Neil and I had great plans to catch up on some movies during our break. But as usual those great plans did not pan out. We have a Fandango giftcard that we planned to use to see a few movies. However, we found out this morning that Logan does not have any participating movie theaters. It figures. I think Logan hates me. I already have to go to Salt Lake just to use another giftcard. As most of you know, I have struggled a bit living in Logan for exactly that reason.
Since those great plans did not pan out, I'm sitting here trying to decide what else to do with my precious time off. I am of course sulking as well because nothing else sounds as good as going to the movies. I am the type of person that when my plans don't work out, I don't take it very well. I don't like change. I don't like changes in plans. I don't like not being able to plan. I need to have plans. I need to have control. Unfortunately, I have learned the very hard way that no matter how much we want to peek at the play book, it just isn't possible. So I am giving up planning. At least until I think of a really good justification for driving an hour just to see a movie.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Holiday Musings
We had a good Christmas holiday. But what is even more wonderful is not only did we enjoy Christmas but we are enjoying the time off from work and school. I love having this much time off of work to actually do the things that I want to do, which is mostly nothing. I rarely get time to do nothing. This year has been even better because I have been able to spend the time with Neil because for once his work shuts down over the Christmas break too. So we have big plans to do absolutely nothing and see as many movies as we can before life starts up again on January 5.
Speaking of Christmas, we had an interesting almost fatal drive home the night of Christmas. Yes, we knew there was suppose to be a HUGE storm. Yes, we shouldn't have tried to make the drive home anyway. But it wasn't snowing when we left so we decided to risk it. Oh and did I mention we were driving MY car, which was NOT meant to drive in snow? That will become important as I continue. We left my parents house around 6:30 PM and about 5 minutes into our drive it started raining. We decided rain was fine. About 5 minutes after that it started snowing. Did I mention that the wind was blowing very hard? That becomes really important as I continue. About 5 minutes after that the rodes become snow packed and we are traveling at 20 MPH because the roads and wind were really bad. We hadn't even made it to Ogden yet. Neil said if were going to turn back we needed to do it now. I insisted that we could make it and usually Sardine was plowed really well, so as long as we made it to Brigham we would be fine. So we passed the point of no return and it just got worse. The roads had so much snow on them the 3 three lane freeway came down to one because the snow drifts were too high on either side of the road. By some miracle about 1 hour later we made it to Brigham. I told Neil maybe we should just stay in one of the motels in Brigham but then once again we decided to press on. Did I mention that was really stupid? Oh yeah, that was stupid. So we preceeded into Sardine against all reason. We somehow made it up the very first hill and as we were coming down the hill several cars were stuck on the side of the road or more like the middle considering we had to go around them. Oh and did I mention there was at least 2 feet of snow covering the roads? We should have realized that was a warning. This is where my car becomes important. My car is a sports car and only sits about 8 inches off the ground. Yep, not good when you are driving through that much snow. I thought my "snow tires" would kick trash but when your car is acting like a mini snow plow, "snow tires" don't do much good. Luckily, we were able to follow the treads of a truck in front of us. At this point, I am asking where in the world are the 4 snow plows I have SEEN plow the canyon before. We consider pulling out and waiting for a snow plow to follow but we are afraid if we stop we won't get going again. So we proceed. Now, the blowing wind I mentioned comes into play. The snow is coming down so hard and is blowing from East to West that it was covering the driver's side windows. So the only visibility we have is through the windshield. So we keep our windshield wipers going but they are building up ice and are starting to freeze. We were only about half way through Sardine. Then, the unthinkable happens. Two TRUCKS suddenly just stop in the middle of the "road." So we have to go around them. Well, around them is very tall snow drifts and we were going up a hill. So Neil drives into the snowdrift to go around the trucks and my wheels just start spinning but we are going no where. We were stuck. The snow was too deep and we weren't going fast enough when we went off to the side. I start thinking it was a good thing I brought two coats and had a blanket in the trunk because we were going to be camping in the canyon. Somehow, through sheer will we were able to get unstuck. That was the worst of it. Let's just say I probably kneeled down and kissed our garage floor when we finally arrived home two and half hours later.
