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Beautiful January

2012-01-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today, Rowdy and I were sealed in the Jordan River Temple. It was kind of an overcast, freezing day outside, but we were warmed on the inside by the beautiful celebration.

Six days ago, our lovely daughter and a wonderful young man were sealed in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. It was a sunny, not-so-freezing day. It was the most beautiful, testimony-strengthening, instructive sealing I have ever attended. The Jo-Jo's love and consideration for each other was evident, and I have no doubt that they will continue to grow in love and strength as a couple.

Don't ever fall asleep on Grandma's couch when there is a My Little Pony and a puckish aunt nearby.

Just too handsome to be the father of the bride.

Well, maybe these two got some of his looks and fashion sense.

The happy couple at dinner on the eve of their wedding. They did not seem the least bit anxious, just excited to get on with their life together.

Torturing a little brother is a good way to get over the sting of the MLP episode.

Three sharp-looking Bricco men on wedding day.

Lezlie, Terry and their children. I love Tory's jacket and boots.

"Did the picture turn out okay?" "Yes! Looks great!" Uh, yeah. I'm glad that the official photographer got this shot.

Me and my guys.

A boy's best friend is his grandma.

Me, my SILs and MIL.

First kiss outdoors as a married couple.

Yahoo! (Man, it's bright out here!)

That dress was just perfect for her.

Winter wonderland.

Linda and Katie dropped by to say hi.

And so did Jenny and Jan-Erik. I love my Felt Sisters!

Channelling My Inner Rocker Chick

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

One of the fun things about visiting my in-laws is the jam sessions that take place at least every other night. Terry is an accomplished musician, as is Tyler, and when all of the in-laws are around, they are very generous about pulling in anyone who wants to join the band. My nephew, Jaiden, is studying the drums, and he gets great teaching from Uncle Tyler. I just don't have the four-limb coordination to do well on the drums, but I gave the bass a try at this jam after Jo-Jo's wedding dinner.

That's Jamie on the drums. He's pretty good, too.

Tyler giving me some pointers.

Doing Things Differently

2012-01-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

Last night, I came home from a planning meeting, and I just wanted to vent. My husband, however, shut that down immediately (how annoying is that?). Then he went away for a bit, leaving me to be tearful and even more irritated. When he returned, we had a calm conversation.

He said that he has observed over the past six years that I try to solve problems by "doing more", but that usually leads to more frustration because I'm just butting my head against the wall. Maybe I should try doing things differently, not more intensely.

Of course, he's right. As annoying as it is not to be able to just vent, it really is better to do something constructive that isn't going to make me feel even more upset and won't solve the underlying problem.

In my considering what I'm going to do differently,one thing I have decided is that I can put a little bit of time in and get ahead of the curve with my particular duties. I've spent the last six months letting myself feel overwhelmed by what seems to be the enormity of this particular job on top of my day job and everything else that I want or need to do. I'm good at being completely inert or using lots of non-essential busywork disguised as planning to put off directly confronting a task.

There are more things that I can and will do differently. If it is appropriate, I will share any successes I have in the future.

Dreaming

2012-01-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

R and I are planning our summer trip. We're thinking of driving around Southern Norway, then going to a MotoGP race in Spain, then spending 3-4 days in Israel. Can we get all of that in? I hope so!

Do You Know the Muffin Man?

2012-01-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

Julie McA.shared with me how her workplace does a thing called The Muffinman. It's like an Ironman, but you have seven consecutive days to complete the challenge. Here's the basic rundown:

1. Pick your own 7 day consecutive period. (They had a deadline of October 1 last year.)
2. During your designated 7 day period, run 26.2 miles, bike 112 miles, and swim 2.4 miles. Split it up however you want over the 7 days. (If necessary, you can hike, walk, use an elliptical machine, or find some other appropriate substitution for the 26.2 mile run, as long as it equals ambulating 26.2 miles).
3. If you are a whiny crybaby and you just don't like to swim, you have to do it anyway. Yes, you can wear water wings.
4. Log your own miles. And remember, lying gnaws at your soul.
5. Bask in your muffinman glory.

The woman who organized the challenge designed t-shirts, plus they had a party afterwards.

I am not saying that I will make and distribute t-shirts, host a party or give special prizes for people who complete the challenge in three days. But I do think that The Muffinman is something I want to try. Anybody else want in? I don't know...maybe I could be persuaded to give prizes or t-shirts or something if enough people are interested. I could call you and say, "(Your name here), YOU are a MUFFINMAN!"

Now, to choose my Muffinman week.

Lists

2012-01-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

I like lists. I like quantifying things, cataloging things, checking things off. Sometimes, it's just making the list for the sake of just making the list, like when I make a grocery list and then leave it on the kitchen counter.

A few of the lists rattling around in my head right now:

1) packing list for Utah--I will need wedding festivity clothes, temple clothes, clothes to run in, snowboarding clothes, a swimsuit for the hot tub, and things to keep me relatively warm and dry in the Utah weather. This will take at least two suitcases, meaning $100 in bag fees. We will be there for over a week, so no getting around it.

2) grocery list--things to get me through the next week. I have been doing Weight Watchers for two weeks. The goal is not only to lose a little bit of weight, but to make a change in the choices I make. It's going fine. Two pounds down so far.

3) workout lists--training for the half, as well as swimming and cycling. Stay tuned for the "Muffin Man" challenge. Also, I have to figure out how to use all of the Groupon I purchased for Pure Barre. What is that, you ask? It's Pilates in Hell, basically. I thought that I would be all over it, but it turns out that my lower abdominal and iliopsoas muscles are very weak, and you use those a lot in this class. So I want to keep going to get stronger, but once my Groupon is used up, I'm going to have to reassess. What I definitely want to do is go back to Fun Pole classes. Those are tons of fun and good for the abs and hip flexors.

4) spiritual development lists--Personal Progress for the YW for me and the girls, scripture study plans, YW planning, going to the temple for inspiration....So much to do!

Welcome, 2012!

2012-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

2012 Young Women's Theme. It's a good personal theme, too.

Man, 2011 was a long year. Didn't it feel more like three years? It seems like that long since I went to Vancouver and Whistler with my sister, Karen. It seems like more than that long since Rowdy busted out with fistulas.

This year will be better. This month alone will bring lots of family time with the Bricco side as we get together to celebrate Jordan and Josh's wedding. Rowdy is getting a little better every day, and I expect that will continue for the rest of the year. Keiler will be going on a mission in the next few months. Max will...well, we're hoping Max achieves great things this year, too.

What about me? Well, I do have some spiritual, physical and professional goals. I have signed up for the Salt Lake Half Marathon, April 21st, and I'm sure that I'll do the Rock 'n' Roll Tri again. I am going to keep working to magnify my Young Women's calling. I hope to be able to take some education leave from work and get some good CMEs in.

And really, really, I want to go on a great trip abroad with Rowdstar. We've been skunked as far as our plans so far, but we WILL make it work.

Our Warthog is 19! We love you, Kei!

2011-12-26T19:58:00.000-08:00


He has developed a particular sense of style over the last year or so. He was just playing around with this ensemble, but he can pull it off. He has grown and changed a lot, particularly in the past year. I'm so proud of him.


I hope they call him on a mission! This is his new suit, complete with a vest. He's going to be the best-looking non-groom at the wedding. Well, Rowdy's going to look pretty dang sharp, too. Big milestones for Keiler this year include: graduating from high school, getting his first job (at a laser tag place), receiving the Melchizedek priesthood, and learning to play the violin.

The Best Part of Christmas So Far

2011-12-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

When Rowdy was contemplating his recover after his surgery on December 16th, he fully expected not to be able to go anywhere or do anything for weeks.

The best part of my Christmas day so far was having Rowdy next to me at church this morning, at least looking 100% (maybe feeling 60%), and watching him shed tears of joy at the thought of the Savior and all he has done for us. It made me cry, too.

I don't count. I feel it--with the music--and I make it fit.

2011-12-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

All day long, I've been thinking about the 1977 movie, The Turning Point, starring Shirley McLaine, Anne Bancroft, Lesley Browne and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

My favorite line is when Emillia, played by Leslie Browne, tells the choreographer, "I don't count. I feel it--with the music--and I make it fit.

What prompted me to think about this movie wasn't anything about ballet, but an email from a colleague who was complaining about how many ultrasounds he had to read yesterday (because he had to cover me as I had called in sick to take care of Rowdy--yeah, I know, I'm a selfish b*****). I thought, "Gee, I never count how many ultrasounds I have to read." And then that quote came to mind. I almost wrote that to him in reply, but I was sure he wouldn't have gotten the reference.

The Turning Point is now available to watch instantly on Netflix! I'm going to watch it tonight.

A Belly Story

2011-12-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

Rowdy wanted me to photo document the latest surgery experience, but if you go here, you will pretty much get the story (except his hair isn't quite as short).

