p-cute

Thirty Five Weeks (!?!)

2012-02-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

Wow. Do you know that I am actually going to have to have this baby in 5 weeks (or something like that)? It is kinda crazy and blowing our minds over here in p-cute land. I purchased some necessary items for the hospital bag today that were less than thrilling to buy- nipple cream, giant pads... why under share when you can over share?! That's always been my motto.

I thought the perspective in the above photo was pretty funny and that you all would enjoy it. I actually had to bend in a very specific way so my toes could peek out and say hello. Hello down there!

I didn't work today, so instead I made some Love Day cookies to bring into work for tomorrow. Please hold your breath as you look at how gee dee cute they are. In fact, I think that as I was decorating them an angel got its wings with puppy dogs standing witness. I am pretty sure of it, actually.

I tried a new sugar cookie recipe which turned out not to be my favorite (it does the trick though), but the frosting! Oh the frosting! Strawberry butter cream. A natural pink hue and a smooth strawberry taste- really, this idea has changed my life. I read about pureeing strawberries and adding them to the frosting but lots of people discouraged that as it made the frosting too runny, so strawberry jam it was! And OMG, you need to add some to your next batch of butter cream frosting. Or any other preserve for that matter- it is life changing.

So yes, 35 weeks, 5 left to go and then we are parents. PARENTS. Wish us luck!

(and who the heck is letting us do this anyways?!!?)

Thirty Four Weeks

2012-02-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Good grief. I am a rather large pregnant woman. If you need proof of that, please see the photographic evidence below (even my cheeks are pregnant... what I wouldn't do for a thin face again... oh the simple joys of life).

Hooray for black stretchy items of clothing and striped accents. And I was able to squeeze my poor impregnated piggies into my boots for perhaps their last time. I am one fluid retaining pregnant person - just ask my sisters, they quite enjoyed my agony :). I swell up so much I fear I have preeclampsia, but I don't, I just have one large man child in my uterus. It is very easy to get the two mixed up.

And onto other matters - I have been over and out because Dan and I were on a little mini break in Utah with 3 (!) of my sisters, 2 nieces, and 1 brother in law. It was SO nice. I also got spoiled rotten by the aforementioned people. Eve threw me a most amazing baby shower with my Utah peeps (so glad I got to catch up with you all!!) and then we spent the week playing with bebes, eating too many treats (I was really doing well for awhile, sigh), and taking the 2 nieces on fun field trips. I did not take enough photos though, but Betina has some up on her blog- mostly of the cupcakes, but to be honest they were a very important part of the weekend.

Now let us move on to some pictures of the sweet Lucy and Dixie Mae

Lucy is an absolute doll who loves to smile, giggle, and eat. She has the most delicious thighs and her dexterity is really amazing for an eight month old. We had lots of fun making her laugh and watching her roll around.

And this is sweet Dixie Mae with her "smile!" face. I dressed her up as a present for her mama to unwrap. Every morning I would have to remind her how much she likes me and then by midday she would remember and we would have a grand old time. I taught her how to "clink" teacups together for a "cheers!" during tea parties and how to keep her hands "flat like pancakes" when we paint her nails. She doesn't really like men though which was a bummer for Uncle Dan, but he did learn how to buy her love (sometimes) by letting her watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on his phone. What would we do without those smart phones?

Then we must remember the yummy baby shower spread, lest we forget

Eve got the sugar cookies especially for me because, after all, I am a cookie monster. It's true. I feel really overwhelmed with how nice and generous people are with pregnant ladies- thank you everyone so much for everything. This pregnant lady tears up over the smallest (and grandest) of gestures these days.

Then I also have to document my funny jokes that I already told everyone I know in real life but would like my posterity to know:

Dan is doing so good at school/work/internship. I was talking to him on the phone while I was at work the other week and he told me some especially good news, to which I replied "I am so proud of you, I shall bear you a son!".
Friends/Family at the baby shower were asking me if I was ready for the baby and I replied "oh yeah, I've been watching Baby Mama over and over, so I feel pretty prepared".

And that's about it folks! A long catch up post and now I hope to be back to this blog regularly because I love my family and they are all terribly far away. Have a good week everyone!

Dude

2012-01-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I catch myself at a certain angle and I just have to laugh because my belly is LARGE and in charge folks. It is kind of a hilarious thing, don't you think? So maybe our son will be hilarious too? Today Dan and I laughed and laughed about perhaps using the word 'piss' instead of 'pee' when we potty train him. Ha ha. So funny- kind of like in Talladega Nights. Take it easy though, we aren't really going to do that (and I wanted to do it more than Dan did, for the record), but it would be kinda cute/obscene/funny/off color. Just my style.

What A Weekend

2012-01-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Wherein we lazed about the house keeping warm and being cute. I didn't have to keep as warm as my Canadian friends though- it is cold up there, yo! I observed a minute of silence on your behalf, for I have not forgotten (-33 C!/ -22 F!). Lest I forget.

Dan Dan and I were cuddling after a nice sleep-in and I wished for a butler to bring us breakfast in bed. And then all of a sudden my Dan turned into our butler and whipped up a wonderful spread and even let me eat it in bed (I can be a little clumsy these days).

And in keeping you all in the loop, lets talk about Words With Friends. I nearly peed my pants when I played this move:

Seriously! I don't know if I'll ever be able to pull that off again so I thought it should be chronicled so as to go down in history as my best move ever. I still can't believe it myself.

What else? Dan wore his Marty McFly life preserver, which always brings a smile to my face. Then we took off on our date at 88 mph. He is so handsome!

I also became 31 weeks pregnant. Dude. Time is flying and I guess this is actually going to happen. I saw the midwife today and I am measuring exactly as I should and this little boy is being so good- he already has his little head down. I think he gets his obedience from his Dad, wouldn't you agree?

And then just for fun, we whipped up some more cookies and did a cookie run- mostly to get them the heck out of our house so I don't eat them all. Oh cookies! I simply love to bake, but I do not like to eat it all. Well I do, but I don't. You know how it is.

Things my phone did not document include another game of Settlers (of America), a Football party (still learning), watching Zodiac to celebrate Friday the 13th, and my big sister's birthday (phone call only, but will party in 2 weeks!).

what can i say?

2012-01-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

because i feel entirely too large to do anything reasonably productive (you know, like getting ready for a child or something) these days (how i make it out to work, i do not know) i spent my weekend indulging myself in baking, stripes, settlers, and lunch with friends. all reasonably easy things to do with a large and heavy basket ball attached to your midsection. my nesting needs to kick in or this baby ain't gonna have a nothing to wipe his tush with- i mean, there will be nothing for me or dan to wipe his tush with. who is letting me have a baby anyways?

moving on

i had a lot of fun spending entirely too much money on various types of white flour and chocolate, and then i spent entirely too much time tediously measuring dry and wet ingredients on my kitchen scale and chopping/grating chocolate to make the following chocolate chip cookie:

i had read and read and read about this recipe and then i dreamed about it so of course i had no other choice but to make them (didn't really dream about it, excuse the hyperbole). but could i really help myself? no. the recipe even gave me an excuse to use my fancy fleur de sel as a finishing salt! it was very satisfying. i have not baked this exactly in quite sometime. in fact, when something doesn't turn out and i'm mad about it, dan's first question is "did you follow the recipe?", to which i usually reply with a "yes, but...". so if you have some time on your hands and some spare $$ in your grocery budget to buy flours and chocolates, and perhaps something to procrastinate- i urge you to make this recipe in its exactness! they are good, promise, and great for giving away (happy birthday ra-ra!).

also, instead of getting ready to wipe cute little tushes, i strolled on down to our local ikea with the ladies where i purchased the most wonderful of throws. it now sits at the foot of my bed and i think our little don draper with his infant vision of 20/400 will just love the contrasting black and white, so maybe i am nesting? probably not though. i still need to turn the bathroom into a nursery.... ha! life in a one bedroom.

and then i really love settlers of catan, but people, settlers of america is where it is at. it is like playing two and a half catan games all at once. i won by a mere margin friday night, oh the memories! so really, just bits and bobs to report of this week. maybe more tomorrow though? dan dan and i both have the day off. he keeps wanting me to see tin-tin with him, but that stop motion animation looks like dead people. ewe, gross.

i also started playing words with friend's.

Sunday

2012-01-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday, cutie pies {tomorrow}.

Lets have a little giggle as I tell you about something funny.

So, in Thai, the word for 'Sunday' is 'Wan-a-tit'! Please giggle right now. Perhaps my favorite Thai word ever. It can be your favorite too, if you want.

I laughed and laughed about that when I first learned it as a bright-eyed missionary in the MTC and could probably say it with a straight face once I had been in Thailand for oh, 9 months {my maturity level really is stunning}. I mean, who doesn't wan-a-tit? If anything offensive is said at the churches tomorrow, just think of this and you'll be comforted, I know it can get you through.

And it was only me and this other elder that LOL'd when we learned this word. What is wrong with everyone else? Honestly!

Fun Times

2012-01-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Right before we rang in the New Year I was able to take in an exhibit at the National Archives that I have wanted to see since August- but you know, parking in DC is a B, so I avoided it for awhile. I am so glad I went! It was about the governments influence on the American Diet. Here are some of my favorite contraband iphone photos just for you!

And my personal favorite thing that I learned about was about this gentleman and his 'crimes against butter'. Can you read the caption okay?

In case you can't read it, this dude served 2 years in the state penitentiary for trying to bootleg margarine. The government was trying to protect Dairy Farmers by taxing margarine up the whazoo and this guy got caught trying to sell some on the DL. Too funny. I think if I ever went to jail I would want it to be for 'crimes against butter' as well.

So come visit me and I'll take you into DC even though parking is a B!

2012

2012-01-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

This baby, my friends, has completely taken over my body. Amen. That is about all I have to say about week 29 because I don't want to complain about things like my thicker legs or how I am dying to wear red pants but am not getting maternity ones (waste of $). Also in my twenty ninth week of most delicate condition I got in a fight with extra virgin olive oil and my hair lost. I am still sitting here with the e.v.o.o. in my hairs, letting it deep condition. Ha! I don't think this white girl with poor thin hair is going to get off that lucky. I think I may be in an interesting situation for a few days or so- it was a lot of e.v.o.o. I nearly cussed out loud and was very surprised when I didn't. I think my child is having a positive effect on me? Look at me, already holding back the cuss words for his benefit! That's just the kind of mother I am.

I was pleasantly surprised when I went out looking for a maternity pencil skirt this afternoon. At my first stop I found not one but two that would do! What luck. One was official H&M maternity and the other was just a stretchy H&M basic skirt. I opted for the basic H&M one because it was waaaayyyy cheaper ($12) and looked just as swell as the official maternity one. That's the thing with maternity clothing. I am finding that I have been able to get along with normal clothing (usually) one size up (except for red pants). It is much appreciated by my pocket book- it just loves cheap thrills!

Must we also talk about the new year? Okay, okay, okay! We celebrated by seeing the second Sherlock Holmes movie (which we thought was even better than the first) while snacking on our homemade popcorn and treats we snuck into the theater. How we roll my friends, how we roll! I take after my mother in that department, I guess. And Dan is pretty proud of himself - he is now an expert at popping pop corn on the stove. In fact, I am proud of him too. He also makes a wonderful breakfast. Upon our return home I promptly fell asleep, missing my midnight kiss but don't worry, I did not miss out on any midnight kicks.

And my one resolution for the year Twenty-Twelve is really just a goal- to push this baby out in style. And I don't really know what that means, but it just feels right. So I'll keep you posted. Maybe I would also like to eat less sugar and drink less Diet Coke (I started again in trimester 2, I couldn't help it!) but who doesn't make those kinds of resolutions, really? I would also like to be gentle with myself as a new mother and to recognize that regardless of what happens, I want my heart and my head to understand that I really am doing my best. There! The resolutions and goals have been recorded in ~~The Book Of Life~~ the blogosphere.

Happy New Year to you and yours, and third trimester- welcome! Lets see how big this belly can get. Bring it.

Christmas Present

2011-12-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well folks, The Christmas is done! I hope all your wildest dreams came true like mine did. If not, you obviously need a better husband, but you can't have mine.

Lets see here... I thought I would start with the Eve of Christmas. We were going to have a quiet day at home wherein Dan was going to continue work on his Thesis and I was going to go about my merry way, but instead we went to a Redskins NFL game. No biggie. Some friends of ours had some tickets + parking pass that they couldn't use and they knew we were sticking around so passed them on to us. It was super fun and I highly recommend an NFL game to anyone, even someone like me who doesn't really know much about the footballs.

note: i can no longer do up my coats

That evening we had a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of my MIL's lasagna, bread, salad and sauteed spinach (1st annual, actually) and invited some friends over. Against my better judgment I did not pack that thing full of the vegetables but kept the blessed lasagna unadulterated- meat, cheese, noodles. And behold it was good (lots of veggies on the side). We played some Ticket to Ride and Dan almost won - it was my worst game ever though.

Santa came that night. Because of the tender state of my midsection I kept waking up all the live long night to switch from my left side to my right side, and every time I turned over I just wanted to get out there and open my presents! I think I am worse than our unborn child. So here is what Christmas looked like for us:

our mini stockings made it so we had to wrap the stuffers

Here we open some gifts. Dan nearly gave up cause this one had so much tape on it (he was glad he didn't though), and I couldn't get over how sweetly Dan tried to make pretty ribbon bows. That boy!

The big cheese of presents was most definitely the custom t-shirt that I made up for Dan Dan. Because of his current studies and his internship, I just couldn't help myself- and it was a winner! He loves it.

i am so clever, aren't i?

And also, we had the pleasure of having Christmas dinner with The Greer's and here was our contribution, a white cake with chocolate butter cream complete with a snowflake from our tree:

So Merry Christmas and Ho Ho Ho, we hope you had one as nice as we did.

XOXO

I still don't know if I really like Glee, but I'm watching it as I blog this- FYI.

2011-12-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Awe Guys. I am getting pregnant. Third trimester started this week.... eeeeekkk! There is exactly 3 months (minus a couple days) left until D-Day 2012 when I'll be pushing this turkey out of me (ouchies). I cannot believe it myself.

Here is some photographic evidence of the state of things around my body these days (27 weeks):

And yes, I am purposely striking that pose so ya'll don't have to be frightened by my pregnant face. Do not get me wrong, I really am enjoying this pregnancy and the little miracle that is doing the jig inside of me all the live long day, but I will be more than happy to have some normal cheeks soon (front and back!).

Next I must tell you about the smartest boy in Grad School, who is Dan. Darn-it he is doing so swell. His profs have advised him that he should try and publish some of his papers (!!!!) and he is still holding strong with his perfect GPA of four-point-oh! I am really proud of him, if you can't tell. He may do some silly things every once in a while like a few Christmases ago when he ate most of the spaghetti on Christmas Eve and he felt like an idiot cause it was his first Christmas with my family and he was one of the first through the food line (it is a pretty funny family memory, we/he can laugh about it now)- but the boy sure does pull off a 4.0 like nobody's business.

Baby Dan Jr/Simon/Theodore/Jude kicks in approval of this message. Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas.

How We Roll- Christmas Edition

2011-12-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Oh Christmastime! We, the three of us, are staying home for the holidays. It seems a little strange to not be with even a little bit of family for Christmas, but we are making do, and I thought I would show you how. Due to the immense smallness of our little shoebox, the decorations are minimal so as not to over-stimulate, but are still festive. Herein, I shall give you our Christmas tour.