Speaking of Christmas, we had an interesting almost fatal drive home the night of Christmas. Yes, we knew there was suppose to be a HUGE storm. Yes, we shouldn't have tried to make the drive home anyway. But it wasn't snowing when we left so we decided to risk it. Oh and did I mention we were driving MY car, which was NOT meant to drive in snow? That will become important as I continue. We left my parents house around 6:30 PM and about 5 minutes into our drive it started raining. We decided rain was fine. About 5 minutes after that it started snowing. Did I mention that the wind was blowing very hard? That becomes really important as I continue. About 5 minutes after that the rodes become snow packed and we are traveling at 20 MPH because the roads and wind were really bad. We hadn't even made it to Ogden yet. Neil said if were going to turn back we needed to do it now. I insisted that we could make it and usually Sardine was plowed really well, so as long as we made it to Brigham we would be fine. So we passed the point of no return and it just got worse. The roads had so much snow on them the 3 three lane freeway came down to one because the snow drifts were too high on either side of the road. By some miracle about 1 hour later we made it to Brigham. I told Neil maybe we should just stay in one of the motels in Brigham but then once again we decided to press on. Did I mention that was really stupid? Oh yeah, that was stupid. So we preceeded into Sardine against all reason. We somehow made it up the very first hill and as we were coming down the hill several cars were stuck on the side of the road or more like the middle considering we had to go around them. Oh and did I mention there was at least 2 feet of snow covering the roads? We should have realized that was a warning. This is where my car becomes important. My car is a sports car and only sits about 8 inches off the ground. Yep, not good when you are driving through that much snow. I thought my "snow tires" would kick trash but when your car is acting like a mini snow plow, "snow tires" don't do much good. Luckily, we were able to follow the treads of a truck in front of us. At this point, I am asking where in the world are the 4 snow plows I have SEEN plow the canyon before. We consider pulling out and waiting for a snow plow to follow but we are afraid if we stop we won't get going again. So we proceed. Now, the blowing wind I mentioned comes into play. The snow is coming down so hard and is blowing from East to West that it was covering the driver's side windows. So the only visibility we have is through the windshield. So we keep our windshield wipers going but they are building up ice and are starting to freeze. We were only about half way through Sardine. Then, the unthinkable happens. Two TRUCKS suddenly just stop in the middle of the "road." So we have to go around them. Well, around them is very tall snow drifts and we were going up a hill. So Neil drives into the snowdrift to go around the trucks and my wheels just start spinning but we are going no where. We were stuck. The snow was too deep and we weren't going fast enough when we went off to the side. I start thinking it was a good thing I brought two coats and had a blanket in the trunk because we were going to be camping in the canyon. Somehow, through sheer will we were able to get unstuck. That was the worst of it. Let's just say I probably kneeled down and kissed our garage floor when we finally arrived home two and half hours later.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tales of a Walmart Shopper
I was forced to go to Walmart today. During this time of year I try to avoid Walmart at all costs. But the University decided to be mean and instead of electronically depositing my travel reimbursement they sent me a check. The closest bank happens to be in Walmart. I also needed to buy a new snow shovel for Neil because it is snowing and ours broke on Saturday. So I ventured to Walmart and I secretly hoped it wouldn't be as bad as I imagined it would be. But it was worse. It started in the parking lot where cars were everywhere and parking spots were sparse. Then, I couldn't even get into the store because one set of doors were broken, creating a long line of crazy people trying to go in and out the same set of doors. Then, the aisles were so crowded it was impossible to walk without hitting someone.
To make a long story short, I did eventually make it out of Walmart. Interestingly enough, I felt much better once I had the snow shovel in my hands. And for some reason it was easier to make it through the store with the shovel. I think I will try that technique next year too.
To make a long story short, I did eventually make it out of Walmart. Interestingly enough, I felt much better once I had the snow shovel in my hands. And for some reason it was easier to make it through the store with the shovel. I think I will try that technique next year too.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Ramblings
I haven't had much time to blog lately and now that I have time, I have too many things I want to write about. So this may be a little random. First off, I know I said that I wasn't going to post about our Christmas tree but I lied. So there it is.
Some may ask why would I want to write about our Christmas tree. Well, this is Neil and I's third Christmas as couple but this is our first Christmas with our very own tree. Needless to say we were very excited to put it up and enjoy it this Christmas season. It is a hand me down tree from my sister. All of the decorations were bought 75% off at an after Christmas sale last year. It also has a flaw that has been driving me crazy but not enough that I've done something about it. If you look closely you will see that there is at least a two foot gap between the last strand of lights and the second to last. I guess I didn't buy a long enough strand of lights. They are kind of unique lights, so I am afraid I will never be able to find another matching set (and yes they absolutely have to match!). We probably could have spread out the lights better but that is actually a funny story. Since this was our first tree, we have little experience with the actual stringing of the lights. Neil insisted there was no technique and just started wrapping the lights around the tree. Thus, the two foot gap. It gives it character though and I love it. I also have a beautiful angel to top the tree but it was too big for the tree. So I guess it will have to wait until we upgrade trees.