He just got out of the OR and is feeling a little bit punk, but that is to be expected. Marco the Surgeon says that all went quite well. He only had to resect a very short section of bowel at the site of the leak. That is an answer to many prayers, for sure. Rowdy has a big midline wound that was closed by sutures, and a smaller wound to the right of that where which Marco left open. M says that it is only 4 cm or so (about two inches), so that should be healed nicely by the time we have to travel in a few weeks.

Magnetic Fields--The Book of Love

2011-12-14T16:57:00.001-08:00

Norwegian Butter Crisis!!!

2011-12-13T17:53:00.000-08:00

I feel very sad for the Norwegians. They have been experiencing a butter shortage. Butter is delicious, and makes so many things taste wonderful. It is a million times better than margarine, which--let's face it--is nothing but salty grease.

Jeg håper du har smør snart, Norge!

Rainy Day Dinner

2011-12-12T19:00:00.001-08:00

Homemade chicken noodle soup! With leftovers to go in the freezer for some other rainy day.

It's 11:40 PM

2011-12-11T23:46:00.000-08:00

and I am awake. I just ate the chicken salad I was craving, read some blog posts, checked out Pinterest.

This may be because of the 2-hour coma I fell into this afternoon, but I think this will just be an insomniac kind of week. We're waiting for Friday, to see how this next round of surgery turns out. Prayers are requested and welcome. Don't forget to include the surgeon(s) and the anesthesiologist(s). Thanks.

Last Night, It Was So Cold...

2011-12-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

How cold was it?

It was so cold that I wore a long-sleeved t-shirt, flannel pajama bottoms, long socks and legwarmers to bed, and slept under two big blankets.

Maybe the temp was in the low-40's.

But I had been sitting for a couple of hours on very cold bleachers out in Lakeside (east of San Diego), watching Rowdy race BMX. My lower body was freezing, and didn't thaw out until I had swaddled it in the aforementioned get-up.

Vacation Slide Show

2011-12-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Winter Vacation 2011 from rowdy matt on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving/6th Anniversary in Pictures

2011-11-27T19:02:00.000-08:00


This, and pumpkin pie, was our Thanksgiving dinner. Those were the best rolls I've ever made. I found the recipe on, you guessed it, PINTEREST!

Rowdy took me here for dinner on our anniversary. This is where we had our wedding reception. Delicious! And then we went on a romantic walk around the restaurant grounds.


He took me to lunch on Saturday at a little Italian cafe in Hillcrest. We had gelato for dessert.

And then we saw this movie. It was really good. Go see it.

Tomorrow morning, we are leaving for this place to do a little snowboarding. We're also going to visit Jamie, Amy and their kiddies.

The Inaugural Bricco Family Thanksgiving 5K

2011-11-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

Rowdy and Keiler looked so good, women were throwing their bras at them. Not buying it? Okay. How about, "Amber, who has been known to absent-mindedly wear more than one bra at a time, decides to cast off her surplus bra"? Or maybe there was just a random bra in someone's front yard along the course, and Rowdy placed it in the middle of the sidewalk so Amber and I would see it. Someone obviously had a raucous Thanksgiving Eve on Brunswick St.

After the run.

Amber was so awesome to come join us! We had a great time running, talking and laughing. She's a doll, and I just love her to bits.

Modified showgirl pose. I need to not straighten my arm so much and drop my right shoulder more. I guess I'm out of practice.

Your 2011 Bricco Family Thanksgiving 5K winner: Rowdy in 22 minutes. Followed by Keiler with a time of 29 minutes, and Amber and Diane in 31 minutes. Not even a bonk on the head or two ferociously leaking fistulas can keep that Rowdy down. I am going to have to get a big lead in the swim part of the triathlon next week, or he'll have to break an arm snowboarding or something for me to be able to beat him in the tri.

Heavenly Donuts...ahhhhhhggggggllllllllhhhhhh.

What was left over. I got my apple-filled bearclaw, and that's all that mattered to me. These went with R and K to the Elder's Quorum touch football game later in the morning.

Another Lovely Southern California Day

2011-11-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Thankful for:

An early day at work.
A not-very-busy mall.
Our upcoming 6th anniversary, a great reason to go to said not-very-busy mall.
New foundation undergarments. It makes an incredible difference, trust me.
My aesthetician, Theresa. She is nearly-painless, and so fun to talk to.
Finally having the time and an uncrowded pool so that I can reach my goal of swimming 100 pool lengths (2500 yds).
Smashburger for dinner with my two guys.
Desensitization...Rowdy and I have been through this surgery thing so many times in the last year that I'm not particularly freaked out by his upcoming date with Dr. T on December 16th. I may change my tune as the time gets closer.
Tickets to see the NYCB's Nutcracker in the theater on December 13th. It's my all-time favorite. I was actually thinking of buying a ticket to New York just to see the ballet, I missed it so much.

Being Grateful, Even When It's Difficult

2011-11-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

Rowdy had a procedure today. We were hoping this would close his fistula, but it didn't. At least they were able to obtain some important information, to wit: he does not have any active Crohn's disease. The fistula is coming from the spot where the bowel was sewn together during last December's surgery. So, there will need to be another surgery, but it doesn't mean that they need to take out too much small intestine.

So:

1) I am grateful that Rowdy wasn't left any worse than they found him.
2) I am grateful that the Humira is working, and there's no active Crohn's.
3) I am grateful that there is the possibility of a small resection, one that won't leave Rowdy with short gut.
4) I am grateful especially that I was reminded in my mind and in my heart that Christ knows exactly how I am feeling right now--sad, discouraged, wavering. Knowing that He's already been through it and knows what it's like, I know I can lean on Him for comfort and encouragement.
5) I'm grateful to know that when things don't work out the way that I would like them to, it's not the end of the world. There are still a lot of things to be happy about and grateful for, and things have a way of being fine anyway.

“In some quiet way, the expression and feelings of gratitude have a wonderful cleansing or healing nature. Gratitude brings warmth to the giver and the receiver alike,” Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said.

“Gratitude, expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have, brings a calming peace,” he said, “a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don’t have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future.”

Elder Hales stressed that we should never forget to thank Heavenly Father for the blessings, gifts, and talents He has given to us. He also taught: “We [should] express thankfulness for what happens, not only for the good things in life but also for the opposition and challenges of life that add to our experience and faith. We put our lives in His hands, realizing that all that transpires will be for our experience.”

Jordan's Bridal Shower--With a Slide Show You Can Actually View Now

2011-11-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

There was only a little bit of hazing involved. Jo was a good sport, though.

Smashy-smashy

2011-11-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

The medical director of my hospital is really into breaking world records. He seems to equate it with quality care--don't get me started. But anyway, a few weeks ago, we were going to break the record for the most mammograms performed in a day. The mammo techs recruited people from the department, and as I am in that kind of grey area as far as when it is appropriate to get a mam, I agreed to participate.

A week or so later, a colleague pulled me aside to tell me that he had compared my films to a prior examination from a couple of years ago and found several new calcifications in both breasts. He thought they were probably benign, but recommended I get more views to confirm that thought.

So, today I had my diagnostic mammogram, which involved 10 different, magnified views of the left and four or six (I lost count) magnified views of the right breast. It was quite uncomfortable, but I am grateful for the conscientiousness and perserverance of my colleagues, Emily and Marc, and our tech, Janet. They were able to determine conclusively that everything is benign. I am grateful to say that I do not have breast cancer, just a slightly-sore left boob. I am also grateful that Rowdstar was working just up the street from the breast center and was able to entertain me as I waited for the verdict.

Eight is Great

2011-11-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

My dad said once that it was interesting to him to see how much a woman's demeanor changed after going to the hairdresser. We are always so happy after a trip to the salon.

Because of scheduling conflicts, I was a month overdue for my hair appointment. That didn't used to be a big deal when I wasn't worried about grey coverage. Finally, I had a date and a time, and I had the perfect work schedule...darn. Of course this morning didn't flow was well as I had hoped, but I did finally get to Morgan's on time. She did a great job on my hair, as usual, and it was nice to catch up with her.

So, point being, I am grateful for good hair and a hairdresser who is talented at maintaining it.

For the last few weeks, I have been getting the prompting that I really needed to visit a friend of mine. She has a four-year-old, a two-year-old and a four-month-old, and it just takes her awhile to adjust each time a new person is added to her family. She needs to think through things and she can process just so much at a time, so I haven't seen her around in the last four months while she was getting things together. She and I have different viewpoints about things, but she always gets me to think about things in a new way, and I really like that. I think we both feel refreshed whenever we are together.

I am really for the very mixed bag of people who are my friends. I learn so much from all of them. I am also grateful for prompting that I had to go see this particular friend and her little daughters, and that we could work out a time to be together.

