I'm an Aunt... again!

My brother and sister-in-law just had their FOURTH baby today. WAY TO GO MELISSA! More details will have to follow since I have very limited information right now. But, I am super excited for them!

Ellie, Reagan, and Maddox are going to be sooo cute with that new baby.


Update: Oh yeah, haha... They had a baby girl! Thanks Kami... guess I forgot that detail. As far as I know they are still contemplating a name.

Apparently, this is the place to be today...

When we went to the mall tonight looking to score our own deal, I had completely forgotten that I had heard on the news that 'Deal or No Deal' was hosting and open casting call at our mall. The crowd was crazy. At first we couldn't figure out what was going on. I kept hearing all this commotion and I just thought to myself, what is making those teenage girls keep screaming? (Turns out there weren't really any teenagers there... just high pitched, overly excited locals.)

Some of the characters that pulled up on their Winnebago's were hysterical. I wonder if I could have convinced Regan to camp out with me? (Although, I think I would have been too eager to say, "Deal!" when the banker offered me $30K. I'm just not much of a risk taker!) Seriously though, it was like a party out there.

The fun didn't stop with Howie Mandel... Hillary Clinton was campaigning at the Y yesterday and I think Bill made a stop in the Dash today. Who knew that we lived in such a hot spot?!

My Home Improvement

My boss offered to give us some furniture that belonged his daughter who is moving out of state. Score for us! We got an entire bedroom set for free. I wasn't in love with the gold drawer pulls but with a quick stop at Walmart I was able to fix that for 97 cents (black spray paint... genious, right?) Not too shabby, if I may say so myself. We are LOVING the look of our new and improved bedroom. Not to mention our now clutter free closet. Thanks Ed!

I just saved 15% or more on my car insurance by swiching to Geico.

Sersiouly. haha.

Sorry for the lack of posts... I've been livin' it up over Regan's spring break. And by "living it up" I mean, of course, that I have been going to work every day. But, at least we have lots of time in the evenings to hang out and partaay. We've watched lots of movies, made cookies, gone running on a new trail, spent a ton of time laughing, and counting down the days until summer is here and finals are a distant memory.

Gotta love spring... and daylight savings!

I am slightly embarrased

...that I am even writing about this but I feel the need to explain my point of view. Haha, and its Friday and I don't have much else to do.

Before I begin: If you are not a fan of the Twilight series you really aren't going to want to keep reading this.

So, on to it: Jacob v. Edward
I have to admit that while I really did enjoy the first book (as a fun/quick/easy read) I wasn't convinced by the love story aspect. I just felt sort of so- so about it. Bella Swan seemed like a weak character and I wasn't all convinced that Edward was that great. She seems sooooo needy when she is with him and her obsession is kinda weird. Why would she want to be with some one who could kill her? Why would she give up her life as a human to be with him? Why would anyone want to be a vampire? If Edward REALLY loved her why would he constantly put her in danger?

More than anything I was really REALLY over her moaning and complaining about her being without Edward (whereas Jacob seemed like such a breath of fresh air) in the second book, so much so that I really wasn't in a rush to read the third book. I put my name on the waiting list at the library and was patiently biding my time (mind you I was like #80 on the list back in September). Then, when Kami realized I still hadn't read it she promptly mailed me her personal copy (thanks Kami!) I was so excited to have a new book to read. I finished it quickly and was slowly getting over my annoyance with Bella. I was almost convinced that Edward was the one while I was reading it. Almost. While I love this undying love they have for each other I'm not sure that I can consider it true love... it seems sort of superficial. Frankly, I would rather her end up with Jacob. He seems to care more about her happiness. She wouldn't have to change who she is to be with him, or give up her family to be with him, or be cold all the time. I mean, I don't want her to get with Jacob just because it is more practical or safe- I just wish that she could realize her deep feelings for him and not feel like she was settling for second best. I think he is a better match for her.