We shall start with the bookshelf. It is being littered with all sorts of festive things - like cards, mini stockings (times are tough), gingerbread, et cetera. Our bookshelf was somewhat of a Christmas miracle in itself if we're talking about miracles here. Because things are so up in the air for us right now, I refuse to buy brand new furniture that we probably won't be able to take with us anyways when/if we go and we all know how freaking annoying it is to sell on Craigslist, so anyways. This beauty of a bookshelf found me one day at the Goodwills on the one day furniture was 50% off. Woot woot!

And now we shall move to the wall that houses our most wonderful couch. We jazzed this ol'girl up with some 'sneezings greetings' kleenex from Target and a sweet little Christmas banner. Perhaps my favorite touches. Also, we shall take a peek at the coffee table and my homemade snowy Christmas trees.

Last but not least, I'll show you our short little tree and the roaring fireplace- I know, such luxury in a one bedroom!

And in the name of Christmas traditions we are keeping it real by carrying on a Matthews family tradition of watching Bruce Willis kick some serious arse in Die Hard. Dan and his brothers wanted to watch it so badly when it was released...in 1988! But because it is rated 'R', Dan's parents wouldn't allow the boys to watch it unless it was edited. Because edited movies only happen on TV, Dan and his brothers would call the program directors of Calgary's local TV stations at least once a month requesting that they play 'Die Hard'. THEY DID THIS FOR 4 YEARS. And how the heck do little boys even find that phone number (Dan informs me that they found it in the phone book, of course!)? Is that not the sweetest thing ever? Dan started calling when he was 8 and they finally played it 4 years later on November 4th, 1995 @ 12am. Best day of their lives. They taped the edited version and then watched it the next Monday night for FHE (and then watched it and watched it and watched it). Now, every holiday season they relive the excitement and joy that only Bruce Willis knows how to spread.

And that's how we roll out here in the east. Some decorations, a tree, and some Die Hard. If you ask me, I'd say our days are pretty merry and bright even if it is just us three (well, kind of 3 but not really).

QUESTION: What kind of mother am I?

2011-12-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: The kind that is finally awaking out of her denial that she is actually having a {man} child.

Also, the kind that has yet to put up ultrasound pictures of her cutie pie even though said sonogram happened 7 weeks ago! I clearly need to get with the program.

No seriously guys, he is the cutest little sonogram bebe I have laid eyes on, even though 4D u/s are just a little creepy. Although, it is rather cute how he is rubbing his cute little eye with his cute little hand in the above creepy picture. Awwwee! And does it almost look like he has 6 toes in that foot picture, or is that just me?

Let us now review names because it's fun.

Dan Jr
Simon
Theodore (Theo)
~~Alvin~~
Jonathon
Hank (?)
Jude
Don Draper

C is for Cookie!

2011-12-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I got together with some girls for cookie decorating. There is almost no other Christmas tradition I like better than this one - in fact I think I had more fun than the kids did at said activity. No, I know I had the most fun because some of them ended up crying and I didn't.

Anyways, I saved a few of the cookies so Dan and I could decorate them together on our day off we had together this past week. I kept thinking just how yummy chocolate buttercream would be atop my most beloved sugar cookie recipe and I could not help myself. So this year may I present...no, may I introduce, my black people and white people snowmen (+ one lonely chocolate candy cane). There are many variations on the theme and boy oh boy, do they taste great!!

Saturday Soups

2011-12-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

A lot of soup has been happening around here. Typically it's been on Saturday's, and this is our current favorite. Sooooo good. It is like crack in a bowl! And then I made the buns to go with the soup and Dan just about gave up the ghost right then and there.

Mostly, I think, soup has been happening so much around here due to my early Christmas present. Yes, dear friends, that is my 5 quart Le Creuset pot. What, what? Well, we happen to live very close to the outlet mall and I happened to have a midwife appt very close to these outlets on Black Friday and then one thing led to another and I found myself pondering the worth of the original orange one vs this little beauty. And so help me, I knew I needed the sky blue one like I knew it was time to procreate. The sale was astounding and another thing I knew was that I may never live this close to such an amazing sale on French cookware- so really my hands were tied, wouldn't you say? Now please excuse me as I finish off Ratatouille for some inspiration.

Two to the Five!

2011-12-04T18:10:00.000-07:00


25 WEEKS

Dude, I simply cannot believe how fast time is flying by. Those pictures are a little small, aren't they? Sorry. I am sure you get the picture that my tummy is getting large and in charge, thankyou ma'am!

New this week on being pregnant- music is moving me and I am such a baby! I was out and about getting the shopping done while Dan was being boring and working on a paper (bless his heart though, I mean really) when I was blinded by emotion. I was walking out of the grocery store and was met with the most adorable scene. A girl in her early twenties was singing 'Jingle Bells' at the top of her lungs while ringing that Salvation Army bell and collecting donations in her red bucket. That girl plucked my weak little heart strings and brought tears to my eyes. I was ever so sad I only had 3 cents in my purse and wondered why on earth in this day and age don't they take debit (and why is there not a cents symbol on this dang key board? come on Science!!)? Anyways, maybe that whole ordeal is just funnier to me than you- but it was memorable.

Dan Dan persuaded me to make that picture a little bigger for each and all. Enjoy and have a nice week!

The Ghost of Christmas Past

2011-12-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

I am kind of missing my Calgary Christmas these days.

This was one of my favorite recent Christmas memories with Nunu, Anders, and Buddy (that's Dan, he is the slowest cookie decorator in the North Pole). And also, I kind of miss having a normal body, but anyways.

Read this and you shall be filled with Christmas Cheer!

That fall in Calgary was really nice. I went to lots of movies with Nunu and Anders and we got to hang out and have fun with siblings whenever we wanted. And we lived under the sea with a super fun kitchen table. Sigh.

Behold!

2011-11-30T19:06:00.002-07:00

24 WEEKS

My growing baby bump! It is simply taking over and I no longer know what to do with myself.

Let us open up a baby name discussion. What would you name a baby garcon if you had the chance? Really, I want to hear. I have all these ideas but nothing seems to be sticking. And I should probably let you know about our arrangement. See, I didn't change my last name. Dan and I used to ~~argue~~ hum and haw over what last name our future children should have until I came up with the most marvelous of ideas, really, I am a peace maker after all. The conversation was quite simple and it went just like this:

P: "I got it! How about I pick the first names and you pick the last names!!?"

D: "Done!"

So that is how we do it around here. I am really excited to see what Dan picks though- I have always just loved 'Meyer' for a last name, or maybe even 'Jones'. Oh the anticipation!

So, the name game guidelines are that I like pretty solid/traditional names. Some of my top ones are:

Simon

Theodore

Dan Jr (after is daddy)

of course, don't leave the name you are going to name your son unless you wanna see it here first :)

Yo Yo Yo, Ho Ho Ho

2011-11-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

This was our most wonderful of American Thanksgivings. I don't know what it is, but I have celebrated Thanksgiving here in the land of the free oh maybe upteen times, but I just can't say Thanksgiving, the American part always sticks with it. I don't mean to be so terribly annoying all the time, only some of the time, really. We had such a nice time with Kassie's family. Dear mother Greer put on a dinner for about 25 people. I cannot believe it myself. And it was wonderful!

Those are Thankful Trees as center pieces. They were lots of fun. Of course, you can't blame Dan and I for getting a bit silly and writing things like "Kassie is especially thankful for the literary genius that is J.K. Rowling". When we all know full well that if it isn't Steinbeck she shall have no part in it!

One thing I am not so thankful for is the fact that we need new weather stripping on the bottom of our front door. We arrived home this evening to the strangest of strange things. Somehow some long little slug made it in the door, over the carpet and all the way to the kitchen floor! Dude! Do I live in a marsh? That poor little guy was probably crawling all the live long day with dreams of sugar plums dancing in the recycling bin just for him. So weird! Has this ever happened to you? Virginia is a strange land. There are even turtles in the back yard, WILD TURTLES! I just can't get over it myself.

And the Ho Ho Ho part. Of course after American Thanksgiving comes the opening of the Christmas season, which we hailed in by watching 'Elf'. Perhaps the most best Christmas movie ever! Oh how I tried and I tried to watch that whole dang movie from start to finish, but in true Payne girl style (as taught by our mother) I fell asleep just as Buddy was shaking off his tentative plans for a fun filled father-son day from his Etch-A-Sketch. I count myself lucky though, because Dan no longer takes it as a personal slight when I fall asleep mid-movie- oh the sadness it once caused!

Hey Guys

2011-11-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

I think I will blog a little more regularly for my ~~fans~~ sisters and my posterity. Perhaps for therapeutic purposes also.

All I know is that every day I'm shuffling. And that today Dan looked at me and was in shock that I wanted to teach our son that to which I replied that if he wanted to he could stay home and nurture the child then. I am pretty easy going that way, what can I say?

Here is the thing about having parents that are divorcing. Of course we all knew that it was coming, things have been pretty bad for a long time (20+ yrs?). But then when it actually happens you have to deal with all the emotions wham'bam right now! No more peek-a-boo! And then because your parents have always been dealing with a rotten relationship they have/had a lot less emotional space to care about their kids. It's just how it works. So you figure things out for yourself because you really have no other choice and you usually make a lot of mistakes along the way. It may also make one very mature for their age, I'm not sure. We slowly get over the let downs that keep happening over and over, but sometimes we end up loosing it just one more time because really we can't help it, we'd really love some parents who love each other. But then you also have to make the space for the 'they were doing their best'- which I think is true. And I have always loved each of them dearly.

Now if you'll excuse me from my pity party, I have some eggs to devil.

Gracias, Malo, Wir Danken Dir

2011-11-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again you guys. Well, for you American guys. I missed out on a Turkey feast back on my Thanksgiving in October because I had to work (but I did have a small celebration at Subway with a Turkey six inch [I do what I can]) but this month I shall not miss out. However, I do have a midwife appointment the very next morning so I need to be careful. Lets keep this weight gain moderate, yo! I purposely made the appointment for the day after to give me some self-restraint.

So here are some things I am thankful for. That even though all my family is what seems like millions and millions of miles away, that I still have a place to go to for Thanksgiving. I am thankful for bestie friends like Kassie who let me and Dan and Don Draper (still in utero) crash their parents Thanksgiving and only ask us to bring deviled eggs! They shall be the best deviled eggs this side of the Mississippi, say what. I am really grateful for friends like Kassie et al that make this lone adventure a little more enjoyable and memorable. We really have AMAZING friends out here who feel like my sisters. One is away in Germany for 6 weeks though and I just don't know how I am going to cope! Come back Ra Ra!

Another thing I am thankful for is my so far enjoyable pregnancy even despite the big boobage going on. I know people who have had some of the most traumatic pregnancies ever. Of course I am getting bigger and it's hard to adjust to after trying so hard to always be skinny like everything out there tells me I should, but besides that, this girl has not up-chucked even once! There are some foods I just don't want to eat because I think they'll make me sick, but hey, I eat them and I am fine. This is a tender mercy and I am counting its blessing, trust me.

I am also thankful for my siblings. I have a lot of sisters (5) and one brother. They are wonderful people who I am so lucky to have in my life forever. Of course, I wish I could see them more, and talk to them more, but who doesn't? I am especially thankful for them right now because our parents are getting a long-time coming d'vorce (and it ain't pretty) right now and I don't know what I would do without my sisters. We're all too poor for Therapy but find that our long conversations are helping us to work out the impact this is having on all of us. It's hard because for whatever reasons my parents don't call or email me (perhaps they no longer love me? I don't know), I'm pregnant with baby #1(and I don't think they care), I'm far away from everyone, and geeze louise the situation is so sad and stupid. This kind of turned into a thankful complaint- so thanks for staying with me and sorry about that. It is nice to just shout stuff like this out sometimes, it will probably happen again... just sayin'. So siblings, I am especially thankful for each of you this Thanksgiving season!

And just one last thing that will perhaps turn your frown upside down. Twilight. I am thankful for it. Dude. I didn't read the books, mostly because I had just come out of the HP series and I didn't think I could read another milkshake series when I was craving real literature. But girls! I went to the midnight showing of 'Breaking Dawn Part I' with some elect ladies and it was so much fun! I went to that last movie having not read any of the books or having watched any of the movies and I didn't miss a beat. Bless Stephanie Myer for her simple stories that are easy to follow. It's kinda like the Gospel, no? You should be able to explain it just as plainly to a child as you could an adult. The Gospel really is simple and so is Twilight. And entertaining! Despite some bad acting I just ate that movie up and I may or may not have finished the first three movies on Sunday- don't judge.

Happy Thanksgiving yo!

Twenty Two

2011-11-14T09:49:00.001-07:00

Twenty-two used to be my default "I feel like this" age. Now it is how may weeks I am pregnant. And this my friends is what it looks like.

Not so bad, but I fear that in a few more weeks it won't be so cute. There are a few things that need to be discussed so please bear with me.

First. Boobs. Seriously they are way too big. I'm just gonna say it. I was busting out of my brassieres so I had no choice but to go get measured and purchase some new ones. Without being too direct, my littlest sisters name is Celeste and I can fit into a brassiere that starts with her names first letter. What?! Who am I and where did my wonderful small chest go to? I think I prefer being smaller up top because it makes life so much easier.

Second. Our top names for this little boy, besides Don Draper (of course) are Simon and Theodore. I was saying these names over and over in my head and I thought "why do these sound so familiar?" I couldn't quite put my finger on it but then it came to me in squeaky voices singing too fast. The Chipmunks! Ha! We are not, however, into the name Alvin. But who knows, really- because after he is born maybe he will just look like an Alvin and we'll have no choice.

Third. Whilst in sacrament meeting yesterday I was busy pondering the mysteries of the universe when I saw a little baby girl with the pierced ears. And I thought to myself "maybe we could pierce our little chipmunks ear when he is an infant too?". I leaned over to Dan and told him my idea. I mean, we would probably be the first to pierce a baby boys ear, right? And I take almost every opportunity to draw an earring on Dan's earlobe (mostly while we are at church), so I thought it only fitting. I know people, I am just tooooooo funny!!

Fourth. I don't think I had a forth. But I did just spend a week in Mexico relaxing with my sister Nunu and her BF eating mass amounts of guacamole and corn tortillas. It was wonderful but I didn't really take any pictures (I was too relaxed I think).

Birthdays and such...

2011-10-31T14:35:00.003-06:00

This weekend I turned the big two-nine. Dude, where has the time gone? My default age in my head is 22, so this whole two-nine thing seems just completely ridiculous! I never thought it would come to this- the last birthday in my twenties. Weird. Anyways, Dan did do many sweet and wonderful things for me. Our birthday's are exactly 90 days apart with his coming first. I always try to make it extra special for him, but somehow, he always out does my efforts. Every time! Next year that husband of mine is gonna get it so bad on his birthday that he will have no other choice but to take me to the moon.

For his August birthday I put together a birthday party for him at Cheesecake Factory- one of his favorite places. Here is some evidence:

Then on his actual birth day day we visited with some friends in Maryland and went swimming at a state park and had some brie and bread (a birthday tradition). Did we do Cafe Rio as well? I don't remember. Oh- I do remember! I made him his favorite meal, Eldorado Casserole (a pure labor of love on my part).

For my birthday, Dan started giving me gifts Friday night- he is so cute that way and simply cannot help it. On Saturday evening we searched high and low for some good local eating (which is hard to find around these parts) instead of braving the bad weather to make it to our DC restaurant reservation. We ended up having some wonderful Thai food with some friends. Seriously, it was some of the best Thai food I have had since Bangkok 2006.