Steph, Lin, Cris, Jenny and Carrie

2011-11-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

These five women were my roommates for the first two years of college at Felt Hall. In some iteration, I think that I lived with at least one of them for my entire six year run at BYU. Over the years, we've laughed and cried together. We've lost touch and reconnected. They have always felt close to me in my heart, no matter how much we actually talk or get together. Now we have children getting married and going on missions.

Today is Cristy's birthday, and yesterday I was able to IM with Linda for a good chat. It didn't take those things to remind me how grateful I am to have my "Felt Sisters" in my life, but it does seem appropriate to have them be the subject of my Gratitude Post of the Day. They have always been a refining influence in my life, and I love them dearly.

Grateful for...

2011-11-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

...a day to rest. This was a tiring week.

While the Boys Are Away

2011-11-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

Rowdy is away on a MTB trip and Keiler is working. I went for a run, took a nap, cleaned house a little, went to the mall and then thought better of it, and then did a little home-spa action.

pedicure

sage steam

home-made facial scrub

cooling eye mask


manicure stuff--I love Mary Kay's Satin Hands.

My hands and face are so smooth and soft! I hope I don't wake up all broken out.

11/4

2011-11-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today was a rainy, blustery day. I'm grateful for a nice, warm bowl of pho for lunch, a cozy home and a beautiful view right now of the sunset.

11/3

2011-11-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is a list I will add to during the day:

I am grateful for:

1) Friends who initiate traditions such as blogging gratitude all the month of November.
2) Repentance--there are so many things that I need to do better. I've chosen a few to work on at a time.
3) Slightly chilly days. I do miss Fall, so it's nice when there is a slight nip in the air. (In case you were wondering, that equals somewhere around 65 degrees in my book.)
4) Great ideas from Rowdstar for the Jo-Jo's shower and wedding presents.

Gratitude All Month Long

2011-11-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

1) Yesterday afternoon, I came home from working all the day before, all night and all morning, plus I had cramps. So it was so lovely to walk into a clean, tidy, peaceful home. I'm grateful for Rowdy and Keiler and the work they put into making that happen.

2) I'm grateful that Rowdy is getting Nukes work again, and that both Max and Keiler now have jobs.

3) Sometimes, I work in the office next to our resident super-right-wingnut, so I get to hear how the country is going to hell in a handbasket. The Primary song, "Follow the Prophet", has been going through my mind all morning because of it. I'm grateful that, if I follow the living Prophet, I won't go astray and I will have peace in my life, no matter what happens.

4) I'm grateful that I could run and do a circuit workout yesterday after my nap. It felt wonderful. Then I had a nice shower, followed by a delicious dinner made by my sweet Rowdstar. I'm grateful for him for so many reasons.

Fall Dinner

2011-10-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

We had Dinner in a Pumpkin from Dinner Studio last week. It was pretty tasty. I found a very similar recipe here. Have you ever had this dish? How was your recipe different? The pumpkin was a very delicious addition to the casserole. We had pumpkin in a tagine when we were in Morocco, but I have never thought to eat it here at home.

Too Soon, Captain Caveman. Too Soon.

2011-10-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

Tragedy struck MotoGP at Sepang today, as Marco Simoncelli sustained fatal injuries in a lap 2 crash. The YouTube images are horrific, and I will not include them. Only one of my blog readers is a GP fan, and he and I have already spent the morning reviewing all of the coverage. But, the gist is that Simoncelli lost control on the outside of turn 11, and as he slid across the track, his helmet came off. Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, traveling behind, could not possibly have avoided making contact. Edwards appears to have gone over Marco's torso; Vale, his head.

Edwards was thrown off of his bike, and tumbled several times into the grass. Rossi rode off track, but stayed upright. Images of the aftermath showed Colin on the infield, obviously in pain, holding his dislocated shoulder. Marco is lying prone on the track, inert, one arm extended. He died of massive head, neck and chest injuries.

Simoncelli wasn't one of my favorite riders, but I am heartsick for his family and friends. Edwards and Rossi both must be devastated, particularly Rossi, who was one of Simoncelli's best friends.

My Goal: To Take More Photos

2011-10-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

"...the most fully realized and delicious combination of flavors I have experienced in 2011." So says Sam Sifton, the New York Times' food critic, about a dish he ate at Le Bernadin.

I could well say the same about a treat I was recently fortunate to sample at book club. If only I had taken photos!

First, take a delicious brownie made by the incomparable Marilyn White--a little more cakey than fudgy. Top that with just enough warm Trader Joe's caramel sauce. On that, sprinkle a pinch of vanilla-infused salt.

It was so amazing that I felt my eyes roll back in my head a little.

Why Don't We Do This More Often?

2011-10-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

I always ask Rowdy that when we go out to hear live music. We saw Foster the People and Cults at SOMA last Wednesday. So, so good. I'm listening to a Cults channel I made on Pandora.

This Fascinates the Crap Outta Me

2011-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Happy mail at Giverslog.com. This reminds me that I fizzled out on my random gift-giving from earlier in the year. It's not too late to send some cute little things in cute ways.

But My Hearing is Superior

2011-10-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

I went to the Audiologist yesterday, because I've felt lately that my hearing is going. Nope. Perfect in the right ear and only slightly diminished for very low tones in the left. No more using, "I'm sorry, I just don't hear very well," as an excuse. It's more like, "I don't pay very close attention because I have a million things on my mind and I'm very tired".

Never Gonna Be an Elite Athlete

2011-10-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

In addition to an oil painting of me and my sweetie, Rowdy gave me an appointment with an exercise physiologist for a fitness assessment. (And some awesome boots and a bike carrier for my car.)

My first visit with Ken of FitStop was yesterday. He measured my percent body fat using the good old skin fold method, then tested my VO2 max. That is basically a measure of my body's ability to transport and use oxygen, and is a good estimate of physical fitness.

Basically, I have average physical fitness for a woman my age. But the thing is, based on the information obtained, it's not like I have a world-class athlete inside me that I've been to lazy to bring out. I really have a very average "engine", as it were. I can be better than I am, but the frustration that I feel and the self-recrimination that I heap on myself for not being as good at running as, well, pretty much everyone I know, is useless.

My goals are to get faster, lose weight and be fitter overall. Ken is going to make a training plan that will help me get there, better I think, than the push-push-push, get frustrated and fatigued that I have been doing to myself.

Ken suggested I pick a race five or six months down the road to start training for. I'm not sure if I'll choose a tri only or do a tri and also do a half-marathon, like maybe the Salt Lake half marathon in April. My shorter-term goal is to have this dress fit better. It came today, and it is slightly snug. It would be a shame to let a dress this lovely go to waste!

From us.asos.com.

As Seen on...

2011-10-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some things that I've recently come across on Pinterest and actually tried out:

Potato bread (yum!!)

Rearranging my living room (beautiful!)

Planning a carnival game for the ward party (spooky!)

Putting my folded sheets into their matching pillowcases (clever!)

Using attractively-styled and timely quotes in a YW lesson (effective!)

Yes, it is possible to actually use things from Pinterest, and not just post a kajillion pictures of cute puppies or beautiful homes that most people will never be able to afford.

If you are already using Pinterest, don't you just love it? What have you bought/made/changed based on the inspiration you have gotten there or something you ended up finding because Pinterest sparked your creative juices?

If you are not on Pinterest yet, oh my dear! What is stopping you? It's so much fun! More fun than Farmville, I'm sure.

Misidentification

2011-10-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Scene: Tri Club Swim Practice. On the table sits three boxes of Power Bars.

Enter TriGirl

TriGirl: Oooohh! Food!

Let me tell ya, sister, Power Bars ARE NOT FOOD!

I will never be one of those people who calls a taffy-like substance made of nutrients food, and I'm happy to say that.

Conference Saturday So Far

2011-10-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

If this is just the beginning, this is going to be one of the best General Conferences yet! So many great things were presented.

I made potato bread this morning for our snack. I need to keep working on bread baking. The results are so yummy. This afternoon's snack will be Rice Krispie treats.

Squeeeeee!!!

2011-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

To follow up on my prior post--Josh and Jordan are officially engaged! I can't wait to see what she plans for the reception, etc. The craftiest women in Lehi have probably been planning her wedding/reception for the last five years, so I bet it will be wonderful.

Oh! The Places You'll Go! (I Hope.)

2011-09-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

A lovely young woman of my acquaintance has hit the phase of life where she is seriously contemplating marriage. And when I say "young woman", I mean that she is young. Perhaps not by the culture in which she lives, but definitely by the world's standard.

This gives some of the people who love her and her intended (also young, but not quite as) pause. Some of their loved ones will think, "What? Now? You're too young! I'm too young for this!"