Next topic. Christmas cards. We have been receiving beautiful Christmas cards in the mail over the last few weeks. I love reading Christmas cards. I love reading everyone's year in review and seeing pictures. However, I have yet to send Christmas cards myself. I'm not sure at what point you should start sending Christmas cards. Do you send them at a certain age? Do you send them out when you are married? Do you send them out when you have kids? Do you send them out when your life is actually work reviewing? I'm just not sure. What do you think?
Last topic. Christmas traditions. This morning Neil and I had an interesting talk about Christmas traditions. It has been fun over the years to introduce Neil to my family's traditions and it has been fun to learn new ones with his family. I love hearing about holiday traditions. We would like to create our own but we haven't come up with any great ideas. Here is what our families do. On Christmas Eve my family has a "Jerusalem Dinner." We try to eat traditional foods that Christ would have eaten but over the years the fish has turned to chicken. We eat in candlelight as well. Then, the kids act out the nativity. We have all the props and everything. The evening ends with opening one present. Neil's family gathers at his grandmother's house for dinner.
On Christmas morning my family opens presents and then has a big breakfast with cinnamon rolls, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, you get the idea. Then we lounge around and enjoy the day, ending with a delicious turkey dinner. Neil's family opens presents early in the morning. Each person also gets a box of pop tarts for breakfast. Then, we go over to grandma's for brunch and then we exchange gifts with the cousins and play games. What are your traditions?
I've always loved this time of year with the decorations, music and family gatherings. Merry Christmas!
Some may ask why would I want to write about our Christmas tree. Well, this is Neil and I's third Christmas as couple but this is our first Christmas with our very own tree. Needless to say we were very excited to put it up and enjoy it this Christmas season. It is a hand me down tree from my sister. All of the decorations were bought 75% off at an after Christmas sale last year. It also has a flaw that has been driving me crazy but not enough that I've done something about it. If you look closely you will see that there is at least a two foot gap between the last strand of lights and the second to last. I guess I didn't buy a long enough strand of lights. They are kind of unique lights, so I am afraid I will never be able to find another matching set (and yes they absolutely have to match!). We probably could have spread out the lights better but that is actually a funny story. Since this was our first tree, we have little experience with the actual stringing of the lights. Neil insisted there was no technique and just started wrapping the lights around the tree. Thus, the two foot gap. It gives it character though and I love it. I also have a beautiful angel to top the tree but it was too big for the tree. So I guess it will have to wait until we upgrade trees.
Next topic. Christmas cards. We have been receiving beautiful Christmas cards in the mail over the last few weeks. I love reading Christmas cards. I love reading everyone's year in review and seeing pictures. However, I have yet to send Christmas cards myself. I'm not sure at what point you should start sending Christmas cards. Do you send them at a certain age? Do you send them out when you are married? Do you send them out when you have kids? Do you send them out when your life is actually work reviewing? I'm just not sure. What do you think?
Last topic. Christmas traditions. This morning Neil and I had an interesting talk about Christmas traditions. It has been fun over the years to introduce Neil to my family's traditions and it has been fun to learn new ones with his family. I love hearing about holiday traditions. We would like to create our own but we haven't come up with any great ideas. Here is what our families do. On Christmas Eve my family has a "Jerusalem Dinner." We try to eat traditional foods that Christ would have eaten but over the years the fish has turned to chicken. We eat in candlelight as well. Then, the kids act out the nativity. We have all the props and everything. The evening ends with opening one present. Neil's family gathers at his grandmother's house for dinner.
On Christmas morning my family opens presents and then has a big breakfast with cinnamon rolls, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, you get the idea. Then we lounge around and enjoy the day, ending with a delicious turkey dinner. Neil's family opens presents early in the morning. Each person also gets a box of pop tarts for breakfast. Then, we go over to grandma's for brunch and then we exchange gifts with the cousins and play games. What are your traditions?
I've always loved this time of year with the decorations, music and family gatherings. Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
New Project at Work
While attending a staff retreat back in September it was determined that our office needed some sprucing up. So over the divine dinner at the Melting Pot, a new project was approved. We were given permission to paint the new co-directors office. Yes, we could have hired painters but we happen to have a pro painter in the office and we decided it would be a fun project to paint and decorate the office ourselves. After the director saw the finished results, we were given the okay to paint the rest of the office. After trying a few things we finally settled on a professional yet modern theme. Each office will be painted white with one color accent wall. We each had a choice of several colors and which wall. I took some before and after pictures. My office is quite small, so it was hard to take pictures but it is an office no less with a window!
