10/31/2008
10/27/2008
Boy, it seems like the weekend just flew by! We had a pretty eventful weekend, I suppose. Saturday was Geoff's graduation for his Pharmacy Technician program. It was a nice ceremony and I'm so proud of him - he was one of only 5 students in the entire graduating class who recieved the highest honors (note the yellow tassles).
Last night we finally did the pumpkin carving (at the expense of missing Desperate Housewives...I don't wanna talk about it...). Enjoy (Geoff's is the eyeball, mine is the skeleton).
10/23/2008
Aside from the fact that trunk-or-treat makes no sense (give me a treat or I'll trunk you!), we had the oppotunity to take Rubio to his very first trunk-or-treat last night. Haha. Everyone else brings their kids all decked out in their Halloween costumes - us? We bring our dog dressed as a lobster. He was a hit! And he made a great addition to our trunk which had battery operated eyeball lights, "caution" tape, pumpkins, and plenty of candy. The kids from the ward looked super-cute and we got to see our sunbeams (one was dressed as a ninja, the other Cinderella), which was nice. 
Happy Halloween!
Probably the best costume of the night (in my opinion, maybe Geoff will have to post his later) was a mom and dad dressed as hikers with a terrible case of poison ivy and their 5 year old daughter dressed as a thicket of poison ivy. Very cute. There were also a couple kids dressed like flies that were very fantastic.
I finally used my new cookie cutters to make some seriously cute cookies. I used a little too much flour, so the cookies are a little dry, but it was just the first stab at it, luckily there's a week until Halloween which gives me plenty of time to get it right. Last night as I was decorating my second round, I wanted to make colored frosting (the first round I only decorated with sprinkles, which is pretty hard!). I didn't have any food coloring, so I got this bright idea - I'll mix some of the sugar sprinkles into the frosting - they are just colored sugar, so the sugar should dissolve leaving the color to turn my white frosting into wonderful shades of orange, green, and yellow. Right? Not so much. No matter how hard I tried, how fast I mixed, or how many sprinkles I added to the frosting...there was no color change...I now just had a lump of white frosting with orange sprinkles. I used it anyway. :)
Happy Halloween!
10/20/2008
My excitement from the weekend:
Well, it finally happened...we bought storage cubes for the living room! Okay, so storage cubes weren't always the plan to put next to the expedit, but they look amazing and finally give a home to some odds and ends in our apartment that had yet to find a home (after 3 months in the apartment!). They look sleek and clean and I'm so glad to have a place for all the things in my lovely little apartment that I love.
I was so excited this weekend to find that you could see my lighted Halloween pumpkins in my window from University Avenue! Me and Geoff were returning home from dinner with Matt and Lindsay (to find ourselves locked out, but that's a whole 'nother story), and as we turned the corner, there were my 5 little pumpkins hanging in the window, bright as day! I about jumped through the roof, and Geoff - although pleased with the lights himself -undoubtedly (and perhaps rightly) found me to be a bit over-excited.
I also bought myself a million cookie cutters last week (okay, I think it's really 150, but if there's anything you should know about me by now, it's that I tend to be a bit of an exaggerator - I think it runs in the family). I'm so excited to make Halloween sugar cookies and decorate them. Hopefully I'll get to do that soon this week!
On a less exciting note: Saturday afternoon we went for a family bike ride in the canyon with Geoff, his parents, and his brother and sister. Well, everyone else went on a bike ride. I took my bike for a nice scenic walk. About a third of the way home, my front tire gave up on holding air. Conveniently, my mom wasn't busy right then, so I chatted with her as I slowly made my way out of the canyon and Geoff sped home at top speed to come pick me up. At least the weather was nice!
And, for your viewing pleasure, some belated photos from DevCon (The PBS Development Conference I attended in San Antonio earlier this month).
Well, it finally happened...we bought storage cubes for the living room! Okay, so storage cubes weren't always the plan to put next to the expedit, but they look amazing and finally give a home to some odds and ends in our apartment that had yet to find a home (after 3 months in the apartment!). They look sleek and clean and I'm so glad to have a place for all the things in my lovely little apartment that I love.
I was so excited this weekend to find that you could see my lighted Halloween pumpkins in my window from University Avenue! Me and Geoff were returning home from dinner with Matt and Lindsay (to find ourselves locked out, but that's a whole 'nother story), and as we turned the corner, there were my 5 little pumpkins hanging in the window, bright as day! I about jumped through the roof, and Geoff - although pleased with the lights himself -undoubtedly (and perhaps rightly) found me to be a bit over-excited.
I also bought myself a million cookie cutters last week (okay, I think it's really 150, but if there's anything you should know about me by now, it's that I tend to be a bit of an exaggerator - I think it runs in the family). I'm so excited to make Halloween sugar cookies and decorate them. Hopefully I'll get to do that soon this week!