This couple still have a couple of years left in their undergrad programs. The economy is rough, and probably will not change for the better for some time. They both have jobs, but relatively little savings. They do not have parents who will set them up in a home as a wedding present. It is possible that they will be struggling for a few years, but they are industrious, intelligent and mature. (Well, I know that she is, and I can only infer from what I have heard about him that he is not one whit behind her in those areas. Don't prove me wrong, Buster!) I doubt they will ever starve or be homeless because of the blessings that those who love them have and will share with them, if it comes to that.

This is what I want for these two: that they love each other and work as a team, with their family firmly centered in the Gospel, and that they can grow together and experience all of the wonderful things that the world has to offer, and serve others with all of the wonderful things that they are and will become.

I've been thinking about the couples I know who are still very young, or who embarked on their married lives as young and as fresh as these two. There are couples I know who traveled marvelous places together, who went to the "big city" and/or abroad and worked or studied as a couple. Heck, I know people who took their small children with them, or had babies far away from "home". Maybe it wasn't a delight 24/7/365, but they grew a lot and took a lot from their experiences. These are some of the most interesting and inspiring people I know.

So, if you are or have been a part of a "young couple", please leave a comment. Share your experiences and your advice for my little chickadee and her boy. What did you do right? What would you do differently?

Homer Long

2011-09-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

When I worked as an ultrasound tech in South Carolina, there was a physician in town named Homer Long, but with his SC Midlands accent, it always sounded like "Home Alone" to me.

I am home alone for the next few days, while the boys are mountain biking in Colorado. My evening so far has consisted of eating Oreos for dinner, buying fun-colored shoelaces from J. Crew for my new Old Navy wedge heel desert boots:

$20, people! You can't go wrong with that.


I'm sort-of going for this look with the different laces.

and watching TV shows I've never seen before. Modern Family was pretty good, but I will never remember when it's on during the week. Toddlers and Tiaras was only viewable on the TLC channel as clips. They were appalling enough in small bites. Are all these people from the South? They are nuts.

I also downloaded Roger Ebert's new memoir, Life Itself. It has been said that it is his best writing yet, which is really saying something. Maybe I'll just read for the rest of the evening.

What would you do if you had the whole house to yourself for four days (assuming this is an unusual occurrence for you)?

Portrait of a Couple

2011-09-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

This was one of my birthday presents this year, and I love it. It was painted by a friend of Rowdy's, Tom Vadakan. You can view his portfolio here.

More Tri-Rock photos

2011-09-18T18:17:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

I Thought I Was the Only One

2011-09-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

or just a big jerk or overly sensitive or something. But here it is, in the New York Times. I have misphonia. So if I leave the room if you're eating chips or crunching ice, it's not because I don't love you. I'm just trying my best to deal with my disability. Thanks for understanding.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
― C.S. Lewis

2011-09-11T20:46:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow Morning!

2011-09-10T09:48:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Our New Living Room Decor

2011-09-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pre- pictures, probably because it wasn't particularly spectacular.

Our Fridge is Full

2011-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

if you're on IV feeds.

T-H-I-N-K!

2011-09-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

I taught the YW lesson yesterday. The topic was "Each Person is Divine and Eternal". In hopes of keeping the girls' attention somehow, I made a little Power Point presentation with different quotes. One of my favorites, used in the section about how we should treat others, is this one:

I know that I need a lot of work on this one. I often speak first and regret later.

(I found this cute little quote on Pinterest, my latest obsession. Where people find these things in the first place is still a mystery to me, so I just "repin" other people's posts.)

The Hunger Games

2011-08-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Rowdy was put on total parenteral nutrition, or TPN. His caloric needs were carefully calculated by the hospital nutritionist. A pharmacist makes a mixture of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates in batches of seven daily bags and ships them to our house once a week. Every night, Rowdy squirts a syringe of multivitamins into the bag, hooks the bag up to tubing, runs the tubing through a pump and screws the end of the tube to his PICC line. For the next 12 hours, the pump whirrs at regular intervals, delivering "pharmacist's milk" into his heart.

The physical hunger pangs go away, but the psychologic need to eat doesn't. Maybe it even gets worse. Rowdy was so good for the first ten days, but on Saturday, we stayed out a little long at a friend's birthday party, and I could tell that R's blood sugar was dropping. He had some Dr. Pepper and a taste of frosting from the cake. He had the sacrament bread on Sunday, but that is no big deal. Yesterday, though, he just totally broke and had eggs, yakisoba, lemonade and pudding.

His fistulas had appeared to be healed since his first day on TPN, so it didn't seem like a big deal. I mean, why not give it a trial and see if things are really healed up? Well, the bummer is that, even though the fistula at his midline is acting 100 healed, the one to the right of midline popped open today and googed* a little bit.

That's made him angry and depressed and me just depressed. Rowdy now has written on his wrist, "DON'T EAT'.

I am surprised at how much my own enjoyment of eating has decreased over the past couple of weeks. A friend of mine whose husband also has Crohn's and was NPO for about a year (!) told me that she became a closet eater during that time, because she didn't want her husband to feel bad. Rowdy told me at first that he didn't mind me eating, but I still felt guilty eating in front of him.

Lunch has become my main meal. I go somewhere and try to have something big and well-balanced. When I come home, I eat things that Rowdy wouldn't really like, like wheat toast and goat cheese, or soups that he wouldn't like. Everything seems so blah, though.

Our team is having a big pasta party the night before the tri and a brunch right after. I bought tickets a couple of months ago, not thinking that Rowdy wouldn't be able to come with me. My friend, Amber, is going to be my date instead. She's lots of fun and is probably going to do the tri, too, so that will be good.

I would really like Rowdy to be able to be there to share the experience with me, but at least he can come and cheer me on, since the race is in town. It's not like Vegas where he couldn't even come with me. That totally sucked.

*very medical term, I know.

Team Challenge Tri Rock

2011-08-26T19:51:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Three months ago, I could only swim two laps, then I had to rest for a whole minute. Two weeks from now, I will be swimming 500 yards, riding 12 miles, then running 3.2 miles, all in hopes of a cure for Crohn's and Colitis.

Two Weeks to Go!!

2011-08-26T19:45:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Making Lemonade

2011-08-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

This week could have stunk totally, but things have a way of working out. For instance, I discovered that I was scheduled to work a rotation today that I have only done once in six years. It involves working from 7 am to 7 pm, but you get the morning of your half day off. So I was able to go home and sleep on Tuesday morning (after working all night on Monday) so that I could be chipper for my temple shift on Tuesday night.

The next sweetener to the lemonade: a coworker called me Tuesday afternoon, asking if he could trade his ultrasound rotation for the first half of my long Wednesday shift. Don't mind if I do!

Little bit of sour now: one of my 10 crowns fell off on Tuesday night. That's what a stale Starburst will do to you. But the sweet had two parts--first, being on ultrasound this morning meant that I could actually take time off to run to the dentist to get it glued back on. Part two was the $500 check that the dentist gave me, because they had made a mistake about what my deductible was this year.

The slight sourness of going to a very looooong Mutual movie night was offset by the sweet of being with the youth (I have to say that, don't I?) and hearing from my friend Vanesa that her lovely and talented daughter, Elise, was planning on studying opera with the marvelous and talented Darrell Babidge! She will be driving three hours one way from Cedar City to Provo once a week during the fall semester, and hopefully will be able to transfer to the Y for the winter.

It's Not Over Til It's Over...

2011-08-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

The "official" final day* for donation to The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation San Diego Tri-Rock Triathlon is August 24. Or in other words TEN DAYS FROM NOW!!! I raised $190 from the dancing fundraiser and $100 selling Macy's coupons (I wish I could get my hands on more of those...they're awesome). I will be having a Rubio's fundraiser on Aug. 22nd, but the fact of the matter remains that I still am

$790

from my goal.

Rowdy is going back into the hospital tomorrow to get a PICC line (a long IV that goes from the arm to the heart) and to get started on IV feeds in the hopes that his fistulas will heal. The idea behind that is to keep the bowel nice and quiet so that it can heal.

*Really, donations will be taken until one month after the even (so, October 11th), but why not beat the rush?

Drinking the Sherbet and Ginger Ale Punch

2011-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I finally started to feel excited about my calling. What was holding me back was knowing that most of my responsibility as a member of the YW presidency was going to be planning and carrying out activities. Anyone who has worked with me in Primary can vouch for the fact that activities are not my strong suit. I'm a teacher. That's my thing and I can make that happen.

Fortunately, the Mia Maid adviser needed a sub for Sunday, and I eagerly accepted the responsibility. I know, I know...teaching a group of 14- and 15-year-old girls is sometimes like teaching a group of statues. Teaching Sunbeams is a lot easier. But I love my girls and I love the subject of the lesson: A Change of Heart. The more I study it and the more I thought about how I wanted to present the information, the happier I became.

One of the best quotes comes from President Monson:

"Be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience."

Hopefully, the messages of the lesson will reach at least one girl. They have already reached me, so that's good.

