A granddaughter trip to Rite-Aid

So after arriving in SLC we granddaughters went on a spur of the moment trip to Rite-Aide with the little g of G&g. We raided the candy isle. Dark chocolate Ghirardelli carmel bar... so yummy!


And I quote "I've got to have this."


Yes this is my grandfather... we are alike in so many ways.





My cousin Maryssa scolding me for taking her picture... don't worry, I'll my Ryss!

Progress! YES!

I feel pretty great about two things that I did today.

First is that I WORKED OUT! Go me! My legs are a bit sore now but is one of those good kinds of sore and I love it!

The second is that I wrote in my journal for the first time in about 3 years. I feel strongly about recording things that go on in life and was surprised at myself each time I fell off the wagon in these past years. I came to realize that wanting to record what is going on in life is a good sign and I hope this good feeling keeps me going.


Tomorrow I am off to Salt Lake City to see my family for a graduation and I am so excited A) to escape the 110 degree weather even if for 24 hours B) to see family and C) not to go to work (some guys swore at me before 9:30 AM today, twice. I already need a day off.)

I was a great weekend to...

...get accepted to nursing school! KB got accepted to Chamberlain College of Nursing a week ago Friday and will be starting July 5th so we went out to dinner to CELEBRATE! YAY!




...turn one! The monkey is now a year old and I cannot believe it. He got all sorts of toys, books and clothes. I would have to say that he loves his new wagon... he just sat in it after his dad put it together and pulled him around in it. He is the cutest thing with all of the noises he makes; his mom calls them "boy noises." I love the mess he made with the cake. (sorry about the crappy picture)



...to turn 8! Jade is my neighbor and she turned 8 this week and was baptized Saturday. I really need to be better about having my camera with me. I will have to get a picture from her mom of this because she looked so cute in her dress afterward. It's great to be 8!

Good night nurse.

Today the pool opened officially for the summer. I am EXHAUSTED! Everything went well but there is a list a mile long of things to do.

On a yummy note. I went to a wedding reception tonight and they had a pizookie bar! By far the best thing I've ever seen at a wedding reception, next to Panda Express catering the dinner. People, I'm taking notes!

I apologize if for the next 7 weeks all I talk about is the pool. It will be my life.

Sister Carroll

My friend Melissa left on her mission today. She will be serving the next 18 months in the Philippines and I know she's going to ROCK! I love you Missy! See you soon!

And we're off!

Yay for a 4 day weekend! Ben, Lisa and Luke, here we come!

7:12 am

This morning I came down and found my mother at the computer with a bowl of something dark looking. She wakes up and walks every morning at 5:30 and she usually eats before I see her so the combination of seeing her eat and not knowing what the dark substance was probed me to ask "what you eating?" to which she replied "ice cream." Having a good laugh she reminded me that she had already eaten her healthy breakfast and that this was her treat.

The woman cracks me up! This is where I inherited the need to have chocolate for breakfast.

Agggghhhhh!

Why...

must people challenge me just to make their own point?

do I have to leave at the end of the night, when really all I want to do it stay?

can't some people just be happy for others?

do I love going all-in while playing Texas Holdem, even when my cards SUCK?

can't I hit a freaking golf ball?

do I love sour cream so much? (this is not really an agggghhhhh but I just want to know the answer:) )

No post tonight!

Cause it's girls night out! Woot Woot!

I want this watch...

But I haven't found a store that sells it in town. Do I order it? I shop on-line all the time but this is a little different because most things I buy on-line are things I have owned before or it doesn't matter the size etc.

I just know that if I end up not liking it then I won't return in in the mail... should I do it? I really like it in the picture!

A good Monday night!

Can a girl really go wrong when the night ends with these two things?!?

Cookies and cream ice cream +


The Korean=



Just another great ending to the day!

Happy Sunday!

It was a great Sunday, as usual, but even more so because of the Gila Valley Temple dedication.

Here are some other things that made me happy today/recently:
The M family came over and the monkey went swimming! He is so stinking cute and I cannot believe that he will be a whole year old in a few weeks.


I saw those ducks again.



My friend Shane's dog had a litter and she is the last one. I wanted to keep her so badly. She was so sweet and just slept the whole time she was over.


This kid cracks me up! I love playing cards with my family... we get a little goofy:)




The weekend was super... I just need to get through this week before my 4 day weekend. I can do it!

The peak formally known as Squaw

Hiked at night= no good pictures

Long, hot day at the pool-wobbly legs

Steep=wobbly legs x2

Reward=orange slurpee after=yum

My least favorite part of being a woman...