Before:
Before or After:
After:
Anyway, it is hard to tell how cool it looks just in the pictures. But I am really happy with it. It is a big improvement from the purplish/pinkish walls that they were before. I can't help the office furniture though. I would also love to redecorate but I just can't bring myself to spend money on decorations for my office when I don't even spend money on decorations for my house.
The best part about this new project is getting to paint instead of sitting at a desk all day. I have also enjoyed the socializing that comes with painting with my co-workers. I think they probably think I am certifiably insane because I tend to give people a hard time (like who doesn't dust behind their desk? Because I sure do.....) and I try to keep things light. An office needs at least one crazy person right? I blame it on the paint fumes.
Before:
Before or After:
After:
Anyway, it is hard to tell how cool it looks just in the pictures. But I am really happy with it. It is a big improvement from the purplish/pinkish walls that they were before. I can't help the office furniture though. I would also love to redecorate but I just can't bring myself to spend money on decorations for my office when I don't even spend money on decorations for my house.
The best part about this new project is getting to paint instead of sitting at a desk all day. I have also enjoyed the socializing that comes with painting with my co-workers. I think they probably think I am certifiably insane because I tend to give people a hard time (like who doesn't dust behind their desk? Because I sure do.....) and I try to keep things light. An office needs at least one crazy person right? I blame it on the paint fumes.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Survived
I meant to post this a lot sooner but unfortunately life just goes on even if you don't have time for it. I last posted while I was in Kansas City, Missouri feeling bad for myself because I was all alone. Things really didn't end up being that bad. The meeting was a smash hit. I always get intimidated working with the advisory board for my project because they are more educated and have higher positions than me. However, it certainly was a confidence boost to get glowing compliments and remarks for all of my efforts that went into the meeting. A lot of good came out of the meeting as well. Whenever I am asked what I do, I have a hard time explaining. Usually, it comes down to what don't I do. In any case, the entire mission of the center I work for is to improve special education. My part is so small but my particular project is doing a lot to help children who are deaf or hard of hearing to receive a good education and at this meeting we came up with even more solutions to improve their education. I feel like I've done some good and I couldn't feel better about that.
On the first night of meetings we went to dinner as a board. I was terribly nervous because like I said before I am intimidated by this group and I am also at least 20 years younger than the youngest person there. I wasn't sure I quite fit in with the group but it actually went really well. I got to know several of the board members quite a bit better and I am just so impressed by everyone's kindness and friendship. They actually treat me like I'm one of their kids, I think. Seriously, the first night I got in my director called my hotel room just to make sure I had gotten in safely and had gotten something to eat. Then, several volunteered to go look around the plaza with me because I think they didn't want me out by myself.
We also did a really fun warm up activity at the meeting. We each brought a favorite book and exchanged it with another person at the board meeting. I agonized over which book I should bring because I wanted to look well read and smart. I finally decided on "The Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. I ended up getting "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck. It was fun to see what books were brought and why.
Here is my one picture from my trip. It is of the country club plaza that is famous for the lights at Christmas. My boss told me how cool it was but he hasn't seen Temple Square at Christmas.
I intended to do more sightseeing but I literally worked until after 8:00 every night just to make sure everything was taken care of.
Anyway, I am relieved that the meeting went so well but I can't even explain how wonderful it was to come home and see Neil. I think that definitely has been the longest we have been apart in the last 3.5 years. I would have packed him in my suitcase but he was laboring away with his finals. So honestly, I guess it was the best time for me to be gone. He even surprised me with tickets to Voice Male that we went to yesterday. Speaking of Voice Male, it was a great concert. They were very entertaining and talented.
On the first night of meetings we went to dinner as a board. I was terribly nervous because like I said before I am intimidated by this group and I am also at least 20 years younger than the youngest person there. I wasn't sure I quite fit in with the group but it actually went really well. I got to know several of the board members quite a bit better and I am just so impressed by everyone's kindness and friendship. They actually treat me like I'm one of their kids, I think. Seriously, the first night I got in my director called my hotel room just to make sure I had gotten in safely and had gotten something to eat. Then, several volunteered to go look around the plaza with me because I think they didn't want me out by myself.