My friend, Penny, sent me an invitation to check out Pinterest. At first, I was a little confused about the concept. Once I spent some time in it, I started to get hooked. Best of all were the little DIY projects that I found. Hey, we could do those at Mutual! Maybe I can contribute something to the activity part of the calling after all.

So yes, I have finally drunk the YW kool-aid, or more appropriately the sherbet and ginger ale punch. (Remember that from LDS wedding receptions of the 70's and 80's? So gross.)

The Most Beautiful Bride Last Weekend Was Not Zara Phillips

2011-08-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

It was this lovely person:


Rachel Haynes Miller


Isn't her dress darling? It is totally Rachel. And look at the grin on her husband Ben's face! They are such an adorable couple.

I highly recommend going here to view the official photos. Tara is Rachel's cousin, and I don't think that she takes pictures of unattractive people ever. Or perhaps she's a terrific photographer. Maybe some of both. If you are looking to have family photos and live in the Salt Lake/Utah Valley area, you should give her a call (because you are very attractive, and she will take beautiful photos of you and yours).

I have known Rachel since she was a pup. I went to her blessing when she was just a few weeks old. Last Saturday, I was thrilled to see her make sacred covenants in the temple and be sealed to a man who was described at the wedding breakfast as "surprising", "thoughtful", "loyal" and "passionate". He seems like a darling person, and they looked so happy and comfortable together.

Matthew, Alexandra (don't call her "Boppy" anymore!), Rich, Rachel, Ben, Stephanie and Scott

Sharon, me, Stephanie (We had at least two different cameras going, hence the looking in different directions.)

Scott, Sheri, me, Sharon

One of the most wonderful parts of the weekend was spending time with some of my oldest friends. I wish that I had the power of teleportation and could be with them any time I wanted.

The "wedding breakfast" and reception were so lovely. Instead of speeches, selected people were asked to describe either Ben or Rachel in one word, then they could elaborate. Rachel's brother Scott started with, "triangular"--"because she has a head and two legs coming down". He is a funny kid! Then he and Matthew together said, "Perfect". Rich, Rachel's dad, considered many words that are not used in everyday speech that drew the cutest giggles from the flower girls. But he ended with, "The word to describe Rachel is love," which made everyone cry. There was dancing at the reception, which is a relatively new development in wedding receptions, and I welcome it with open arms and twinkling toes. The most darling thing was when Rachel and Alexandra, who are both dancers, performed the "All I Do is Dream of You" number from Singin' in the Rain. They were absolutely perfect.

My New Calling

2011-08-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I was sustained last week while I was out of town (more about that later), so I can reveal that I have a new calling, and that calling is...
counselor in the Young Women's presidency. I don't know which number counselor I am, but I will be working with the Mia Maids. For those of you who don't know, that means the 14 and 15-year-olds.

For reasons I can't quite fathom, the only information I can get out of the existing YW workers is that, "They (the Mia Maids) are going through a hard time". Is that just because they're 14 and 15, which is the roughest period of adolescence? Are they personally having difficulties? Are they having problems with each other? Beats me. I couldn't even get a class roster from the MM adviser. When I asked who was in the class, she said, "Well...do you mean the official list or the other list?"

Whatever. It turns out that I know almost all of them from Primary, when they were darling, sweet girls. They know me, and they know that I love them (I'm pretty sure). I also know that this is where the Lord needs me now, so it's going to work out fine somehow.

Rowdy had a very good point. He said that my job is teach these girls how to be a woman. Whether or not they listen to anything I say over the period of time that I'm in this calling, they can at least have me as a role model.

Meanwhile, I have not been released from my Stake Primary calling. We have an inservice meeting coming up, so it is important to have the full presidency to plan and pull this off. So the Stake Presidency asked me to keep going until they find a replacement.

No worries. I'm just scheduled to work a crapload of overtime, am training for a triathlon, and have a husband who will be hospitalized and then on TPN at home for two months. No biggie. Got it covered.

More On the New

2011-07-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

We bought this sofa and two of these chairs today. They will be here in a couple of weeks. Now to get rid of the old furniture.

In With the New

2011-07-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

This was a tough weekend--probably the most physically stressful couple of days I've had in awhile.

Our first "brick" workout was Saturday morning. I got up early to get everything ready and drove out to Coronado to bike for an hour and then run for 15 minutes at the Silver Strand. My calves felt like they were ripping off of my legs when I started the run, but by the time I was done I could totally understand how people get hooked on triathlon. The rush of pushing my limits felt really good.

Then it was a quick drive home, shower and off to work, where I started off knowing that I had four procedures as the on-call person, but ended up doing a total of eight. Unfortunately, I had also scheduled myself to do an overnight shift, so I was at work from 10:45 on Saturday morning to 9:45 on Sunday morning. So, yeah, eight procedures, 84 studies to read, then two more procedures, then home to change clothes and go to church.

It was probably a good idea to go to Sacrament Meeting today, because one of the bishopric counselors snagged me as I was going out the door to go home and sleep. There is a new calling in my future, one that I have felt for the past couple of years was where I was headed. I'm sad to leave my Stake Primary calling, but definitely ready for this new challenge, and so excited to work with the people with whom I will be serving. Full report to follow, but I won't say more until it's official.

Lastly, I have a wild hair right now to get new furniture for our living room. It's a tiny space, so I was thinking that a smaller sofa and a couple of comfortable chairs would be good. This decorating madness probably was brought on by our visit last weekend at my Mom and Dad's and sister's in Austin.

My parents just moved to a new home in Georgetown, TX. It's the first home that they're built themselves, and it's just perfect for them. They chose lovely colors, and the layout is really nice. They are very happy in it, and I can see why. It was also my first trip to my sister's "new" house, though she has lived there for two years or more. She can really put things together well, and every one of her homes has been attractive and comfortable.

What Have I Been Up To?

2011-07-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Swimming with my team.

Riding with my team.

Running with my team.

Pole dancing for the cause!

If you've been meaning to donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, now's the time to act! Thanks to the many generous people who have donated, including the twelve wonderful women who joined me at my fundraising activity last Thursday, I am about $1,700 from my goal. So, if you break it down, I only need 100 friends to donate $17, or 50 friends to donate $34, or 25 friends to donate $68...you get the idea.

You can donate online here, or you can mail me a check payable to CCFA, or otherwise just contact me and I'll get you lined out.

Has It Really Been Thirty Years?

2011-07-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

My 30-year high school reunion is tonight in Boise, Idaho. I have reconnected with some of my classmates through Facebook. People really have grown up into lovely adults with interesting and productive lives. Although it would have been fun to see people and catch up, all I would have been able to do is fly up there this morning, go to the dinner tonight and fly out tomorrow.

Thirty years! Crap! It hardly seems possible. A lot has changed. I'm now perimenopausal, for one thing. Ugh. And I've been married twice, gotten three degrees, lived all over the US and traveled the world. Wow.
As you may be able to tell from this picture, I've gained a pound a year for the last 30 years. Double ugh! Thirty years from now, I'll probably be a great-grandma. I refuse to be 30 more pounds heavier then.

But anyway, feast on the awkwardness(and skinniness) that was me as a 16-year-old Borah Lionette...

This Guy Can Rock a Cap and Gown

2011-06-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here's to at least one more graduation in his future!

We are so happy he made it this far. Now he needs to get a job. Anyone in San Diego with an entry-level job for a good kid? If he doesn't get a job here in the next few days, he's going back to Utah, where he has better chances for work. I'll miss the little shaver.

Girl Crush

2011-06-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am enamored with this site. So into it, in fact, that I bought a knit jersey maxi skirt from Old Navy after loving Elaine's styling of a similar skirt. I've worn said skirt at least five times in the last two weeks, including to K's graduation (posting of which will happen as soon as I can get some pics from Jo or Lezlie). Now I want that striped skirt from F21. It's only $6.80. It will probably be long-enough on me because I have short legs. There's also a wide-striped, knit maxi dress for less than $18.

I do need a new swim cap and a Father's Day present for RStar. Perhaps I'll shop a little more.

Welcome, Hammond!

2011-06-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the poor res. I'm doing this on the fly.

Here he is dressed in a tuxedo.

And here he is in our driveway in a tuxedo. The salesman referred to him as a "penguin" model, but he's really a hamster in a tuxedo.

I Haven't Seen So Many Kickstands Since Grade School

2011-06-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

There was a wide variety of bicycles at our team workout today. It was everything from my gorgeous piece of machinery to easily ten- or fifteen-year-old Schwinns or Huffys.

Needless to say, I will need to supplement my group rides from here on out.

I Feel Happy of Myself!

2011-06-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have completed each day's triathlon training workout this week, an unusual feat for me. A quote from a two-year-old Runner's World sitting in my bathroom was helpful this week: I have never regretted going on a run, but I have regretted skipping one." And then today, as I was struggling to swim laps at 6:30 am in the local pool while all of the septuagenarians around me were making it look easy, I reminded myself that it only matters that I am out there putting the time in. Someday, I can be like them if I keep going.

