Birthday Month

Do you know what's better than having your birthday in December? Actually knowing people where I live when it's my birthday. First on the agenda: Good Eats and free food. Got a free shake for it being my birthday.

Then off to the National Christmas tree. Apparently school children decorated each individual state tree. This year Google helped coordinate all the trees so all the state trees looked the same which made it quite lackluster.

How do you spell Tennessee? (See the generic state tree?)

A real tree exists under there somewhere

The next day we capped off the night with A Muppet Christmas Carol because why not. Day two we traveled to Harper's Ferry for An Olde Tyme Christmas which I thought would be a mix of Charles Dickens + southern charm + Christmas. What it really turned out to be was Civil War 1864 "the city was under martial law" Christmas. Turned out to be pretty cool just the same.

Civil War Santa and me

Harper's Ferry

Then the next week my friend and I went to dinner at Qdoba (one of my favorite quick food places) and then to see A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theatre. I wasn't sure what to expect as I love Hale Center Theatre's version and I didn't want to be disappointed. Well, I wasn't. It was fantastic! I loved it! Plus the setting could not have been better.

The week after my birthday, I gathered at Arlington National Cemetery with a few of my closest friends and thousands of other people to place wreaths on the graves. What a spiritual experience as we were asked to read the name of each soldier before placing a wreath on his or her grave, one by one. This individual act reminded so much of the work we perform in the temple. Very moving!

Afterwards, we grabbed lunch together. While eating, another friend invited me to the Antietam Luminaries that night, leaving around 10pm. I had to teach a lesson the next day and already had a jam packed day so of course I said yes. Once again, my reckless care for my sleep and need to feed my adventurous spirt paid off. My birthday week was top notch!

Antietam Luminaries

Awe-inspiring

Finally, I was not going to go another Christmas without a tree. Craigslist to the rescue. I found a tree for $25 and it was the best money I spent. Merry Christmas!

Yes the tree topper is Mickey Mouse Santa hat

A friend and me at the White House right before Christmas

What Did You Have For Dinner?

This past month I have eaten out wayyyyyyy too much! Seriously! One week I had four dinner dates with friends. Though I loved the convenience, my credit card and waistline did not!

The first drastic measure to alter this trend came two weeks ago. I signed up for another half marathon, then got out my calendar and planned out my running schedule for the next four months. (My brother is actually crazier than I am. He decided to join me for the race but signed up for the full marathon. My sister-in-law is much saner and will run the half with me.) I have enjoyed my morning runs and have found satisfaction in the challenge of beating my goal. This is going to be fun! :)

The second lifestyle change happened tonight. I cooked! I actually love to cook and bake but have let all the traveling and moving and friendly dinner outings get in the way. Now, I have food for lunches for the rest of the week! Healthy lunches too!

Life is good.

Dinner and Jimmer

Last Saturday, my friends Allison, Sherstin, and I went to Costa Vida for dinner. While sitting and eating, Allison finally realized that Jimmer or a Jimmer look-a-like was sitting two tables away from us. We looked, stared, debated, and figured it was probably a look-a-like because the team couldn’t possibly be back from San Diego yet. Then after looking at the time, we realized they actually could be back. Turns out, it WAS Jimmer!

So we did what all self-respecting adult BYU fans would do. We texted and called and bragged to our friends and family. Then, we continued to secretly stalk him. Allison even casually took a picture on her phone to prove to the world of Facebook that we saw Jimmer. Seeing Jimmer just capped a great basketball weekend. Way to go BYU! Always good to be a Cougar fan!

The Glorious Establishment Called Costco

Costco amazes me. Somehow I walk into the store knowing exactly what I need, yet I still find myself picking up this and that as I walk through the store. Today was no exception. However, Costco has finally picked up on the glories of where I grew up. How can that be? How could Costco, a giant conglomerate of a machine, ever recognize little ol' Sanpete County?

Well, as I was walking through eating the samples, I stumbled upon the Norbest Turkey display. The first sample was your everyday roasted turkey. Good, but not enough for me to buy it. Then the temptation. The marinated turkey sat on the opposite side. I grabbed one, popped it in my mouth, and the memories of camping and mountain dinners rushed through me. I caved. When I went to pick up a package, I laughed! Look at the top left corner of the image:

Apparently, Sanpete Style is so good that even Norbest Turkey picked up the flavor. (It really is the best way to cook a turkey.) Once again, I'm reminded of my dad's philosophy. "Anything you need, you can get it at Costco." Thank you Costco!

*Two packages came with the bundle and one of my sisters has already volunteered to take the second one. :)

Favorite Time of Year

The only thing better than caramel and chocolate mixed together is peanut butter and chocolate at Easter time.

Gratitude Day 17

I realize many of my gratitude posts have been more somber and serious. Though it has been a couple of tough weeks, I don't want any of you to think I have lost my optimism or hope. I'm still me. Just taking steps into the darkness and waiting for the light to guide my way.

