Great Guy

This weekend I was reminded of what a great guy Neil is. He is always sweet and loving but this weekend he was just extra sweet. It all began with an impromptu window shopping trip. Shopping is definitely not one of Neil’s favorite things. But he was such a good sport. He always politely looks at the items I pick out and tells me they are great and I can get them if I want. I know that he probably would have much rather been playing a video game or shopping at Home Depot. He did try to convince that we could find a decent end table for our living room at Home Depot. Nice try.

Saturday afternoon something I ate began to disagree with my stomach and I became quite ill. I assumed Neil would want nothing to do with his sick wife but instead he held my hair as my stomach released its contents time and again. I heard that if someone holds your hair back for you during that moment of absolute helplessness that means they are a true friend. I’m so glad he’s my best friend.

It makes me wonder would he say the same about me? Do I do things for him that makes him feel loved unconditionally? I have to admit that I complain whenever I have to watch one of his “science” shows. I complain if I think he has played his new computer game too long. I tease him when he wears his black socks pulled up with brown shoes while wearing basketball shorts. But after this weekend, I am committing to refraining from complaining when we have to, I mean get to watch “Future Weapons” and “Mythbusters.” I will insist he play his video game more and I will not tease him on his outfit choices. Those things seem so easy in comparison to the compassion, love, and thoughtfulness that he shows me each and every day.

Oh Logan

Oh Logan. We have such a love/hate relationship. I love the rural feel. But I hate that the closest Target is in Ogden. I love that commute traffic consists of getting stuck behind a tractor on 1000 West. I hate getting stuck behind tractors that only go 20 miles an hour and I’m late to work. I love the cute shops on Main Street. I hate that Main Street is impossible to drive on because of the traffic and poorly timed lights. I love to see the sprawling fields. I hate the smell of the cows whenever the weather changes. I love that I work so close to the mall. I hate that the nearest Banana Republic is in Salt Lake City. I love the small town feel. I hate that everything closes at 9:00 PM and I’m not even sure what there is to do. I love the sometimes breathtaking drive through the canyon. I hate the feeling of claustrophobia being trapped in a valley that canyons are my only way out.

Waffle Crisis Adverted

Yes. The waffle crisis has ended. Thanks to my fabulous co-worker Tina! She had an extra waffle iron, which she gave to me. Thanks Tina! You can come over for waffles anytime! Now I can worry about more important things like planning my weekend.

So glad it is Friday. Looking forward to some reading time, sleep, and some golden delicious buttermilk waffles drizzled with butter and saturated with syrup.

Waffles, Anyone?

We had a casualty in our household. The waffle iron died. See I love breakfast foods. I’m an extremely picky eater but when it comes to breakfast food, I can’t get enough. I can eat breakfast any time of the day. So when I was making waffles for dinner about a week ago, the waffle iron decided it had had enough. Now, thoughts of waffles consume my every thought. Not only do I want waffles now, but I need waffles. I’ve even progressed through the stages of grief. First came the denial. I was in denial so much that I left the batter in the waffle iron for almost 30 minutes, hoping it would just cook. I was willing to wait for the delicious golden slice of goodness. But it never did turn into more than a mess. Second came anger. Why did the waffle iron have to stop working? Especially when I wanted nothing else. How could it do this to me!? Stupid waffle iron. Next, came bargaining. Well, I’ll clean it up real nice and let it rest and then try again. I suppose I could make pancakes instead of waffles. I could buy Neil a waffle iron for his birthday. Then came the depression. I don’t want pancakes, I just want waffles. If I can’t have waffles, then I just can’t be happy. Finally, came acceptance. I accept the fact that I no longer can make waffles. Yes, I could go out and buy a new waffle iron but now I want a really fancy one that won’t break down on me. It has become an issue of trust. I have to save up for that one.

I don’t know what my obsession with waffles is but since my loss, all I can think about is waffles. All I ever feel like eating is waffles. I’m probably even dreaming about waffles. The funny thing is I don’t feel the same way about pancakes or french toast. IHOP here I come!

Goals

1. Take more pictures of Neil and me
2. Clean out all the closets in my house
3. Finish scrapbooking current pictures
4. Drink more water
5. Read more books
6. Open a doggie day care

How I'm doing:
1. Failing miserably. Thus only wedding pictures on the blog
2. Check
3. Working on it
4. So-so. My little way of being healthier. Only problem is the frequent trips to the restroom.
5. Good. Averaging about a book a week
6. Not even close. But it would be fun.

Dr. Kevorkain for Plants?