My friend, Kathryn, shared this video on Facebook today. It perfectly fit my frame of mind.

Kid Gives Speech After Learning To Ride A Bike - Watch more Funny Videos

Now, I've seen and heard some darling things this week, like Bradlee dancing beautifully and un-selfconsciously in the lobby of the movie theater, and Brock picking up his mitt and saying, "It's my baseball puppet!" But this video totally made my week.

The Break-Up

2011-06-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

I think that I'm going to have to break up with Hansel. Sure he's gorgeous, zippy and we look good together. But he's been unreliable, and our lifestyles don't completely match. He left me in a lurch twice on Friday, refusing to take me home until Rowdy came and kicked some sense into him, then flaking out just an hour later after a long drive. I think he needs a new alternator.

Where will I turn after I dump Hansel? Here are two ideas:

I would call this one Hammond, after Richard Hammond from Top Gear.

This one would be Valentino, or Vale.

Oh, What Rapture!

2011-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Alternatively, "Oh. What rapture?" heehee

Over the past few months, Rowdy has changed his mind about what he wanted to do on his birthday from "have a great big party in the park with a jumpy house, taco truck and my friend Richard's band" to "let's go up to Universal Studios".

We drove up to LA this morning. It took us about two hours and change to go from our house to Hollywood, which isn't all that bad. I hadn't been to Universal Studios since 1980, and Keiler and Rowdy had never been, so it was pretty-much a new experience for all of us. Can I just say that it totally pays to get the preferred parking and the "front of the line" tickets? Yeah.

Very fitting that we parked in the Frankenstein lot. Rowdy loves the old Universal monster movies.

It wasn't very crowded, which was nice. It was also nice that we got through a everything we wanted to do in a relatively short period of time. Especially great was going to the front of the line at the Studio Tour. That alone was worth the price of the "front of the line" upgrade.

The King Kong 3D experience during the tour was really good--about 1 billion times better than the King Kong movie. Universal also has a thing for having its rides and attractions spit on the customers. Dinosaurs slobbered on us in King Kong and the Jurassic Park ride. Scarab beetles spit on us in the Mummy part of the tour, and Maggie Simpson sucked on us like a pacifier and spit us out on the Simpsons ride.

The next time we come here, I'm going to use a scopolamine patch or take Dramamine. The Simpsons ride made me too nauseous to take The Mummy ride. It was so fun, though.

A good time was had by all! Happy birthday, Rowdstar! I love you!

Rather Than Fast Five, Watch This Movie Set in Brazil

2011-05-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Waste Land

From IMDB: An uplifting feature documentary highlighting the transformative power of art and the beauty of the human spirit. Top-selling contemporary artist Vik Muniz takes us on an emotional journey from Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, to the heights of international art stardom. Vik collaborates with the brilliant catadores, pickers of recyclable materials, true Shakespearean characters who live and work in the garbage quoting Machiavelli and showing us how to recycle ourselves.

Inanities

2011-05-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

Before I totally leave the subject of weddings behind, I have two things to say:

The first is that whenever I hear something about the Crystal Harris/Hugh Hefner impending nuptials, I think about this clip from Christopher Guest's "Best In Show":

Crystal and Hugh talk and not talk for-ev-er, and still finding things to not talk about.

And then there was the news this week that Marie Osmond remarried her first husband, Steve Craig. I do not know either of these people personally, but Marie strikes me as kind of a nutjob. Who wouldn't be if they had to live her life? But I think that she's a harmless nutjob and deserves every happiness. How sweet is it that that she and her first love (I assume he was her first love) got back together, so many years after their divorce?

I remember when I was a freshman at the Y, and Jeffrey R. Holland was the president of the university. He gave a talk in which he mentioned that he and his wife had gone to the movies, but arrived late and couldn't find seats together. They could hear people whispering, "Oh, that is too bad! They're not going to be able to sit together!" Then he looked around and saw that people were not whispering sympathetically about him and Sis. Holland, but about Steve and Marie, who were on a date. Months later, when Steve and Marie announced their engagement, Pres. Holland gave another talk in which he said that he felt like he had a hand in pushing that relationship along by "outing" them in the earlier talk. I wonder if he called them up on the occasion of their remarriage?

Movie Review--Major Suspension of Disbelief Edition

2011-05-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

An action movie set in Brazil with no jiujitsu or B.O.P.E?
Absurdo!

Where Do We Go From Here?

2011-05-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

So Public Enemy #1 is finally dead. Objective achieved! Now what? Can we justify staying in Afghanistan? Wasn't finding and killing him the main objective of that mission? I'm just not that savvy about things like that, but I do know that my heart goes out to my friends and family who are affected by the endless deployments.

Bike Month!

2011-05-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

May is bike month! I am going to ride my bike to work as much as possible, including Bike to Work day on the 20th.

Accounting

2011-05-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

I am almost half-way through a year of weekly challenges. I cannot report that I have faithfully fulfilled every challenge. Upon reflection, however, perfect completion of each task does not determine whether I grow and learn from each exercise.

For instance, did I record Weight Watcher's points every day last week? No. After two days, I was very cranky and discouraged. So I stopped writing down points and just paid careful attention to what I was eating and why.

This week has some great challenges: running stairs at Mt. Helix, which is easy to get R to go do with me; reading something from the Church handbook every day (very interesting and educational); and sending someone a surprise present.

The surprise present has been one of the funnest challenges. I love to think about to whom I should send it and what I should send. It's also fun to get the response back from the recipient and know that it has given someone joy. Occasionally over the last few months, I have had the inspiration to send something special to different people just because, and that has been really neat.

It Was Worth the Lack of Sleep!

2011-04-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

Aw dang. I set my alarm incorrectly and missed the vows, but I did see most of the ceremony. While I was napping, I had a dream that Kate decided to really throw tradition out the window and walked down the aisle wearing white silk pyjamas. Imagine my relief when I awakened and turned the broadcast on. Princess Catherine's dress is lovely--very evocative of Grace Kelly's. Will this finally turn the tide against the very boring strapless dress trend that has been going on for too long?

I love pomp and circumstance. This wedding seemed like the perfect royal wedding. Who wouldn't love a fanfare or wild bells ringing out at their wedding? Most likely there will be recaps of the parts I missed. I hope that William and Catherine will follow the counsel given them over the pulpit and keep their wedding vows, being faithful to and supporting each other and doing good in the world.

This week has been a total mess as far as my sleeping has gone. I worked overnight on Monday, got up at 3:30 am today and am working overnight tomorrow night. It will be a week before I really pull myself back together.

Oh, Yes. I Will Be Watching

2011-04-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

So cute! So in love! There was none of that, "Whatever "love" means...." They are adorable, and of course I'm going to be up in the wee hours watching the royal wedding. Will you also be watching??

Tri-Harder!

2011-04-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

The very observant will note that there is a new donation website link on the left-hand side of my blog. The page is not set up quite yet with the plea and the pics, but you can still donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America using the link.

The goal this time is only $2,500. I've actually already received one donation, which is very exciting. The triathlon will be here in San Diego on September 11th. It is just a "sprint" triathlon--so no "Diane Bricco, you are an IRON MAN!" at the end of it, but it will be a lot of fun. It's a 1/3-mile swim in the bay (gak! That's the hardest part for me), a 12-mile bike ride (pffft! Child's play!) and a 5K run (no big deal).

Awww, Go Fly a Kite!

2011-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came early and brought bubbles. It was such a beautiful, breezy evening that we blew bubbles and brought out Keiler's kite. To my knowledge, I have never flow a kite until today. Thanks, Kilo, for letting me fly your cool shark kite!

Tri-Hard

2011-04-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

The time is soon-upon us when I will be training and fundraising for the San Diego Tri-Rock sprint triathlon. My goal is to raise at least $2,500 for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. I do not have my fundraising page set up yet, but it will be accessible from a link on this blog. The half-marathon experience was really good, and I expect this will be, too. There are some things I will add to my fund-raising armamentarium, such as a Rubio's fundraiser and brochures, that will add something to the mix and make it easier to donate.

What Not To Wear--Sunday Edition

2011-04-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my mom impressed upon me and my sisters the importance of wearing "proper" clothing to church. She was taught the same principles by my grandmother, who always was as neat as a pin and who prided herself on her clothing. It wasn't anything expensive, it was just tidy and modest and attractive.

We were taught to wear dresses or skirts to church services, and if we were wearing pants at an activity, we certainly were not to walk into the chapel. To this day, if I am helping to clean the church and I have to go into the chapel to vacuum and I'm wearing jeans, I feel very weird.