... is shaving my legs. I will try to keep this as non-gross as possible but let's consider that this is something I deal with everyday as part of my job. One would think that with all the time I've spent in my swim suit and making sure that I've done my duty of keeping things smooth that I would have this down pat but I don't. The fact that I'm always cold doesn't help but aside from that I never feel like I'm all smoothed out. I get a bit frustrated when I get a "good" razor (aka expensive) and can't seem to get the desired end result. Maybe it's the product I use to shave. I've tried the non-foaming creams and body wash and regular shaving cream but nothing seems to do the trick... any suggestions of fool proof way to get smooth. I'll settle for just a half hour!

A theory

While speaking with a staff member today I felt more like I was being spoken at. This girl would say something and as I attempted to answer her question, she blurted out another. This went on for several minutes resulting in several unanswered questions, a frustrated me and a nearly strangled lifeguard.

So my theory is that all of this digital communication has resulted in a lack or complete absence of good verbal communication. For those of you who have ever chatted on line, you can throw a mess of questions out there and they will be answered eventually but we all know that this does not work as well in real life.


Sigh ... the young ones might not survive. Pray for them.

Today...

I VOTED!




I just hope it keeps me in a job...

Again catch up

Friday night I updated my phone and since then it has been acting strangely... until today so I finally go the pictures that I took this weekend off my phone.

Here is how I started my Saturday:

Yes, that does say 4AM! That is when we (my wardies) met to leave to our church welfare farm...

... were we felt like we were part of some chain gang. Yes, we are digging ditches and I feel buff now:)

Afterwards we had a lovely breakfast. The rest of my day was full of errands and activities. I got to spend the entire day with KB which was fun.
Here's to hoping that my phone is back to normal...I am just glad that I can call people on it now!

She did it!

Like we doubted that she would:)


Today my sister in law (lovingly referred to as sister) graduated from ASU!







Congratulation sister! Well done!


A note on the ceremony: While I was sitting waiting for the ceremony to start at 8AM, I watched the woman sitting next to me, I'd say in her late 40's, pop open a can of chicken noodle soup, pour it in a cup and drink it down. The mere smell of it made me dry heave just a little. I realize that there might be a medical condition that requires eating on a schedule but really, I felt like it was neither the time nor the place nor the choice of food.

I'm looking to strike a deal

Any single mens out there looking to merge?

Today as I looked over the new health benefit prices (thanks to budget cuts) it seems that the "employee only" will have to pay almost four times as much a month where as the "employee and spouse" will only be twice the regular cost. So instead of complaining about this not being fair to the single people, I decided to take advantage.

So, if you're interested, or know someone who might be, please have them submit the following:
1. current cost of medical coverage provided by their employer (if applicable)
2. resume and a few letters of recommendation
3. chocolates to sweeten the deal
Thanks so much!

10 on Tues.day-mother

10 things I learned from my mother-

1. My mother taught me to hold myself responsible for what happens in life.

2. My mother taught me to look for the good in others because "are we not all beggars?"

3. My mother taught me the value of a home cooked meal (on the pocket book and in a family.)

4. My mother taught me that sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh at yourself.

5. My mother taught me that love is shown in more than one way you just have to look for it.

6. My mother taught me that friends will come and go so cherish them when you have them but don't fret when they are the fair weather type, change or disappear, more will come.

7. My mother taught me that doing what everyone else is doing isn't always what is right for you (or me.)

8. My mother taught me humility and patience and how they really don't work without each other.

9. My mother taught me that it is great to do what you love but it sometimes you can't so you learn to love what you do.

10. My mother taught me that serving others not only allows you to forget yourself and your own sorrows but that it brings happiness because as we serve others we serve Heavenly Father.

A long weekend

Dear friends,


I realize that I've been absent since Thursday. Well, that's because I haven't stopped since then. It all started because I went to the midnight showing of Ironman 2 after having worked all day and then having an activity for church. Friday I worked all day also and had a training session that night. Saturday was a fun day where my ward went to the Gila Valley which is about 2 and a half hours away from Chandler.

Here is my friend Jordy picking up some breakfast on our way... gotta love him!


Here is the temple and me attempting to take my picture with it!




I could have done it the way Ginger and Romeo did it...




Again, I love Jordy:)

It was a wonderful trip with my ward... aren't we cute!? (I'm looking for a bigger one)


Sunday was a good mother's day, it just went so quickly.

Back to normal... let's hope!

Finger Nails

All I have to say is that if one wants to clip their finger nails, it is best done:
A) while doing general grooming... usually done in the privacy of one's home/bathroom.
B) by a professional, in a special place for such AKA a nail salon.
C) if worse comes to worse, in the most private place possible ie a dark corner, just outside the door.


AND NEVER:
A) during a professor's lecture in a class of fewer than 15 people, with the trash can secured between your feet to hopefully catch the flying clippings.
B) during any sort of group meeting be it professional, religious or familiar.
C) on a date.


Also, could we get some people a tissue... personally, snot is not my cup of tea and I don't care to know if it is yours because it really only makes me dry heave.