On my birth day day (Sunday) he made me a yummy breakfast along with my contribution of fruit.

Sunday evening my sweet friend Amber had a birthday/baby party for us. We had friends over at her place for cake and ice cream and something a little extra.

When we cut the cake we found out that our little fetus is in fact a Don Draper! We felt a little silly making such a big deal out of the gender, but all in all, it was super fun :). Amber did a great job keeping the secret from us all weekend long.

My Lovely Baby Hump

2011-10-26T19:13:00.000-06:00

Lots of strange things happen to a pregnant person. Let me correct that. Lots of strange things happen to a pregnant person's body. And some of them are just too much. Too much I tell you! I remember when my sister Eve was pregnant with her first kid and I asked her if she was reading any of those "What to Expect" books and laughing at her response of "NO! I don't want to know what gross things my body is doing!" It was funny.

So anyways. I was all over that book and my pregnancy app and babycenter.com, until I started having every single symptom they described for the upcoming week. Out of no where I started having restless sleeps! Perhaps because I read about it the day before and that I should expect it about now. Out of nowhere I started being clumsy! Perhaps because I read about it the day before! Ahhh! People! And those aren't even the gross things, so you can only imagine what it was like! I finally came to the conclusion that only Dan reads the weekly "maternal changes" updates and I make him swear not to tell me what they say. He is permitted to tell me something is normal if I voice the symptom first. But sometimes he looks at me with a twinkle in his eye and says something like "do you have underwire?" And I look at him like what the heck dude? Underwire? He read that I should be careful of bra's because of the underwire and he took it to be a symptom. And I'm like, no honey, those are the things that keep my giant heaving bosom from falling all over the place all the live long day. My Dan is just too adorable sometimes, I simply cannot keep it in. But for reals, he reads and I tell him how I feel and he lets me know if the book mentions that. It has kept my placebo pregnancy symptoms at bay, thank the good Lord! Don't think that I am a complete monster though - I do read about the fetal changes of our little Don Draper.

I think we should name the baby Don Draper Whitman Matthews. Of course, this assumes that it is a boy. And we find out this week! Wouldn't that be funny though? I mean seriously. Don Draper Whitman Matthews. Who among us has not thought of such things?

the blog world is full of apple pickers these days. what the heck are you doing with them all? i am dehydrating mine.

2011-10-15T16:23:00.001-06:00

Well, happy Fall everyone. Don't fall down.

Some things about being pregnant. Like all others in Mormondom, I made cinnamon buns (we CDNs prefer "buns" to "rolls", and really, shouldn't everyone? I mean come on, buns!!) over conference weekend. And I don't know if it is just pregnancy hormones or perhaps the buns, but man was I feeling that conference! I was weepy the whole time, thinking "boy, am I ever spiritual". I haven't had such a spirit'chal conference since the mission. This draws the conclusion that pregnancy is just like a mission. Amen.

Also, here is a photo of me at 18 weeks minus 1 day:

And behold you can see ma' bump. It feels strange, but really, the only thing that feels pregnant on me is my big ham hock legs. I swear, by butt and thighs are pregnant too. Le sigh. I was rocking out with some girls in Zumba today, and did it ever look funny to see me in the mirror, shakin' that thing to dirty rap songs with the bump out front. It will be even better in a few weeks!

Because pregnancy is just like a mission, I thought it would be a great time to grow out my hairs. I mean, honestly, I have had variations on the theme of my style for the past 10 years. Mostly I thought growing out my bangs would be appropriate to bring about the change I wanted, but people I am going crazy trying to grow them out. They are just shy of being long enough to tuck behind my ears so I am forever pinning them back or wearing them down and looking weird. I need some encouragement to know that I am doing the right things.

And then this week I felt the baby move/kick... I'm really not too sure what it is doing down there- but it feels neat. We find out in two weeks to see what kind of kid I'm cookin', for I am not one of those that can wait. Please, do not be misled by my name.

Lastly I shall leave you with my song of the week. . . even though Beyonce stole my thunder, I found it somewhere in my heart to forgive and still love.

Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma'am!

2011-09-28T19:28:00.000-06:00

So I wanted to find a creative way to start this out... to make it seem like something it was not and then, hello, surprise! Something else! But I am just not that good at that kind of stuff. I tend to be able to get out a few good lines but then I end up right at the punch line. How on earth do people stretch out a good story? I can never seem to get enough meat in the middle of ma' sandwich! Quick, somebody get me some pastrami! Bologne! The breast of a turkey! Sigh, I just have a difficult time stretching out a good story in print. Especially in a way that it can be funny and witty. I can get a few good words in there but how I pine for the ability to get in a few more. Life would be so much more exciting.

So I thought I would go ahead and tell some stories via photograph. Here is story number one.


Exhibit #1

You guys. This truck was totally in the parking lot of ma' grocery store. It features the horns of (I am pretty sure) what used to be a Texas Longhorn. And there are Texas hubcaps! Seriously! I pulled up and just knew I had to take its picture and as soon as I did I heard the little "beep beep" of a fob unlocking the doors! I quickly scuttled away hoping I would not be held up with a texas shotgun, and thank the Good Lord, the dude must not have seen me. And it got even better, when he opened the door, it opened like unto the doors of The DeLorean! Honestly, that vehicle made my day.

Exhibit #2

Exhibit number two clearly illustrates the totally awesome most wonderful Sacagawea Mukluks I scored at no other place than La Goodwill (I have decided that place deserves some sophistication - a french flare perhaps?). Seven Dollars! Yo! Made in the USA, pure leather, never been on no piggies before, perfectly my size! However, when they are all laced up I am afraid people may not take me seriously. Do you see how that could be my greatest fear too? Right? But, I dream of wearing them with a nice fall dress or skirt even, bringing the outfit together with ma' nice brown belt. I have just the dress you know, but, it needs some alterations. And I think I may try to make ~~Kassie~~ myself do the alterations all by ~~herself~~ myself. Can you even wait for it? For I cannot.

Exhibit #3

Why this is what a positive pregnancy test looks like if you let the battery run out before you take its picture! Bam! Pastrami! The breast of turkey! I did it! Alls I had to do was ramble on and on for a few photographs! Yes world (I think really only my family reads this who already knows, but you know, it's the obligatory post) we are procreating here on the east coast. What fun! Really, it's all kinda weird to me (the being pregnant part, not the procreating part). After much deliberation, Dan and I decided to keep the baby, HA! That's our joke. Is it too off colour? I still don't know and perhaps it really depends on the audience. I actually have a few other ones and I will slowly share them, but I have to keep ya'll coming back for something.

Working 9-5

2011-09-13T19:36:00.000-06:00

I must interrupt my non-regular posting schedule to inform you that this lady of leisure (read: part-time employee) is working full-time this week. OMG. I forgot what it is like. I can hardly keep my eyes open all day long and my tummy gets the rumbles in the late afternoon like something fierce. All the ladies working 9-5, 5 days/wk, I salute you. I used to be you but don't know if I'll ever be able to be you again.

Anyways, I am going to close my pretty little eyes now for good this evening, like this - -.

My Sweetie Pie

2011-08-31T18:13:00.000-06:00

Hi friends.

Of late I have found it most satisfying to not just address my husband with the traditional "Dan", but instead "Dan!, Dan!, Dan!" Three short syllables just seems to roll off the tongue if you know what I mean.You should try it. Please call Dan up and give it a shot.

Well, Hurricane Irene has come and gone and we are all just fine. But I bet you already knew that. I am grateful for this and that we did not get hit hard like some not better off states. Jeez Louise! The Weather Channels tell me there is another storm a brewing though and the channel isn't sure if it will come get me or not.

Also, I don't even remember the last time that I had a reoccurring dream... until this morning that is. I felt so bad, so guilty my friends... and I shall reveal why. On Sunday morning I woke up with such dissapointment because I realized that no, Jon Hamm was not my boyfriend and that no, I was not going to go to any Mad Men like movie things wearing wonderful gowns and maybe I could have had access to the shows wardrobe. Then this morning it happened again! I was dating the Mad Man! No, it wasn't a dream full of hanky pankies (only dream #2, what do you think I am?!!), we were just dating. Oh the guilt upon waking up! The agony was great. Dan! Dan! Dan! was waking me up with sweet hugs and kisses and I told him about my dream and he says "we're done here" and got himself a bowl of cereal. It was quite funny. I will take my sweet Dan over John any day :)!!

You have to admit it though, that SNL skit JH did about the ham was v. funny.

That's all.

Not Stuck Under A Piano

2011-08-23T19:34:00.000-06:00

No friends, the earthquake did not pin me under a piano as my eldest sister worried. I am actually still here, alive, kicking and cute. But the magic is gone! I just don't feel the blog sparkle when I get on this thing anymore. However, do to the recent earthquake scare I thought it only proper that I get back on the saddle to let you all know that, yes, I am okay! I know that is exactly what everyone everywhere is thinking ;).

I will simply get on with it then. The pictures of proof of my life, because omg how else would we know? I present them to you in no particular chronological order.

one


two

three

four

#1 is when we went to the baseball game this past Friday night, and rain rain rain! It was rather fun to watch them put that big tarp on the infield (they are so efficient!) but it was sad that we couldn't stay for the 2 hour delayed game especially because Dan's parents were visiting all the way from Canadaland and they heart baseball :(.

#2 is from the first night with Dan's parents. Bless their hearts- they had just come off a l-o-n-g flight but were still up for a mini tour of DC which included but was not limited to the Temple and 2 Amy's Pizza (we all loved it) and I marveled that Calgary has a pizza place of the same caliber but with an even better dessert menu. I love my Calgary and I miss it so.

#3 is perhaps my all time favorite photo of Dan. That man will do anything to make me laugh ;). We were at the Marine Corps museum with the in-laws because Dan's grandpa was a marine who actually fought in the battle at Tarawa and they had these little soldier things set up for little kids. I spyed them with my little eyes and I said "hey Dan, this will be so fun!". So for a good 10 minutes Jo-Anne and I lined him up behind the 4 different soldiers and hand him crouch down just so, so his shoulders wouldn't show and we snapped away. This is my favorite one and looking at it just makes my day :).

#4 is from our overnight camping trip to Shenandoah National Park. Seriously so beautiful! It is nearly as breathtaking as the Canadian Rockies, and that my friends is saying something ;)!

camp was very entertaining

2011-07-24T05:49:00.000-06:00

I finally did it. I mastered the s'more.

All along I had used 2 graham crackers. What was I thinking?! It turns out (that for me) one cracker does the trick! This allows the chocolate and marshmallow to take center stage in your mouth, rather than the cracker. Of course, the cracker is important and you still get the sweet cookie crunch it offers, but with only one cracker the chocolate and marshmallow are not hid under a bushel, rather they are put on a candle stick. Please try it. Also, I prefer open faced sandwiches so really, I should have figured this out years ago.

4 mo. later

2011-07-22T05:49:00.003-06:00

Four months later we finally got around to hanging our little picture shelf where The Good Lord revealed to me (in a dream) it should be hung. I am rather pleased with the result and glad we don't live near fault lines so I can put stuff like that above our precious sleeping heads. After all, when the Lord reveals something to you, you do it!

Canada Day

2011-07-20T05:49:00.001-06:00

On The Road Trip we made our way up to Dan's brothers place in Ottawa. And I'll be, we got to be there for Canada Day wherein there was a visit from the Royals! Oh to be part of the Commonwealth! And yes, she is just as skinny as her photos suggest. And did you know that they actually did a little tour of my burned down home town? My mom nearly peed her pants and the townsfolk did enjoy the visit.

Kate! Royal! Mounties!

Mounties on Parliament Hill

The Nieces and Nephews (so cute) and Dan's head :)

the show on the hill

me parliament!

Chinese Food Makes Me Sick

2011-07-18T18:01:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I neglect this poor little blog. I do enjoy to read yours though, so I figured that I better put something up, come on already!

Dan The Man is doing some dishes right now and has The Office on in the background. "Are you wearing lady clothes?", ahhhhhh so funny! We miss Michael Scott so much. We believe him to be perhaps the most endearing character we have come across in television and maybe even the movies. Anyways, speaking of movies did ya'll see HP 7.2? So much fun. I was watching it like 20 minutes ahead of a sister who is a million miles away and we each had our favorite cupcakes before the movie! Twilight Zone! Sisters are so similar, good grief!

So, without further ado, here are some pictures from the road trippin' we did a few weeks ago:


Letchworth State Park, NY

Mary Jemison- Dan's 5th G. Grandma

carrying baby Thomas

from da' other side

taking in the views

Our first little camping trip was a success even though it was v. muddy. We went to the Letchworth State park because Dan's 5th G. Grandma is immortalized there in statue and it was on the way to O Canada. Oh- and her remains lie there as well and also a long house SHE BUILT for her daughter. Her story is really interesting if you want to have a little read.

So there you have it, now go have a nice evening! xo

New Kids On The Block had a bunch of hits...

2011-07-08T14:51:00.000-06:00

Behold a donut land called Krumpies. Behold, it is delicious. Hot sticky donuts are one of the best ways to start a summer vay-kay, especially when you partake with a bestie. However, do not over partake of the hot sticky donuts- let this be a warning and a symbol of things to come.

Anyways, I will start to post about our holiday to **Canada**! Wherein we did many things, of which Will&Kate were part of. Long live the Commonwealth!!

June to the 20-11

2011-06-22T21:03:00.000-06:00

I love my Dan because even when I am feeling particularly silly he still loves me even if he ends up with cake up his nose. What a husband! And I thought he had me at the Hello Kitty debit card.

Anyways. The photos of California are in my memory instead of on my hard drive until further notice, but please be awares that bebe Lucy and little Dixie Mae will melt your heart!! And jeez louise, kids are busy people and I don't know how any mother gets anything done ever. Praise those women, and Lord, please bless mine!

And off we jet, me again (and Dan finally) to The Home And Native Land! But to the East this time! Can you believe my luck of being in Ottawa on Canada Day and in DC on the 4th? Excuse me, but I have some fireworks to watch and Wonder Bars to eat. If you know what I mean.

I would now like to talk about Blog Stalking. The other few weeks ago while Dan and I were eating at a notoriously famous eatery in the Mormon world that recently made it out east, Cafe Rio, I saw someone I recognized. I had never met her, and it took a second, but I knew her from somewhere! She was a link of a link of a link! I blogged into her! And she doesn't even post that often (not unlike myself...oops). I felt a mix of emotions. Was it more 'I spend too much time linking and stalking? or, 'oh... I wonder if this is what it would be like to meet a famous person?' I can answer that though, because after all, I did meet George Dubya, so the feeling was actually the former. How embarrassing. I think I need some actual hobbies ;)!

And also, I think my house is now full with all the Goodwill treasures that its 400 sq ft can afford. Woe is me. I am actually in need of a good modern styled book shelf. Any suggestions internets?

Oh Hi There

2011-06-07T19:48:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I forget to blog, what's a girl to do?

Mostly I just feel like there ain't too much goin' on to report about, but then I got these dreamy peach pants at the GoodWill and realized that my life has meaning and direction again. Please see exhibit A.


Exhibit A. Dreamy Peach Pants

AND OH, my big sister Eve just had her baby girl Lucy on Sunday! Check out her blog from my link to read all about the sweet little addition. I am flying out there this week to visit and take care of my dear postpartum sister as her husband goes off to save the world. I am very excited about going to the awesome fruit and vegetable stand across the street to pick up things to nourish my sister with. Fun! Cooking! Dixie! Lucy! California! Dreamy Peach Pants!