I realize that there is a spectrum of what is nowadays deemed "appropriate" for church wear. Frankly, I'm just happy that people show up to church, and I keep my opinion to myself if they are not dressed the way that I feel comfortable dressing myself for church. My husband balks at wearing a suit (though I think he looks absolutely dreamy in one), and for that matter, a tie, so sometimes he wears a shirt with no tie, dressier pants and tennis shoes. I don't care, except for the fact that I would really like to iron his clothes sometimes. Killer wears a suit and tie, mainly because that is expected of the Priests who are blessing the sacrament. He also looks good dressed that way, and he knows it.

The topic of what to wear to church has been in the back of my mind lately because of a new friend of mine. She is a new convert, but has been quite religious throughout her life. I visit teach her, and at this month's visit she brought up her concern that she really didn't have dresses or skirts in her closet that weren't casual or shorter than she was seeing the rest of the women wearing. She asked my companion and I about wearing garments and how that affected what we wore. She said something like we both looked quite normal in our jeans and t-shirts, and we pointed out what was covered and where. I don't quite know her well-enough to offer to go shopping with her or send her links to some websites that sell modest clothing, if she was interested in putting some new things in her closet. It made me think of a story told by Anne Osborn Poehlman (known in my work world as Dr. Anne Osborn, Queen of Neuroradiology--but I digress). When she first joined the church, she wore her very favorite pink suit one Sunday. It always made her feel beautiful. But someone criticized her for how short her skirt was, and it hurt her feelings. I hope that no one ever says something to my friend that makes her feel unwelcome or like she doesn't fit in. She's already quite loved and welcomed by the ward family, so I don't think that would happen.

I also happened upon a blog discussion (here) about wearing pants to church. Frankly, I have worn pants to church once, because I was traveling, not expecting to go to church, but my traveling companion and I decided that we'd track the nearest meeting down. I.felt.weird. It just isn't me. But it doesn't really bug me when I see women wearing pants in church. As I said before, I'm just happy to see people at church, and I realize not everyone's circumstance or upbringing is the same.

One of my friends announced at book club that she and her family will be moving to Utah this summer. We were teasing her about how different it will be, and I said that people will think she's weird for wearing flip-flops to church year-round and never wearing hose. It's so California. I haven't even purchased panty hose in years, probably even before I moved out here. In New York, it was either no hose or very cute, patterned hose or tights.

So, what are your "rules" for church attire? Do you ever cringe secretly (or not-so-secretly) at some things you see people wearing? (To be honest, I'm not thrilled with how some of our Young Women dress for church, but maybe that's just me, and I wouldn't ever go up to them and say something about it.) What would you say, if anything, to a new convert or an investigator about what to wear to church? Has anyone ever made an unkind comment to you about something you have worn? Frankly, as far as my friend goes, I have never seen her wear anything that wasn't tasteful and modest to church. She's very intelligent, and I think that she'll probably just figure out what works for her.

Letters

2011-04-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is just a random missionary picture I took from Google images. Believe me, there are some unseemly pictures that come up when you do that, so beware.

R's idea for Family Home Evening tonight was for us to divvy up between us the missionaries serving from our ward and write them letters. We have a pretty decent group, five elders and an older sister missionary who has been on a mission for four years, it seems. She must really like what she's doing (I think she's a Family History missionary) and keeps signing up for another go.

I wrote to her and to the guy whose dad was just called as our bishop. I do know his parents, but I really don't know him. He's serving in the Florida panhandle and Alabama. I asked him some questions about his mission and for some advice for Keiler, who will be leaving sooner than I think we are actually ready to have him go, now that it's getting closer. It will be fun to hear back from him.

My cousin's son entered the MTC on April 6th for his mission to the Samara, Russia Mission. I need to get his address from his mom so that we can write to him, too.

Our Barbecue Can Beat Up Your Barbecue

2011-04-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

At Mission Bay

Andre Galvao, the founder of our feast. He's a master barbecuer.

At the Atos barbecue today: The middle guy in the picture opined, "I'll bet that our barbecue could beat up any other barbecue in the world right now." He might be right, given that the Atos Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team is filled with world champions, and even the San Diego guys are pretty bad***. Even the women are crazy-tough. Check out Cris Cyborg:


She was there, along with her husband. So, yeah, I would expect that our barbecue could have beaten up any other BBQ in the world. We definitely could have taken any of the other BBQs at the park today.

The weather today was ah-may-zing. It was probably 90 degrees or more. I rode my bike from my house to the beach. It was just a little ride--13.4 miles or so, no hills, just a headwind. Rowdy twisted my arm just a little and gave me a ride home.

Movie Review--Hanna

2011-04-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

There was no book club tonight (I had the dates mixed up), so I ended up going to the movies with the boys.

I liked it. It was freaky, but interesting and had a great soundtrack by The Chemical Brothers. Too much DC and intense, spooky movie mean that I'm going to be up late.

Dinner Studio

2011-04-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be working several overnight shifts in the next two weeks, so we're going to try Dinner Studio for our evening meals. It will be cheaper than eating out, nutritious and relatively fuss-free. I'll let you know how it goes.

PMSing

2011-04-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

That must be what I'm dealing with today.

Yesterday, I tried to go for a run, but my calves were cramping too much. That is so freaking annoying.

I basically wasted two hours at the DMV. The DMV workers weren't too bad, but I wanted to smack every single old man in line near me who thought it was cute to flirt with the DMV people, and there were a lot of little old men in line. And why do people in line by me want to get all up next to me and talk to me? Just shut up and leave me alone, whydontcha?!

I failed the motorcycle written exam. Dang it! It is really not something that you can just think your way through. And yes, I did read the manual...TWO MONTHS AGO. Dumb.

Rowdy was healed up for two whole days before bursting open another abscess. I've seen him cry before, but not from his illness. Today was different.

Here Are Some Pictures of Whistler

2011-04-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

2/3 of the Dahlstrom girls.

Olympic rings (duh).

Nina, the Group II instructor. Soooo funny and patient.

Blackcomb's bunny hill

The base of Blackcomb

Spring Break

2011-04-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

The cherry trees are blossoming in Vancouver.

Since K wasn't able to go to Japan over Spring Break, we did the next best thing and sent him to Utah. R and I were looking forward to making the most of our time together, but unfortunately, we didn't have too much of that during the week.

While I was on vacation, things were extremely busy at work, and things didn't slow down very much this week. I am the call person this week, so I have to be the "clean-up" person during the week and come in on the weekend for cases. With the exception of Tuesday (when I leave at 1230), I stayed late every night until at least 730 pm. Today hasn't been that bad, call-wise (thankfully).

On Tuesday evening, we ended up helping out a friend who is going through a major, gut-wrenching, rip-your-heart-out-and-show-it-to-you trauma. It is awful to see her have to deal with this experience. Talking about it later in the evening, Rowdy and I both said how we wouldn't change our basket of problems for anyone else's. R and I have already gone through similar experiences in our lives and it was really...awful, painful, horrific, lonely but ultimately refining. I know our friend will make it through this, but it will not be pretty or fun.

That whole situation reminds me again (as if I needed reminding) of the amazing power of the Atonement, and how healing and comforting it is to know that Jesus Christ knows exactly how we feel, because he has already felt it, and he knows exactly how to help us through our trials. It would be so horrible if we didn't have that. I know that after the darkness of winter comes the beautiful spring.

Warrior Dash

2011-04-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Do Not Adjust Your Computer

2011-04-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

This looks like it was made with giant Legos.

Vacation Food

2011-04-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

I think that we're spoiled when it comes to food. K and I both have spent time in NYC (she still lives there and gets to go out a lot), and for my money, the best food I have ever eaten has been in Austin, TX. The restaurants are good, and my mom's cooking is the best. So, Vancouver and Whistler food just wasn't thaaaat special. But here are some thoughts:

When I think of Canadian food, the only thing that comes to mind is poutine. If you haven't heard of it, it is fries covered in brown gravy and cheese curds. A friend of mine who went to school in Montreal said that it is best consumed after a night of heavy drinking. So that leaves me out. The appearance of the dish also leaves me out:

Whistler has another iconic snack, the Beaver Tail. This is also known in other parts of the world as a scone or Navajo fry bread. We sampled one with cinnamon sugar and lemon. The photo is on Karen's Flickr photostream and is copyrighted.

We went to High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. Neither of us had ever done High Tea, so it was fun and made us feel fancy. I had a lovely hibiscus tea, and the little snacks were good.

We really wanted to try the Japadog cart in Vancouver. We were not disappointed. I had a Yakisoba-covered dog.

Finally, the snacks we had at Market were so delicious. We had popcorn that was cooked with rosemary, then tossed in olive oil and salt. Yum! Then we had a fruit and local cheese plate, then dungeness crab on toast. All lovely. I had a very tasty bottle of fancy mineral water.

