Ready for the weekend

wow this week has gone by fast, and boy am I ready for the weekend! Now that Utah is doing the 4 10's it is going by even faster. This is good because it does make it easier to get through the week. However, I really really really hate working 10's and haven't been super successfull at it. This is probably due to the fact that it means I have to get up early. I think when I was younger before seminary days, I used to be an early bird. However, anyone who has been around me since that time knows that getting up is the last thing I want to do. literaly. I'm sure if I actually went to bed before tomorrow it would help make morning less painful. Also, I think its cause I want to put off going to work. hmmm this is not sounding very positive!

Anyways I am looking forward to going to Vegas again this weekend to spend time with Melanie, Jared, Amy, and Gage! I will probably be ornery, but will still enjoy it (i don't do well if I don't get enough sleep and thats what short trips tend to be about).

Angela is planning on coming down next weekend so its just one fun weekend after another for me! The only problem is that Angela likes to shop apparently =)

Weekend gettaway

this was a busy weekend for me. Last week I did not get enough sleep and was tired and ornery. On Wednesday I tried to make grape jam. It didn't work. It was tons of work, made a huge mess, took forever AND it only made 6 little jars. However, that is probably good because it didn't set, and its way to sweet, and I will probably never use it. Here is a picture of the stuff. It doesn't even look tasty. URGGHHH!!

I had a box of peaches that needed to be saved, but after that disasterous canning experiment, I was ready to give up. However, after a pep talk from mom, I decided to go ahead with it. Peaches are a lot more rewarding. They weren't as hard either. Mine sure looked pretty as the peaches had a lot of red in them. They were super sweet so they should taste good to. Here is a picture of the results.

I had to finish the peaches as I was going out of town to watch Melanie and Melissa compete in the Kokopelli triathalon in St. George. I still had half a box of really good, sweet grapes that I didn't know what to do with (since the jam fiasco). I ended up washing and picking them off the stems and then freezing them at Mom's suggestion. I left them out on the counter to dry that night. Friday morning they looked pretty in the sun. Jamie left me a suggestion on my mirror to take a picture but I didn't get that until after I had bagged them to freeze. Here is a picture any ways with them not looking as pretty:

Friday I had a lot planned. Pack up for the weekend, do laundry, shower (my hair was sticky from canning the night before but I was too tired to do anything about it until the next day), water the garden, take the papers to the recycle station, clean up the kitchen and house, etc. Well, things always take longer then expected, but I was on my way to accomplishing my goals when our little old neighbor stopped by. He rings the doorbell over and over and knocks loudly until someone answers. Then he asks us for various forms of help (rides, to use our phone, money, etc). This usually happens when the family he lives with (his son we think) is gone, which they've been for the last week or so. He sometimes gives us stuff (like an old coat that smells wierd, or a basket of items from the food kitchen). A couple of weeks ago he left us a vase on our front door that he later proudly exclaimed was from India, and had us look at the stamp that said "made in India." Well on this Friday he told me that he was offered $250 for it at one time and then asked how much I was going to give him for it. This was suprising as he had given it to us. I explained I didn't have that kind of money. He told me I could give him what I had and then pay for the rest after he gets back. I told him he should take it back and he refused and said he had promised to give it to us. I had given him $20 earlier in the conversation and told him I didn't have any more that I could give him. He often tells us he is going on trips. We keep hoping he will go so that he won't keep stoping by. He has asked for rides a couple of times, and then not been there, or changed his mind when we stop by. The family has also asked for random help at times which is also strange(the lady asked MamaRine to help paint their bathroom, and then wasn't there when she stopped by at the agreed upon time, they asked me to help move in some stuff and weren't there again, and another time two of my roommate went over to fix the television so their grandkids could watch saturday morning cartoons). Its funny.

All of us want to help and be of service to others (I've probably given him quite a bit of money over the last year, and I've seen him hit up others in our neighborhood. I even gave him some new shoes I had bought for work last winter), but its a very uncomfortable situation! We wonder who is watching this old man as he wanders around. We call the numbers he asks us to on our phones and then he has loud, often angry coversations in what we assume is Romanian to various grandchildren, children, and other family members. He then asks us for rides or whatever. Its very weird and uncomfortable!