1- My aunt's laugh. Tonight my aunt invited my sister and I to her house to have dinner with her family. My cousin is in town and getting ready to move to London (again) so this was a way to see him before he left town. As we sat and talked and laughed I couldn't help but admire my aunt's happiness and joy for life. The icing on the cake though is her laugh. Anytime she is laughing, you are laughing with her. It was great to be with the Perry family tonight.

2- Scotcharoos. For those of you who have never had this dessert, you are missing out. Delicious! I love them! They have incredibly addictive substances in them called chocolate and peanut butter and butterscotch. Oh how life seems better when you have had a scotcharoo.

3- Informational interviews that turn into full time offers. Though nothing has been officially signed, hope exists. The CEO that I spoke with last week may have a position for me at the beginning of the new year. Many changes are happening in life and switching jobs seems to be in the mix.

Gratitude Day 13

1- Other people shopping for me. I've needed brown shoes for my sister's wedding. I had looked but hadn't found anything that really worked for me. My friend Kate and my sister both researched and shopped for me. I now have shoes. So glad I had other people's help on this one.

2- Indian food. How can lamb, naan, and curry be wrong? Love it!

3- Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. My sister was on a business trip this past week. On her way home she stopped at the Cheesecake Factory and bought me a slice of my favorite kind. The best part about this little gift is the cheesecake is so rich it lasts more than one sitting. Thanks Nettie!

Gratitude Day 10

1- Networking. In MBA school networking was hammered into our heads as the top way to get a job. As I am still looking for a full-time position to replace my part-time one, I have really begun to utilize this idea. Today I met with a friend of both my brother-in-laws. He invited me to a conference where he is going to introduce me to key people who will be influential in helping me find the perfect position.

2- Baked goods. On her way home from work today, my roommate stopped at an amazing bakery shop and bought me a delicious cinnamon roll. Thanks Christine!

3- My A lot sticker. I love that I can park anywhere on campus. After years of always having to park in designated areas, I enjoy that I can pull into any empty stall without thinking twice about getting a ticket.

Gratitude Day 4

1- BYU fudge! I've never had it before but today my brother-in-law bought me a chunk. All I can say is the world has never been a better place. Yummy!

2- Hope. Sometimes taking a step into the darkness is scary and though I have no guarantee of how all my "what ifs" will turn out, hope sustains me.

3- Gilmore Girls. I don't watch TV very often but this show is a regular. Always makes the day bright and happy.

Gratitude Day 1

1- Last March I interviewed with a company in SL and they were interested in hiring me. I am grateful I did not take a position with that company. This morning I found out they had a swath of layoffs and I would have been included in that group.

2- Pumpkin bread. Yummy! I've already had two large slices today.

3- Texas Roadhouse. First time eating there tonight. I'm definitely not a vegetarian.

Eating Greens is a Special Treat

“‘Eating greens is a special treat, It makes long ears and great big feet. But it sure is awful stuff to eat.’ I made that last part up myself.”

To say I was a picky eater as a child is to say Hawaii is surrounded by a small body of water. I was horrible. I remember sitting at the table after everyone had left, with my food still sitting in front of me, having a battle of wills with my mom. Sometimes she won. Other times she would find my food dumped in the garbage can or down the kitchen sink. Once I even had a debate with my dad over who was going to eat my dinner. He explained to me that it was my food; therefore, it was my responsibility to eat it. I countered that argument with the logical explanation that I was giving him my food, which meant he had no guilt in taking and eating it. Though he smiled and laughed at my sound rebuttal, he didn't bite and I ended up forcing myself to eat whatever it was sitting on my plate.

As a teenager, I realized I needed to venture into uncharted territories. Little by little, I began trying new foods hoping to find a taste that seemed palatable. Recent events have caused me to think upon this adventure. I have had the opportunity to try new foods, not by choice, but because circumstances and decorum deemed it necessary. I realized I have added quite the array of new foods to my list of likes (or food I will eat) the past ten years. You may be shocked to see certain foods on my new list of likes, but remember, as a child, I went to great lengths to avoid eating anything that looked suspiciously healthy. For now I am content with my progress and happy to say that I no longer feel that "greens" are awful stuff to eat.

Not an inclusive list: Strawberries, Avocados, Raspberries, Spinach, Broccoli, Artichokes, Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Green Beans

AOG - Day 29

1- I am grateful for hot tubs. I love sitting and relaxing in hot tubs. This weekend I was at the Waldorf-Astoria resort at The Canyons. Being in a ritzy hotel, in the mountains, with a hot tub? Priceless.

2- I am grateful for peanut butter cookies. I got the recipe from a girl who collected different PB cookie recipes and she gave me her favorite.

3- I am grateful that the semester ends in 2 1/2 weeks. It is going to be a crazy busy time but I am excited for the Christmas break.

AOG - Day 26

1- I am grateful for Thanksgiving Day and the opportunity we have to eat amazing food and to enjoy the time with family.

2- I am grateful that my mom feels safer when I drive then when my dad drives. He isn't a bad driver, but his cautious driving doesn't always make the rest of us in the car feel safe. I'm glad my mom lets me drive.

