24 on the 24th!

I was a little nervous in anticipation of my birthday this year. 24 on the 24th is NEVER going to happen for me again. I've never in my life felt old (I guess that comes with being the youngest in my family) but with my nearing birthday I started to feel like time was running out. Does that qualify as a quarter life crisis? Cause in my mind, 24 marks my official embarking into the MID-twenties. And I've spotted some gray hairs the last few months. (And do I need to remind you all of the coldwater creek incident?)

But, I when I woke up this morning (at an all-together-too-early time to wake up on your birthday) I really didn't feel any different. Not that I expected to. In fact, I was mostly just excited because my getting older also meant Regan brought me breakfast in bed. He invented a breakfast quesadilla that was almost too good to be true. And, I guess the one perk of being the baby of your family is that no matter how old you get (or think you might be getting) you eventually realize that everyone else is still years ahead of you!

All in all -and despite having to work extra on my birthday (heh. How much longer do you think I can milk having to work on my bday?) I've had a very lovely anniversary of my birth (as my father-in-law would say). Thanks of course to all my wonderful friends and family for the happy birthday wishes, calls, texts, emails, etc. And most especially because of Regan, who always makes the day memorable. This is the fourth birthday that he has helped me celebrate. How crazy is that?

I took this next picture while I was talking to my mom this morning so I could show her the green sweater that Regan picked out for me. He also got me new running shoes and I just have to mention that he was SO patient while waiting for me to make a decision. I seriously am so obnoxiously indecisive. But he didn't mind at all (or at least he acted like he didn't.) I tried to tilt my head in the picture to include the gray hairs I'm sporting but I guess they don't photograph well... lucky for me.

When I got off of work we went out to dinner and then Regan took me to pick out a dessert. I think I chose the most decadent one they had at Fresh Market. We got maybe a quarter of the way into it. And that makes two nights of cake in a row (we had our friends over for pumpkin cake squares on Sunday night.) I think I forgot to make a wish when I blew out the candle... both times. Hmm, that's a bummer now that I think about it. Oh well, only 364 days until the next one...ps- Regan told me that I could say that he made this cake. (As in, he MADE it happen.) So kudos to Regan.

i thought this day would never come...

Hooray! It's FRIDAY.

I'm all too happy to kiss the longest-week-ever goodbye.

Just wanted to give a little shout out for my favorite team.

Win or Lose, I'll always love my cougs.
(Even if I'm still learning to love watching football.)

Happy Cheering!

ps- I'm eager to hear any reviews of twilight for those of you going to see it tonight!

baby it's cold outside

35 degrees to be precise. It's no wonder that I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning.

I've been really wanting to get an electric blanket but after this morning I think it could be my downfall. I'm pretty positive that I'd hibernate until Dec. 19th. (That's when Regan finishes his finals and we get to party.) 31 more days to go Regan!

This lovely picture is keeping me going today. I almost feel warmer just looking at that sun. Which I guess is a good thing since I'm not going to see it in real life today. I'm working LONG days all this week.

pictures from last weekend

Last weekend I went to Raleigh to hang out with my sister. On Friday night we went to High School Musical 3 and I kind of LOVED it. On Saturday night Clayton came down with two of his friends and I schooled them all in President's Scum (or something along those lines.)


Side note: my cube-mate just came over with her Coldwater Creek catalog and showed me several pieces in it that, according to her, looked like "Lindsay". I'm not sure what to do with that information. Perhaps I'll just file it away in folder marked "depressing'. (Right next to the time when the teen from Baby Gap told me that I should totally apply because they love to hire moms and older women.) And I digress...

Hope you all have a happy Friday!

another twilight post

Sorry for the non-fans out there. And for the record, I am not an obsessed fan. I consider myself a mildly interested consumer. I haven't even decided if I'm going to see the movie when it comes to theater because I can't imagine that its going to be very good. (Don't worry, I am sure I will see it eventually.)

