Mel's Other Blog

Tagged?

2008-10-29T15:18:00.006-06:00

Long ago in a Galaxy far far away, my cousin Cari tagged me. Well, I went as far as copying the text in to a new blog post and then got distracted...anyone else think I might have A.D.D.? :-) Anyway, her post today reminded me that I didn't finished this tag...

So, here goes...

5 things I was doing 10 years ago...
1. Living in denial
2. Being a heathen
3. Working at a beautiful Theatre in a job I hated
4. Wondering what the point was
5. Thinking that there had to be something better out there...
(All I really remember about 10 years ago is being pretty miserable, I'm SOOOOOO glad I'm in a better place)

5 things on my to-do list today...
1. Finish processing this weekend's photoshoots
2. Design ads for Nov. 13 program
3. Work on website ticket sales
4. Confirm this weekend's shoots
5. Finally post the tag that Cari sent. :-)

5 snacks I enjoy...
1. Hummus
2. Swedish Fish
3. Graham Crackers and Milk
4. Anything Chocolate
5. Is Sushi a snack? Well, for this post it's going to be!

5 things I'd do if I were a Millionaire...
1. Buy a house
2. Pay off debt
3. Invest...wisely
4. Buy a decent car
5. Donate to the Arts!

5 places I've lived...
1. In Denial
2. Inappropriately
3. Intermittently
4. Intravenously
5. Layton

5 jobs I've had...
1. Favorite Cousin
2. Favorite Aunt
3. Favorite Sister
4. Best singer in the family
5. Dork

I will now tag -
1. Sarah Palin
2. Britany Spears
3. Oprah
4. Paris Hilton
5. George W. Bush

I really hope they play!

An Open Letter to Jon Stewart

2008-10-02T14:33:00.004-06:00

Warning: There are some bleeped out "naughty" words in this video, watch with caution. :-)

Dear Jon Stewart,

Thank you...I kind of love you.

Sincerely,
Melissa

Maybe it's just me...

2008-08-29T12:12:00.004-06:00

First of all, let me state, that this post is based solely on my own opinion and nothing more. I haven't had time to read up on Sarah Palin or John McCain's decision to choose her.

That being said...

Maybe it's just me, but it seems to me that John McCain's choice in running mate is a ploy. It looks like he chose a woman because he saw Hilary Clinton's supporters people who would switch sides based on the gender of the Vice Presidential Candidate. I'd like to think that Hilary Clinton's supporters (of which I was not one) have more brains than that.

The Parents' Kitchen Update

2008-03-12T22:20:00.002-06:00

If you are following my 3-6-5 blog, you'll remember that, at the beginning of the year, I said I'd document my parents kitchen remodel. I've posted a few photos on that blog, and I will post the finished product there (next week sometime), but for now I thought I'd post an update here.

It is almost done, as my Dad would say, "So close, yet so far away."

I'm Shocked...

2008-02-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

This funny little quiz was on Emily's blog, and to be honest with you I thought I'd score MUCH higher.

It's probably a mistake.

LOST in 8 minutes 15 seconds

2008-01-31T11:28:00.001-07:00

Lost starts tonight! I can't wait...hopefully it won't go the way of Alias. That would be bad. :-)

Tribute to the late LDS President Hinckley

2008-01-30T15:45:00.001-07:00

I don't usually agree with Glen Beck, but in this case I do.

We should all take a page out of Gordon B. Hinkley's life, and stand for something.

Today, I'm a Blog Pimp

2007-11-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

My brother has a new blog, so I thought it was time to, in Cecily's words, PIMP some blogs.

Since his is the newest blog, let's start with Matt, or as he apparently wishes to be called in the blogosphere, Wilfjord (which was my Grandpa's name, only spelled normal). As you can see by the photo, Matt likes to put things in his nose and is a big 'ole DORK. As far as his blog is concerned, it's not really dorky at all. He's actually a really good writer and only stands to get better. He likes big words like theoretical, empirical, nomothetic, probabilistic, or causal -not casual, causal - all of which I found in an article called FIVE BIG WORDS. So, look up these words and try to use them in comments you leave on his site, he'll be like a kid at Christmas.

Then there is his wife Johnny. English is Johnny's second language, but you'd never know it, she speaks better English than ANYONE I know. She is a YouTube and CNN/MSNBC/Fox News/"any news channel out there" addict, and her blog reflects that. She's also an aspiring Photographer and I can't wait until she starts posting her photos, I think you'll love them too. And, as you can tell by this photo, she has the patience of Job.

Next, speaking of my family, there is my sister Emily. What can I tell you about Emily that you wouldn't know from reading her blog? Well, absolutely nothing. That girl is an OPEN BOOK! And, she's freaking HILARIOUS (her words...and mine). Her blog is titled "Does My Writing Suck?" and my opinion is no, her writing does not suck. She really is very funny and her writing is extremely engaging. She hooks you in the first line, the reels you in leaving you wanting more when she's done. Unfortunately, she "has a life" and doesn't update as often as most of us would like, but when she does, it's totally worth it.

Let's move on to friends, shall we?

How about Lara? Lara is the person in my life that I see most. She sits across from me 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday and goes with me to Symphonies and Ballets (often against our

will). Lara is doing her own version of the 365 project (she actually posts more than one picture a day) and her photos are really great. I love it when we take pictures of the same thing and get VASTLY different outcomes. She is often very abstract and is learning to embrace it. She updates everyday, so keep her site in your favorites. Lara is also one of the funniest people on the planet.

And finally, the person who needs a pimp the least, Cecily. Cecily and Emily are actually quite a bit alike (other than someone once thinking that Cecily was Emily). They both speak very freely about themselves on their blogs, and they are both excellent writers. She writes about real life and makes people feel like she is writing about them. Then there are her comments which are just as funny as her blog. The girl has a minimum of 25 comments PER POST, and they are hilarious. She also has 3 kids who are extremely fun to take pictures of, and the only time I can catch a picture of her is when I'm snapping her kids, and they're usually of her kissing on their faces. But hey, with a baby that sweet, who can blame her?

So there you go, five of my favorite people in the blogging world...actually, they are five of my favorite people period. The are by no means my only favorite blogs, but this post is getting way too long. I'll do another PIMP post at a later date with more of my favorite blogs.

Until then, happy reading!

Wordless Wednesday - Stinkin' Adorable Halloween Costume

2007-10-31T14:38:00.000-06:00

Just doing my duty

2007-10-27T22:31:00.001-06:00

Yes, I do feel it is my duty to educate people on the wonders that are U2.