I’m a plant killer. I don’t understand it, I love plants. But apparently they don’t love me. I really haven’t tried taking care of a plant until recently but I’m starting to get a complex. Last year for Mother’s Day my mother-in-law bought me a plant. It was beautiful. A Scarlet Pimpernel. I was so nervous to take care of it. Not only was it my first plant but my mother-in-law gave it to me. I did research on the plant and took the best care of it that I could. It bloomed beautifully all summer. I got compliments from my neighbors. I cannot take full credit for its death. We took a two week trip to the West Coast last summer, so I took it to my parent’s backyard where the sprinklers could water it. Well, it drowned. But since I owned one plant people started getting the idea that I needed more plants. I took each one in. But they quickly left me. Some died quicker than others. Now, I have an empty pot graveyard in my garage. I currently have two mini rose bushes waiting dormant for spring. Even though they look dead now, I am told they are supposed to come to life again.

This is all brought up because this morning one of my co-workers bought a beautiful plant for me to keep in my office. I warned her of my track record. But she insisted I could take care of it. So I’m giving it one more try. But perhaps plants just come to me to die. Am I the Dr. Kevorkian for plants?

According to Cheryl

I recently read “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer. It was a good quick read. I was most intrigued that the author is LDS. I have loved how much exposure the LDS church has had in the media lately. However, I have been disgusted by the lack of knowledge of the Church there is. I will be the first to admit that I don’t know everything about every religion. But if I don’t know something, I keep my mouth shut. Anyway, I have to admit I read “Twilight” looking to see how an author of my faith would write. Please note that I am super conservative in most of my opinions. I just finished another book that had awful language and descriptive sensuality. So I was interested how an LDS author would write. I was happy to see no swearing. And obviously in my opinion swearing can often take away the integrity of the character for me. There were definitely romantic moments but nothing that offended me. However, I was disappointed that in the description of the main characters clothing it was not modest! Now, I know this is a small thing but I was disappointed. I don't think the author's agenda should be to shove the LDS values in people's faces but it seemed to me that the descriptions could have been left out or modified.

I have begun reading many discussions about this book online. Check out Goodreads. It’s a great website where you can share what books you are reading and have read with friends. If you enjoy reading sign up and add me as a friend (I only have one so far!). Interestingly enough, the fact that the author is LDS has come up numerous times. Somehow people see a schism in a book about vampires written by an LDS author. Some have asked if it was against the LDS religion. I just don’t understand! Why would it be? Don’t people understand that vampires aren’t real? Are we not allowed to be creative and imaginative? Seriously people. I even saw an interview with the author where she was asked that question. She answered very diplomatically explaining her books were more about light than dark. But if it were me I would have laughed and asked if they believed in boogie man too. Am I wrong?

Is it Bad?

Is it bad that I check my email like 50 times a day?
Is it bad that I love my two door, 4 seater sports car and NEVER want to give it up?
Is it bad that I make Neil go down to Kaysville with me just so I can visit my dog quite regularly?
Is it bad that I email my friend Alyssa like 5 times a day?
Is it bad that I am on a first name basis with Sarah McLachlan and Rob Thomas?
Is it bad that I secretly wish I had majored in dance?
Is it bad that I am terrified of clowns and small doors?
Is it bad that I own all four seasons of “Felicity” and I even know most of the episode names?
Is it bad that I wake Neil up in the wee hours of the morning because I’m bored and want someone to talk to?
Is it bad that I am absolutely fascinated with celebrity gossip?
Is it bad that I don't let Neil clean our house because I have to clean a certain way?
Is it bad that I want to get a nose job?

Customer Dis-Service

I recently got some photographs developed at Walmart. The quality was terrible. So I decided to ask for a refund. So I went today on my lunch hour. I wasn't sure if I was suppose to go to the photo lab or customer service. So I decided I would ask that always way too friendly Walmart greeter. First time ever, there was not a greeter! I took a gamble and decided to go to customer service since all they do is returns/exchanges plus it was closer. I didn't have much time. I had to wait in line for like 10 minutes. Because apparently it takes one cashier standing there while the manager fixes something. I always get annoyed when they are just standing there. There is an open cash register and there are like 10 people waiting in line. It's finally my turn. The cashier has never had someone request a refund for photos. She calls the photo lab. They don't answer. So we both wait. Finally, the photo lab calls back and says they won't give a refund but I can come back and talk to them. So I go to the back of store. Wait for another 5 minutes waiting for the one photo lab attendant to notice I am standing there. I show her the pictures. She agrees they are a terrible quality. So she says she authorizes a refund but she can't do it, so go back to customer service. Great. I wait in line AGAIN. Finally, after 30 minutes I get my refund of $13.47.

