your sacrifice, guidance, support, friendship, kindness, example, and unfailing love over the last 30-something years (ok, so I’m not really 27). I am sure glad I was sent to you.

Look Who's Here!

I got an e-mail a while ago that said . . .

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.

Here are some of my favorite memories of someone who will always matter – my darling Grandpa, who passed away in January.

· Twinkies and Ding Dongs every Saturday morning
· Sparklers on July 4th and 24th on the lawn on 13th Avenue
· Burning my hand on the slide at Lagoon
· Christmas Eve parties
· Christmas morning visits
· Going to bat for me with my Dad who didn’t want me to get my driver’s license
· Supporting me in every way with my choices - college, mission, buying a home, and pretty much everything I ever wanted to do
· Performing Dan & Julie’s sealing right after his heart attack
· Buying a Diet Coke at Costco every week
· Rubber bands around his checkbook
· “Boo-hoo-hoo, crying all night . . .” (Playing Skipbo with Grandma)
· “Is this the boss-lady – have you got everything under control over there?”
· “I’ve read my lessons, I’ve repented of my sins and I’m ready to take the sacrament.”
· “Now – don’t tell your grandma this, but . . .”
· “This is the greatest surprise of my life.” (At his last birthday party.)
· “Democrat.” (At jay-walkers and people who ran red lights.)
· “Tired, hungry and broke.”
· “You work for the Church, you’re rich!”
· “Go tell your Grandma, the word she is looking for is: Amen.”
· “I have created the Smith . . .”
· “As for me and my house . . .”
· “Look who’s here! . . .” (Last visit)

Everyone needs a grandpa like mine. He was always on my side.

Diamonds Aren't Forever

Have you ever lost something that was precious to you? A journal or photo album, a cross-stitch from a friend, a wedding ring or anniversary gift, a note from a loved one, or a family heirloom?

Last year, a dear friend gave me a bracelet to say thank you. I loved the bracelet, in part, because it was beautiful, but mostly because it was from my friend, and I wore it every day.

I didn’t realize that the bracelet had a faulty clasp and one day, I looked down at my wrist and the bracelet was not there. I was completely devastated. I tore everything apart looking for that bracelet and even enlisted others to help me search. I e-mailed or called everyone I had seen since the last time I knew the bracelet was there. I would have paid a large price to have it returned.

Thankfully, my brother found it at his house the next day and I had it back on my wrist the day after that. I was so happy to have it returned.

I have lost many other things through the years – some I did not value as much as that bracelet, other “things” have left a hole that cannot be filled.

Wouldn’t it be great if all that we love and then lose could be restored as easily as my beautiful little bracelet? Or even better: never go missing in the first place?

27

For those of you who have been under the impression that I am in my "late 30's," I wanted to dispel that silly myth with some photos of my recent birthday celebrations. Special thanks to my mom and dad for a wonderful family party and to Edgar & Jacob for arranging a surprise lunch with some work friends.





So - did you see the BIG 27 on that cake?? Clearly the Harmons Bakery recognizes my age, or they certainly would not have agreed to put 27 on my cake (when I called and ordered it and gave them instructions about what should go on it). And surely if Edgar had told the man at Red Iguana to put a 27 on my cake there, he would have done so. What more proof does anyone need really?

Thanks family & friends for coming to my parties (and to mom and dad and Brad for paying for them)!

(P.S. There was nearly a tragedy a couple days after my birthday when Gracie, my brother's dog, almost ate the "7" candle from the all-important "27" matching set pictured on the lovely cake above. These precious artifacts have survived for uhh . . . some time. Certainly wouldn't want to lose them now.)