Those who complain but don't contribute...

IN GENERAL...I just wish that those that don't even attempt to state their opinion or contribute to the decision making would keep their disgruntled-ness to themselves. I once read something in a team building type book about how if you want to have a strong team, you need to give everyone a chance to share what they would choose etc. It has helped in almost every situation and even those those that are in the minority, unhappy as they may be about the outcome, are still more willing to support the final decision because they were given a say. If you don't say anything, we cannot help you. I still have yet to figure out mind reading. I also think that it might come from people being unwilling to accept the outcome. If I learned anything from volunteering with kindergartners is this "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit." Taking things as they come has always served much better than not... the end. (This of course does not include severe social injustice, deep moral issues and matters of the heart.)

Soap-boxing

I felt inspired by some dum dum today that called my house to make this weeks posts a daily soap box.

Today's is about phone etiquette. Some guy called my house phone from the bank where my mom keeps track of my grandma's money stuffs. He's called before I'm sure and it seems like they are on a familiar first name basis because when I answered with "hello" he said, "Noelle?"

Me (irritated already): "Nope"
Him (quietly): "Ummm do I have the wrong number"
Me (same): "Nope, you just guessed the wrong person"
Him (catching on): "Is she there"
Me: "Nope"
Him: something about calling her back... blah blah yadda yadda yadda

Seriously, is it so hard to ask for someone by name, even if you know that they will most likely answer the phone?! And it was a land line. For real.

Yes, I might have been short with him and yes, I could have been more helpful and forthcoming with information and yes I know that my mother is the only one who usually answers the phone during the day and I do sound just like her... but I don't care. If you are calling in regards to business on a phone line that is not a personal line for that person, ask for them. It is just polite. Or use a full sentence. "Is Noelle there?" or "May I please speak with Noelle?" I would have even been okay with "is this Noelle?" but I guess I just need to be more patient.

The highlight of my weekend

I was not the happiest camper having to get up Saturday morning to go to work by 6:45 AM so this might have cheered me more than it normally would have but regardless, it brought a smile to my face. The synchronized swim team practices on Saturday mornings and this time every year the team ads a routine to the show that has their dads in it. I walked out of the guard room imagining I would see the normal sized legs sticking out of the water but the hairy, man legs of some of the dads. I was so impressed and intrigued by the sight that I sat and watched... and obviously took a picture. LOVED IT!

Shot put

Tonight I volunteered at the Arizona Special Olympic games and was stationed at the shot put field. I thought about so many things as I was there the first being how patient everyone is with the special souls. We come and we volunteer our time; we cheer and support them in their events, hoping that they might all win. I see the effort that so many of the athletes put forth and their excitement just to participate and it makes me wish that we all treated each other the same way, cheering each other on and supporting one another with genuine love. I always leave any experience that I have with the Special Olympics happier and full of love just by seeing their examples.

The second thing that I noticed and was impressed with was the officials dedication to the rules. Those that continue to nationals have the chance to go to worlds in Greece and of course there are rules to the games but it is all taken very seriously. If rules aren't followed then the athlete is disqualified, no second chances. I realized tonight that this is an important life lesson for all of us, regardless of ability.

Cereal

Cereal. What is it about this food that I love so much? I have a bowl almost every night. I have eaten entire boxes in one sitting before. Maybe it's because I love milk so much or the crunchiness or that it is just sweet enough to satiate. I love mixing cereals: my favorite combo is Crispix and Corn Pops. Or just a lone cereal is the frosted mini spooners in the bags from Wal-Mart. I just think about all the things I could give up in my diet in order to be more healthful and many things could go but cereal is not one. That and chocolate chip cookies. Yum.

Worst day of the week

Today I spoke with a co-worker about how Tuesday is just the weirdest day. We all know and are "prepared" for Monday especially since we had Saturday and Sunday for the weekend and for some that starts on Friday. I love Thursday because it's almost the weekend and Wednesday is hump day so you know you can get through the rest of the week. Tuesday is just that day where you are far from the next weekend and just forgetting the previous. It is like when you grow your hair out and there is that stage of awkwardness and you just want it to grow faster or cut it. That is Tuesday to me.

Hot Air Balloons

As I was driving to work the other morning... nice and early I caught a glimpse of some hot air balloons. I love that they always go up during the sun rise or sunset.




It reminded me of how much I loved the time that my family and I went up for my grandma's 80th birthday. Being so high up is just amazing. I loved being able to see above the clouds. It is like being in another world.









Also, I've been thinking about taking pictures. Rather having someone take pictures of me. It has just been a long time since I've had a "professional" picture taken. Here is my co-worker's work... I like her style. Thoughts... I just don't want it to seem like a "look at me" thing. I appreciate her art and creativity and think it would be a fun thing.