And what else, well besides the fact that I feel like the fatted calf ready for slaughter because we went out for dinner this evening in the mist of calorie counting, things are good. I had many great sleep ins over the weekend which I v. much enjoyed and this morning at work, I looked at the clock, was disgusted that it was just 9am and wondered to myself "who does life at this time, really!"

To The Weekend!

2011-05-27T19:57:00.000-06:00

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln had much to do with Gallaudet University and that is why he is signing the letters "A" and "L" whilst sitting on his marble throne? Well he did! This is just one of the things you can learn from the Segway people! And unrelated, I sure think Mr. Lincoln needs an eleven zee's or something, he looks like he is wasting away.

Anyways, I would like to report my evening. We picked more strawberries. Because Dan doesn't like doing wholesome recreational activities with me like picking strawberries though, he held my bucket while I picked the strawberries. And then I would say "lower, lower, too low.... lower" so I could put berries in the bucket he was holding. I think strawberry ice cream will be next. And did you know that the pectin that does not require 7 cups of sugar per jam batch just doesn't taste as good? It's true, but it still does the trick.

We finally had the gringo guts to walk into our local Pupuseria this evening. For a whopping $11 we had a wonderful meal of pupusa's and horchata (for dan). Yum yum in my tum tum. I always feel like such an idiot going into those hole-in-the-wall-so-authentic-we-don't-speak-english places, but am always so happy when I do. Because mmmm mmm that was good pupusa. I just wish I could speak every language there ever was and knew how to eat all the food there ever was (not all at once), you know what I mean? I don't want to be the sun burnt a-hole who doesn't know how eat a pupusa properly! How embarrassing!

So have a good weekend everyone. Ours has started out well and we have gifted movie passes..... .. helloooo weekend!

fun, fun, fun!

2011-05-25T14:37:00.000-06:00

enough sad things for one week already! now i shall post something happy, as my eight ounce mason jars are busy bubbling away in the fashion of sterilization. yes, i am making jam. strawberry jam. our unfortunate friends happen to be away while their strawberry patch is ripe and heavy with fruit. very unfortunate for them, but they are at disneyland, so i think they will live. dan and i are picking the fruit and watering their newly seeded backyard in their absence. it's fun.

we have been having so much fun around here this past weekend! i shall update you on some more of it, besides the berry parts. we had a visit from my dear friend dana, wherein we took her all over kingdom come in the search of fun, food, and shopping. it was a very busy weekend. in just four days we went to museums, went to b'more for a baseball game at historic camden yard, visited arlington national cemetery, shopped until we dropped (outlet malls, target, tysons corner/galleria...), ate many meals at cafe rio and other such eateries, saw millions of dollars being printed, and did a segway tour of the national mall. phew! and if i do say so myself, segway tours are soooooo muuuucchhh funnnnn! i think i got about as close to the bluth family as i ever will be. it was awesome. the only think i didn't get all weekend was a frozen banana. shucks.

that is what we have been up too, anyways.

More Fire Stuff!

2011-05-19T21:08:00.000-06:00

My sister, Serinda, posted this link with good photos of Slave Lake.

Nunu reported that my mom had only 20 minutes to pack up her stuff before she had to flee, and like the good Payne woman she is, she ran out that door with knitting needles and swimsuit in hand. So funny. I love my mom. I think my suitcase always has an old swimsuit in it, you know, just in case and because I am my mothers daughter. I am also my mothers daughter because when Eve called yesterday to update me, I was hunting for treasures at the GoodWill, which my mom says the Slave Lake Refugee camps are like... 'but you don't have to pay!'. So funny. I am glad she still has her lightheartedness with her even though she can't return for a couple of weeks or so (fires pending) to what I imagine to be an incredibly smoke damaged house that still stands (thank the Lord in heaven).

You know what is strange about this? Just last week I was composing a blog post all about how I miss my home town. Here is what I wrote:

"i come from a pretty small town in nowhere, northern alberta. there is a lot of oil there, though. maybe there is even more oil there than there are people. i'm not sure, i haven't been there since last summer, so i'll check next time i visit. when graduation comes everyone just can't wait to get away from such a small town. to go to school, to go to the big city, to go anywhere but home.

isn't modernity a crazy thing? we can go virtually anywhere we want and it will only take a few days or so to get there. you can get as far away from home as you want to. all things being equal, you can have adventures wherever you want to. take for instance moi. i went on lots of adventures when i was a little girl. then when i was a teenager i left my country and went a thousand miles south to go to university. i even went to university in paris for 4 months. then i went on a mission thousands and thousands and thousands of miles away to thailand. then i went back to canada to a city 600 kilometers away from my home town. now i am adventuring it up a few thousand miles south and east of my last home. adventures are pretty safe these days. i haven't met any peril as i crossed the planes of canada, america, france, or thailand. easy breezy adventures on planes, trains, and automobiles. my husband didn't die carrying people over frozen rivers, i have all my appendages, picked up some language skills along the way, and have some great photographs to prove it all. this is CRAZY. society is nuts. the mobility we have is nuts. do you guys ever feel this way too?

i feel like there is an ache within me to go to a place where people have known me since i was 4 days old. i want to live on the street i grew up on. i want to see my highschool english teacher on a daily basis. i want to have relationships with the kids from my sunbeams class. i wanted to actually know more than 27 people at my wedding reception. i want my piano teacher to teach my future kids how to play the piano. i want to go to my favorite mall and meet up with my sisters for lunch.

i feel an ache within my soul for home. for familiar things, people, and places. being a stranger for a year, two, or three, having adventures is kind of lonely sometimes. and besides culture, language, and foliage; things seem to be the same everywhere i go. people love their families. people work, eat, sleep, recreate. some places they eat bugs and in some places they eat food made with only the finest butter. but eating is eating and work is work. and it will be that way no matter where i go. so why can't i just go home?"

And now the street I grew up on burnt down and so did my piano teachers house! I loved that piano. This is all so strange. My best friends parents house burned down. But, praise be, the house of my teenage years is still up and so is my parents lively hood, so these are good things. Life will continue to go on, and I think Slave Lake will do an awesome job rebuilding.

Slave Lake, Eh.

2011-05-17T18:31:00.000-06:00

That video, that video is the place where I grew up (what is left of it) and where my parents and brother still live (family is safe, and my house, and my parents business (we think) are still standing) . Almost half my town has burned down due to wildfires. THIS IS INSANE. No human deaths so far, just lots and lots of burned stuff. Like car dealerships, my friends parents homes, the library, the town offices, the mall, you know, stuff. And also memories. So sad. I really want to go see what is left in person, but for now, this will do.

head, shoulders, knees and toes!

2011-05-09T20:25:00.000-06:00

due to my boring right knee that gets swollen and tight and painful, i have not been able to get my cardio on like i am dying too. it is rather sad. over the past 2 weeks in physical therapy though i got to start my strengthening routine! it feels nice to burn. and for the record, i am going to have the hottest hip flexors evah' yo! they are getting so strong and defined, you wouldn't believe it. ha! i guess i'll take what i can get. no? and why am i working on my tight, weak hips for my knees, you ask? my dr says they are all connected or some jazz like that.

and on another health note. sometimes i wish the lord would just bring mana back. i mean, it would cure obesity, diabetes, hypertension, crohns... the list is endless! and then we wouldn't have to spend our life savings on healthcare, especially when that money would be much better spent on tuition in the first place. but i guess the whole working by the sweat of our brows for our sustenance is important, and being a good steward of your body is important and on and on and on. dessert is pretty good too. would i miss cooking and variety and grocery shopping? probably, but still.. mana... it is very appealing to me sometimes. you must admit.

dear internets,

2011-05-03T16:57:00.000-06:00

I have not much to say these days. Except maybe that I wanted my wedding to be just like the Royal Wedding. Brides make me jealous... I want to be the bride :)! And I guess I can say a little bit about the Tilapia that Costco has to offer- not so hot. It is not very fresh and tastes strangely like metal, but with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper during the baking process it tasted okay. But not better than okay. And here is another thing I can say. Yesterday Dan and I wasted 2 hours of our lives stuck in traffic. We got home and felt like the evening had completely escaped us.. because it had. And some douche bag in a huge truck tapped our bumper when in said traffic jam and is being a turd about it. Good thing it is very minor, but still. I can also say that Dan is so boring right now, but in a cute way. Papers, papers, papers! That is all he is about these days. But I still love him :) and I guess it's okay. Also this is a busy week for both Dan and I and I think some kind of celebration is due when it is over- I'll keep you posted. And I am contemplating doing the p90x exercise dvds/nutrition plan, what thinks you?

xoxo
pp

my heart will go on

2011-04-28T05:49:00.001-06:00

Because of this! I don't have the cables and was starting to worry and worry. But everything will be fine, great, dandy, and even royal! YouTube will be streaming the Royal Wedding, my little heart can return to its regular pitter-patter pattern.

If I was at home in Calgary, I would be sleeping over at Nunu's, waking up at the butt crack of dawn to put cinnamon buns in the oven while smelling coffee brewing (hers, not mine) and watching history take place and in a beautiful gown none the less (hers, not mine). No one here seems to be excited. It is so strange. Hello! WILL AND KATE ARE GETTING MARRIED! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! My Commonwealth heart would like to shout this from Capitol Hill, but I'll refrain. I think they are still busy with budget stuff or something like that.

We get this from our mother. She is a Diana die hard.

Good People of Virginia,

2011-04-26T15:21:00.000-06:00

I was wondering if you knew a few things about your state. Here, I'll tell you.

1. I have never been so "yes ma'am'd/no ma'am'd" in my whole entire life. It is adorable so please keep this up.

2. Your state is so GREEN! And so full of flowering trees! Behold! It is confusing unto such as I, coming from the Great White North. I like it though and I'll take it.

3. Little kids here speak with drawls! And it melts my heart. Even the adults that do it melt my heart. I had a professor who said that he just couldn't trust a woman who spoke with a southern drawl and I feel the opposite. I feel such opposition to his opinion that it probably isn't healthy and I could probably be taken for a fool very quickly. Oh the power of the southern drawl! (and I am not even that south)

4. The good people know this, that this good state is humid, but do they know what it does to me? Turns me pink and very sausage like, very quickly. It kind of reminds me of Thailand's humidity, which I kind of like (we shall evaluate that statement at the end of the summer), because the humidity is triggering all these funny mission memories I kind of forgot about.

5. Your state smells different. Smells good, but doesn't smell like home. Calgary smells like Rocky Mountains, poplar trees, evergreens,winter, and Crave Cupcakes. It smells like flowers, pollen, and low trees that have so much foliage I almost want to call it plumage. The smell is so different I wonder if I could smell my way home like the Salmon do. I think I could. Even stores and office buildings smell different.

6. None of my family lives here. This is not a good thing. And also "where things are" is different. Michael Scott says that is one of the things he will miss the most about Scranton and as stupid as it sounds I think he is on to something.

Good people of Virginia, now you know.

Hey Hey Hey!

2011-04-16T14:19:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week at a McDonalds Diet Coke stop Dan and I saw this guy sitting across from us eating not one, two, or three, but FOUR McChicken sandwiches. Oh la vache! Or should I say, Oh la poulet!

And while we were at the till placing our order someone asks Dan, who is wearing a manbag and still in his intern clothes, "are you those messengers.... you know, the ones who ride around on bikes with pamphlets... ummm, The Mormons!" Why yes we are!

And here are some photos of Nunu and I with a little bit of french flare. Who knew DC had these? Pas moi! I thought there were only 11 left in the city of Paris. And did you know that 4 out of my 7 siblings are actually in the same city today? Not fair friends.

Nunu, I stole your pictures off FB.

2011-04-12T20:47:00.000-06:00

We think FDR is our favorite American President or at least has the best monument. We still need to study up a bit on that one. We both are almost as tall as him- us standing up, him in his trusty chair. I could not help but to give him a little push, at least I would like one if I was just sitting out there in the sun all day.

Thanks for such a nice time sister nunu! Dan just enjoyed the spoils of your visit- Ben and Jerry's PB Cup ice cream.

In which I use far too many amature photobucket editing tools, but I can't help myself.

2011-04-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

It's like this- my little sister, Nunu, used to be in the Daffodil room when she went to daycare 1 day a week to give my saint of a mother a break from her wonderful but work intensive 7 children (the older ones were at school, so the 3 youngest got this privilege and I was always just a little bit envious. For it seemed like such a magical place, they had Cheez Whiz toast!). After said sister grew out of the Daffodil room, she moved up to the Sweet Pea room or to some other garden-flower-named daycare room that I can't remember. Anyways, it was a tough move on us all. Everyone was stuck on the Daffodil identity, so we had no choice but to call her "Nunu Schmoo Nuu, The Former Daffodil". In today's world, even though she is nearly all grown up (we are still waiting for a few more inches to clear) we still call her this because we just can't help ourselves, and you wouldn't be able to either, trust me. It seems that I can't help myself in a lot of departments. Oh my.

I was going to start this blog off by only saying: Nunu Schmoo Nuu, The Former Daffodil, this is what you have to look forward too in nary 1 short week (please blossoms, still be here)!!! But shortly after that was typed, I thought what a confusing introduction that could be for a reader not of my blood. In fact, Dan just got the explanation himself. It puzzled me that all along this thing we call marriage, he did not question it once. Not once! He must have thought that this was something that fit into the category of "One Of Those Things You Do With Your Sisters."

Without further ado, I introduce the pictures I used far too many different amature photobucket editing tools on, of the Cherry Blossoms.

The cross process option. I think my favorite.

Here I just sharpened it up a little. Dan is so handsome on his own.

And a cross process again. I can't help myself.

Old Photo option which is always a poo poo pleaser.

So have a nice weekend everyone, and Nunu Schmooo Nuu, The Former Daffodil, I'll be seeing you on the flip flop.

Over and Out.

so about my new job

2011-03-29T20:03:00.000-06:00

'tap, tap... is this thing on?'

i have to wear scrubs. uuuuggggh. i simply cannot stand wearing pajamas in a professional environment that really does not require them, but anyways, worse things have happened, it is true.

but anyways, this is the only way to make oneself feel kinda cute when having to wear such an ensemble with only black or white shoes.

you buy black sparkle toms. at least that's what i did. and you know, they will go with all sorts of things besides the pajamas i have to wear to work. and if you are wondering as nunu schmoo nuuu the former daffodil wondered, these chic loafers do not make the cursed payne hobbit feet look like hobbit feet at all. hooray. i think they may even optically elongate my piggies.

also, did you know that kk (as in the kourtney k.) debuts in one life to live this week? the internets quote her as saying "i'd thought i'd have two lines, but my script is so long... i'm not an actress." oh that girl, i quite enjoy her.

on the topic of trying to not drink diet beverages, instead i ate my weight in naturally low calorie kettle corn and mini dove chocolate squares. i do not know which is worse and am thinking that maybe i should just embrace the woman that i am.

i got a $4 tax return cheque. i told dan we needed to make haste and go directly to our local "cheques cashed here and payday loan" institution, as soon as possible. the best bang for these bucks, we think, would be 8 apple pies from McDonalds.

and finally, all that popcorn is really hurting my tummy, so i should go to bed.

GOOD NIGHT WORLD!

How I know the things I know.