On a less exciting note: Saturday afternoon we went for a family bike ride in the canyon with Geoff, his parents, and his brother and sister. Well, everyone else went on a bike ride. I took my bike for a nice scenic walk. About a third of the way home, my front tire gave up on holding air. Conveniently, my mom wasn't busy right then, so I chatted with her as I slowly made my way out of the canyon and Geoff sped home at top speed to come pick me up. At least the weather was nice!
And, for your viewing pleasure, some belated photos from DevCon (The PBS Development Conference I attended in San Antonio earlier this month).
10/16/2008
So, Tissa sent me this, and number 13 got me to thinking.
"About 17 percent of Americans are flourishers, says a study in American Psychologist. They have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and community, and are healthier than "languishers"—about 10 percent of adults who don't feel good about themselves."
I'd like to be considered a part of that 17 percent (and with the addition of B Vitamins to my diet, I'm getting closer!). But, what does it take to flourish? I think flourishing is probably different for everyone, but here are my three ways I plan to be a better flourisher:
1) Talk less, look more. Whenever I'm looking into the eyes of my hubbster, it just seems like everything is better. His eyes are so expressive and the knowledge that he loves me that much fills me with purpose and an overwhelming sense of happy!
2) Stick my head out the window. Metaphorically speaking, of course. That little dog of mine has the greatest sense of euphoria when he gets into the car, windows down, wind whipping through his hair (creating what Geoff and I affectionately refer to as the "cone head"). He could do it non-stop for hours. I plan to spend more time doing the things that truly bring me joy - and maybe get a permanent case of cone head...
3) Learn to love silver. I can't do the things that I love all the time...but I can learn to love the things I do. There really is a 'silver lining' to everything...I see no reason why I can't learn to find the joy in the mundane as well.
What are you going to do?
"About 17 percent of Americans are flourishers, says a study in American Psychologist. They have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and community, and are healthier than "languishers"—about 10 percent of adults who don't feel good about themselves."
I'd like to be considered a part of that 17 percent (and with the addition of B Vitamins to my diet, I'm getting closer!). But, what does it take to flourish? I think flourishing is probably different for everyone, but here are my three ways I plan to be a better flourisher:
1) Talk less, look more. Whenever I'm looking into the eyes of my hubbster, it just seems like everything is better. His eyes are so expressive and the knowledge that he loves me that much fills me with purpose and an overwhelming sense of happy!
2) Stick my head out the window. Metaphorically speaking, of course. That little dog of mine has the greatest sense of euphoria when he gets into the car, windows down, wind whipping through his hair (creating what Geoff and I affectionately refer to as the "cone head"). He could do it non-stop for hours. I plan to spend more time doing the things that truly bring me joy - and maybe get a permanent case of cone head...
3) Learn to love silver. I can't do the things that I love all the time...but I can learn to love the things I do. There really is a 'silver lining' to everything...I see no reason why I can't learn to find the joy in the mundane as well.
What are you going to do?
10/14/2008
Things are moving along.
Last weekend I went on a "girl's weekend" with Tissa, Amanda E, and Joanna. We stayed in a cute little hotel, ate at cafes, sat in the hot tub, floated in the naturally warm water of The Crater , shopped in Park City, and froze in the first snow of the season (what season is it, anyway?).
Last weekend I went on a "girl's weekend" with Tissa, Amanda E, and Joanna. We stayed in a cute little hotel, ate at cafes, sat in the hot tub, floated in the naturally warm water of The Crater , shopped in Park City, and froze in the first snow of the season (what season is it, anyway?).
Rubio wore his coat for the first time this season on Sunday(pictures pending). It was much more snug this year than last year - but still as cute as anything I've ever seen! It's supposed to be in the seventies this weekend, though, so the coat will have to go away until the schizophrenic Utah weather decides what season it actually is.
I put up our Halloween decorations...a sad sight. I opened the box labeled "October" on Sunday night to find that most of the contents were either birthday related or costume related. I had three Halloween garlands, some candles, some lighted pumpkins and a window cling that says "cemetary" on it. It's somewhat depressing, but I still put them up and it brought me a little joy to decorate my little apartment.
Today, I have experienced a few oddities - I'm hoping they are signs that the end of the election is soon to come. :)
Odd things that occurred today:
On my way into the office, a rooster called out to welcome the sun...it was 8:15am, the sun had been up for at least half hour...and I don't work anywhere I would expect a rooster (little Jerry, is that you?).
On my way back from lunch, my speedometer told me I was going 55 as I drove by the 55 MPH sign and noted that the dash also read 55 degrees as the temperature.