Actually, these two posts are for Leslie...who said *sigh* "I've heard of them and I probably have heard of songs but don't think I could hear the song and say "oh, this is U2"..."

;-) Just taking the work out of it for you.

p.s. I just realized that I somehow deleted my last post ("Tagged!!!") hmmm... it's saved at work, I'll re-post on Monday. Oops...

U2 - I Will Follow - 1980

2007-10-27T22:22:00.001-06:00

Ah the 80's

Sweeney Todd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-25T13:33:00.001-06:00

I'm so happy I can hardly breathe! If you haven't seen this musical...well, that's OK, there is a movie coming out. And while it may not be completely true to the musical, IT DOESN'T MATTER! This film looks AMAZING.

I have can't WAIT for this movie!!!

My own personal Soundtrack

2007-10-22T15:50:00.000-06:00

I had it pointed out to me in an indirect and also a direct way today that people actually read this blog. Who knew?

Anyway, I decided that it's been too long and it was time to post. But what to write about? Posting photos on the 365 blog is easy, coming up with something to write about, not so easy.

Well, since last Thursday, I have had a #*@!% of a time getting songs out of my head thanks to my friend Cecily. So, turn about is fair play. Here's a list of the songs that have been playing on continuous play in my head since Thursday:

The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson - because if you were chilly I'd definitely give you my sweater...if I had a sweater on that day.
I Can Hear the Bells, Hairspray - because one day, I just might hear those bells.
I Lived in Heaven, Primary - lived there and loved there with people I know, so did youuuu.
Particle Man, They Might Be Giants - Thank you Cecily ... which gave way to...
Istanbul, They Might Be Giants - because, well it's not Constantinople.
I Cain't Say No, Oklahoma - because Mary hates me.
Que Sera, Sera, Doris Day - hell, whatever will be, will be.
Popular, Wicked - because that's Lala's song that pops in to my head every time I say her name (you know, the part that says la, la, la, la.)
Shiny Happy People, R.E.M. - because of this.
Your Happy Birthday, Primary - because, well Zipp-a-dee-ay and Heigh-dee-ho just might be the funnest two lyrics in the world to sing.

Wordless Wednesday - A Lonely Leaf

2007-10-10T09:42:00.000-06:00

100 Things that make me Smile

2007-10-05T18:30:00.000-06:00

The past few months I've noticed that I've been pretty cranky pretty often. So today I decided (having been inspired by Cecily) that I'd come up with 100 things that made me smile. I'm not promising that it will make me less cranky, but it made me happy today.

The Magic 8 Ball that Matt gave me for Christmas several years ago
The leaves changing in Autumn
My Primary kids singing
This face
The smell of my Grandma’s house
Sushi
My mother singing
Friends that I’m reconnecting with
Piano lessons
Museums
The first view of Deer Lake coming around the corner at Haney’s
Shanny memories
Blogging
Fried Oysters at Christmas
The feeling of relief when the Nutcracker is over
Sweeney Todd
Sarah’s Pumpkin Soup (and Brioche…hint, hint)
This face
My dad’s jokes (don’t tell him that though)
The Whale Story
When tulips bloom
Conference weekend
The Eiffel Tower at night
Popsicles
Hugs from kids
This face

Catching the perfect moment with my camera
Learning
When Emily laughs so hard she snorts
When Lara says something so randomly funny that I pee my pants I’m laughing so hard
Swiss Chocolate
Giving presents
Getting presents
Having a birthday month instead of just one day
When Dustin laughs at my jokes … because he’s the only one that ever does
Licking the beater when my Mom made a cake
Singing show tunes
This face

Bombing Mary
Chair day
Carrot ball
Mute day
The gas coupon when you use your Fresh Value card at Smith’s
When Hattie laughs
“These wonderful things are the… these wonderful things are the… these wonderful things are the…”
When Taylor cuddles
When Geoffrey tells me that he loves me to Pluto and back 3, 245,654 times
The Bellagio Fountain
Books on CD
This face
Making up words to the X-files theme song
Telling Erin stories
Seeing Butch play “Pretty Pretty Princess” with his girls
When Ellie runs out to greet me at my car
engrish.com
Calling Johnny Mexican, Indian (feather not dot), or Chinese
Two words: U – 2
Talking to Lisa for 3 hours at a time
This face
The Three Billy Goats Gruff as told by my parents
Camp fires
The sound of Crickets
Singing with my sisters
Thinking of things that make me smile
The sound of Thunder Storms
When Sammy says “I’m five” when you ask him how he is doing
When Emett called me Beelissa
Thinking about my Grandparents
Sold out shows
This face

Ice Cream
Picking up pictures at Costco (which I will be doing as soon as I’m done with this)
Hanging out with my family
When Baylee pulls faces at my camera
That my family cannot have a family portrait taken with out at least one shot of us picking our noses
This face

When Gracie says “cheeeese” as soon as she sees my camera (and I’m not even holding it)
Lemonade
The smell of freshly sharpened pencils
Falling asleep to the sound of rain hitting my window
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
When my family and friends succeed and I can brag about them
Flip-flops
Knitting
Good books
Warm soup
Finding a picture for the 365 project before noon
Breakfast on Christmas morning
This face

New friends
Musicals
The sound of the Ocean
Seeing Chloe’s picture plastered all over my Marketing Campaign
Max’s Smile
This face

Quiet Sunday afternoons
The fact that I finally have a brother-in-law
Have I mentioned U2 yet? Well, they deserve a second mention, they make me smile a lot
My Dad’s hugs
These faces

Wordless Wednesday - A Satellite Dish?

2007-10-03T12:09:00.000-06:00

Look Who's Blogging Baby!

2007-09-29T17:54:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody! Look who's blogging. If you are one of the two people who have regularly read this blog, you'll recall me mentioning my sister Emily a time or two (she's the one who just got married). Well I've been trying to get her to blog from the beginning, and now after years...ok, months...fine, weeks of "blog stalking" she has finally set up her own. You really should go check her out, she a very talented writer and extremely funny (and no, I'm not just saying that because she's my sister). ...and it doesn't hurt that she has excellent taste in photograpers.

Happy Blogging Em-cat!

Day 15 Graveyard

2007-09-28T12:50:00.001-06:00

I think I'm going to have to change the name of this blog to "The Graveyard of Discarded Photos." Anyway, there were too many photos yesterday (again) that I liked to just choose one for the 365 Project. Eventually (obviously) I did, but I thought I'd give you a slide show of the ones I didn't choose. I think they're pretty great. I hope you do too!