2011-03-22T20:40:00.001-06:00

This is how I know food is getting too expensive. Avocados. They are my food yardstick, if you know what I mean. Please note the price on your next jaunt to the market and you can use my yardstick too if you want. I have been known to boycott avocados because I want nothing to do with such fancy fruit prices.. .. but I still buy other food, but not that by which I measure. It just makes me feel better even though I have no power. Humph.

This is how I know a trip, a vacation, or a period in my life is coming to an end and I have no choice but to move on (beginnings too I guess). Expiration dates on milk cartons. These expiration dates can pull such extreme emotions out of me! If something is ending before the expiration date of the milk.... please, just keep me away from cookies because I won't be able to face the milk.

That is all. Goodnight.

I really love my church.

2011-03-18T19:38:00.002-06:00

Besides offering me eternal life and all, church can be pretty funny sometimes. Please see exhibit A.

Exhibit A. Last Sunday's Sacrament Meeting program, Abraham nearly shanked by a wicked priest

I kept glancing at it throughout the meeting and kept thinking (and trying not to giggle)... "Welcome to Church!!" Of course, we know this to be the story of Abraham and the Wicked Priests of Elkenah and that the story has much merit, but dude, for someone who doesn't know that story..... I just couldn't stop thinking of how funny it would be to witness that person's reaction. I would pay money to see it (but I wouldn't pay up until Monday, after all, I do have standards to uphold).

Yep, so far so good, we are really loving our new ward. Someone in there has a great sense of humor.

I thought I already learned this lesson

2011-03-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Back a long long time ago I got my hair cut in Asia. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But it wasn't. Even though I thought I could convey my message in Thai and my companion encouraged me to communicate myself - I should not have even attempted such a thing. It was a v. bad idea. What ended up on my poor little head was like unto a mullet. I still thank the powers that be that the mullet was just long enough to pull into a teensy tiny pony tail. I think the pony tail part was some kind of reward the good Lord in heaven gave me for my earnest efforts to "speak [my] language" even though I had only been in country for 8 weeks.

But p-cute has still not learned her lesson. Before my job interview, in haste, I stopped off at the nearest cuttery for a quick bang trim, and in haste, I did not question the stylists ability to speak the english. In haste, I was lead to believe that she spoke the english. So there I was sitting caped in the chair, having my bangs trimmed in the strangest of manners and it came flooding back. My Asian hair experience all over again. Oh someone please help me. When will I remember to fully investigate the skills of all people that I let within 6 inches of my hair with sharp sharp scissors in hand? With my track record, probably not anytime soon.

I shall now give you photo evidence of what she did to me

At first I really did not like it. I tried this look before, during the dark and dreary days of no Dan, and quickly swept the bangs to the side as soon as I could... but now, now I think I may be liking it. Perhaps it has something to do with the few libbs I was able to shed, and the fact that Dan is making it his duty to never allow me to have any other kind of bangs. The experience could have been a lot worse, I should know, and I am thankful that this time I am not in pony tail land for 6 months. Perhaps I owe a thank-you to the non-english speaking stylist who had more vision than I did. . . instead of the huff in which I walked out of the salon. Please forgive me - at the time though, I thought all was lost.

Anyways, such a silly post to publish right now, what with all the earthquakes and nuclear reactors blowing up. CNN says there may be a possible meltdown at Fukushima--- I'll take a poor (at the time) bang trim any day. My heart is with you, Japan (and all other countries this may affect).

"Good Morning World!"

2011-03-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

My dad is known to exclaim that from the veranda on any given morning, very loudly. True story.

So here is what is on my mind.

This is what I would like to be eating today:

Cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. Yum yum. However, would you believe that the best cupcake actually resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada? Behold it is true.

Anyways, there are other, more pressing issues on my mind these days besides the cupcake. Hello, Libya! Did you know, that everything I learned about Libya up until a week or so ago, I learned from Doc Brown? Another true story!

I really wanted to post the video where Doc says "THE LYBIANS!!", but YouTube would not allow it. Please see YouTube for the better video. Seriously though, Middle East... I am concerned. And I am also so proud of this news network.

You can read all about them at Monsieur Wikipedia.

Now in poo poo news, I got me a J to the O to the B my friends! And it is wonderful. It is 3 days a week, thus leaving me plenty of time to continue my Lady of Leisure activities. V. important.

Now, I shall go on a walk, for it is beautiful and sunny and one can hear the sound of birdies outside- they are calling me.

President Family Day

2011-02-24T06:00:00.006-07:00

Because the family is the president of my life! Or, because I am a displaced CDN.

While my other siblings were busy congregating with family and celebrating (a Pop Pop visit, and The February Club), I felt the need to celebrate as well, and congregate... with Dan. After all, it was our 3 year anniversary. Does time go by fast or what?

As you can see, we took in some sights that The Big Apple has to offer. Let me be honest, I went there specifically to eat. And eat I did. That city cost me 2 libbs and some serious tummy trouble. That's what happens after 6 weeks of almost really clean eating I guess. It was fun and painful.

We had a splendid time and will go back to visit whenever we can, and I highly recommend visiting this dirty city sometime in your life. I am trying to decide which is dirtier, NYC or Paris? Of course, Bangkok is not included, because compared to Bangkok, those two are cleaner than Mr. Clean himself. And if you go to NYC in the winter, I promise you will be wondering "where on earth did this insatiable need to own fur come from?" Because it will hit you and any other red blooded woman hard as she strolls those streets. I think it should be added to the guide books. Srsly, it is overpowering!

A super fun way to end a trip to NYC is by almost dying on the interstate on the way home. It makes you feel so alive and invigorated! Because when you spin out on icy roads and suddenly you are seeing white headlights instead of red rear lights you will think to yourself "I will feel so alive if I live through this!". And you will.... at least I did!

A lovely cheese pizza, just for me.

2011-02-22T18:39:00.001-07:00

Often I like to get all bundled up and go for a little walk-about. Usually I walk-about to the grocery store.

My walk-about was so nippy chippy cold this evening so I bundled up extra warm.

Then it dawned on me that this is probably what I look like on these cold walk-abouts to the grocery store:

Yep. FML.

Roquefort, Bleu Benedictin, Danablu... options are endless

2011-02-16T06:00:00.004-07:00

This was a Valentine's treat to myself- Wegman's Baguette, Cambozola cheese, drizzled with pure Nova Scotia Honey. OMG. Go eat it now, before I eat it all.

My conversion to Bleu Cheese has taken my whole life. I think I finally beheld its full glory while in my 20s (am still in my 20s). My journey began when I was just a chubby little toe headed blonde girl. When we were kids and Pop Pop was in charge of dinner or a snack we almost always dipped salt and vinegar chips in his personal chip dip creation- cream cheese mixed with Bleu Cheese. Pops would tell me to eat it, for it was divine. I think I started to be okay with the dip between the ages of 7 and 10. And as I matured my Bleu Cheese relationship slowly matured with me. I slowly began to see all that it could do for me. The journey has been long my friends with bumps and detours, but I have arrived. I have arrived! I shudder to think of times when I did not treasure this blessed cheese, for those times did exist. But no longer shall such a time ever have a place in my life again.

I know Bleu Cheese is true. I love it, I sustain it, and I will always cherish it by enhancing its flavor with honey, dried fruit, or perhaps with some kind of recommendation. I hear that maple syrup accompanies it quite nicely.

ps- Happy 3rd anniversary to that handsome groom! xoxo

My Valentine

2011-02-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

I would like you all to sit back, get a diet coke, and enjoy a funny little story about my valentine.

Two weeks ago Dan's debit card stopped working. Just like that, out of the blue, no money Dan! He called me frantic from work asking if mine was still working. Off to the store I dutifully went to spend some money to make sure at least one of us had access to all the bajillions (ha!) of dollars in our checking account. What I bought, I do not know, but I do know that my Hello Kitty debit card was working just fine.

We were confused- why would mine work and not his? Come on people! Dan called the bank and they asked if he had received his new debit card in the mail. He did, but discarded it because he did not sign up for a new one as he already had a wonderful Toronto BlueJays debit card that worked just fine. He thought that perhaps the bank was just making a mistake.

To Dan's dismay, no mistake had been made. You see, when I signed on to the account, I was given a debit card. A debit card that you could choose a style for! The wanna be Asian girl in me of course went for Hello Kitty- I could barely contain myself when I found out that was an option. And unknown to me, my style choice trumped Dan's style choice, therefore, his old debit card stopped working.

Imagine the glory that a Toronto BlueJays debit card can bring to a very masculine baseball fan. Now imagine the shame a Hello Kitty debit card can bring to a very masculine baseball fan. Oh internet, it was so funny! I could tell Dan was pretty upset about this so I had to muffle my laughter, but he still caught it, and told me I couldn't laugh about it. Oh Dan. My poor Hello Kitty husband.

Now when he pays for things he hands his Hello Kitty debit card wrong side up to the teller. He tries to not make eye contact. Sometimes it happens though. The cashier that speaks no english points to the card, smiles while looking Dan in the eye, and says "kitty, cute!" and Dan blushes as he tries to get outta there.

For a few days he told me that I wasn't allowed to tell anyone, especially my sisters. My poor husband was in such emotional turmoil over the whole situation. Thus, I swore to him that I would never tell anyone. Slowly a change was wrought upon him and he didn't seem to care too much about it... . . and then he told me I could tell my sisters if I wanted too! What a thoughtful Valentine! And now it is out. Dan is my valentine, and he is the proud owner of a Hello Kitty debit card.

Maybe I am not making it sound as funny as it actually was/is, so please trust me when I tell you that it was just so funny. Feel free to bug Dan about it when you see him next :).

The one thing about such a magnificant couch is what on earth do you pair with it?

2011-02-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Now could someone please suggest some coffee table ideas! I am thinking something modern and am open for suggestions.

Please, save me... this decision is tough!

A Couch Happened To Me

2011-02-07T19:31:00.003-07:00

Yes.

A couch did happen to me.

In case you are wondering, this is what it looks like when a couch happens to you:

This:

Or maybe even this:

Clearly, you can see, there really is no other way to explain the situation.

I think the couch looks even better with a little bit of this:

and that would be with a hunk a hunk a burning love on it.

We have needed a place for our derriers for quite sometime now. See, we bought us a good bed. We have been sitting on the good bed all the live long day except for when eating. "Dan, roll me over!" was how we typically said goodnight what with the bed sores and all. But now we have a couch, and not just any couch, a highlighter couch! I owe a big thanks to the Grandma who had to go into a home, thus giving up her beautifully silly couch to the Goodwill, which couch was previously occupying her front room sans sitters. Or at least that is what I imagine.

Let it be known that I was not looking for such a magnificent masterpiece of a couch- it just plain happened one Thursday last week. I was taking a stroll to the bustling shopping plaza (as I am a lady of leisure these days) when this here highlighted couch smacked me in the face. Though the couch is silly, though the colour of a yellow/green highlighter perhaps does not go with the beige that is our apartment, and though it is quite lengthy; somehow, despite all that, I just couldn't say no to such a piece of history. As I type this I just know that some part of the 50s/60s/or even the 70s is sticking to my derrier.. . and I love it! And Dan you ask? He likes it more and more everyday.

I especially knew I had to have the couch when the Goodwill cashier said that she would call a Spanish man with a truck to help me haul it home and assured me that if I asked the manager, I could get it for $20 less than the ticketed price. So for the grand total of $120 (including shipping) I made friends with Edwin from Nicaragua, and of course, a couch.

Weekend

2011-02-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

1. Dan discovers the Costco "Chicken Bake". It has everything he loves at only 810 calories! Chicken, bacon, caesar dressing, and cheese!

2. Dan and I pose in front dead animals (does this freak you out as it did me?) as we

3. met more nieces and nephews that are AWESOME! They were on their way home to Ottawa from Orlando and made time to stop in the DC area to spend some time with us- and what a good time it was!

4. At the National Firearms Museum. Wherein I learned the difference between a shot gun and a rifle. Who knew they were so different! We took our big family to the good ol' gun museum mostly because Steve (Dan's oldest brother) is a gun fan. When Steve found out about the museum he of course wanted to go, but prefaced it with "I don't want to be selfish...". It was really cute. Here are the brothers just about peeing their pants as they look at the "Hollywood Guns" display.

And a public service announcement: please bare with me as I learn the Photobucket. And please excuse me for the disappearing Montreal pictures, I am still learning. The decision to use Photobucket is really for you though- get ready for picture posts my cutie pies!

LOL

2011-01-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dan and I love this YouTube video and we hope you will too. Please, do not think we are monsters for laughing so hard we nearly peed our pants, but partake in the humor that is to come.

Nova Scotia is even beautiful in the winter.

2011-01-24T12:33:00.005-07:00

A little taste of my Nova Scotia visit via pictures. I did not get any pictures of Halifax itself because I am ridiculous, but here are some pictures from our visit with the wonderful family of my dear friend, Laura Mj, that I did get.

A most wonderful spooky graveyard with graves from ye old 1700s.
The graveyard is just across the street from the famous Lunenburg Academy, in, of course, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

The above mentioned Academy with a little Bunny swinging away.

The Lunenburg dock, where the Bluenose was launched from. Apparently the Bluenose is still here, but in lots of pieces as it is being restored- so I didn't get to see it, but I did imagine it.

Me and Maryann (Laura's mama) in front of the Tancook Island Ferry as it is making its way back from the Island.

Me and bunny being little turds in front of the ferry. Please note our matching puffy jackets.

To Halifax And Beyond!

2011-01-18T18:42:00.002-07:00

What a week it has been. The whole blog world can rest assured that my itty bitty baby sister is doing better. After a whole lot of serious stuff she is going home to heal. It seems like I just packed up my life yesterday and here I am helping pack up hers. All of these goodbyes are weighing on my little bitty heart. I think watching a sister-lover in so much pain must be akin to watching ones own child. Honestly, you can not tell me any different because I won't believe you for even one second and when I have a child I will come back to tell you that it is just the same. A quick side note is: while I perhaps fell off the Love Pudge challenge, at least I did it with Celeste, who fell into J-ello! Yes internet, my hippie sister luurves herself some jello (red flavors only, and preferably from the hospital). In order to preserve Bunny's dignity, I shall not divulge further information as to what other food/food like substance I have seen her eat, but know that it is all thanks to her iron clad guts of steroids, and it as been fun!

I always wanted to see Halifax, and here I am! Of course, seeing it for a different reason would have been optimal, but it is still cute nonetheless and even in the dark. I would describe to you Halifax as being quaint, charming, colourful, salty, and crisp. Go google image it and you will fall in love. Also, I would describe it as bursting at the seams. I don't think those fishermen ever thought Halifax would be as full with people as the sea is with fish, but it is, and how I wish those fishermen could have foreseen that everyone wants to be here and therefore built bigger roads and intersections from the get go. But that's just me.

I saw Country Strong this evening and it was way better than I thought it would be. I am honestly so surprised that I liked it that much (and if you don't like it, you are weird (Dan)). Of course, Gweneth did great as always, but I was much more blow away by Leighton Meester. I was not expecting much from her, I mean, I kinda thought the only thing she could do was Blair Waldorff, but no! She can do much, much more. I think I can call myself a Leighton Meester fan instead of a Blair Waldorff one- and that is saying a lot.

Anyways, I have some more paintings to pack up. And Nunu, this post has not been edited, so please hold your spelling comments. Humph!

I'm just gonna say it..

2011-01-05T19:22:00.004-07:00

Guys, listen.