3- I am grateful for chocolate ice box cake. It is a divine dessert my mom makes every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I look forward to it every year!

AOG - Day 24

1- I am grateful that my classes were cut short today!

2- I am grateful that between classes I was able to hang out with a good friend of mine.

3- I am grateful for the Thanksgiving dinner that I was invited to tonight. Yummy!

AOG - Day 19

1- I am grateful for random lunch breaks where I can catch up with friends not in the MBA program.

2- I am grateful for the few hours I had today to do laundry. Now I just need to find time to fold it.

3- I am grateful for compliments. It is always nice to know someone noticed the effort you took to look good for the evening.

AOG - Day 13

1- I am grateful for beautiful music. Though I don't claim to have a singing voice at all, I appreciate the talents of others.

2- I am grateful for the ability to cook. Coming from a family of ten, I had many opportunities to cook for others. This skill has been beneficial in many ways.

3- I am grateful for my car. The poor thing is dying on me but it has endured with me through the years and many, many travels. These include Arizona, Northern California, Southern California, Las Vegas, and five years of commuting.

AOG - Day 8

1- I am grateful for nieces and nephews. I am really glad they are old enough to play games that are fun for me too.

2- I am grateful for homemade food. Too often I rely on processed foods to help me as I run from one activity to another. A good home-cooked meal is greatly appreciated.

3- I am grateful for the little mistakes we make in life because they help us avoid the big mistakes that could come later if we didn't change after the little ones.

Gratitude - Day 27

1. I am grateful I had a successful shopping day. I don't really care to go shopping for myself. Unfortunately I have a pair of church shoes that squeak every time I walk (4 years old), a pair of brown shoes that are falling apart (5 years old), and most of my clothes would be tossed if Stacy and Clinton showed up at my house (okay...not really). The point is I needed to go shopping, but I don't like searching for the perfect outfit, I dislike having to wear five or six layers, I refuse to spend full price knowing if I am patient I can get an item on sale, I find it pointless to buy something that is ruined with a camisole underneath, etc., etc., etc. So I was really excited yesterday when I found things I actually liked, that were on sale, and didn't require me to layer for modesty sake. Such a nice feeling!

2. I am grateful for Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's. I indulged myself while living in Phoenix. Last year my aunt brought two boxes from Oregon. Most of the year, I don't miss Trader Joe's, but at Christmas time my heart gives a sigh knowing I'm missing out on one of the good things in life. I bought Oreo's Candy Cane variety, but was sadly disappointed. Next year, I will pre-order my boxes of Joe-Joe's from you who live near Trader's Joe.

3. I am grateful for Google Reader. With so many friends out there with blogs, it is so nice to visit one page that updates all of you for me. Thanks for sharing your blogs with me and thanks to Google Reader for keeping them all organized.

Gratitude - Day 24

1. I am grateful I enjoy driving. I have been and will be traveling back and forth between home and Salt Lake many times this week. As long as traffic isn't bad, I find driving cathartic. Some of my favorite memories are the road trips I have taken: Vegas with Annette a couple of times - food was the sole purpose for one of those, Arizona with Annette - Fiesta Bowl, driving to Sacramento - blip.blip.blip.blip.blip.etc, and others. Good times!

2. I am grateful that I am still in bed at 9am on a weekday. Don't think I'm too lazy. I woke up at 7:30am. I have just been playing old school Nintendo on my computer, catching up on emails, and not doing homework.

3. I am grateful for lunch plans with friends. With my life being so busy, it is nice to take a break, eat good food, and talk with people I care about. Yesterday, my friend Chloe and I had lunch. She sits behind me in all my classes but we rarely have time to just be us. I have lunch plans with another friend today and am looking forward to more good food and conversation.

Gratitude - Day 10

1. I am grateful for Dessert Night. What is that you ask? It all started many years ago after Lucille and Scott got married. Lu and I had lived 30 yards away from one another and saw each other at least 3-4 times a week. After she got married, our lives rarely crossed. Periodically, we would get together for dinner. By that time, Nettie was at school too and was part of our random outings. Finally we decided to schedule one day a week where we went out to eat and catch-up on each others' lives. Eventually that was getting expensive, Lucy and Scott had a kid, and little one needed to go to bed earlier than we were eating dinner. So we decided to change it to dessert. The rest is history. We have had other family members and cousins join our group through the years: Chris, Paul, Daniel, Andrew, Morgan, and others. I was so happy to hear that they continued the tradition when I moved to Phoenix and really excited when I moved back. I look forward to our weekly Dessert Night.

2. I am grateful for my ability to sleep anywhere. I was exhausted yesterday and needed to sleep. I went to the MBA lounge, curled up in a chair, and crashed for 30 minutes while everyone around me was chatting. Besides that small nap, I was awake for 20+ hours yesterday.

3. I am grateful for random phone calls. My mom and I were able to talk for a few minutes yesterday about nothing. I love talking with my mom.