I think that Stephenie Meyer has really tried to paint a picture of an overly stereotypical teenage girl with all sorts of self doubt and I think any female can identify with that on some level. So of course we love the fact that the "coolest" guy in the book is head over heals in love with her... but why? I mean is the author trying to tell us that Bella has more worth than we give her credit for? Because I don't feel like Edward truly sees that. He says that he does but I can't help but wonder if it is just her scent that is luring him in.

Conversely, Jacob seems to just like Bella for who she really is. She doesn't have to filter her thoughts for him because she is afraid of him getting mad, like she does with Edward. And even though Jacob seems to keep losing Bella, he doesn't nose-dive into this whole self pity routine. He takes what he can get but also makes it clear what he wants.

Haha, I read this on some other blog:

Edward: Hi, I'm an 80-year-old vampire.
I have a constant urge to kill people. And I'm
a really controlling boyfriend!

Jacob: Hi, I'm really funny and nice and not
annoyingly conrolling. I'm a werewolf, which is
cool, an means that I don't kill people. Also, I'm
not stupidly noble. And I ride a motorcycle.

I don't think I've really analyzed a book this much since high school. Haha, and I love that this silly book about vampires is such a "hot" issue.

uuugh.

So I attempted to start filing our tax return and I just have to declare publicly that I HATE TAXES. I have never actually filed my own taxes (if you only new the grade I got in Accounting 200 you would understand why...) Before I got married my dad always did my taxes b/c they were fairly complicated. Then I got married and Regan did them.

Tonight I thought I would start our taxes by myself. I pulled out my files with my neatly stashed W-2s and other documents... thinking I would just enter the info and see my return climb higher and higher. Then Turbo Tax got the best of me. The free online version is so annoying. So I am taking a little break now to complain.

And now, especially since I've been dreaming about having a billion dollars all day, I would like to add 'hire a personal accountant' to my list. I know, I know, I'm getting a little long winded with my demands... but I am the billionaire so I do what I want.

tag

Ten years ago I was: let's see, it is now March... so i was probably half-way packed for girls camp in July, working on getting as many girl scout badges as I could have my mom to *glue* on to my sash (ohhh and making "Swaps" for my swap hat!!), babysitting every weekend, counting down the days until my first stake dance, spending a lot of time in bowling alleys (selling candy bars), wishing for braces, and crushing on every boy i had ever met.

And just because that was so fun...

Five years ago I was: counting down the days until I graduated high school, praying every night that I would get into BYU, writing essays for being late to early morning Seminary, loving trigonometry.

Three years ago to the day: I was going to an OKGO concert with Regan and Courtney and Devin. I had a huge crush on Regan but I was trying to play it cool. I started going to the library every day b/c I knew that is where he would be ( funny that those were also my worst semester grades in college) Three years ago this month we went on our first date and held hands for the first time. Awww...

One year ago... I was hoping that I would make it through my last month in college (I trying to do those stupid focus groups and having panic attacks that the recording equipment wasn't working AND I was taking my capstone class), getting nostalgic every time I went into the testing center, driving the big blue truck around campus, aaaaaand wondering if I could really work at 6 am every day in the summer. Oh, and I was desperate to know where we would be living this year.

My to-do list: clean my carpets, pretend like I am helping Regan with the taxes, talk to someone at schwab, get new couches, get my hair cut, watch Lost tonight, write my church talk, go to costco.

Bad habits- blowing my nose like a fog horn, not drinking enough water, using two q-tips every day instead of just one, getting stressed out about making really simple decisions.

Snacks I enjoy: popcorn (not microwave), diet pepsi, pink lady apples, Ukrop's chocolate pie (and anything else from ukrops), Costco strawberries.