All I have to say is that I wish I would have just taken that cook book from the library. Woe is me! What is this called? Not shoppers remorse, no, that would have implied that I bought the thing....thief's remorse, that's it! I never thought I would stoop this low. I sure did not see this in my projected hindsight bias at the time (do you do that too?).

Anyways. I am dying to see Black Swan but boring Dan doesn't want to. Looks like it's me sans husband and popcorn (please see the Love Pudge blog). And P.S. - do any of you want to join that blog? It is not too late, promise. Feel free!

The Shoebox is turning out to be quite a nice place to live. We like it, but are in dire need of lamps. Oh how I miss my lamps! I am one who can scarce survive without them. I love dim, mood light.

I miss my Maple Leaf, but am enjoying the Stars & Stripes as well. A pro here is Pandora Radio (OMG!), and a con here is no close x-country skiing and of course no family and such. Now to find a job! (and furniture)

xoxo and I miss you all.

Health Challenge

2010-12-30T17:18:00.002-07:00

Hi friends!

Because every year I make a resolution to be healthy and loose that extra 5 lbs (+) hanging around and because this year I actually want to do it and make it stick, my sister and I are starting a "Love Pudge 2011" challenge that anyone who feels so inclined can join.

I now unveil "Love Pudge" the blog. Come one come all!

C-mas/N. Year

2010-12-28T20:46:00.003-07:00

Why hello there.

I take it you have all made it through the Christmas Season and are gearing up for the New Year's Season. Ahh, what a wonderful time of year! So far it has been for me, as I got to spend time with a little bit of this and a little bit of that and also this, but that last one is an empty link as those members of la famile do not have up to date blogs. We did, however, really miss this and our Bro. Christmas with nieces and nephew are really the way to go. They come highly recommended by yours truly.

And next, we got an apartment. A shoebox of an apartment, but a suitable abode nonetheless. And at said abode, I can plant a garden! And we are above ground! But with very minimal closet/storage space. Not to worry though cause we have nothing! Apparently moving countries will do that, so I have learned ;).

Well, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year you cutie pies. Once things settle a little more I will update until the cows come home.

xo

Okay, Okay, Okay!

2010-12-10T21:36:00.004-07:00

I will post. Please, stop pulling my leg!

So I am now with dear dear dear Dan. My red eye flight was actually better than I thought it would be- due to my uncanny ability to fall asleep no matter what the circumstance. Please, may this Gift Of The Spirit always stay with me.

Dan and I have been staying with some v. v. extended family by marriage (thanks Jana, they are wonderful!) while we are apartment hunting. We look at 4 apartments tomorrow alone! I sure hope we like at least one of them. There is one with parkay flooring (which I LIVE AND DIE FOR) and is a half mile from Trader Joe's. That is the one I want. Parkay flooring is coming back in a big way. Just you wait, and you read it here first- please note.

Other things to note include, but are not limited to, the fact that we are a one car family and are staying too far from the metro so when I wanted to take a break from apartment hunting while Dan was at school, I saw a double feature at the AMC. Meaning, I just walked my cute little butt into another theater to see another movie with the same ticket. I can try to hide my sins, but you know, what's the point? This is also one way in which you can stick it to the man. Dan says I have to stop this though. Humph!

And today, to distract myself from Craigslist (which drives me NUTS) I went into DC to be Dan's +1 at his internship Christmas party. The only problem though was that I had to go in at the same time as him in the morning, which left me with t-i-m-e on my hands. And friends, let me tell you, the Holocaust museum is terribly sad. Terribly! At the end of my visit I sat in the hall of remembrance, lit a candle, and just cried. Srsly sad. I also took in the American Indian Museum which can be both a sad and positive thing. What a day of grief. Good thing I got to attend the largest Pot Luck known to mankind to drown my sorrows.

Alright, that's it.

xoxo and miss you!

bye bye

2010-12-03T23:11:00.002-07:00

Folks, friends, and family. This is how I looked the morning of my immigration interview. I just thought I should share the picture so you can all have proof regarding how nervous I was. Very. That is how nervous.

But I passed, and laaaa deee daaa I hop on a plane tomorrow to be with my one true love. The things I do for that boy! Immigrate! Shred! I say shred, because I spent the better half of Wednesday morning going through his old mail from oh, 2005. Bank statements, visa bills, and unmentionables- I shredded it all. It was a pain staking processes you know. For I could not just take the lot and shred it, no, I had to open half of the unopened envelopes and separate the recycling from the shredding because after all, my in-laws shredder will only do 3 sheets at a time and a stuffed envelope ain't going nowhere in that thing. Oh the things I do for love!

I also ship for love. And would you believe I had quite the battle with FedEx today? Well I did. I sure hope it ends by tomorrow around noon, because if not... I don't really have a solution besides just pretending that I don't have 8 boxes to deal with. Or the 3 Nephites. I think they could come help me with this. There is my solution! (did I go too far with that? It's a little funny, right?)

Anyways, over and out! My eyes are tired. I will miss you Calgary- my little oil baron city.

No Title

2010-11-26T23:39:00.003-07:00

Behold, this is the Ukrainian Cook Book that I want. LINK It is not a cheap book. I thought long and hard about it disappearing from my local library, but after all, it is not the right thing to do. Lest we forget, I am a mere human. I was tempted, but I resisted eventhoughIhadvisions! I overcame! I feel like I should get one, lesser, free sin because of this. To the bar! Oh, I just kill myself.

Anyways. Dan the husband is in town until Monday so I have naturally been enjoying his company and all the family getting togetherness that has been going on because of it. We have been busy eating chili, Vietnamese subs (one of my personal favorites that for some reason I have not eaten in almost 2 years), Crave Cupcakes, Breakfast (the going out kind), and then we shall celebrate the season of giving thanks as the Americans do on Sunday. That Dan! It is so nice to have a husband again. I guess a real husband is better than a Skype husband, if you cared to know. And who would have ever thought, right?

But friends, I leave My Maple Leaf the first Saturday in December. Whoa. When did that happen? My battle with immigration is fini! C'est tout! Je l'ai fini! And here is a deep thought: You know, life really does go on. Things you want to happen will, as long as you figure them out and work hard.

I am sad to leave. There, I said it (again). Of course I want to be with Dan, of course I am excited for a new adventure, but, I am leaving behind so many good things that I desperately love and care about. D.C., you better rock my freaking world. And if you don't, I will always remember how awesome it was flying Air Canada to get to you because everybody knows, flying with AC is seriously the best. At least I can always have that.

Surviving Winter

2010-11-22T22:14:00.003-07:00

Oh geeze louise it is so cold outside. Yes, I will be another blogger who talks about weather, whether you like it or not! Ah! I even impress myself with my puns sometimes. But seriously, have you looked at Calgary's weather forecast? It is insane. I will teach you 2 ways to make winter just that much better.

This first one works best if you don't have a garage like me. In order to give your car the winter TLC that it needs, il faux que (za franch say it best) you go directly to the nearest mall with an underground parking lot and you park that baby! And shop!! You have to keep it in there for no less than an hour and the longer the better really. You cannot be responsible for purchases during this time and it doesn't really matter anyways because the TLC you are giving your car will end up saving you $$ in the long run, which money you just spent at H&M. Then when you go home, make sure to take your time in the parking garage to knock all that ice off the wheel wells and to of course de-ice the wings (windshield wipers).

The second one I just figured out right now. If your hands are so dry that the ends of your fingers are starting to peel, feel free to use your expensive face cream as hand lotion. Readers, it works like a charm! My fingertips are now smooth and soft. Not even my body butter was doing it. I'm not surprised though, my delicate hands only like the best and I bet yours will too.

Therein lie two secrets that help me get through these painful months. Well, there is a third. That would be to move directly to Washington D.C., to pass go and collect $200. I know it gets cold there, but considering that my friends at Wikipedia say the all time coldest it has ever been there is -26 C/-15 F, I will take it! And that was back in the Great Blizzard of 1899. Dude, I will take it! I lived through, no joke, -50 C many a times here in the True North Strong and Free.

Now I want to hear from you. Who the heck in Calgary and area is reading my bloggy blog? Please leave a comment even if I don't know you read this or I have never met you. I want to know who you are and in return I may write something really funny, I don't know. But anyways, show yourselves and then I'll start reading your blogs and it will be so fun. And then we can braid each others hair, but all my layered pieces will fall out. Sigh.

The Great Journey

2010-11-15T20:47:00.003-07:00

Oh, someone please help me.

I have been sick yesterday and today... you know, barf, and the unmentionables. In between sleeping all day and catching up on Gossip Girl I have had one thought. One thought only, that is causing me grief. And it is not a good thought. It is the thought that I want, no I need to have the Ukrainian Cook Book that my public library has sitting all lonely on its shelf. For it is amazing, published in the 60s, has the sweetest art in it, and can teach me how to cook with innards. I need to own it. It needs to make the great journey with me so I will always remember my mothers people. And the only way I can think to own it is to check it out from the library on a long term loan. Oh, I am horrible, and I most sincerely need help.

I have a vision of it in my dream kitchen, keeping me company as I toil away making cabbage rolls and perogies. Woe, woe, is me; for I do not want to break a commandment, but it almost seems that I was told this was to be mine.

Of Dan, Food, and Teeth

2010-11-13T23:42:00.003-07:00

Moving away from home is hard my friends! But exciting/bitter sweet. I told Dan yesterday that we could just have a Skype relationship and I would be fine with that. I kid, I kid, of course. I really do want to be with him, and in 3 short weeks (!)I will be. PS- I really don't know what the exclamation mark in parenthesis means, but I sure like the look of it. Perhaps it is similar to expressing exciting news in a whisper/secret kind of way, yes, I like the sound of that.

I really want to get Dan and I on an uber healthy regime. My dear friend Diane, who also speaks Thai, has this great link on her website to Food Renegade. I just spent the past 2 and a half hours pouring over the site and loving it. It is how I want to eat. I did really well on my cleanse but have not been very good at keeping up the healthy eating since and I so desperately want too. I shall continue trying until I get it right. [Step in Bunny] My littlest sister really should be my private chef, she is SO darn good at these things. Bible (Kardashians anyone?).

Anyways. Enough of that. On Friday I had my teeth cleaned by my second littlest sister, Nunu. It was great fun, and of course, I had the cleanest mouth she had seen all day. I LOVE praise from my dental hygienist. I brush and floss regularly for a reason my friends, and it ain't to prevent gingivitis. I do it for the attention I get every 6 months. And maybe to prevent gum disease, I don't know. She has told me before that sometimes creepy men will intentionally lick her fingers and that it is gross and nasty. So I licked her finger while it was in my mouth. LOL my friends, and I don't like using that term, but only that can really express how funny it was.

Le Fin

Today's News

2010-11-11T14:25:00.002-07:00

I cannot believe it myself, but it is true. I had a conversation with Dan that went like this:

P: I can't believe this all happened so fast, what a blessing from Heavenly Father

D: Yeah, we really need to start paying Him back

P: Um, Dan, I pay 10% already

I know, I know, I am so funny.

We had this conversation because my passport with its adhered visa foil is here! Meaning, I can cross that border whenever my little heart wants to! You would think after all the posts about being a lonely girl I would be going tomorrow, but, I am not. There are lots of loose ends to tie up here and Dan is coming up for a family visit during American Thanksgiving. I do believe I received my passport from the consulate in record speed. Thank you consulate for being so good to me. It's probably because I am so cute.

Today I went to a Remembrance Day memorial service here in Calgary, the one that the Mayor spoke at! It was really cool. I don't know what it was, but remembering our veterans and learning that the Canada's last WW1 veteran passed away this year at the ripe age of 109 (!) and singing O Canada and God Save The Queen; well, all that got me s-a-d about leaving my maple leaf.

And now I shall share with you Canada's favorite WW1 poem.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Thanks Friends

2010-11-09T22:15:00.004-07:00

Well, it is done, it is over... I came and I conquered! I can hardly believe that what I started in March is now over (just about). I passed the interview with flying colors. I think if I was to get a grade, it would have been an A+, a gold star even! For some reason I was really really finger nail biting nervous. My nerves may or may not have been due to late night internet searches regarding my immigration condition and reading the experiences of others who may or may not have been from Russia and the like. Really not a good idea, but hey, when you are all alone at night and you don't like going to sleep by yourself so you stay up really late so when you fall asleep you don't even realize it- that is just what you and Google get yourselves into. And who can blame me, really? I thought I would be asked some doozie questions, but no, even though I knew his toothbrush color and I knew how I would respond if I had been asked about our sex life, the most interesting question was, "Thailand! What were you doing over there? Was it a good experience?". Easy peasy cutie pies. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. J'ai fini!

Now, some things I have learned. First and foremost, there need to be male and female bathrooms on airplanes. I have been on my fair share of them throughout this ordeal and all I have to say is boys/men are such public bathroom pigs. Seriously. #1 ALL over the seat and on the FLOOR and they take forever in airplane bathrooms. Come on men, stop letting us down. I know you can do it, I know you can use a bathroom like a decent person. I'm rooting for you!

Another thing I have learned is that preparation is key as far as immigration goes. The USCIS website is really wonderful. I admit it is overwhelmingly wonderful, but if you spend the time you really can figure things out. Pouring over that website for hours helped me to make sense of almost everything. I was glad that it warned me that immigration is my responsibility and that the information is here in the website, I just need to find it. Figuring it out was a giant game of hide and seek with me and the USCIS website, except I was always it.

Those were probably the 2 best things I learned.

Now I will tell you about Montreal. It was lots of fun. Kass-a-Frass met me there which was such a treat. She has the most delicious little boy, who I very much enjoyed getting to know. We got to explore Old Montreal, Catholic Montreal, and the Underground City. It was neat getting to see that part of my country, and somewhat ironic/sad that leaving my country is what brought me there. Le sigh. I also got to give Kass a history lesson about HBC Point blankets, a topic I love. Montreal really has an European flare to it, albeit, a little run down, but unique none the less. I am proud that Montreal can boast of its plentiful supply of really decent Pain Au Chocolate's, even though it so so far form the motherland. Definitely the #1 reason to keep that provience in Canada, Poutine being the runner up, of course.

Sweet Nunu picked me up from the airport late this morning, after which, we spent the afternoon relaxing and eating bon bons. Important sister bonding that needs to be done before I leave. Such a bitter sweet experience!

AHHHHH

2010-11-05T22:42:00.002-06:00

I am SO nervous.

My immigration interview is MONDAY.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I fly out tomorrow at the butt crack of dawn for Montreal.

Heaven help me. I have not been this nervous/stressed about something since I had to talk to my Bishop about repentance (let your mind wonder).

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I thought one more of those would help.

At any rate, wish me the luck! I will keep you all updated and I will try to enjoy my beloved Quebecois friends who we all know speak french like ducks.

2010-10-25T20:23:00.002-06:00

As a birthday present to my very old body, I decided to put myself on a cleanse. Did you know that it is best to cleanse Fall and Spring and preferably before the time changes? Well, it is, and I don't have a link to insert to prove it, but just believe me. Have I ever led you astray?

Anyways, I have done this cleanse 1.33 times in the past. It is wonderful. I wish I would have stuck with it the last time I started it, but no matter, I am making it through this time (I am on day 8!). For those of you who don't know, I am living with my in-laws. They are truly wonderful people, need I mention incredibly kind to let me live with them and turn their lives upside down. I think they like it though. So long story short, I talked my MIL into doing the cleanse with me. So we are cleansing our bile, our livers, and our colons together. And let me tell you, the colon is a doozie! Just this evening I was out running errands on behalf of my iiii father and I had to pull over at the nearest Subway Restaurant. When it hits you, you have no choice but to obey...and quickly. You see, most of the foods you eat on this cleanse (which are plenty and they are delicious) turn alkaline in your tummy which in short means your bowels are very loose, there ain't nothing holding anything together. On my way out of the Subway I got a look from the cashier that could have read as the sign "washroom for paying customers only". Oh well, I am sure I will buy another sub again. In short, cleansing is great and doing it with someone makes it even better/easier. This act comes highly recommended by me.