Another Wordless Wednesday - Urban Decay II

2007-09-26T18:00:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday - Dance with me Papa!

2007-09-26T09:20:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't decide

2007-09-23T17:00:00.001-06:00

I am totally getting in to this 365 Project! It isn't easy, but it has been SO much fun. Today, I couldn't decide which photo to put up, so I've decided I'd post the pictures here that I didn't post there. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday - Mommy Love

2007-09-19T23:20:00.000-06:00

Faces that make me happy

2007-09-17T13:36:00.000-06:00

There are certain faces in this world that make me smile. Actually there are several. Here are just a few:

I have a New Blog

2007-09-14T14:38:00.000-06:00

I've decided that after several years of amateur photography, it's time I define my style. So I've decided that in order to do that I have to get my butt in gear and start shooting. Not that I haven't been shooting, as you can see from this blog, I've definitely got the "shutter bug." My problem is that I don't know what I want to do with it yet. Sometimes I think I would love to do weddings, but then I shoot a wedding and think, never again. Then I think I want to shoot kids, and well, you can imagine the rest.

So I've decided to post on my new blog, 365 days worth of photos and see where it takes me. I figured that I'd post the first day here, but for the rest of them? You'll have to check it out.

"Visions from a Fountain"

Wish me luck!

My Day Yesterday

2007-09-14T13:01:00.000-06:00

I had a very odd day yesterday. It started out crap and ended up crap, but there was good stuff in between. How did my day start out crap you ask? A cold shower. Not a pretty thing. Yesterday was the opening concert of our season at work and it wasn't a good day for a cold shower. So I grabbed my clothes, my shampoo and conditioner, and all the necessary accoutrement's, called and left a message for my landlord, and headed for my parents to shower.

Lara & Mary heading up to the concert

I got to work about 15 minutes late and the workday went just fine. In fact, at our first concert of the 2007-2008, Andre Watts Plays Beethoven with the Utah Symphony, we had the most people in an opening classical series concert since I've been employed with the Ogden Symphony Ballet Association (it's usually a pretty hard sell). Unfortunately, I was in the ticket office too long to hear Andre Watts play Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto.

View from the inside of a ticket office (yeah, it's kind of a prison).

So I wandered up to the roof of the Browning Center and took some photos.

The Northern Sky

The Western Sky

The Spaceship on the top of the Browning Center

So, once intermission came I went back to work pouring lemonade for the society big wigs who were just dying to meet Mr. Watts. That's what I call being a good Marketing Manager don't you? The intermission ended and I finally got to go in to the concert. Most people know this about me, but some don't, I'm a nerd when it comes to Classical Music. I absolutely love it! And I'm telling you, last night I wasn't disappointed. The Utah Symphony played Holst's The Planets and it was absolutely stunning.

How did my day end crappy? Still no hot water.

Grobanites are crazy!

2007-08-30T21:15:00.000-06:00

Josh Groban, The Rave - a Film by Lara Deppe

You might think I'm kidding, but I actually went to a Josh Groban concert last night and had a great time! That boy has a golden voice.

The thing that was truly scary about that concert though? The "Grobanites!" Holy cow, these are some freaky women. If you look on Wikipedia, you'll see "Grobanites" defined as: "Grobanites are a group of Josh Groban's most radical, devoted fans. Grobanites come from all over the world and are male or female and of a wide range of ages. However, most Grobanites are female (might I add over 40)." Then you head over to thatjoshgrobanguy.com and you read this: "A "fan" sees Josh as a great singer, a Grobanite sees him as a great person who happens to have an amazing voice and a gift for creating beautiful music."

At first when my friend Lara joined friendsofjoshgroban.com or as she affectionately refers to it "f.o.j.g.", I wondered if the stories she told were true. Well, wonder no more ladies and gentlemen, they are. I spent the night last night in awe about how these women swoon of this boy.

All in all it was a great concert (though not the kind of rock concert I'm used to) and I definately consider myself a fan. And as freaky as the "Grobanites" are, they are women with very good hearts. They have raised more than a half of a million dollars for the Josh Groban Foundation that is fighting Aids in Africa and you all know how I feel about that. :-)

p.s. The video is from the concert when he is talking about the glow sticks and paper hearts in the audience (from the Grobanites), and making a joke about how his next tour is going to be a rave. Can you imagine? Josh Groban and the Grobanites at a Rave? I'd definitely pay to see it.

Watch this...

2007-08-16T15:31:00.001-06:00

I think it's kinda creepy.

Random Odd Questions

2007-08-06T14:24:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while odd questions pop in to my head and I'm always very curious to know what people think about my odd questions.

So, I've posted some of them (and trust me these are not anywhere near the strangest things I think about.) and I'm dying to know what you think! So leave a comment and answer your favorite.

Is the world ready for a Mormon in the White House?
What would happen if Britany Spears, Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were banished to a desert island?
Is Snape good or not?
What would your life be like if you could go back in time and change one big regret?
Is there anyone in this world who grew up to be what they wanted to grow up to be?
Would you ever get a “cornea tattoo?” (Yes, there is such a thing, I just read about it.) And if you answer Yes, WHY???!!!
What are your thoughts on Global Warming?
Does anyone ever actually read this blog?
And finally (yes, we the last question is #9… this is random after all), if U2 didn’t exist, would life be worth living? Don't bother answering this one, I already know the answer is NO! :-)

And if you really are dying to find out who won the "competition" from the previous post... and I know you are :-) ... I had to call it a draw and say there wasn't a real winner, there were too many factors...and my Dad is a sore loser. :-) I'll write more on this another day.

Good Versus Evil - Harry & Voldemort? No, me & my Dad!

2007-07-20T10:05:00.000-06:00

See? I told you I'm a big 'ole dork! As of this moment there are only 13 hours 51 minutes and 15 seconds until I can read the final book Harry Potter series. And then I am taking the next 4 days of my life off! ALL I am going to do is read (and maybe do some laundry). I might think about spending some time with my family, but that's a big old maybe. I really only need 2 days to read, but I'll need the next 2 to recover.

For the last month and a half or so, my Dad has been picking fights with me over who dies and who is evil and who isn't. While I won't say which side either of us is on, I will say that I can't WAIT to see who is right... and I really really want to be the one who is right. Because I'm telling you NOTHING in this world is worse than when my Dad gloats! He is the KING of Tease!

And Dad, if you are reading this (and you will be, because I'm calling you in just a minute), I have something just for you, Ecclesiastes 3:3 (you can read the first two verses to catch you up). SO THERE!