Now that that is out of the way, back to my story:

Over Halloween at World Market they had some "Vampire" wine on display. It wasn't a real hot seller during my Wednesday night shifts but one night a girl spotted it and said she HAD to buy it for her Twilight Premiere Party. I thought it was funny, so of course I bring it up anytime anyone talks about the wine. (I, of course, have no intention of purchasing the wine but I did think it was kind of clever idea.)

This past Wednesday one of my co-workers stopped me in the middle of my telling this novel use of the wine (I'm so punny!) and my Twilight endorsement to say that she thought that as a Southern Baptist I couldn't read books about vampires and such. (Obviously, I haven't been very thorough in my missionary work. I guess I'm gonna have to work on that.)

I quickly corrected her, telling her that I am actually member of the LDS church. And while Mormons may not drink or smoke or swear, we LOVE us some teenage vampire drama. (I realize it's not just a Mormon thing- but there is a serious following from women in the church.) And if she were to read the series (like I may have suggested a few times in passing) she would know that it is not really about evil vampires... it focuses on the follow-your-moral-compass kind of vampires. That's a type of vampire, right?

And then I might have mentioned that the author was actually a fellow Latter-day Saint. Just you know, to set the record straight.

Suffice it to say, I might start having a hard time convincing people that I'm not obsessed with the books. I've read them once. And recommended them to a few people. And maybe posted arguments on behalf of a certain character on my blog a few times. And sometimes when I see a pregnant woman I imagine her baby clawing its way out of the uterus. No biggie.

confession

Okay, so basically... Regan and I snuck into Sam's Club today.
You know, just for comparison's sake.
_______________________________

We found there is nothing to compare.
Sorry Sam. Our hearts belong to another.

moving on. moving foward.

I thought McCain's concession speech was excellent. All the more reason why I am disappointed by his loss. I wasn't a true fan from the beginning but I felt like I grew to appreciate and admire him. And for the record, I truly did believe that Palin represented the conservative/family values that I only hope to find in a politician. I feel blessed to have been born into a country where I have the freedom to vote for my government leaders and I respect the democratic process that got us a new president-elect today. And now, I am done talking about the election.

As of this morning, I am going to work on this:

(and ps- can I just say that Obama really did have better

graphics and posters throughout this whole ordeal?)

Despite which party holds office in the future, I know America has a lot of hard times ahead (with the economy, national security, moral stances, inevitable natural disasters, etc.) but I'm not too worried. I feel like with the Gospel we can press forward and make it through. The most important thing is for us all to do our part to stand up for what we believe in and safeguard our families for the future. I am grateful for the hope I find in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have of a loving Heavenly Father who looks after us all.

its almost over!

I can't believe that after two years of speculating, debating, and campaigning the election is going to be OVER. I'm almost sad. I can't help but wonder: What in the world will we talk about now? Will SNL still be any good? Is it too soon to start on 2012?

Watching the news, I'm just getting so anxious over it all. Haha, a few weeks ago I told Regan that I really felt like I could relate to the campaigners/candidates better than most, having run my own presidential campaign in high school. He had a good laugh about it (as did I) but I was only trying a little to be funny... I secretly kinda believe it in my heart of hearts.

Mostly, I think I'm just really going to miss all the commercials. Glad I at least have Christmas to look forward to (oh yeah, and that Thanksgiving holiday too).

Tonight I stopped by Target to check out the Halloween clearance and saw that they are hauling in all of the Christmas decor. I am so excited! I feel like it was just yesterday that I was checking out the after-Christmas sales. Time flies when you are... oh, I don't know... serving in nursery*? (Nope, that's definitely not it.) Well, whatever the reason- 'tis not quite the season yet but- it is coming soon!

i voted

And it was the worst experience of my life. Or at least a strong contender in the running.


Regan and I stood in line for THREE hours to cast our electronic ballot this morning. It was extremely inefficient and maddening. They only had 6 voter machines open at our designated location. About 2 hours into it Regan said he'd vote for whomever could get us through the line quicker. Ha! Looking at the polls tonight, I at least feel like my vote mattered in my state. We went out to lunch afterward (my purse will gladly take the hit to help the future of our economy!) and Regan said that if he had to waste three hours in the longest/worst line EVER he'd rather waste it with me than anyone else. Do I have a winner here or what? From now on I think I'll stick with absentee ballot.