I don't have much time left. I am so irritated at the lack of compentence and service. That I decide to treat myself to lunch at Arby's since I am not sure my experience was worth the $13.47 but now I have the extra money. I am a big Arby's fan. As I order my combo meal, I ask for the homestyle fries. The employee looked at me like I was an idiot and said, "We only have curly fries." Well, sorry, guess I didn't get the memo that they stopped carrying regular fries that they've always had my 23 years of existence. She acted like they never even existed! Do you feel my pain?

I have had every customer service job in the book. I have to admit I absolutely hated it! After each job, I swore I would NEVER work in customer service again because people are just mean. I have had people make me cry, and I even had death threats. I always treat those in the customer service industry with much compassion because I have been there and done that. However, I don't know if they deserve my respect and compassion these days. What happend to, "The customer is always right." I sure have had to do a lot to honor that statement. I bent over backwards to be nice to people even if they were unreasonable. Thank goodness I no longer work in that industry.

It sure seems like customer service is becoming more of a dis-service. I think I just might have to do everything online from now on. At least computers will offer better service. I don't have to wait in line. I get what I want with a click of the button. Mine doesn't talk back. I know how "smart" my computer is. I could throw it against the wall if I get irritated....

My Dreaming World

I recently found out that the community offers an adult modern dance class. I am thrilled. I have been wanting to get back into dance. I also found out that they have a performing company. So of course I am interested in auditioning. However, last night I dreamed that I was talking to my high school dance coach and telling her about the class and the company. I explained that I wanted to audition. She looked at me and scoffed. She said I wouldn't have a chance.

So this morning I woke up wondering, what does that mean? So going back to my college days, I remembered being the dorm psychologist. This is how I analyzed everyone's dreams. Check this website out: www.freakydreams.com/freaky.htm. This is the interpretation of my dream:

Words like talking: Conversation. Communication. Seeking for a way to express something.

Words like high: Glamour. Flirtation. Power.

Words like school: Discipline. Instruction. You have the skills to resolve a problem.

Words like dance: Joyous participation in life. Movement as transcendence. Success in love. Big prosperity. Change for the better.

Basically, I am seeking for a way to express my power through discipline so I can change for the better? So what are you dreaming?

Help Desk?

The University decided that we need more secure passwords to access the servers. So after two months of emails preparing us for this momentous change, it finally happened on Monday. We were all informed (at least 20 times) what our temporary passwords would be and then how to log in and change it to our new super secure password. Then we received at least another 25 emails telling us how to create a "very strong" password. Essentially, you just need to push at least 12 characters on the keyboard randomly and then try to remember it! Seriously, the requirements were: Has to be at least 12 characters. Has to start with a letter. Can only have 5 letters. Needs a special character. And no letter or number sequences should contain identifying information about you. And be sure to not write it down! Geez. How am I suppose to remember a password like that!

Well, after spending way more time then it should developing a secure password, I am prepared for the change. Monday morning I log into my computer. Type in my temporary password. Access Denied. Type it in again. Access Denied. Try different ways of typing it in. Access Denied. Wish I could just turn my computer off and go home..... Finally, I call the IT help desk. Listen to a message about the change in passwords. Select the option to talk to someone. Get an awful message saying their hours are from 8-5. So I have to wait 15 minutes. Really wish I could turn off my computer and go home. I can't access anything without the password. Finally, it's 8:00. I call back. The help desk guy, starts asking me a bunch of questions about how I entered in the temporary password. I explained to him that for the last half hour I have been trying to enter it in. So, he tries it, "Yep, doesn't work." Duh. Then he explains that they originally planned a reset password for when the temporary password doesn't work. But it's not working. I say to myself, "Hmmm, they have been planning this for months now and they just found out that it doesn't work." I explain to this guy that I have to get into at least my email because my job depends on it. "Well, we are working on it. I will call you back when we get it to work." Now, I really really wish I could just turn off my computer and go home.

I wait patiently until after lunch. This is ridiculous. I call back. I explain my situation to the new help desk guy. He explained that they still haven't been able to reset passwords. It seems to just be affecting students. I say, "Well I'm not a student." He says, "Oh, the problem must be bigger than we thought." No kidding. He then asks me if I've ever been a student at Utah State. I say no. Then he asks me if I've ever taken classes at Utah State. Isn't that what he just asked? I say no. He starts taking down my information. "What is an email address we could reach you at when we fix this problem." I reply, "Well, I can give you my email address but until you fix the passwords, I can't check my email!" He replies, "Oh, that's right. Well, let's try reseting it again." While we are waiting for his computer to process, he asks me yet another brilliant question, "So, do employees get spring break off?" I wanted to say,"Yep, I just love my work so much, that I work when I don't have to!" But instead, I politely said, "No, but at least we get Christmas break." Luckily, he was able to reset my password. I guess the first guy didn't know how to do it.