Today, I have experienced a few oddities - I'm hoping they are signs that the end of the election is soon to come. :)
Odd things that occurred today:
On my way into the office, a rooster called out to welcome the sun...it was 8:15am, the sun had been up for at least half hour...and I don't work anywhere I would expect a rooster (little Jerry, is that you?).
On my way back from lunch, my speedometer told me I was going 55 as I drove by the 55 MPH sign and noted that the dash also read 55 degrees as the temperature.
10/08/2008
While our trip to San Antonio was a blast and well worth the effort to blog, a very important event has gotten overlooked. One, I must mention, I believe to be of the utmost importance. MY BIRTHDAY!
I briefly mentioned it in my San Antonio blog, but feel inclined to elaborate on the wonderfulness that was my day.
The day before my birthday (since the actual 1st of October was mostly spent on a plane), I had a couple celebrations. Latissa, Amanda E, Joanna and I went out to dinner at PF Changs. I was greeted by Joanna with beautiful flowers (which, by the way, are still blooming and beautiful in my kitchen) and gifts from the girls (Tissa - I wore the shirt a few days ago, and it is so cute! Geoff even mentioned how cute it was). Dinner was spectacular, and was only made better by watching Jo oogle over the waiter.
After Geoff got out of class, we went over to Matt's apartment for homemade mini angelfood cakes with berries (homemade by Lindsay, lest there be any belief out there that Matt made angelfood). It was a perfect sweet treat, followed by a sweet treat for my feet!
I briefly mentioned it in my San Antonio blog, but feel inclined to elaborate on the wonderfulness that was my day.
The day before my birthday (since the actual 1st of October was mostly spent on a plane), I had a couple celebrations. Latissa, Amanda E, Joanna and I went out to dinner at PF Changs. I was greeted by Joanna with beautiful flowers (which, by the way, are still blooming and beautiful in my kitchen) and gifts from the girls (Tissa - I wore the shirt a few days ago, and it is so cute! Geoff even mentioned how cute it was). Dinner was spectacular, and was only made better by watching Jo oogle over the waiter.
After Geoff got out of class, we went over to Matt's apartment for homemade mini angelfood cakes with berries (homemade by Lindsay, lest there be any belief out there that Matt made angelfood). It was a perfect sweet treat, followed by a sweet treat for my feet!
Matt, Lindsay, and Rubi bought me a new pair of Nike running shoes (in pink!). I have to say, they have changed my world. For a girl who spends 6 days a week at the gym, Walmart shoes were a joke. They are amazing and I'm so so loving them. What's even cooler? The shoes have an insert in the sole for a Nike+ adapter that transmits my workout stats to my iPod touch (also brand, spankin' new) and then upload to the internet so I can track my progress and distance. Last night I ran 5.27 miles on the treadmill. It was pretty much the coolest thing ever. Ha!
Geoff also got me some new, and much needed, jewelry (as did Amanda E - I've worn it all!). Overall, I was way too spoiled on my day, but I'm so grateful that enough people love me to make it special! (Mom, don't think you were left out, your birthday exploits were discussed in a previous post - and you are AMAZING).
Happy Belated Birthday to me!
Amanda P.
Geoff also got me some new, and much needed, jewelry (as did Amanda E - I've worn it all!). Overall, I was way too spoiled on my day, but I'm so grateful that enough people love me to make it special! (Mom, don't think you were left out, your birthday exploits were discussed in a previous post - and you are AMAZING).
Happy Belated Birthday to me!
Amanda P.
10/06/2008
So, this is my very first blog on our site and I am (as usual) at a loss of words to begin my thoughts. Lets see, Amanda was right when she said that we survived a trip to San Antonio, while it was a good experience what she failed to mention was that I was fairly sick the entire trip. Because the food wasn't very enjoyable and I wasn't feeling particularly wonderful our dinning experiences were complete flops for me. I really didn't eat more then 1 thing that was delicious. The "meal" (*shutters*) that I did like was a very large baked potato smothered in cheese, ham, and spectacular bacon. Honestly it had to cool for about 20 minutes before I could eat any of the actual potato. Which reminds me of another thing about San Antonio, they are not in any sort of hurry to feed you. The average wait time for us, in a sit down restaurant was about 30 minutes from sit down to food delivery. That is long time to wait, erg. Maybe I should learn to order when I am not hungry that way by the time the food is there I will be able to chow down. Despite the horrible food experience, San Antonio was a very pleasant place to be. Amanda was right the temperature was amazingly nice at dusk and strolling along the riverwalk holding her hand was quite a treat. So all and all, it was a good experience.
10/05/2008
Well, Geoff and I successful survived our trip to San Antonio (along with a handful of my co-workers).