On a happier note we had a Happy Hallowings party (with Hallowieners: aka lil' smokies) with some of our friends last night. Supposedly this is going to be an annual tradition? I ended up dressing as the pink panther, although my last minute costume made me look more like a pink mouse. Regan went as "apathetic." heh. It was a fun night although I'm still dissapointed that I forgot about getting a free "Boo-rito" at Chipotle. Guess there's always next year!

i've redeemed myself

Last night I made my trusty standby: homemade tacos. We love love love tacos at our house. It's really not hard to love them- especially if you have Tortilla Land's uncooked tortillas. They don't sell them at my Costco but lucky for us Regan made a trip to Utah last week and he smuggled some home in his suitcase. If you are lucky enough to have the uncooked tortillas in your neighborhood I really hope you take advantage of them.

Anyway, it's a good thing my tacos were so good because I BOMBED in the kitchen on Sunday. And not in the "I am the bomb" good way. Seriously guys, it was B-A-D. You are all shocked right? I'll admit to making my fair share of convenience dinners, over cooking something a little, undercooking, etc... but I really don't think I've had any major kitchen catastrophies in the 2+ years that I've been married-until now. Two rubbery chicken breasts + a failed attempt at substituting missing ingredients + freezer burned broccoli may not sound like the worst thing ever (I know I've eaten things that were grosser before) but in combination it left MUCH to be desired. And does anyone know how to tell if mushrooms have passed their prime? If dark spots are a bad sign, add that to my tab. oops.

Fortunately for my pride, I was the first one to acknowledge the misfortune. At first Regan tried to say he didn't notice the freezer burn. By the end we both just kept saying, "Man that was a really bad dinner." For some unknown reason we still choked it down but then we were "forced" to replace the lingering aftertaste with Blue Bunny chocolate ice cream. And that was almost worth the worst meal ever. Seriously people, get on the blue bunny train, already.

Any one else out there ever have any kitchen mishaps lately?

Have a Witchin' Halloween!

Time has slipped away from me and it has been nearly a month since I last posted. Oops!

I can't believe that Halloween is here and November is just around the corner. I love love love this time of year. I've been celebrating here and there... I dressed up for my ward

halloween party (Regan was out of town and missed out), made some Bewitching treat bags for some friends, and some pumpkin baked-goods for FHE last night.

My broomstick treat bags:

Me as a mime:

(the face paint turned out kinda scary...I had to work fast after getting off of work )

On a side note, I also got my hair cut again and its short. Even shorter than last time. Not sure if you can really tell in this picture... I was trying to fix my headband right as the picture took but this is the only picture that I wasn't doing a weird smile (also referred to as pinched face-by my brother Clayton) so I'm posting. I was a little unsure of the cut at first but Regan loves it so I feel okay about it.

i caved... and it was AWESOME

Three posts in one day. What is going on? Sometimes I just have a lot to say, I guess. (Sometimes I don't have much to say so I just repeat myself... either way, here I am.)

It all started when I got home from work, thinking I had just enough time to change my clothes, grab my apron, and head out the door with a pb&j. But low and behold, Regan surprised me with a semi-home-cooked meal. I was in heaven. So much so that I documented it:

Isn't he the best? I think so.

Because he was so thoughtful, I decided maybe I could run over to Costco on my break to pick up the Batter Blaster, after all I am a giver. Of course we had to try it out asap. AND oh my goodness the stars aligned on  this product. They are so easy and delicious. I don't think I could even buy all of the organic ingredients for less. I'm converted. 

if you prick me, do i not bleed?

Apparently, I am a novelty around the office. Some of my coworkers think it is amazing that I am the wife of a student AND a staff member. (What can I say, I'm great at multitasking. Have I mentioned that I kick box twice a week now too?) Although, I sometimes feel like for that reason I don't always get taken seriously.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that when my coworker suggests that this is "the perfect career for me because there are colleges everywhere and I could easily work where ever Regan gets a job", I hide in a bathroom stall and cry. (Kidding. I save all crying for when I get home. Haha. Still Kidding. Oh man, now I'm having flashbacks to my childhood and my brother Denton saying, "Kidding. Just kidding about just kidding. No really I'm kidding... about kidding." And you wonder why I'm such a tortured soul.)