In other news, I am starting to enjoy oatmeal. But my goodness, why does it have to be so slimy? Bunny says to think of it as "silky", but little bunny sister, it is just plain slimy no matter how I try to disguise it. It doesn't make me gag anymore which is a good thing, I am making progress, and the addition of Stevia is very helpful. Nature, you are amazing for inventing such a plant! I also recommend it to anyone needing a sugar substitute that doesn't want artificial sweetner cancer. I am trying these days to reduce the risk.

I find myself with more energy, feeling sustained between meals, feeling far less bloated, thinking clearly (who'd a thought?!) and really feeling like I am eating as the WofW asks me too.
It has been a really nice experience thus far and I really want make these eating guidelines my long term eating habits.

Vancouver

2010-10-15T21:25:00.003-06:00

is a definite wonderful city. I was there for barely 24 hours this week getting my immigration physical (for which I had to take my clothes off! I never! And they better let me in now! I took my clothes off for the government!) and the city so inspired me that I actually made notes of things that inspired me and things I would like to report.

Do you know that when you get a chest X-Ray you take off all your pretty underthings and drape yourself in a large, thin, worn, cotton gown type garment? It is true. And then the X-Ray tech pushes you up to this board and is looking at your boobies the whole time through said garment making sure you are all lined up correctly. I felt odd. And I thought, darn it, these x-rays are totally going to set off my diet coke induced cancer, I just know it! But for reals I kind of thought that, and since Wednesday I have been trying to reduce my intake with hopes of killing the habit. I am stuck diet coke (as they would say in Thai, you like Nunu?) and want to be unstuck it.

I felt like such a bad Canadian. In that waiting room with 25 others that are doing the same thing I am doing. Jeepers. Maple leaf, I will love you forever, and I really do hope to come back to you. I felt like we were all traitors, leaving a perfectly well developed country for no other reason than love- but it is the best reason really. I felt shame being there, waiting, sitting for hours, with all of the others, waiting to leave my heritage. I like to think my Ukrainian G. Grandparents wanted to come to Canada so that they could share their perogies and love of sour cream with the maple leaf. I do not however like to think about my polygamist GGG Grandparents that came here because Brigham Young told them too so that they could have tons and tons of kids and make more Mormons because that is weird.

I had dinner in the evening with my girlfriends from high school that are living out there. 3 of them! 3 of them know how wonderful Canada's west coast is. 3 of them get to live in Vancouver and surrounding area year round. Lucky duckies! We laughed and laughed together and were the last ones out of the restaurant. I wish I would have had more time to hang out with them. I am so proud of all the neat things they are doing and the places their lives have taken them. Go girls go!

After the physical was all said and done I had a few hours left to explore Vancouver. I only had time for one place though and I chose Granville Island. Huge farmers market and Artists Studios- the choice was clear. I had such a good time looking at everything there and an even harder time choosing what to have for dinner. My inner artist was awoken and I felt so inspired that I sat myself down listening to a busker, and took notes about how inspired I felt. Gosh, if I lived there, I would be doing so many inspired things all the time I bet I could bottle my creative juices and sell them for crying out loud. Oh Vancouver, I really fell in love with you in those short 24 hours.

So a few things are certain and I will list them for you:

1. I love Vancouver, Canada and you will too.
2. I am sick thinking about leaving Canada, but even sicker not being with Dan.
3. An HBC Point Blanket is no longer a want, but a need as to continue my connection with my home and native land.

2010-09-28T21:26:00.005-06:00

Did you know that it is necessary to say goodbye to your 23rd year? Well, it is. This is how me and Nunu said goodbye to hers. We went on a fall walk. It was a little crisp (fall comes early in the great white north) but the sun still made the leaves sparkle.

And here she is, saying thankyou 23, you treated me well but I must move on.

Move on to bigger and better things in my 24th year, including but not limited to a Crave chocolate cupcake with peanut butter icing. Yes, 24 will be great.

Happy Belated Birthday Nunu!

HARK!

2010-09-22T22:04:00.003-06:00

Dear Cutie-Putie-Pies:

I like calling you that, it just has a certain ring to it if you know what I mean.

Why, just this past Friday I got some very exciting mail delivered to me that must have been guided to me on the sweet wings of angels, just the same manor in which my Thai police clearance came to me. My dears, I am in possession of 1 visa approved physical set to happen in Vancouver in October, and even better, I am in possession of one visa interview set to happen in early November in Montreal. I cannot believe it myself.

You see, for these past three and a half months I have wondered and wondered what on earth happened to my paper work that I done stuffed in an envelope and licked shut. Well, as I was moaning and groaning to Dan on the phone about this very thing and telling him just how helpless I feel in the hands of beaurocracy, it happened. I arrived home to a letter from my favorite consulate! And they want to meet me... I am going to be the belle of the ball! Such an honour if I do say so myself. Weekend trip to Montreal here I come. I have always wanted to hear the Quebecois French in full force and see my country's claim to European fame.

So, all things being equal, as my father would say, I could actually be living with my husband sometime mid November. Right now we catch ourselves talking about "when we had an apartment" and I tell stories to people with the preface of "when I lived with my husband". These days of displacement shall be coming to an end, and soon! Displaced person I shall no longer be!

Except I am a little bit scared. I have talked with two real live people who lived through said interview and word is they are m-e-a-n. One of these people cried! Tears, red face! Calculations prove I have a 50% chance of having a red puffy face for the rest of that day. How will I be able to walk around Montreal like that? It gets pretty bad folks.

Alright, I have said to much. I must go to bed.

xoxo
p-cute

2010-09-15T21:48:00.002-06:00

A goodnight skype from me to you. If only skype could work out video cuddling where in you could actually feel the other persons hug. Come on Science, what are you waiting for?

Sweet dreams.

Just Another Day ~Eeyore

2010-09-14T21:33:00.003-06:00

Today was a good day. I like good days. Not only did I buy some much needed tights for 40% off but some sweet girl helped me feel good about all this waiting for the cows to come home that I have to do. She asked me why I wasn't gone already and I gave her the much rehearsed immigration explanation. Well, turns out her BFF did it (immigration) the wrong way and got in some real trouble, the trouble being that she could not leave The Land Of The Free for 4 whole years nor could she work during that time. Woof. Bet she didn't feel too free. And this girl knew what she was talking about. She started asking me about my petition, my affidavit, my interview- ohhh this was a good BFF who did a lot of research on behalf of her BFF.

So when I started feeling like a lonesome duck today I just let the lonely let itself all out. I knew there was nothing I could do about it and that we are doing things right. I let that loneliness out and I took a bath in it and I was actually okay by the end of it all. Those intense feelings. I tell you what- they sure make you feel like you are alive. It was like my whole heart was trying to burst out of my body and run across the boarder. I felt so human! Kind of like the feeling when you put your low grade prescription glasses on when you don't usually wear them and the leaves on the trees are all of a sudden so well defined and the blades of grass! Oh the blades of grass! It doesn't feel that nice though because it is still sad at the end of it all but the reminder of intense human emotion- it just does something to you.

So that was my day. Up, down, in, out, preposition. Now I say goodnight having skyped another lonely person in The Land Of The Free while listening to French love songs.

Bonne nuit les mignonnes*.

* Mme Emily- does that even make sense?

Pictures!

2010-09-11T23:02:00.003-06:00

Just some picture proof of last weeks most wonderful of wonderful of trips. Picture #1 is found at the WW2 Memorial in DC. I really like it. I love how women kicked some serious a$$ during WW2 and I really appreciate that it is recognized here. Picture #2, just before the baseball game wherein I had to teach Dan how to keep cool when you sneak into a better section to watch the game. That boy ;). Picture #3. Why here we are all hot, sweaty, and wind blown sitting in Central Park after lots and lots of walking and fun with the girls, their kids, and their husbands. Picture #4 is a pretty green fire escape in China Town, the place where I also consumed a decently fresh young coconuts water and its meat (that may sound a little dirty, but I assure, you it was innocent). I haven't had one that decent since Bangkok. I was impressed and my electrolytes were replenished. And last but not least, picture #5. That my friends is Ground Zero and its current status as of last Saturday. A very beautiful memorial is soon to replace all the construction.

A side note- Dan, I MISS YOU SO MUCH! I think today I am a 9 for missing you. Sad face. And also you should play all the video games you want during this separation because, baby, we are never getting a gaming system... evaaaahhh. But I still love you.

Seriously

2010-09-08T19:27:00.003-06:00

Blogger. You are being so dumb right now and not letting me upload any of my precious pictures. I just thought you should know.

So. The visit to Dan was wonderful.... so wonderful, infact I bawled and bawled when I had to leave. In the depths of despair was I, but I think I am doing a little better. Those airport check in people must see lots of red puffy faces is all I have to say. Mine could have perhaps been the most red Clair had ever seen. She seemed extra kind, maybe she took pity.

Pictures. Yes, I shall catalog the trip by pictures once the good lord and the internet will let me. Instead, let me take your time by telling you about the rude awakening I had during this most wonderful of wonderful trips.

Now, I don't mean to boast, but lets be real. I am a street smart woman. We know this. I can do Paris, I can do Bangkok, I can do Ubon, I can do 4 yrs away from my family in another country while going to University- you get the picture. I can set up an apartment, I can take one down. Dan. Oh my sweet sweet husband that I love and can hardly live without (I am trying to right now and it isn't going so hot). For he did not know that you cannot plug a clothes dryer into a regular electrical outlet. Nor did he know that when our Costco membership ran out we could not just use his card instead of mine. This boy, he is endearing like that.

In just 3 short weeks you would not believe how street smart he has become... without me! Oh, it was embarrassing. Like a fish to water he is. While we were at the Nationals game on Labor Day I couldn't handle it any longer and I confessed that I didn't like it. I am the street smart one! Who is this imposture of a husband? Of course, he could not stop laughing and continued to be my expert tour guide for such adventures as the DC Metro and the tour of the monuments. NOT FAIR! Humph. Basically, I need to get down there asap so that I can reclaim my title in this relationship.

Hey Dan, lets see how you do in a country where you don't speak the language! Bring it baby.

Getting There

2010-09-08T18:25:00.003-06:00

Dan driving to Staten Island, NJ. He was v. excited. So was I.

The ol' gals: Me, Kassie, Bekah in front of the classiest of them all, Madame Liberty.

The Ferry. Our favorite way of transportation- gives you a great view of the city.

The Classy Lady, again.

Sadly I shall have to make another post because Blogger is bugging me. Don't bug me blogger!

What A Nice Vacation

2010-09-05T19:49:00.002-06:00

Hello hello there cutie pies! I have been catching up with the husband here in Maryland and boy, it is mary! It seems that immigration just can't happen fast enough. I shall just have to savor this next day and a half and then power through.

Yesterday was v. fun. We took a crunch out of the Big Apple with some special lady friends of mine + their husbands (shout out to Bekah and Kassie!). And you girls, braving that city with your munchkins in tow, thanks so much ;). We had a really good time, once I get home I promise to post some photos cause we got some good ones. Just to let you know how fun it was, we started the trip off via the Staten Island Ferry. SATC anyone?! Photo proof to follow.

Other then the NYC trip Dan and I have been lying low- he has lots of studying to do so he can be a Master so I give him kisses during his study breaks. We will perhaps take in a Nationals Baseball game tomorrow and maybe a monument or two.

Oh, and you know what is so annoying? Being so freaking white. I sunburned my little piggies in the city yesterday. PAAAALLLEase! It sucks and it hurts and all my shoes feel so tight on my already chubby piggies. Barf.

Dear Mr. President,

2010-08-27T15:55:00.002-06:00

Do movies like Salt ever freak you out? If I were you, they would freak me out.

xoxo,

p-cute

I Think I Will Be Okay

2010-08-15T00:22:00.004-06:00

How To Not Feel So Alone:

1. Stay up real real late reading so when you fall asleep dead tired you hardly even notice you are in bed alone. Here it is good to have a friend with a wonderful library she lets you use, thanks Shannon!

2. Spend money shopping for things you don't really need, keep the receipts, then return them on a later date* to give you just one more thing to do. I think this is a particular stroke of genius on my part, and will have to remember it for future leaves of absence should they occur.

3. Talk and text with sisters often- if I have not got to you, do not fret, we shall have many a text conversations. Thanks B.

4. Have Nunu take you on an all expense paid date even though she owed you the $ anyways. It will surely be a luxurious experience because never once will you have to reach for your wallet, the conversation is great, she is real cute, and she may still owe you an $8 date even after the tip!

5. Cat sit for a friend and even though you may not want to, let the cats win you over with their sweet purrs and meows for attention even though you didn't think they could. Be sure to bake cookies for your friends to come home to, but be careful, don't do it on an empty stomach, because The Good Lord knows just as well as I do that 5 scoops of raw cookie dough makes for one sore tummy. Amen.

6. Have your honey bunny be your phone call alarm so that you don't have to wake up to strangers on the radio, or even worse, the escalating in volume beeping alarm.

Now, whatever you do, DO NOT, step into your honey bunnies former place of employment to say hello to former co-workers because you think they may want an update. You will end up v. sad if you do this, because for starters, you will not see very many familiar faces leading you to conclude that like him, they have moved on as well; and then when you do see a familiar face you may have to walk away before they see you as you are welling up with tears because the one you miss is not in the back folding clothes where he ought to be and you don't know anyone there anymore. Longest sentence ever- sorry.

*i may or may not want to keep everything i purchased, and don't buy final sale items.

up up and away

2010-08-08T00:18:00.004-06:00

Seriously, I don't know how those army people do it. Dan leaves on Wednesday for school, which is really cool and we are really excited about it, but dude. Seriously. My arrival to the D.C. metro area is still TBA and it is killing me friends. So, if any of you out there want to pray to the Immigration Gods on my behalf, please feel free. In fact, if you are reading this then you have to. Ha!

Today Dan and I squeezed as much out of our hours together as possible. A nice sleep in, then off to Moraine Lake. That lake took my breath away. The lake is full of glacial deposits of "rock flour" which absorb blue light and reflect green. It is astounding and one of the many things I will miss about Soviet Union living- all this nature.

And why am I blogging when I should be snuggling up to my sweetie pie? I don't really know.

I need things to keep me busy while Dan is gone. First on the list is my love pudge. I want it gone and with no one here to love me like Dan does, I think I can do it. I will start with a 2 day cleanse I found from Womens Health and then follow with an exercise plan from them. I really like their website and magazine. P-Cute highly recommends it. I thought maybe I would start doing the Tracy Anderson Method once Dan leaves, but then I remembered that I have a full time job and that just ain't going to happen. However, I would really love to do be able to follow her method some day- go check it out, it is pretty cool and she shapes half of Hollywood. By posting this I now assign the internets to keep track of me.

Second on my list is I am not sure actually. Maybe a French class to brush up on me old grammar skills? Je ne sais pas. Maybe I'll take up depression, I still can't figure out which seems best.