I'll keep you posted on the progress of competition (I promise, NO SPOILERS).

Happy Reading!

If you are in NYC...

2007-07-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

You must see the revival of Les Miserables! Robert Hunt has taken over the role of Javert. I'm telling you, I've seen this guy in this role, and he is AMAZING!!!

I have actually seen Les Mis a couple of different times with a couple of different people playing this role, and I he is the best ever! When he sings "Stars" it will be like you've died and gone to heaven.

So, lets recap:

If you are in New York, see Les Mis and make sure that Robert Hunt is playing Javert!

Got it? Good. And if you do make it to the show, wait for him at the stage door and tell him how great he is, he'll love it. And don't forget to tell him hi from Melissa, he is my friend after all.

...I love it when I can brag about my friends! Especially when they deserve it as much as Robert does. :-)

22 Days and Counting!

2007-06-28T14:14:00.000-06:00

I can't even tell you how excited I am about this book coming out. The only thing is, I have serious reading problem. The problem is that when I find a book that I love I obsess over it and don't get ANYTHING else done until I have read it. I think that my record for a Harry Potter book is Book 6 that I finished reading on Sunday afternoon, the day after it was released. See what I mean? It's a problem!

A Beautiful Day

2007-05-29T10:12:00.000-06:00

May 25, 2007, was a beautiful day! Not only did I lose a sister, I got to take the pictures. :-) Next stop Cali!

If you are interested in seeing more of these, go to my flickr page.

A Preview

2007-05-08T08:49:00.000-06:00

I know you've been dying for it! :-)

Photo Fun with the Newlyweds...well, almost Newlyweds

2007-04-20T17:04:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I got to spend some quality time with my sister Emily and her fiance Rob taking engagement photos. Yay Me! Actually we had a great time, though by the end of it we were exhausted. I just thought I'd post some of my favorites so that all three of you who read this blog could share in the fun.

Something more interesting

2007-03-22T17:41:00.001-06:00

I was just reading the last post, and it was probably the lamest post I've ever written. So here's "OK Go" so you can forget what you just read. ...Except my Aunt's Blog, that's interesting. :-)

I've been inspired!

2007-03-22T16:02:00.000-06:00

I just got an email from my Aunt announcing her new family blog, and she inspired me to post. I'm not sure about what yet, but that is the beauty of this blog...it's about nothing.

Maybe I'll start with the news that everyone wants to hear, there is a wedding in the near future...and it ISN'T mine. :-) The curse that has haunted the Seamons women has been broken and my sister Emily is getting married. It seems to be the only thing that anyone in my family can talk about, and I love it. Emily and Rob are as happy as can be and a far cuter couple than should be allowed.

See? Aren't they cute with their flower boxes?

The only other news in my boring life is that I got a new camera! And friends, that is happy news. I have been saving for over a year (in between fixing cars and all the other crap that has taken away from my savings). Finally that, along with my tax refund was enough. It's a Canon Digital Rebel XTi and it makes me HAPPY!

It's even cuter than the previous picture. I've done a couple of shoots with it, and oh my, it makes me a MUCH better photographer. And a much HAPPIER photographer. I'm not sure if I'll ever give up my Film SLR, but to be honest with you, I haven't even looked at it in the last month let alone picked it up. The DSLR on the other hand has been my constant companion.

It's a sad, sad life.

So that's me in a nutshell...Oh, wait! I'm taking Piano Lessons. That's something else that makes me happy. Although, my 5 year old nephew asked me the other day "why are you still taking piano lessons?" My answer? I didn't practice enough when I was his age and the practicing I did between then and now was wrong! So now, 50 years later (ok, not 50, but close) I have to re-learn everything. It's slow going, but I think it will be worth it in the end.

Now, that's me in a nutshell...except wait... This will be fun for the mormons in my life, I am now a Primary Chorister. Eeek!

Bono's message for World AIDS Day

2006-12-01T09:13:00.001-07:00

He says all that needs to be said. And no, it isn't just because it's Bono. Go to joinred.com! No one has to die from this disease.

Don't Forget

2006-11-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

There is an emergency in our world

More than 1 billion people around the world live on less than $1 a day.
A child dies every three seconds from AIDS and extreme poverty.
Africa has been hit harder by the HIV/AIDS virus than any other region of the world.
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 70% of the total world HIV-positive population.
Over one billion people do not have access to clean water.

December 1st is World Aids Day. Don't Forget!

Election Day 2006

2006-11-07T16:17:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again... you know, the time of year when I get on a soap box and make sure all 2 of you who read this blog know where I stand. I can hear you thinking "damn, she's going to start spewing her liberal leftist ideas." Don't worry, I'm not so don't stop reading. What I do want to say is this: If you haven't already, and if it is at all possible...VOTE!

Vote Democratic. Vote Republican. Vote Libertarian. Vote Green. I don't really care which way you vote, just VOTE! Living in the state I live in (... I guess I should capitalize that. No, I won't because Utah is as much as a state of being as it is a State in the Union) sometimes I feel like my vote doesn't matter. Sometimes it feels like 99% of Utahans are registered republicans ... I know, it's only like 85% :-) ... but I definitely am in the minority.

My point is, my vote matters. Especially this year when I'm voting for State officials and propositions. This is when I can make a difference, and YOU can make a difference. We need officials in our government that will work for us. And that isn't going to happen if on election day we, as my friend Lara so eloquently put it, "sit on our butts and eat cheese."

So, again, if it isn't too late and you've run out of cheese, go to the High School, or the Library, or the Elementary School, or the City Offices, and VOTE!

Happy Election Day!

Phucket Thai

2006-10-19T23:21:00.000-06:00

The funniest thing just happened to me about 20 minutes ago...and we're talking so funny that I just barely stopped crying I was laughing so hard. Loria (best friend/roommate/in Napoleon Dynamite), came home about 20 minutes ago and asked me a question. The question she asked wasn't so funny, it was the outcome that was the funny part. The question was, "Did you ever think of the name of that Thai place?"

BACK STORY:

In June, Loria and I drove to So. Cal. to see my sister Emily and my friend Robert (and Celine Dion on the Teacups). While we were there, Emily drove us past a Thai place in Long Beach called Phuckit Thai. And yes, I know it is spelled P-h-u-c-k-e-t, but for pronunciation purposes, we'll spell it Phuckit... and for those of you who are clueless, in this story we pronounce ph as f, and yes I know that it isn't actually the pronunciation.

CURRENT STORY:

That said, let's return to Loria's question which, in case you need a refresher, was "Did you ever think of the name of that Thai place?"