Ugh, please save me from that digression. (Fyi, still love you Denton, but those were rough times.)

ANYWAY, a faculty member saw Regan and me in the hall today and randomly asked me if I got a faculty parking spot, too. (As in, on top of every other 'perk' this place has?) I just smiled my overly excited/nervous smile (you know the one) and nodded like it was the coolest thing ever. And I was being genuine. At first. Then she told Regan that he should never let me go. Which is true, but I'm highly offended that my free parking pass is the asset she thinks I bring to the table. Really, it shouldn't be that shocking that I get to park in the Faculty/STAFF lot. I am a Staff member, after all.

Not long before this incident someone else asked me if I was getting benefits through the school. I mean really? I am a regular staff member just like everyone else. I agree that it is a perfect situation to have me working here whilst Regan is in school, (that is why I worked hard to make it happen) but I also don't think it should be that shocking that I landed such an opportunity. I mean, I think I'm qualified to be in my position, what with my college degree and all.

Don't worry, I take it all in stride. I really do enjoy my job (most days) and am so grateful to have it. More than anything I think people are just trying to comment on how smart I am for getting the proverbial "Man" (who is bleeding me dry) to work a little quid-pro-quo for me. (And who says I haven't picked up a thing or two hanging around these legal types?)

not much going on at work today

Except for the fact that my Snyder's pretzel snack bag birthed a conjoined pretzel baby. And that does not happen everyday, my friends. (oh no! McCain is rubbing off on me. Must stop watching political debates before bed...)

On an unrelated, side-note: Has anyone out there tried these things? Regan is dying to try them but I am having a hard time believing that they are really going to be all that great. The jingle is catchy, "Make a better breakfast faster... Batter Blaster!" But there just seems something inherently wrong with the idea. (Cue Regan's sales pitch: "What could possible be wrong with getting organic pancakes instantly for 9 cents a pancake... etc etc etc."

I guarantee my homemade waffles are better but he is relentless. And usually he is all about homemade-everything (Cue my mom: "former life, former life") so maybe I should just take advantage before the novelty wears off.

nursery

This week marks the one year anniversary of me getting called to serve in the nursery of my ward.

Some days are rough, especially at the beginning, (all the crying makes my ears ring) and I have to drive home in silence. And there was at least one occasion when I told Regan I couldn't talk about the experience afterward; I seriously needed a Valium. But, as the months drag...I mean go... on, and the little kids get a little older, it gets more and more fun.

I like to complain, but I know that I will be really sad if/when (please be when!) I leave. Besides the fact that I'll have to trade toys and snack time for Sunday School, I think I would miss not getting to hang out with my little friends. For the past few weeks Regan has been subbing as my assistant and those weeks have been the most fun for me. He is so funny with the kids and they love him. I keep telling him I am going to request him as my regular helper. He doesn't really like to hear that. Siiigh.

It is hard to know if any of them get anything out of our two minute lessons but I feel blessed to get to share these children's first experiences in the church. If nothing else, my testimony that we are children of a Heavenly Father, who loves us, has been strengthened this past year.

Rumor has it that there is a new Nursery manual out... I'm SOOO psyched.

the economy is going to pot

And I'm kind of scared. I feel like my goal this year has been to learn how to live a more simple (and meaningful) life. I've really tried to define my needs vs. wants and realize where true happiness comes from. And this is something I battle with DAILY. Is anyone sick of me talking about this yet? I kind of am, but I'm also obsessed so I just can't stop.

I'm trying to live within my means; some weeks I do better than others. All of these goals I had were for us to try to "get by" while Regan is in school but lately I've been forced to think of the (at least temporarily) failing economy and the impact that has on our future. It's a wonder I can sleep at all at night. (No really, it is. Insomnia is rampant in family tree... knock on wood, so far I've been untouched.)

I'm so grateful that the church has made provident living a priority in gospel teachings so that I can learn to be prepared when the nation is facing less prosperous times.