Anyways he stops by on Friday, gets about $20 out of me to help with his next trip to Phoenix to see a sick family member, and then asks for a ride to a friends house, just down over the bridge. I end up taking him way out in West Provo near the lake, and driving around for an hour looking for this place. He then wanted me to take him somewhere else to clear up a bill he had (he had me call the collection agency who was upset because he had had 3 different people call that day for him and they couldn't do anything to help him.... don't really feel bad about giving a collection agency a hard time). I was trying to get ready to go to Vegas, and told him I couldn't keep driving him around. I ended up dropping him off at an office, and felt bad because I wasn't sure how he would get home, but figured he is pretty resourcefull. He is not very well, and shuffles around. He doesn't have many teeth, and doesn't bathe real often. My roommates and I feel bad for him, but don't understand why his family doesn' take care of him as he shouldn't be left home alone (he has quite a large posterity that go to the home on many nights for family bbq's).

So that was funny. None the less, I did get done the things I needed to do, and headed out with Cathy and Jamie to St. George. Jamie had decided just a few days ago to compete too as there were still slots. Crazy Jamie! I like traveling with Cathy. Not only is her car nice to travel in, she stops at those places that "we've always wanted to stop, but never have." We stopped at the Red Barn in South Santaquin and had delicious icecream. There prices were actually really reasonable so I bought some chokecherry syrup for myself and Melanie. We spent the night at the Holliday Inn in St. George, where the Arizona Football team was. They had 3 huge busses. Football must be a very expensive sport for a school (the next day when we saw them packing up to leave around noon, they all had the same kahki shorts and blue shirts which seems really excessive!). This is us at the hotel. We had a "team meeting" as that is normally what happens when Cathy goes to hotels. It was not a very serious meeting =)

The next day dawned bright and early (the athletes left about 5:50am) and we went to watch them (not until around 8). It was a beautiful day and didn't get too warm until just before the last finishers finished. Here are some fun pictures of the day! The first picture gives you an idea of what a mass swim start can look like! This picture shows Jamie looking way to happy to start her run after the bike.

Here is Melanie after her swim ready to hop on the bike! And Melissa just has one more lap to go (she did the Olympic or International length while Jamie and Melanie did the sprint distance)

Cathy looking cute taking pictures (after her completely voluntary run which is bafeling), and what I looked like after cheering on our mighty athletes! It was funny cheering on for our triatholoners as I thought everyone who came by was Melissa or Jamie, or even Melanie. In fact we have video of me cheering on someone who is NOT Melissa. We have a few pictures of some of them too! Next time I will make sure I know exactly what outfits they are each in (Melanie was the easiest to find)

Here are all of us, the athletes looking much better having rested from their ordeal. Melanie and Melissa weren't sure they would want to do this again immediately following, but looked happier 20 minutes or so later. I was so proud of all of them!

Afterwards we went back to the hotel to let everyone shower and then off to cafe rio and neilson's frozen custard. YUM (Neilson's is also apparently the local young women polygamous hangout)

We then headed to Las Vegas for a fun night on the town. I think having competed in a triathalon earlier that morning put a limit on how late we could stay out! We went to see the house that Dan and Melissa might be getting this week. It was cool to wander through that house and think of what it will look like after Melissa works on it. The house is very nice and even has a small pool. I hope everything goes through for them. What fun for them!

Then we went out to eat as it was late, but it ended up being pretty pricey at the buffet we choose. That was unfortunate, but it was tasty as far as buffets go. Jamie and I were fine with Melanie paying for it, but I'm pretty sure that Melissa didn't like that!

Then we went to the Belagio because thats what I wanted to do in Vegas. That is my favorite part in Vegas besides spending time with my sister of course! The following are pictures of us there!

It was a late night as everyone was really tired from the early morning, and excersions! Everyone agreed to stay for one more song and it turned out to be "the prayer" by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocceli. My favorite!!! Melanie told us that they but in 4 new huge water shooter uppers, and they were amazing! more then 210psi (as Melanie enthusiastically reports all throughout the fountain display) This picture is me being silly-

We went right to bed after that! Sunday morning Melanie made us very tasty breakfast burritos. A staple for guests at Melanie's home. We went to church with Melanie where she proudly displayed her well deserved Kokopelli medal to anyone she talked to. Then us Utahns were off to home. On the way back we stopped at Cove Fort. As I said earlier, Cathy is a great person to travel with because she stops at all the places I've been wanting to stop at. It was really fun, and our tour guide was way cute! I would recommend that anyone stop there. THey have clean restrooms, cold water, a nice lawn and picnic tables, plus all the fun things to see at the fort! They've done a great job restoring it, and it doesn't take that long for a tour. Its a beautiful spot as you can see in the following pictures.

Here is a picture of our guide! In this picture is when we were sitting in the bunkhouse, and he was telling us the story of the mouse trap. He also showed us how to spin a hoop. Jamie just about ran me over!