My reply to her question was "Hu?"

You see, 20 minutes before she originally asked her question, she called...someone... to ask, and I quote,

"What was the name of that Thai place your sister took us to in California? Phucking Thai or something?"

The reply she got to her question was a very bewildered "I don't know."

To which Loria answered,

"It's OK, I'll be home in a minute. See you soon." And she hung up. Only, the conversation (unfortunately for Loria) wasn't that short, she said the name of the restaurant several times.

Who is she called you are wondering? Well...

...it was my Mom.

...I love my friends.

***UPDATE***

It is now Friday morning, and I have spoken to my Mother. As it turns out, the person Loria was swearing at was not my Mom, it was my Dad.

...This story just keeps getting better and better.

The Crazy Grover Family Reunion

2006-08-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

Last week I went to my favorite place on earth with about half of my favorite people on earth, the Grover Family Reunion. So for the one of you who reads this blog that isn't a member of my family, that's where the photos in the following posts (August 9) come from. For those of you who are family and aren't in these photos, WE MISSED YOU!

If you want to view these photos larger, just click on them and it will take you to a bigger file on the flickr.com website. I also have other photos from last week on flickr, you can click here to see those.

Enjoy!

The Whole Family

2006-08-09T23:10:00.000-06:00

The Grownups

2006-08-09T23:08:00.000-06:00

Naomi, Lew, and Farrell

The Seamons Family

2006-08-09T23:05:00.000-06:00

The Scott Grover Family

2006-08-09T23:01:00.000-06:00

Scott, Debbie, Austin, Heidi, and Josh

The Randy Grover Family

2006-08-09T22:54:00.000-06:00

Randy, Calleen, Dallin, Audrey, Ben, Brigham, Jessica, Alisha, and in front, Rudy. :-)

The Paul Grover Family

2006-08-09T22:50:00.000-06:00

Sheri, Paul, Emma, and Tanner

The Rooks

2006-08-09T22:47:00.000-06:00

Ron, Gavin, Naomi, Garrett, and Paige

The Lew Grover Family

2006-08-09T22:44:00.000-06:00

Randy, Scott, Carol, Lew, Doug, Cari, and Paul

Happy 50th Anniversary! Heres to 50 more years!

The J.J. Seamons Family

2006-08-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

J.J., Max, Meg, Sam, and Ellie

The Doug Grover Family

2006-08-09T22:39:00.000-06:00

Chris, Doug, Johanna, and Sally

I miss Jamie!

The Bickleys

2006-08-09T22:36:00.000-06:00

Nick, Rick, Dani, Cari, and Reggie

The Ben Grover Family

2006-08-09T22:33:00.000-06:00

And last, but certainly not least, Alisha, Ben, and Brigham

The Paparazzi deserves credit

2006-06-22T13:09:00.000-06:00

My sister Emily just called me and reminded me that she was the paparazzi that took the picture. Thought you should know. :-)

Will My Heart Go On?

2006-06-19T10:30:00.000-06:00

Last week I went on vacation. And boy, what a vacation it was! I'm sure you are wondering what this photo is about, and I'll tell you. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Celine Dion was on the Teacups with us at Disneyland. And while that wasn't necessarily the high point of our trip, it was certainly one of them.

Actually the high point of our trip was seeing my friend Robert playing Javert in Les Miserables. Incredible! They are only on tour for another 6 weeks so if you are in one of the cities they are playing, I definitely recommend it. He really does kick ass.

Other high points were:

The fact that I made it through a road trip without killing someone.
Going to the Ocean for the first time in my life.
Loria. (It seems that I can only survive road trips with her. She's incredibly Zen.)
Spending time with Emily who is always good for a laugh.
And Disneyland...again, another first.

Now let's talk about the low points. Low points didn't really happen until about 8:30 Friday night, the last night of our trip at... yes, the Happiest Place on Earth. First of all, I didn't take good shoes. I should have known, but I'd never had a problem with these shoes, so I thought they'd be OK. Hmmmm... no. By 8:30 I had the beginnings of a blister the size of Rhode Island on the ball of my foot, that grew in to a blister the size of Texas. We decided to watch the fireworks and Loria got punched in the chest, then yelled at for being too close to the person who hit her. Well, that was the beginning of the end for her. From then on she was thrown from one end of the park to another by incredibly stupid people.

By the end of the night we were ready to go home. The vacation was great and it was time for it to be over. Well, this is Melissa we are talking about and it's NEVER that easy. When we got off the shuttle to the parking lot Loria said to me "Did I give you the keys?" ...

Let's just make the long story short and say that God was smiling on us because the next morning they were at lost and found and we were able to drive home. Sigh!

So, yes, my heart will go on. I no longer have to hobble from place to place, and I can actually laugh about my first ever trip to "The Happiest Place on Earth."

Top 10 Most Beautiful Children

2006-04-29T23:33:00.000-06:00

This post might just cause some controversy, but I do believe that the final spot in the 10 most beautiful children in the world was just filled...that is until the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, etc. are born. She's my neice and her name is Chloe. And the older one is her big sister Hattie and I'm telling you, she is loving that kid! But you know, who can blame her?

I just needed to laugh today

2006-03-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

If you are ever in a bad mood, one of these two people will definately help pull you out of it. Or you can just look at this picture.

World Water Day

2006-03-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

You know, it seems that whenever I get around to posting lately I'm on a mission about something and today is no different. When I got an email today saying that it was World Water Day I thought it was it was kind of odd. But then I read about it and realized what a big problem it is. Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water. Think of it this way, you have 5 people in your family, now choose 1 that has to walk 6 miles in the dirt and heat to get all their water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. And to top it off, that water isn't safe for them to drink.

So the question becomes, what do we do? And to be honest with you, I don't know. I do know that when there is an opportunity, I will give. I'll give through my church, I'll write emails and make phone calls for the One Campaign. In fact, if you are in Ogden Utah on March 28, there is a benefit concert at Weber State University to build a water well at an orphanage in Rwanda. Tickets are only $8 at the door and there is a silent auction. I'll be going and I have some extra tickets if any of you are interested.

We may not be in a position to give large amounts of money, but we can give time. We can give our voice. We've got to carry each other!

Anyone know where Melissa is?

2006-03-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

They took your life, they could not take your PRIDE

2006-01-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness.

And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from The Drum Major Instinct speech

Today is the day that we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who, as my brother says, changed our nation. His work and his spirit hopefully continue to do so today. Let us carry on his work, let us dream his dream. Let us not think of this day as a day off, but a day on.