Today, our bank sent us a little pledge of things we should all be doing to be able to declare our financial independence. I LOVED it. I'm going to print this baby out and stick it on my fridge. Fo shizzle. I really love ING. And, because I love you all (and want you to be equally independent) I will share:

this is so ugly

I've tried really hard to make my blog "pretty" and I think this is totally going to mess up the ambiance of my layout but I couldn't not post this picture.


Regan killed one of these this morning. It was in our shower. I'm really sad to report that this is not the first time we seen one of these in our apartment. I can't even confidently say that it is the twentieth. (uugh! I know.) I still can't figure out how they are getting into our bathroom. I keep asking Regan this but he says we can't try to understand it...we just have to kill them. They are hard to catch because as you can imagine, with those legs, those guys are fast. Like Usain Bolt fast. Regan has made me swear that if I see one when he is not home that I will kill it and not just pretend that I didn't spot it. (What? They're gross.)

i'm dying to

get on What Not to Wear. I think the mortification might be worth the $5K shopping spree + trip to NYC + Carmindy's make-up tutorial. Any one want to "secretly" nominate me?

Or maybe I should plan a trip to China and have the Banana, JCrew, and Anthro catalogs recreated. Is that PC?

Fashion show, fashion show, fashion show at lunch!

Soooooo happy that The Office is back on tonight.

Last season was not my fave (and totally upstaged by 30 Rock, in my humble opinion) but I'm hoping season 4 can redeem the show. I have high hopes for tonight's episode. I guess I'm just a glass half-full kinda girl. And really, we all know that Kelly Kapur never disappoints.

book club!

I'm not actually in a book club. But if I were to start one tomorrow, the book I would choose is "It's All Too Much" by Peter Walsh. You know Peter from TLC's Clean Sweep? (Love that show, btw.) He's also been on Oprah, saving the world one pack-rat at a time. Well, he just so happens to have a book.

I stumbled across the book one day during my routine distraction of choice (aka, web browsing.) So I hopped right over to my library's online catalog and requested the book. My notice for pick-up came in the mail yesterday and viola! I'm well on my way to learning the psychology of consumerism/hoarding. Which, interestingly enough, affects more people in more ways than you might think.

One big point that Peter writes about in the book is how our society has become preoccupied with consumption and accumulation. He calls it the "stuff epidemic." Here is a little (ok, long) excerpt that struck me:

"We live in one of the most prosperous nations on earth, and we measure our success by material accumulation. Everywhere we look we are encouraged to buy more. Love your kids? Prove it by giving them the best clothes, games, sports paraphernalia, or the latest video game system. Just got a raise or a better job? Time to show if off with a bigger TV or a flashy new car or more (and expensive) clothes. In two-income families where there's barely time to relax, we try to find happiness by buying more stuff. Everywhere we turn, we're told that more is better. We super-size our food. We buy two for the price of one instead of buying one at half price. But for many, it has become clear that instead of bringing happiness and peace of mind, all this stuff is stressing us out and alienating us from our families, our partners, our dreams. Sure, some stuff does improve your life. Of course it does. Who can argue with a comfortable home and a nice car? But where do you draw the line? Did you know the size of the average new house in this country has grown almost 50 percent in the last thirty years? And all this while the average family size has declined. With more space has come the urge to fill it with more stuff. Unfortunately, more stuff doesn't guarantee greater happiness. And when happiness doesn't come, you buy more, thinking that's the answer. Instead of bringing you closer to the life you want to live, your stuff starts getting in the way." (p. 28)

I haven't finished the book yet, but one thing he stresses is that the issue isn't the 'Stuff' itself. It is our relationship to that stuff. He tells the people he helps that you have to start by imagining the life you want to live. It's about keeping stuff that makes sense in your life--your real life--not a fantasy of what was or what could be. 'Stuff' is secondary to who you are and that should be reflected in your home.

I think I just had an Aha! moment. Note to self: stop wasting time and money on things that do little to enhance my quality of life. Actually, my aha moment might be that I think I could really dig going into a person's house and making them throw out the crap and spruce the place up. Think Peter needs an intern?