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.

10 on Tues.day

10 Words People Might Use to Describe Me
1. Organized (AKA anal retentive) I may or may not go through and re-organize my plastic storage boxes on a regular basis (every 2-3 months)
2. Hungry with a sweet tooth: Most of my desk drawers have food in them and if I'm wandering around my building, it's because I'm looking for something with chocolate. Thank you Alicia for always having some for me.
3. Adventurous. I heard this several times before moving to France but even now, I LIVE for adventure!
4. Friendly/Smiley. I don't know, a lot of crazy people approach me:) And I was followed for 30 minutes in France once because I smiled at someone... fun!
5. Restless. I have AADD (adult attention deficit disorder-self diagnosed via TJ) and really suck at sitting still.
6. A Student. I'm always trying to learn and asking questions.
7. Helpful. I like to lend a hand wherever I can.
8. Thrifty. I LOVE to shop and always can find a deal (please see tomorrow's post)
9. Wise. This others have told me, and I'm not sure that I agree but it could be from insight I've gained from my many life experiences, many of which were result of me being un-wise.
10. Obedient. I often have to swallow my pride but in the end I'm always glad when I obey.

Thank you again City of Chandler

For providing yet another reason for me to be productive at work today.

See, I did something:



There were actually two meetings that broke up my day and so I really feel like I didn't accomplish much but after work I met up with some family and church friends at Claim Jumper to see a friend who is visiting from Utah.



It was fun until we started talking about how I need to find someone and have a kid... really, pretty sure I don't need a reminder that I am the most single one there. And while we're on the topic the other day while I was visiting my grandmother, she asked me when I was going to bring my children by to see her (insert giggles from my mother.) Granted she suffers from dementia and doesn't even remember who I am but still, it had to be said. It was actually pretty funny and I'm glad that I'm not sensitive about it (although to some readers it might not seem that way since I bring it up every once in a while but when you're 27 and single some people just can't think of anything else to say to you. I get a kick out of it.)


Finally for the answer to yesterday's post:
Preparation H... off the lips of my mother. Classic!

Pray Parade Shun Age

If you've ever played Mad Gab you can figure out the title of this post. This is one that my mom read tonight while we were playing. If you don't get it I'll post the answer tomorrow. Ha ha...

They're just so fun!

I am co-teaching a water safety instructor class and the candidates in the class are so fun. Saturday we spent most of the day outside and had a blast! Don't they look fun?!

First Fridays

The first Friday of every month Phoenix has art galleries, museums and live music open for free to the public.

The Phoenix Science Museum is one of them and they have a fun digital age portion equipped with one of those cameras that distorts your face, like this




The picture of the day runner up is this one. This one has a better story. I went to lunch with the TJ and when I got to the table she said "there's a duck" but it had wandered out of the patio where we were sitting. About 20 minutes later it walked past us and both of us were completely distracted from our conversation and I followed it to take a picture. It was begging for food from these women.. I don't know why but it was just a hilarious part of my day:)

Brother, I love you

So don't hate me for doing this...(insert evil laugh here)



This is me and my brother Matthew, the older of the two, today. Notice the manly facial hair. Recall that he is married to a WOMAN and they are expecting in September. Well he came over today and we chatted and had lunch. We found some pictures of when we were kids. This is one that I found.





I PROMISE that he did this himself. Yes, it is my ladybug swim suit and those are my heart shaped sunglasses and that is probably my hat, and NO I didn't stop him. He certainly did this all on his own.

Brother, I do this because now you are much bigger than me and I have a limited number of ways to get you! What more do you expect from me. Maybe now you'll think before you come over and push me around! (another evil laugh)

Trevor, beware... the one I have of you is worse and you know it!