If it ain't broke...

2006-01-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

This cartoon, by the brilliant Calvin Grondahl, was in the Standard Examiner yesterday and it inspired me to blog. If you haven't heard about the controversy happening here (if you live in Utah like I do, you must live in a hole so please dig yourself out and read a newspaper), just google Brokeback Mountain, Larry Miller, you'll get up to speed. Anyway, after laughing my ... head off, I started to really think.

If you don't want to read, here's the gist. Larry H. Miller, owner of the Utah Jazz, several car dealerships and a movie theatre called Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons, contracted to show Brokeback Mountain at his Megaplex. Actually, his managers did that. Frankly I don't think he keeps too close an eye on what shows at his theatre, seeing as there are currently two movies with "homosexual themes" and one that sounds horrifying, called Hostel. Well, at the last minute, after advertising that they were showing Brokeback Mountain, Larry pulled it. Apparently he heard that it was a "homosexual themed movie," and that was enough. Needless to say, there is now uproar on both sides of the spectrum.

The whole thing just makes me sad. Sometimes I find myself living a very naive existence. In my world (yes, it's a world inside my head), you love someone for who they are, not who they love. You love them for the simple fact that they are your "fellow man." Or if you are a Mormon like me, it's like the Primary song says "Jesus said love everyone. Treat them kindly too. If your heart is filled with love, others will love you." It's something I truly believe. I was taught to live my life with a heart full of love (Sorry, Les Mis moment. Robert, if you are reading this that was for you.), I was taught to love with out regard for difference. I was just taught to love.

Unfortunately, that is not the world we live in. It breaks my heart that we live in a world full of hate and fear and bigotry. I think sometimes we forget the struggles of those who came before us, specifically the Mormons. My great-great-great-grandparents were forced from their homes, driven from state to state because of what they believed. They were ridiculed, they were terrorized, they were ordered to be exterminated, and they fled. They came to the Salt Lake Valley where they could live free from fear. Yet, here we sit passing judgment against people who are different from us, people who believe differently than we do.

Yes, I have seen Brokeback Mountain, and yes, I thought it was a beautiful film. But I'm not here to tell you to go see it. All I'm asking is, please, don't judge someone just because they are different from you. Don't fear what you don't understand. It's like I've said before, there is too much suffering in this world, we’ve got to carry each other.

Wow, this post turned in to something different than it started out as. But I won't apologize for it. Again, it may be a post I get grief for, but I welcome it. Post your comments, I'll love you for them whatever your opinion may be.

P.S. A word about the title of this post. There's a search for a new slogan for the State of Utah. A friend of a friend ... and so on, thinks it should be "Utah! If the mountain ain't broke, don't fix it." :-)

December

2006-01-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from a friend of mine who said "You'd better blog soon. I check so often that it's almost embarrassing." So here I am. I'm sorry for being absent for the month of December. The reason I didn't blog was because I didn't think I had anything to blog about, but then as I thought about it I thought, 'Isn't that what this blog is all about?' So here I am in a new month and a new year, still with nothing to blog about, but a resolve to blog more, even if it is about nothing.

Actually, as I look back over the last month, there are at least a couple of things that happened that are blog worthy the least of which was the U2 concert ... sigh. Christmas was very blog-worthy seeing as I had pneumonia (we think, I still haven't been to the doctor...I know, I know, but I just don't wanna). OK, so those were the only two blog worthy things that happened in December, but still they are pretty blog worthy.

Let’s talk about the U2 concert ... sigh. What can I say about the best 3 hours of 2005? They were just that, the best 3 hours of 2005. And that's pretty much all I can say about that. It was one of those "you just had to be there" things. Those of you who were there know what I mean.

Christmas on the other hand ... let's just say it was miserable. Don't get me wrong, the Christmas holiday was wonderful, my family was great, gifts were beyond great, but I was miserable. I'm telling you I was sick, sick, sick. The problem was that while my family and friends were having parties and having a great time, I was pretty miserable. I didn't even get out to see the lights. There were some great gifts though, (one of which deserves it's very own blog) and even though I couldn't taste, there was some great food.

So there is my December. I promise I'll post more soon!

A "Holiday" Soapbox

2005-11-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am probably going to get some grief for this post, but I'm tired. I'm tired of getting emails saying that we should force retailers to use the word Christmas in their advertising. I love the people who are sending me these emails, truly I do, but I disagree with what they are saying.

You see, I am a Mormon, and therefore Christian. I celebrate Christmas. But I also try to respect people of other faiths who don't. When I do send Christmas cards (which isn't often), I send cards that say "Happy Holidays." Not because I don't want to celebrate the birth of Christ, but because I have people on my list who don't. They do however celebrate the holidays. It isn't my job to force my beliefs upon them, it is my job to love them and respect them and their beliefs, just as they respect mine.

To me, Christmas is not about retailers who will or won't say the words "Merry Christmas." And frankly I could care less about the Jerry Falwell’s and Bill O'Reilly's who are saying there is a "War on Christmas." To me, Christmas is about celebrating the birth and the life of Christ. He was, and is not a respecter of persons. He loves all of us, Christian and non-Christian alike. Whatever words we choose to use or whatever faith we choose to practice, Christ loves us unconditionally. Whether we choose to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” Christmas is not in danger. Our beliefs are not in danger, because they are just that, our beliefs. No one can take them from us.

So, to the three of you who I know read this blog, Happy Holidays! For those of you I don’t know about, have a wonderful holiday season, whatever you choose to celebrate.

More than you want to know

2005-11-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

I was reading my friends blog the other day and I'm telling you, if you haven't read it, you should. She is funny and charming and very engaging. Anyway, she stole the following idea from a random blog that she read and now I'm stealing it from her. And I'm telling you it is harder than it sounds.

So, here you go. 100 things you never knew you wanted to know about me.

I love Art!

I don’t like to drive.

I think Ice Cream can fix any problem.

I wish I could draw.

I have watery eyes (thanks to my father).

I don’t cry nearly as much as I’d like to.

I’m an obsessive reader. If I find a book I like I don’t get anything else done until I’ve read it.

I color my hair once a month (otherwise I’d look a whole lot older than I’d like to look).

I’m terrible at writing letters, even when it is as easy as sending an email.

I love to sing, and will do it whenever I have the chance.

I go to church every Sunday.

I had a dog, but it was so painful when we had to put him down, I don’t want another one.

History fascinates me.

I’ve recently started watching Desperate Housewives.

My best friend is in Napoleon Dynamite.