PS Still in trouble. Like the in deep smit kind of trouble.

Oh boy...

I am in troooooooubbbblllllllllee!

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful

One thing I love about where I work is that co-workers will come in for a short time on their days off to do something small and bring in their dogs.

This is Bella. She is the sweetest thing I have ever met. Truly. I kept leaving my office to go find her. I'd call her name and she'd come running down the hall all short legged and stalky, bounding around looking for love and affection.

She certainly made my day!

A perk X2

Today after lunch, I needed a little jolt so I grabbed a COKE from the snack shack.

To my surprise and delight, the can gave me another little perk in addition to its contents.




I cannot really explain why it cheered me. Maybe because I love sunglasses or that I equate sunglasses with summer and the pool and my job (all things that I like) or maybe just because I like giving human qualities to inanimate objects. Anyway, fun for me:)

Why didn't I do it sooner?

One would have thought that I could have put this together much earlier than I did but I can thank the Brough Stuff for helping convert me.

Evidence of my blindness:

A. Most of my CD's are musicals.

2. I frequently sing my responses to questions (Cher, you know what I'm talking about)

D. I am constantly trying to find a song that goes well with a situation... kind of like a life soundtrack.


Friends, I am openly in love with GLEE!



And, truly, why wouldn't I be. They walk down the halls singing about what is going on in life: love, drama and all that high school is and not that I've ever done so but I sure would like to. The characters are so differet: Mercedes is sassy, Kurt is and honorary woman, Rachel is neurotic, Sue is crazy and Fin is the cute dum dum. I love a mash-up (where they put together the lyrics of two songs to make a SUPER SONG!) People, watch it!

I'm back!

After a very long week, I am pleased to be back. I will catch up on what's been going on little by little.

Here we have the two past activities from my ward's family home evening activities.

Last Monday we had a water balloon toss that turned into a fight and when my team ran out of balloons, I snuck over to the other team's stash and was attacked for doing so. This was my after the bucket of water was poured.



This past Monday we went to SKATELAND! For those of you that don't remember the last time you roller skated, get out there and do it. I felt like such a nerd with how much fun I was having.

I know the picture is blurry but action shots on skates aren't easy. The guy on the right is in my ward and is one of the best dancers I've seen. Plus, how can you go wrong in yellow pants?!

A pause

There has been a minor hic-up.

I shall return within a few days.

Morning Goodness

I realized a long time ago that I function much better throughout the day if I have chocolate incorporated into my breakfast.

Last week my friend LF when to Hawaii and sent me a package with chocolate macadamia and coconut pancake mix. I added a few mini chocolate chips to it.


Delightful!

A day late and a dollar short

As I lay on my couch falling asleep last night, I realized that I hadn't done anything for the blog.

I feel that this is directly linked to these two:



I took them to the airport at 5:30 AM yesterday. They went to Hawaii. Without me. To Hawaii. I think I've said enough. This probably explains how I got to the end of the day having not thought about this blog: PURE JEALOUSY:)


This was a super part of my day. There I was sitting at my desk and I hear this faint tapping. This was the source of said tapping.

All co-workers "ahhh"ed! I'm pretty sure there's going to be a nest soon.




PS I'm not a dollar short

A change of plan

I had originally wanted to talk about my ability to find an amazing deal but that will have to wait for another day.

Today I want to share some of the great things that made my day.

I had lunch with TJ today at Paradise Bakery Cafe. I got there before she did and in the first few seconds that I was there a lovely young lady asked me if I wanted a cookie sample. Knowing that I was going to get six yummy chippers with my meal, I abstained, tempted as I was. Then she asked if I wanted something to drink. I wasn't sure what she meant so I said, "like a water cup?" but no, she gave me a cup to fill with a fountain beverage. SCORE! Apparently they have some sort of customer service BINGO and one of the squares is give away a free drink. Not gonna complain:)




Here is what made me happy at the end of a long day:


It is always a great day when my magazines come! Really, I get so giddy especially since the anticipation builds... I know they'll be here soon! eeeeikk! They just make me happy. Not a "core part of my life" happy, I guess I could live without them but a "cheer me up" kinda happy. I love some of the fun style and beauty tips in Oprah's as well as the stories of overcoming trial and struggle and how she recognizes that. And let's not get me started on Real Simple. Finding new uses for things ie parchment paper for muffin or cupcake liners, road testing a varrity of a similar thing ie pasta sauces and that they think of women of all shapes and sizes. Brilliant. Love it. Also, neither magazine throws a half naked lady on the front, thanks!


Another thing, who doesn't love a new fun nail polish?! I love the color "Panda-Monium Pink" even though it looks lavender. But it reminds me that even after x amount of years of having painted my nails, I have yet to master it. Already added to my list of things to learn how to do.