Cathy and I on top of the fort!

Here is the garden behind the fort which sure puts my little garden to shame!

This is called a Mormon Hay Stacker. It was really cool. Jamie really liked it!

We arrived safe to our homes and I was very happy to sleep in my bed! I'm glad I get to go to Vegas again next

weekend to spend time with Jared and Amy while they are there with

Melanie

Sunday Dinner

So Sunday is my day to cook. I always make a big mess, but it usually turns out tasty.







Fresh Salsa (produce from my garden) and big mess!

Thanks to Jamie for the candid shots! Making buttermilk biscutes to go with the chicken chile.

Kate and I enjoying sunday dinner. Kate was waiting until everyone sat down, I was already eating! MamaRine was napping and we didn't wait for her to start. But she did show up before we ate it all! :)

Jamie and I cutting up stuff for dinner! We are wearing the aprons that Melissa gave us.








I really enjoy my roommates. I like cooking for them as they always tell me its tasty. (ever notice its easier to like people who like you back?) I enjoy the time we have togther which is also why I like to cook on Sundays. Jamie is making Mandy's peach pie receipe for dessert. Now you are all jealouse!

On a side note, today is Bethanie and Nathan's birthdays. I'm so bad at remembering anybody's birthday except my own! So, in case I don't get you today, know that I love and care about you everyday, but am especially thinking of both of you today. I'm also glad that you were born because it would be awkward if you were hatched or something.

some pictures and thoughts

So, I just figured out how to get pictures from my phone to my email. THey aren't great pictures but they make my blog more entertaining!

here is a picture of the garden gnome that Jamie gave me. It says "bless this garden"

Here is a picture of my back garden wall looking at the mountains. Last night the mountains turned pink just like the Sangre De Cristo ones at home in New Mexico! I don't notice the telephone pole or power wires when I'm out there but they do look pretty obvious in the picture!

When I visited Jamie's home in San Luis Obispo last Spring, I loved finding all the cool shells, rocks, and tumbled glass on the beach. I collected many samples and brought them home. They've been sitting in a brown paper lunch bag all this time, until I decided to take it to work put some there. Well, I really got into sorting and looking at them while on the phone at my desk with clients, and then when I was trying to type over them I moved them to my table. There they still are. They are so pretty and colorful! I might put more pictures of them from time to time!

If you look at my Taiwan weather you will see a large typhoone headed straight for it! Its a Category 3 hurricane (they catagorize typhoons slightly differently which is why I never knew if the ones while I was there was big or not, but I looked up the wind speed on this one and it matches a category 3) but its suppose to vear off towards Japan in the next couple of hours.

I just made some bannana bread, and now its done. YUM (and its 11:30 pm, perfect for a midnight snack!)

So today is September 11th. There were several things on the radio that reminded me of this day 7 years ago. That was a hard day.... but also a good one as I saw what I feel is the "real" America; the people of America being strong, sacrificing, standing together, being greatful and above all praying. I remember the way everyone in our town, and probably throughout the landput out their American flags, as we couldn't really do anything else for the people who were directly affected. Someone on the radio that day suggested that we should do that, and I remember feeling greatful that I could actually do something! I couldn't find one in our house, so I found a peice of white tissue paper, and created a flag to put out on our mailbox. Later that week I bought flag decals to put on our cars. I felt proud of my country and the way our people responded to that crisis. I am glad for this reminder as I am still proud of my country. No mater where I go, there are good people doing their best to make the world a better place. I hope I can do so as well.

restful sunday

I've had a great weekend! Mom and Dad came Saturday just a little afternoon on their way back from dropping Angela off at school. It took longer then expected to get everything all arranged, so they left Rexburg Friday night instead of Friday afternoon. But, I was able to get the back yard mowed, and my car washed before they came so it was ok. Speaking of getting cars washed... that took a long time and was rather pricy! But it is nice having the upholstery clean, and a shiny car.

We (mom, dad, jamie, and i) went to Andy and Simi (sp?) for lunch which was great. We had dessert too (chocolate, lemon, and blueberry tarts). YUMM!!!!

Then we went for a hike up to Stewart falls. It was further then expected, and some people we passed said we were still far away, so we decided to turn around. However, we got back really quick so we could have gone all the way! We came back to my house and I showed mom and dad some youtube stuff I had been looking at. (paralympics are going on) Then we went to check the parents in at the hotel and eat dinner (at the spaghetti factory) while Jamie did homework (at least that what she said). We stopped at the mall and checked out deseret book and then I got some blouses at Mervyns. The parents were tired so they went to the hotel and I went to the grocery store with Jamie and Mamarine. I watched part of a movie and ate popcorn.