Sorry to ramble but my question is, does the help desk need help? Seriously, could they have been any less helpful?

First Year

Neil and I celebrated our one year anniversary yesterday. We actually made it an entire weekend event. We began on Friday by going back to where it all began—we did sealings in the temple. The sealer found out it was our anniversary, so he made it extra special. Saturday we went to lunch, nothing fancy just our favorite restaurant in Logan, Firehouse Pizzeria. Our weekend concluded with a stay in “Arabian Nights” at the Anniversary Inn. We spent yesterday reminiscing and watched our wedding video. It has been a wonderful year with many more to come!

Neil and I met though our mutual friend Ian way back in high school. The three of us were inseparable all through high school. Neil and I never dated each other in high school. Although we never approved of who each other dated. The three of us still hung out even after the boys left for Utah State. Then they left on their missions. Seriously, their stay in the MTC was longer than we had ever been apart. We all wrote regularly. I wrote Neil every week and I received a letter every week. By that time though, I knew I was going to marry Neil. I dated seriously while I was at BYU, even met the parents of who I thought would be my fiancé. But it just wasn’t right. Neil came home from his mission and I spent hours deciding what to wear, how to do my hair and what to say to the man I wanted to be my husband. But as soon as I saw for the first time in two years and he gave me a handshake, I began to worry he didn’t feel the same way. After 5 months of feeling disappointment, Neil FINALLY asked me on our first date! Since it was weird to be dating, we didn’t tell anyone. We didn’t tell our parents until we had been “dating” for six months. When we finally decided it was right, Neil proposed on July 24, 2006. Our engagement was celebrated with fireworks. We went from best friends, to dating to engaged. I never called him my boyfriend. I have loved Neil in many different ways over the past 7 years. My love for him has grown so much over the years. I remember when we first began talking about marriage, I knew I loved him. But now, I can’t even put into words the love and admiration that I feel for him. I didn’t think it was possible for love to grow and expand but it does and I love Neil that much more!

Spring Fever

I can't wait for Spring. This winter has been so dreary! I feel cooped up because I hate to venture out in the cold, dark evenings. The winter has gone on too long. So this summer I can't wait to go hiking, bike riding, go on picnics, roller blading, and swimming. I think I am going to appreciate the outdoors much more this Spring/Summer.

Holy Cow

Our neighborhood is built on what use to be a ranch. The back of our house borders what is left of the ranch. The ranch has cows and horses. We have natural springs running through our property as well. So a ditch full of water separates our house and the cow pasture.

This being said, last night around 2:00 AM, I heard a very loud distressed "mooing." It went on for about a minute and then it was silent again. I immediately wondered if a cow had fallen into the ditch. I have heard of instances of the cows escaping. So when Neil stirred, I told him all about what I heard--even trying to imitate the sound. He told me not to worry about it.

Then this morning while we were getting ready, I told him that we should go check if any cows had escaped. He looked at me puzzled, "What cows?" I asked him if he remembered our 2:00 AM conversation. He did not. But he did tell me had dreamed that the cows had escaped!

By the way, we checked. No signs of any cows.

Winner!!

Last week the University held a health and nutrition expo. So my fellow co-workers and I attended it. All of the nutrition majors set up boothes about different health or nutrition topics. It was interesting but not very effective. For example, they had a "fast food boothe" that told you to get a salad instead of french fries when you eat fast food. Look, if I am going to go out I want fries, I can stay home and eat a salad.

Anyway, if you filled out an information sheet from the boothes, you would be entered into a drawing. I always enter drawings, "just in case." I never win but you never know. Well, today I found out that I won a prize. I won a free game of bowling at the Fun Park. I have to admit, I got very excited. It feels good to win something.

Monday Blues

We had a good weekend. Friday we went to a neighborhood potluck. Saturday we spent working. We are helping my father-in-law with flipping a house. Sunday my parents came up for dinner. I don't mind coming to work because I enjoy what I do but Mondays are just tough. I am tired from the weekend. I have two days worth of emails and phone messages to return. And the next weekend is still too far away to look forward to. I am looking forward to picking up a new book at the library tonight though.