I’d much rather be behind the camera than in front.

Public speaking terrifies me, but I’m actually pretty good at it.

When I get nervous I crack jokes.

I love to knit.

I like to make beaded jewelry.

Meeting famous people does nothing for me (unless it is any of the members of U2, then I’d be a mess).

I’ve been to Paris.

I don’t like Ballet.

I’ve blocked out most of High School.

I’m terrible at remembering names, but I rarely forget a face.
I think standing ovations are over rated and I rarely stand with the crowd.

I love musical theatre.

I like jell-o

Sometimes I wish it was socially acceptable for a 35 year old to color.

When I’m sick I always want my Mom to take care of me.

I was once addicted to caffeine, and kicking that habit is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

I love giving gifts.

I wish my birthday was in April instead of February.

I think going to a U2 concert is a spiritual experience.

My fingernails grow way too fast.

I get a pedicure once a month.

I get warts on my fingers.

I’m shy, but most people don’t believe me when I say that.

When I was little I wanted to be a writer...and a hair stylist.

I have very little patience.

When I’m stressed my eye twitches.

The words "The Nutcracker" make me want to slit my wrists.

With the exception of the years 1999 & 2000, I haven’t had a Thanksgiving weekend off in 12 years (see #42).

Did I mention that U2 is the greatest band in the history of bands?

I’m a photographer (though not professionally).

I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

I’ve lived in Utah my whole life and never skied.

I’m afraid of water.

Fall is my favorite season.

I know how to start a pretty good fire, though I don’t much like to camp.

I was once bit by a rare tick and was sick for a month and a half before the doctor figured out what was wrong with me (I thought I was going to die…literally).

I love to take baths.

I love the Eiffel Tower.

I’m very straight forward (some would call it blunt).

One of my biggest pet peeves is milk left out on the counter.
I’m terrible at math.

I’ve been to the Olympics.

I don’t like to shop, but I love to spend money.

When I get sleepy I get chatty.

I don’t like to wear shoes.

I own 10 scarves but only 1 coat.

I think that coconut is the most disgusting food ever (except the time I didn’t know I was eating it, then it was pretty good).

Deer Lake in Washington is my favorite place on earth.

I think it is better to see Shakespearean plays than to read them.

I have carpel tunnel.

I’m lactose intolerant.

Stupid people make me crazy, which is kind of a bold statement, because who is to say that I’m not a stupid person.

I would love to win the lottery but would never buy a ticket.

I’m a Mormon.

I love surprises.

I own a Magic 8 Ball.

I think Wal-mart is evil.

I’m a democrat, which is kind of an oxymoron when you read #69.

I own three cameras.

I make fun of bad theatre (which is sometimes a good thing, but not always).

I don’t like yellow mustard, but LOVE Dijon mustard.

Making this list is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.

I’ve never been to Disney Land.

I don't like Country Music.

My X-men name is Distract-o (because I’m distract-ed, not distract-ing).

I have 5 nieces, and 4 nephews, with one on the way and I LOVE being an Aunt.

I love New York City.

Spiders scare the crap out of me.

I love classical music.

Lara Deppe is one of the funniest people I know (and I know some funny people).

I think clowns are scary.

I’m allergic to Nuts.

I can’t sleep if my bedroom door is open.

It bothers me when someone opens a door for me.

I’m always late, except to Theatre, Movies and Concerts.

I’m kind of bossy…ok, that’s an understatement.

I’m prone to exaggeration.

I’m short.

I think the only thing worse than cleaning the toilet is having a dirty toilet.

I hate road trips.

I’ve never voted for anyone named George Bush (and, yes, I was old enough to vote when the first one ran for a second term).

I always keep 2 emails in my inbox so that I can hear the guy say "You’ve Got Mail."

I’m listed in the phone book.

Old people make me smile

I’ve never been to the Ocean.

Note about the following post

2005-11-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

It's just a rant. If you are a Wal-Mart shopper, own it, embrace it. I'll still love you!

Evil, thy name is Wal-Mart

2005-11-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

In fact, my brother calls them the Whore of all the Earth, and I don't think he's too far off.

My sister Blemily (who is nowhere to be found in the "blogosphere," so I can't link you to her...although, I would LOVE it if she were) sent me an article today called Global Insight Releases New Study on the Impact of Wal-Mart on the U.S. Economy. Now, being the TOTALLY right brained artistic loser that I am, most of what I read sounded a lot like "Blah blah blah blah, Wal-Mart blah blah." But the 5% that I actually use of the left lobe of my brain understood this article to mean, that Wal-Mart hired Global Insight to do a study and then sponsored a conference in order to pat themselves on the back and say "we are single-handedly saving the U.S. Economy." In the words of my sister "It’s amazing what they’ll do to make it look like it’s all OK."

Let me tell you how I see Wal-Mart. First of all, where I live, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Wal-Mart store (including the Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club). I did a little search on walmart.com and found that there are 20 stores within 50 miles of me, and 11 with 30 miles, and that's not including the 3 Sam's Clubs that I know of, and the new store they are building in Centerville. To me, that's a little excessive. I also see that while the Wal-Mart Super Stores parking lots are constantly buzzing, other similar shopping centers are nearly empty. But I get it, Wal-Mart's prices are low. That is the plain and simple truth. And I completely understand that some people simply can't afford to shop other places.

But...

The real reason I cannot bring myself to shop at the above mentioned Super Store has to do with something that happened nearly 9 ago. My best friend was killed in a crash when a Truck Driver fell asleep at the wheel and hit her head on. What does that have to do with Wal-Mart you ask? Well, recently Wal-Mart lobbied congress to extend the workday for truckers to 16 hours as long as truckers took an unpaid two-hour break. Currently, their workday is limited to 14 hours with only 11 consecutive hours of driving allowed...math may not be my strongest suit, but that sounds like not only a shorter day, but a longer break. And longer breaks mean more rest, and more rest means safer drivers. I personally think that is enough.

I miss my friend, and boycotting Wal-Mart isn't going to bring her back. In fact, I'm lucky, in that I know I will see her again. But a tired trucker broke the hearts of my friend's family, and mine. And I can't support a company that would allow that to happen again, no matter how low their prices are.

Holy cow! That's my second soap box in a row. At least it's a new week.

;-)

One

2005-11-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

The One Declaration

"WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty. WE RECOGNIZE that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs - education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans - would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget. WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all."