This morning I made zucchini pizza casserole (recipe to follow) and then we went to Regional conference. Elder Jensen, Sister Dibb, Elder Packer, and Elder Uchtdorf all spoke. It was a really great conference and I enjoyed having Mom and Dad there.

I finished up the pizza and we made mango salsa (mom and my roommates all helped) for lunch. Afterwards mom and dad got back on the road with some more fresh tomatoes from my garden (i like to share that stuff!)

I'm finding its hard to type because I cut my finger while chopping green peppers for the salsa. Seems like Melanie has been rubbing off on me!I love having the rest of Sunday still to rest and enjoy.

My church meeting time moved back to 9:30 which is my favorite time! still can sleep in, but have a whole Sunday! Jamie is sad because her peacefull nap was broker by the old man that we think lives around the corner (he used to live in an old trailer there, but last I heard his family had moved him to a trailer park). He comes randomly when his family isn't around and asks for favors (today to call the greyhound bus and give him a ride there) and money. He knocks on the door and rings the doorbell over and over until someone comes. Its weird because I want to be helpful, but every time I feel a little taken advantage of. oh well!

Zucchini Recipe

This recipe is an awesome way to use up big zucchini's. It is so good! I got it from KSL channel 5

Zucchini Pizza Caserole
Dough/crust part:
3c shredded zucchini (abt 1 large zucchini)
3 eggs
1 clove garlic minced ( I used quite a bit more then that)
1 ½ c bisquit mix
½ c shredded parmesan cheese
(I also added spices like black pepper, basil, parsley, season salt, and a little oregano)

Mix it together and put in a sprayed 9x13 pan. Put 15 oz pizza sauce (I made my own) on top and gently spread over zucchini mixture, sprinkle abt ½ cup Italian type cheese mix over the top (I use whatever I have on hand which happened to be mozerella, parmesan, and a little colbi jack). Top with whatever pizza type toppings you like (I used mild italian sausage, fresh cremini mushrooms, olives, and fresh tomatoes) finishing with another ½ cup or so of cheese. Cook 45-60 minutes at 350* or until cheese is melted and toppings are hot through, and the zucchinni crust stuff is cooked.

I cooked the dough, pizza sauce, and cheese first and then added the rest of the toppings and finished cooking, because I like making sure that part is cooked through. I made it again cooking it all at once, and I think I liked it the first way better!

This would be really good into breadsticks (just put cheese on top and cook), or maybe a creamy sauce with spinach and chicken. Lots of possibilities and really easy!

not wanting to kill myself today

I'm sitting here drinking a boba drink, from the "cooking taste right cafe" that Cathy brought me. Its my favorite flavor- Lychee. I sure love Cathy and not just because she brings me food!

My parents took Angela to school today. Its really strange to think of my baby sister going to college. Any ways they stopped by this morning to look at my garden as Angela hadn't seen it. Angela was appropriately appreciative. I think Thorp enjoyed running around too, although he peed on my catmint. Angela left her cell phone in the grass so she could come back a second time to see my yard!

I've been on a major John Denver kick lately. Its really strange as I haven't listen to many of these songs since I was a little kid on road trips with my family. I'm listening to it all the time at work. I go to Youtube and type in John Denver and then listen to it. I think it keeps me more mellow during my day. One of my favorite is "Durango Mountain Caballero," but I like all of the ones we had on the tape back in the day. I did hear a new one that I like called "its about time."

Any ways today was a good day for me at work. That doesn't usually happen so I'm in a real positive mood tonight! :)

Take me out to the BAAALLLLL Game

Mamarine got free tickets to the Orem Owlz (local minor league farm team for the Annahiem Angles). So we went to the game. I think there was like 30 seconds of really exciting parts and the rest was not quite so entertaining. I'm not really sure what the whole baseball thing is, but I think Jamie's softball games were more exciting.

It was COLD out there! I think winter is on its way. So I'm sitting here drinking hot chocolate with ice cream (to warm up), and a hot dog that I grilled up (watching others eating them at the ballpark got to me).

Now we are watching "She's the man" which I have to say is one of my favorite funny movies, especially watching it late with my roommates!

First Entry

So, I was trying to convince my brother Aaron to blog, as I like to read up on my family. I was telling him what he could write about (as he said he didn't do anything) and I realized I am a bit of a hypocrit. I won't probably blog that much, but I guess we will see. I don't have a digital camera so there won't be any pictures on my blog, but oh well! So, here it goes!