We also did a really fun warm up activity at the meeting. We each brought a favorite book and exchanged it with another person at the board meeting. I agonized over which book I should bring because I wanted to look well read and smart. I finally decided on "The Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. I ended up getting "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck. It was fun to see what books were brought and why.
Here is my one picture from my trip. It is of the country club plaza that is famous for the lights at Christmas. My boss told me how cool it was but he hasn't seen Temple Square at Christmas.
I intended to do more sightseeing but I literally worked until after 8:00 every night just to make sure everything was taken care of.
Anyway, I am relieved that the meeting went so well but I can't even explain how wonderful it was to come home and see Neil. I think that definitely has been the longest we have been apart in the last 3.5 years. I would have packed him in my suitcase but he was laboring away with his finals. So honestly, I guess it was the best time for me to be gone. He even surprised me with tickets to Voice Male that we went to yesterday. Speaking of Voice Male, it was a great concert. They were very entertaining and talented.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Reality Check
Growing up I always thought it would be glamorous to travel for business. I thought it would be awesome to have a job that would require travel around the world, so I could see new places all on the company's dime. I thought it would be glamorous to have my company pay for posh hotels and extravagant meals.
I am sitting in my posh hotel room in Kansas City re-thinking the glamour of business travel. The reality has set in and it just isn't what I always imagined. I have actually made several small trips for work over the last year to exoctic locations such as Midway, Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah and Ogden, Utah. This is my very first official business trip out of the state.
Reality check time. It all began weeks ago with serious planning to put together a more than amazing meeting (I have a reputation to maintain). Then, last week is something I am trying to black out. It was full of finalizing plans and creating materials and handouts. I barely finished everything before the weekend just to come in Monday morning to find that my boss has decided to include additional handouts that I had to create. Let's just say I almost quit. Then, I was off to drive to the airport in the first snowstorm of the season (perfect timing). The reality set in that I was traveling alone. I've never traveled alone before and it is lonely. There was no one to talk to. Then, I had to sit by a stranger on the plane that took up more than his fair share of the cramped space. Then, once again the reality set in that I was on my own to navigate myself through an unfamiliar airport. Once I finally got to the hotel, I realize that even though there are dozens of delicious restaurants in the area and my work is paying for it, I still have no one to go to dinner with. So I opt of out dinner and snack on the gift basket I recieved.
The reality set in that even though I have been extremely impressed with the hotel staff who have bent over backwards to be helpful, I realized it wasn't that they were being nice to me it was that I was paying them nearly $8,000 for this meeting I planned (Technically, I'm not paying for it but my project is and I manage the budget so I feel like I'm paying for it). So no wonder I am the guest of honor. I got a beautiful view of the famous plaza and a gift basket but I'm pretty sure I've paid for it somehow.
I know that most people wouldn't mind have a few nights to themselves but I would rather be home with my Neil. Business travel just isn't what I was expecting.
I am sitting in my posh hotel room in Kansas City re-thinking the glamour of business travel. The reality has set in and it just isn't what I always imagined. I have actually made several small trips for work over the last year to exoctic locations such as Midway, Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah and Ogden, Utah. This is my very first official business trip out of the state.
Reality check time. It all began weeks ago with serious planning to put together a more than amazing meeting (I have a reputation to maintain). Then, last week is something I am trying to black out. It was full of finalizing plans and creating materials and handouts. I barely finished everything before the weekend just to come in Monday morning to find that my boss has decided to include additional handouts that I had to create. Let's just say I almost quit. Then, I was off to drive to the airport in the first snowstorm of the season (perfect timing). The reality set in that I was traveling alone. I've never traveled alone before and it is lonely. There was no one to talk to. Then, I had to sit by a stranger on the plane that took up more than his fair share of the cramped space. Then, once again the reality set in that I was on my own to navigate myself through an unfamiliar airport. Once I finally got to the hotel, I realize that even though there are dozens of delicious restaurants in the area and my work is paying for it, I still have no one to go to dinner with. So I opt of out dinner and snack on the gift basket I recieved.
The reality set in that even though I have been extremely impressed with the hotel staff who have bent over backwards to be helpful, I realized it wasn't that they were being nice to me it was that I was paying them nearly $8,000 for this meeting I planned (Technically, I'm not paying for it but my project is and I manage the budget so I feel like I'm paying for it). So no wonder I am the guest of honor. I got a beautiful view of the famous plaza and a gift basket but I'm pretty sure I've paid for it somehow.
I know that most people wouldn't mind have a few nights to themselves but I would rather be home with my Neil. Business travel just isn't what I was expecting.
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