If I suddenly got a billion dollars I would: buy a popcorn air popper, an iphone, a fancy digital camera, and new couches. Pay off Regan's school loans. Build 2 houses (one by each of our families, plus maybe a condo by a beach.) Give a couple million to each of our family members, donate to some causes that I have always wished I could afford to donate to, buy a jet for everyone in my family to share (I think we should share it just so we can keep it real, ya know) and I'd host cool vacations and fly all my friends in and I'd hire babysitters to watch the kids. I'd buy a private school (why not?) that taught Gospel principles but also included awesome classes like dance for gym class and all the sorts of things I would have loved to learn when I was in school (like welding!). All my nieces and nephews would want to go there and there would also be really cute uniforms. I think I'd also hire a personal assistant...(although, I am not sure what they would assist with) a chef, personal trainer, and a masseuse, oh and someone to organize my house and probably a maid to come and deep clean like once or twice a month...because if I have two houses I'm going to need that. (And cause I would LOVE for my house to look like this:)



I'd probably send a Christmas card to Oprah- just because I'd feel like I had to (b/c obviously by this point we'd be acquaintances) And I'd quit my job. I might buy Regan a horse but then I'd pay him to not make me ride it. I'd probably try to go green and organic (at least a little more than I am now) and shop at Whole Foods. But I think I might still use coupons b/c I hate to pay more than I have too. Strike that- I would have my personal assistant cut coupons. Oh, haha, and I would start a magazine that was sort of a mix between The New Era, Seventeen, and Martha Stewart Living... that was my dream when I was in high school. I'd also probably fund some movies... ones that would be really fun to watch, wholesome, but without being cheesy. I dream big, huh?

Places I've lived: East Moline, IL; B'ham, AL; Richmond, VA; Provo, UT; Washington DC; Winston-Salem, NC.

Jobs I've had: babysitter/nanny, pet sitter, Pepsi sales girl, Foam packer, Receptionist/filer, Nordstrom shoe sales girl, BRG interviewer, Paint mixer (can I count this one? b/c I did actually get hired... I just never ended up working there) 4-H after school leader, Classroom support representative, Event planning intern, flower shop girl (never really knew what my title was), Human Service Provider- HR temp, A/V technician. Birthday party coordinator. WOW- I can't believe all that...

Things you might not know about me: I drool (usually only in my sleep: ) I hate hate hate to hear people cut their nails (and the lady next to me at work does it all the time) but worse than that I HATE to see the clippings. BARF! I use to wish every day at 11:11 am that I could be like Samantha Stevens from 'Bewitched'. I think I might like Jacob more than Edward. I am actually pretty scared of heights. American Heritage was my favorite class at BYU (besides clogging and floral design).

Get

Seriously, if you still aren't watching THE BEST tv show that is on TV right now... you are REALLY missing out. I mean, I really am proud to say that I have been with the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 since day one, but I am here to say that it is not too late to get into it.

Case in point: After Christmas we came back to NC with a week (weekend?) to spare and we told our good friends, Andrew and Tiffany, that they absolutely NEEDED to watch it. And then they did. It was that easy. We started them off with two free episodes at our house just to get them hooked. We're kind of like drug pushers, no? (Except that LOST is so much better than drugs- or so I would like to think- but with the same DUUUDE! factor) But really you can watch them all for free on ABC.com in HD! Our friends watched the first three seasons in time for the season four premiere. That is some serious dedication (he is in law school with Regan and she works full-time.)

Last week's episode was sooo good. I think I even saw Regan's eyes glistening. Oh, and one last push: not only does Lost provide the best hour of entertainment on Thursday nights but it also allows for HOURS of entertainment for theorizing what will happen next/rehashing details from the latest episode... Ok, I officially sound like a geek.

iTRAIN

So I just heard about this cool thing called iTRAIN and I'm wondering if anyone has heard of it or used it. Check it out here. Basically, it is like having a personal trainer in your pocket (or on your ipod). The website calls it a "downloadable destination offering Hollywood personal trainers with music entertainers in one package. The perfect fitness solution that is right in your pocket."

I am very intrigued. And with the weather starting to get sooo awesome I am really feeling the urge to get movin'.

Rah rah sis boom bah!

Yesterday Regan finished the second half of his first midterm of his second semester of his first year of law school. What a mouthful, haha. Can you tell I've been practicing that? Anyway, just felt like I should continue my duty as cheerleader. Haha. Ok, before I get into "Regan is R-E-D...H-O-T" I'll sign off...