Ok, I’ll admit it, the reason I know about the One Campaign, is that I’m a huge U2 fan. But let me tell you part of the reason that I’m a huge U2 fan. Its things like the One Campaign and the fact that their music means something. It isn’t just drivel spewing from talent-free children who have the right PR people to make a name for them. (Did I just use the word drivel in a sentence?) They may be celebrities, but they realize that the price of greatness is responsibility.

So, to all three of you who actually read this blog, go sign this declaration, buy the wrist band, tell all your friends to sign, put a banner on your website (or blog, like the cool animated one up in the corner). So what if you can’t do a whole lot, just do something (and if the only thing you can do is sign your name to the declaration, so be it.) There is too much suffering in this world, we’ve got to carry each other.

And that's my soap box for the week.

How sad is my life?

2005-10-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

I just got a trick-or-treater! Yay!!!

And that my friends, is how sad my life is.

I've been sitting here since I got home from work about an hour and 15 minutes ago doing the same thing I've done every Halloween for the last few years, hoping against hope that I'd have trick-or-treaters, and I finally got one. She was cute too, she was a Princess with Shirley Temple curls. I gave her a whole handful of miniature candy bars.

With the exception of the "Blog Plug" post on Saturday, I haven't posted in a while. There is a reason for this...I AM INSANE! Actually, I'm just a work-a-holic and we had a crazy couple of weeks. In fact, it has been so crazy I decided to go to work today dressed as a sane person... trust me, it's a stretch. The sad thing is, that while I was crazy busy at work the rest of my life was a big 'ole snore. So, I don't really have much to write about.

Let's see how long I can write about nothing. It'll be fun.

How about about Halloween? For a long time Halloween was my favorite holiday, I used to get all decked out. But I think the last time I got dressed up was when I hosted a party in college dressed as "Glinda, the good Bitch" ... not such a stretch. Wait! There was the year that I had a party after working a show, I just wore a purple dress and went to the party dressed as a grape. Unfortunately, the past couple of years have been pretty dreary. These days when people ask me what I'm going to be for Halloween (which are pretty much my neices and nephews) I tell them I'm going to be a serial killer or something equally lame so that I don't have to even pretend to dress up.

This year though, I got a trick-or-treater! I made chicken & dumplings (the ultimate comfort food) and watched Sunday's Desperate Housewives on the DVR. And now, since he is almost 3 weeks old, I'm going to go finish the blanket I've been knitting for Max. Once that is done I'll be able to say, "It's been a good day."

Blog, blog will keep us together

2005-10-29T12:40:00.000-06:00

I was checking out my brother's blog (with a very pretentious name, "The Transcendent Sycophant") and I saw that he had a link to my other brother's blog ("GrokMart," another very pretentious name, which is odd, since my brothers are the least pretentious people I know), which had a comment from my friend (whose blog name isn't the least bit pretentious, "My Chaos, My Bliss," it's just her reality), and I thought of the Captain and Tenile song.

You know, blogs my be self-indulgent and at times "sycophantic," but just like love and the internet, they keep us together.

Toxic Waste & Tae Kwon Do

2005-10-14T09:59:00.000-06:00

Last night I was talking to my roommate/best friend Bloria (the one that is in Napoleon Dynamite). We weren't talking about much, just shooting the "blank" (I'm trying to cut back on my "profanity"), and she said the strangest thing. She said "I haven't been feeling well for the last couple of days and I started to wonder if it was the inordinate amount of pickles I've been eating." Let me tell you, she has been eating barrels full (apparently they are crunchy and allowed on South Beach Diet Phase I).

So, instead of cutting back on the pickles, she decided to test her theory by finishing off the jar that she apparently bought at one of those warehouse stores. You know the stores I'm talking about, where you can buy a can of tuna big enough to feed a third world country? Well, I guess Bloria's little test kind of back fired...literally. In fact the words "toxic waste" were used.

I have got the best friends in the entire world! Not only do they make me happy and make me a better person for having known them, they give me GREAT stories to tell.

Now that you've met Bloria, let me introduce you to my friend Blrin. Blrin is an extremely intelligent, amazingly gifted person with only one flaw that I know of. She doesn't think before she speaks.

For example:
One night several years ago we were in a car with two other friends on our way home from a party. Blrin was in the front seat and my friend Blelly was driving. Out of the blue, Blelly put on her brakes and started yelling at a girl who was crossing the street without "looking both ways." Now, apparently this girl was of Asian descent because Blrin said to Blelly "She can't understand you, you weren't speaking Tae Kwon Do." After hearing this, the other person who was in the car, Blaig, asked Blrin "What?" So, Blrin repeated herself. "Blelly wasn't speaking Tae Kwon Do"

To that, Blaig asked the obvious question, "As opposed to what? Karate?"

"Blaig," Blrin answered, "I didn't know if she was Chinese or Japanese."

And that my friends, I am NOT making up.

3 on 1

2005-10-13T21:07:00.000-06:00

No, we aren’t talking basketball, and if your brain is in the gutter, get it out!

Let me explain. On October 13, 1942 my mother was born. Happy Birthday Mom! 62 years later, on October 13, 2004, her 8th grandchild Grace (yup, that’s her real name) was born. Now, today, October 13, 2005 her 9th grandchild, Alexander Maxwell (Max) was born. Yay!!!

In fact, in my family we don’t believe in original birthdays. My oldest niece was born on her Dad’s birthday, my oldest nephew was born the day after my Dad’s birthday, four or five kids later my nephew was born on my Grandma’s birthday, and then came Gracie and Max.

Don’t even get me started on February birthdays. I truly love my sisters-in-law, but three of the four have birthday’s in February. Now, this wouldn’t be a problem if there weren’t already 28,000 birthday’s in February, in just my immediate family. Ok, so you should know that I’m prone to exaggeration…which is a bit of an understatement. In reality my birthday, my brother Blon – yes, I’m back to changing names – and my sister Blemily’s birthdays are all in February. Yes, having a birthday in February sucks, I’ve been trying to change mine for years, but no one will listen to me!

So Happy Birthday Mom, Gracie and Max!

There is a first time for everything

2005-10-12T11:53:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking about blogging for quite some time now but I have never had the guts to start. So this morning my friend Becily (again, her name has been changed for her protection) sent me a link to her blog ("My Chaos, My Bliss", you should go there, it's new and very funny...and she doesn't change names). Reading it made me laugh out loud and think that I should just get off my butt and start my own (not that I will ever achieve her level of funny). So here I am.

I don't have a lot to say, hence the title of my blog. So I wonder how long I can write about nothing. In fact just last night I was writing in my journal and I came up on three pages about nothing, it was kind of sad.

So welcome to my first blog.