The One Thing About Moving

2010-07-29T06:43:00.003-06:00

The one thing about moving is that, holy cow, I now have enough tampons for the rest of my life. Whilst going through every back pack, casual bag, fancy bag, and jacket that I have ever owned, I found out that I have enough tampons to last me at least a few years. The oldest I found probably dates back from mid 2002. Every little pocket was full of a few tampons, a panty liner or two, and a blister pack of Advil. I am set ya'll! Anyone in need of feminine products should talk to me- feel free to pass the message on.

And then the second thing about moving is that not only am I sad to leave the land of my birth, my family, my friends, Canadian chocolate, and easy access to A&W's, but I am also sad to leave all my stuff. So what if we are selling it- my heart still breaks a little whenever someone comes to pick up one of my treasures. I can't help it. Last night I found the best way to remedy this ailment though. And how did I do that you ask? Craigslist. Specifically the one in the D.C. metro area. I now know the truth, that yes, beautiful, gently used furniture and beds do exist in other places, and that yes, my heart will and can be consoled. Praise be.

There You Are Peter!

2010-07-20T15:15:00.004-06:00

Woe woe is you, for it has been far too long since I last wrote you all an internet love letter. From the bottom of my heart, I send apologies and condolences, for I am truly sorry and repentant.

But really, do you want to hear about what is going through my head these days? I am not sure if you do for they are thoughts of moving. Moving to another country but having to wait on immigration so I have to send my dear one true love first and I shall join him later. Also thoughts about what to pack where and when to ship it, and "Dan- my dishes and KitchenAid will fit in the car with your luggage, thank you very much".

This past Bastille day marked the 3 year anniversary of our first kiss and also the 4 year anniversary of me coming home from missionary work in Thailand. Time flies so fast. I was talking to Betina the other day and telling her how my favorite sheets that we got when we were first married have worn through and even have a hole in them. She remarked that it is the little things that kind of slap you in the face telling you you are not where you thought you were. Did I express that correctly? She said it better I am sure. We don't really fit into the newlywed category anymore. The sheets bumped us out. How strange.

We like to be sickeningly cute with each other and have always found it fun to celebrate not only our wedding anniversary but our 1st date and 1st kiss anniversary as well. For the 1st kiss anniversary this year Dan got me my favorite loaf of bread, a flower, and the Titanic DVD. I didn't even want the DVD but he insisted as I saw it 5 times in theatre so therefore I must LOVE the movie and I was just embarrassed to admit it. Anyways, long story short, we watched it this past Sunday. Oh Jack! Oh Rose! Oh Ship! It really is good and perhaps I was a bit reluctant to be a lemming, but let it be know that I am.

Anyways, that was a long rant into what I really wanted to say. So, perhaps it was the Titanic mixed in with Dan's upcoming departure- but I got so sad that he is leaving. Boo Hoo sad. Like I would have to let go of his hand and shake him off my arm because I will never see him again sad. It is pretty apparent that I should not be allowed to watch love stories with even an iota of sadness mixed in them at this time. All of a sudden Dan was Jack and he was sinking down in the waters of the Atlantic! Please, internet, do all you can to keep me away from things like this at this most delicate of times. Thank you.

Well, off to the Slave of the Lakes this weekend to feast on my family! We are excited. But first, Inception.

RED ALERT

2010-06-19T14:38:00.004-06:00

Friends!

This may be the greatest website ever for the modest girl. Nunu really likes the word modest.

This most wonderful of all websites will make dresses HOWEVER you want them. + sleeves, - sleeves... whatever you want! I think this will forever change me.

Anyways, that is about it. Enjoy the shopping.

xoxo

Memory Lane

2010-06-04T16:59:00.002-06:00

Friends! I had the most sad experience today. I shall share it. There I was at work, minding my own B, tucked away in my office, listening to some ol' tunes on the Ipod as I worked and worked, when all of a sudden memory lane took my breath away.

Please view this v. v. v. sad music video. If you are having a bad day though, just stop reading.

Shuffle made this song play and I couldn't help but shed a little tear thinking of how well I thought the lyrics described when I first heard it. Once upon a time my dearest Kass and I were roommates in Paris for four months- that is where and when we first heard this song. We used to lie down on her bed, and listen to this, the most depressing of single girl songs, over and over and over again. What were we trying to do to ourselves? I have no clue.

Anyways, I listened to the song a few more times this afternoon because I am a repeat offender and I truly felt like I was back there, lying on that bed, with my BFF, being depressed together (while in Paris) about being a single girls. I was there again, slogging through the pain and agony of not getting enough love in my life. Such melodrama, I know, but it was so real.

(I just have to mention that Paris was amazing, and I had SUCH a good time, learned so much, it's just that single girlness doesn't leave you alone no matter if you are on top of the Eiffel Tower or at the bottom of your living room stairs.)

Then I started thinking of the time I admitted to Betina, in tears, that I was going to be married at 50 to some old Apostle whose wife had died. She still laughs and laughs when we talk about that, and how I should have let her tell the story at my wedding.

Anyways, to all you single ladies, I love you.

Live From Home

2010-05-27T17:50:00.002-06:00

We are home safe and sound and a little memory of Mexico is still alive and well in our stomachs. Seriously, we are dying here. I came home form work early hoping to sleep off this nastiness, but it is still hanging on. Oh well, such is life. Some say you cannot vacation in Mexico without a sunburn or getting sick, and I got both! The sunburn part drives me nuts because I tried so hard for it not to happen. I already know I am part of the premier demographic for skin cancer so maybe I should just ix-nay the sun vacations....

Live from Cancun 4

2010-05-25T21:09:00.002-06:00

We leave early early tomorrow morning. Dan is saying his goodbyes on the balcony right now in his underwear and sandals.

Today we enjoyed our Hotel. We had the most wonderful breakfast of Empenada's that this woman sells to all the hotel employees from a tiny tiny store by a service entrance. Seriously, a store the size of a v. small closet. They were SO good, we ate them on the beach. And cheap too! Way better than eating at the restaurants. For dinner (3rd night in a row) I had pork tacos at a cheap little taco stand that has the best Horchata Dan has ever had.

We enjoyed the Ocean at sunset and got all sad at our soon to be separation until I get a greencard.

Live from Cancun 3

2010-05-24T17:18:00.003-06:00

Friends, family, countrymen- WHY AM I SO WHITE? IT DRIVES ME NUTS! Especially when I go to great extents to apply two layers of 30 SPF sunscreen 30 minutes apart from each before our snorkeling adventure. I really truly cannot stand being so white. My butt is on fire right now. We snorkeled around a most beautiful reef (2nd largest in the world) for just under 2 hours and now I have a fire butt. Honestly. I have this cafe au lait spot on the left side of my lower back. I believe it to be the color my skin really should be but there must have been some kind of interference when I was in the womb. ARGH.

Anyways. The snorkeling was really inspiring. The fishies were so colorful, I feel like I should take color tips for my wardrobe from them. Oh- I forgot to report on Chichen Itza. Wow. Those Mayans.

Heading out for a night on the town, as long as my fire butt will allow it.

Live from Cancun 2

2010-05-22T22:29:00.002-06:00

A few things I need to put in the travel log before I forget.

I like Mexico. It reminds me of Thailand but smells like corn tortillas. Yum.

Due to this great country being so vigilant in the bringing forth of the Volkswagon Beetle, Dan and I have called off our continuous game of punch buggie (for this trip only) cause I don't want to come home all bruised and battered. I still get him sometimes though.

How this happens to us I do not know; on our Honeymoon we unknowingly signed up for a Booze Cruise and on this trip we unknowingly are staying in a hotel right on the edge of the night club strip. We walked by the Coco Bongo and it was the closest Dan has ever been to clubbing.

I love beaches. I love sunblock. I love fresh tortillas.

Live from Cancun

2010-05-21T22:13:00.002-06:00

Other than the fact that Dan did not do the one thing he was suppose to do for this vacation, things are going pretty good. See, I told him "Dan, your job is to learn Spanish before we leave". Did he do that, NO. Gosh, just one assignment!

Count Your Blessings

2010-05-13T18:46:00.003-06:00

Ahhh! There is much reason to rejoice this Thursday of all Thursday evenings. Not only is it Thursday which means it is almost Friday so you can stay up late, but, my police check from Thailand has arrived. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel! And it did, thank you very much for your prayers, arrive on the wings of angels guided by the sweet Lord. I know this for a fact. See, the woman at the very disheveled Thai Consulate called me and left a message in her fast talker kind of way informing me that my police check had arrived. When I got there, she told me that 2 people who filed their papers for a police checks weeks before I had filed mine still did not have theirs! As I heard that, I just knew the angels were involved. Those sweet sweet angels.

Another reason to rejoice: the greatness that is the record keeping ability of my people. Did you know that I lived at six different addresses whilst at my Alma Mater? I did not even know that until this evening when I had to spend time thinking about it. BYU Records, gosh! You guys were taught by the prophets of old, I am sure of it. Never before in the history of Universities, has a University been as well organized as BYU. I think I knew 3 of the 6 addresses and your office came through for the other 3. Seriously. 6 years after the fact. Even Father Mormon would be proud.

And the third reason- I am blogging to you from the love seat as I digest my meal of 100% homemade deliciousness. Dear Bunny made us curry paste from scratch! She is so amazing. And then, she turned it into a meal! She also made us some dirty cookies (yum!) and Nunu made homemade strawberry shortcake. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel! And then if my day couldn't get any better, my very healthiest of sisters told me something that almost made me shed a tear. She prefers to eat white rice! Rejoice! The healthiest of healthiest tells me great things.

See, count your blessings and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

2010-04-29T21:14:00.002-06:00

Hello hello hello. Is anybody out there? Perhaps I should blog a post more. Perhaps. Well, we have had a nice few weeks here, under the sea in the cold. Let me see. April began with a most wonderful Easter celebration with my sister, her Keith, and her 2 little girls. We had a quaint time, celebrating with a Safeway roasted chicken and all the trimmings. My favorite part was the butterfly room at the Zoo. Although, I must admit that the cocoons are kind of creepy in a sexual kind of way. Eww.

What else, me mom came by for a visit the weekend after that. We had another grand time. Dan had to work, but he suggested we see The Ghost Writer. Mother was so impressed with Dan's movie recommendations. "Oh, that Dan! He sure knows how to pick a movie!" It was cute to see how impressed she was.

A side note - today I laughed and laughed at work. Ha ha ha. I laugh just thinking about it right now. My dear friend and confidant Coco used to work with me. Now she does not. Now she is working for a doctor who takes care of genital warts all day long. Gross. Anyways, I had a few minutes today, so I found out her work phone number and called her. I could tell it was Coco who answered the phone, so because I am a mature 27 year old woman, I proceeded to make fart noises into the receiver until I could hold my laughs no longer. She started laughing and so the fun continued. I kill myself sometimes. Honestly!

What else. Right- we had a lovely power trip to the land of the saints and Zion last weekend for my new brothers wedding. It was beautiful. Just beautiful. I was jealous of the bride the whole time. I want to be the bride again! I guess I only get to do it once. Le sigh. Katherine was beautiful. I especially loved how she did her hair. She has the gorgeous dark hair and she wore it in loose curls. Took my breath away. We got to stay at Eve's which was awesome (thanks so much!!) and I got the most wonderful of workout shorts at Target. They are perfect, everything I have ever wanted out of workout shorts. I also enjoyed 2 meals of Le Cafe Rio. Hot dog, it was wonderful. Just how I remembered it.

The sister Nunu is s-i-c-k, therefore, she is staying with us. She is currently all snuggled up on my air mattress, with all my mismatched bedding piled on top of her as she is v. cold, wearing 2 pairs of pj pants to help keep her warm, a hoodie, and my toque. I just forced her to replenish her electrolytes as per Dr. Dad. Dan thought all day that he was going to start barfing because Nunu is sick so he probably is too. Good thing, he is not sick (yet) and neither am I. No barfing yet babe :). Dan hates to barf.

Yesterday I was trying on the caa-utest cropped pants at BR and the customer in the fitting room next to me was an unmentionable character who was a ##%$& to my little sister. What luck, eh? Well, Dan and I brought her name up loud and clear in conversation so that he knows, he just can't waltz around this city without people knowing what a ##%$& he is. Ha! I kept trying to give him the stink eye and who knows what else, but he would not look me in the eye. Chicken fart.

Here is a note from 7 year old Dan to his Dad (we went through some of his stuff his Mom saved for him):

Dad-
Why did you lie?
Mom said I could have
a sandwich and you say
no!
What do you have
to say for yourself?
Dan

Ha ha ha! Isn't little Dan cute? We also looked at some pictures from when Dan and all his brothers were little boys, and holy cow! They all look like little Caden's running around! That is my nephew. Jana, it is so crazy how alike they look to little Caden!

Well, I think that is about it. Just working and plugging away at immigration. Did you know I had to get a police check from Thailand? It's true. That was lots of work. I had to send all my vitals half way around the world. I said a prayer for the Good Lord to guide them there safely on the wings of an angel so that I don't have to spend the next 20 years recreating my identity. Haven't heard back from them yet, so, paaalease, keep your fingers crossed with mine.

I will let Dan edit this now.

Dan: It's all good, babe.

Dear The World

2010-04-10T17:31:00.002-06:00

I have nothing to blog about. Bear with me, I am going to start blah-ing. I really have to go pee right now and my tum tum hurts from the Coke Zero I got a Costco. Ouch. The Diet Coke was out of order, but that would have hurt the tummy just as much so it really is a mute point. Maybe I should quit. Seriously, how does that happen? How could they be out of that stuff on a Saturday. I will never know. I was proud of myself for bypassing the whole line by sneaking up to the till unnoticed (as far as I know) to redeem the 2 fountain pops we bought while checking out. "I am just getting these two pops here [shows receipt], could I just grab those real quick?" I am cute like that. Cute is the only way I think I can get away with it. But some people probably think it's annoying. I can't do anything about the haters. But I can continue being cute. So I shall. It's how I roll.

We are going out for fancy dancy burgers with some old pals tonight and Nunu. I want to dress up, except this is day 3 with no shower and we have to pick up that little schmoo. Hmm. I want to wear a skirt and so help me, I will.

Did you enjoy that? Pretty much a whole bunch of nothing.

See ya!

Long Over Due

2010-04-05T21:20:00.002-06:00

The cutest little birthday cake I made for Dana. Bananna cake, cream cheese icing, and chocolate ganache piping. Caaa-ute!
Valentines Day dinner Dan and I made. Indian food! I need to take a class about this food for sure. It is not as easy as you may think it is.

Valentines Day anti-valentines. I can't help making these even though I am v. happily married. I made them with Nunu and her friend Rudi. In my defence, I did make one that said "I love Dan". And, I only took the PG ones to work. Those girls, I tell you!

Kijiji, kijiji! It has blessed me with this awesome table for an awesome price. Dan and I really like it. I can't wait to get some new material on the chairs, clean it up, and maybe add some paint. Now the question is, do I move it to DC, sell, or store? Sigh. Headaches.

And it came with this cute lil' half chair to use when we put the leaf in. It is in the living room right now and I just love it. Too too cute.

Pop Pop's are so amusing sometimes.

2010-03-26T20:53:00.002-06:00

Recent conversation with Pop pop:

Pop Pop: Do you have one of those cards you can put in a machine, punch buttons, then money comes out?

Me [laughing]: Yes Dad, everyone has one of those. [much laughter]

Pop Pop: Why are you laughing at me?

Me: Dad, everyone has one of those! 12 year olds have them.

F-u-n-n-y. Sisters, did you like that?