But before I go, can anyone believe that we have lived in NC for 6 months? INSANE.

Coco is the cat's pajamas

Chloe's bday sleepover was a blast. I laughed my head off during karaoke... seriously, the kind of laugh that made tears roll down my cheeks. Someday, if you catch me in an uninhibited mood, I will reenact some of the best parts. The visit was short and sweet, but definitely worth the trek.

Update

Regan made me promise to go and see the puppies while I was in Richmond... he even went as far as to email my mom to make sure it happened. Luckily, I brought my camera to prove that I actually held those puppies!

I look freaky in the first picture but I'll chalk that up to being a little bit scared to hold the puppies. Why you ask? I have no idea... it just wiggled and made noises...but I have VERY little experience with puppies and dogs.




I don't know, I might be sold on a future dog...

Road Trip!

This weekend I am going home with my sister and my niece for a little girls time...hooray!

Money back guarantees:

-Laughing my head off
- Party food
-Dance/Karaoke time (aka, entertainment by Marissa)
-A romantic comedy
-Lounging in our pajamas
-Crafts with the kiddos

CAN'T WAIT!

who is this girl?

I am SURE that you will all be shocked to hear this but for the VERY first time... probably ever... I briefly wanted a dog. I know, the gasps can be heard 'round the world since I have been previously known as "the one who hates all animals" or the one with a "dog/cat/[insert animal of choice] aversion". (FYI: I don't hate them... most of them I am scared of and the others I'd prefer to just see from a distance) I was driving home from the Y on Saturday night and my mom mentioned that some people at church had a lab that had puppies. Regan and I have agreed that some day we will get a lab. (I am voting chocolate but he wants black... he has "compromised" saying we can get one of each, haha)

Regan has convinced me that if we get a puppy I will get to know it and learn to love it. (As opposed to being slightly afraid of it and very grossed out by the dog hair/smells.) "Someday" to me means when we have a house, a yard, a fence, and a child who is at least five years old. But somehow, when I talked to my mom I got a little excited about getting a tiny brown lab. And, how convenient that I am heading to Richmond this very weekend. I called Regan to tell him the prospect of good news... but unfortunately he called my bluff, haha. Or maybe I called his? Even later that night as I was sitting at home (alone watching a movie while Regan was studying for a midterm) I considered that if we had a puppy I would have someone to watch lots and lots of romantic comedies with whenever I wanted.

But really (and I really do hate to break this to all you dog lovers out there...) I don't want an indoor dog, nor can we afford one right now, AND I don't even think we are allowed to have one in our condo. Oh, and we are gone all day at work/school and that seems mean to the dog. I just thought it was a big step/accomplishment that I briefly even considered it, even half seriously.

Where to begin...

I guess I will start off with the cute cute cute vday apron that Regan's mom sent in the mail... I didn't really have anything festive out this year so this surprise definitely made my day. And it definitely inspired me to make a Valentines Breakfast. (Haha, like my props in the picture? I felt dumb taking a picture with out them :) I decided to make hot pink waffles complete with strawberries and whipped cream. I was psyched when I checked the Harris Teeter (my favorite local grocery store) ad and saw that strawberries AND whipped cream were on sale this week. Too perfect. Although, I can attest to the fact that hot pink waffles don't actually look as appealing as you might think. You win some... you lose some, right? I just think that everything should be pink or red at least one day out of the year.



The full table spread:




We spent a romantic dinner and Chipotle, haha. Gotta love a free burrito. We ran into our friend, Spencer, whose wife was working late so we included him and made it a "romantic dinner for three". We topped the evening off with a little shopping, brownies sundays, and our favorite TV show, Lost. And just so you know the kind of hopeless romantic Regan really is... He made a coupon for a free foot massage and then gave me a second coupon:



(incase you can't read it is says "1 free foot massage for the other foot." He's too funny.

Finally. My favorite day of the year is here...