Vacation Heard-In-Passings

2011-04-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

HIP #1

60-something year-old woman at the movie theater, excitedly gesturing to the poster for the upcoming movie Your Highness:

(Shouting to her husband): I can't wait to see this movie! It's going to be just like The Princess Bride!!!"

Apparently, she has not seen the trailer or any movie starring James Franco and Danny McBride.

HIP #2

Early 20-something girl in our snowboard camp: I couldn't sleep at all last night! There were two old men in the apartment next to me having a fight. They were choking each other and everything! I couldn't believe it! These two old men! They were, like, 45 or something!"

You Call This a Celebrity Sighting?

2011-04-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Being the celebrity hound that I am, I was looking forward to seeing interesting people in Vancouver. After all, several movies and TV shows are filmed there every year. Also, I had Karen with me, who has a Rainman-like ability to remember faces and names of every actor from the stars to the extras of every film she's ever seen.

We had gone almost the whole trip without seeing "anybody" until our last night in Vancouver. Our indulgent spa-afternoon complete, we decided to go to the hotel bar (more to come about that) for appetizers and libations.

Karen leaned over to me and said, "There are actors sitting at the bar."
"Oh, who?"
"Oh, just a couple of guys from that show, Psych."
"Uhhhh...never watched it. I have seen commercials for it. Is it still on?"

We leisurely finished our snacks and walked out. As we passed this guy:

James Roday, who is the star of this show that is on the USA network (so what does that tell you?). He looked up at us, smiled and said, "Hey."

Okay, James, you get one courtesy viewing of your show from me. (New info: Psych is one of Jordan's favorite shows. Had I only remembered that, I would have autographs and pictures for her.)

I attribute it to low bar lighting, his having been at the bar and probably drinking, and the general friendliness of people in Canada. His co-star, Dule Hill, was also at the bar, but he was turned away from us.

Celeb sighting #2 also would have completely eluded me if not for Karen's skills. I was sitting with her at the gate for her flight out yesterday (she was leaving a little earlier than me), and there was this guy with very sparse hair with sticky-uppy cornrows, pulled up into a ponytail on the top of his head. Karen said, "I think that's Coolio." Yeah, I wouldn't know Coolio from Foolio, but okay, maybe so. But then some girl came up to him and got a photo with him, and there was an airport security guy hovering around him, so yeah, it was Coolio. As this is a family blog, I will not post the video Karen posted FB of Coolio's cooking show. (But it was pretty hilarious.)

Writer's Block

2011-04-01T20:07:00.001-07:00

I really need to start writing down post ideas when they come to me, instead of waiting until I can sit down, because all of the great ideas I had have flown out the window.

How's about some pictures?

Away

2011-03-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am in Beautiful British Columbia, and it lives up to its name. Karen and I came up to Whistler earlier today. We have our snowboard camp vouchers, lift tickets and gear. We start tomorrow at 8:30 am. I am looking forward to gaining new skills and confidence.

We are going to do camp for two days, then work on our skilz the next two days. We are also going to do karaoke on Tuesday night. Kiki is a karaoke superstar, so it will be lots of fun. Hopefully, I will be able to pick up some of her talent.

Many pictures and maybe some videos to follow when I come home.

Mixed Emotions

2011-03-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

It rained last night and earlier today. It rained so hard there were waterfalls down the hill from our neighbors' house into the storm drain in front of our home, and waterfalls down the hill a block away from us. It rained and it hailed for a brief period of time.

This totally scratched plans for the Baxter/Bricco mini triathlon, in which Amber and I would swim at a local gym, run three miles and then bike 10. Alternatively, I planned to go to the gym at 7 am and take a spin class, then run on the treadmill, then go for a swim. But at 6:20 am, it was much more appealing to stay in bed with R.

My plans to get up and run or swim or bike in the morning are always thwarted by my wanting to be with the rejuvenated Rowdstar. We have gone for short runs together some afternoons, but I do need to stop giving myself excuses and pry myself out of the house to get some exercise.

I did get a lot accomplished today, even though I just did a quick workout with weights. The box of costume jewelry that I bought last October for our Russian girls was finally mailed off. The tax materials are at the accountant's. There are now some groceries in the fridge and pantry. Scootie is insured and a bit of house insurance paperwork was dealt with. R and I went to movies and to lunch. I am almost-completely packed for my trip to Vancouver tomorrow.

About the trip--my younger sister and I are headed north to Vancouver and Whistler to check out the sights and get some snowboarding instruction and practice time. I know it will be fun. My sisters are always fun to travel with, and I've never been to Vancouver. It looks beautiful in pictures, and Whistler is purported to have the best skiing/boarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer in the whole world.

But I am sad to leave my sweetie and our boy for a week and a half. Now that Rowdy is feeling a ton better, he's back to his old, fun self. He's competing in a Brazilian jiujitsu tournament this Saturday. Not just any old tournament, but the Pan Ams. Of course, I am an unlucky charm for him at tournaments, so I would have to stay away anyway. Still, I will have to keep extra-busy while away for the time to go quickly. Lots of time on the slopes and spa, I'm thinking.

And Now For Something Completely Different

2011-03-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

Scootie II

I have upgraded to a Honda Elite scooter. More power, just as frugal with the gas, and a bargain. Scootie I is for sale. We're asking $2,000. It only has 400 miles on it, and it has been a joy to ride. Now I need a real motorcycle license and helmet. I am getting this beautiful thing:

If not for some interesting turns of events, I would be in Egypt right now. Good for the people of Egypt to decide that enough was enough and things had to change. I wish them the absolute best as they work towards a new government and better lives for all.

And if not for a very tragic turn of events, Keiler would be headed to Japan next week. There are several options on the table right now: 1) a partial refund from the tour company; 2) postpone the trip to Japan until the summer; 3) a tour to Europe in the summer; 4) a tour to China in the summer. We're fine with any of those things. We just hope that the Japanese people have what they need during this time of recovery. I know that they will overcome all of their obstacles. They are a strong people.

Great Achievements

2011-03-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last week, my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary. Mom said that she and Dad pictured the stereotypical 50th anniversary couple as her with a big orchid corsage and him with his best suit and tie. I wish I had the picture of my great-grandparents at one of their milestone anniversaries, either 50th or 60th (or 75th?). They totally looked like that. But my parents look at least 20 years younger than their stated ages, and heaven knows my sisters and I don't feel like we're as old as we are, given when we appeared in the timeline of Mom and Dad's marriage.

Mom and Dad love and support each other. They're each other's greatest fans, which has always been a great example to me. Who knows, maybe they'll go on for fifty more years?

And if you've read my Facebook post, you will already know that Rowdy came running with me this afternoon. It's the first time he's run in at least seven months. He kept it up for two miles, which is awesome for being pretty-much on bedrest for the last six months. For at least the next month, we will be able to run together. After that, I won't be able to keep up.

I am being cautiously optimistic overall, since he still has a healing wound on his abdomen. We've been let down before with mystery infections and things.

Random Thoughts

2011-03-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

I totally could relate to The Silly Witch when she posted the other day that she had lots of things on her mind, but didn't really have time to write about them. I, too, compose very cogent, intelligent blog posts in my mind, but I never get around to writing them. Things don't always translate well from my brain to the screen, anyway. But here are some snippets of things that I have thought recently:

Al Qaeda: becoming irrelevant. Hooray for grass-roots uprisings, fighting for a more-democratic system.

BYU: Thanks for standing up for what is right. Having integrity is more important than going to the Final Four. But it would be cool if they still went to the big dance. At least they whomped on the Aztecs twice.

"Mormon Mommy Blogs": There recently was a piece on salon.com about how a feminist writer was obsessed with blogs written by young, LDS mothers. I think that the joy and peace that people feel shines through, and that's why people are drawn to those blogs. We don't all have adorably-decorated homes, and our families don't all look like they belong in a Martha Stewart magazine, and our lives aren't totally easy. I mean, look at NieNie. Hello--burned over 80% of her body! But even when she has posted about being depressed or in pain or her kids were being kinda bratty, her testimony of the gospel shines through. I see that in my friends' blogs and those that I "blog-stalk". Three of my favorite blogs to stalk: Erin Hayes' Booferd, Tara Lynn Bordrero's and Mallory Hansen's Living Here, Dreaming of There. They aren't "Mormon Mommy Blogs" (only Erin is a mom), but I am always uplifted by them.

Gas Prices: $4.15/gallon for supreme means that there will be more scootering, walking and bike riding in my future. Good thing I like to walk, scooter and ride my bike.

Oscars Telecast: My expectations were quite low, so I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't suck as much as it could have. Jennifer Hudson's dress would have really been spectacular if her boobs hadn't been squooshed like they were.

Mary Kay Timewise Skin Care: I really like this skin care line. Buy it online from Linda Nielsen! For orders greater than $40, you get a free hand care kit. I love how smooth and soft it makes my hands.