We left on Wednesday (Oct 1) to spend my birthday traveling. The day did begin with a wake-up to a happily decorated house, bouncy music (blaring from my brand new iPod touch!), and lots of love from my handsome hubby. We ended up leaving a few minutes behind schedule and hopped in the car to find an illuminated "gas" light. Ugh. We stopped to get gas on the way to the airport. We also parked (Salt Lake City airport parking lot is about 100 miles from the actual airport), which lost us some much-needed time. We made it to the ticketing agent at about 5 after 1pm (for a 1:30 flight) and she told us we couldn't check in less than 30 minutes before the flight, but since we weren't checking luggage (a conscious choice due to American Airlines ludicrous $15 a bag fee) she was able to get our tickets free from the ticket machine. We rushed through security (breaking all the rules about liquids and pushing my own luggage though the scanner) and made a run for the gate. We made it in the nick of time, panting and exhausted - making every attempt to avoid the questioning glances from my co-workers. But - we made it! Although, it was at this point, I should mention, that Geoff realized his phone and keys were still at the security checkpoint, but he was able to get them back before the plane left.
After a stop in Dallas, we landed successfully in San Antonio and checked into our hotel (pictures to follow at a later date).
After checking in, we went out to a karaoke-filled dinner with my co-workers, quite a treat, might I add. Geoff and I strolled around the city before returning to the hotel. San Antonio (at least while I was there) has PERFECT evening strolling weather. Not too hot, not cold at all, a little breezy occasionally and music softly emanating from undisclosed locations.
Just don't eat the chicken. Or the food in general. I learned a couple things about myself in San Antonio, the most important being this - Tex-Mex food is not for me. I will not miss the awkward texture of the chicken chunks used in most meals or the variety-lacking restaurants that dotted the River Walk. The ambiance was perfect...but the food was unsatisfactory.
Our last night there, we went to a mirror maze downtown (very fun!) and to a movie (empty theatre, apparently movies aren't a big Friday night activity there).
My conference (the real reason I was there) was great. It was the PBS Development Conference, for those of you who don't know. I learned a lot, met some fun people, and overall feel it was a great experience. Lance Armstrong came and talked to us, Jim Lehrer joined us via satellite, Ken Burns addressed us on the first day - very cool. It all kind of boosted my confidence in what I do and how I can do it more effectively. Back to work on Monday! :)
We left on Wednesday (Oct 1) to spend my birthday traveling. The day did begin with a wake-up to a happily decorated house, bouncy music (blaring from my brand new iPod touch!), and lots of love from my handsome hubby. We ended up leaving a few minutes behind schedule and hopped in the car to find an illuminated "gas" light. Ugh. We stopped to get gas on the way to the airport. We also parked (Salt Lake City airport parking lot is about 100 miles from the actual airport), which lost us some much-needed time. We made it to the ticketing agent at about 5 after 1pm (for a 1:30 flight) and she told us we couldn't check in less than 30 minutes before the flight, but since we weren't checking luggage (a conscious choice due to American Airlines ludicrous $15 a bag fee) she was able to get our tickets free from the ticket machine. We rushed through security (breaking all the rules about liquids and pushing my own luggage though the scanner) and made a run for the gate. We made it in the nick of time, panting and exhausted - making every attempt to avoid the questioning glances from my co-workers. But - we made it! Although, it was at this point, I should mention, that Geoff realized his phone and keys were still at the security checkpoint, but he was able to get them back before the plane left.
After a stop in Dallas, we landed successfully in San Antonio and checked into our hotel (pictures to follow at a later date).
After checking in, we went out to a karaoke-filled dinner with my co-workers, quite a treat, might I add. Geoff and I strolled around the city before returning to the hotel. San Antonio (at least while I was there) has PERFECT evening strolling weather. Not too hot, not cold at all, a little breezy occasionally and music softly emanating from undisclosed locations.
Just don't eat the chicken. Or the food in general. I learned a couple things about myself in San Antonio, the most important being this - Tex-Mex food is not for me. I will not miss the awkward texture of the chicken chunks used in most meals or the variety-lacking restaurants that dotted the River Walk. The ambiance was perfect...but the food was unsatisfactory.
Our last night there, we went to a mirror maze downtown (very fun!) and to a movie (empty theatre, apparently movies aren't a big Friday night activity there).
My conference (the real reason I was there) was great. It was the PBS Development Conference, for those of you who don't know. I learned a lot, met some fun people, and overall feel it was a great experience. Lance Armstrong came and talked to us, Jim Lehrer joined us via satellite, Ken Burns addressed us on the first day - very cool. It all kind of boosted my confidence in what I do and how I can do it more effectively. Back to work on Monday! :)
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