And now, in honor of this day of love... a few of my favorite love songs. You're gonna want to turn up the volume for these babies.

















I could go on and on...

it is the little things that make life big...

ok, so we all know the big things help but I am just trying to embrace good things as they come... even if they seem insignificant in the scheme of things. its easy to recognize the big things (like tax returns and costco samples) so I thought I'd put a plug in for the small things. here are a just a few of my life's simple pleasures: (after all, I'm a pretty simple gal: )

an empty laundry basket. i love knowing that ALL of the clothes in my house are clean (and neatly stowed). this feeling can't last long, obvioisly... but it sure is nice in the interim.

emptying the dirt in my dyson. it is like a sense of accomplishment seeing all of the dirt I've sucked up.

left overs. not all left overs, mind you. just the good ones like pizza or lasagna.

freshly painted toes

brand new, cean socks... on the same note: folding laudry and not having ANY missing socks

clean, cool, unwrinkled sheets... but only cool when it is a reasonable temp in my room

those little individual floss things... never bought them myself but yesterday morning I thought they might improve my dental health.

unexpected emails from a friend in my inbox

running to the grocery store for that last ingredient that you forgot and finding it on sale

finding a perfect self tanner... haven't done this one yet but I imagine it would be great.

meeting someone name mrs. sunshine... I swear this happened to me last week.

and unexpected, "thank you" or some other sort of appreciation

when someone else empties the dishwasher or does some other chore I am planning on getting around to (hint hint)

panty hose that dont get runs... these are a rarity.

when your favorite song just happens to come on the radio when you get into the car

when someone you barely know remembers your name and uses it... I am SOO bad about this so I really appreciate it in others.

the noise that a can of diet pepsi makes when you open it... instant "ahhhhhh" moment.

My first REAL job

Its official... FINALLY. I was offered a regular, full-time position at Wake Forest on Friday after waiting what seemed like FOREVER. Yesterday at our staff meeting the dean of the department welcomed me and gave me these pretty flowers. I took them home but I think I would get to enjoy them more if I had left them at my desk... I sit there for a good portion of the day.

Basically, the only change from before is that I get benefits... and I think it would be a lot harder for them to fire me now. Oh, and I get 10% off at El Torero now. Awesome.

The other day one of my co-workers was asking what our plans were for after law school. Since we don't really have plans yet, I gave my standard generic answer that we will go where ever the best opportunities are, but of course we hope to be by family, etc. She told me that we would probably have to go where he gets a job but it was lucky that with my career I could work anywhere because there are lots of schools all over. I had to stifle a laugh because I would have never considered my job a career. Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy it more days of the week than not... and I feel blessed to have found this job... but it is never what I imagined I would do or really aspired to. I guess until I got a taste of that great place called CMS, that is. 

New Soul

You might recognize this song from the new Apple commercial. Regan showed me the music video the other night and I am loving it, right now. Makes me want to have my own barefoot parade in a beautiful field of flowers... so I thought I would share the wealth:

pizza pizza

We made home made pizza yesterday and it turned out great. I know, I was surprised, too. I found a recipe for pizza dough that I altered slightly and it was the best that we've made so far. The picture doesn't look very appealing because I didn't think to take a picture until I was putting away the leftovers. Next step: learn how to roll out my dough so that it is perfectly round.
Regan made the sauce, and to be honest I wasn't paying attention to what he put in it. I think there was tomato sauce doctored up by some canned tomatoes and some sauteed onions. Whatever it was... was good!

Here is the dough recipe:

INGREDIENTS
* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
* 3 cups flour
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons white sugar
* 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (i think i also added a little basil)


DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour, olive oil, salt, seasonings, white sugar and the yeast mixture; stir well to combine. Beat well until a stiff dough has formed. Cover and rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Turn dough out onto a well floured surface. Form dough into a round and roll out into a pizza crust shape. Bake crust for 10 min. Cover with your favorite sauce and toppings and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 minutes. (I also tried turning the temp up to 400 for the second round of baking.